Philip F. Earhart

Philip F. Earhart, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ritz) Earhart, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., November 18, 1830. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where his father was engaged in farming and at times worked at the cooper's trade. In 1831 he moved to Ohio, and settling near Columbus, followed farming. Here, in 1844, he passed to his last long sleep, and in 1850 was followed by his wife. Philip is the sixth child of their family of nine children. After his mother's death he worked by the month for his brother for about a year. He then being twenty-one years of age, came to Illinois in 1851. He came to Stark county and began as a hand for his brother-in-law in the summer and attended school in the winter. On February 21, 1853, he married Amanda F. Sheets, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Weigal) Sheets. This Lady was born April 11,1834. Her parents were natives of Virginia, who removed to Indiana, and thence, in 1836, to Illinois, settling in Essex township, where they remained until death, Mr. Sheets dying in 1880 and Mrs. Sheets in 1874. After his marriage Mr. Earhart began farming. In 1868 he purchased eighty acres on section 17, where he still resides. Three children came to his home, all of whom still live—Lavinia S., Emma S., and Alva M. On July 9, 1864, Mrs. Earhart, having been in poor health for a number of years, passed away, being then in her thirty-first year. On September 7, 1865, Mr. Earhart married Miss Lucretia J. Dolison, a daughter of Andrew and Dorcas (Long) Dollison, born November 3, 1843. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Ohio, and in 1856 to Illinois, when they settled in Stark county. Later they purchased a farm in Peoria county, where her father died in 1871, being then fifty-five years of age. Her mother now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Earhart, and although now nearly seventy-one years of age, is quite active. Two children have been born to them— George F. and Jay M. Politically Mr. Earhart is a Republican. He has held the offices of supervisor, assessor, collector and school trustee, which he has filled with credit to himself and profit to the township.