(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 550 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. the other, forty-five acres, and these tracts of land he tilled until his father's death, when at administrator's sale he purchased the farm he now occupies and which was owned and cleared by his grandfather, Isaac Tharp, in 1820. Here he resided until the spring of 1906, when he left the farm and took up his residence at Summit Station and has practically retired from active life. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres of highly improved land and is provided with a comfortable dwelling house, barns, outbuildings and machinery requisite to successfully carrying on the work of the fields. Aside from this large tract of land he also owns fifty acres cultivated by his brother William and a number of valuable building lots in the town. In 1881 Mr. Tharp wedded Martha J. Wolcott, a native of Lima township, where she was born March 11, 1859, and where she departed this life August 3, 1906. Her parents were Richard and Elizabeth (Smith) Wolcott. The father was born and died in Lima township. He was a son of Peter .Wolcott, who in company with his brother came from New Jersey in the year 1816 and settled here. Mrs. Wolcott, the mother of Mrs. Tharp, was horn in Jefferson township, Franklin county. Mr. and Mrs. Tharp have one daughter, Mary L., who is the widow of Ross Beals, and has one son, George M. In politics Mr. Tharp follows in the footsteps of his ancestors and gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He is a man whose excellent traits of character and progressiveness, have not only won him the respect of his fellow citizens but have largely enabled him to attain his present prosperity. The farm to which he has devoted his energy and out of which he has earned his comfortable circumstances, has never been out of the Tharp family since it was settled by his grandfather in the year 1820. JOHN GLYNN. John Glynn, who for many years practiced veterinary surgery in connection with following general agriculture in Liberty township, is also one of the most. widely known men within the radius of many miles of his home because of his service as an auctioneer. His birth occurred upon the farm upon which he now resides on October 7', 1838. His parents were Edward and Elizabeth (Price) Glynn, both of whom were natives of Wales, from which country they came to the United States with their parents when children. His paternal grandparents were Edward and Sarah (Evans) Glynn. The former followed farming and stock-raising after coming to this country, and on departing this life left considerable property, the fruit of his many years of economy and labor. The early days of John Glynn were spent on his father's farm where, during the summer seasons, he actively engaged in the work of the fields, attending the district school in winter. After completing his studies he remained at home, where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In addition to producing the general farm crops, including hay and the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he is also well known throughout the country as a buyer and shipper of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. In connection with his farming interests he has also practiced as a veterinary surgeon, and while he is not a graduate of any medical institution, he has a liberal practice and has acknowledged HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 551 skill and success in the practice of his profession. As an auctioneer and sales crier he is one of the most efficient men in this part of the country and, this occupation having brought him in touch with almost every citizen in this and adjoining counties, he is perhaps one of the most widely known men in this part of the state. On October 30, 1862, Mr. Glynn wedded Miss Elizabeth Ann Brown, a daughter of John and Eliza (Tiffany) Brown. They have one son and daughter : Price E., who was united in marriage to Miss Tillie M. Province, a daughter of Benjamin and Eunice (Cline) Province, resides with his father, where he is now actively managing the farm; and Eliza became the wife of But E. Shaub, a prosperous young farmer of this township. Mr. Glynn has always voted with the democratic party, in the affairs of which he has been very active, and has frequently been elected a delegate to the party conventions, while his son, who is also loyal to the same party, has been a member of the county executive committee for several years. Mr. Glynn has served as an efficient member of the school board and has been many times urged to become a candidate for higher political honors, but has repeatedly refused, owing to the pressure of his private business affairs. While he is not affiliated with any secret or fraternal societies, or with any religious denomination, yet he is a man of high character and noble principles, and is esteemed throughout the community. PHILIP T. JONES. Philip T. Jones, an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Liberty township, this county, and also well known in business circles, was born April 14, 1864, on the farm on which he now resides, and is a son of David and Eliza (Foster) Jones, his father having come to this county from Wales when a young man, settling in Granville. His mother came from England with her parents when she was but nine years of age, settling in this township. David Jones followed farming for, a living and upon arriving in this county rented land near Granville. While at that time he had very little capital, by his industry and practical economy he soon prospered, from year to year producing profitable crops and gradually adding to his possessions until he became one of the largest land owners in the county. He lived on this farm, actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising, for forty-five years and departed this life October 13, 1889, his wife surviving him fifteen years. Philip T. Jones was reared on his father's farm, engaging in the daily work of the fields and acquired his education in the district schools. After completing his studies there he pursued a course in the Johnstown high school, from which institution lie was graduated in the year 1881. After he was united in marriage he left the farm and became a clerk in a general store of which his brother, Charles B. Jones, was proprietor, and in this position he remained for five years. He then accepted the position of general collector for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, in which he continued for two years, having his headquarters at Lima, Ohio, at the expiration of which time he returned to Alexandria, this county, and clerked in a general store of which the proprietors were Buxton & Vaness, with 552 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. whom he remained for five years, when the death of his father made it necessary for him to give up the position and take charge of the home farm, upon which he has since resided. He follows general farming and stock-raising and is a breeder of fine shorthorn cattle. His farm is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the county, all of its buildings being modern and in excellent condition, the fields being surrounded by first class fences and the entire premises at once suggested thrift and prosperity. Mr. Jones, on April 15, 1885, was united in marriage to Miss Leah B. Mouser, a daughter of George W. and Emma (Shaub) Mouser. They have one son, Frederick T., who resides at home. Mr. Jones' political views are on the side of the democratic party to which he is loyal during national elections but reserves the right, in connection with minor elections, to cast his vote for the candidates whom he thinks best qualified to conserve public interests, regardless of party ties. For a number of years he served the township as a member of the school board and is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Jones is a man of high moral principle, of pleasant and genial nature and is held in high esteem throughout the community. JOHN W. MYERS. The Keystone state has furnished many excellent citizens to Ohio, among them being John W. Myers, who was born in Franklin county, that state, September 25, 1841, and for many years has been following farming in Etna township, Licking county, having been brought to Ohio in 1847, by his parents, Abraham and Maria (Wingerd) Myers, the family settling in Franklin county. His father and mother were also natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and passed away in Franklin county, Ohio, the former in his eighty-eighth year and the latter in her sixty-eighth year. They had reared ten children, namely : Nancy, deceased; John W.; Levi and Barbara, deceased; Abraham; Margaret; David, who has passed away; Mary ; Daniel; Lizzie, deceased. Nancy, Levi and David, who were married, passed away within a few weeks of each other, dying of typhoid fever. John W. Myers was a lad of but seven years when he went with his parents to Franklin county, Ohio, the trip, made with three two-horse wagons, covering fifteen days. The family settled on a farm located about two and a half miles south of Reynoldsburg and, after acquiring his education in the neighboring schools, he resided on the home place, assisting in the duties of the farm until he was married, when he purchased his present farm in Etna township, to which he removed in April, 1863, and has since resided here. His farm contains one hundred and three acres, situated about one and a half miles west of Etna on the National pike, and when he located upon it three-fourths of the land was thickly covered with forests and the remainder was in a swampy condition, no buildings having been erected nor improvements made. During the year of his arrival he built a small house in which he lived for a number of years and then erected the excellent residence which he now occupies. Moreover he has provided a substan- HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 553 tial and roomy barn and a number of other outbuildings and in addition has underlaid his land with a thorough system of drainage. The farm, being thoroughly cleared of all timber, is at present one of the most productive pieces of land in this section of the county. His property has greatly increased in value since he assumed occupancy, thus being enhanced by the fact that the Ohio Electric Railroad runs near by and one of the company's shops is also located in the vicinity of his land. General farming and stock-raising have commanded his attention all his life, and for many years he made a specialty of the dairy business, which proved to be lucrative but which he gave up several years ago. He has now practically retired from active life, his fafm at present being under the management of his son-in-law. In January, 1882, Mr. Myers wedded Anna Blouser, a native of Etna township, where her birth occurred in July, 1841, and a daughter of Daniel and Phoebe (Grimes) Blouser. They became the parents of a son and four daughters : Rev. L. B. Myers, pastor of an Evangelical church at Columbus, Ohio ; Sarah Jane, the wife of Clarence Palmer, residing on her father's farm; Mary, who was united in marriage with Rev. G. F. Spring, an evangelist of the Evangelical church, whose present residence is in Fremont; Aquila, the first wife of Clarence Palmer; and Etta, who became the wife of Levi Stephenson, of Lima township. The mother died in her fifty-seventh year, and Mr. Myers, on April 7, 1900, was united in marriage to Eliza A. Smith, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel and Esther (Connrad) Smith. Mr. Myers has been a life-long supporter of the democratic party, with the principles of which he is heartily in sympathy, and since he cast his first vote he has been loyal to the party candidates and during campaigns has always been in evidence with his influence to secure their election. Local affairs have also elicited his attention and for eleven years he served as trustee of the township, also officiating as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Etna Grange and is also a member of the Brethren in Christ church, to which he is a liberal contributor. A man whose conduct has always been in harmony with high standards, his life has been useful in its influence and its activity. CLARENCE W. WRIGHT. Clarence W. Wright, prominent in the commercial circles of Utica, where he is largely interested in the furniture and undertaking business, is a native son, his birth having occurred in Utica, Licking county, March 19, 1854. His father, Samuel C. Wright, was born in Canada, and came to this county with his parents at an early date and, finally settling in Washington township, he followed the occupation of cabinet-making for a time and eventually established himself in the furniture and undertaking business, in which venture he was quite successful, continuing its conduct until he departed this life on May 5, 1906. He left a widow, Mrs. Roena (Fuller) Wright, a native of Utica, where she still resides at the age of eighty-three years, and two children : A. D., widow of M. McClelland of this place; and Clarence W. 554 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. At the usual age Clarence W. Wright was enrolled as a pupil in the public schools, where he acquired his education, remaining at home with his parents until he was married, at which period of his life he became associated with business in the undertaking business and remained with him until 1882, when he removed to Michigan, where for a period of ten years he operated a large fruit farm which he still owns. Prior to becoming associated with the fruit-growing business he served three years as a drug clerk and after leaving his fruit farm he returned to Utica, where he purchased' a half interest in the furniture and undertaking enterprise of his father, with which business he is still identified. This is one of the most prominent commercial concerns in the country and through the energy and careful management of Mr. Wright its volume of trade has been gradually increased, making it one of the most prosperous and influential business enterprises in the county. In 1878 Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Bell McClain, a native of Knox county, Ohio, where her birth occurred in 1853, a daughter of Elijah and Catherine McClain, both of whom are deceased. They had six children, one of whom was Mrs. Wright, who departed this life March 8, 1889, and was laid to rest in Granville cemetery. Politically Mr. Wright is affiliated with the republican party, to which he has always been loyal, and at present he holds the responsible office of city treasurer. Among the fraternal organizations with which he is associated are Lodge No. 496, A. F. & A. M., Lodge No. 777, I. 0. 0. F., and Lodge No. 555, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Wright has always been influentially associated with the business interests of Utica and, being a man who is straightforward in all his dealings and whose enterprise has contributed much to the financial standing of the city, he is accounted one of its most substantial and representative citizens. HENRY B. RUSLER. A spirit of indomitable enterprise coupled with a ready recognition of opportunities has enabled Henry B. Busier to gain a position of prestige in business circles in Johnstown and this part of the county. He is today president of the Citizens Bank and interested in various industries which are not only a source of individual profit but are an element in the growth and progress of the city. He was born August 11, 1847, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Barrick) Busier, who came to Licking county from Pennsylvania in 1844. His father was a prosperous farmer and stock raiser and the son was reared on the farm amid the refining influences of a cultured home, attending to such duties as usually fall to the lot of the farmer boy. His parents put a correct value on education and after the son had mastered the branches usually taught in the district schools he was sent as a pupil to the Johnstown high school, while later he had the advantage of instruction in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. After leaving the university he taught school for four years. He then engaged in merchandising in Johnstown, thus making his initial step in the commercial world and for several years he continued in that line of business. In 1877 he established HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 557 a factory for the manufacture of pumps and this undertaking grew to considerable proportions under his leadership and is still continued as a successful enterprise of the city at the present time. Continually seeking out new fields of labor and broader opportunities for the exercise of his energy and industry—his dominant qualities—Mr. Busier in 1898 joined Hon. William A. Ashbrook in organizing the Citizens Bank. They began a general banking business and the institution is today regarded as one of the safe financial concerns of the county. It is conducted as a private bank and of this organization Mr. Rusler has been the president and guiding spirit. He is a successful business man in various lines and his cooperation and counsel ate eagerly sought in the conduct of many important business concerns. He is a stock holder in several industries and a large owner of improved real estate, mostly business property. These claim considerable of his time and in their management he shows keen discernment while in his purchases he has displayed sound judgment in placing much of his capital in realty, the safest of all investments. While strictly a man of business and one who has wielded wide influence in commercial and industrial circles, Mr. Rusler is also an advocate of and believer in the good that comes through fraternal associations. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge and has attained the Knight Templar degree of the Commandery. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and is an Elk, belonging to Newark Lodge. His religious faith is indicated in his membership and devotion to the Methodist Episcopal church, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. Preeminently active, alert and enterprising, he has done much to bring Johnstown to its present important commercial position and takes a lively and helpful interest in every movement calculated to further advance its importance as a business center. MORRIS GLYNN. Morris Glynn is a native son of Licking county who for more than a half century has been tilling the soil in Liberty township, where he was born November 11, 1840, a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Price) Glynn, both of whom were natives of Wales and came to this country in their youth in company with their parents, both the Glynn and Price families having been prominent agriculturists and wealthy landowners of this state. Mr. Glynn, after a long and useful life, passed away in August, 1863, his wife, who survived him by twenty-two years, departing this life September 18, 1885. Morris Glynn was reared on his father's farm, engaging in the work of the fields during the summer months and acquiring his education at the old log schoolhouse of the neighborhood during the winter season. After completing his studies he still remained on the old home farm, which he inherited upon the death of his father. He has a number of acres of excellent land upon which, in the years gone by, every improvement has been made requisite to carry on the work by modern methods. It is provided with a comfortable dwelling, capacious barn, outbuildings, machinery and other conveniences necessary for the pursuit of agriculture. In addition to 558 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. producing hay and the various kinds of grain, he also engages to some extent in stock-raising, making it a point to handle only thoroughbred stock, in consequence of which he has gained quite a reputation for the superior grade of cattle, sheep and hogs he handles. On October 21, 1867, Mr. Glynn was united in marriage to Miss Alice Jones, daughter of David D. and Eliza (Foster) Jones, the former of a most prominent and prosperous Welsh family of Liberty township. His wife, who has been his beloved companion for many years, departed this life November 6, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Glynn have one daughter, Laura, who became the wife of C. L. Seville. They reside with her father, Mr. Seville assisting him in the management of the farm and the care of the flocks. In politics Mr. Glynn is a democrat but while he is well informed on the political issues of the day and a loyal advocate of the principles of his party, he does not take an active interest in public affairs beyond casting his vote (luring elections for the candidates who are on the side of democracy. He is not affiliated with any fraternal societies or church organizations but he is an honest and upright man, having a multitude of warm friends, and is numbered among the exemplary and influential citizens of the community. JOHN W. GREEN. John W. Green, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Liberty township, is a descendant of one of the oldest, largest and most influential families of Licking county, his grandfather, Charles Green, having located here in the early years of the last century, in company with five brothers, all of whom were well known in agricultural circles and by their industry succeeded in acquiring a comfortable competence. Licking county, as well as the adjoining counties at that time, was in a wild state, covered with thick timberland and undergrowth, the plow being unknown to the soil. The brothers were among the early settlers by whose energies the land was improved and adapted for the production of general crops. John W. Green was a son of Rignol and Belza Ann (Peters) Green, and is a native of Monroe township, where he was born March 30, 1849. He was reared on his father's farm and at intervals attended the district schools, where he acquired his education. He was born and reared to agricultural life and there is no phase or department of the business with which he is not familiar, for since the time he was able to handle the plow he has been active in general agricultural pursuits and at the same time in breeding and shipping stock. He now owns eighty acres of well tilled and well improved land which is stocked with a number of fine specimens of cattle, sheep and hogs. Although advanced in years, he still maintains a high degree of health and vigor and gives his attention to the active management of his affairs. Mr. Green was twice married, his first union being with Miss Ella Tullar, a daughter of Henry and Jemimah (Thayer) Tullas, her father having been a member of one of the representative families of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Green were born thirteen children, namely: Winna M. and Lewis, deceased ; Corwin; Jen-- HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 559 Me, who became the wife of Otto Thorp; Mina, who is united in marriage to John Baker; Gertrude, the wife of Martin Disbennette; Ernest, deceased; Mary; Anna; Lottie; Roy ; Henry; and Myrton. The mother having departed this life August 19, 1902, Mr. Green, on March 13, 1906, wedded Mrs. Anna (Willison) Everhart. Mr. Green supports the republican party. He has served the township as road supervisor and as a member of the school board, having for a number of years officiated as such. He is not affiliated with any secret societies or organizations, but being an honorable and upright man and an advocate of every measure which furthers the public good, he has won the confidence and respect of the entire community. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STOVER. Benjamin Franklin Stover, a veteran of the Civil war, who for many years has been identified with the agricultural interests of Lima township, Licking county, is a native of Violet township, Fairfield county, where his birth occurred December 15, 1843. His parents were Isaac and Mary (Houser) Stover, his father having been a native of Ohio and his mother of the state of Pennsylvania. They lived for a number of years in Franklin county, Ohio, where their deaths occurred, when they had passed the allotted limit of three score years and ten. They reared a family of nine children, six of whom lived to maturity. Two of their sons served their country throughout the Civil war. After having acquired his education in the district schools Benjamin Franklin Stover engaged in the daily routine of farm life with his father until February 25, 1864, when he enlisted in Company D, Tenth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served with General Sherman throughout the Atlanta campaign, remaining in that command until the close of the war. During his military career he was taken ill in Maryland and sent to the hospital at Nashville, where he was compelled to spend some months, but after regaining his health he rejoined his regiment at Marietta, Georgia, and remained with it until he was mustered out, in July, 1865. Mr. Stover at once returned home and later engaged with his brother in tilling a rented farm in Etna township. He remained there for one year, when he was married and Since that time has lived in Licking county. In the year 1869 he removed to Lima township and cultivated a farm one mile northwest of Summit Station. Here he tilled one hundred acres, carefully cultivating his fileds until five years ago, when he removed to Summit Station, where he owns an attractive home in which he now resides. Mr. Stover was united in marriage, March 15, 1868, to Miss Adeline McCray, a native of Violet township, Fairfield county, where her birth occurred June 20, 1847. Her parents were James and Orpha (Harmon) McCray, the former a native of the Keystone state and his wife of Violet township, Fairfield county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Stover have two daughters: Mary is the wife of William T. Swisher of Lima township, and they have four children; Nora C. is the wife of William Albery, and has one son, Carl S. Mr. Stover gives his political support to the democratic. party, and has served the township for many years as trustee, school 560 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. director and road supervisor. He is a comrade of Baird Post, G. A. R., at Pataskala, and a member of Derthick Grange, No. 1621, at Summit Station. For the past twenty years Mr. Stover and his wife have attended services at the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a man whose high moral character and enterprise have made him a representative citizen while his intelligently directed effort has placed him in comfortable circumstances, amid which to enjoy his declining years. ALLEN LONGWELL. Allen Longwell, a prosperous farmer and progressive citizen of Liberty township, who is now cultivating the farm on which his grandfather, Adam Longwell, settled more than a century ago, was born here November 19, 1858, where he has since resided, engaging in general farming and to some extent in stock-raising. When his grandparent came to this region it presented a radically different appearance than it does now, with its broad acres covered with miles of furrows and waving with crops of hay and grain in the season, being in those days covered with timber and undergrowth and offering little of an inviting nature to the settler, who immediately could see that hard and persevering labor must follow in order to make the land arable and fruitful. But Adaniasia Longwell was of the generation of men who did not search for anything easy, but who looked ahead for that which would enable them to gain subsistence and lay by sufficient to support them independently in their declining years and, without thinking of the amount of labor they would be called upon to do, they were willing and ready to set to work at whatever might enable them to accomplish their purpose and provide for themselves and families. With a ready will, therefore, and youthful energy, the land was soon cleared off and made ready for the plow, and soon harvests were forthcoming to make amends for the long years of weary toil. On this piece of land he remained all his days and it was inherited by his son, Levi Longwell, who was united in marriage to Samantha White who, like himself, was a native of this county. He became a prominent farmer and died June 1, 1900, while his widow still survives. The living children are Allen and Bertha Longwell. On his father's farm Allen Longwell was reared and in the district schools of the township acquired his education, after which he continued his agricultural pursuits and has since carried on general farming and stock-raising. His acreage is large and the soil of an excellent nature, and Mr. Longwell has paid particular attention to the adaptation of crops and from year to year has been successful in obtaining the full quota per acre, his harvests being such as to make him one of the substantial agriculturists of the county. His farm is equipped with every improvement a comfortable dwelling house, barns, outbuildings and machinery,and the place comprises some of the finest tillable land in the county. On September 2, 1879, Mr. Longwell wedded Miss Jennie Kirby, who departed this life October 5, 1891, and on December 9, 1898, he was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Graves, daughter of Valoris and Isabelle (Stone) Graves, of this county. They had two children, Harold, now going to school, and Ralph, who is deceased. Mr. Longwell gives close attention to the business of his farm and consequently the pressure of affairs affords him no time to devote to secret societies and he has not HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 561 affiliated with any fraternal organization. While he is a democrat in politics he has never been ambitious to hold public office, but is content with casting his vote for the candidates of his party. An honorable and progressive citizen, he is numbered among the agriculturists of the township who merit the confidence and respect of their neighbors. JOSHUA S. ZARTMAN. Joshua S. Zartman, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Newark township, where he owns and operates a finely improved farm of one hundred and twelve acres, was born in Licking county, Ohio, January 30, 1845, his father being Joshua Zartman, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this work. He acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he rented a farm, in the operation of which he was successfully engaged for twenty-five years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twelve acres in Newark township, where he has since resided, having met with a gratifying and well merited measure of success in the conduct of his agricultural interests. The many substantial improvements on the property, including a commodious residence and all necessary outbuildings, stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise and he has long been numbered among the progressive and well-to-do farmers of the county. In 1867 Mr. Zartman was united in marriage to Miss Jane Hornby, whose birth occurred in England in 1848, her parents being William and Margaret (Dales) Hornby, whom she accompanied on their emigration to the United States in 1860, the family home being established in Licking county, Ohio. William Hornby passed away in 1896, having for ten years survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in 1886. Mrs. Zartman was one of three children and by her marriage has become the mother of four, namely : William A., Frederick A. and Zoe Zephyr, all of whom are deceased ; and Joshua Albert, a college graduate, who wedded Miss Florence Meed. In his political views Mr. Zartman is a stalwart republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Newark, Ohio, with which his wife is also identified. Having resided in this county throughout his entire life for almost two-thirds of a century, he is largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present and is most widely and favorably known. JOHN TIVIS McARTHUR. John Tivis McArthur, who was numbered among the substantial agriculturists and worthy citizens of Lima township, laid down his life on the altar of liberty during the Civil war. His name is, therefore, on the roll of Licking county's honored dead and also on the list of those to whom the nation owes a boundless debt of gratitude for the loyal support which she received during the darkest 562 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. hour in the history of the country. Mr. McArthur was numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Violet township, Fairfield county, June 15, 1820. His parents, Thomas and Nancy (Morton) McArthur were born, reared and married in Ireland and coming to America became early settlers of Fairfield county, taking up their abode in that district when the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun. In their family were eight children: John Tivis; Columbus; Loami; William, of -Utah; Hiram; Elizabeth; Katharine and Rebecca Lane, of Topeka, Kansas. All are now deceased with the exception of William and Rebecca. In the district schools John Tivis McArthur acquired his education and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, the periods of vacation being devoted to the work of the fields. After putting aside his text-books he concentrated his energies upon the task of cultivating the farm, remaining on the old homestead until thirty-five years of age, when he removed to Columbia Center, Licking county, where he formed a partnership with his brother Columbus and conducted a general store for three years. On the expiration of that period the partnership was dissolved and because of his father's death John T. McArthur returned to the home farm which he superintended until it was sold. He then removed to Plain township, Franklin county, where he resided until March 11, 1864, when he, too, offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company A, Sixtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He became ill while at the front and because of this was granted a furlough. He started on the return trip home but his physical condition compelled him to pause at Bellaire, Ohio, and there he passed away on the 7th of November. With the exception of the brief period devoted to merchandising his entire life had been given to general agricultural pursuits and his unfaltering industry, careful management and keen business ability have brought him a fair measure of success. He cultivated a fine tract of land which was well improved with modern equipments and he always took great pride in the appearance of the place, an air of neatness and thrift characterizing it in every department. In 1855 Mr. McArthur was united in marriage to Miss Kate C. Whitehead, who was born September 14, 1835, on the farm where she now resides on the Johnstown and Wagram road. She has spent her entire life upon this place with the exception of a brief period. The farm now comprises sixty-four acres of rich and productive land but originally contained one hundred and fourteen acres. Mrs. McArthur is a daughter of Silas and Sarah (Parrott) Whitehead, the former born in Genesee county, New York, February 7, 1802, and the latter in Caldwell, New Jersey, May 15, 1804. Her father came to Ohio in 1812 with his parents, Asa and Abigail (Lacy) Whitehead, who settled in Plain township, Franklin county. There he was reared and married and in April, 1835, came to the farm which is now the home of Mrs. McArthur. He cleared the land and placed it under a high state of cultivation, making it his place of residence until his death which" occurred January 23, 1892. