Person:James Sweetser (1)

ames Sweetser, deceased, merchant and banker of Marion, Grant County, was born in Dummerston, Windham County, Vermont, February 22, 1815, and died in Marion, Indiana, June 2, 1878. He was the third son in a family of nine children, whose parents, William and Delight (Pierce) Sweetser, were natives of Massachusetts, and of Scotch descent. The mother's brother, Gad Pierce, built the first bridge across Niagara River. Mr. Sweetser's only educational advantages were those afforded by the common schools of Ohio, to which state his father removed in the year of his birth. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm. In 1832, at the age of seventeen, he came to Indiana, and engaged as clerk in a general store in Anderson. After two years he removed to Wabash, and became business manager for Hugh Hanna, one of the founders of that city, acting in that capacity about two years. On July 23, 1837, he was married to Miss Ann, daughter of Edward and Joanna Vermilyea, and sister of Jesse Vermilyea, one of the prominent men of Ft. Wayne. His wife possessed rare talents, and always manifested the most gentle sympathy and practical charity toward the poor and afflicted. Her death occurred October 13, 1877, but few months previous to that of her husband. In the spring of 1837 Mr. Sweetser removed to Marion and entered into partnership with his brother-in-law in the sale of general merchandise, under the name of Vermilyea & Sweetser. At the end of one year his brother bought Mr. Vermilyea's interest, and the business was conducted by William Sweetser & Bro. Until 1847, when William retired from the firm, leaving James the sole proprietor. In 1854 he associated with J. N. Turner and George N. Winchel as James Sweetser & Co., and in 1861 his two sons, D. B. and George, assumed the management of the concern, uniting with it the grain and pork-packing business, which they conducted until 1868. They then retired from the business and established a private bank. Sweetser's Bank withstood the panic that followed in 1873, and the burning of its building in 1875. A new structure was erected by James Sweetser in 1876, which is a present occupied by his son. Mr. Sweetser was a zealous Democrat, and though he never sought political favors his services were demanded, and he was required to fill the positions of County Commissioner, member of the Democratic State Central Committee for ten years, and representative in the Legislature. Mr. Sweetser was naturally a leader. His counsel was often sought after in matters of grave moment. He not only gave advice, but furnished pecuniary assistance for the material and educational advancement of the people. He was upright and generous in all his dealings, and had few equals in business ability. He held decided views in politics, and was independent in his religious opinions. Socially he was hospitable, and in conversation entertaining and instructive. The high esteem with which he was regarded is expressed in the following resolutions adopted at a public meeting of his fellow citizens: Whereas, In the mysterious and inscrutable dispensation of an over-ruling Providence our fellow citizen, James Sweetser, has been suddenly and without premonition called from the scene of an active, valuable and honorable life and Whereas, His death has left in the social and business circles of this community, a void deeply felt and scarcely to e filled; therefore, Resolved, That in the death of James Sweetser the business interests of this community have lost an invaluable friend and supporter, his friends a wise counselor, his business firm a leader and head in whom was cherished a profound confidence, his son a father whose words of counsel and wisdom will be sought in vain in the years as they come and go. Resolved, That as a citizen he was upright and liberal, as a businessman he was without reproach. Possessing a commendable public spirit, he gave of his large means to such enterprises as in his judgment would redound to the general welfare. He was kind to the poor, but not ostentatious in his charity, dispensing with a liberal hand to the needy of the generous store with which Providence had entrusted to him. Resolved, That in his business life and character young men may see a model safe to pattern, safe to follow. Resolved, That the profound sympathy of this meeting is hereby tendered to the family of the deceased in this their great bereavement. (History of Grant Co, INDIANA, by Brant and Fuller.) Photograph online at: http://www.countyhistory.com/doc.grant/017.htm

1. ↑ Sweetser, Philip S. Seth Sweetser and His Descedants. (Philadelphia: Integrity Press, 1938)
   p.266.
2. ↑ Sweetser, Philip S. Seth Sweetser and His Descedants. (Philadelphia: Integrity Press, 1938)
   p.266.