William E. Sturgeon
One of the prosperous farmers of Perry township, Fayette county, Ohio, who has never been seized with the desire to wander from his native county is William E. Sturgeon, who has spent his life of more than half a century on the farm w here he was born. His whole career has been spent in agrictiltural pursuits with the exception of a short time when he was engaged in business in the county seat and his efforts have been rewarded with a success commensurate with his ability. His well directed energies in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests, and his sound judgment have brought him a success which speaks well for his efforts. At the same time he has borne his share of the burdens of his community and has ahvays so conducted himself as to w'in the approbation of his fellow citizens.
William E. Sturgeon, the son of William and Mary Ann (Lease) Sturgeon, was born on the farm where he is now living in Perry township in February, 1858. His father was a native of Ross county, and is a son. of Robert and Plube fBriggs) Sturgeon, natives of Virginia.
William E. Sturgeon attended the district schools of his home township and completed his education at the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. He then began to work for himself by renting land from his father, and with the exception of a short time when he was in the implement business in Washington C. H., he has remained on the farm where he was born. He now has a well improved farm of one hundred and fifty-six and one-half acres on the Sturgeon Mill road, about seven miles from Washington C. H. Here he raises excellent crops and gives a considerable amount of his attention to the breeding and raising of a high class of live stock.
Mr. Sturgeon was married in 1885 to Minnie J. Grove, the daughter of Christian and Nancy A. (Orr) Grove, and to this union have been born three children. Homer F., Maizie B. and George W. Homer F. married Essie Elliott and has two daughters, Mary and Catherine; George W. attended school at Delaware, Ohio, and Lebanon University, after completing the course in the common schools of his home township. He is living at home with his parents and assists his father on the home farm.
Mr. Sturgeon is a Republican in politics and takes an intelligent interest in all the current issues of the day. but he is not a partisan in any sense of the word. He reserves the right to cast his vote for the best men in local elections, for those whom he feels will best administer affairs in a satisfactory manner. The only official position which Mr. Sturgeon has ever held is that of school board director. He has lived a quiet and unostentatious life, devoting himself primarily to his home duties, and yet taking an interest in everything which affects the general welfare of his community.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)