Sperry Wornstaff
Sperry Wornstaff, a well known resident of Ashley, has been a life long resident of Oxford Township. He has a valuable farm of 298 acres about one-half mile west of the village and also operates the public stock scales at Ashley. He was born on the old home farm which he now owns, May 15, 1856, and lived there until 1890, when he purchased his present home and moved to Ashley. He is a son of Lewis and Sally Ann (Bartholomew) Wornstaff, and a grandson of Daniel Wornstaff, who about 1827 moved from Ross County, Ohio, to Westfield Township, Morrow County, being one of the pioneer settlers in this vicinity.
Lewis Wornstaff was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1822 and was about five years of age when his parents moved to Westfield Township. There he grew to man's estate and early in life moved to Oxford Township, purchasing a small tract of land. To this he added from time to time until at his death he had about 290 acres. He made most of the improvements on the place, followed farming and stock-raising extensively, and met with much success as a stock dealer. He lived in Ashley during the last few years of his life. He married Sally Ann Bartholomew, who was born in Oxford Township. Delaware County, September 23, 1827, and is a daugnter of Milton Bartholomew, one of the pioneers of the county. He came from Vermont and his wife from Quebec, Canada. Three children were born to Lewis and Sally Ann Wornstaff, namely; Chesley, mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Chauncey, who died in infancy: and Sperry, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Wornstaff is now residing with her son Sperry.
December 13, 1877, Sperry Wornstaff married Mary E. Wiser, who was born in Westfield Township, and who died January 28, 1906, leaving one son, Lloyd K., of Ashley. Mr. Wornstaff is a Republican, and was formerly quite active in politics. He served four years as mayor of the village, five years member of the Village Council, and one year as land appraiser. He is fraternally a member of the Ashley Lodge, F. & A. M.
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