(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 200 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. Kansas; Henry, a resident of Granville township; Aaron Park, who resides here; and Thomas F. His wife having passed away in 1864, Mr. Hillbrant was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Kagy Walton, by whom lie had one son, W. H., who resides in Kansas. Thomas F. Hillb rant's entire life has been spent upon the farm here, where during his boyhood days under the instruction of his father he became familiar with the various phases of agriculture, taking advantage of the district schools during the winter terms to obtain an education, and after completing his studies remained upon the home place where he has since been engaged in general agriculture and stock raising. His farm embraces two hundred acres of land which has had the attention of years of cultivation and care, and Mr. Hillbrant being a man who conducts farming upon modern principles has made sufficient study of the soil to conserve its productive properties, and by attention to the rotation and adaptation of crops, from year to year he has been able to derive from his land excellent crops of the finest quality. His farm is provided with a comfortable dwelling house, barn, and outbuildings, all modern and substantial, and in fact on the premises may be found every convenience with which to pursue the occupation and conduct it on a paying basis. On April 18, 1882, Mr. Hillbrant wedded Ella E. Walton, a native of this township, born June 23, 1858, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Kagy) Walton, and to this union have been born three children: Josephine C., who became the wife of Walter Norris, a resident of this place; James W., a resident of Spokane, Washington, where he attends the high school; and Philip Clayton, who lives with his parents. Mr. Hillbrant's political affiliations have always been with the democratic party, because he believes in the wisdom of its principles, considering the policies they set forth as necessary to maintain the institutions of the land in their original freedom, and also to ,o distribute the wealth of the nation as to bring prosperity within he reach of all in the industrial and commercial worlds. While he is not an active politician, he keeps well informed with respect to the affairs of the nation, taking a deep interest in all public questions, and during campaigns his influence is strongly felt in his endeavor to secure the election of the candidates of his party. He is favorably known throughout the township, and being a man who observes honesty and straightforwardness in his transactions, he deserves the confidence of his neigh bors and stands high among the citizens of the township. JAMES T. OSBORN. Surmounting the difficulties which beset him in early life, James T. Osborn has gradually worked his way upward until today he is in possession of a well improved farm property comprising forty-two acres in Madison township, on which he has made, his home since 1902. He was born in Franklin township, Licking county, August 19, 1849, a son of Richard and Mary (Humphrey) Osborn, both of whom were natives of Loudoun county, Virginia. They were married in Muskingum county, Ohio, and soon afterward came to Licking county, establishing their home in Franklin township. In 1849, however, they took up their abode in Madison township, while in 1874 the father removed to Newton township and HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 201 there spent his remaining days, his death occurring in May, 1875, when he was sixty-thrce years of age. The mother, however, died during their residence in Madison township, her death occurring September 24, 1868, when she was fifty-eight years of age. The father was a democrat in political views and affiliations and was a man highly respected in the various communities in which he lived. James T. Osborn was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, his time during the spring and summer months being given to work on the home farm, while in the winter season he pursued his education in the public schools. He continued to assist his father in the operation of the homestead property until 1874, when he and his brother Landon, who is now deceased, rented the home farm, which they operated until 1882. Mr. Osborn then operated for one year the farm now owned by Curtis Neibarger, after which he took up his abode on the farm which he now owns but which he then rented. After four years, in 1887, he removed to the farm which is now owned by Mrs. Wilson, but in 1902, having carefully saved his earnings, he felt justified in making purchase of the property he now owns and to which he removed in 1902. This tract comprises forty-two acres and is located in Madison township. Mr. Osborn has placed the land under a high state of cultivation and each year harvests abundant crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. In all his business affairs he follows only the most honorable and straightforward methods and the success which he has achieved is richly deserved. Mr. Osborn has been married twice. He was first married in December, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth McKinney, a daughter of Samuel B. McKinney, of Madison township. This union was blessed with one daughter, Helen M., now the wife of George Anderson, a resident of Madison township. The wife and mother departed this life in June, 1900, and in October, 1901, Mr. Osborn was again married, his second union being with Eliza Cochran, of Newark, Ohio. Active and interested in the political situation of the country, Mr. Osborn gives stalwart support to the republican party and is now serving his second term as trustee of Madison township. Mr. Osborn is well qualified to fill the office to the satisfaction of the people, as was demonstrated in his re-election for a second term. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee. His success is the result of his own energy, labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business principles, so today he finds a place among the substantial agriculturists of Madison township and Licking county. JOSEPH W. HORNER. Joseph W. Horner is actively connected with the profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or community, and one which has long been considered as conserving public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He has been identified with the interests of Licking county since 1900, and since 1903 has practiced at the bar here, being now junior partner of the firm o f Russell & Horner, who are recognized as leading attorneys with a large and important clientage. 202 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. M. Horner was born at Frazeysburg, Muskingum county, Ohio, May 22, 1871, his patents being John and Margaret (Riley) Horner, who were also natives of that county. The father was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for the support of his family, but at the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations, joining the army as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-ninth. Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Joseph W. Homer pursued his education in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, completing a course in the literary department in 1899, when the degree of B. M. was conferred upon him. In 1902 he was graduated from the law department of the same college and the following year was admitted to the bar. In the meantime, however, he resorted to the profession of teaching that he might be enabled to prepare for the practice of law. In 1900 he came to Licking county and was superintendent of schools at St. Louisville for two years. He had previously taught school for eight years, spending two terms in a country school and four years at Roscoe, Coshocton county, Ohio. In 1903 he began the practice of law in Newark, where he has since followed his profession with gratifying success. He is now a member of the firm of Russell & Horner, in which connection he is engaged in general practice. He has secured an extensive clientele that is connecting him with much important litigation tried in the courts of his district, and has directed his ability and efforts so as to gain recognition as one of the representative lawyers of the Newark bar. The success he has gained has come as the direct result of his efforts and methods. The possession of advantages is no guarantee whatever of professional success. This comes not of itself nor can it be secured without integrity, ability and industry. These qualities Mr. Homer possesses in an eminent degree and, moreover, he is faithful to every interest committed to his charge. At present he is a candidate for prosecuting attorney on the republican ticket. In 1906 he was elected a member of the hoard of review and is still incumbent in that office. He is well known in musical and social circles, belonging to the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen Camp. He is also a member of the Aeolian male quartette, in which he sings first tenor, this being recognized as one of the best musical organizations in this section of the state. His talents in this direction, as well as his social qualities, make him a favorite in social circles, so throughout Newark and Licking county he has many warm friends. ISRAEL REES. Israel Rees, who descends from a well known Welsh family, is now living a retired life in Hebron, although for many years he engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was born in Union township, January 7, 1835, his grandfather, Theophilus Rees, in company with Thomas Phillips, both of whom were men of means, having come from Carmarthenshire, South Wales, to the new world, sailing on the ship Amphion, April 1, 1795, and arriving in the United States nine weeks later, bringing with them a number of their neighbors who promised to reimburse them for paying their fare as soon as they earned the money in America. They located in Big Valley, Chester county, Pennsylvania, where there was a Welsh HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 205 settlement, but they remained there only a short time when they repaired to Beulah, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. There Messrs. Rees and Phillips remained until 1801, when they purchased two thousand acres of land from Sampson Davis, a Welshman of Philadelphia, in what is now the northeast quarter of Granville township, this county, and during the same year Mr. Rees sent his son John to erect a cabin on the property and to clear a portion of it for cultivation, so that the members of the family should be able to sustain themselves upon their arrival, and the following :‘ ear they settled upon their purchase, which was known as the Welsh Hills. Of this colony Theophilus Rees was the founder and promoter. He was a scholar and a man of acknowledged integrity, whose labors were of great benefit to his countrymen. After the coming of the Granville colony in 1805 he, having a knowledge of the English language, worshiped in the church established by the colony until the organization of the Welsh Hills church in 1808. Among the children of Theophilus Rees were Martha, Elizabeth, Theophilus, Samuel, Mary and John, all of whom were born in South Wales. John Rees, who was the father of our subject, wedded Barbara Roads, and they had the following children: Katherine and Theophilus, deceased; Elizabeth, who became the wife of James Black, of this township; John, a resident of Kansas ; Mary, deceased wife of William Cunningham, deceased ; Israel; Jane, deceased ; and Maud, who became the wife of Calvin Grove, but both are deceased. Their father's birth occurred December 7, 1785, and he departed this life in September, 1842, while his wife passed away in December, 1846. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was taken prisoner under General Hull. Israel Rees spent his early life in this county, where he acquired his education in the district schools, and when thirteen years of age went away, remaining for five years, at the termination of which period he returned, locating in Union township where he engaged in general farming, making a specialty of sheep-raising and wool-growing until the year 1904, when he went to Hebron, where he built an elegant home in which he is now residing in retirement. He owns a two hundred acre farm and another containing two hundred and forty-five acres in Union township, both of which are highly improved and under cultivation. Mr. Rees has given every attention necessary to make the property desirable and his farms are among the finest in the county. On November 15, 1837, Mr. Rees wedded Elizabeth Stoolfire, a native of the Keystone state, born July 10, 1836, and a daughter of Jacob and Isabel (Rodgers) Stoolfire. To this union were born five children. Stanley, the eldest, now deceased, wedded Augusta Friend, daughter of Charles and Alcinda (Mills) Friend, and had one son, Leroy Tenney, who is teller for the Newark Trust Company; Frederick Waldo passed away in infancy ; Clara resides at home; Sherman, residing on the old home place, wedded Mabel Moore, a daughter of J. W. and Margaret Somerville Moore, and they have two children, Barbara Kathryn and Ellis Moore; Leonard, who is a machinist for the Panhandle Railroad Company, resides in Logansport, Indiana. Mrs. Rees departed this life February 17, 1898, and on September 24, 1903, Mr. Rees wedded Lorena Stoolfire, also a daughter of Jacob and Isabel (Rodgers) Stoolfire, her father having come here from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1836, her mother also having been a native of that 206 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. state, both of whom settled In Union township. Mr. Rees and his children, and one grandchild, Leroy Tenney Rees, were born in the old brick house which belonged to his mother and which had been erected at an early date on the home place. Mr. Rees has always been a stanch supporter of the republican party, being an able advocate of its principles, and since casting his first vote he has always been loyal to its candidates and used his influence in securing their election. He is not affiliated with any societies or fraternal organizations, his business affairs having always demanded his undivided attention, but being a man who considers