pages 259-260:
George N. SPRING, a son of Samuel B. and Cynthia A. (JOHNSON) SPRING, was born on the 14th day of May, 1844, in Portage County, Ohio. Samuel B. Spring was born near Hartford, Conn., and resided there until 1833, when he removed to Trumbell County, Ohio, settling about twenty miles from Mentor, the home of the illustrious GARFIELD. He made the entire journey from the former to the latter place in a two-horse wagon, except a short distance on a steamboat. Cynthia A. (Johnson) Spring is a native of Trumbull County, Ohio. She lived on the western reserve in Ohio until she was thirty-nine years of age. Her parents, who were natives of Connecticut, immigrated to Ohio in 1806. He, however, returned to his native State after four years residence in Ohio, but came back to the latter State three years later, there married, and they remained there the rest of their lives. Our subject's paternal grandparents were also natives of Connecticut. His ancestors in both lines had many members in the Revolutionary War. His paternal grandmother, whose maiden name was GRIFFIN, had an uncle in that war, and Mr. Spring now has in his possession some continental money that was paid him. The oldest bill he has was issued in 1776, and is signed by J. SMITH and another party, whose signature is not discernible on account of the blurs of time. He also has several issued in 1777, signed by Abel WISE and J. HOPKINS. Mr. Spring has many relics which were the property of his great-great uncle, Daniel MOORE, such as a pair of white wedding gloves and a pair of elaborately carved silver slipper buckles, which were worn in 1760. Among other interesting relics in his possession are a wooden canteen of excellent workmanship, which was used in the Revolution; a razor over one hundred years old; a fork of ancient make, that was found when BURGOYNE surrendered; eleven numbers of Beers' Almanac, printed by HUDSON & GOODWIN, of Hartford, in 1777; a small volume of poetry, entitled, "The Story of the Holy Jesus," printed by John BOYD, in Marlborough, in 1774; a volume written by Sir Matthew HALE in 1768, and entitled, "A New Year's Gift," which was presented by the author to some one, supposed to be Almond GRIFFIN, a relative of Mr. Spring, as his name is on the paper in Mr. Spring's possession; a pair of home-spun pillow cases made about one hundred and fifty years ago; an apron made in 1812, of material which cost $1.25 a yard, and on which is Gen. JACKSON's picture. He has also a bouquet of flowers grown in Lincoln's garden in 1865. In 1855 Mr. Spring went from his native State to Michigan and remained there five years. He then removed to Iowa and, after five years' residence there, came to Missouri. He rented land for a number of years after coming to Missouri, but finally purchased where he now resides. He has never married, and he and his mother live all alone. His farm contains 100 acres, upon which he has a comfortable home. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the Grange and Farmers' Alliance. His mother is also a consistent Christian, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Return to Lawrence County Biographies