James F. Sarratt
James F. Sarratt, optician, one of the older business men of Steubenville, O., a highly respected citizen and a survivor of the great Civil War, has made this city bis home for more than a half century. He was born at Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1828, and in his native section learned the trade of tin and coppersmith, after which he learned the jewelry business and then traveled in different parts of the country in search of a desirable location, which he finally found at Steubenville. In 1857 he settled here among the early business men and became associated with his brother Joseph in a jewelry store, and had made some business progress when the Civil War broke out. In answer to the first call for troops, he enlisted in Company I, 20th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went into the army. He passed safely through his first enlistment and then became a veteran, re-enlisting in Company G, 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, contracting for three years or during the war. He was elected captain of his company and later was commissioned major. He lived to return home and resume life once more as a peaceful, private citizen. He again opened his jewelry store and continued in tliat business until 1890, when he gave up that line of work, and was appointed postmaster under President Harrison's administration. He filled that position four years and since then has given all his attention to his optical business. Mr. Sarratt invented a remarkable astronomical clock that was recommended by the educational department of the Columbian Exposition at Chicago. He has been an active and prominent citizen and is a valued member of the Loyal Legion and of E. M. Stanton Post, No. 166, G. A. R.
In 1867 Mr. Sarratt was married to Miss Elizabeth Turnbull, a member of an old family of Steubenville, and a daughter of James Turnbull, who came to Steubenville in 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Sarratt have two living children, James T. and Isabella, and one deceased, Carrie T. The family belongs to the Second Presbyterian Church. For sixty-one years Mr. Sarratt has been a member of the Odd Fellows.
20th Century History of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Ohio, by Joseph B. Doyle. Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910