his religious obligations of the highest import he has always been prominent in Christian work and is affiliated with that body of people known as the Disciples of Christ, because he believes in the restoration of primitive Christianity and is convinced that the church to which he belongs is working to that end. His long life has been one of uprightness, his industry and enterprise having not only contributed to his own prosperity but also to that of the community, and he is favorably known as one of the townships most worthy characters and representative citizens. THEODORE G. BAKER. In a history of Licking county it is imperative that mention be made of Theodore G. Baker and the family which he represents. Although now living retired, he was for many years closely, actively and successfully associated with agricultural interests and wool growing, his carefully directed labors bringing to him the gratifying measure of success which now enables him to enjoy the comforts and luxuries of life without recourse to further labor. He was born on a farm a mile south of Granville, September 10, 1844, a son of Colonel D. M. and Lydia B. (Gaylord) Baker. The paternal grandfather, Captain Daniel Baker, was born in Enfield, Connecticut, October 8, 1763, and won his title by service as a commander of a military company in his native state. In early life he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner and followed that pursuit for some time. On the 2d of April, 1778, he married Jerusha Parsons, who was born in Enfield, April 7, 1767, and they became parents of four children: Jerusha, born August 6, 1789; Fanny, who was born May 1, 1792 ; Sophia, who was born December 13, 1793, and died December 14, 1862; and Daniel M., born February 23, 1805. In the year 1806 Captain Baker made the trip westward on horseback, fording the streams, for there were no bridges at that time. He joined the Massachusetts colony which had located here the previous year and soon afterward invested in four hundred acres of land in Granville township, which he began to cultivate and improve. In 1810 he brought his family and thereafter was closely associated with the substantial development and improvement of the county. He was the original owner of the University Hill, and cleared off the land now occupied by the Upper Seminary buildings. He was prominent in community affairs, served as justice of the peace for several years, and was also township trustee and postmaster. About 1820 he erected a frame dwelling, a mile and a half southwest of Granville, afterward the residence of his son and grandson. Upon that farm he passed away December 19, 1836, while his wife died October 19, 1846. They were both consistent and faithful HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 207 members of the Baptist church, and Capl ain Baker was regarded as a prominent and influential citizen of the community, his labors constituting an important feature in the growth and progress of this part of the state. His oldest daughter, Jerusha, taught the first school in St. Albans township and for many years followed that profession. She died March 1, 1848. The youngest of the family, Colonel Daniel M. Baker, was born in Massachusetts, February 23, 1805, and he was therefore five years of age when, in 1810, he accompanied his parents to Licking county, where his remaining years were passed, his death occurring September 24, 1883. When the family reached their destination they unloaded their household goods on the present site of the Congregational church. At that time there were only two frame buildings in the village of Granville. Here, amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life, in a district where there were fell advantages but much hard labor, Colonel Baker was reared. When fourteen year of age he became a drummer in a military company and at sixteen joined the company as a private, being promoted through various ranks until he became captain, and at the age of eighteen was placed upon the staff of General Jonathan Taylor, where he remained for three years. At the time of the Wolverine difficulty Mr. Baker was made colonel of the Second Regiment, Fourth Brigade, Ohio Volunteer Militia. Throughout his business career he was occupied with farming and sheep raising and became a prominent representative of these lines. On the 29th of November, 1829, he married Lydia Gaylord, a daughter of Theodore and Dorothy (Benham) Gaylord, by whom he had three sons and seven daughters. The mother of our subject was born in Vermont, December 26, 1806, and died in this county December 23, 1853, at the age of forty-seven years. By her marriage she had the following children : Dorothy, who was born September 2], 1827, died May 2, 1832; Almena, born September 22, 1828, died in May, 1881; Lorenzo, who was born November 4, 1830, died August 24, 1851; Dorothy, born September 15, 1832, died in 1903; Anna, born March 14, 1835; Parsons W., born November 23, 1836, died in 1864; Lydia, born March 19, 1839; Martha, born May 29, 1841, died in 1905; Ellen A., who was born December 3, 1842, died November 19, 1848; and Theodore, born September 10, 1844. After the death of his first wife Colonel Baker married Mrs. Charlotte R. Morrison on November 24, 1855. She was a daughter of Colonel Prescott and Lydia Varnum, of Dracut, Massachusetts, and was one of a family of nineteen children. Unto this marriage was born a daughter, Mary J., on the 3c1 of May, 1857. Colonel Baker was a member of the Granville Presbyterian church and was president of the Granville Farmers Club. Deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, he gave hearty cooperation to many movements for the public good, and his death was regarded as a personal bereavement by all who knew him when, in 1883, he was called to his final rest. Theodore G. Baker, whose name introduces this review, spent his youthful days on the old home farm a mile south of Granville, and as the years passed by he aided more and more largely in developing the fields. His farm comprises three hundred acres of rich and productive land and he was associated with his father in its development and management until the latter's death in 1883. Much of the farm was then sold, but Mr. Baker, of this review, still retains fifty acres. He and his father dealt extensively in sheep and handled large quantities of wool. Their business interests were carefully conducted and their unfaltering energy 208 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. constituted a source of gratifying success. Mr. Baker, of this review, continued to reside upon the farm until 1901, when he established his home in Granville, where he now resides, and from this point gives his supervision to his agricultural interests. On the 1st of January, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Baker and Miss Lucy S. Page. who was born in Granville township, September 12, 1848, a daughter of Lucius D. and Mary (McDonald) Page, the former a native of Granville and the latter of Vermont. Mr. Page spent most of his life on a farm in this county, but in 1891 went to California, where he died in 1903. Mrs. Page, who had come to Licking county from Canada with her parents during her early girlhood, died in this county in 1882. The Page family was founded in New England at an early day and Nathaniel Page, the grandfather of Mrs. Baker, came from Massachusetts and cast his lot among the early settlers of this part of the state. In local political ranks Mr. Baker has been quite prominent. Throughout his entire life he has given his support to the republican party and its principles and for seven years has served as township trustee. Since coming to Granville Mr. Baker has been elected to and served one term in the village council, and in January, 1909, was appointed justice of the peace by Governor Harris, to fill out an unexpi red term. A. helpful and active member of the Presbyterian church, he has served as one of its trustees for the past nine years and as secretary of the board. When twenty-one years of age he was made a Mason, becoming a member of Center Star Lodge, No. 11, F. & A. M., of Granville. He is also a charter member of Altamaha Lodge, No. 246, K. P., of Granville. He is well known as a gentleman of genial manner and cordial address, of good business ability and progressive spirit, and the salient qualities of his manhood have ever been such as to win for him the high regard of those with whom he has been associated. WORTHINGTON R. GEIGER. Worthington R. Geiger, who is numbered among the alert, energetic and capable agriculturists of Union township, Licking county, where he was born May 11, 1849, is a member of a family which for many generations has been associated with the agricultural and stock-raising interests of this part of the state, his grandparents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Houdeshell) Geiger, having come from Virginia with their parents in childhood and located in Fairfield county. There they were married and reared four sons and four daughters, all of whom attained the age of maturity. Among the sons was David Geiger, whose birth occurred in Fairfield county, near Pleasantville. He married Nancy Roads, a daughter of Abram and Annie (Beaver) Roads, natives, of Virginia. Mrs. Geiger was a native of Union township, where she spent her entire life and passed away in August, 1903, in her seventy-eighth year, having survived her husband twenty-nine years, his death having occurred May 14, 1874, when he was fifty-two years of age. Mr. Geiger followed farming here all his days and at his death left three hundred acres of excellent land. In their family were ten children, namely: HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 211 Jacob Melville, who passed away in his twelfth year ; Emily N., wife of Louis Ruffner, both of whom are residents of Fairfield county; Worthington R.; Clara M., who wedded David House, of Hebron; Peter H., who also resides in that place; Jesse E., of Union township ; David M., who makes his home in Hebron; Lucy Melcina, a resident of Newark; Rhoda A., who lives with her husband, D. E. Stewart, in Newark; and Theophilus S., an agriculturist of Union township. Worthington R. Geiger, who has always resided in Union township, excepting one year which he spent in Walnut township, Fairfield county, was reared under the parental roof and became familiar with the several departments of farm life during his boyhood days. He acquired his education in the district schools and remained on the home place until his marriage, at which period of his life he began to farm independently and in 1871 purchased the tracts of land he now has under cultivation, consisting in all of four hundred acres„ fifty acres of which was of the original plot owned by his father. Most of his land he tills himself, renting the remainder. He has always engaged in general farming, also paying some attention, to stock-raising, and his place, provided with substantial buildings, and properly fenced and cared for, forms one of the attractive features of the landscape. In 1872 Mr. Geiger was united in marriage to Melissa Beaver, a native of Union township and a daughter of. Isaac and Jane (Armstrong) Beaver. After the death of his first wife he wedded, in 1878, Lida Ruffner, who was born near Johnstown, this county, February 7, 1856, and was reared in Fairfield county. She was one of the nine children of Jacob and Liza (Copeland) Ruffner, natives of Fairfield county, Mr. Ruffner being a sun of Jacob, who was a son of John Ruffner, a native of Virginia, who passed away in Fairfield county in his ninety-fifth year. He settled in that county, near Rushville, and the large spreading elm there under which he tented in 1805 while he was building his log cabin is still standing. One of his sons lost his life soon after locating there while felling a tree. To Mr. and Mrs. Geiger have been born the following children : Daisy Florence, who is the wife of D. C. Smith, of Union township, and has one son, William Windell; and Everett W., M. Stanley, Armada and Lulu F., all of whom reside at home; Ethel and Edith, twins ; Adrian; David Bryan and Marjorie Lucille. Politically Mr. Geiger has always been a democrat. He takes considerable interest in local affairs and has served by appointment as treasurer of the township. He belongs to the Masonic order and also to the Eastern Star, and his enterprising spirit and upright character have always enabled him to stand well in the esteem of his neighbors. FRANK E. HARRISON. Frank E. Harrison, prominent in the industrial affairs of Jersey, is a member of the firm of Harrison Brothers & Company, carriage and wagon manufacturers, who has contributed largely toward the public improvements of the vicinity. He was born here on December 19, 1860. The Harrison family originally came from England in 1628 and settled in Connecticut, later removing to New Jersey and 212 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. thence to Jersey township, Licking county, Ohio, in 1844, here becoming very prominent. The grandfather, Stephen Harrison, who wedded Martha Condit, engaged in wagon-making and in 1844 established the business which is now in the hands of his grandsons. His son, George C. Harrison, was born in Orange, New Jersey, and was united in marriage to Eleanor G. Marsh, her parents, Edwin and Elizabeth (Thompson), Marsh, coming from Madison, New Jersey, to Ohio about May, 1833, and locating in Jersey township, where they became well known and respected citizens. Both the Harrison and Marsh families had made the journey over the mountains in wagons, their respective trips being attended with many hardships and thrilling experiences. Stephen W. Harrison, formerly a member of the firm of Harrison & Brother and an uncle of Frank E. and Benson M. Harrison, was born in Orange, New Jersey, and in 1844 accompanied his parents on their removal to Jersey township, Licking county. In his youthful years he attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and learned the trade of carriage-making under the direction of his father. Stephen W. Harrison married Emma L. Crane, a native of Jersey township, whose parents were born in New Jersey. By this union there are four children : Edwin, Alice, Mary Ethel and Herbert. In the fall of 1908, Stephen W. Harrison returned to New Jersey with his family and