Biography - Aaron Sands
AARON SANDS. Pennsylvania, like all of the Eastern and Southern States,
contributed a large share toward the settlement of Illinois, both in the
early days and during more recent years. The natives of that State have a
well-earned reputation for thrift, industry and steadfastness of character
and they were made welcome to join the hoards of emigrants who flocked to
the Prairie State from their native homes. Among such we find our subject,
who resides on section 6, Okaw Township, Shelby County, where he rents two
hundred and ninety-four acres of land.
Mr. Sands has resided in Shelby Countty since 1864, having come West first
to Ohio from his native home in Berks County Pa., where he was born May 8,
1833. He is a son of William and Catherine Sands, who removed to Fairfield
County, Ohio, in 1835, where they made their home until 1865, when they came
to Illinois, where the father died in Shelby County, in 1870. The mother is
still living and is enjoying a green old age.
In this family of William and Catherine Sands there were nine children, and
all but the eldest daughter, Mary, are still living and form a happy and
united band of brothers and sisters. After Mary came Eliza, Aaron, Daniel,
William, Franklin, Edward, Peter and John. Previous to our subject's
emigration to Illinois he was married in Ohio, in 1860, to Julyann Foor, who
was born April 3, 1840, and was the daughter of Henry and Caroline Foor.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sands have been born eighl children, all of whom have lived
to become worthy and reputable citizens and who are now the comfort and
support of their parents. They are as follows: Eliza, deceased; James M.,
Isabelle, Calvin, Otto, Margaret E., Oscar, Minnie and Edward.
The political views which have been entertained by Mr. Sands during most of
his life have led him to affiliate with the party which is proud to claim
the names of Jefferson and Jackson, but of late years he has felt that it
was better to he untrammeled by party ties and has cast his vote independent
of the dictates of party leaders. His good wife is an earnest and useful
member of the German Reformed Church, in which her labors are highly
appreciated. This worthy couple receive what they so richly deserve, the
kind regard and esteem of their neighbors and of all who know them.
Extracted 29 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 632-633.
