James Ward, p. 525

JAMES WARD, an expert blacksmith, of California, is a son of William Ward, who was born near Bel Air, Harford Co., MD. In early manhood he learned the blacksmith's trade, and then came to Washington county, Penn., locating in Fallowfield township, and there followed farming in connection with his trade. Prior to locating in Pennsylvania, William Ward had been a slave holder, but liberated them after leaving Maryland. He was married to Pleasant, daughter of Henry Speers, of Fallowfield township, and their children were Nancy, Solomon, Wilson, Rebecca, James, Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Amanda, William and Melissa. The father was a Whig and Republican in politics, and in religion was prominently identified with the M. E. Church, having served for some time as a local preacher. James Ward was born March 16, 1826, in Fallowfield township, and received his early education in the subscription schools. When he was twenty years of age he opened a blacksmith shop at Twilight, and six months afterward moved to Greenfield, remaining there until 1886, then came to California. On June 15, 1852, he married Sarah, daughter of Solomon Fry, and she has borne him three children, namely: Addison, Alberta (wife of Dr. Letherman) and Laura. Although Mr. Ward had an inclination for the carpenter's trade, circumstances compelled him to continue in the blacksmith's business, and he was obliged to borrow the money with which to purchase his first set of tools. He became an expert in his trade. Originally a Whig, he has been, since the organization of the republican party, an active worker in its ranks. He and family are members of the M.E. Church.

Text taken from page 525 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed September 1997 by Cathy Cadd of Redmond, WA as part of the Beers Project.
Published September 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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