has since resided there. On the death of their father George C. Harrison and his brother, Stephen W., continued the carriage and wagon-making business which the father had established, changing the firm style to Harrison & Brother, and in course of time added to the enterprise cabinet-making and undertaking, which branch of the business they gave up in 1S91. They engaged in the manufacture of coffins, for which they had a large sale. These were made by hand and of walnut lumber. Upon the death of George C. Harrison on April 30, 1904, having survived his first wife by thirty-seven years, his interest in the business fell to his sons, Frank E. and Benson M., who still conduct the wagon and carriage-making enterprise under the name of Harrison Brothers & Company, which style was adopted in the fall of 1908, when Stephen W. Harrison retired from the firm. The firm of Harrison Brothers & Company build carriages, buggies, surreys, phaetons and spring wagons, all of which are high grade vehicles, celebrated for their durability and superior workmanship. The Harrison vehicle is known throughout the country and all these years has sustained the reputation of being one of the best on the market. Frank E. Harrison, after acquiring his education in the village schools of this township, entered his father's wagon-shop, where he learned the trade of wagon-making and, having become a journeyman, he remained at the occupation until the death of his father, when he acquired an interest in the present firm. He is a skilled mechanic, familiar with every phase of the business and through his aggressiveness and industry the enterprise is gradually assuming greater proportions. Mr. Harrison is largely and influentially interested in the affairs of the community and has been treasurer of the township for three terms, clerk for two terms and for a number of years officiated on the school board: He belongs to Jersey Lodge, No. 543, I. O. O. F., being financial secretary of the same, and to Jersey Grange, No. 1628, Patrons of Husbandry, of which he is secretary. As to his religious convictions he is very liberal. Believing in the impartial attitude of the Sovereign of the universe toward His creatures and being of the opinion that he HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 213 will ultimately preserve the general good of mankind in its entirety, he is a member of the Universalist church. A stanch republican in politics, he has always given his support to that party and is active during campaigns in endeavoring to secure the election of its candidates to the offices they seek. He is a strong agitator of public improvements and is especially active in securing good roads and public school advantages. On May 10, 1883, Mr. Harrison wedded Miss Elizabeth M. Merrill, daughter of Oliver P. and Jerusha (Beem) Herrin, a prominent family in these parts. Mr. Merrill followed farming for many years but recently retired from active life and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor. To this union were born the following children: Rose E., who became the wife of Leo F. Farber, a prominent agriculturist of Plain township, Franklin county; Twilight, M.; and Edith M. The two eldest daughters for some time were popular and successful teachers in the county and the younger daughter is a pupil in the Jersey schools. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are well known for their social qualities and their hospitable home is a neighborhood center for their many friends to gather and pass pleasant evenings. BENSON M. HARRISON. Benson M. Harrison, a brother of Frank E., and who is associated with him in the firm of Harrison Brothers & Company, is a native of this place, his birth having occurred on November 17, 1863. He also served his apprenticeship with his father after acquiring his education in the village schools and has since been connected with the wagon and carriage-making enterprise. Like his brother, it is his desire and ambition to see the community grow and he is always ready to further any movement for its advancement and development. He belongs to Jersey Lodge, No. 523, I. 0. 0. F.; Jersey Grange, No. 1628, Patrons of Husbandry; has been a member of the school board for a number o f years, of which body he is now president, and is greatly interested along educational lines. On October 4, 1888, he was married to Miss Florida F. On, whose parents, Silas and Henrietta (Meyers) Orr, descend from prominent families of Bowling Green township but now reside in St. Albans township. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have one daughter, Gladys I., a pupil in the Jersey schools. Mrs. Harrison was at one time a popular school teacher. The Harrison brothers are energetic and enterprising men and through their aggressive spirit have not only largely contributed to their own financial interests, but also to the general improvement of the community in which they conduct their enterprise. G. W. SMITH, M. D. The qualities demanded of the successful physician are not different from those which are required in other business or professional lines : the same analysis, the same alertness, and the same watchful spirit and keen discrimination are necessary in all avenues of honorable activities where success would be attained. The 214 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. application of these qualities only is different, but the result in all cases is the same—success and progress. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the able physician, Dr. Smith has become well known as a practitioner of medicine and surgery in Newark. He was born in Randolph county, West Virginia, June 23, 1868. His father, Isaac Smith, was also a native of that state and a representative of one of its old families. He devoted his life to the occupation of farming and was accidentally killed in February, 1908, when sixty-four years of age. He married Chlorinda Carr, also a native of West Virginia, in which state she still resides. It was in the place of his nativity that Dr. Smith began his education as a public school student, and later he taught school for four years prior to taking up the study of medicine. After spending one term in the University of Maryland and three terms in the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1904, he commenced practice in West Virginia. He had already, in 1898, passed the required examination before the West Virginia State Medical Board and had done successful work in the line of his profession, but, desiring further training for this field of labor, had resumed his studies in Cincinnati, and, following his graduation there, came to Newark, where he has since remained in active practice. In 1906 he supplemented his previous medical knowledge by a post-graduate course in diseases of women and in surgery, at the Chicago Polyclinic. He belongs to the Ohio Eclectic Medical Association, and is doing good work in his professional service. In July, 1902, Dr. Smith was married to Miss Emma Florence Stir, a native of Pike county, Ohio, and a daughter of Aaron and Nancy N. (Culp) Stir. The father was born in Gerniany, while the mother was born in Jackson county, Ohio, of German parentage Mrs. Smith is associated with her husband in his professional labors, being a member of the medical fraternity. She is a graduate of the Laura Memorial Women's Medical College, completing the course there in 1901, while in 1904 she was graduated from the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute. She is a member of the West Virginia Medical Association and the Ohio Eclectic Medical Association. Through their joint labors Dr. Smith and his wife are accomplishing an excellent work in professional lines, the knowledge and effort of the one stimulating and encouraging the work of the other. In his fraternal relations Dr. G. W. Smith is a Knight of Pythias. He has had little opportunity for active participation in public affairs, preferring always to give his attention to his specific duties, and at no time neglecting the work that devolves upon him in his efforts to assist his fellowmen in regaining health. WILLIAM KNELLER. William Kneller, a retired agriculturist of Union township, Licking county, is a native of Boone township, Fairfield county, where his birth occurred December 9, 1845, and where he resided until 1894, when he came to his present location. His parents were John Philip and Katherine (Siegler) Kneller, natives of Wittenberg, Germany. who in 1830 emigrated from the fatherland to Baltimore, Maryland. Both resided there for a brief period and then went to Lancaster, Ohio, where they were united in marriage, shortly after which they settled in Bern HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 217 township, where Mr. Kneller followed farming until he departed this life. His wife then removed to Illinois and took up her residence with one of her children with whom she remained until she entered into rest. He was a carpenter by trade and followed that occupation in connection with the cultivation of a farm containing one hundred and eighty-five acres. In their family were ten children, five of whom survive. William Kneller spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in Fairfield county, assisting in the duties of the farm and at the same time acquiring his education in German under the instruction of his father. He remained at home, helping to cultivate the farm until March, 1894, when he came to Union township and purchased three hundred and twenty acres, which he cultivated for a period of five years and then bought an adjoining farm containing one hundred and twenty acres, to which, within the next five years, he added one hundred and five acres, his farms in all including five hundred and forty-five acres of excellent land, all of which is improved and under a high state of cultivation. Each farm is provided with a substantial brick house. In addition to his landed possessions in Licking county he also owns two farms in Fairfield county, one containing one hundred and sixty acres and the other seventy-five acres, which he sold prior to locating here. The dwelling in which he lives was built in the year 1876 and one of the other brick residences was an old landmark, having been constructed in the year 1827. In addition to these buildings he also has a substantial barn, seventy-two by forty feet, which he has thoroughly remodeled and which is one of the roomiest as well as one of the best in the township. Mr. Kneller has been and is distinctively a man of affairs and his interests constitute an important factor in the business activity of the community. Among other enterprises in which he has been interested was that of threshing and he possessed a valuable machine for that purpose which he recently disposed of. He has now practically retired from active life, doing little outside work, devoting his time principally to looking after his business interests, while his farm is being operated on shares by his children. On May 28, 1868, Mr. Kneller wedded Wilhelmina Baumann, a native of Hocking county, Ohio, where her birth occurred October 9, 1842, and a daughter of Louis and Emma H. (Kull) Baumann, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they were united in marriage, coming to this country in the year 1830, when the parents of Mr. Kneller also crossed the Atlantic. Mr. Baumann departed this life in Hocking county, while his widow resides with Mr. Kneller. In the Baumann family were seven sons and three daughters. To Mr. and Mrs. Kneller have been born seven children: Tobias, 1 he eldest, died in infancy. Caroline is the wife of Henry Gochenbach. John Philip resides at home. Louis married Belle Black, by whom be had one child, Celia Belle, who resides on the farm with her grandparents and, having lost his first wife, he was again united in marriage and now resides on the farm adjoining the t of his father. Charles is married and farms in the same neighbor hood with his father. Edward and William A. are both at home. Mr. Kneller has always taken great pride in the German language inasmuch as he received his education in that tongue and almost exclusively uses it at home and consequently his children are well versed therein. He takes a deep interest 218 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. in religious work and is an active member of the German Lutheran church, in the affairs of which he is quite prominent, being a member of the board of trustees. He is a man who has always endeavored to live in such a way as to command the respect of his fellow citizens and his straightforward life has merited the confidence of the entire community. NATHAN C. FLEMING. Nathan C. Fleming is one of the most extensive land owners of Licking county, owning nearly seven hundred acres of land in Hanover township and two hundred in Perry township. He is classed with the progressive farmers, utilizing every means for advancement along the lines of honorable business, and his success places him today in time foremost rank among the prosperous agriculturists of the county. His life record began at Frazeysburg, Muskingum county, Ohio, August 7, 1836, his parents being John and Hannah (Carter) Fleming, who were also natives o : Muskingum county, their respective parents having located there during a very early period in its settlement. Mr. and Mrs. John Fleming became the parents of seven children, of whom five are still living: Nathan C., of this review; James M., a resident of Newark ; Charles W., residing on the home farm in Frazeysburg; Catherine, the widow of William Stump, residing in Columbus; and Alice V., the widow of W. M. Lane, Of Zanesville. In 1853, after completing his education in the common schools, Nathan C. Fleming became a student in Denison University, at Granville, there pursuing a business course. Following his graduation he devoted three years to merchandising at Irville, Muskingum county, after which he engaged in teaching school for a year. Ambitious to obtain a higher education for himself, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware in 1861, pursuing a classical course in that institution until May, 1862, when, with ninety-nine other students, he left the 'university to offer his aid to the country, then engaged in civil war. He enlisted as a member of the Eighty-fourth Ohio Infantry, being the first to