Simeon Prior


Simeon Prior was a blacksmith, Revolutionary War soldier, and early settler of Northampton Township, Ohio.

Early life

Simeon Prior was born on May 16, 1754.

American Revolutionary War Service

During the American Revolutionary War, Prior was asked by Colonel John Durgey of Norwich, Connecticut to be an armorer for the regiment the Colonel was raising. Prior enlisted for a 9 month term and accompanied Colonel Durgey to New York. He later joined a regiment on Painter's Hook.
He served in the unit that provided escort and bodyguard services to George Washington. He was present during the crossing of the Delaware River after the Battle of Trenton.
His pension petition for service during the war was submitted by Mr. Elisha Whittlesey.

Marriage

He married Katharine Wight on January 1, 1781 in New England.

Settling Northampton

Prior moved to Northampton Township, Ohio with Katharine and their ten children in 1802. He named the township for Northampton, Massachusetts, where he had previously resided. The Prior farm consisted of 400 acres. Other settlers had joined them in establishing a community by 1809.

Death and legacy

He died on June 29, 1837. Simeon and Catherine Prior are both buried at Harrington Cemetery in Summit County, Ohio.