Simeon Prior

Simeon Prior (May 16, 1754 - June 29, 1837) 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 Katherine Wight on January 1, 1781 in New England.

Settling Northampton
Prior moved to Northampton Township, Ohio with Katherine 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. At this time, the other area residents included Mr. King, who ran a tavern at Old Portage, and his family. Other settlers had joined them in establishing a community by 1810.

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