volunteer, and his comrades following his example, they organized Company E of that regiment. The president of the school, Rev. Frederick Merrick, followed them to Camp Chase and implored them to finish their college course, but the spirit of patriotism was strong within them, and they continued under the nation's starry banner. The Eighty-fourth became a part of General Wool's division, and the youthful volunteers served from May until the following October, when they were honorably discharged. Following his return home in May, 1863, Mr. Fleming was married to Miss Clara C. Vandenbark. He was afterward called out on the Morgan raid, and followed that general up to the time of his capture. In the fall of 1863 he took up his abode upon the farm which has since been his home. On the 17th of March, 1864, ht suffered the dual loss of his young wife and an infant child, who were interred in the same coffin; and on the 28th of February, 1866, Mr. Fleming was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary J. VanVoorhis, a daughter of the II on. Daniel VanVoorhis, of Muskingum county. Her father was a member HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 219 of the twenty-seventh Ohio constitutional convention, and also represented his county in the state legislature for two terms. He was thus closely associated with the law-making interests of the commonwealth, and left the impress of his individuality upon many of the measures which found their way to the statute books of the state. Mrs. Fleming is also a sister of the Hon. Henry Clay VanVoorhis, who was elected to represent his district in congress. He has also been prominent in financial circles as president of the Citizens' National Bank of Zanesville. Another brother, S. F. VanVoorhis, engaged in farming, makes his home in Newark, and is a director of the Building & Loan Association there. Still another brother, F. Z. VanVoorhis, of Zanesville, is extensively engaged in farming, and in the breeding of road and sta ndard-bred horses. A sister, Sarah, is the wife of Joshua G. Stump, who is living in Dresden, Ohio. The oldest son, John R. VanVoorhis, married Miss Lucy Frazer, of Wens Falls, New York, but both are now deceased. Their only surviving child, Blanche M., is a graduate of the Granville Female Seminary. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming was blessed with five children: Clarence V., residing in Madison township, this county; Hallie E., deceased; Daniel V., engaged in railroad construction at Hoboken, New Jersey ; Lottie L., the wife of Dr. D. M. Miller, of Newark; and Mary R., at home. In his political views Mr. Fleming is a republican, and his support of the party has been that of a loyal, public-spirited citizen, who believes that its principles arc most conducive to good government. The cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion during the eighteen years he has served as a member of the school board. For the most of that time he was treasurer of the board. He also filled the office of township clerk and township trustee for a number of years, and in all of these positions has been prompt and capable in the discharge of his duties. lie was at one time a member of the Masonic fraternity, and held several offices in this lodge, but is not connected with the order at the present time. While a student at Delaware he became a member of the Beta Theta Pi. As the years have gone by he has given splendid proof of his business ability and executive force in winning the success which he now enjoys. As his financial resources have increased he has made judicious investments in property, and is today one of the extensive land owners of the county, and has also been identified with industrial interests, being formerly vice president of the Hanover Pressed Brick Company. His home is one of the beautiful modern farm residences of the county, and everything about the place is indicative of his careful supervision and his practical, progressive ideas. CHARLES W. HENDRICKS. Charles W. Hendricks, residing on his well improved and valuable farm of ninety acres in Newark township, was born in Marion county, Ohio, January 11, 1836, his parents being Benjamin M. and Ann (Gray) Hendricks. The grandfather, James Hendricks, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Licking county, Ohio, in 1802, when the Indians were much more numerous than the white settlers. His son, Benjamin M. Hendricks, the father of our subject, was the first 220 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. white child born in this county, opening his eyes to the light of day on the 1st of January, 1803. His demise occurred in 1881, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1865. Their family numbered eight children, namely : James T., deceased; Catharine, who makes her home in Newark township, having attained the age of eighty years; Basil M., a resident of Newark, Ohio; Berlinda, the wife of Thomas Smedley, of Portage county, Ohio; Margaret and Rachel, both of whom have passed away; Mary, who is the widow of John R. Williams and now resides with her brother, Charles W., of this review. The last named obtained a common-school education, pursuing his studies during the period of the year when his labors were not required on the home farm. He remained with his father until forty-five years of age, or until the latter's death, in 1881. His landed holdings now embrace ninety acres of land in Newark township, in the cultivation of which he has gained a gratifying and well deserved measure of prosperity, the fields annually yielding golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. On the 16th of July, 1871, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hendricks and Miss Mary Ann Holler, who was born in Newark township, Licking county, in 1833, a daughter of Samuel and Julia Holler. Mrs. Hendricks, who was one of a family of eight children, passed away in October, 1903, her remains being interred in Cedar Hill cemetery. Her demise was deeply regretted, not only by the members of her immediate family, but also by many who had learned to esteem and love her throughout the long period of her residence here. Unto our subject and his wife were born two children: Benjamin M., a graduate of Denison University, who has taught school for several years, is .a resident of Newark, Ohio. Their daughter, Julia, is deceased. In his political views Mr. Hendricks is a democrat and has served as school director for six years, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He has now passed the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, and receives the veneration and respect which should always be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and whose career has ever been upright and honorable. JESSE EDSON O. GEIGER. Jesse Edson O. Geiger, who was born March 23, 1857, on the farm he now cultivates in Union township, located a mile and a half west of Hebron, is a son of David and Nancy (Roads) Geiger. The family has for many years been identified with the farming interests of this section of the state, his grandparents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Houdeshell) Geiger, having come from Virginia with their parents and located in Fairfield county in childhood. In this state they were married and reared four sons and four daughters, all of whom attained adult age. Among the sons was David Geiger, whose birth occurred in Fairfield county, near Pleasantville, Ohio. He wedded Nancy Roads, a daughter of Abram and Annie (Beaver) Roads, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Geiger was a native of this tin, iiship, where she spent her entire life and passed away in August, 1903, HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 223 in her seventy-eighth year, having survived her husband by twenty-nine years, his death having occurred on May 14, 1874, when he was fifty-two years of age. Mr. Geiger followed farming here all his days and at his death left three hundred acres of excellent [and. In their family were ten children, namely: Jacob Melville, who passed away in his twelfth year; Emily N., wife of Louis Ruffner, of Fairfield county; Worthington R., an agriculturist of Union township; Clara M., who wedded David House, of Hebron; Peter H., who also resides in that place; Jesse E. 0.; David M., who makes his home in Hebron; Lucy Melcina, a resident of Newark; Rhoda A., the wife of D. E. Stewart, of Newark; and Theophilus S., an agriculturist of Union township. Jesse Edson O. Geiger has spent his entire life in the house in which he was born and from which, during his boyhood days, he went in the winter season to the Luray school, where he acquired his education. After completing his studies lie remained on the home place where he has since resided engaging in general farming and stock-raising on ninety-seven acres of arable land, including seventy-seven acres which originally belonged to the old homestead. Mr. Geiger remained single in order to take care of his mother, who departed this life August 16, 1903, and on November 22, of that year, he wedded Marium Elma Hoskinson, who was born in Franklin township, this county, March 3, 1863, a daughter of James and Mary (Lampton) Hoskinson. Her father was born in this county June 3, 1823, and his wife in Shenandoah, Virginia, on June 14, 1823, the latter having come to Ohio when five years of age with her parents, who settled near Zanesville, Muskingum county, subsequently removing to this county, where she taught school until the date of her marriage. She departed this life September 3, 1891, her husband, who survived her by four years, dying July 18, 1895. They spent their lives as farming people and reared two daughters, namely : Marium Elma ; and Mary C., wife of Jesse B. Terrnillion, of Union township. Mr. Hoskinson had two sons and three daughter s by a former marriage, the latter, however, being deceased. The democratic party has always elicited the support of Mr. Geiger, who having given considerable study to the several political cults believes the principles embodied in democracy to represent the original thought of our forefathers with respect to a free government. Although he manifests considerable interest in local affairs lie has never held public office, but being industrious and enterprising and always ready to further every measure having for its object the welfare of the community he is numbered among the township's valued citizens and is accorded the respect and confidence of his neighbors. J. P. H. STEDEM, M. D. J. P. H. Stedem, M. D., well deserves classification among the self-made men, for at the outset of his career he was confronted with many obstacles. It is a well-known fact, however, that it is only under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in men is brought out and developed, and it was, perhaps, his lack of early advantages that made Dr. Stedem labor all 224 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. the harder to attain the position which has now come to him. He entered, too, upon a professional career in which advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, and his close study and unremitting industry have formed the rounds of the ladder on which he has climbed to affluence. Dr. Stedem was born in Logan, Hocking county, Ohio, May 2, 1858. His father, Anton Stedem, a native of Nuremberg, Germany, left that country during the troublous political times of 1848 and crossed the Atlantic to Canada, remaining in the southern part of the dominion for a year. He then became a resident of Lancaster, Ohio, and afterward removed to Logan, where he continued to reside until his death. He became identified with the business interests of that city as proprietor of a meat market, and continued in active trade until his death on the 21st of April, 1874, when he was forty-seven years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Anna Katherina Recktenwald, who was born in the valley of Moselle, in the Prussian Rhine province of Germany. The childhood homes of Mr. and Mrs. Stedem were only twenty miles apart, but they did not become acquainted until they met in Logan, Ohio. Mrs. Stedem arrived in that city in 1854 and their marriage was celebrated in 1856. She long survived her husband, and died August 5, 1908, in Lancaster, Ohio, when seventy-six years of age. Dr. Stedem was one of a family of eight children, having four brothers and three sisters, all yet living with the exception of one brother and one sister. At the usual age he entered the public schools, and eventually became a pupil of the high school in Logan, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1874. He also attended a private German school and taught in the public schools of Logan and the surrounding country for ten years. He was a youth of sixteen at the time of his father's death, and, as he inherited no patrimony, was obliged to engage in teaching school in order to provide for his own support and for the support of the family, for he v as the eldest child. The burden thus laid upon his young shoulders was a heavy one, but he bore it uncomplainingly, and throughout his entire life has met every duty with the same resolute and determined spirit, showing good cheer even in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties. After teaching school for a time he turned his attention to the drug business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in partnership with his brother, Fred William Edward Stedem. His interest in the practice of medicine quickly followed, and, determining to make it his life work, he matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1888. He afterward spent fifteen months as an interne in St. Agnes Hospital, and thus put his theoretical training to the practical test, gaining the broad expansion which comes in hospital work. He was thus well equipped for the duties of a private practice when he removed to Newark in 1889 and opened an office on South Third street. He is now located in the Newark Trust Building, where he has a well equipped office, supplied with many modern appliances that are of assistance to the physician in his humanitarian service for his fellowmen. He keeps in touch with the world's work along lines of medical and surgical practice through his membership in the Licking County and. Ohio State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. On