Charles Fremont Sperry
The Bank of Ashley was established in 1884 with a capital stock of $15,000 by C. F. Sperry and C. Wornstaff, proprietors. The Bank has been situated at its present location since its founding, the building been built at that time, and the business houses of the village which were a considerable distance from it then, have since gradually built on both sides until now the Bank is in the business center.
Charles Fremont Sperry, who was born February 17, 1858, in Knox County. Ohio, is a son of Peter W. and Jerusha (Wilson) Sperry. both of whom came of old families from Pennsylvania. His father was a native of Knox County, Ohio, and there followed farming for some years, when he moved to Utica, Ohio, and established a private bank, which he conducted successfully for many years. The last few years of his life were spent in retirement in the enjoyment of a well earned rest after years of unceasing activity. His widow, who still survives him, continues a resident of Utica, Ohio.
Charles F. Sperry was 16 years old when his parents moved to Utica, Ohio, and there his primary education was supplemented by a course at the Utica High School after which he attended Duff Business College of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sperry has never engaged in any other business than banking and was for seven years in the bank with his father at Utica, after which he came to Ashley, and in 1884 established in partnership with his brother-in-law, C. Wornstaff, the present Bank of Ashley, and has attained an enviable reputation in this community as a capable and successful business man.
On September 23, 1880. Mr. Sperry was united in marriage with Mame B. Chapman, of Licking County, and a daughter of Sidney A. and Eliza (Fuller) Chapman, the latter of whom is living at the advanced age of 78 years. Six children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Sperry. namely: Edwin Ray, who is bookkeeper in the Bank of Ashley, married Dawn Sherman, and they have one son, Edwin; Teressa E., wife of W. A. Barnes, lives in Cleveland; Arthur Leon, is a senior in the Law Department of the Ohio State University; Earl Chapman, is engaged in the grocery store of his brother-in-law. in Cleveland; Grace Marguerite; and Robert Theodore.
Politically, Mr. Sperry is a Republican and has served as corporation treasurer for several terms and is the present incumbent of that office
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908