(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 250 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. the corn husking season. He then accompanied Mr. Miller to Iowa, where he spent the winter. His father, who had been married. four times, his last wife being a native of Perry county, Ohio, had become paralyzed, and Madison Melick was called home to look after his interests. He remained with his father throughout that summer and was then married and located with his bride on the old homestead farm in Jackson township. In the fall of 1874, however, he came to Licking county, Ohio, purchasing one hundred and forty-six acres in Burlington township, while a few years later he bought ninety-six acres adjoining his original purchase on the east. In 1891 he bought another farm of one hundred and nineteen acres adjoining and took up his abode thereon in the spring of 1892. His three farms are all in one body and now comprise three hundred and sixty-three acres of some of the most valuable and productive land to be found in the county. The fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them, and in the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with a measure of success that entitles him to representation with the substantial and influential citizens of his community. Mr. Melick has been married twice. In 1865 he wedded Miss Valetta Drake, of Perry county, Ohio, by whom he had two children: Mrs. George Beaver, of Knox county,. Ohio; and Gus, a resident of Mount Vernon, Ohio. For his second wife Mr. Melick chose Miss Mary Larne, of Burlington township, Licking county, and by this marriage there were also born two children, namely : J. Frank, who assists his father in the operation of the home farm; and David M., who likewise carries on agricultural pursuits on one of his father's farms. Mrs. Mary Melick was called to her final rest in March, 1904, and her death was deeply and sincerely mourned, not only by her immediate' family but also by the many friends whom she had won. In his political views Mr. Melick is a stalwart republican. Having spent almost his entire life in this part of the state, he is widely and favorably known here, and has been a valuable assistant in much of the progress and development that has been made in the line of agricultural pursuits. JAMES OLIVER PRYOR. James Oliver Pryor, whose birth occurred in Glencoe, Belmont county, Ohio, July 8, 1850, came to Etna township, Licking county, more than thirty years ago. His parents were Albert and. Matilda (Meeks) Pryor, his father having been a native of Maryland while his mother was born in Belmont county, Ohio. They located in Licking county, settling on a farm in Harrison township, where Mr. Pryor engaged in general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death, in December, 1896, when he was eighty-eight years of age. His wife, still surviving, lives upon the home farm. They reared a family of eight sons and three daughters, James Oliver Pryor having been the second child born. Shortly after James Oliver Pryor was born, his parents removed to Centerville, Belmont county, Ohio, where his father transacted a general merchandise business in connection with farming, and there his son was reared until he was HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 253 fifteen years of age, in the meantime working upon his father's farm and availing himself of the educational opportunities afforded by the neighboring schools. The family next removed to Monroe county where his father purchased a tract of land on which his son James Oliver Pryor resided until he was united in marriage, in the meantime hiring out with neighboring farmers. In 1879 he removed to this county where he was employed as a farm hand until his marriage. He then rented a farm which he tilled for a period of five years, at the termination of which period he and his wife located on the farm where they have resided for the past twenty-three years. The farm which originally embraced sixty-five acres he has since increased to one hundred and forty-five acres, the property being located one mile west of Etna on the National Pike and Electric Line, and here he carries on general farming together with stock-raising. Provided with new and substantial buildings, its fences in excellent repair and the soil in the best condition, this farm is as desirable a piece of land as exists in this part of the county. In his ventures Mr. Pryor has been very successful and aside from his farming interests he has launched out farther in the commercial world and is a stock-holder in the Kirkersville Bank and also in the Farmers Telephone Company of Pataskala. On March 9, 1872, Mr. Pryor wedded Belle McLeary, a native of Monroe county, who passed away six years later. She had three children, namely : Anto Genella, who became the wife of Homer Lamp, residing in Denver, Colorado ; Luna, who entered into rest in her ninth year ; and McLeary, who went to South Africa with a transport carrying horses during the Boer war, and who now resides in St. Louis, Missouri. The second .marriage of Mr. Pryor occurred February 19, 1882, and was to Louisa Katharine Emswiler, who was born- here November 28, 1854, a daughter of William Harrison and Susan (Goss) Emswiler, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. To this union were born : Verna, who passed away in her fourth year ; Lottie E., who died in infancy; Daisy, who lives with her parents; Ethel Florence, whose death occurred when she was in her third year ; and Otto, who lives at home. Mr. Pryor is a republican in politics and has never deviated in his loyalty to his party since casting his first vote and, being a man who has given considerable study to the merits of the platforms of the several political cults, he is decided in his leaning toward the principles of republicanism and during campaigns his influence is widely felt in his efforts to secure the election of the candidates of his party. He belongs to Etna Grange and the Methodist Episcopal church, and his honesty and straightforwardness together with his enterprise, include him among the township's worthy citizens. J. W. BARKER, M. D. J. W. Barker, M. D., capably and successfully practicing medicine in Newark since 1891, comes to Ohio from Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Armstrong county, of the latter state, September 1, 1873. His father, Edward Barker, was also a native of that county and followed the occupation of farming as a life work, but died in 1875 when his son, Dr. Barker, an only child, was but 254 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. two years of age. The mother bore the maiden name of Martha Adams and was also. born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. She still survives and is now living in Newark with her son, who thus repays her in filial love and devotion for the care and attention which she gave to him in his youthful years. Dr. Barker was a pupil in the schools of Grove City, and other places in Pennsylvania. He received no inheritance from his father, but in his childhood days determined to become a physician, which was his father's wish. He was reared by Dr. Pettigrew, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and this may have had something to do with shaping his life work. Through the summer months he was employed in different ways and in the winter seasons attended school. He carefully saved his earnings and worked hard to fit himself for the profession. After preliminary reading he used his earnings to pay the expenses of a college course, and began studying in the Baltimore Medical College, from which he was graduated April 21, 1898. He then began practice in Mineral City, Ohio, where he remained until 1901, when he came to Newark and located in the western section of the city, where he has since lived. In 1897 Dr. Barker was married to Miss Bertha F. Devereaux, who was born in Maryland and is of French descent. The doctor and his wife have an extensive circle of warm friends in their section of the city. They are members of the Presbyterian church and Dr. Barker also belongs to the Licking County and Ohio State Medical Societies. He has given his attention to general practice in which he has been very successful, for he displays keen discernment in diagnosing his cases and is seldom, if ever, at fault in predicting the outcome of disease. He is also correct in his application of remedial agencies, and while slow to discard the old and time-tried methods of practice, the value of which has been proven in the passing years, he is also quick to adopt new methods which his judgment sanctions as elements in the progress of professional labor. J. G. FREDERICK. Among the honored veterans that Licking county sent to the Union army for service in the Civil war J. G. Frederick is numbered. The country owes to her soldiers a debt of gratitude which can never be paid and especially to those who made great sacrifice to aid in the preservation of the Union. Mr. Frederick is well known in the county, for his entire life has here been passed. He was born in Newton township, October 22, 1836, a son of John and Nancy (Fry) Frederick, natives of Virginia. Coming to Ohio about 1820, they settled in Newton township, Licking county, and here resided until the death of the mother. The following year the family removed to Iowa, where the father passed away. In their family were seven children, six of whom reached adult age. J. G. Frederick, the fifth in order of birth, was a lad of ten years when his parents left Licking county and went to Ottawa, Illinois. Two years later he accompanied his father to Hamilton county, Iowa, where they remained for two years and then returned to Ohio, settling near Chatham. In 1857, when about twenty-one years of age, J. G. Frederick went to Canton, Illinois; and there HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 255 remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when in August, 1862, he enlisted in Fulton county, Illinois, as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry. With his command he went to the front and participated in the skirmish at Black River, Mississippi, and in the battle of Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863. There he lost his left arm and was also wounded in the hip. His injuries necessitated his remaining in the hospital until February, 1865, when because of his wounds he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Licking county, Ohio, with a most creditable military record, but had made a great sacrifice in order to preserve the Union. Shortly after his return home he was married to Miss Nellie M. Philipps, the wedding being celebrated May 20, 1865. She was born in McKean township in 1844, a daughter of Samuel and Susannah (Riley) Philipps. Her father came to this county at the age of two years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick has been blessed with four children, namely : Arthur, who is still with his parents; Ada, who died at the age of thirty years; Nellie, the wife of E. E. Weiser, a resident of Cleveland; and Susannah, who died when but three years of age. Soon after their marriage, in the fall of 1865, Mr. Frederick removed with his young wife to Illinois, where he resided until 1877, when he returned to his native county. For many years he followed the painter's trade. At the present time he owns and occupies a little farm of twelve acres just outside the city limits of Granville. He is a member of Lima Post, No. 71, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He also belongs to the Granville Baptist church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while in Illinois he held some minor township offices, the duties of which he discharged in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He has now passed the seventy-second milestone on life's journey and an honorable record has won him the respect and good will of all with whom he has come in contact. JACOB VANDENBARK, SR. Jacob Vandenbark, Sr., has followed agricultural pursuits as a life work and for many years has been identified with farming in Hanover township, although he has recently sold to his son the old home farm. He is a native of Ohio, born September 27, 1832, a son of Gersham and Mary (Baird) Vandenbark, both natives of New Jersey, whence in their childhood days they removed with their respective parents to Muskingum county. The father there grew to mature years and was married to Miss Baird. He made farming his life work and died in Muskingum county at the age of fifty-eight years. The wife and mother died when seventy-three years of age. Jacob Van denbark was reared in Muskingum county and acquired his education in one of the old time log schoolhouses near his father's home, the methods of instruction being quite as primitive as the building. He assisted his father on the home farm until he had attained his majority, when, in 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen Virginia Bealmear, a daughter of Dr. Thomas Beal- 256 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. mear, of Muskingum county. In the spring following his marriage Mr. Vanden-bark and his bride came to Licking county and located on his present farm in Hanover township, this tract having been given him by his father. It embraced one hundred and thirty-eight