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Whitehead, came to Ohio in her girlhood days with her parents, David and Rachel (Vrelan) Parrott, who were natives of New Jersey. Her father had served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and the razor which he carried through that conflict is now in the possession of the McArthur family. On his arrival in Ohio he established his home in Muskingum county where both he and his wife passed away. Their daughter, Mrs. McArthur, then came to Licking county, residing with a sister in Jersey HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 563 township until her marriage. She was one of a family of twelve children : Caroline, the wife of Samuel Smeadley ; Amanda, who became the wife of Benjamin Berse, a veteran of the Civil war; Rhoda, the wife of W. J. Beaumont; John, who loyally defended the Union cause in the Civil war and now resides in Lima township ; Edward, a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana ; Jane, twin sister of Edward and the deceased wife of Lewis C. Marsh; Kate C.; Peter, who served for nearly four years in the Civil war and is now deceased ; Jesse, who resides with Mrs. McArthur ; Adeline, deceased; Daniel D., who passed away in boyhood ; and Eliza, the wife of J. N. Patterson, of Missouri. The children of Mr. and Mrs. McArthur are : Charles Fremont, who resides with his mother ; Jennie B., the wife of Hugh Taylor, of Jersey township ; Agnes and David Reed, both at home. Mr. McArthur gave his political allegiance to the republican party and exerted considerable influence in political circles. He was a man of high principles and moral worth whose life was in harmony with a lofty standard of manhood. Moreover he possessed a cordial, genial spirit that won him warm friends and he was justly classed with the township's representative citizens. MRS. IVA W. HARRIS. The lady whose name introduces this review was born in Monroe county, Ohio, October 10, 1841, her parents being Yearsley and Alice (Wink) Thornberg. The father, whose birth occurred in Washington, Pennsylvania, August 7, 1805, located in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1836 and there made his home until called to his final rest on the 29th of June, 1889. His wife, who was born in Vermont, June 11, 1811, passed away in Monroe county, Ohio, April 28, 1880. Their family numbered eleven children, eight of whom still survive. In 1860 Iva W. Thornberg gave her hand in marriage to Stephen Hufman, whose birth occurred in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1831. He was a blacksmith and carriage maker by trade and was successfully engaged in those lines of activity until the time of his demise, which occurred February 8, 1882. In politics he was a stalwart democrat and took an active interest in public affairs but did not seek office as a reward for his party fealty. Unto Stephen and Iva W. (Thornberg) Hufman were born four children, namley : Emma and William, both of whom are deceased; Alice C., born in 1861, who is the wife of W. B. Vance, of Utica ; and John H., who was born in 1863 and who is now engaged in the barbering business at Newark. In 1890 Mrs. Hufman was again married, her second union being with Felix C. Harris, a native of Licking county, Ohio, his natal day being February 8, 1828. Throughout his active business career he was connected with agricultural pursuits and at one time owned fifteen hundred acres of land in Licking county, being widely recognized as a most prosperous and influential citizen. At the time of his death, which occurred October 12, 1902, he was the owner of two valuable farming properties, well stocked with cattle, which are now being operated by his widow. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and for six years he capably 564 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY served as county commissioner. His fraternal relations were with the Masons at Utica and he was a man who was highly esteemed and respected by all with whom he was associated. Throughout his entire life, covering seventy-four years, he was a resident of this county and was numbered among its most successful and worthy native sons. In the capable supervision of her deceased husband's business interests Mrs. Harris has shown herself to be a woman of superior executive ability, while her many excellent traits of heart and mind have won her an extensive circle of warm friends. ALONZO BEEM. Alonzo Beem, who has always resided in this county, engaged in farming pursuits, was born in Lima township, March 11, 1844, and his ancestors were early settlers of this part of the country, his paternal grandparents having been William and Katharine (Rhodes) Beem, the grandfather 'having come from Maryland to this township with his parents. He was among the early settlers of this part of the state and here reared fourteen children. The maternal grandparents of Alonzo Beem were John and Fannie (Brown) Myer, while his parents were George W. and Margaret (Myer) Beem, both of whom were natives of Jersey township, this county, the former born November 17, 1820, and his wife on July 25, 1825. There both resided until they were united in marriage, November 17, 1842, at which time they located on a farm in Lima township, where they spent their remaining days, Mr. Beem departing this life November 14, 1895, and his wife entering into rest June 25, 1854. He was known throughout the county as a prominent stock-raiser, and particularly as a cattle breeder, and at the time of his death he owned a farm embracing three hundred acres. In his family were five children : Alonzo; Minerva, who passed away in her twentieth year ; George W., who died in infancy ; Albert, who resides at Summit Station, this township; and John M. After the death of his first wife Mr. Beem wedded her sister, Julia Ann Myer, by whom he had one child, Alice D., who wedded Daniel H. Whitehead, and lives in Wichita, Kansas. His third marriage, which occurred March 18, 1858, was with Elizabeth Tharp, by whom he had three children : Sarah A. Headley, of Franklin county; Rosa L Prior, deceased; and Ida E. Foster. Alonzo Beem was educated in the district schools and reared on the home farm. Upon his marriage, in 1865, desiring to become independent in life, he purchased his present farm, where he has since been devoting his time and energy to raising general produce and to stock-breeding. His home farm embraces seventy acres of rich and productive land, and his place is provided with all modern improvements and conveniences with which to pursue his work. Aside from this farm he owns one containing one hundred and sixty acres in Phillips county, Kansas, which he also has under cultivation and which he has possessed for the past twenty years. He has been quite successful in all his undertakings and aside from his farming interests he is connected with a number of other enterprises, including the People's Bank of Pataskala, of which he is a stockholder. HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 567 On October 10, 1865, Mr. Beem wedded Miss Mary Looker, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, where she was born May 22, 1844, having come here in the fall of 1854 with her parents, John and Mary (Looker) Looker, both of whom were natives of that state where his nativity occurred March 25, 1806, and that of his wife on February 12, 1812. Both died in this township—in February, 1874, and February 25, 1882, respectively. They were of English extraction and related as third cousins. In their family were seven children, namely : Mrs. Katharine Wolcott, William, Rachel Ann, Thomas, and Margaret, all deceased; Mrs. Mary Beem; and John, who resides in Kentucky. Mr. Beem's political views have always been on the side of the democratic party, and believing firmly in the wisdom of its policies he has always been enthusiastic during campaigns to secure the election of the candidates of his party, since in his opinion the principles of the democratic party embody those policies which alone can preserve the dignity of The nation's free institutions and so distribute wealth as to enable each individual to stand an equal showing in trade, commerce and industry. In local affairs he has taken considerable interest and for twelve years was township trustee, also serving as road supervisor and a member of the school board. He has always been industrious and enterprising and these qualities have not only enabled him to attain prosperity but also to do much toward developing the natural resources of the community. He is well spoken of by all who know him and enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors. ROBERT B. STONE General agriculture and stock-raising have for a number of years claimed the attention of R. B. Stone of Newton township, Licking county, whose birth occurred in Orange county, New York, December 26, 1839. He was a son of Uriah and Mary (Dodge) Stone, both natives of the state of New Jersey, his father, who was a well known blacksmith, having departed this life in New York, where he had been plying his craft. In his family were ten children, namely : Harriett, who became the wife of Jacob Dunning, now residing in New York; Charles, also residing there ; Clara, wife of Emery De Kay ; R. B.; and six children who are deceased. Those who have passed away are : Elizabeth, who became the wife of David Carr ; Mary A., who wedded George Hills; Sarah, the deceased wife of William O'Neil ; James ; Dolly, who was the wife of Edson Pound; and Angeline, who became the wife of George Barrett. The common schools of his native place afforded R. B. Stone his education and upon completing his studies he was apprenticed to a blacksmith, with whom he learned his trade and, having become a proficient and skilled horseshoer, he followed that occupation in the county of his nativity until twenty-five years of age. In 1865 he came to Licking county, Ohio, and throughout the succeeding six years successfully followed his trade but subsequently became identified with general farming and stock-raising pursuits and has thus been connected with the agricultural interests of this county to the present time. In 1868 he bought the ninety-four acre farm belong to his brother-in-law, Archibald Lock, afterward adding to this 568 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. tract by additional purchase until the property now comprises two hundred and five acres of rich and productive land. This is one of the finest and best-kept farms in the county, the many substantial improvements thereon indicating the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. While he raises large quantities of hay, wheat, oats and other grains, he pays particular attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of horses, keeping on hand only the finest breeds. Everything about his farm is indicative of thrift and progress and, aside from having a fine residence, the farm is also equipped with commodious barns, outbuildings, machinery and other conveniences with which to carry on the pursuit of agriculture by modern methods. In November, 1865, Mr. Stone was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Lock, who was born November 25, 1847, on the farm which he is now cultivating. Her parents were William and Mary Lock, her father having been a native of Virginia and her mother of the Keystone state. He came to this county at an early day and located on the property which Mr. Stone now owns. To Mr. and Mrs. Stone were born : Nettie, deceased wife of Albert McMillen; Frank, at home ; Clara, wife of Samuel P. Elliott; Grace, wife of Stanley Montgomery ; and Edith. Mr. Stone's political views are in accord with the principles of the democratic party to which he has always been loyal and, being a man of excellent ability, he has been chosen to serve in many township offices. He has served as trustee for twenty-five years and also for a number of years as school director. Among the fraternal organizations with which he is affiliated is Lodge No. 464, A. F. & A. M., at Wilkins, in which he is an active worker and has passed through most of the chairs. Faithful to his religious obligations as well as to other duties he, with his wife, attends the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are liberal supporters. Mr. Stone is not only an enterprising and industrious man but also an upright citizen and enjoys the confidence and respect of the entire community. EDMUND BESSE. Throughout his entire life a resolute purpose and firm determination have enabled Edmund Besse to accomplish what he has undertaken and in all of his business career there has been no esoteric phase. On the contrary his entire record has been characterized by uprightness and straightforward dealing and he is now largely living retired with a handsome competence acquired by his well directed labors in former years. Indolence and idleness, however, are utterly foreign to his nature and he yet devotes himself to some extent to business affairs, although he now has leisure for the enjoyment of such interests as bring him pleasure, rest and recreation. Mr. Besse is a native of Lima township, this county, his birth having occurred June 5, 1842, upon the home farm of his parents, Samuel B. and Sarah (Child) Besse. The father was born in Maine March 17, 1802, while the mother's birth occurred near Bangor, England, on the 7th of August, 1812. She came to Licking county as a young lady with her parents and her mother purchased one hundred acres of land near Columbia Center, which is now a part of her farm. Samuel B. Besse also arrived in Licking county in his youthful days, coming to Ohio with his parents, Samuel and Rebecca Besse, the former a native of Maine, HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 569 born April 19, 1772, while the latter was born December 17, 1773. Following their removal westward they remained residents of this county until their life's labors were ended in death. Their children were Alden, John, Andrew, Samuel B., Henry, Sophia, Sally, Mary, James M. and Rebecca. Reared to the occupation of farming, Sammuel B. Besse, the father of our subject, continued to engage in that pursuit throughout his entire life, with the exception of a short time during which he drove a stage, and became known as one of the representative and progressive agriculturists of the community. He died here July 30, 1857, while his wife long survived him, passing away March 19, 1875. Their family numbered five children, Alden, Clarissa, Edmund, John and Sarah Ann. Edmund Besse remained upon the home farm until 1866 save that in the meantime he rendered valiant aid to his country by active service on southern battle fields. On the second of May, 1864, when twenty-one years of age, he enlisted in the Union army and was assigned to duty with Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Baird. His term of enlistment was for one hundred days and in September, 1864, he was honorably discharged. He then continued to operate the home farm for his widowed mother for several years. On the 24th of November, 1867, he was married and for a year thereafter lived upon the old homestead. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Besse chose Miss Maggie Farthingham, who was born in Hebron, Ohio, October 9, 1838. She lost both her parents when only three years of age and the family scattered among strangers. She was a daughter of Edmond and Elizabeth Farthingham, pioneer residents of Licking county, who came to Ohio from Middletown, Pennsylvania. Their family numbered four children, James, Eliza, Edmond and Mrs. Besse. As stated, Mr. and Mrs. 'Besse began their domestic life on the old homestead farm and for a year Mr. Besse turned his attention to the butchering business and for five years engaged in hauling meat to Columbus. Later he established a general store at Columbia Center and continued the business for fifteen years with creditable and gratifying success. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode on a farm near Columbia Center and carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1906, when he removed to Summit Station and built his present home which he has since occupied. He is now largely living retired here although to some extent he assists his son in the store and also conducts a coal business. His life has been one of intense and well-directed activity and his prosperity has resulted entirely from his own efforts. In his political views Mr. Besse has always been a republican, giving stalwart support to the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress. He has never sought nor desired office and yet in matters of citizenship he has always been progressive, supporting many measures for the public good. Unto him and his wife have been born two children, but the younger, Harry, who was born October 16, 1870, died April 7, 1871. The surviving child, Samuel B. Besse, is now well known as a merchant and postmaster at Summit Station. He was born in Lima township, July 15, 1868, and has resided in this township throughout his entire life save for one year spent in Plain City. Since the 1st of February, 1893, he has been postmaster and merchant, conducting a general store in which he carries a large and carefully selected line of goods to meet the varied demands of the general trade. On the 4th of September, 570 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. 1890, he wedded Miss Sarah E. Boner, a native of this county, and a daughter o William and Sarah (Holler) Boner. Unto them have been born five children: Glorine, Samuel B., Byron E., Julia. M. and Welmond, who died in infancy. Samuel B. Besse is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Summit Station and is interested in all that pertains to the moral, intellectual, political and material welfare of the community. He has served on the board of education and during his incumbency in the office the township high school was built at Summit Station. Progressive, alert and determined, he accomplishes what he undertakes and in matters of citizenship as well as in business is extremely practical. His well directed activity is being crowned with success and as a representative citizen of this part of the county we present his record to our readers. DR. SAFETY S. RICHARDS. Among the members of the medical fraternity who are highly respected for their services in Lima township is Dr. Safety S. Richards, who for many years has been in the active practice of his profession in Summit Station. He was born in St. Albans township, this county, December 15, 1851, and was a grandson of Andrew and Rebecca Richards, natives of the state of Maryland, who passed away in this county, and who were the parents of twelve children, Mrs. Richards on four occasions having given birth to twins. All the children lived beyond maturity and were exceptional for their strength and stature, Ephraim Richards weighing two hundred and twenty-five pounds and his twin brother in the neighborhood of two hundred pounds. The parents of Dr. Richards were Ephraim and Margaret (Lusk) Richards, the father being a native of Baltimore county, Maryland, where his birth occurred in 1812, and the mother of Fairfield county, Ohio, where she was born in 1818. With his parents Ephraim Richards came to this county in 1820 and located near Linnville, in Bowling Green township, where he followed farming and stock-raising for many years. During the war he had five hundred head of sheep for which he received one dollar and five cents per pound. His death occurred in St. Albans, in 1896, his wife departing this life eighteen months later, in the year 1898. Ephraim and Margaret Richards were the parents of the following children: Samuel, a veteran of the Civil war, who served in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and who passed away in 1862 ; Harvey, who met death on his fiftieth birthday while participating in a barn raising; Patrick, who resides in Jersey township ; Mrs. Cordelia Whitehead, deceased; Mrs. Savella Buxton, deceased ; and Dr. S. S. Richards. In the district schools of his native township the Doctor acquired his preliminary education and after completing a course in the Pataskala high school he began the study of medicine, in 1876, at the Columbus Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in 1879. Through the subsequent ten years he engaged in the practice of his profession at Outville, this county. At the expiration of this period he entered Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, Illinois, where he took a special course and was graduated in the year 1890, after which he became a physician in a hospital. Upon the termination of his services there he located in Jersey township, where he practiced medicine until 1904 but during that year, owing to HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 571 ill health, was compelled to leave his profession for several months, which he spent on a farm until he had recuperated. He then located at Summit Station, where he has since been practicing and has acquired a gratifying patronage. On January 1, 1879, Dr. Richards wedded Miss Mary E. Steen, who was born April 25, 1852, in Columbiana, Ohio, a daughter of W. D. and Rebecca (Gearhart) Steen. Her father, a native of this state, departed this life in Cincinnati, and her mother, of New Jersey, passed away in Mahoning county, Ohio, leaving four sons and two daughters. Dr. and Mrs. Richards are parents of the following children : Clifford, deceased ; Perry Herbert, who was born in 1881 and resides in Reynolds-burg, Franklin county, with his wife, Ethel (Rodebaugh) Richards, and one child, Delores L.; Clarence Ralph, who was born in 1883 and resides with his wife, Laura (Sayre) Richards, at Summit Station; and Eva B. The Doctor is a member of the County, State and American Medical Societies, and also belongs to Center Lodge, No. 326, A. F. & A. M., of Johnstown; Jersey Lodge, No. 523, I. 0. 0. F.; Euterpean Lodge, No. 471, Daughters of Rebekah; Cedar Camp, No. 727, M. W. A., of Newark; Daisy Camp, No. 2574, Royal Neighbors of America; and Derthick Grange, at Summit Station. From the year 1880 to the year 1890 he officiated as infirmary physician, this being the longest period of service in that capacity of any member of the medical profession. In politics the Doctor is a democrat and being profoundly impressed with the fundamental nature of the principles of that party, and believing them to contain the secret of the country's financial welfare, he uses his vote and influence during campaigns to aid its candidates in securing office. His religious convictions become apparent upon mention of the fact that he holds membership with the Disciples of Christ. He is a man of scholarly attainments and studious habits and is in every way qualified for the vacation he follows, his long years of practice in this township serving as a witness to his usefulness as well as to his popularity as a physician. NOAH E. HARRIS. Among the energetic and respected farmers of Liberty township, Licking county, who have made a specialty of stock-raising, perhaps none is better known than Noah E. Harris, who has attained a wide reputation throughout this and adjoining states as a breeder of thoroughbred Poland hogs. He made the breeding of this class of animals a salient feature when he first started in business and he is now a recognized authority. He was a son of Andrew J. and Mary A. (Oldacre) Barris, his parents having been natives of Mary Ann township. His father departed this life in May of the year 1905 and his mother on February 9, of the same year, both having passed away in Liberty township. The former was among the early settlers in this part of the state and it fell to him as one among many to clear off the land and put it into a fit state for cultivation. He lived here all his days, actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and always sustained a worthy reputation for industry, enterprise and nobility of character. On his father's farm Noah E. Harris was reared and in his boyhood days pursued the general routine of agricultural life and acquired his education in the district schools during the few months of the winter season. His educational advantages 572 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. were few but, although he did not have the greater opportunities afforded by learning, yet, he possessed enterprise, perseverance and patience, which are of greater worth and which have stood him well in the battle of life and enabled him to fight off discouragements and from year to year draw forth from the soil its harvests and finally attain to his present prosperous condition. Having completed his studies he remained on the home farm for thirty years, during which time he acquired a thorough knowledge of the various departments of the work, and in the year 1885 purchased the farm on which he is now located and on which he has since engaged in the production of general crops and stock-raising, giving special attention to breeding the highest grade of registered thoroughbred Poland hogs. On October 11, 1882, Mr. Harris wedded Miss Carrie E. Snyder, a daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Philbrook) Snyder, and to this union were born Essie M., who became the wife of John V. Simmons; and Hazel E., who lives with her parents. Mr. Harris is among the intelligent, practical and enterprising citizens of the community and has always manifested such characteristics as to win him the friendship of his neighbors and to cause him to be numbered among the county's representative men. JACOB O. HARRIS. Jacob O. Harris, who since 1897 has capably served in the position of postmaster at Utica, was born in Burlington township, Licking county, April 15, 1846, his parents being Elza P. and Sarah A. (Hanger) Harris, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Knox county, Ohio. Mr. Harris traces his ancestry back to an old Virginia family. About thirty miles from Winchester, Virginia, near the head of Lost River, stands the town of Woodstock, which became famous during the late war for the defeat of Early, by Sheridan's Cavalry, and known thereafter as "The Woodstock Races." Here on the 14th of January, 1776, was born William Harris, and on the 10th of May following was born Hannah Pugh. On the 23d of June, 1803, these young people were united in marriage. Here were born three children, Esther in 1804, Jesse in 1806 and Elza in 1808, Esther dying at the age of one and one-half years, Elza dying in October, 1862, while the date of Jesse's death is unknown. In 1809 this brave young mother, after shedding bitter tears over the mound which covered the first born little daughter, with her spinning wheel and what provisions she could pack, mounted her horse, carrying one child, while the father cared for the other, and the cooking utensils, started out to carve a new home for themselves in the wilderness. They traveled for over three hundred miles through the almost unbroken forest, resolutely following the "Star of Empire" until they arrived at what was known thereafter as the Harris homestead, in January, 1810, having endured hardships of which we can have no conception. Here were born Alfred in June, 1810, who died at- the age of fifteen; William Harvey, born January 12, 1813, died December 5, 1904, aged ninety-one years and ten months ; Amos, next, in 1815, then Daniel in 1818, who has been dead some thirty years, and Mary A., born 1821, who lived but three years. The HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 573 aged Mother, born before the Declaration of Independence, lived almost long enough to hear the joy bells ring out for the nation's hundredth birthday. With the death of Amos Harris April 25, 1907, at Croton, Licking county, the last link is broken which united two generations covering a space of one hundred and thirty-one years. They lived their lives, they lived them well and have earned their meed of rest. Elza P. Harris accompanied his parents on their removal to Licking county, Ohio, in 1810 and purchased the farm on which the birth of his son, Jacob 0., occurred. He was successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and his demise occurred in 1862, while his wife survived him for a number of years, being called to her final rest in 1884. Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, namely : one who died in infancy ; Jacob 0., of this review ; E. M., a resident of Utica ; A. J., who is deceased; Mary E., also living in Utica ; Harriet E., the wife of J. B. Haden, of Mount Gilead, Ohio ; Rebecca, the wife of Joseph Martin, deceased; and two who passed away in infancy. Jacob O. Harris acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he farmed a portion of the homestead on shares for about fifteen years and on the expiration of that period took up his abode in Utica, where he has since resided. On his arrival in the town he took up the trade of carpentering, with which he was connected until 1897, in which year he received the appointment of postmaster under President McKinley and has held the position to the present time, ever discharging his duties in a prompt and efficient manner. He is a stockholder in the Licking Window Glass Factory and is likewise the owner of some fine residences in Utica. Public-spirited, progressive and enterprising, he is well known and highly esteemed as a representative and substantial citizen of his native county. A stanch republican, Mr. Harris has taken an active and helpful interest in the local work of the party, his fellow-townsmen calling him to various positions of trust and responsibility. He has served for three years as constable, was on the city board for two years and in 1890 acted as census enumerator of Washington township. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church. The name of Harris has now figured prominently in the annals of this county for almost a century and he whose name introduces this review is a worthy scion of his race, having ever borne an unassailable reputation for loyal citizenship,. as well as unquestioned integrity and honor. REV. CHARLES H. A. WATTERSON Rev. Charles H. A. Watterson, pastor of the church of the Blessed Sacrament at Newark, was born in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, a son of William and Elizabeth (Cummins) Watterson. His early education was acquired in the parochial schools, while later he attended St. Charles College near Ellicott City, Maryland, also Mount St. Mary's College and Seminary at Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1894 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by his uncle, the 574 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. late Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson, Bishop of Columbus. His first pastoral charge was that of assistant pastor of St. Joseph's Cathedral, in Columbus, where he officiated for six years. He was then made pastor at Cambridge, Ohio, presiding over the church there for three years, after which he was transferred to his present charge at Newark, becoming pastor of the church of the Blessed Sacrament. He organized the parish here and built a handsome combination parochial school and church, the grounds, buildings and furnishings costing in round numbers about forty thousand dollars. He is doing an extensive work here in building up the Catholic interests of the community, and is popular among all classes, being well known and highly esteemed in Newark as one whose labors are proving an element in the moral progress of the city. ELI HULL. No history of Licking county would be considered complete were there failure to make extended mention of Eli Hull, who has now passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, but is yet an active factor in the world's work in various lines of activity. All through his life he has been a most progressive man, hesitating not to take a forward step when his judgment has indicated that it would be a wise one. He has been the pioneer in many works of substantial -improvement and progress here and has done much toward shaping the policy and molding the destiny of the county, especially along lines of its business development. He was born in Hopewell township, Licking county, December 16, 1828, his parents being Samuel Benton and Elizabeth (Sain) Hull, natives of Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland, respectively. The Hull family in America is descended from three brothers of the family who came to the United States while this country was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain. They settled in New England and two of the brothers remained in that part of the country, while the third member made his way later to Virginia, and it is from him that this branch of the family descended. The city of Hull, England, was founded by the ancestors of our subject. In the year 1807 Elizabeth Sain, then a young lady, left Maryland with her father, mother and the other members of the family for the frontier country of Ohio. They had heard reports of a very rich district in this state—a location four miles east of Thornville, in what is now Perry county. Already quite a settlement had been established there and block houses had been built to guard the settlers against Indian attack. When Mr. and Mrs. Sain left their Maryland home with their family, the latter rode one horse and her daughter, afterward Mrs. Hull, rode another, the two women carrying the smaller children on the horses with them. The father and the older sons walked thAlleghanydistance, crossing the Allegheny mountains, to their new home in Ohio. The journey of six hundred and fifty miles was made by following a blazed trail, for at that time there were no wagon roads through the virgin forests. In 1808 Samuel Benton Hull, also hearing of this rich country, turned his face westward and joined the Ohio settlement. Here he formed the acquaintance of Elizabeth Sain and in 1810 they were united in marriage, beginning their HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 577 domestic life upon the frontier amid pioneer environments. They had no money with which to buy supplies and indeed there was little coin or currency in the entire district, everything being barter and exchange. A trading post at Zanesville furnished the supplies for the community and the merchants took in exchange cattle, hogs, wheat or whatever the purchaser had to offer. Prices for farm products were low, but all merchandise sold at a high rate, calico being worth fifty cents a yard, while wheat was quoted at but twenty-five cents per bushel. The first dress which Mr. Hull ever purchased for his young wife was secured at Zanesville at the rate of two bushels of wheat for one yard of calico. The first money of consequence which he received was obtained with the gathering and sale of ginseng, which then grew in abundance here. Later the settlers cultivated and raised tobacco, which was then dried in a kiln and transported by wagon to Baltimore, whence it was exported to Germany and there used in coloring fine silks. All live stock had to be driven across the country to Baltimore, Maryland, until the completion of the Ohio canal, when much of it was shipped by water, this being regarded as a quicker and safer means of transportation. In the year 1814 Samuel B. Hull removed with his family to Licking county and continued to make it his home until within three years of his death, when he became a resident of Columbus, Ohio, where he passed away in 1880 at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He had long survived his wife, who died in 1856 at the age of sixty years. In early life he was a democrat and cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson and again voted for him at the time of his second election. Subsequently he became a stalwart whig and later a freesoiler, while on the organization of the republican party to prevent the further extension of `slavery, he joined its ranks and continued one of its advocates until his demise. He was a man of much intelligent ability and took an active and helpful part in promoting educational interests. He believed in employing competent teachers and maintaining good schools and labored earnestly for that purpose even in pioneer times. He was a man of much influence in his locality and his opinions carried weight among his fellow citizens. He always labored for progress and advancement and stood for improvement ahead of many men of his day. Eli Hull was reared at home amid frontier surroundings, pursuing his education in a log schoolhouse, such as was typical of the time. He studied his lessons while seated on slab benches in a little room in which light was admitted through greased paper windows. There was an immense fireplace in one end of the room and the methods of instruction were quite primitive. There were no text-books, the younger scholars using a sheet of paper on which was printed the alphabet and this was pasted on a small paddle. Because of his own lack of education, the father desired that his children should have good opportunities in that direction and taught them reading, writing and the four rules of arithmetic, and all through his life Eli Hull has remained a student, learning in the school of experience and gaining many points of practical knowledge as the years have gone on. At fifteen years of age he was proficient enough to teach a country school and followed the profession for four months at fifteen dollars per month, hoarding with his father. The following winter he went to Delaware, Ohio, where he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University for six months. He boarded himself, paid his tuition, bought his books, met all other expenses during that 578 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. period out of sixty dollars that he had received for his four months' teaching. The following winter he received sixteen dollars per month for a four months' term of school and again he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he remained for another term. He continued teaching during the greater part of the time for eight years, but believing that there was more money to be made in other fields of business, he turned his attention to farming and also took up the manufacture of stoneware. In 1853 he removed to Newark and engaged in the real-estate business, with which he has been prominently identified for the past fifty-five years. He platted and laid out fifty-two acres on West Main street in 1890 and has handled much valuable property and negotiated many important realty transfers. In the meantime he had also extended his efforts to other fields of labor. In 1856 he developed the industry of extracting oil from cannel coal mined by him on his property on Flint ridge in this county. He was the first man in the world to extract oil from coal and was in a fair way to make a fortune when the great Pennsylvania oil fields were discovered. In 1887 he began mining bituminous coal at Shawnee in the Hocking district and he was the first man in the world to develop his mine, take out coal and haul it from the mines by the aid of electricity. He has recently erected one of the finest business blocks in Newark—a building containing six stores and erected entirely of reinforced concrete. This is the first structure of the kind in Newark. All these things will show that Mr. Hull has ever been in the van of progress, being a leader in many movements wherein others have followed. His financial success is justly merited, for it has come to him as a reward of earnest, persistent labor and his utilization of opportunities that others have passed by heedlessly. In 1849 Mr. Hull was united in marriage to Miss Jemima Neal, a daughter of Captain John and Mary Neal, of Perry county, Ohio. They have three children: Fannie M., the wife of Louis F. Carl, of Newark; Laura M., the wife of W. W. Wehrle, also of Newark; and Joshua M., at home. In his political views Mr. Hull has long been a stalwart republican, and prior to the organization of the party, which he aided in founding, he was one of the original abolitionists, opposing the cause of slavery at a time when it was very unpopular, if not hazardous, to do so. He has long been a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his life record well entitles him to the high regard and good will of all who have known .him through a busy, active and useful life, covering more than eight decades. BRUCE E. MONTGOMERY. Bruce E. Montgomery, who is one of the best known stock men in Liberty township, and descends from a pioneer family of Licking county, was born December 28, 1856. His grandparents, William and Margaret (Grimes) Montgomery, settled in. this county during their younger days and were among others through whose efforts the crude soil was first broken and the region was converted into the fruitful fields which appear on all sides today. The grandfather was one of the pioneer stock dealers of the west, made the first shipment of horses from this portion of the west HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 579 and besides was the owner of vast tracts of land in this state. Samuel and Mary (Seymour) Montgomery were the parents of the subject of this review, and the father for many years was well known as a stock dealer here, and was considered one of the finest cattle buyers in the western part of the country. He possessed over two hundred acres of land and during his day was a man of considerable prominence and influence. Bruce Montgomery, who was one of a family of ten children, all of whom settled in this county and five of whom are still living, remained on his father's farm until he was twenty-four years of age, in the meantime acquiring his education in the district school. After he was united in marriage he settled on a portion of his father's home farm, where he now resides, being actively engaged in general farming and making a specialty of breeding registered Shropshire sheep, which he raises for breeding purposes, specimens of which he has sold in every township in the county and in almost every county in the state, having also shipped quite a number to various portions of adjoining states. In this line of business he is one of the most successful men in the county, his long experience making him an acknowledged authority on the various breeds of sheep. On September 23, 1888, Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage to Miss Ada Saxton, a daughter of Charles and Anna (Robinson) Saxton. Her father's people came from England and her mother came from Staffordshire, England, with her parents in 1807, being at that time but two years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery was born one son, D. Ralph, who, on October 25, 1906, wedded Miss Esther Albery, a daughter of Seth Albery of Jersey township, the couple residing with his father. Mr. Montgomery is a republican in politics and both he and his son take an active interest in party affairs and for many years he has served the township efficiently as a member of the school board. Mr. Montgomery is a member of Johnstown Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and his son belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery are faithful to their religious obligations and are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is one of the most intelligent and enterprising men of the vicinity and always lends his cooperation to any movement which will tend toward the public good, while his excellent qualities of character give him high standing as a citizen of the township. REV. MICHAEL SCHLEIFFER. Rev. Michael Schleiffer, who for twenty-two years was the efficient pastor of the St. Johns German Evangelical church, Of Newark, Ohio, from which he retired to private life in 1906, was born in Alsace, Germany, October 5, 1858, a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Pfeifer) Schleiffer, who spent their lives in that province, where they departed this life. Rev. Schleiffer is the youngest of a family of seven children, six of whom remained in their native land. In his native land Rev. Schleiffer received his preliminary education at the common schools and was then entered as a student in the theological seminary at Basel, Switzerland, where he completed a divinity course and, upon his graduation in the year 1881, came to the new world and located in Coshocton county, Ohio, 580 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. where for a period of three years he ministered to the church of his denomination. Resigning the pastorate there in 1884, he came to this place to take charge of St. Johns German Evangelical church, to the congregation of which he ministered until the year 1906, when after a useful and successful pastorate of twenty-two years he resigned his charge and retired to private life. In 1882 Rev. Schleifer was united in marriage to Louise Guyaz, a native of Russia, where her parents for seven years lived with a Russian count and, when their daughter was about four years of age, removed to the German province. Rev. and Mrs. Schleiffer are the parents of : Martha, wife of A. Priest, of Mansfield, Ohio ; Carl, of this township ; Frieda, who wedded Rev. Beckmeyer, of Van Wert county, Ohio ; and Paul, Louisa, Theophil, Lydia, Olga, Oscar and Ruth, all of whom are at home. Rev. Schleiffer's first child was born in Coshocton county and his other children are natives of this place. Since his retirement Rev. Schleiffer purchased the Smart homestead, on Forry street, his residence being an elegant brick structure surrounded by beautiful grounds and located in the suburbs. During his career as a clergyman in the city he has always kept the higher traits and qualities of Christian character in evidence and has contributed largely not only to the moral and spiritual growth of the congregation to which he ministered but his influence has also made a lasting impression upon the community. Although he has retired from the ministry yet he is always willing and ready to continue his Christian work and serves as a supply when needed in the pulpits of Newark, Columbus and other nearby places. His long years of activity as pastor of the Newark congregation tell better than words of the beneficial nature of his services and of the esteem in which he is held by the members of the church whose pulpit he has filled and also by the residents of the community. WILLIAM FREDERICK WULFHOOP. Licking county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied its public offices, for in the great majority of cases they have been citizens of business ability and of notable devotion to the general good. Classed with these is William Frederick Wulfhoop, now city auditor, clerk of the council and clerk of public safety in the city of Newark. His birth here occurred on the 22d of October, 1875, his parents being Henry and Mary (Oster) Wulfhoop, the former a native of Hanover, Germany, and the latter of Wurtemburg, Germany. The father was born June 21, 1829, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1849, on his arrival in this country, he located in New York city, where he was employed in various ways for seven years. In 1856 he came to Newark and some time later went into partnership with his brother-in-law, William Vogelmeier, in the brick manufacturing business. This plant was reorganized and converted into a modern plant, thoroughly equipped with the latest modern machinery in 1905. It is today operated by three sons of Mr. Vogelmeier. Henry Wulfhoop withdrew from the business in 1873, and turned his attention to the grocery trade in the present location of the grocery store owned by William Vogelmeier, Jr. There he conducted a successful HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 581 business until 1891, when he sold out and retired from active life, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was a democrat in his political faith, and a Lutheran in his religious belief. He not only belonged to the church, but was also a charter member of the Druids, was a charter member of the German Benevolent Society, and a charter member of the German Insurance Society of