W. S. Squires
W. S. Squires, of W. S. Squires & Co., grocers, London, was born in London, Madison County, January 2, 1844. His father, W. H. Squires, was a native of Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, who came to London at an early day and there carried on the saddler and harness trade for a number of years. He subsequently learned the dental trade, and also kept a hotel at London and Dayton for ten or twelve years. He died in London January 15, 1870. He married Catherine Phifer, a native of Virginia. who bore him eight children, two now living -- Laura (widow of L. G. McCollum, deceased), and our subject. Mrs. Squires is still living, and resides in a large and comfortable residence in west part of London, at sixty-seven years of age. Our subject grew to manhood in his native city, receiving a good education. When young, he rented land of H. W. Smith, and " farmed it" for five years. He farmed eight years altogether and then came to London and engaged in the livery business. He subsequently learned paper-hanging, and worked at that and painting for about ten years. Then, in company with his brother-in-law, L. G. McCollum, he purchased the grocery stock and trade of Isaac G. Peetrey, May 9, 1882 the firm remaining as Squires & McCollum until August 26. 1882, when it was dissolved. The firm of W. S. Squires & Co. was then formed, and they have since conducted the business with fair success. Mr. Squires is Democratic in politics. He was married November 14, 1867, to Ellen A., daughter of H. W. Smith, a prominent attorney of London and Madison County. Of their three children, two are living -- Jeanette and Catherine. Mrs. Squires is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. W. H. Squires raised Company K, of the Twenty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and accompanied it to the field. He finally became Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. Our subject enlisted in Company K, Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from Cincinnati, serving three years and three months and being mustered out with the rank of Sergeant.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]