acres and the only improvement on the place was a little log house, in which the young couple began their domestic life. Five years later this pioneer home was replaced by a fine frame residence, which at that time was one of the finest in this section of the country. As the years have passed Mr. Vandenbark has prospered and has remained active in agricultural circles to the present time. He recently sold the home farm to his son. His success has been gained through the most straightforward and honorable methods and is therefore well deserved. Mr. and Mrs. Vandenbark became the parents of ten children, of whom nine still survive : Flora, the wife of Z. H. McKnight of Licking county; Mrs. 011ie Myers, a widow residing in Columbus; Emma, the wife of Jasper Siler, of Massillon, Ohio; Thomas B., of Granville, this state; Ella, the wife of William Smart, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Jacob, Jr., who married Catherine Huffman and owns the old home farm; Mattie, the wife of E. P. Stone, of Hanover; Carrie, the wife of Frank Richards, of Hanover township; and Blanche, the wife of Austin Howe, also of this township. After a happy married life of forty-five years, Mr. and Mrs. Vandenbark were separated by the death of the latter and her remains were interred in Hanover cemetery. Mr. Vandenbark has supported the men and measures of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is well known as a pioneer of the county and as a most industrious and useful man, whose probity is an unquestioned element in his career. In daily life he is genial and affable and his friends speak of him in terms of highest praise and commendation. ISAAC NEWTON McMILLEN. Isaac Newton McMillen devotes his time and energies to the further improvement and development of a farm of two hundred and twelve acres, situated on the township line between Union and Granville townships. It is only about five miles from Newark on the county road and there Mr. McMillen carries on general farming and stock raising, for many years making a specialty ofNewark township He was born in Newark.townSlip, north of the city of Newark, May 14, 1834, a son of Andrew McMillen, whose birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylavnia, February 14, 1788. In the yea r 1808 he came to Licking county with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James McMillen. The former was a son of William and Margaret McMillen, and William McMillen was a native of Scotland. The birth of James McMillen occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 1, 1758, and there he resided for a time, from whence he went to Wellsburg, West Virginia, where he operated a tavern and dry goods store. In 1808 he went to Ohio and purchased a farm west of Newark, on which he erected a large distillery. He afterward went to Muskingum county in 1814 and there his death occurred in 1821. During the first night which he spent in Licking county, he and his family camped on the HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 259 present site of the courthouse. He married Jane Bell, a daughter of George and Mary Bell and by this marriage there were born ten children, Andrew, George, William, James, Isaac, Theodosius, Mary, Diver, William and James. The first of the name of William died in early childhood. An interesting episode in the early life of Andrew McMillen reads as follows: One day Andrew and some other boys waded across the Ohio river to the Ohio side to get some paw-paws. On their return they heard a gun fired and after reaching the shore learned that a man had been killed by an Indian on the site they had but lately quitted. He was killed and scalped, the Indian escaping. I t was supposed the Indians were trying to capture one of the boys. Arriving at years of maturity Andrew McMillen was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and a daughter of Archibald and Nancy (Newman) Wilson, who were also natives of the Old Dominion and came to this state in 1802. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McMillen spent the remainder of their lives here and he was recognized as one of the prominent and influential farmers who owned two hundred and eighty-six acres in the home place and was engaged extensively in stock raising in addition to cultivating the fields. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church and his life was characterized by principles that neither sought nor required disguise. His political allegiance was given to the whig party and at one time he was a candidate on that ticket for the legislature. He stood always for reform, improvemeni, for justice, truth and right and his name was honored wherever he was known. In his family were eleven children: James, a physician and surgeon, practicing in Newark; Archibald, a farmer and stock dealer; George V., who also follows farming; John W., who owns a large farm and also engages in raising and selling stock; William, who devotes his attention to the sane pursuit; Benjamin F., well known as a representative of farming interests in this county; Henrietta, the wife of Wesley Belt, who is a local preacher and farmer; Dorothy, the wife of Miles Marple; David P. and A. B., twins; and Isaac Newton of this review. The last named was only a young lad when his parents removed to the farm on which he now resides. Here he has lived continuously since, save for a short time which he spent in Granville in order to give his children better educational advantages. He has two hundred, and twelve acres which formerly constituted a part of his father's estate, lying on the township line between Union and Granville townships and bordering the county road five miles from Newark. It is a pleasant situation and enables the family to enjoy all the advantages of town life and at the same time the freedom of rural life. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and the farm is a splendidly improved property, giving evidence in its neat appearance of the supervision and practical methods Of the owner. Stock raising has been an important feature of his business and for a number of years he engaged quite extensively in raising sheep. On the 8th of June, 1858, Mr. McMillen laid the foundation for a happy home life in his marriage to Miss Martha Jane Showman, a daughter of John and Mary (Swick) Showman, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. McMillen was born in 1838 and passed away in 1900, her death being deeply regretted by many friends. In the family were six children: Archa Bell, a resident farmer 260 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. of Newark township; Andrew M., who follows farming in Granville township; Annie, the wife of Jano Buckland, of Granville; Mary E., at, home; Dorothy, the wife of George Piper, of Granville; and Martha, the wife of Elmer Griffiths, who is professor in a college at Liberty, Missouri. Martha engaged in teaching for a number of years before her marriage. Mr. McMillen exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and is interested in all that pertains to the moral progress of the community. He has now reached the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and in looking back over the past he can see that there have been few wasted opportunities and few leisure moments. His life has indeed been a busy, active and useful one and furnishes an example which might well be followed by those who wish to win honorable success and at the same time enjoy the merited confidence and good will of their fellowmen. RICHARD L. TANEYHILL. Richard L. Taneyhill, attorney at law, of Newark, was born at Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, February 16, 1875, and is a son of Richard W. and Matilda (Robertson) Taneyh ill, both of whom are natives of Holmes county. The father has been probate judge of that county for thirty years and is still the incumbent of that office. He was also clerk of the court for seven years and was a captain in the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which rank he served throughout the entire war. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and in numerous other notable engagements and his entire life has been characterized bẙ the same patriotic spirit and loyalty to his country that marked his course when he followed the stars and stripes on southern battlefields. Passing through consecutive grades in the public schools, Richard L. Taneyhill eventually became a high-school student and was graduated with the class of 1894. Determining upon the practice of law as his life work, he then matriculated in the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Law. He also spent one year in pursuing a special course in Columbian College at Washington, D. C. In 1899 he was admitted to practice in the Ohio courts and in January, 1900, opened an office in Newark, where he has since remained. He has comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of law, but in his practice makes a specialty of commercial law, and has displayed marked ability in this department of jurisprudence. In addition to the care of, legal interests on behalf of his clients he also publishes a rating book for Licking and Richland counties, known as the Blue Book. He is likewise the secretary of the Ohio Collectors' Association. He belongs to the Licking County Bar Association and his fellow practitioners recognize his ability and class him with the representative lawyers of the city. On the 25th of May, 1905, Mr. Taneyhill was married to Miss Irene S. Duer, of Millersburg, and they have one son, Richard D., born December 15, 1906. Mrs. Taneyhill is a daughter of E. J. Duer of Millersburg, an attorney, who has been HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 261 prominent in the public life of his community, serving as mayor, as postmaster and in other positions of public trust. His daughter, Miss Taneyhill, is a graduate of the Millersburg high school and of the School of Applied Design for Women, a well known art school in New York city. She displays artistic ability that would soon take her beyond the ranks of the amateurs if she desired to enter the profession. Both Mr. and Mrs. Taneyhill have many friends in Newark and their home is the center of a cultured society circle. AARON PARK HILLBRANT. Aaron Park Hillbrant, a worthy citizen and prosperous farmer of Union township, whose family for upwards of a century has been tilling the soil in this county, was born here December 5, 1847. His paternal grandfather, Henry, who was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1762, came here at a time when there were but two or three families in this part of the township, and settled near the away in his ninety-fourth year. He took up a claim covering something over sixteen hundred acres, all of which was woodland, a portion of which he cleared and present home of his grandson, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing put under cultivation. In his family were six sons and four daughters, some of whom were born in Virginia, and a number of whom were united in marriage and reared families, among them having been Aaron Hillbrant, whose birth occurred here on October 7, 1808, where he spent his entire life in the pursuit of agriculture, entering into rest November 3, 1879. He was an extensive land owner, having possessed five hundred acres in this township, together with one farm in Illinois, his first purchase here having been cite hundred acres of timber land which he cleared off and put under cultivation and provided with substantial buildings. For five years he was employed on the Ohio canal, receiving seven dollars a month for the first three years, eight dollars per month for the fourth year, and nine dollars per month for the fifth year. Giving up this occupation, he returned to farming, and was so successful in tilling the soil as to have been able not only to increase his acreage ten times over his original purchase but also to amass considerable means. He wedded Isabella Huddleston, a native of Hampshire county, Virginia (now West Virginia), in November, 1811, a daughter of Henry and Mary Huddleston, who were early settlers of this place, and to this union were born eleven children, four of whom survive, namely : Lucy, who became the wife of George C. Wilcox, the couple living in Kansas; Henry, a resident of Granville township; Aaron Park, whose name heads this review ; and Thomas P., who resides here. His wife having passed away in 1864, Mr. Hillbrant was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Kagy Walton, by whom he had one son, W. H., who resides in Kansas. On the home farm with his parents Aaron Park Hillbrant remained until he was united in marriage, in the meantime assisting his father in the daily routine of agricultural life, and, during the short winter terms, acquiring his education in the neighboring schools. At that period of his life, desirous of entering the world for himself, he purchased a farm one mile north of the old homestead, where het 262 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. has since been following the occupation to which he was born and reared. His farm consists of one hundred acres of rich and highly cultivated soil, and is part of the original Hillbrant estate upon which his father and grandfather had lived, 'and, being provided with buildings of the most substantial character, and neatly 'fenced, the premises present the appearance of thrift and industry, and no better or more productive farm exists in this part of the county. Hay and wheat, together with other grains, are produced in large quantities by Mr. Hillbrant, who also pays some attention to stock raising, breeding cattle and sheep from the highest grade of registered specimens. On April 15, 1868, he wedded Alice Owens, a native of Granville township, this county, where her birth occurred April 20, 1851, and a daughter of John and Mary A. (Jones) Owens, natives of Wales, both of whom passed away here where they had spent the greater portion of their lives and reared a family of six children, all of whom grew to maturity. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hillbrant are : Charles A., who resides at home; Orie E., a widower with one child, Emma, both of whom reside with his parents; Alice J., who became the wife of Charles Richards, of Granville township, the couple having one daughter, Alice; John A., who lives with his parents; and Bertha E., who lives with her husband, John Showman, in Granville township. Mr. Hillbrant has always had unquestioning faith in the possibilities of the principles of the democratic party as regards the general welfare of the nation, and hence he is an enthusiastic advocate of the tenets of his party, and during campaigns his influence is deeply felt on behalf of its candidates. Aside from national' and state affairs, he takes quite an interest in local matters and has served as road commissioner and as a member of the school board. For the past eight years he has been a member of the Licking Baptist church, although he has attended the divine services of that institution since boyhood. Being a man of high moral purpose, whose daily conduct is thoroughly in keeping with the teachings of his religion, he' enjoys an excellent reputation among his neighbors, and is one of the valued citizens of the township. FRANK P. WRIGHT. Frank P. Wright, a life-long resident and a native son of Monroe township, where for many years, in connection with general agriculture, he has been engaged in sheep breeding, in which connection he is widely known throughout the state, was born May 19, 1861, upon the farm where he now resides. His parents were James and Effie (Willison) Wright, his father having spent the greater portion of his life in Licking county, where he owned many acres of land on which he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He came here in the early days and was known throughout the county as one of the men through whose energies this part of the state was transformed from thick woodlands and undeveloped tracts to its present fertile and fruitful fields. Frank P. Wright was reared under the parental roof and in the neighboring schools acquired his education, in the meantime assisting his father in the daily routine of agricultural life. Upon the death of his parents he fell heir to the old HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 265 homestead and its surrounding acreage. The farm is one of the finest in the vicinity and has long since been provided with every convenience by which agriculture may be carried on by modern methods. It includes two hundred acres of excellent and well located land, the quality of its soil being unexcelled in the county, and from year to year, under favorable conditions, it yields large harvests. Mr. Wright carries on stock-raising to some extent and has a number of head of graded cattle and sheep, making a specialty of breeding the latter, many of which he has shipped throughout the adjoining states. He pays particular attention to raising Delaine sheep and has won the reputation of being among the foremost sheep breeders in the state. On November 10, 1887, Mr. Wright wedded Miss Alma Wells, a daughter of Alfred and Ellen (Follett) Wells, her father being a well known farmer in Hartford township. They have since been living together in happy companionship, assisting each other in bearing life's burdens. Mr. Wright is a republican in politics and, having given a thorough study to the principles of his party, he is an able advocate of their merits. During campaigns he is influential in presenting his side of a question to the end of securing votes to place the party candidates in office. Imbued with public-spirit, lie is a hearty advocate of improvements, particularly good roads, and is always ready to further any movement which in his judgment will tend toward the general welfare of the community. He belongs to Johnstown Lodge, K. P., and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of which he has been a trustee for several years and in addition is one of its most liberal supporters. He is in every sense an exemplary character, honest, upright and progressive, and is highly esteemed throughout the county. MRS. ROSE A. (McDONELL) SMITH. Mrs. Rose A. (McDonell) Smith, the widow of Patrick Smith, is well known in Newark, where she has a wide and favorable acquaintance. She was born in Ireland at the Castle Blaney estate, and came to America when sixteen years of age, becoming a resident of New Jersey. A year later she removed to Newark, Ohio, where she has since resided: She is a daughter of Michael and Mary McDonell, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Her father was a shoemaker by trade and followed that occupation throughout his entire life. He was industrious, energetic and reliable and whatever success he enjoyed was attributable to his own labors. He passed away' in March, 1888, while his wife survived until March 23, 1908, and died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. In the family of this worthy couple were ten children : Mrs. Smith, of this review; Elizabeth, the wife of John McKenna, of Newark, Ohio; Esther, who is the widow of Benjamin Nichols and makes her home in Newark ; Patrick, also a resident of Newark, Ohio ; and six who are deceased. Rose A. McDonell, spending her girlhood days under the parental roof, left her father's home for a home of her own when on the 28th of December, 1857, she gave her hand in marriage to Patrick Smith, a native of County Down, Ireland. He came to the United States when eighteen years of age and first 266 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. settled in the state of New York, whence he removed westward in 1853, establishing his home in Ohio: He was afterward roadmaster for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad for ten years and then turned his attention to the lumber business, organizing the Smith Lumber Company of Newark and establishing a lumberyard, which he successfully conducted until his death. He carried a large stock of lumber and builders- supplies and had a liberal patronage. His business methods were ever straightforward and reliable and he secured a liberal patronage that enabled him to leave a comfortable competence to his family when death claimed him. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born ten children: William H., a resident of Newark, Ohio; Fannie A., at home; James P., deceased; Frank M., who also makes his home in Newark, Ohio; Catherine E., the wife of A. C. Davis, of Newark, Ohio; Rose J., who has passed away; Olive, a graduate of St. Mary's Academy; Bessie, deceased; and two who have likewise passed away. The death of the husband and father occurred April 16, 1894, and thus Newark lost one of its representative, reliable and honored business men. He had long figured prominently in its commercial circles and his worth had gained for him the warm friendship of those with whom he came in contact. Mrs. Smith is now the vice president of the lumber business, which has been incorporated under the name of P. Smith Sons Lumber Company of Newark. The estate also embraces a large lumberyard in Columbus, conducted under the name of the South Side Lumber Company, and two large lumber mills in Tennessee. Through close attention to business, careful management and well directed investment the interests of the company have been increased three-fold since the death of the husband and father. In addition to her interest in the estate, Mrs. Smith owns a fine residence at No. 128 Fifth street in Newark. She and her family are communicants of the Catholic church, to which Mr. Smith also belonged. The: family figures prominently in connection with commercial and industrial interests in Newark, possessing and controlling extensive business interests which constitute a feature in the development of the city as well as a source of substantial revenue for the owners. MOSES GOODRICH. Although Moses Goodrich has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he is still active in the management of his business interests and has given his life to general farming and stock-raising, while the production of potatoes is now a special feature of his farm. He has long lived in this part of the state and his life in its various phases is familiar to his fellowmen and has gained him the high position which he occupies in public regard. His birth occurred January 14, 1836, on his present home farm, three-quarters of a mile north of Main street, in the village of Granville, on the Mount Vernon road. He is a grandson of Stephen Goodrich, who spent his entire life in Connecticut and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. The father, Stephen Goodrich, Jr., was born in Simsbury, Hartford county, Connecticut, in December, 1790, and came to Ohio in the fall of 1812, traveling on foot. He was accom- HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 267 panied. by a companion and they carried a little package of clothes on their back. Licking county was their objective point and on reaching their destination Stephen Goodrich located on the farm which is now the home of his son Moses. He first bought one hundred acres of land, later invested in another tract of fifty acres and also received one hundred acres from his father, but sold half of that. He this left at his death a valuable farm property of two hundred acres, which is now in possession of his son Moses and he had other property in Union township, which was inherited by his son Georg. With characteristic energy Stephen Goodrich began to clear the land and placed most of it under cultivation himself. At the time of his arrival a small tract had been developed and an orchard had been set out. He served for a short time in the war of 1812, but, with the exception of this interruption, his entire life was given to general agricultural pursuits and he transformed his farm property in Licking county into valuable and productive fields, from which he annually gathered rich harvests. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church and, as he was a fine reader, he was frequently called upon to read sermons in the absence of a pastor. His political allegiance was given to the whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party, for his sympathies were in accord with its principles. He married Sarah Powell, who was born in Pennsylvania about 1802 and came to Granville about 1809, with her parents, the Rev. Thomas and Mrs. Powell, who were natives of Wales. Her father was a minister of the Baptist church. Mrs. Goodrich continued to reside in this county until her death, which occurred when she had reached the advanced age of eighty-two years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Goodrich were born nine children, six of whom reached years of maturity : Stephen, who died in California; George, living at Valley Falls, Kansas; Mrs. Lydia J. Green, a widow residing in Granville, who with her husband, the Rev. David Green, went as missionaries to Ning-po, China, where they spent ten years, during which time two of their children were born; Moses, of this review; Mrs. Hannah Hillyer, deceased; and Mrs. Laura G. French, who has also passed away. The youthful days of Moses Goodrich were quietly passed. He worked in the fields during the summer months and in the winter season attended the public schools, remaining in the vicinity of Granville until twenty-six years of age. The Civil war having begun, on the 20th of August, 1862, he responded to the country's call for troops, becoming a member of Company D, One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and Marietta, Georgia, and was with Sherman from the beginning of the Atlanta campaign until the close of the war, participating during that time in the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina. Thus he was often in the thickest of the fight and again was stationed on the lonely picket line, while at different times he participated in the long hard marches and rigorous campaigns that made the lot of the Union soldier a most arduous one. On the 6th of July, 1865, he was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, having in the meantime participated in every skirmish and battle with his command. Mr. Goodrich then returned home and resumed general farming. His father died in August, 1865, and he then took charge of the home farm, which he has since owned and cultivated. It is a tract of productive and valuable land of two hundred acres and here he cultivates the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate 268 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. and also