the 12th of January, 1892, Dr. Stedem was married to Miss Elizabeth Brennan, a native of Newark, and a daughter of Edward Brennan. They have one son, Edwin Joseph, born May 29, 1896. They also lost a daughter, Leah, who was born July 14, 1894, and died on the 14th of August of the same year. Dr. HISTORY OF LICKLNG COUNTY - 225 Stedem belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. He displays many sterling characteristics of his German ancestry, including the persistency of purpose that has enabled him to accomplish what he has undertaken. His work in professional lines has been attended with gratifying success, and his practice has steadily grown in volume and importance. ROLLIN R. LUSK. The enterprising town of Utica finds a worthy representative of its business interests in Rollin R. Lusk, who is successfully conducting a jewelry store and is well known in the community for his enterprise and commercial probity. He is one of the native sons of the town, born Nov ember 14, 1859. He represents one of the old families of the county. His grandfather, Thomas Lusk, who was born in Pennsylvania about 1802, came to Licking county at an early day and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers who were reclaiming the district for the uses of the white race. He was a tanner and currier by trade and followed those pursuits for many years, his labors bringing to him well merited success. He married Elizabeth Dunlap, who was born in 1808, and fOr many years they traveled life's journey happily together. Thomas Lusk was killed, however, in Newark in 1872, by the cars, while on his way to his brother's funeral. His widow survived him for a number of years and died when more than eighty-two years of age. He was a stalwart republican in politics from the organization of the party, being prompted to join its ranks from the fact that it was formed to prevent .the further extension of slavery, and he was strongly opposed to that institution. He held membership in the Reformed Presbyterian church. The family of Thomas Lusk numbered seven children: Samuel G.; Orilla, of Newark; Mary, James and Emma, all deceased; William, living in Newark; and Hattie, who has passed away. Samuel Gibson Lusk, father of our subject, was born in Utica, November 24, 1833. As lie grew in years and strength he assisted his father and became interested with him in business. On the 13th of May, 1864, he was mustered into the United States army for one hundred days' service, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio Infantry. He did garrison duty in the defense of Washington until August 31, 1864, when the regiment was mustered out. Before going to the war lie had been connected with his father in the tanning business, but as that pursuit no longer proved profitable, Mr. Lusk, after his return from the war, took up the stonemason's trade. On the 4th of January, 1883, while attempting to pick the cap from a loaded shell with a knife, the shell exploded and the knife was driven into his forehead, causing his death nine days later. His political allegiance was stanchly given to the republican party and he was regarded throughout the community as a man of the highest respectability, whose sterling worth made hint a valued citizen. It was in 1858 that he married Miss Amelia Jane Platt, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, July 5, 1834, a daughter of Paul P. Platt, who was a native of New Jersey, and removed westward to Knox county at an early day. Mrs. Lusk still survives her husband and is a member of the Christian church who enjoys the warm regard and friendship of all 226 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. who know her, because of her many beautiful characteristics. She is now living in Utica. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Samuel G. Lusk were born three children: Rollin R.; Alice, who married J. J. Hennessy and lives in Youngstown, Ohio ; and Mamie, who died in infancy. Rollin R. Lusk has spent the greater part of his life in Utica and at the usual age began his education in the public schools, pursuing his studies to the age of sixteen years, when he started out in the business world as a clerk in a grocery store. Subsequently he was employed in a drug store and in 1878 began learning the jeweler's trade in Utica. He was for a time employed in the same capacity in Coshocton, Ohio, and in 1883-4 was in Plain City, in the jewelry business. Since that time he has remained continuously in Utica, where he now owns and conducts a well appointed jewelry store, carrying a large and carefully selected line of goods. In his mercantile efforts he receives a liberal patronage. and aside from his activity in this line he is a stockholder in the Utica Gas Company and also in the Licking glass factory and the North American Gas & Oil Company of Newark. His business judgment is sound and reliable, and he has learned to correctly value his own powers, to determine his limitations and to understand and utilize his opportunities. In this way he is making steady progress and his business interests have brought him the capital that ranks him among the substantial citizens of the county. In November, 1898, Mr. Lusk was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McClellan, a native of Washington township, Licking county, and a daughter or J. B. and Susan (Belt) McClellan, also natives of this county. The father died September 24, 1907. at the age of sixty-eight years, while the mother is still living in Utica. Mr. Lusk exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and he gives his aid and influence to further its success. yet he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He belongs to Utica Lodge, No. 555, K. P., which he joined on its organization, and for twenty-six years he has been an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity. The principles which have characterized his life have made him a valued citizen, and his record constitutes an integral chapter in the history of his native town. JAMES LONG. The pursuit of agriculture, as well as other vocations in life, requires the efforts and abilities of strong men, and perhaps no county has had more of the right class of energetic characters to develop the natural resources of this part of the state than Licking county. Among those deserving mention is James Long. who has large farming interests in Licking and Union townships. He was born in Thornville, Perry county, August 23, 1865, a son of Jacob and Jane (McCleery Long, his father having been a native of that place where he followed farming al! his life, entering into rest in the year 1993. He was a straightforward, substantial farmer, whose political convictions were always on the side of the democratic party, and who held membership in the Lutheran church, in the affairs of which HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 229 he took an active interest. The mother of our subject was a native of Fairfield county, and first married. James Wilson, by whom she had two children—Charles and Allie. She afterward married Jacob Long in Perry county, where she departed this life. There were four children of the second marriage, namely: Emma, who became the wife of William H. Irvin, who is connected with Polk & Company, of St. Paul and Minneapolis; James; Ella, who became the wife of William Foster, a Thornville grocer; and John, also with Polk & Company, of St. Paul, Minnesota. James Long was given the advantage of a good education, receiving his preliminary training in the district schools, later attending the Thornville high school. He returned to the home farm, where he remained until he was twenty-five years of age, at which period of his career he began to farm for himself in Perry county, where he remained until 1890, when he removed to this county where he has since resided. He has an excellent farm containing one hundred and sixty-one acres of land, and every improvement in the line of building and fencing upon the premises Mr. Long made himself, and in addition to having a substantial barn he also is the owner of a magnificent residence which is built after a modern type of architecture and is equipped with every convenience with which to make home life comfortable. Here he engages in general agriculture, his crops being of the finest quality owing to the attention he gives the soil, while at the same time he enters into stock-raising on a small scale, keeping on hand only thoroughbred stock. In 1890 Mr. Long wedded Miss Annie M. Christ, by whom he has two children, Angus and Edith. A democrat in politics, Mr. Long is a strong advocate of maintaining the original character of the nation's institutions and also of a low tariff system by which a More healthy competition in trade and commerce may be established, and thereby wealth and prosperity be more equally distributed. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and upon its services, in company with his wife, he is a regular attendant. Industrious and enterprising, always endeavoring to do what he can to add to his own interests and to those of the community as well, he merits a place among the worthy citizens of the township DANIEL M. SHEPARDSON. Daniel M. Shepardson has passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey and has always lived in Licking county, his birth having occurred February 2, 1825, on a farm which he yet owns near the north line of Granville township, and which is operated under His supervision. His parents were Daniel and Prudence (Morse) Shepardson. The father was born in Middletown, Vermont, September 27, 1787, and the mother in Dublin, New Hampshire, September 19, 1784. They were married in the Green Mountain state and in the fall of 1813 started for Ohio, with Licking county as their objective point, driving a team of horses from Fairfax, Vermont. Their journey ended, they settled on the farm which is now the property of Daniel M. Shepardson and which then contained ninety acres. It was a tract of wild and unimproved land, and in the midst of the green woods 230 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. Daniel Shepardson built a little cabin and began placing the farm under cultivation, c tearing away the trees and stumps in order to cultivate the fields and develop the property. There he spent the remainder of his days and his labors were manifest in the improved appearance of his place. A brick dwelling which still stands on the farm was built by him in 1829. There he and his wife spent their remaining days, the death of the father occurring November 24, 1866, while the mother passed away on the 25th of March, 1835. He was an energetic, industrious man and took charge of the construction of three-fourths of a mile of the canal east of Newark, in 1825, acting as superintendent of construction. A few years later he was identified with the building of Granville College, now Denison University. He had charge of the erection of the two first buildings, situated a mile and a half out in the country. Not only did he figure prominently in the early business development of the county, but was also a factor in the political, social and moral progress of the community. He was a factor in the organization of the First Baptist church and served as one of its deacons until his demise. His political allegiance was originally given the whig party, and on its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new republican party and served as township trustee and in other township offices. He was also a member of the board of trustees of Granville College. Unto him and his wife were born eight children: Lucetta, the wife of David Woods ; Perrin, who married Elvira Miller ; Abagail, the wife of Gardner Woods; Harriett, the wife of Nirain Pruden; Nancy, who died unmarried; Elvira, the wife o 1! Rev. D. D. Walden, who is now living at South Haven, Michigan, at the age of ninety-two years; Daniel, who died at the age of two years; and Daniel M., who is the only one now living. The boyhood days of Daniel M. Shepardson were passed in the usual manner of farm lads of the locality. He shared with the family in all of the difficulties and trials of pioneer life and aided in the arduous task of developing a new farm. As the years passed he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits and his labors brought him rich harvests for which he found a ready sale on the market. He continued to reside upon the farm until 1879, and since that time has given to it his general supervision. In 1879 he built his present home in Granville and has since occupied it, being now most comfortably located in the village. On November 8, 1848, occurred the marriage of Daniel M. Shepardson and Miss Abbie L. Durant, who was born in Springfield, Vermont, October 1, 1827, and with her parents, Jotham and Lucy (Chilson) Durant, natives of the Green Mountain state, came to Ohio in 1842. They settled at Croton, in Hartford township, and Mr. and Mrs. Shepardson were married there. For a long period they traveled li:fe's journey happily together, but were separated in the death of Mrs. Shepardson, May 14, 1894, her demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret to her family and many friends. Unto this marriage have been born two daughters : Esmah C., who was born in January, 1850, became the wife of the Rev. Alfred Orcutt, a Baptist clergyman, who died in Minnesota. She and her four children are now living with her father. Lucy P., born in October, 1856, is the wire of M. P. Ashbrook, of Granville, and they have had eleven children, six of whom are living. A lifelong member of the Baptist church, Mr. Shepardson served as chairman of the building committee at the time of the erection of its present house of worship. He was also chairman of the building committee of Burton Hall and of HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 231 King Hall, two of the buildings of Shepardson College, in Granville. In 1863 he became a member of the board of trustees of Denison University, and so continued until a recent date, when he resigned. He has served as a deacon in the Baptist church since the '60s and has been a member of the board of trustees most of the time. His first presidential vote was cast for Zachary Taylor and on the organization of the republican party he became one of its supporters and has since been most loyal in