Frank  Clark  Sheldon

Frank Clark Sheldon  was born in Adrian, Michigan, March 9, 1852.  He is the son of  William M. and  Elizabeth (Day) Sheldon, both natives of the Empire State.  The father was born in 1807, and the mother in 1824.  His parents now reside in Adrian.  Our subject is the elder of two children by his father's second marriage, and was educated at the Adrian High School.  He began learning the jeweler's trade in 1866, in his native town.  In 1867, he went to Toledo, and remained about six years, then went to Chicago, and stayed there until 1875, when he came to Shelbyville and engaged in the jewelry business, and has since continued therein.  He is now the leader in his line of business in Shelbyville.  He was married November 13, 1877, to  Miss Harriet Major,  daughter of  Alfred Major, one of our wealthiest and most influential citizens.  Mrs. Sheldon was born October 23, 1856.  This union has produced one child,  Jane M.  In politics, Mr. Sheldon is a strong Republican.  He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and the former is a deacon, and at present Treasurer of the church.  Mr. Sheldon is one of our most enterprising business men.  He is a courteous gentleman, one who does not interfere in the affairs of others, but attends strictly to his own business.  He has been very successful and is on the high way to wealth and all of the good things which the word " business " suggests. History of Shelby County, Indiana, "Shelbyville Sketches," Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 534-35. Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

Pictures from Boetcker's  Picturesque Shelbyville, 1909.
    
Sheldon  Jewelry  Store                                                                                       Sheldon  Residence

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The  Shelby  Democrat
February 13, 1879
VOL. 1; No. 37
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from the article, SMILING  SHELBYVILLE!
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Frank  C.  Sheldon
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          The citizens of Shelby county have, by Mr. Sheldon locating in this city, secured the services of a first-class workman in the hewelry line, and that they have appreciated his presence is shown by the rapidly increasing patronage he has received from the hands of the people of this city and vicinity.  Mr. Sheldon was born in the year 1852, in Adrian, Michigan, and at the early age of thirteen years began the learning of the jeweler's trade in his native place.  He served a two-years' apprenticeship, and not satisfied with the knowledge already gained, went to Toledo, Ohio, where he connected himself with the largest jewelry establishment in that city, and for six years worked under the instructions of a French workman of considerable note, who had but recently come to this country from Geneva, Switzerland, where he was reputed to be one of the best workmen in his line.  while under his instruction, Mr. Sheldon took lessons in engraving, which art he has mastered completely.  He is now thoroughly proficient in the three branches --- the manufacturing jeweler's trade, watchmaker's trade and the engraver's trade.  Having served an eight years apprenticeship under some of the best instructors in the country, he was eminently qualified to fill any position in his business, and still wishing to add to his experience, he went to Chicago, Illinois, and took charge of the manufacturing and repairing departments of an extensive house in that city, which position he filled with great credit for some time.  Wanting to start business for himself he went South, looking for a suitable location.  Not being able to find a place suited to his liking, he came North again, and settled in this city, renting the corner of the room occupied by Kirk's hat store.  He remained in that location for two years, at the end of which time, his trade having grown to such an extent that more room was necessary, he rented the corner room of Joseph Levinson, directly across the street, where he can now be found.  Having all the facilities in the way of improved machinery, tools and material for watch and hewelry manufacturing and repairing, he is now doing a first-class business.  He does work in the best and most approved manner, and warrants eveything he turns out.  He is also agent for the Seth Thomas Clock Company, and is to furnish one of their make of clocks for the Court-house tower, which, when put up, will be the standard time for Shelby county.  You can always find the best watches, clocks, jewelry and spectacles at Sheldon's and the only first-class stock of silverware, knives, forks and spoons kept in the city.  Mr. Sheldon has located permanently, and is responsible for every article sold in his establishment.
     Next biography in the "Smiling Shelbyville" newspaper article, John Shelk.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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