raises considerable stock. For the past five years he has likewise made a specialty of cultivating potatoes and gathers a large crop of the tubers annually. This is proving a profitable source of income and indicates his wisdom in thus cultivating his land. On the 23d of November, 1868, Mr. Goodrich was married to Miss Helen S. Humphrey, who was born February 7, 1837, and died July 30, 1905. She was a daughter of Mathew and Luci lda (Barber) Humphrey and was a graduate of the seminary at North Granville, New York. She afterward engaged in teaching English, French, drawing and painting in the seminary at Granville and the Solomon Sanford School at Cleveland, Ohio. During her childhood days her parents resided at Granville for several years, but afterward returned to Wyoming county, New York, where she was married. She was a lady of many attractive qualities and her many excellent traits of heart and mind endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. The children of this marriage are : Albert D., who married Carrie E. Deitrick and is living in Oakland, California ; and Robert R., at home. He married Lydia Wilson of Newark and they have two children, Raymond R. and Herman D. The two grandchildren are the fourth generation of the Goodrich family to have lived in the present home. In his political views Mr. Goodrich has long been a stalwart republican, casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. For seventeen years he served as trustee of the township, his long continuance in the office indicating in unmistakable terms his fidelity to duty and his genuine worth. The family attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Goodrich is a member of the Grand Army post, thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He is as true and loyal to his country today as when he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields. In all of his business connections, too, he has been reliable, straightforward and active, and his capable management has placed him with the representative farmers of the locality. JOSEPH COMISFORD. Among those who have met with success in agricultural lines is Joseph Comisford, who is well known in Union township, Licking county, where he was born and has always resided, engaged in general farming on the land he now has under cultivation. His parents were Paris P. and Rosa (Gifford) Comisford, natives of the north of Ireland, who on the day after their marriage set sail for the new world, locating in New York, where they spent two years, at the termination of which period they came to Newark, Ohio, where they continued their residence for about two years. They then located on this farm on October 15, 1850, and here spent their remaining days, Mr. Comisford departing this life May 27, 1880, in his sixty-third year, while his wife, who lived to be seventy-three years of age, passed away in 1893. They reared a family of eight children, namely : Andrew T., deceased; Mrs. Katharine Malay, deceased ; Mary Green, of Licking township; Mrs. Ellen Haynes, deceased; Henry, who lives in Hebron, Ohio ; Joseph; and Margaret Hickey and Clary Davey, both of whom have passed away. HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 271 On his present farm Joseph Comisford was reared and here under the direction of his father he became familiar with the work of tilling the fields. During the winter months he attended the district schools and also pursued his education in Hebron. After completing his studies he continued to till the soil of the old home place, where he has since resided. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres, five acres of which is within the corporation limits of Hebron, his farm lying north of the village on the refugee line. In all of his business affairs Mr. Comisford is practical and, in his management of his farming interests, displays sound judgment and keen sagacity. He has studied the nature of the soil, practiced the rotation of crops and has been quite successful in carrying on the farm work. He raises the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and in addition he also raises some stock, keeping on hand a number of head of fine cattle, sheep and hogs. Aside from his agricultural interests he is concerned in other enterprises. He was one of the original promoters of the Hebron Banking Company and has been a director since its organization. In his political views Mr. Comisford is independent, never regarding party lines in casting his ballot but considering only the capability of the candidate. He has led a life of intense and well directed energy and has, therefore, accomplished substantial results in his business affairs. Moreover he is thoroughly reliable, his commercial integrity standing as an unquestioned fact in his life. MRS. SARAH J. (WALTERS) EVANS. The lady whose name introduces this review was born in Licking county, Ohio, August 3, 1835, her parents being Robert and Hannah (Evans) Walters, who were natives of North and South Wales respectively, and in early life accompanied their respective parents on their emigration to the United States, both locating in Oneida, New York. Subsequently they came to Licking county, Ohio, and here spent the remainder of their lives. Robert Walters, the father of Mrs. Evans, who was a carpenter by trade, walked to Columbus and was employed there during the construction of the state house. Unto him and his wife were born four children, namely: Owen, deceased; Mrs. Evans; and two who died in infancy. On the 17th of March, 1863, Sarah J. Walters gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Evans, a native of South Wales and a son of John and Sarah Evans. At an early day he crossed the briny deep to the United States and throughout his active business career was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. His family numbered thirteen children, as follows: Hannah, the wife of E. M. Jones, of Granville, Ohio; John, of Newark; Owen, of Granville; Sarah, the wife of F. B. Keller, of Newark township; Robert W., at home ; Margaret, who has passed away; Thomas, likewise at home; four who died in infancy; Mary, the wife of Perry S. Kelley, of Newark township ; and Anna, who is also still under the parental roof. Politically Mr. Evans was a stanch republican, but had no desire for the honors or emoluments of office. On the 24th of May, 1907, he was called to his final rest, his demise being deeply mourned by his wife and children, as well as 272 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. by the extensive circle of friends he had made during the many years of his residence in this county. Mrs. Evans now owns four houses and lots in Newark, Ohio, and is one of the venerable and highly respected ladies of Licking county, where she has spent her entire life. Her mind forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present and she relates many interesting incidents of early pioneer days, when the settlers experienced all of the hardships and privations of life in a sparsely inhabited and undeveloped district. Like her husband, she has gained a large circle of warm friends, who esteem her highly for her many good traits of heart and mind WILLIAM WORDSWORTH GARD. Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Newark than William Wordsworth Gard, for, although he has resided here for but a comparatively brief period, he figures prominently in business circles as the cashier of the Park National Bank and has, moreover, attractive personal qualities which have gained for him a rapidly growing circle of friends. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, May 3, 1876, a son of Daniel Hosmer and Ella E. (Rider) Gard, natives of Ohio and Massachusetts respectively. The father filled the responsible and arduous position of telegraph operator for General Thomas in the Civil war, remaining with him in that capacity until hostilities were brought to an end. He was one of the early telegraph operators of the country and, in 1866, went to Columbus. Ohio, where he erected the telegraph lines for the Hocking Valley railroad, with which company he was associated for twenty-seven years, becoming its superintendent of telegraph. He also installed the lines for the Western Union Telegraph Company in Columbus and has been prominently identified with the promotion of the telegraphic systems of this part of the country. He was connected with an event which attracted wide spread attention in railroad circles and in which he displayed marked enterprise and discernment. He went from the Hocking Valley railroad to the Missouri Pacific, which he and J. S. Leeds represented as traffic managers. Together they went to San Francisco to fight the Southern Pacific, continuing the opposition until they got a right of way into the city, previously the Southern Pacific having had exclusive control under republican administration. Messrs. Gard and Leeds then organized two steamship lines, one from San Francisco to Panama and one from Panama to New York, for the purpose of carrying freight at cheaper rates than the railroads. His work in this connection won the approval not only of the specific road which he represented but of others as well who were glad to see the domination of the Southern Pacific broken in its selfish control of a western terminal point. After many years' active connection with the railroad and telegraphic interests, Mr. Gard is now living retired in Columbus. William Wordsworth Gard was educated in the schools of the capital city and in the University of California, at Berkeley, where he spent three years, during which time he was a resident of Alameda, California. He then returned to Columbus and entered upon his banking career as messenger of the Ohio National Bank. His ability, worth and fidelity HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 273 led to his promotion until he became loan and discount teller, resigning that position in February, 1905, to assist in the organization of the Lincoln Savings Bank of Columbus, which he opened for business, acting as its cashier for one year. On the expiration of that period he resigned to become cashier of the Licking County Bank & Trust Company of Newark, with which he remained until June 1, 1907. Again he resigned, this time to organize the Guardian Savings & Trust Company of Newark, which was converted into the Park National Bank July 6, 1908. This institution has a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars and a surplus of ten thousand dollars and is starting under very favorable circumstances, having already a volume of business which is gratifying. The company has erected a new and magnificent bank building, supplied with every modern equipment and constituting one of the features of architectural adornment in the city. The officers are A. G. Wyeth, president; A. R. Lindorf, vice president; and William W. Gard, cashier. Mr. Gard is widely known in banking circles and has been very successful in the organization of a number of paying banking institutions. He thoroughly understands the business in every detail and his work has constituted a valuable element in business development. On the 16th of June, 1908, Mr. Gard was married to Miss Mabel Phillips of Newark. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a past grand chancellor of Junia lodge, I. O. O. F., of .Columbus, a thirty-second degree Mason and a. noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, for he traces his ancestry back to those who were patriots of the Continental army, while others of the name have served in the different wars in which the country has been engaged, Mr. Gard of this review becoming a first sergeant of Battery H, Ohio Volunteers in the Spanish-American war. Interested in all matters of general progress, his attention, however, is chiefly given to his business duties, which are capably conducted. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose and a genius for devising the right thing at the right time, are numbered among his salient characteristics, and while he has advanced his own interests he also belongs to that class of representative American men who promote the general prosperity in enhancing their individual success. CARL E. EVANS, M. D. Carl E. Evans is one of the younger members of the medical fraternity of Licking county, yet his years do not seem a bar to his success, for he has been accorded a patronage that many an older physician might well envy. He was born in this city August 9, 1879, and represents one of the old families of the county, his father, John Q. Evans, being a native of Granville township. His grandfather, David Evans, came from Wales about 1840 and took up his abode in this country, following the occupation of farming here. His son, John Q. Evans, was educated in Denison University and afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits in Newark, being associated with the commercial life and upbuilding of the city until his death, which occurred in 1885 when he was thirty-eight years of age. He wedded Maria Jones, a native of G ranville township, Licking county, and a 274 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. daughter of John Jones, who was likewise born in the little rock-ribbed country of Wales, whence he made 'his way to the United States and settled in Licking county when it was still a frontier district. He was a stone mason by trade and did work on the construction of some of the principal buildings in Newark. As boy and youth Dr. Evans remained in this city, mastering the different branches of learning taught in the successive grades of the public schools until he was graduated from the high school in 1898. He entered upon his business career as an employe in the Roe Emerson clothing store, spending some time there while still in school. He also worked for that firm during the periods of vacation when a college student, and in that way earned-the money which enabled him to prosecute his education. Believing that he would find the practice of medicine eon, genial and profitable he took up the study when eighteen years of age, but it was long prior to this time that he had determined to make it his life work. In 1903 he was graduated from the Ohio Medical University, and in May of the same year opened his office in Newark, where he has since remained in general practice. That his fellow citizens regard his work worthy of a liberal patronage is indicated by the gratifying success that he has attained. He is now the family physician in many households here, and in addition to his private practice is serving on the medical staff of the Newark Hospital. His membership relations in professional lines are with the county, state and national medical associations. In February, 1904, Dr. Evans was married to Miss Edna V. Frederick, a native of Coshocton county and a daughter of Robert C. Frederick, who for many years was a merchant in Johnstown, Licking county, but is now deceased. Dr. Evans belongs to Acme Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and to the Masonic chapter and council. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen and other societies, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church. His popularity results from his good will, his genial manner, and his friendly spirit. He has always lived in Newark, and his upright life is attested by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those with whom he has been acquainted from his boyhood days to the present time. ISAAC W. BRIGGS. Isaac W. Briggs, who resides a half-mile south of Snyder's Crossing in Etna township, is now conducting a first class dairy and is meeting with excellent success. He has a fine herd of Jersey cows and also raises considerable stock. He was born in St. Albans township, November 25, 1860, a son of Richard and Sarah (Owens) Briggs. His father was born in Stratfordshire, Great Bridge, England, March 28, 1815, arid came to the new world with his wife and two sons, settling in Granville, this county, in 1848. His wife was a native of Wales; where her birth occurred in 1816, and she departed this life on their farm in this county, August 12, 1887, her husband having survived her by sixteen years, his death occurring November 4, 1903. 1850 when the gold excitement was enthusing the people of the country and they were crossing the plains by hundreds enroute for California, he repaired to that state by way of the Isthmus and spent three years HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 277 there mining, at the expiration of that time returning to Granville where he passed the remainder of his days in the pursuit of agriculture. Prior to this he was a furnace man, working in blast furnaces. He possessed over three hundred acres of land which was divided into three farms, one of them containing one hundred and seventy-two acres; another ninety-five acres; and the third fifty-nine and one-half acres, all of which were located in Lima township. He was very successful in the various departments of agriculture and was well known throughout the county as a stock breeder. His political support was given to the democracy and he was a worthy man and most highly respected citizen. In his family were eight children, namely : Sarah, who departed this life in Wales when fourteen years of age; Mary, who died in infancy in Wales; Richard, who served in Company D, Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war, his death having occurred June 12, 1908; John, deceased, who was a soldier in Company D, One Hundred and. Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and lost his life during the Civil war in 1863; Edward J., who resides in this township; Joseph, who died in April, 1905, leaving his widow and three children, Harry, William and Daisy; David, who departed this life in 1876 in his fifteenth year ; and Isaac W. Isaac W. Briggs went with his parents when five years of age to a farm in Lima township, which he cultivated for some years. During his boyhood days he made himself familiar with the various departments of agriculture under the instruction of his father and also acquired his education in the district schools. His farm consisted of eighty-six acres, and while it is not large every foot of ground was under cultivation: Considerable attention having been given to the soil, its properties were conserved and its yielding power as a whole was greater than that of many farms which contain a larger number of acres. General farming commanded his attention and at the same time he was interested in stock-raising, buying and breeding the best specimens, which he shipped to near-by markets. In February, 1909, he sold his place in Lima township and removed to Etna township, where he is now engaged extensively and profitably in the dairy business, having a fine herd of Jersey cows. He also successfully carries on general farming. In 1888 he wedded Miss Lily B. Puffer, a native of Union township, where her birth occurred April 22, 1870, and a daughter of George W. and Alice (Myer) Puffer, natives of this county. Her father served in the Civil war in the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was born in Union township, near Hebron, on January 11, 1845, and resided in the county until a few years ago when he took up residence in the Soldiers' Home, at Sandusky, this state. Prior to the Civil war he engaged in farming, and at the opening of that conflict, in 1861, he enlisted from this county in Company D, Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for eight months. At the conclusion of his military service he returned to his farm and continued the pursuit of agriculture, dealing extensively in stock of all kinds until he retired two years ago. He is a stanch democrat, being a firm believer in the free trade policies of the platform of his party, the principles of which he deems entirely adequate to preserve the integrity of the free institutions of the nation and the liberty of its people. He has always voted the democratic ticket, and 'during campaigns does what he can to enable the can- 278 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. didates of his party to obtain the offices they seek. As to his religious convictions,- he holds membership with that denomination known as the Disciples of Christ, because he believes in the restoration of apostolic Christianity which knows no creed but the Bible and which acknowledges but one faith, one Lord and one baptism. His parents were Elhanen and Jemima (Price) Puffer, his father having been a native of Vermont and his mother of Virginia, and the Puffer and Price families were among the early settlers of this county. At one time Elhanen Puffer owned a large farm near the reservoir where he carried on agriculture 'until his death, which occurred when he was still a young man. His widow afterward wedded George Baumgardner. By her first husband she had three children, Jacob, George W. and Elhanen, and by her second husband seven children, namely : Sarah, Anna, John, Mary, Lemuel, Henry and Eliza. George W. Puffer was united in marriage to Alice Myer, whose birth occurred in Plain township, Franklin county, in 1848, and who now resides in Kirkersville. She was a daughter of Thomas .and Jane (Morrison) Myer, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of New Jersey. They were among the early settlers of this part of Ohio. In their family were six children, namely : Calista, Alice, Uri, Sabra, Nancy and Celia. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Puffer had nine children, namely : Elhanen, who resides near Hebron, this state; Lily B.; Hilton, who died in his fourth year ; William, who lives in Kirkersville; John, who resides near Hebron; Mima, who departed this life in infancy ; Maude, wife of Nelson Palmer, residing at Summit Station; Clara, who became the wife of Linzy Carlisle, of Hebron; and Georgie, the wife of Willis Barcus, of Columbus, Ohio. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Briggs : Sarah Alice, who became the wife of Harry E. Butts, living in St. Albans township ; Mary Ellen, who departed this life in infancy ; Ruth Lee ; John; Georgia May; Walter D.; and Harley Nelson. Mr. Briggs is highly respected throughout the community, always conducting himself in such a manner as to deserve the confidence of his neighbors, and being industrious and enterprising and a man who takes considerable interest in the welfare of those around him, and at the same time whose thrift and industry has given him considerable prosperity, he is among the township's most substantial and representative citizens.. WILLIAM C. HALL. William C. Hall lives on the farm where his parents settled almost three-quarters of a century ago. They were Thomas G. and Ann (Crosley) Hall, both of whom were natives of England. The father was born in Staffordshire, in 1813; came to this country in 1840 and settled in Licking county, Ohio. In 1842 he purchased a tract of land, which was mostly covered with timber, located in Newark township on the Granville road, two miles west of Newark. In 1847 Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Ann Crosley, who came with her parents from England in 1832, locating in Newark, New Jersey, and in 1840 moved to Granville, Ohio.- Thomas G. Hall and his wife immediately settled on the farm where they spent the remainder of their lives. To this union were born three sons and three HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 279 daughters, two of the latter having passed away in infancy, while the third daughter, Ella, departed this life in her sixteenth year. The three sons still survive, namely: Edward, who lives on his farm near Galena, Delaware county, Ohio ; William C., who lives on the old home farm; and Frank D., a druggist of Newark, Ohio. Thomas G. died in 1871, while his wife passed away in 1906. W. C. Hall was united in marriage to Martha J. McMillen, daughter of John W. McMillen, of Newark township. To this union was born one daughter, Mary C. Mr. Hall and his family are Presbyterians, being members of the Second Presbyterian church of Newark. The principles of the Republican party have always appealed to Mr. Hall as advocating the best policies by which the permanent prosperity of the nation might be best established and maintained, and its financial status placed upon a firm foundation, and consequently he gives his vote to the candidates of his party. CARL NORPELL Professional circles in Newark find a worthy representative in Carl Norpell, one of the native sons of the city, who is now practicing law here, with a large and distinctively representative clientage. He was born April 6, 1862, a son of Conrad and Mary Louise (Pfaff) Norpell, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. The father's birth occurred in Baden, and in September, 1849, he arrived in the United States, for the opportunities which he had heard were offered in America proved so attractive that he resolved to try his fortunes in this country. He never had occasion to regret his determination to emigrate to the new world. Taking up his abode in Licking county he became identified with its industrial interests and worked at his trade until seventy-eight years of age. He became superintendent of the New Jersey Zinc Works, and filled that position until he reached the designated age, when he retired from active business life and returned to Licking county, in 1897, here remaining until his death, which occurred in July, 1906, when he was eighty-seven years of age. For three decades lie had survived his wife, who passed away in 1876. Carl Norpell was only two years of age when the family came to Newark, and was educated in public and private schools of this city. He then determined to engage in the practice of law as a life work, and in 1875 entered the office of Judge Buckinghom, who directed his reading until his admission to the bar in 1877. He afterward remained in the judge's office until 1897, but has since practiced alone. His ability as a lawyer is widely acknowledged for he is careful and thorough in the preparation of his cases and presents them with a clearness and force that leaves no doubt as to the correctness of his position or of his understanding of the legal principles applicable to the points in litigation In 1885 Mr. Norpell was married to Miss Adeline M. Bradley, a native of Bay City, Michigan, and they have four children: Max B., Louise, Jerome Buckingham, and Helen. They also lost one child in infancy. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church And are loyal to its teachings and earnest in their advocacy of that faith. In. politics Mr. Norpell is a republican, 280 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. active in the work of the party, which has benefited by his labors and counsels. He has served as one of the aldermen of the city and is now one of the trustee, for the school for the deaf, having been appointed by Governor Nash and reappointed by Governor Herrick and again by Governor Harris. His public service is characterized by unfaltering devotion to duty, while his loyalty to his client's interests is proverbial and this, combined with his comprehensive knowledge o the principles of jurisprudence, makes him one of the successful members of the Newark bar. FRED C. EVANS. Fred C. Evans, whose real-estate operations have been directly beneficial it the city in its substantial uphuilding and improvement, belongs to that class o men who owe their success directly to their own labors. By perseverance, determination and honorable effort he has overcome the obstacles that always pave tile path to prosperity and has gone on and on in his business career until he is now controlling extensive and profitable operations in real-estate lines. Mr. Evans is a native of Perry township, born on the 5th of June, 186(i His father, Captain Zebulon P. Evans, was a native of the same township where his grandfather, John Evans, settled on coming to the county. He was a native of Wales and with his parents crossed the Atlantic to the new world, residing for a short time in Muskingum county, Ohio, after which removal was made to Licking county. The family were farming people and were closely identifie with the substantial agricultural development of this part of the state. Zebulon P. Evans was here reared to farm life when Licking county was a frontier district. He became a member of Company A, Seventy-sixth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers at the time of the Civil war, serving from 1861 until the close of hostilities. His loyalty and meritorious conduct on the field of battle won him pro motion to the rank of captain and his valor and bravery inspired his men to equal tasks of courage. When the war was over he returned home and afterward married Miss Julia Lemert, also a native of Perry township and a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the county, Lemert Post, G. A. R., being named in honor of the family. Following their marriage Captain and Mrs. Evan-took up their abode on the farm in Perry township, where Captain Evans died in 1871. Fred C. Evans was educated in the country schools and in Curry Institute Pittsburg. He was also graduated froth the normal school at Defiance, Ohio, and thus with good mental training entered upon his business career, serving for six months as a clerk in, the employ of William A. Kenast of Defiance, Ohio. IL afterward located on the home farm; which he operated for his mother unti 1890, when he came to Newark and secured a clerkship with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. After two and a half years spent in that capacity, II( engaged in the real-estate business and has since been engaged in the purchase and sale of property and in speculative building. In 1905 he added the plumbing and plumbing supply business, and thus in various lines is closely associated with HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 285 the commercial and industrial activity of the city. His efforts have not only been a source of gratifying revenue to himself but have also constituted an important feature in the city's growth and upbuilding. He has opened up three additions, including the Fred C. Evans first addition on the west, end; a second addition, at the corner of Church and Eighth streets, of what was the old Flory homestead ; and a third addition of what was formerly the Charles G. Penney property. Mr. Evans has negotiated many important realty transfers and in addition to handling property he has erected a number of residences, thus transforming unsightly vacancies into well improved property. On the 2d of October, 1901, Mr. Evans was married to Miss Velma Virginia Trembley, a native of Indiana. They are prominent socially and are numbered among the consistent members of the Second Presbyterian church. Mr. Evans has contributed generously to the support of the church and takes an active interest in religious work, being now treasurer and vice president of the Newark Young Men's Christian Association. He is also a director of the Board of Trade where he has given his aid and influence toward securing locations of various industrial concerns in Newark, thus contributing to the welfare of the city. Socially he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Newark Lodge No. 97 and the Commandery. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him warm regard. His life is exemplary in all respects and he is a supporter of those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of highest commendation. JOSEPH MESSENGER. A long residence and an upright life well entitled Joseph Messenger to prominent and honorable mention in the history of Licking county. His birth occurred in this county September 2, 1825, and throughout his entire life he remained within its borders, neglectful of no duties of citizenship, while in all his private relations he manifested the sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. His parents were Campbell and Charlotte (Wilcox) Messenger, who arrived in this county in 1805, with the colony from Granville, Massachusetts. Campbell Messenger had made the trip with his parents, who settled north of the village, of Granville. His father, David Messenger, had served as a soldier of the Revolutionary war, valiantly aiding the colonists in their struggle for independence. On the home farm Campbell Messenger remained until after the outbreak of the war of 1812, when he, too, joined the army and aided in defending American liberties against the second attack of the English. He was one of a family of seven children : David, Campbell, Grove, Forest, Cynthia, Harriet and Hannah. Grove, who was a member of General Hull's army at the time of his surrender, was never heard of after that. He had previously married an aunt of General McPherson and they had two sons, Frederick and William, both now deceased. All four of the brothers were serving in the American army  286 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. under Hull at the time of his surrender. Having arrived at years of maturity, Campbell Messenger devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits and remained a factor in the progress and development of the county during its early formative period and also in the epoch of its later advancement. He wedded Charlotte Wilcox and their children were Cynthia, Joseph, Martha and Madison. The last named was killed in the battle of Chickamauga. Reared to the occupation of fanning, Joseph Messenger early became familiar with the arduous task of developing and cultivating a new tract of land. He was yet a young man when he learned the cooper's and carpenter's trades and after working in mechanical lines for a time he turned his attention to farming, cultivating a rich tract of land. He worked diligently and persistently to improve his property and made it one of the valuable farms of the community, having two hundred and twenty acres which he brought under a state of rich fertility. Joseph Messenger was united in marriage to Miss Martha Alward, who was born in this county July 23, 1829. For many years they traveled life's journey together, but Mrs. Messenger still survives her husband and now resides on the home farm in Union township with her sons. Her birth occurred in Harrison township and her parents were Ezra and Rosalinda (Williams) Alward, who were natives of New Jersey and were married in Jersey, Licking county, Ohio. Mr. Alward had come to this county with his parents in 1815, while his future wife arrived in 1816. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Messenger were born five children: John, now living in St. Albans township; George, who is living on the home place in Union township; Mrs., Nettie Fisher, deceased; Alice, the widow of Frank M. Alward; and Frank, who is living on. the home farm with his mother in Union township. The death of the husband and father occurred September 21, 1900. He had for almost seventy-five years been a resident of the county and was classed with its worthy and respected citizens and honored for his genuine worth and his upright principles. Ile was never known to take advantage of the necessities of another in any business transaction and in all matters of citizenship his influence was found on the side of substantial improvement. He voted with the republican party and held a number of minor offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was a member of the Granville Presbyterian church during the greater part of his life and lived in close harmony with its teachings. FRANK M. ALWARD, who married Alice, daughter of Joseph Messenger, was born May 18, 1846, on the farm where his widow now resides. His parents were James A. and Katherine (Doty) Alward. The former was born near Morristown, New Jersey, December 8, 1808, and in 1815 was brought by his parents to this county, the family home- being established in Granville on the Columbus road near Pataskala. On the 21st of February, 1836, James A. Alward wedded Mary Nichol, but she lived only a short time. On the 9th of June, 1839, he wedded Katharine Doty and removed to the old home farm in Union township, upon which he spent his remaining days, passing away here after a residence of forty-seven years upon the place. He was a man of good business ability, of keen HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 287 discrimination and unfaltering enterprise and as the years passed he prospered in his undertakings, becoming the owner of between seven and eight hundred acres of valuable land, which at the time it came into his possession was a forest tract, but his labors transformed it into rich and productive fields. In 1837 he became a member of the Granville Presbyterian church, with which he was associated until his death as one of its devoted and faithful members. His wife passed away about 1886, at the age of seventy-four years. In their family were four sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and four daughters are now living. On the home farm Frank M. Alward spent his entire life, giving his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He had one hundred and ninety acres of land that responded readily to the care and labor which he bestowed upon it. It was a part of the old family homestead, which originally contained five hundred acres. Year after year he tilled his fields and tended his stock and in all of his business ffairs displayed the sound judgment which brought him a creditable and gratifying measure of prosperity. On the 28th of October, 1896, Mr. Alward was married to Miss Alice Messenger, who was born in Union township, July 13, 1859. Unto them. was born a son, James Francis, now eleven years of age. The death of Mr. Alward occurred January 25, 1901, and occasioned deep and widespread regret throughout the county and came as an irreparable loss to his family. In politics he had always been a democrat and had held same local offices, in which he had ever been most faithful. He belonged to the Presbyterian church of Granville and had builded for himself an upright, honorable character that made his worth widely acknowledged. He was progressive in citizenship and loyal in friendship, hut his best traits of character were ever reserved for his own home and fireside. H. LORENZO SIMPSON. H. Lorenzo Simpson is the owner of a fine farm property comprising ninety acres, and in addition to his operation of this place he is also employed as agent at Weiant Station by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad company. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, born in Muskingum county, November 11, 1869, a son of Henry Clay and Amanda (Rickner) Simpson, both of whom were natives of Licking county. With the exception of a residence of about eight years in Muskingum county, their entire lives were passed in this county and the father followed agricultural pursuits in Hanover township to the time of his death, which occurred in 1881, while the mother, who survived for a long period, passed to her final reward in 1901. H. Lorenzo Simpson spent the period of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and was quite young when brought by his parents to Licking county, so that practically his entire life has here been spent. He acquired his education in the public schools, studying for one term in the Granville school. For six years he was telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania railroad. Then he took up the study of veterinary surgery and after his graduation followed the profession for six years and still gives some attention to the same, although for the past nine 288 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. years his time has been largely taken up with his duties as telegraph operator at Weiant Station. He is also the owner of a good farm of ninety acres, situated in Madison township, which he operates. While he leads a very busy life, finding few leisure hours, he yet enjoys rest and recreation in the duties which occupy his time in connection with the farm after the completion of his work at the keys. Mr. Simpson was married June 24, 1890, to Miss Georgia Ellis, a daughter of George Ellis, now deceased. Their marriage has been blessed with two sons : Stanley, now a high-school student in Newark; and Loren, who attends the preparatory school of that city. Mr. Simpson's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party and he served as assessor of Madison township for two terms, while at the present time he is the efficient township treasurer. He is a valued member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He possesses marked business ability and firm purpose and in this lies the secret of his present prosperity. JACOB KUHNS. Jacob Kuhns, who is numbered among the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Union township, Licking county, and who is a veteran of the Civil war, was born in Walnut township, Fairfield county, Ohio, February 18, 1832, and is a son of George and Katherine (Smith) Kuhns. His father and mother were natives of Maryland, the former of Hagarstown, the latter of Baltimore, and in that state they were reared and married. To Fairfield county they came about the year 1825 and there spent the remainder of their lives. George Kuhns was a shoemaker and although at one time he owned a good farm he left it to follow his trade and continued the occupation of shoemaking until his death. In their family were eight children: John, who has not been heard from since going west; James, deceased; William; George; Jacob ; Rebecca; Elizabeth; and one who died in infancy. The greater portion of his life Jacob Kuhns spent in his native county where he aided in 'tilling the fields and in the district school acquired his education. After the Civil war broke out he enlisted, in December,' 1861, in. Company F, First Ohio Cavalry, under Captain Valentine Cupp and took part in twenty-eight regular engagements. He remained throughout the war with the same regiment as fourth sergeant and was honorably discharged after the battle of Jonesboro, having served three years and two months, the muster out taking place at Columbia, Tennessee. Returning to Fairfield county, Mr. Kuhns remained there until thirty-two years ago when he came to Union township, where he engaged for fifteen years in brick-making, which enterprise he finally gave up and bought a farm. This was his first experience in farming but nevertheless he has been quite successful and has become well known as a stock breeder, dealing in hogs and sheep. His place is located near Luray on the pike and is known as the Cunningham farm. His home is as fine a residence as there is in the township. Mr. Kuhns devotes HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 291 his attention principally to the raising of grain, while at the same time he takes some interest in stock breeding. His life as an agriculturist has been attended with prosperity, and he now owns three hundred and twenty-one acres of good land in Licking county. The home farm comprises one hundred and fifty-one acres, and he is also the possessor of a one hundred and -thirty acre tract in close proximity to the home place, and forty acres of pasture land some little distance to the north. Among other interests with which he is identified is the Hebron Banking Company, of which lie is a stockholder. On January 29, 1868, Kuhns wedded Mrs. Tabitha Gill Lamb, widow of Peter Lamb, and a native of Fairfield county, born August 29, 1831. She was a daughter of Nicholas and Mary Lamb, and by her first marriage she had two children, Peter, deceased, and Ida. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kuhns are : Della, who is the wife of Marshall Embrey, who assists her father on the farm, and they have three children, Helen, Raymond and Nicholas G.; Lillian, who became the wife of Mack Pugh, and they have six children: Sarah, Frederick, Edward, Mary, Tabitha and Jacob, the family residing on a farm owned by her father; and Thomas, who completes the family. Mr. Kuhns has been a lifelong democrat and although he has never aspired to public office he is thoroughly convinced of the wisdom and utility of the principles of his party and always supports its candidates. He maintains fraternal relations with his old army comrades through his connection with Newark Post, G. A. R. He is favorably known throughout the community for the part he has taken in developing its interests and, being prominent in agricultural circles and straightforward in all his dealings, he is not only a substantial but also a representative citizen of the township. JOHN F. WILLIAMS. Since the spring of 1858 John F. Williams has resided on the farm in Hanover township, which is now his home. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision and untiring labor. On the 29th of May, 1833, he was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, a son of John R. and Elizabeth (Fowler) Williams, the former a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Coshocton county. In 1807 John R. Williams came to Ohio with his parents, Richard and Elizabeth Williams, being at that time but five years of age. The family home was established on a farm in Coshocton county, where he was reared to manhood, and then determining to follow as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared, he took up farming on his own account, and employed it as a source of livelihood throughout his remaining days. He was, however, a natural mechanic and could do anything with tools. In the earlier days he did 'much work in cabinet making and millwrighting. His early political allegiance was given to the democratic party, but its radical views, during the days of political unrest and revolution at the time of the Civil war, cut him off from the democratic party and he became one of the active members of the newly organized republican party, and thereafter stanchly advocated its principles and 292 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. gave to it loyal support. He was, however, never ambitious for office, preferring to do his public service as a private citizen. He cooperated in many movements for the public good, and his influence was always on the side of right and improvement. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church in early manhood, but on the organization of the Methodist Protestant church gave the weight of his influence to the new organization, and was one of the active supporters of the church and Sabbath school work for many years. He also took an advanced stand in the temperance question, and was one of the first to advocate abolishing the whiskey jug from the harvest field. Others claimed that he could not secure workers if he did, but he proved otherwise, for he soon had all of the best help he wanted. His life was at all times honorable and upright, and his influence was on the side of justice, truth, reform and progress. He lived to the venerable age of eighty-five years, while his wife lived to the very advanced age of ninety-three years, spending her last days in the home of one of her sons at Columbus. Her father, Richard Fowler, was a native of Maryland, and became one of the early settlers of Coshocton county, Ohio. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and as he was always known as Captain Fowler, it is presumed that he held a captain's commission during his military service. John F. Williams was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the common school, and also at West Bedford Academy. He engaged in teaching three terms of school, but during the greater part of his life has given his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1855, when but twenty-three years of age, lie was nominated and elected to the office of county recorder of Coshocton county, as a candidate of the republican party which had been organized only the preceding year, and it was not until the following year that the general organization was consummated. Between his nomination and the election he was married and began his domestic life in Coshocton. In the spring of 1858, however, he purchased two hundred and twelve acres of his present farm in Licking county, and in April of that year resigned his office to remove to his new home. He is still known as "the man who resigned a county office in Coshocton county." He has continued to reside on his farm for more than half a century, and has been very successful' in his agricultural enterprises, being today one of the substantial men of Hanover township. He has kept abreast of the work of advancement as manifest in agricultural lines, using the latest improved machinery and the most modern methods for carrying on farm work. On the 11th of September, 1855, Mr. Williams was joined in wedlock to Miss Amelia Ann Sidle, a daughter of Cornelius Sidle, a prominent farmer of Muskingum county. Of this marriage were born four children, of whom three are still living, namely : Jessie Louise, the widow of William Montgomery, of Emporia, Kansas ; Rebecca S., the wife of John F. Powell, a farmer of Coshocton county; and John C., who is assisting in managing the home farm, In politics Mr. Williams is still a stanch republican, having never swerved in his allegiance to the party and its principles. He served for seven years as a member of the school board, but has never been actuated in his party fidelity by desire for public office. On the contrary he has preferred to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, and in the capable control of his farming interests has met with signal success. He is an active member of the Methodist Prot- HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 293 estant church and is one of the church trustees. He was secretary of the Licking County Sabbath School Association for many years, being president of the same organization for a. short time. He has made it a point to attend all the conventions of this association. His name is an honored one throughout the county for in all business and social relations he has been true to every manly principle. THOMAS D. OWENS. Thomas D. Owens, who owns and operates a large farm in Newark township, this county, and is a descendant of that excellent type of Welsh character which has done so much in the direction of uplifting the moral tone of our civilization and developing our commercial enterprises, was born in Granville township, April 17, 1848, a son of John R. and Ann (Jones) Owens, natives of Wales, who entered into rest here at the ages of seventy-one and eighty-seven years, respectively, Mr. Owens having departed this life in 1881, his wife surviving until the year 1904. At the age of twenty-one years he left his native land for the United States, landing in New York city, where for a period of ten years he was employed, and, having been a man of modest habits, he saved the greater portion of his earnings, and in course of time had accumulated sufficient means with which to purchase a farm, and, upon coming to Granville township, this county, he bought fifty acres of land, which he kept tinder cultivation all his life. In his family were four sons, namely : Robert, who resides on the home place in Granville township; David, who also lives there; John, a practicing physician of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Thomas D. Thomas D. Owens was reared on the old homestead, acquiring his knowledge of the art of agriculture under the supervision of his father and his education in the district schools, and under the parental roof he remained until about thirty-seven years ago, when he located on the farm he now cultivates in this township, where he has since resided. His farm originally consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, in the harvests of which he met with such splendid success as to enable him recently to add an additional one hundred and seventy acres to his farm, the entire tract being provided with all necessary improvements by way of buildings and fencing, and here, while he carries on general farming and stock raising to some extent, he makes a specialty of the dairy business, which is perhaps the most lucrative department of the enterprise. In January, 1882, Mr. Owens wedded Hannah Jones, a native of this township, and a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Evans) Jones, and to this union have been born four children, namely : Richard, Wilfred, Mary and Elizabeth, all of whom reside with their parents. Mr. Owens devotes his entire attention to his various farming interests, in which he evidences considerable pride, and consequently he has not found time to devote to secret orders or fraternal organizations, preferring rather to devote what little leisure he can afford to the enjoyment of domestic life. His theology is stoutly Calvinistic, believing the articles of the Westminster Confession of Faith to be a correct interpretation of the teachings of the Old and New Testaments, and he is a faithful member of the Second Presby- 294 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. terian church, in which for a number of years he has performed the duties of an elder. Mr. Owens' daily conduct being in keeping with the tenets of his faith, he is a good and worthy citizen, and deserves the respect and confidence which have always been extended to him by the citizens of the township. WILLIAM