J. M. Sycks
J. M. Sycks, who in point of service is the oldest insurance man at Delaware, has made this city his place of residence for the past 33 years and is thoroughly identified with its various interests. He was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1846.
Mr. Sycks was about 12 years of age when his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Perry County, Ohio, where his boyhood was spent. His early education was secured in the local schools and he subsequently became a student in the National Normal University at Lebanon, where he was graduated in 1873. The following year was passed at Ansonia, Darke County, where he served as principal of the schools, and in the next year he came to Delaware. He continued teaching in Delaware County, until 1879, acting also for several years as outside passenger agent for the Lake Erie and Western Railroad. In 1880 he went into general insurance, opening up an office at Delaware, writing his first risk on July 15th following, in the Connecticut Fire, of Hartford. He still carries the same parties on his books. Later, Mr. Sycks added dealing in real estate and handling loans and investments, to his insurance business, and he has very convenient quarters at No. 22 North Sandusky Street. He represents all the leading local mutual companies, together with the most important organizations outside, and is also agent tor the Anchor and the North German Lloyd steamship lines, and the Allen State line of steamers. He is one of the city's progressive, busy men.
On Christinas eve, 1873, Mr. Sycks was married to Miss Martha Cary, who is one of the John Cary descendants—the family being one of the oldest in England. The Rev. Seth Cary of Boston and General Samuel Cary are her kinsmen. A long line of her ancestors may he found in the following books: "The Cary Family in England" and "The Cary Family in America." She has proven herself to be a faithful helpmate to her husband and a wise and good mother to her children. The latter are four in number, namely: Anna. who married Prof. T. Howard Winters, of Ironton, Ohio; Dana Cary. who is engaged in an insurance business at St. Louis, Missouri; and Grace C. and Mary, both of whom are residing at home. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Sycks has been a steward for many years. Politically. Mr. Sycks is affiliated with the Democratic party. While taking an active interest in public affairs and willing to work for his friends, he has consistently refused all political favors for himself.
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