JOHN SARGEANT, an industrious and esteemed citizen of West Bethlehem township, is a grandson of John Sargeant, who came to the township at an early period, locating upon a farm of 162 acres which adjoins the one now owned by his grandson, John.
Grandfather Sargeant received but a meager education in the subscription schools, but, notwithstanding this disadvantage, he so improved every opportunity that he acquired a valuable store of general information. The children born to him were as follows: James, Thomas, Joseph, John, William, Valentine, Mrs. Margaret Spoon, Nancy, and Mrs. Sarah Barker. He remained upon the farm until his death, which occurred in 1853. He was an active worker in the Republican party, and a successful business man. Mrs. Sargeant was a member of the Dunkard Church.
James Sargeant, son of John the pioneer, was born in 1803, in the neighborhood of his son's present home in West Bethlehem township. His boyhood was spent upon the farm with his father, and though receiving but a limited education at the common schools, it served him as the foundation of an exceptionally successful career, for he became one of the intelligent, substantial business men of his time and in his community. He first began business for himself in 1825, when he bought a small farm near the river in West Bethlehem township. In 1830 he was married to Susan Crumrine, daughter of John Crumrine, of West Bethlehem township, and their children were: William, Thomas, Mrs. James Weaver, Hiram, John, James, Valentine, Sarah Lucinda, and Wilson. The father remained upon the farm twenty years, and then moved to the place now occupied by the subject of this sketch; he was an active Republican, but did not aspire to office. He and his wife were both active members of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Sargeant died in 1886; Mr. Sargeant, now aged ninety years, is still enjoying the fruits of an industrious life.
