My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. SLY, attorney, Ripley, is a son of Joseph and Eliza (Laymon) Sly, and grandson of Jacob Sly, who pioneered his way to Cincinnati in 1792, and made his residence in the old block-house until he had selected a home on the East Fork of the Little Miami, in Clermont County, where he cleared a farm, raised a family, and lived his allotted years. On this farm, Joseph was born, who, in 1826, moved and settled on Glady Run, Brown County, where he and his companion lived to attain the age of seventy-four years. The subject of this sketch was born on the homestead February 12, 1824. His early years were spent in working on the farm and securing such education as could be gathered in the winter months from the rude cabin schoolhouses of that day. By perseverance and close application to study, he obtained a good common school education. In 1844, he began the study of law in the office of Sheets & Howard, of Batavia. After three years of legal tuition, he was admitted to the bar. Subsequently, he was engaged in teaching school, and on May 1, 1851, began the practice of his profession at Fayetteville, Ohio. In the summer of 1855, he removed to Georgetown, and in the fall of the same year was elected Prosecuting Attorney. This office he filled two years with great satisfaction to his constituents. In April, 1869, he settled in Ripley, and has since been successfully engaged in his professional calling. His service one year (1873) as Grand Master of the State I. O. O. F., Mayor of Ripley two years, and his rank in Masonic fraternity afford evidence of his esteemed citizenship and professional abilities. Mr. Sly has always been an active participant in political affairs, and taken a deep interest in public and private enterprise. During the rebellion, his energies were directed in raising the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, and was elected First Lieutenant, but resigned the position. His marriage to Miss Mary E. Gray, daughter of John and Nancy Gray, occurred September 12, 1855. To this union five children were born, three of whom are living — Annie, William R. and Jennie G.