AUGUSTUS CASTLE. Although William Augustus Castle is now eighty-five years of age lie is still an active factor in business affairs, giving general supervision to his farming and stock-raising interests. A life of well directed activity has brought him creditable success and has gained for him an enviable position in the regard of friends and neighbors. He was born in Jericho, Vermont, July 26, 1824, a son of Augustus and Almira (Lane) Castle, who were likewise natives of the Green Mountain state, the father's birth having occurred July 9, 1791, while the mother was born on the 9th of March, 1795. They were married October 31, 1816, and remained residents of New England for about fourteen years thereafter, when they came to Ohio with their family. William A. Castle was then a little lad of six years. It was in the winter of 1830 and they traveled by sleigh seven hundred and fifty miles to Ashtabula county, Ohio. When they had reached that point on their journey they found it .impossible to proceed by sleigh because there was no longer snow and for six months they remained in Ashtabula county, where the father rented land and raised a crop, but in the fall of the same year continued on his way to Licking county. During the first winter he rented a house on a farm ad- joining the old homestead but in the spring of 1831 settled upon the farm, which has since been the property of the Castle family and the home of our subject to the present time. It was all heavy timber land save that about six acres had been cleared. The farm embraced one hundred twelve and a half acres of land, which the father and brother of William A. Castle cleared and cultivated until they transformed it into rich and productive fields. The family numbered eight children. Sarah Celestial became the wife of Richard Hooper and the mother of 0. C. Hooper, now manager and editor of the Columbus Dispatch. Emily became the wife of William Cornell and removed to Oregon, where her death occurred. Orlando, now deceased, was for thirty years a professor in Shurtleff College at Upper Alton, Illinois. William A. was the next of the family. Eunice Aurelia became the wife of Holly Austin and died at Madison, Indiana. Judson died in Kansas at the age of eighteen years, while on his way to Oregon. Ellen M. became the wife of James Rankin and both died in Minneapolis, leaving a son, Rev. James A. Rankin, a Congregational preacher. Alonzo died at Saratoga Springs, New York, when a year and a half old. The father of this family served as a soldier in the war of 1812, doing duty as a private in northern New York. He died March 22, 1880, being almost a nonagenarian. He had long survived his wife, who passed away August 7, 1864. Although but six years of age at the time the family left New England and started for Ohio, William A. Castle yet remembers many incidents of that journey and also of the pioneer life which followed their settlement in Licking county. HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 297 He passed through all of the experiences, hardships and trials incident to the establishment of a home on the frontier and as his years and strength increased assisted more and more largely in the work of the farm. In early manhood he engaged in teaching school for nine years and was an able educator, contributing in substantial measure to the early intellectual progress of this community. He attended Denison University, then Granville College, and was for two years a teacher in the public schools of Zanesville, Ohio, and for two years a teacher in Shurtleff College in Illinois with his brother. A man of strong intellectuality, he has always read broadly, thinks deeply and is well informed concerning important events and questions of the day. In spirit and interests he seems yet in his prime and is a man of remarkable vitality for one of his years. After devoting some years to teaching school he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of an excellent farm of eighty-one acres a half mile north of Alexandria in Liberty township. He has made a specialty of sheep raising and this branch of his business has always proved to him a profitable source of income. On the 4th of May, 1854, Mr. Castle was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Fassett, who was born in Johnstown, this county, January 31, 1835, and is a daughter of Harry and Clarissa (Peck) Fassett. The father was born in Cambridge, Vermont, May 17, 1794, and the mother in Halifax, Nova Scotia, January 7, 1803. She came to Licking county with her parents when fifteen years of age and Harry Fassett made the journey alone on horseback when twenty-seven years of age. He Was educated in Middlebury, Vermont, and after removing to Ohio engaged in the practice of medicine in Johnstown for many years. He wedded Miss Clarissa Peck in this county and for a long period they were numbered among the most respected and valued residents of Johnstown but later Dr. Fassett retired from the active practice of his profession and for fifteen years resided in Granville. He afterward went to California, where he joined his children and there died May 19, 1872, while his wife passed away July 7, 1890. They were the parents of ten children who reached adult age : Elias, now deceased; Ann, eighty-four years of age, who is the widow of Parker Germain and has resided in California since 1851; Jane, who became the wife of Dr. Dalton but both are now deceased; N. Chittenden, who went to California in 1851 and died in that state in old age; Harris, who went to San Francisco in 1854; Mrs. Castle; John, who enlisted at Granville as a member of the Union army and died during the Civil war; Mary, who became the wife of Norman Adams, of Granville, and died in Iowa ; Harry W., who died in California; and Willie, who is living in San Francisco. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Castle were born six children. Clarence Fassett, the eldest, received his education in Denison University, took a post-graduate course at Yale, where he won the Doctor of Philosophy degree and is now a professor of Greek in the University of Chicago. He wedded Mary Shirk, of Greensburg, Indiana. Albert. A., who attended the Denison University and Princeton University and the Law School of Cincinnati, after which he entered upon the practice of law, died at the age of forty years. Edward, who supplemented his course in Denison .by study in Harvard University, was for a number of years a teacher of history in Columbia University but i El health obliged him to give up the position. William E., a graduate of Denison University, who pursued a post-graduate 298 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. course at Harvard, is now professor of zoology in Harvard and resides at Belmont, Massachusetts. He married Clara Bosworth and has three sons, William, Henry and Edward. Mary, a graduate of the Chicago University, who followed teaching until her health failed, is now with her brother in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Walter, who is. likewise a graduate of Denison University and is now conducting the home farm, married Anna Patt and has two children, Carolyn and William. Mr. and Mrs. Castle have every reason to be proud of their family, for, endowed with strong intellectual force, they have won positions of distinction in educational circles and are an honor and credit to their parents. In his political views Mr. Castle has been a stalwart republican since the organization of the party. He and his family are all members of the Baptist church of Alexandria and have ever been mindful of their religious duties and their obligations to their fellowmen. Mr. and Mrs. Castle have now traveled life's journey together for more than fifty-five years, their mutual love and confidence increasing as time has passed on and they have met together the joys and sorrow, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all. There is no more worthy or highly esteemed couple in all the county, for their lives have not been engrossed with the material things in an effort to win success. They have put forth effective activity in their support of intellectual and moral advancement as well, their interest therein being manifest in the way in which they provided their children with advanced educational opportunities. GABRIEL HOUCK. Gabriel Houck, who makes his home on a well improved farm of seventy-five acres, located in Burlington township, is a worthy representative of an old and prominent pioneer family of Licking county and one that is noted for longevity. The paternal grandfather, James Houck, removed to Licking county from Pennsylvania, and, entering land near Homer, became one of the first settlers of Burlington township. He was identified with its very earliest development and improvement and carried on general farming throughout a long period, his death occurring in Burlington township when he had reached almost the century mark, for he was more than ninety-nine years of age at the time of his demise. His son, Jacob Houck, was born on the home farm in Burlington township, June 9, 1812, and there he was reared to general agricultural pursuits. After reaching man's estate, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Critton, who was likewise a native of Burlington .township, born in 1819, daughter of Gabriel Critton, who came to Licking county from Fairfield county, Ohio, and thus became a pioneer settler of Burlington township. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Houck located on the farm now owned by T. D. Dean, located one mile south of Homer. Some years later, however, they removed to a farm adjoining our subject on the north, and there they spent their remaining years, the father passing away in 1895, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-three years, while the mother preceded him to the home beyond a year previously, her death occurring in January, 1894, when she was about seventy-five years of age. The father was a life long democrat HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 299 and although he was never active as an office holder he took a deep interest in the progress that was continually made in this section of the state and contributed his full share in bringing about improved conditions, which have eventually placed Licking county in the front rank with other sections of the state. Gabriel Houck was born on his father's farm, April 2, 1846, and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farm lad as he assists in the work of plowing; planting and harvesting. His education was acquired in the common schools, wherein he obtained a fair knowledge of the English branches. When he was but eighteen years of age, feeling that he had been properly trained in the duties of the home farm and believing that he could successfully operate a farm on his own account, he rented his father's land and thus gave his attention to its cultivation for several years. However, in 1869, as a further means of establishing a home of his own, he was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe J. Dixon, a daughter of Archibald Dixon, a resident of Bennington township, Licking county, and now deceased. Following his marriage Mr. Houck continued to operate the old home place as a renter, but after three years, through his own industry and careful management and the assistance of his estimable wife, he secured the funds which justified him in purchasing seventy-five acres of land in Burlington township. In the spring of 1873 he took up his abode on his newly acquired tract of land and this has continued to be his home to the present time. This has been made a valuable property through his own well directed efforts and careful cultivation of the fields. On the place stands a nice country residence and substantial outbuildings and the fields are devoted to general farming, in which Mr. Houck is meeting with good success. In addition to his home farm he also owns a tract of land in Bennington township, which is also a productive and arable property. Mr. and Mrs. Houck have no children of their own, but out of the goodness, of their hearts they have taken into their home five children, one of whom, Earl Clet, is still with them. Believing firmly in the principles and policy of the democratic party, Mr. Houck has given stanch support to its men and measures. Meriting the confidence of the public, he has served for four terms as township trustee and two terms as assessor of the township, and his faithful service in this connection is his best recommendation for future claims. His fraternal relations are with Burlington Lodge, No. 551, K. P. He follows high ideals in his daily living, and his personality, the history of his life and his profound sense of integrity could be made the text of a lesson from which the young men of today could study success. FINNEY E. HAAS Finney E. Haas, who owned and operated three hundred and forty-six acres of valuable land in Washington township, was born in the house in which he lived most of his life, on the 18th of September, 1851. His parents were William and Isabelle Haas, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ireland. In 1808 the father accompanied his parents on their removal to Licking county, Ohio, where the grandfather entered a tract of land, on which he made his home until