Sihon Alexander Ogburn was born in Stokes County (later became Forsyth County) in 1840 to James E. and Sarah Tatum Ogburn. He grew up on his father’s farm, and helped his father in raising tobacco. His father owned and operated the first tobacco manufacturing operation in Forsyth County.
Sihon enlisted in the Civil War in Hood’s Division, 57th Regiment. He was wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg, and spent four months in the hospital, and nine months of convalescence at home. He returned to service and was assigned to the quartermaster’s department. He surrendered with his command at Appomattox, and returned home on foot, three weeks later.
He married Mary Jane Tise and they were married 62 years until his death in 1927. They were parents to 10 children.
After the war, Sihon worked in merchandising with his father-in-law, Jacob Tise. He farmed a little, then purchased land and went into the grocery trade. Later, he formed a partnership with his brother, Charles J. Ogburn, and W. P. Hill and manufactured tobacco. After two years he decided to manufacture tobacco independently, and carried on this work for 18 years until his retirement.
Sihon made a generous monetary contribution that helped to establish the Ogburn Memorial Methodist Church.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