his advocacy of its principles. Few have resided for so long a period in the county as has Mr. Shepardson, who for eighty-four years has been a witness of its growth and progress. He has seen the building of the railroads, the introduction of the telegraph and telephone and the transformation of farm life through the invention of improved farm machinery. He can remember a time when many of the rural homes were log cabins and when much of the land was still covered with the native forest growth. Cooking, too, at that early day, was done over the fireplace, and the spinning wheel and the tallow candle were features of almost every home. His memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present and he relates many interesting incidents of the early days. He is now one of the venerable and honored citizens of the county, and well deserves a place on the pages of its history. WILLIAM M. SHERMAN. William M. Sherman, one of the best known farmers of Licking county, has been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits here for almost thirty-five years. A native of Muskingum county, Ohio, he was born October 14, 1840, a son of John and Mary (Miller) Sherman, both natives of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. The father, having learned the miller's trade in his native place, came to Ohio in early manhood and located in Hanover, Licking county, where he engaged in the milling industry, with which he was identified for forty-five years, or until his death, which occurred in 1853, at Dillons Falls, Muskingum county, where he had removed with his family. William M. Sherman was reared under the paternal roof, and pursued his education in the district schools until the spring of 1853, when, following his father's death, he removed to Licking county and took up his abode with Samuel B. McKinney, in whose home he remained until he reached manhood. Upon attaining his majority he assumed the responsibility of providing for his own support and, in the spring of 1861, he went to work for Esquire Smith, receiving in return for his labors ten dollars per month, with the understanding that should his services prove satisfactory to his employer his salary would be increased to twelve and a half dollars per month. That he found favor in the eyes of his employer is manifest in the Tact that he soon received the advanced salary and remained with Esquire Smith for eight years, at the end of which time he was receiving twenty-five dollars per month. Upon severing his connections with Esquire Smith, Mr. Sherman entered the employ of William R. Seymour, who subsequently became his father-in-law. In 1864 he made his first investment in real estate, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of wild, uncultivated land 232 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. in Van Wert county, Ohio. That this investment was a good one is manifest in the fact that a short time after purchasing the property he sold it for twice what he paid for it. Later, in 1874, he removed to his present home in Licking county and rented a farm of sixty-one acres, which he cultivated for two years, when, in 1876, he purchased the place and has since added to his holdings until his farm now consists of eighty-two acres. Mr. Sherman has greatly improved his farm, erecting substantial buildings and bringing the fields under a fine state of cultivation. In June, 1896, Mr. Sherman was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Seymour, a daughter of William R Seymour, of Licking county. Her paternal grandfather, Thomas Seymour, came to Licking county in 1803, from Virginia, settling in Madison township, where he held a government land grant of one thousand acres. Mr. Sherman is democratic in politics, and although he served one term as trustee of Madison township, he has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to his agricultural interests. Mr. Sherman and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian church, and well known throughout the community, while Mr. Sherman is one of the most prominent agriculturists of his locality. JOHN E. RUFFNER. John E. Ruffner has throughout his entire life engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising on the farm he now cultivates in Union township, Licking county, and on which he was born June 8, 1833, the family being among the pioneers of this part of the state, his grandfather, John A. Ruffner, a native of Virginia, locating at an early date in Fairfield county, where he owned and cleared large tracts of land. He departed this life there at the advanced age of ninety-five years. John and Mary (Roads) Ruffner, the parents of John E. Ruffner, were natives of Page county, Virginia, the father's birth having occurred March 3, 1785, and his death in this county in 1863, when he was in his seventy-eighth year. John Ruffner went with his parents to Fairfield county, where he remained for a few years, and about 1818 came to Licking county, where he spent the remainder of his days on his farm. He owned three hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which at the time he staked his claims was timberland but subsequently he cleared off most of the tract and put it under cultivation, at the same time erecting substantial buildings. His first dwelling house was a log cabin, which he afterwards replaced by a more modern home. In his family were two children: David, who died August 11, 1888, in his sixty-ninth year; and John E., the subject of this sketch. John E. Ruffner was reared to farm life under the supervision of his father and when not busy with the work of the fields he attended the district school—a characteristic structure of that pioneer period, being equipped with slab benches and other primitive furnishings. After putting aside his text-books he settled down to the pursuit of husbandry on the old home farm, where he has since resided. His farm contains two hundred and twelve acres of valuable land situ- HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 235 ated on the Newark road, eight miles south of Newark, in Union township, and Mr. Ruffner, being a progressive agriculturist, has always given sufficient attention to the soil to preserve its nutritive elements and consequently his land is highly productive. Aside from engaging in general farming he also raises stock of all kinds, particularly cattle and sheep, his long experience .in this department of work making him familiar with every phase of the situation and in his earlier days he transacted a large buying and shipping business in this line. His farm is well kept and in every particular is indicative of the thrift and progressive spirit of its owner. In 1862 Mr. Ruffner was united in marriage to Amanda Dennis, a native of Fauquier county, Virginia, where her birth occurred June 14, 1831. Her parents, James and Frances (Kendall) Dennis, natives of that state, located in Licking township, this county, about the year 1835, and here departed this life. In their family were eight children: Julia, widow of Brady Bosman; Amanda; Joel and Patrick, deceased; Octavi a, the wife of Miles Joseph; Rhoda, who resides in Johnstown, this county; Fielelia, widow of William Frush; and Wilson, who resides in Union township The last two are twins. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ruffner, namely : Ella, born May 30, 1864, became the wife of Dudley Taylor, and died lea ving a daughter, Beulah; Charles, born December 13, 1865, manages the home farm, upon which he resides with his wife, Caroline Hand, and three children, Burrell, Mabel and Mary. Mr. Ruffner has always voted on the side of the democratic party to whose candidates he has ever been loyal but while he is deeply interested in the success of his party he has never desired to hold public office, preferring rather to live quietly within his home circle. He has belonged to the Licking Baptist church since 1876 and has been treasurer .of that organization for the past thirty years. A man whose daily life and conversation have always been indicative of Christian ideals, he well deserves the high measure of respect he now enjoys as a worthy citizen of the township. JOHN LAREVIORE. John Larimore, who is now living a retired life after many years of labor on his farm in Union township, this county, was born there October 7, 1831, a son of James and Anna Eliza (DeWald) Larimore, his father having been a native of Virginia and his mother of Maryland, both settling in this county about the year 1827. The father departed this life April 20, 1874, and she April 5, 1887. In their family were Daniel, Louisa, John, Sarah Ann, Scienda, James and Caroline, all of whom are deceased except the latter and John. In this township John Larimore has spent his entire life, remaining on his father's farm during his boyhood days and youth, in the meantime learning the art of husbandry and acquiring his education at the district schools, subsequently pursuing a course of study at the old academy. He remained upon the home place until he was twenty-two years of age, at which period of his life, desiring to be independent and self-supporting, he rented a farm, which he tilled for nine years, 236 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. and in 1863 purchased his present farm, which contains one hundred and seventy-two and one-half acres, on which he engaged in general agriculture and stock raising, making sheep his specialty until he retired from active life in the spring of 1907. He has since resided in Granville, where he owns a two-story dwelling house. On November 9, 1854, Mr. Larimore wedded Hannah Minerva Lane, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Horne) Lane, natives of this state, the father's birth having occurred February 14, 1812, and his death January 8, 1892. The mother, the day and year of whose birth were identical with those of her husband, departed this life December 20, 1891, both being interred in Granville. Her mother's maternal grandparents came here from Virginia in 1806 and purchased a farm near Union Station, which Mr. Lane subsequently purchased from the heirs and deeded to his daughter, Mrs. Larimore. The grandfather passed away before Mrs. Larimore's birth, and the grandmother in the year 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Larimore were born thirteen children, namely : Clara and Elma Elizabeth, deceased; Caroline May, wife of John Black; of this county; William Gerry, of Union Station, this county; George Lane, who resides in Oklahoma City; Richard Clement, who lives in Winfield, Kansas; Blanche, wife of Sherman White, the couple residing in Bucyrus, Ohio; Fanny Fern, widow of Emmett Perry, Mrs. Perry residing in Delaware, Ohio; _Bruce Lee, a resident of Georgia ; Jessie, widow of Asa H. Brown, Mrs. Brown residing at home; James H., deceased; one who died in infancy; and Frederick Buxton. who resides in Port Washington, Ohio. The democratic party has always received the support of Mr. Larimore, who is an able advocate of its principles, being convinced, both by study and observation, that the principles of the democratic platform alone sustain the original import of our institutions and favor that degree of individual liberty for which our forefathers, with much self sacrifice and self denial, contended victoriously. He is therefore active in support of the candidates of his party, and uses whatever influence he may be able to exercise during campaigns to bring the strength of the tenets of his platform before the people in their behalf. Although. Mr. Larimore has been a very busy man, crowded by the affairs of his extensive interests, he has never lost sight of his religious duties and has always been a zealous Christian, holding membership in the Licking Baptist church, and being a man whose many years of activity have been marked by honesty and an endeavor to do good in the world. He has always entertained the confidence of his neighbors and been numbered among the representative citizens of the township. D. E. CHISM. D. E. Chism, who for the past twenty-seven years has been identified with the farming interests of Granv'ille township, is a native of Walnut township, Fairfield county, Ohio, where his birth occurred March 21, 1840, and where he resided, engaging in agricultural pursuits, until he took possession of his present farm. He is a man possessed of an aggressive spirit who for many years was employed as a farm hand and then rented the property he cultivated and finally, through his industry and perseverance, reinforced by practical economy, gradually rose in the financial HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 237 world until he had accumulated sufficient means with which to purchase the excellent tract of land he now owns. His parents were Franklin and Elizabeth (Geiger) Chism, natives of Virginia and Fairfield county, Ohio, respectively. In 1854 the father settled in the state of Ohio, where he was united in marriage. He departed this life when eighty-two years of age. During his life he engaged for a period of eight years hauling whiskey for J. M. Ashb rook's distillery, and for fourteen years was employed as a stage driver before the days of railroads. Upon giving up this occupation he commenced farming, in which he continued until he departed this life. Of six sons and one daughter born to this union, D. E. Chism was the oldest. The maternal grandfather, David Geiger, was a native of Pennsylvania and early in life removed to Fairfield county, of which he was a pioneer. Upon his arrival there the region was in a primitive state and presented a far different appearance from that of today. There were no broad and arable fields and only here and there was a cabin to be seen and as little land had been cleared for cultivation the country was almost devoid of buildings, which are now seen in great profusion throughout that county. Dense forests covered the land and the early settler, instead of entering it with the plow and harrow, came with the ax, prepared for hard work and obviously inspired with an aggressive spirit, knowing that only through patience and perseverance could the trees be hewn down, the stumps uprooted and the land put into condition for cultivation, but Mr. Geiger was a progressive man and, being equal to the emergency, he soon converted the tract of land which he purchased into arable fields, from which he derived bountiful harvests. In addition to his agricultural interests he also owned and conducted a distillery which was located on his farm. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hawdeyshell, a native of the Keystone statel who accompanied him to Fairfield county, where they spent their lives. On their farm which occupied a 'part of the present site of Pleasantville, occurred the nativity of D. E. Chism. In the district schools of his native township he acquired his education and then remained on the home farm, actively engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, until the year 1889, when he removed to Licking township, where he followed fanning for ten years, at the expiration of which time he came to this township and bought a farm containing one hundred and fifty-four acres. Upon leaving the home farm at twenty-two years of age he rented a tract of land, and meeting with splendid success by the year 1899 he had accumulated sufficient means to enable him to buy the property he now has under cultivation. Of the one hundred and fifty-four acre plot, which he first purchased, he subsequently disposed of thirty-six acres and has since been engaged in general farming and stock breeding on the remainder. Before he settled down to agricultural life Mr. Chism was employed for five years as superintendent on the Lancaster and New Salem pike, in Fairfield county and remained in this position until the work was completed. On January 14, 1863, Mr. Chism wedded Samantha Pence, of Rush Creek township, Fairfield county, where her birth occurred November 28, 1838. Her parents were David and Catharine (Grove) Pence, who were natives of Virginial and among the first settlers of that county, but who subsequently removed to Licking county. Her grandfather, John Grove, early in life settled in this county and built a round-log cabin in the woods, three miles south of Newark. Her father was twice united in marriage and by his first wife had ten children and by his second four children, of whom she was one, the members of the entire family having lived 238 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. to maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Chism are the parents of : Oliver, of Centerville, this county; Ida, who resides in Columbus, Ohio; Viola, wife of Clyde Bowman, of Newark; Annie, who became the wife of Jesse Grove, of that place; George W., who resides in this township; Fannie, who wedded Perry Carlyle, the couple residing on his father's farm; Estella, wife of Ernest King, of this place; Mamie Abi and Beulah, who reside at home. Two children passed away in infancy. Mr. Chism has always given his allegiance to the democratic party in national issues and, being of the opinion after due deliberation that its principles are fundamental to the financial life and permanent prosperity of the nation, he is enthusiastic during campaigns and is ready with his vote and influence to secure the election of its candidates. In his political views he has deviated radically from those of his people, who were originally whigs and upon the dissolution of that party naturally contributed their support to the republican party. He has contributed much to the welfare of the communities in which he has resided and for two years served as assessor of Pleasant township, Fairfield county. All his life he has been an active man, of industrious habits and upright character, and his general demeanor has been such as to make him a substantial and representative citizen. MARGARET M. (O'BANNON) WARNER. Mrs. Margaret M. Warner, widow of C. K. Warner, who for many years was prominent in- the agricultural and business circles of Washington township, was born in the house in which she now resides, February 17, 1836. For over a century her people have been tillers of the soil in this region, who came here when the entire country was in a primitive condition, thickly covered with timber, and when they were one of a very few families scattered throughout the county. Her parents were Presley O. and Mary M. (Taylor) O'Bannon, her father having been born here November 11, 1807, and her mother also, in the year 1811. Upon coming to this region he took up extensive claims and cleared off several hundred acres., which he put in a fit shape for cultivation. The old log house, which he built upon coming to this part of the county, is still standing and occupied by his daughter. Mr. O'Bannon was an influential man in the county and was known within, a wide' radius of his home as a minister of the Lutheran church, having served in that station for a period of eighteen years, ministering to many of tie small congregations then scattered throughout this and adjoining counties. Upon his death, which occurred September 13, 1880, he left one thousand acres of the finest farming land in the country. His wife passed into eternity September 18, 1881. They were the parents of the following children, namely: William P., a resident of St. Louisville ; Margaret M.; and Elizabeth, Catherine, Jennie and Ellen, deceased. In her twentieth year occurred her marriage to C. K. Warner, whose birth occurred in Knox county, this state, in the year 1828 and who throughout his life followed general agriculture and stock raising and owned one hundred and ten :acres of land, which he had highly improved and made one of the most desirable farms in the county. He was a republican in politics, active during HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 241 campaigns in securing the election of the candidates of his party, and served the township in many useful offices. To this union were born: C. K., Jr., who resides in Mexico; Frank M., a resident of this township; Presley N., who lives in Utica, this state; W. C.; and Ralph M. Since her husband departed. this life Mrs. Warner has operated the farm and has since enlarged her interests to one hundred and sixty-seven acres, which she keeps under cultivation and on which, aside from producing general grain crops, she makes a specialty of raising shorthorn cattle. She is a noble Christian character and belongs to the Lutheran church, in which she is an active worker and to which she is a large contributor. WILLIAM M. CLEM. The well directed labors of William M. Clem have resulted in the acquirement of a fine farm consisting of two hundred and three acres, located in Licking town-. ship, Licking county. He comes of an old southern family, his birth having occurred in Shenandoah county,. Virginia, November 25, 1866. He is of German extraction, but representatives of the name through several generations have lived in Shenandoah county, his paternal grandfather, Simon Clem, having there been born and reared. He followed, farming as a life work. The father of our subject, Isaiah Clem, was born and reared on his father's farm in Shenandoah county, and after reaching years of maturity wedded Miss Isabel Shuff. When starting out in life on his own account he, too, engaged in general agricultural pursuits, to which he still devotes his attention. At the time of the Civil war the father enlisted for service in the Confederate army, with which he served for two years. He was made a prisoner at B randy Station and was also for a short time held as a prisoner at Washington, D. C. After his release he remained in the north until the close of hostilities and then. returned to his native state, where he resumed his work as a farmer. He still survives and makes his home in Virginia. The wife and mother, who was likewise born and reared in Shenandoah county, also survives. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, all of whom are living, namely : Lydia, the wife of Joseph Clem, a market gardener of Page county, Virginia; Maggie, the wife of Bradley Collin, also a farmer of that county; Mary Jane, the wife of W. F. Marston, who is a railway mail clerk, with headquarters at Woodstock, Virginia; William M., of this review; Ella, at home; Luther, who is engaged in farming near. Apellton, in Licking county; Walter, who is employed as a railway mail clerk, with headquarters at Manassas, Virginia; and Guy, who is engaged in teaching in Page county, Virginia. William M. Clem, whose name introduces this review, spent the period of his boyhood and youth on the old homestead farm in Virginia and during the winter months pursued his education in the common schools. He remained on the home farm until he reached the age of twenty years, and then, believing that other pursuits would prove more congenial, he secured employment as clerk in a store, being thus' engaged for one year. He then came to Ohio and, settling in Knox county, worked for a time. by the month as a farm hand. Later, in Licking county, he 242 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. rented land for three years, after which he returned to Knox county, but five years ago returned once more to Licking county and purchased his present farm of two hundred and three acres, all of which is well improved. Mr. Clem gives his time and attention to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and each year gathers rich harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon the fields. His success, too, is richly merited, for it has come to him through earnest, indefatigable labor, since he started out in life in the humble capacity of a farm hand and today is numbered among the substantial citizens of Licking county. On. the 24th of November, 1890, Mr. Clem was united in marriage to Miss Ida O. Weaver, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, and by her marriage she became the mother of three children: Belle, who is attending school; Kirby and Helen, all at home. Mr. Clem gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, and while residing in Knox county filled some township offices. He is a member of the Lutheran church, while Mrs. Clem belongs to the Christian church. They are people of the highest respectability and worth in their community and in business circles Mr. Clem has won a reputation for honorable and straightforward dealing. WILLIAM P. NEIBARGER. An attractive and well improved, property comprising one hundred and seventeen acres, situated in Madison township, and known as the Rural Dale Farm, is the home of William P. Neibarger, who is engaged in dairying and farming. He is a native son of Madison township, born on the old Neibarger homestead, January 5, 1846, his parents being William and Mary (Tebo) Neibarger, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The former came to Licking county with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Neibarger, when he was a lad. They first settled on a farm which Jacob Neibarger rented near Bowling Green, but later he purchased a tract of land at the junction of the two branches of Clay Lick, where he erected and operated a sawmill for several years, this being the first sawmill to operate in this section of the country. There he spent his remaining days and after his death his farm was divided among his three sons, John, David and William. The latter continued farming on the old home place and made that his home until the time of his death, which occurred in 1880, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-three years. He was a democrat in his political views and affiliations and was a man of influence in the community in which he so long made his home. His wife was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Protestant church. William P. Neibarger was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors of the home place, assisting his father in the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn, while in the winter months he pursued his education in the common schools. After reaching maturity he continued the work to which he had been reared and, subsequent to his father's death, sold his interest in the home place and also disposed of one hundred and sixty acres of land which he owned in Indiana, and with his capital invested in his present property, consist- HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 243 ing of one hundred and seventeen acres, known as the Rural Dale Farm. He is engaged in general husbandry and for the past ten years has given much of his time and attention to the dairy business, being assisted in his various duties by his son. In the latter branch of business he is meeting with gratifying success, his products finding a ready sale on the market, where they demand a good price, and his fields, too, which are in a good state of cultivation, also yield rich harvests, so that Mr. Neibarger is numbered among the substantial citizens of Licking county. He was in former years engaged in the cultivation of flowers, but for the past few years has not carried this on as a business. Mr. Neibarger was married November 18, 1869, to Miss Martha A. Wolfe, who was born in Franklin township, this county, a daughter of John Wolfe, who is likewise a native of Franklin township, his father, George Wolfe, having come to Licking county from Pennsylvania at an early day. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Neibarger has been blessed with nine children, of whom eight survive, namely: Mary, the wife of Webster Drunn, of Newton township; Charles 0., at home; Henry Curtis, who is a farmer and dairyman of Madison township; Jennie Florence, the wife of William H. Roe, a resident of Vanatta, this county; Arthur, who is also engaged in farming and dairying in Madison township; Anna, the wife of Charles Roe, of Licking county; James, a machinist of Mount Vernon; and Blanche, the wife of Jeff Long, of Newark. Following in the political footsteps of his father, Mr. Neibarger gives his support to the democracy. He has 'served as township supervisor and was likewise for several years a member of the school board. He is identified with the Patrons of Husbandry, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian Union church, of which his wife is also a 'member. He is not in the sense of office seeking a man in public life and yet he exerts his influence in the community where he has always made his home. He finds his greatest social enjoyment at his own fireside, where he delights to entertain his friends and all who know him have for him high regard. J. G. BOWER, M. D. Dr. J. G. Bower is engaged in the general practice of medicine in Newark, but yet specializes to some extent in surgical work, and his ability in that line has given him more than local repute. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was born October 20, 1863, of the marriage of Samuel H. Bower and Susan Pontius, both of whom were natives of Germany and died in Philadelphia during the infancy of their son. Dr. Bower was then reared by a German family of Philadelphia to the age of eleven years, when lie started out into the world to make his own living, from which time forward he has depended upon his own resources and his judgment to tell him what was best to be done. In his efforts to secure a living he has traveled extensively and engaged in various occupations, but all the time has been actuated by a, desire to work his way upward, and at length became imbued with the determination to enter professional circles. To this end he took up the study of medicine in 1887 and was graduated from he Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in 1895. Immediately afterward he opened an office in Newark, where he has nce remained, and in the fourteen years of his practice has made steady advance- 244 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. ment on lines demanding strong intellectuality, close application and sound judgment. On coming to this city he located in the west end when it was sparsely settled, but he has witnessed its rapid and substantial development and throughout the years has done a good, general practice, at the same time giving much attention to surgery, for which he is well fitted. His office is now equipped with many fine instruments and appliances for surgical work and he possesses moreover a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of anatomy, understanding fully the component parts o f the human body, their functions, and the onslaughts made upon them by disease. Moreover he is cool in emergencies and combines a gentle touch with a steady hand—qualities which are absolutely essential in successful surgery. He was for ten years surgeon to the Wehrle Stove Company, the largest enterprise of this kind in the world. He is a member of the Licking County and Ohio State Medical Societies, and the American Medical Association. In 1905 Dr. Bower was married to Miss Clara O. Hall, a native of Ohio. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and has been an extensive traveler, visiting many parts of Europe, Australia, and South America, from which countries he has brought back many interesting curios. He speaks a number of languages. His mind is enriched with many interesting incidents of his travels and he is an entertaining talker, his friends finding him a most congenial and companionable gentleman. DANIEL SHAW. Daniel Shaw is worthy representative of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of Licking county and for many years has been identified with the agricultural life of Madison township, having made his home on a well improved farm of two hundred acres but he has rented his farm and taken up his abode in Newark, where he expects to spend his remaining days in well earned rest. Mr. Shaw is a native son of the township in which he has always made his home, his birth having here occurred in an old log cabin, October 2, 1849. His paternal grandparents, Zachariah and Marian Shaw, both natives of Virginia, removed to Licking county in a very early day, establishing their home on a farm in Clay Lick. Their death here occurred and their remains are buried in Bowling Green cemetery. Their family included William Shaw, who became the father of our subject. He was also born in Madison township in 1822 and was here reared and educated. He remained under the parental roof until 1850, when starting out in life on his own account, he accompanied his two brothers, Urias and Andrew, to Jasper county, Illinois, hoping to find that a favorable location, but not being pleased with the country, after three weeks they returned to Licking county and purchased two hundred acres of land, known as the Shawnee land in Madison township. Although during his lifetime he made several changes in his place of residence he always remained in Madison township, and in connection with farming he also engaged. in the butchering business, whereby he acquired a handsome competency. He was a democrat in his political belief and while wholly in sympathy with the northern cause, during the Civil war when the sentiment between the north and south was at its height, Mr. Shaw made an expression which was misconstrued by some of his enemies and he was threatened with violence, narrowly escaping HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 247 death in his meat market in Newark. He wedded Miss Mary Ann Stump and to them were born five children all of whom survive, namely : Catherine, the wife of Alva Tinkle, of Newark; Matilda, the wife of William Mossman, of Madison township; John W., also of Newark; Marietta, the wife of Robert Warman, also of that city; and Daniel, of this review. Both parents were consistent and faithful members of the Christian Union church. They are now deceased, the father passing away in 1898, when he had reached the advanced age of seventy-six years, while his wife survived him only about six months. Daniel Shaw, the youngest member of the father's family, spent the period of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and during the winter seasons he pursued his education in the district schools. He was early trained to the duties and labors of the home farm and continued to assist his father until he had reached the age of thirty years, when he established a home of his own by his marriage, and subsequently engaged in general agricultural pursuits on his own account. He purchased from his father the home farm comprising seventy acres, which he operated for about five years, during which time, through his capable management and well directed labors, he acquired a competency that enabled him to add to his possessions thirty acres, while still later he purchased one hundred acres adjoining, so that he now owns two hundred acres all in one body. The land is in a highly productive state, while good buildings add to the value, as well as to the attractiveness of the farm. Mr. Shaw has long been active in agricultural pursuits but has removed to Newark, where on four acres of ,ground he has erected a nice modern home, in which he expects to spend his declining years. Mr. Shaw was married March 11, 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Angeline Wiley, a resident of Hanover township, Licking county. Their union has been blessed with five children: Etta May, the wife of George A. Pigg, of Madison township, who is mentioned on another page of this work; Daniel Bert, at home; Mary Eva Kirk, also at home ; while two died in infancy. A democrat in principle and practice, Mr. Shaw has served one term as township trustee, while both he and his estimable wife are devoted members of the Christian Union church, of which he is serving as elder and trustee. Having spent his entire life in Madison township he is well known and highly esteemed, for in his relations with his fellowmen and in his treatment of his neighbors lie has never lost sight of the principle of the Golden Rule. PHILIP M. BRILL. Character and ability will come to the front anywhere. In youth and manhood many an individual has been buffeted by fortune, while almost insurmountable obstacles have strewn his path. Perseverance, however, has cleared them away and the man has gone on to success, winning the respect and good will of all who have witnessed his struggles and victories. Such is the record of Philip. M. Brill, county recorder for Licking county, who may justly be called a self-made man, for he deserves all of the praise that term implies. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, February 1, 1850, his parents being David and Catharine (Mulinex) Brill. 248 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. The father was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, coming to Ohio in 1824 and settling in Guernsey county. He was the youngest of a family of twelve children. The ancestors of Philip M. Brill were all farming people, and both families number several representatives among the Union soldiers of the Civil war. David Brill continued his residence in Ohio up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1859. Philip M. Brill was then nine years of age. He was reared on the old homestead farm and attended the district schools, but through private reading, study and research and through experience and observation he added greatly to his knowledge, becoming a well informed man, and for twenty-seven years he engaged in teaching through the winter seasons, proving a capable educator. As his father left the family in limited financial circumstances, Mr. Brill was compelled. to supplement his farm labors through the summer months by teaching in the winter in order to support the family. For seven years in his early life he worked as a farm hand by the month, having a hard struggle to earn a livelihood, but persevered until lie had gained a substantial financial footing. While living in his native county he served as assessor. In 1890 Mr. Brill removed to Licking county, taking up his abode on a farm in D anover township, two miles from Black Hand. With characteristic energy he began the development and further improvement of that property, which he still owns, and which returns to him a good rental. His fellow townsmen have recognized his worth and ability and called him to public office. While living in Ham )ver township he served as justice of the peace and was also assessor. In the fall of 1904 he was elected on the republican ticket to the office of county recorder for a term of four years. He has made an efficient officer, carefully systematizing his work, and in the discharge of his duties he has displayed the utmost fidelity as well as promptness and capability. On the 28th of September, 1878, Mr. Brill was united in marriage to Miss Hari ah Bolton, a native of Noble county, Ohio, and they have four children: Othel, Florence, Ethel and Ada. Mr. Brill belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Woodmen Camp. He has been closely allied with the soldiers' and sailors' reunions of Black Hand and is interested in many measures of public moment. It is only under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in man is brought out and developed, and the hardships and 'privations which Mr. Brill had to endure, in his youthful days, gave rise to a strong, stalwart manhood that makes him one of the worthy and valued residents of Newark and Licking county. MRS. PHEBE A. (WILLIAMS) DANIELS. Mrs. Phebe A. (Williams) Daniels, the widow of Charles H. Daniels, was born in Newark township, Licking county, Ohio, August 31, 1857, her parents being William and. Mary (Evans) Williams, he of South and she of North Wales. In 1832 the mother accompanied her parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in Licking county, Ohio. William Williams, the father of Mrs. Daniels, was an agriculturist by occupation and both HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 249 he and his wife died on the home farm, his demise occurring October 16, 1885, while Mrs. Williams was called to her final rest in April, 1882. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, namely : Evan T., a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio; Zachariah J., living in Rhode Island; Margaret S., deceased; Sarah J., of Newark, Ohio ; Mrs. Daniels; and Susan E., who has also passed away. On the 24th of September, 1885, Phebe A. Williams gave her hand in marriage to Charles H. Daniels, whose birth occurred in Licking county, April 24, 1857, his parents being Edward and Lucy (Thomas) Daniels, the former a native of North Wales and the latter of Licking county, Ohio. Edward and Lucy (Thomas) Daniels reared a family of eight children and made their home in this county until called to the home beyond, the mother's demise occurring in 1904. Unto Charles H. and Phebe A. (Williams) Daniels were born two children : William Harold, whose natal day was September 30, 1886, and who died September 16, 1887; and Edward Williams, born May 25, 1895. In his political views Mr. Daniels was a stalwart republican and capably served in the office of supervisor for several years. He was a Modern Woodman of America of Newark and an Odd Fellow of Granville. His death occurred on the 20th of March, 1901, and his remains were interred in Cedar Hill cemetery, the county thus being called upon to mourn the loss of one of its worthy native sons and substantial citizens. Mis. Daniels is now the owner of one hundred and eighty-five acres of rich and valuable land in Newark township, a fine residence at No. 237 Central avenue and two lots on Craig avenue. Throughout her entire life, or for more than a half century, she has now been a resident of this county, and is therefore largely familiar with its annals from a pioneer period down to the present time, while the many excellent traits of character which she has displayed have made the circle of her friends almost :coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances. MADISON MELICK. Madison Melick, one of the prosperous and well-known agriculturists of Burlington township, where he owns a highly improved and valuable farm of three hundred and sixty-three acres, was born in Jackson township, Knox county, Ohio, on the 27th of September, 18,13. His parents, Jonas and Imas (Jones) Melick, were natives of Pennsylvania and Crawford county, Ohio, respectively. The father, who participated in the war of 1812, with the rank of major, made his way Westward to Knox county at an early day and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the venerable age of eighty-three years. When he arrived in this part of the state the district was still to a large extent wild and unimproved, numerous bears and deer roamed through the woods, and all the privations and hardships of pioneer life were to be met. Madison Melick was reared under the parental roof and obtained a limited education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses, with puncheon floor, slab benches and other primitive furnishings. When nineteen years of age he went with a Mr. Miller to Illinois, taking a flock of sheep to that state and there remaining during