Newark. One of the progressive German citizens, he made his influence felt in the early business history of the city, and in large measure contributed to its substantial growth and improvement, so that when in January, 1904, he was called to his final rest, the county mourned the loss of one of its representative and valued residents. His wife, who was born in 1833, came to America in 1853 with her parents and their family. They did not tarry in the east but made their way at once to Newark by Way of the old canal from Cleveland. Her father, Christopher Oster, was killed on the railroad crossing in this city in 1875. Mrs. Wulfhoop is still living, and makes her home at No. 43 Clinton street, where the family has resided since the father's retirement from active life. No event of especial importance occurred to vary the routine of life for William Frederick Wulfhoop in his boyhood days. He attended the public schools and divided his time between the pleasures of the playground and various duties assigned him by his parents. After leaving high school at Newark he became a student in Professor Beeney's Business College, and in 1893 entered the county recorder's office as deputy county recorder, in which position he capably served for six years. In 1900 he was elected constable of the city of Newark and the township, and in 1903 was reelected to the office. On the expiration of that term he engaged in the cigar business, but a year later sold out to Ott Vogelmeier. Again he was called to public office in 1907 when he was elected by the city council to the position of clerk, and was also selected for the clerkship in connection with the board of public safety. On March 27, 1909, after an illness of two weeks Frank T. Maurath, city auditor, died. The mayor, Herbert Atherton, appointed William F. Wulfhoop to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Maurath, and he is now actively engaged in the duties of that office. He is now acting in these capacities, is systematically and methodically discharging the duties of these offices, and at all times is prompt and reliable. Mr. Wulfhoop is a member of the German Benevolent Society and likewise belongs to Minnewa Tribe, No. 52, I. O. R. M. He is also connected with Newark Lodge No. 391, B. P. 0. E.; Licking Aerie No. 387, F. O. E. He also belongs to St. John's Lutheran church, in which he is serving as trustee. The community recognize in him one of the leading and progressive men of Newark, well deserving of mention in this volume. SAMUEL WILLIAMS. Samuel Williams, who for many years has been reaping bountiful harvests from his farm in Newton township, this county, was born in Newton township October 22, 1847, a son of Ewen and Nancy (Prigg) Williams. His father, a native of Wales, came to the new world with his parents when he was seven years old, locating in this county where he devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and stock- 582 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. raising. In his family were six children, namely : Mary, who became the wife of John Ashelman, who resides in Newark; Samuel; James, who lives in this county; John A., of Newark, Ohio; Hiram and Albert, both deceased. Their father departed this life in the year 1886, having survived his wife by three years. On the home farm Samuel Williams was reared, engaging in agricultural pursuits during the summer and in the winter attending the district schools where he acquired his education. Remaining under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age, he then hired out as a farm hand for two years, one of which he spent in Crawford county, Illinois. After his marriage he rented a farm for ten years, during which time he met with splendid success and from year to year his harvests were such as to enable him to lay by sufficient means with which to purchase one hundred and fifty acres, the tract of land he now cultivates, in Newton township. In addition to raising large quantities of hay and grain he engages to some extent in stock-raising and keeps on hand a number of head of the finest breeds of cattle, sheep and hogs. Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hendricks, a native of West Virginia, and one of a family of eight children. To this union have been born four children, namely : Rose, wife of Clyde Montgomery, of this county ; Nannie, deceased ; Harry, who resides in Licking county; and Oran, who is deceased. Mrs. Williams departed this life August 12, 1888, leaving her husband and two children to mourn her loss and to perpetuate the blessed remembrance of her usefulness and motherly kindness. In politics Mr. Williams is a democrat and while he does not take an active interest in public affairs yet he keeps abreast of the times as to the paramount issues before the country and is always ready with his vote and influence at the polls to endeavor to secure the election of the candidates of his party. He has served the township in a number of useful offices, including that of school director, in which capacity he has officiated for two terms. Although Mr. Williams is not affiliated with any particular church body he is always ready to assist in the promotion of religious movements and is charitable toward all church organizations. He is a man of high moral character, having the entire respect and confidence of his neighbors. ADDIS L. WILLISON. Palm life offers advantages for a useful and successful career peculiar to itself and naturally preserves and cultivates a state of contentment, which is for the most part not in the possession of those who are born and reared amid the bustle and activity of urban existence. While the lad, who has spent his boyhood days at the plow and in performing the general duties incumbent upon one engaged in agriculture may not be familiar with the general run of city life yet for this he is all the better off since his mind is kept free from the manifold temptations and evils common to crowded centers and is on the other hand given to a thoughtfulness which usually concentrates itself upon the high and noble in human character and develops a manhood which to one's self is ultimately far more satisfactory than city life, with HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 583 its sham and allurements, can offer. There is scarcely any doubt of the fact that rural life is in every sense the most elevating and as well independent and indeed after all he, who has been reared amidst its freedom and has spent his life in tilling the soil and turning it into wealth, is to be envied for the peace and happiness with which he is continually surrounded and as well for the industry and perseverance which must needs be manifest in his daily tasks. Agriculture has always been the pursuit of Addis L. Willison of Liberty township, whose birth occurred on August 14, 1851, in Hartford township. In general farming and stock-raising he has met with splendid success and is recognized as one of the most substantial and prosperous men in the community. Mr. Willison was one of ten children born to Oliver and Roanna (Miff) Willison, natives of Perry county, this state, who in their early days located in Licking county on a farm where they still reside, the father still engaging in active labors. Here Addis B. Willison's childhood was spent and during the summer months he assisted his father in the daily routine of the farm and during the winter attended the district schools, thus acquiring his education. Since completing his studies he has since been giving his attention to the cultivation of hay and grain and also stock-raising. On November 13, 1884, Mr. Willison wedded Miss Emma Duke, daughter of George and Charlotte (Lewis) Duke, natives of Monroe township. Immediately after their marriage he and his wife settled on their farm, containing one hundred and sixty-one acres, where they have since resided. The property presents a neat and well kept appearance, being provided with a comfortable home, barns, outbuildings and all conveniences with which to successfully pursue agriculture. Mr. Willi-son is well known and highly respected throughout the community and the favor in which he is held is manifest by the fact that he is now serving his eighteenth year as treasurer of the township, on the school board of which for several years he also officiated as a useful member. He belongs to White Cross Lodge, No. 308, K. P., in Johnstown, in the affairs of which he takes an active interest. Politically he is a democrat, believing thoroughly in the principles of his party, and during campaigns he is enthusiastic in his endeavors to win success for its candidates. Mr. Willison is in every respect an enterprising and aggressive man and one whose uprightness and excellent business judgment enable him to court the respect of his fellow citizens and be accounted among the representative men of Liberty township. ANDREW JACKSON BLINE. A. J. Bline, who is devoting his time and energies to the cultivation and improvement of a farm in Newton township, was born in Licking county, March 23, 1841. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Frederick) Bline, who are mentioned on another page of this work. A. J. Bline obtained his education in the common schools and remained at home until he had attained the age of thirty-three years. March 26, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Libbie E. Stewart, whose birth occurred in Licking county March 20, 1836, her parents being Alexander and Fannie (Evans) Stewart. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Bline, who was a weaver by occupation, was one 584 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. of the first settlers of this county. Alex. Stewart, the father, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and when two and a half years of age was brought by his parents to the new world. His wife, a native of Pennsylvania, came to this county when there was but one shingle roof house in Newark. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were born eleven children, of whom Mrs. Bline is now the only survivor. The father passed away at the age of fifty-nine years but the mother, long surviving him, attained the venerable age of ninety-six years. Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Bline rented a part of his father's farm, but in 1874, bought his present place of thirty and a half acres in Newton township, which he brought under a high state of improvement and in the cultivation of which he has been successfully engaged to the present time. His place has a well kept appearance and the fields annually bring forth rich crops, for the work of plowing, planting and harvesting is systematically done, due attention being given to the condition and quality of the soil. In his political views Mr. Bline is a stalwart democrat, but has no desire for the honors or emoluments of office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private business affairs. He belongs to the Grange and his religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. His wife is connected with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Bline are unassuming and companionable people. They stand among the first in the county for integrity of purpose and general high character. They have, moreover, witnessed the development of this part of the state from a pioneer region into a rich agricultural district and have taken an active part in the arduous toil which was necessary to bring about this wonderful transformation. WILLIAM D. FULTON. William D. Fulton is practicing at the Licking county bar as a member of the law firm of Fulton & Fulton. Moreover, he is a public-spirited citizen concerning whom many tangible evidences may be given of his interest in municipal affairs and his co-operation in the general advancement and welfare of the community, his latest work of this character being in connection with the Newark library, of which he was the originator and promoter. Mr. Fulton is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Homer, May 27, 1863. He pursued his studies in Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan, and was graduated from Denison University, Ohio, in 1883, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. For one year he was engaged in teaching school and then took up the study of law in the office of Hon. J. B. Jones, being admitted to the bar in 1886. He has since been engaged in practice in Newark and a liberal and growing clientage has been accorded him. His legal learning, his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasps the point in an argument, all combine to make him a strong, forceful lawyer, while the public and the profession acknowledge him the peer of the ablest representatives of the legal fraternity in Licking county. In 1888 he was elected city solicitor and the capability with which he discharged his duties during his first term was indicated HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 587 in his re-election in 1890, so that he remained the incumbent in the office for four years. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to positions of public trust. He served for three years as city school examiner and was also a member of the city council from the second ward. He takes a most active and helpful interest in public affairs and has not only cooperated in many measures for the general good, but has instituted various plans and projects whereby Newark has been greatly benefited. He originated the plan for the Newark library which was opened in August, 1908. He has also been a very progressive member of the Board of Trade and through that avenue has aided largely in securing the location of a number of factories in this city, thus promoting its industrial development. He introduced the bill in the city council for closing the old canal in the city and the work is being done. On the 3d of November, 1883, Mr. Fulton was married to Miss Josephine M. Wintermute of Licking county, and they have five living children, Bertha, William D., Martha, Frances and Margaret. The family is one of prominence and their beautiful home is the scene of many attractive social functions. Theirs is one of the finest residences in Newark, and in addition Mr. Fulton owns much very valuable property including a number of store buildings, residences, vacant lots and six hundred and thirty acres of choice land. His investments in real estate have been judicially made and they constitute important features in his annual income. Socially Mr. Fulton is connected with the Elks, the Woodmen, the Red Men and the Camels. His associates in these orders find him a generous, courteous gentleman who holds friendship inviolable. He is justly accounted one of the prominent and representative citizens of Newark and Licking county. Possessing a broad, enlightened and liberal mind, his has been an active career in which he has accomplished important results, contributing in no small degree to the expansion and material growth of the county, and from which he himself has also derived substantial benefit. WILLIS R. PECK. Willis R. Peck, who was for a number of years well known throughout the state as a heavy poultry shipper and who is now devoting his attention to general farming in Lima township, Licking county, is a native of Harrison township, where his birth occurred November 4, 1858. His paternal grandparents were Solomon and Elizabeth (Nutt) Peck, in whose family were eight children, including Dexter Peck, whose birth occurred at Topsham, Vermont, April 25, 1833. He was only five years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, the family home being established in Harlem township, Delaware county. There amid pioneer conditions he was reared to manhood but when a young man came to Licking county and spent his remaining days in agricultural pursuits in Union and Harrison townships. He wedded Miss Comfort Parkerson, who was born in Etna township, Licking county, and was a daughter of John and Mary (Slack) Parkerson. Her father's birth occurred in Sawley, England, July 25, 1793, while his wife was born in Pennsylvania about 1796. John Parkerson, the grandfather 588 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. of Mr. Peck, was one of a family of seven children, namely : Martha, John, Samuel, Ann, William, Thomas and Edward. With his parents, John and Anna Parkerson, the grandfather, John Parkerson, crossed the Atlantic to Connecticut about 1800 and on leaving New England became a resident of Zanesville, Ohio, where his marriage was celebrated. He served his adopted country as a soldier of the war of 1812, holding the rank of colonel. Following his marriage in Zanesville he removed to Licking county and for some time resided in Etna township, and thence went to Union township, but his last days were