Johnson Sherrick
Johnson Sherrick | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date near Canton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | August 1, 1914 (aged 72) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, politician |
| Years active | 1863–1903 |
| Known for | Founder of Canton Hardware Company; Ohio state legislator |
Johnson Sherrick (August 28, 1841 – August 1914) was a notable businessman and politician from Ohio. Representing Stark County, he held office in the Ohio House of Representatives between 1874 and 1878 and subsequently served in the Ohio Senate from 1878 until 1880. Sherrick played a significant role in the hardware sector in Canton, Ohio, establishing the Canton Hardware Company in 1887.
Early life
Johnson was born near Canton, Ohio to parents Mary (née Danforth) and Christian Sherrick. He received his education through local common schools and Canton High School. During several winter seasons, he also worked as a schoolteacher.
Career
In 1863, Sherrick engaged in commercial activities in St. Louis, Missouri before joining the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged due to health issues. After returning to Stark County in 1865, he resumed teaching and acquired experience working at hardware stores located in Canton, Wooster, and Loudonville between 1866 and 1867. By 1870, he entered into a partnership with Louis Miller to operate a hardware store named Sherrick & Miller in Canton. In 1874, he sold his stake to his father-in-law, D. D. Miller. Around 1882, Sherrick reacquired the business and managed it under his own name until founding the Canton Hardware Company in 1887, where he held the positions of president and treasurer until stepping down in January 1903.
A dedicated Democrat, Sherrick led the Democratic Central Committee of Stark County as chairman and participated as a delegate in state party conventions. His public service also included roles as president of the Canton Board of Education and as a member of the Canton city council.
In addition to his political and business endeavors, Sherrick was active in banking; he served as vice president of City National Bank before becoming president of First National Bank in 1890, a post he held until his resignation. He founded and presided over the Nye Manufacturing Company and also established the Canton Pottery Company. Moreover, he contributed as a director on the Canton Board of Trade.
Personal life
On October 14, 1875, Sherrick married Charlotte Miller from Wooster. The couple traveled widely, visiting destinations such as Bermuda, western Europe, Mexico, Egypt, northern Africa, and regions within the Middle East.
Johnson Sherrick passed away in August 1914.