concern up until 1895, when it was incorporated, and in 1901 the property was sold. Spearman retired from the iron industry, in which he had spent half a century. In 1868 he was prominent in the organization of the First National Bank of Sharon. The first president was George Prather, who died in the autumn of 1871. He was succeeded by Spearman as president of the bank in January, 1872. Marriage and family On March 12, 1851, John Spearman married Cordelia Breed, a daughter of Jabish Breed, of Sharon. Five children were born of this union: Celesta, who married David Adams, Eva, who remained at home, Chloe, wife of W. D. McKeefrey, Francis, who died in 1896, and Benjamin, who resided at Grove City, Pennsylvania. Politically, Mr. Spearman voted the Republican ticket. Public recognition Spearman had a long and successful business career and saw many changes in the production of iron. He had a reputation as a reliable man, a good citizen and an exemplar for younger men. In Masonic circles he was an advanced Mason and member of the Knights Templar degree. He was one of the charter members of Sharon Lodge No. 347, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He lived to be one of the oldest residents of Mercer County, Pennsylvania, and among the best and most universally known men of the county. He died at his home at Sharon on May 31, 1911. Sources This article incorporates public domain material from 1824 births 1911 deaths American steel industry businesspeople People from Mercer, Pennsylvania 19th-century American businesspeople