George Schurr
George Schurr, P. O. Walnut Run, a prominent farmer in this township, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 31, 1823. His parents, Matthias and Christina (Heller) Schurr, were natives of Germany, and came to the United States in the spring of 1829. Mr. Schurr came to Madison County, and in company with his brother John purchased from 100 to 150 acres of land, but sold this soon after and removed to Columbus. A year after, he purchased a tract of land on "Possum Run,'* lying in Madison and Pickaway Counties, consisting of 100 acres. To this he subsequently added thirty acres more, and resided on that portion lying in Pickaway County until his death. His wife died in 1841 or 1842, and three children at the same time, the fatal disease being the flux and measles. There was a family of eight children born to them, our subject being the eldest and the only living survivor. Mr. S. married for his second wife Mrs. Catherine (Tipton) Gray, widow of Benjamin Gray. They were the parents of three or four children, only one now living—William, a farmer of Washington County, Iowa. The subject of this notice was reared a "farmer's boy,*' and when quite young was sent to school. He soon learned to speak English quite fluently, only using the German language at home. He remained with his father until twenty-two years of age, and then hired out to do farm work in Madison County, and a short time in Illinois, until his marriage, which occurred December 28, 1849. His wife was Elizabeth Carter, a native of this county, and a daughter of James Carter and wife natives of Eastern Virginia or Pennsylvania, who located here in early times. Ten children have been sent to bless this union, nine living—Mary E., wife of John S. Bunch, a farmer of Range Township; John A., married Ida Stroup, and residing in London; William L.; Charles, a farmer of Fayette County, Ohio; James, Esther, George (a school-teacher), Albert and David. Clayton is deceased. Mr. Schurr is the owner of 150 acres of good land, and wiih his family resides in one of the best and neatest residences in Paint Township. He has been thrifty and enterprising all through life, and by such, methods has gained a good name and a comfortable competency. He is Republican in politics, and served a term of three years as Justice of the Peace of this township. Mr. Schurr and wife are members of the Antioch Church of the Christian denomination in Pleasant Township, this county.
From History of Madison County - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]