John W. Speck

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John W. Speck, farmer and liveryman, was born in County York, Bridlington, Quay, England, September 7, 1835, and is the son of John and Ann (Gethling) Speck, natives of England and Wales, respectively. The father was a large cattle dealer in England, which business he followed until retiring entirely from active pursuits. They both died in England, and were the parents of three children, only one, our subject, now living. He was reared in England, and received a liberal education, graduating at Ford’s College in England. In 1858, he sailed for America, taking passage at Liverpool on the steamer "Inman." He landed at Quebec, thence going to Montreal and Toronto. He remained in Canada until the spring of 1859, when he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and there worked by day’s work, learning the habits of the people. In June 1859, he came to Ironton, and engaged in the butcher business, which he followed for about twenty-five years. He then engaged in the livery business, which he follows at the present time, but is also engaged in farming. He owns a beautiful residence on his farm, and is very comfortably fixed. He was engaged in the stock business for a couple of years. In 1863 he married Miss Margaret Stevens, of Kentucky. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Speck is an intelligent and enterprising man, and is successful in his business.

 

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