passed in Kirkersville, this county, where he died when about eighty years of age. His wife passed away in 1874. Following his marriage Dexter Peck established his home on a farm in this county and throughout his remaining days devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits in Union and Harrison townships. In his chosen life work he met with gratifying success and at one time was the owner of about three hundred acres of rich and productive land but divided this with his children. He died upon the home farm upon the day following the seventieth anniversary of his birth, while his wife died in 1886 at the age of fifty-two years. He was a member of the Kirkersville Baptist church and in early life gave his political allegiance to the democracy, while later he became a supporter of the republican party. Unto him and his wife were born six children : Perry, of Harrison township, this county; W. F., deceased; Willis R., of this review ; Mary J., who has passed away ; Anna V., the wife of Charles Camp, of Lima township; and Loren B., of Harrison town. ship. When Willis R. Peck was about a year old his parents removed to a farm two miles north of Outville. Harrison township, and there he resided until he was mar-tied, in the meantime acquiring his knowledge of husbandry under the instruction of his father and during his boyhood days taking advantage of the educational opportunities of the district schools. After his marriage he purchased sixty-seven acres of land on York street, on which he remained actively engaged in general agriculture, and to some extent in stock-raising, until the year 1903, when he sold his farm and purchased one hundred acres of land located three miles and a half north of Pataskala on the Green Church road. His place, which is known as Maple Grove farm, is highly improved, being provided with substantial buildings, and is as productive a plot of land as can be found in this part of the county. While residing in Harrison township Mr. Peck dealt extensively in poultry, which business he followed for more than eleven years, and during one season shipped east forty-five thousand pounds and had on hand at one time eight hundred head of turkeys and his last shipment of chickens was twelve hundred. Aside from engaging in the various departments of general farming he pays a great deal of attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of breeding high grade sheep. Aside from his home interests he owns a valuable lot on Lake Higgins, Michigan, and is a stockholder in the Pataskala Oil Company. On September 9, 1880, Mr. Peck wedded Emma Artz, who was born in Harrison township, September 29, 1855, and resided there, on a farm two miles east of Pataskala, until her marriage. She is a daughter of Henry and Katherine (Fisher) Artz. The father was born in Woodstock, Virginia, July 4, 1825, and in 1827 was brought to Harrison township by his parents, Jacob and Sarah Artz, who bought six hundred acres of land adjoining the Disciple church property and HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 589 there erected a small house in which they spent their remaining days. Henry Artz now resides in Union township, this county. His wife was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where she was born October 3, 1815, and where her parents departed this life. She came here when a girl, having made the trip, covering two hundred miles, on horseback and all the education she received was that which she obtained at Sunday school but if she was not possessed of learning of the schools she was gifted with a strong constitution which stood her well in the battle of life and she could shear sheep with as great dexterity as a man and also worked as efficiently in the field. She departed this life near Fredonia, McKean township, December 29, 1891. In her family were five children, namely : Sarah Frances, who became the wife of John Holler, of Granville; Almeda Katharine, who was united in marriage to Thomas Pierce, both of whom are deceased; Lewis Fisher, of McKean township ; Emma ; and Henry Wishard, who resides in Liberty township. In 1900 Mr. and Mrs. Peck went to Virginia and visited the burial place of her great-grandparents, Jacob and Mary Art; who in their day were wealthy and possessed large tracts of land near Woodstock, and much of interest was found about the birthplace of his father-in-law, where many relatives are now residing. Mr. and Mrs. Peck are the parents of four children : Zelma I. is the wife of J. H. Wells, of Harrison township, and they have three children, Lewis E., Edna B. and Helen F.; Lester Roy, residing in Lima township east of Summit Station, wedded Ethel Cooper, and they have one son, Sherman.; Gladys Ethel, and Russell B. reside with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Peck also lost three children : Marion Dale, who passed away in his third year ; Marie Pearl, who died in infancy ; and Glenndolyn C., whose birth occurred October 4, 1893, and who departed this life August 13, 1908. Politically Mr. Peck has always been affiliated with the republican party. He is a man of admitted business ability, whose enterprise has done much to promote the general welfare of the township, and his transactions, being straightforward and honest, he is looked upon as a man of integrity and is favorably spoken of by all his neighbors. JOHN NESBET McKELVY. John Nesbet McKelvy, who at the age of eighty-one years is living retired in Washington county, Iowa, was for a number of years a resident of Utica, Licking county, and is still remembered by many of the residents of this section as one of the honored pioneers and business men. His ancestry can be traced back to an early period. His paternal great-grandfather, whose name is forgotten, lived to be one hundred and four years of age. He was married to a Miss Jane McKinley who, with her brother, John, emigrated from their native country, Ireland, to America, in the early part of the fifteenth century. Her father was a wealthy lord of County Down and both he and his wife died during the early girlhood of their daughter Jane. On account of religious persecutions in the old country, on a certain Sunday, while the people of the neighborhood were attending church services John and Jane 590 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. McKinley took passage on an old sailing vessel bound for the United States. They had no money and agreed to work three years for the captain of the ship, in order to pay for their passage. Landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, they began their three years' labor but, at the end of that time, their services having proved so satisfactory, they were paid one year's wages, which was all they had to begin life in America. John McKinley was a noted singer. As above stated Jane McKinley became the wife of a Mr. McKelvy and to their union were born three sons and a daughter, namely : John, William, Robert and Elizabeth. At the beginning of the Revolutionary war the three brothers enlisted in the army, John and Robert serving three years, while William served eight years, or during the entire period of hostilities. The latter joined as a fifer and later was promoted to the rank of captain. The boys were in the battle of the Brandywine, near which place the family lived. The mother and daughter supposed that all would be killed by the British but at night John returned home and reported that all were alive. They had a narrow escape, however, for after the battle was over William found that his cap had been pierced with nine musket balls. His death occurred at Bucyrus, Ohio, about the year 1838. Robert was married about 1783 and reared quite a large family, among whom were James, John, who became the father of our subject; and Elizabeth. Robert McKelvy died in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. John McKelvy eventually took up his abode in Trumbull county, Ohio, and followed farming. He later removed to Putnam county, this state, the year 1846 with nessing his arrival there. He passed away in the latter county in 1848. His son, John Nesbet McKelvy, the subject of this review, was born August 17, 1827. He walked a mile and a half to school, pursuing his studies in an old-time log schoolhouse, in which the seats were made of two-inch plank, supported by wooden legs, or pins, while a long board served as a writing desk. The methods of instruction were equally as primitive as the building. After completing his studies John N. McKelvy, in 1844, was bound out to a man by the name of Hubbard, under whom he engaged to learn the tinner's trade. He was to serve four years, his compensation to be thirty-five dollars a year, while in the event of sickness he was to be taken care of. Mr. Hubbard had in his employ five boys, who were engaged in making tinware, which was peddled through the country, and in exchange for which rags, beeswax, lard, tallow and other products were taken. After completing his apprenticeship Mr. McKelvy worked in Mansfield, Ft. Finley, Bedford, and other Ohio towns. Wishing to secure a better education than had been afforded him in his early youth, he spent one winter in an academy and also qualified for teaching in a night school. Having saved from his earnings about fifty dollars he invested this in a stock of tinware and engaged in business in Utica, where he continued a long period. He became well known as a pioneer resident of this section of Licking county and, although he is now living retired in Washington county, Iowa, he is still remembered by many of the residents of Utica and surrounding country. He has intimate knowledge of the early history of Licking county and during the early years of his residence here shared with the other pioneers in the hardships and privations that had to be met in a frontier district. Mt. McKelvy was married in 1852 to Miss Margaret Darrah and their union was blessed with six children, of whom three died in infancy. The living members are : J. W., of Washington county, Iowa ; Anna J., the wife of John D. Atherton, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; and Dr. J. K. McKelvy, now practicing in Chatham. HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 591 The mother died in 1869, and in 1872 Mr. McKelvy was married to Eliza Ferguson. They had one daughter, who died in 1883. Mr. McKelvy is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church and now, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, is living in Washington county, Iowa, enjoying the rest which he so well deserves. JOHN M. BEEM. John M. Beem, a son of George W. and Margaret (Myer) Beem, has practically spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits in Lima township, where his birth occurred January 22, 1854, since which time he has remained here with the exception of the brief period spent in Iowa. He is widely experienced in all phases of farming, being an adept in the adaptation of crops and also in stock-breeding, his work in these lines having been successful from the outset, so that at present he is in comfortable circumstances and in possession of as fine a farm as exists in this part of the county. He owes his success to his own exertions, being a man of great energy and industry, at the same time being possessed of all those qualifications requisite to thrift, and through his practical economy and excellent management he has gradually attained the reputation which he well deserves as a progressive farmer and substantial citizen of the township. Mr. Beem acquired his knowledge of farming from his father and during his boyhood days received his education in the neighboring schools, remaining upon the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, at which period of his life he was married and then removed to Benton county, Iowa, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, in the cultivation of which he engaged for four years. Then selling his property he returned to Licking county in 1878 and resumed the occupation of farming on fifty acres of land which he subsequently sold and then purchased one hundred and sixteen acres to which he later added sixty-eight acres and, including ninety acres of his father's estate, his farm at one time embraced two hundred and seventy-four acres of excellent land, all of which he kept under cultivation. He has been quite successful in agricultural life and has made considerable money in the sale of his farms, having several times disposed of his property, each time purchasing a new tract of land which he would improve and put upon the market. He has thus realized substantial profits in this way out of his real-estate transactions. He has now disposed of all but eighteen acres. Eight years ago he built an elegant residence at Summit Station, which he subsequently traded for fifty-two acres--a farm which he still owns. His present residence, which is one of the finest in the township, is surrounded by ten acres of land. He is interested in a number of commercial enterprises, being a stockholder in the People's Bank at Pataskala, the Summit Creamery, the Summit Chair Factory and the Pataskala Farmers Telephone Company. On June 29, 1874, Mr. Beem wedded Margaret Beals, a native of Lima township, born October 11, 1853, and a daughter of Enoch and Katherine (Beem) Beals. Her father was born in Etna township, this county, March 5, 1818, a son of Nathan and Elmira Beals, the former a native of Vermont who settled in this county in 1815. Mrs. Beals was born in Lima township, and passed away June 25, 1899, in 592 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. her seventy-eighth year, her husband's death occurring February 10, 1895. They had eight children : Andrew, who resides at Summit Station; George, who passed away in infancy; Adelbert, a resident of Indiana; Fidelia, the wife of Albert Beem; Margaret; Amanda, who resides with her husband, Alvin Peters, in Jersey township; Belle, the wife of Amos Courter, residing in Jersey township; and Jane, who lives with her husband, Dennis Davenport, in Franklin county. Mr. and Mrs. Beem have one daughter, Nerva Izora, who was twice united in marriage, first to William Dixon, by whom she had one child, Inzabelle, and, after becoming a widow, she wedded Jacob William Roshon, of this township. Politically Mr. Beem is a democrat and his religious convictions are with the Universalists, having served in the church of that denomination here as deacon since its organization and at the same time as a member of the board of trustees and, being an ardent church worker, he has for many years been superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a man of high moral and religious aims, living a daily life above reproach, striving ever to conduct his actions in harmony with the tenets of the Christian faith, while his excellent qualities justly command for him the respect and confidence which he enjoys from all who know him. CHARLES H. WELLS. Charles H. Wells, city engineer of Newark, was born in this city May 2, 1879, and is one of a family of seven children, whose parents were William C. and Mary E. (Hempsted) Wells. The father was a native of Lancaster, Ohio, a son of Jonas M. Wells, a leading tailor of Lancaster at an early date. As William C. Wells attained manhood he entered upon an apprenticeship under his father, and thus became familiar with the tailoring business. When but eighteen years of age he went to Columbus, Ohio, remaining only a short time, thence coming to Newark. Here he worked at his trade as a journeyman for a short time, and in 1876 he established himself in business, desiring that the profits of his labors should come directly to himself. He wag a young man of laudable ambition, possessing also n genial disposition and an earnest desire to suit his customers. Those who came to him once usually returned again, remaining with him as permanent patrons. As the years passed, therefore, he prospered, and continued successfully in business until 1902, when he retired from the field of tailoring to take up the management of Buckeye Lake Park. His time was thus spent for two years, after which he retired in order to give his undivided attention to the supervision of his real-estate. interests in Newark which, in the meantime, had become extensive and important. In connection with William E. Miller he platted Park Addition west of the city of Newark. His carefully controlled real-estate interests brought to him a substantial and gratifying return. In his political views Mr. Wells is a stalwart democrat, and his personal popularity is indicated in the fact that he was elected to the board of education in a republican ward. He served for six years on the board, and for four years of that time acted as president and for two years as treasurer. He also served for some years as president of the board of trade, and has been an important factor in the location of all the important industries in Newark. In fact, for many HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 593 years past he has been regarded as one of the city's foremost residents, and a business man whose cooperation can always be counted upon to further any movement for the public good. His ideas are practical, and when his theories are utilized it is found that they contain elements of substantial benefit to the community at large. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He makes his home in Park Addition, west of Idlewilde Park, and is yet counted one of the valued and representative citizens of Newark, although at the present time he is engaged in no active business pursuits save the superintendence of his own interests. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Wells were seven children, of whom six are yet living, namely : Charles H., of this review ; William C., Jr., residing in Cincinnati, Ohio ; George B., a tailor of Newark ; Sidney E., a carpenter of Newark ; Richard E. and Henry E., both attending school in Newark. In taking up the personal history of Charles H. Wells we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known. He was reared at home, acquiring his education in the Newark schools and, passing through consecutive grades, completing the course of the Newark high school by graduation in 1899. He was honored with the presidency of his class, and was very popular with his fellow students. During the following year he began his business career as first assistant in the location of the Columbus Buckeye Lake and Newark Interurban line. After acting in that capacity for a year he went to Zanesville and secured a position in the designing department of the Mosaic Tile Works, with the intention of learning the business. He remained but a short time, however, when he decided that civil engineering was more suited to his abilities, and took up the active work of the profession. He was elected to the office of county surveyor of Licking county and he therefore returned to assume the duties of that office. He had acted in that capacity for only six months when he was appointed to the important office of city engineer of Newark, and his resignation as county surveyor was accordingly tendered. He is now serving his sixth year in the office of city engineer. During his term of service there has been done extensive sewer work and street paving, and the condition of the city's streets speaks volumes in favor of his capabilities. He is a gentleman of genial and pleasing personality, and his friends are legion. He belongs to Newark Lodge No. 391, B. P. 0. E., and the Young Men's Christian Association of Newark. He is known as one of the popular young professional men of the city, and is proving his worth in every relation of life in which he is found. JOHN K. McKELVY. Dr. John K. McKelvy, who since 1881 has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Chatham, was born in Utica, Licking county, August 14, 1857, a son of John N. and Margaret J. (Darrah) McKelvy. The father was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, August 17, 1827, came to Licking county in 1848 and established a tin and hardware shop in Utica. He conducted this establishment until 1883, when he disposed of his store and removed to Washington county, Iowa, where he is now living retired, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The mother, who was a native of Ireland, came to Licking county at an early day and her death occurred in Utica in 1869. Their union was blessed with five 594 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. children, namely : James W., who is employed by the Farmers Bank at Utica; Clark, deceased; John K. of this review ; Boyd, who has also departed this life; and Anna J., the wife of John D. Atherton, a resident of Cleveland. More extended mention is made of the parents on another page of this work. Dr. John K. McKelvy was reared in the place of his nativity and acquired his literary education in the schools of that place. Deciding upon the practice of medicine as a life work, to this end he matriculated in the Normal high school, at Utica, graduating from that institution in 1877. He then attended the Ohio Medical College one year and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Baltimore, from which he graduated in 1880. He began the practice of medicine at Utica, there remaining one year. In 1881 he located in Chatham, where he has remained in practice to the present time. He has built up a good patronage, covers a large area of country and thus has become well and favorably known. Dr. McKelvy was married in 1880 to Miss Mary Florence Koontz, who was born in Licking county November 18, 1858, a daughter of H. B. and Mary (Goad). Koontz, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. McKelvy has been blessed with one daughter, Mamie Dean, who was born February 16, 1881, and is now the wife of Harry A. Stream, who operates his father-in-law's farm in Newton township, the property comprising one hundred acres of well improved land. Mrs. Stream was graduated from the Chatham high school. Dr. McKelvy gives his political support to the republican party, while both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active part. The Doctor was a trustee of the church for several years and both he and his wife have served as teachers in the Sunday school for the past fifteen years. Mrs. McKelvy has been church organist sixteen years. The Doctor has been examiner for various insurance companies a number of years. He owns a nice residence in Chatham which he occupies. He is highly esteemed in this vicinity, not only as a professional man but also as a citizen and friend of humanity, who lives for the good he can do to others. BYRON G. HOOVER. The name of Byron G. Hoover is found on the list of Licking county's honored dead. Though his life record covered little more than a half century, in every relation he stood as a man among men, reliable in business, and progressive and patriotic in his citizenship. He was born March 24, 1843, and was called to his final rest on the 13th of March, 1904. His birth occurred in Monroe township, this county, his parents being Mahlon and Mary C. (Ashbrook) Hoover. On his father's farm he was reared to manhood, engaging more and more largely in the work of field and meadow as his years and strength increased. His educational opportunities were those offered in the district schools and early in life he manifested a desire for and adaptation to mercantile life. Following his marriage, however, he engaged in farming in Monroe township for five years but later turned his attention to general merchandising, establishing a store at Appleton, HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 597 which at that time was an important business center. There he built up an extensive trade, which he successfully conducted until 1893, when he was elected treasurer of Licking county. He served two terms, or four years, and proved an excellent official, popular with all the people and a most faithful custodian of the public funds. He retired from office as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all concerned, and when he put aside political cares he assumed the management of his farming interests adjacent to Appleton. There the family home has since been maintained. It was on the 25th of October, 1866, that Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Susie Mclnturf, a daughter of James and Alice Ann (Gregg) Mclnturf. Her mother's people came from Virginia. Her father, however, was born in Licking county, his ancestors having come to this state from Pennsylvania in pioneer times. Both the Hoovers and the Mclnturfs were large and influential families, active in farming interests and commercial life of the county. Nine children were horn unto Mr. and Mrs. Hoover, as follows : Harry G.; Burt N.; Mary, now the wife of Homer Rice; Don C.; and five who died in infancy. Mr. Hoover was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Knights of Pythias lodges at Johnstown. He believed in an active support of all public movements for the benefit of the community, advocated civic improvement and through his example and influence did much to promote public progress along that line. He was a democrat in his political allegiance and always took an active interest in party affairs. He was enterprising in business, resolute in his spirit of what he believed to be right and was everywhere recognized as a man of high character and sterling integrity, whose influence was always on the side of justice, truth and substantial development. His personal worth, his business success and his faithful and capable service in public office all combined to make him a citizen whom the community honored and respected. The Hoover home at Appleton has always been among the most hospitable in the county—a favorite resort for the many friends of the family. CHARLES SLIFE. General farming and stock-raising have commanded the attention of Charles Slife, of Liberty township, where for a number of years he has been identified in an influential way with its agricultural interests. Being energetic and enterprising and possessed of an aggressive spirit, which neither discovers nor halts before difficulties, he has lent his hand to the plow perseveringly and with a patience worthy of emulation, until now in his declining years, owing to the success he has achieved in the annual production of bountiful harvests, he is surrounded by prosperity and can afford, if he desires, to lay aside the implements with which he has long efficiently worked and in leisure participate somewhat in the comforts and fruits of his long years of earnest and honest toil. In Liberty township in which he has spent practically all his life he was born October 26, 1840, a son of Henry and Catherine (Dunbauld) Slife, natives of Pennsylvania. His father, who came to this county from Westmoreland county, in that state, devoted his 598 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. life to the various departments of agriculture until his death, which occurred in August, 1894, while his wife, originally from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, passed away here in October, 1886. Both were hard workers, known throughout the community for their industry and careful management, and as well for the uprightness of their lives. On his father's farm, indulging the usual experiences of a farmer boy and engaging in the general routine incident to the occupation, Charles Slife was. reared to manhood, in the meantime attending the district school, where he obtained his rudimental training, after which he was given the educational advantage of a course of study in the Johnstown high school. He then turned to the farm and, after working for several months, became discontent with its apparently meager opportunities and decided to seek his fortune in another vocation. At about that time the news of quickly-earned riches in the gold fields of California was being spread abroad and Mr. Slife, becoming enthused over the situation, made up his mind to take his chances with others who were becoming wealthy in the Golden state. Therefore in 1862 he repaired to the gold fields of the far west, where for three years he applied himself arduously to the search for the valuable metal. On the expiration of that period, having been successful in acquiring a snug fortune and after a long journey across the plains he finally reached his present farm and settled down- to the pursuit of agriculture. He owns and cultivates a splendid farm containing two hundred acres and equipped with every convenience necessary to carry on the occupation by progressive methods and from year to year his harvests of hay and grain are bountiful and the returns of his stock satisfactory. On May 25, 1876, Mr. Slife was united in marriage to Mrs. Ella McNela, daughter of Casper and Maria (Reamy) Myers, of this county. They have two children : Maud M., wife of I. J. Miller, a prominent agriculturist of Geauga county, Ohio; and Mabel, who resides with her parents. Mr. Slife is a democrat and while he does not take an active interest in politics he devotes a great deal of study to public affairs and is well informed on the issues of the day. He is a man of high aims and noble character, which have won him the confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen, and is in every sense a man whose many admirable qualities have made him a general favorite and have won him a host of warm friends. His dwelling is large and elegant, built on modern lines, and his is an ideal country home where he lives in happiness and contentment and in which he extends his- hospitality to his many friends. ELLIOTT A. COCHLAN. Elliott A. Cochlan, who operates an extensive planing mill and is prominent in the lumber business of Newark, Ohio, was born in Litchfield, Illinois, in 1861. Martin E. Cochlan, his father, was born in Ireland, coming to the United States in the early '50s. Immediately upon reaching the shores of the new world he located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon arriving in this city he secured employment in the service of the railroad where he remained for several years. Giving up this position he became a member of the Cincinnati police force. He served in HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 599 this capacity until the time of his death in 1865, his son, Elliott A., being then but four years of age. Mr. Cochlan was a member of the Roman Catholic church and a supporter of the republican party. The mother of the subject, Hannah A. (Schooley) Cochlan, was a native of Ross county, Ohio, having been born near Chillicothe. Schooley Station bears the name of her father, who was a pioneer farmer of that section of the country. Mrs. Cochlan is still living in Newark, Ohio, at the advanced age of ninety-one years, and still maintains her mental and physical vigor. She had four children of whom the subject is the youngest. Elliott A. Cochlan received his education in the public schools of Marietta, Ohio. Immediately upon leaving school when but a boy he went to work in a planing mill and has ever since followed that business. In 1903 he came from Marietta, Ohio, to Newark, and bought out the Garber & Vance planing mill, which is now known as the Cochlan planing mill. This is a well known concern and draws an extensive trade from many miles of the surrounding country. He engages in the manufacture of all kinds of lumber with special attention to turning out products for fine finishing work. His plant is equipped with the most modern machinery and his business is gradually increasing. In his mills and lumber yards he employs a number of men. In 1881 Mr. Cochlan was united in marriage with Miss Alma Phillips, who was born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1859. She was a daughter of Lyman W. and Eunice Phillips, the former a brick manufacturer. The following children were born: Lyman P., Hazel, Audrey, Alma and Fern. Mr. Cochlan gives his support to the republican party. He does not take an active interest in politics as an aspirant to public office. However, he served most capably as a member of the Marietta city council. He is familiar with the political issues of the day but confines his political activity to casting his vote and using his influence toward the election of candidates whom he thinks fitted to serve the public. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and also of the Knights of Pythias. JOHN F. WEISS. John F. Weiss, an enterprising and successful agriculturist of Newton township, was born in Licking county, July 2, 1872, his parents being Lewis and Samantha (Barrick) Weiss. In early manhood the paternal grandfather journeyed from Pennsylvania t Licking county, and for one year resided on a farm. of one hundred and seventy-five acres, which he had purchased here. He then returned to the Keystone state, was married and brought his bride to this county, making his home here until called to his final rest. Lewis Weiss, the father of our subject, was born in Newton township, Licking county, and was long numbered among the most worthy and public-spirited citizens of his community. He took an active interest in politics as a supporter of the democracy and held township offices. His demise occurred in February, 1880, and was deeply mourned by many friends as well as his immediate family. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Samantha Barrick and is a native of Pennsylvania, was only three years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Licking county in 1838. She was one of a family of eleven children and by her marriage to Lewis