Judge William A. Carey
Judge William A. Carey, a son of Cephas Carey, was born January 9, 1806; was brought by his father to this county in 1810, they being among the first, if not the first, settlers in Turtle Creek Township. It was here in the woods, “amid the howling of the wolves” and the “hooting of the owls,” that young Carey received his early education from nature. It was not until after the war that there were any schools, and by this time he was big enough to pick brush and help his father clear his land. He received (by a few months’ instruction in the winter season) the rudiments of arithmetic, and learned to read and write. After arriving at manhood he had a desire to learn something of English grammar and geography. He came to Sidney to see if he could find a teacher there; but found they did not teach those branches there. He then went to Piqua, but with the same result. He then bought himself a copy of Kirkham’s Grammar, and studied it at home. In this manner be acquired all the education he ever received. During the war of 1812 there was a block-house built on the land of Mr. Carey, which was occupied by a squad of soldiers for more than a year for the protection of the settlement.
In May, 1833, Mr. Carey was married to Miss Catharine Vandemark, a daughter of Daniel Vandemark. Soon after their marriage they moved to the town of Sidney, where he engaged in teaching school, which he continued for about one year. He then bought land in Orange Township, and moved on to it, cleared his land, and made for himself a comfortable home. Mr. Carey was successful as a farmer, and accumulated a large body of land, but through misfortune lost the most of it.
Judge Carey has, from his early manhood to the present time, had the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, which has been evidenced by his election to the more important olfices of his township. He has been justice of the peace for many years, and was also clerk of his township several terms. He was twice honored as associate judge of the county. He was also Government revenue assessor for five townships. Judge Carey and wife reared a family of five children, viz., Catharine J., William F., Henry Clay, Josephine, and Clementine. Mrs. Carey died some months ago, since which time the Judge has made his home with his children.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883