Where did the summer go? Schools have claimed their prisoners and mothers have claimed their freedom. I remember well.

Did you ever notice the connection with people and flowers? When the flowers are planted and the babies are new, we are very careful and loving.

Then in mid life, all are busy with their lives and families. When that all passes and we are grandparents, we have slowed down and look forward to seeing our grandchildren.

That is where we are now in the ending of life. We are sometimes ill, faded and living on memories. That is what happens to flowers.

They enjoy their bright brilliance but then the summer starts to end and the flowers are turning in color and starting to drop. But at the end of the flowers’ lives, they are at their ending and most beautiful and colorful time.

We, speaking softly to our grandchildren, are thinking what comes next. What flower are you like?

We are getting close to the end of the season for the museum’s activities, but we have some important things to happen. We have the tea, the Cemetery Walk, the Church Walk and decorating of the museum. Then Christmas season will be here and we will soon have it all behind us for another year.

Hopefully, our need for docents will be fulfilled. This is a very fulfilling project, if you like people and history. In Lawrence County, history is not taught in schools as much as should be, although Ohio history, being taught, is very important.

Maybe next year a plan for Lawrence County history will have its place. All schools are welcome to visit our museum. Just call and ask for an appointment and we would be glad to have you.

Historical Fact:

I have received information of a patron of Lawrence County many years ago. We thank our friend for the information and hope you enjoy it.

David Sinton — 1808-1900

David Sinton was a pig-iron industrialist, born in County Armagh, Ireland, who became one of the wealthiest men in America. Sinton was the son of linen manufacturer John Sinton, of Unshinagh, a Quaker, and Mary McDonnell. The family came to America from Ireland and settled at Pittsburgh when he was 3 years of age. Sinton had one brother and two sisters.

A man of “irregular education,” his business interest centered around the manufacture of pig iron with his furnaces located in Lawrence County, Ohio. Much of his fortune was made by stockpiling pig iron waiting for the American Civil War and the selling of the iron at inflated prices.

He was described as “a large, strong person with strong common sense, and therefore moves solely on the solid foundation of facts.”

Mr. Sinton’s only surviving child, Anna, or as she was called Annie, was the wife of Charles Phelps Taft, editor of the Times-Star and brother of William Howard Taft. It was said that Sinton money financed the presidential bid.