Thomas Edwin English
Thomas Edwin English, an esteemed and honored pioneer of Sidney and Shelby County, was born in England, March 27th, 1790. Emigrated to the United States in 1814, landing in New York, but immediately went to Philadelphia, where he remained three years, working at the trade of a wagon-maker. He then went to Cincinnati and stayed one year. In 1819 he came to Piqua. June 6, 1820, he came to Sidney, and was engaged as a helper to get out timber to build a hotel for John Blake. This hotel was known as the National Hotel, and was the first frame building in Sidney. The same has been occupied for a number of years as a meat shop by M. Wagner, but recently has been removed for a more commodious brick structure. The lumber for this hotel was sawed by hand, and was sawed by Mr. English and a man by the name of Bennet. It was erected in 1821. In Oct. 1820, Mr. English married Matilda Trader. They reared a family of five children, viz., John, Charles, Henry, Rachel, and James. He carried on the business of wagon-making for a number of years in Sidney. In 1828 he moved to his farm adjoining the town, where be erected the first hewed log-house in the neighborhood (the same is still standing). In March, 1825, he joined the order of F. and A. M. He was the third person initiated in Temperance Lodge, No. 73, while yet working under dispensation. He was passed June 30th and raised July 28th. He filled all the chairs from the W. M. down. He was treasurer of the lodge for twenty-five years. After being a member of the lodge for forty-seven years he was by a unanimous vote made an honorary member, and was excused from labor and attendance at the lodge meetings. He died Oct. 10, 1876, and was buried in Graceland Cemetery in the honors of his Order. His wife died Feb. 1881. Mr. English was one of the honored pioneers of Sidney, and was respected by all who knew him. He was domestic in his habits and seldom left home. At the time of his death he was one of the oldest residents of the town, having lived here fifty-six years. Of his family there are still living, in or near the town, Charles, Henry, James, and Rachel, the wife of Saml. McCune.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883