(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 800 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. township, where he has since resided with his family. In addition to tilling the soil he has been a successful stock-dealer nearly thirty years and is one of the best known and most extensive stock-dealers in this section of the state. In all of his business transactions his judgment and integrity are above question. He has been a large buyer both for the local markets of Columbus and also for shipment to the markets of other cities outside the state. On the 29th of August, 1872, Mr. Cheek was married to Miss Elmira A. Ross, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Beem) Ross. Her father came to Licking county from Pennsylvania when a young man, while the mother was a native of Jersey township, this county. Mrs. Cheek here spent her girlhood days and has a wide acquaintance. Unto this marriage have been born eleven children: Ross; Stella M., the widow of William Seeds of Columbus by whom she had four children—Florence, Raymond, William, and Elsie—Mr. Seeds dying in May, 1904; Iva, the wife of Ethan Allen, of New York; Mott; Lester ; Lillie, now the wife of Edgar Welch, of New Holland, Ohio ; Pansy, the wife of Carl Stanford, a resident of Columbus, Ohio ; Clinton; Bessie; Grover C.; and Frances. Mr. Cheek takes a keen interest in public affairs and is an intelligent, broadminded man, who has done much to promote public improvement and to advance the educational conditions of his locality. He was an influential member of the school board for a number of years and loyally advocated progress and improvement in educational lines. He is a member of Johnstown Lodge, K. P., and is prominent in local ranks of the democracy, frequently representing Monroe township in county, district and state conventions. Moreover, he maintains an unsullied reputation for honesty and fair dealing in all business transactions and, believing that -success may crown the efforts of every individual, he has labored diligently to attain his present enviable and creditable position in agricultural circles. RUFUS F. WRIGHT Rufus F. Wright, a prosperous farmer of St. Albans township, represents an honored and patriotic family, his grandfather, Simeon Wright, having served as a major in the war of 1812 and his great-grandfather, Robert Wright, in the Colonial army, during the Revolutionary war. The latter, in those perilous times, in order to protect his wife and family from the Indians, hid his wife and three children in a hollow tree and three children under his cabin floor. The Indians, discovering the latter, took their lives and burned the cabin, while the other three children together with his wife escaped the cruelty of the savages. Incensed by the fiendish work of the Indians, Robert Wright vowed that he would kill every Indian he could and, faithful to his oath, he succeeded in taking the lives of twelve before he passed away in Licking county, at the age of ninety-seven years. Simeon Wright, one of those who had been concealed in the hollow tree, in company with his family, located on Raccoon Creek, Licking county, in the year 1819. There he followed farming until he was sixty-three years old, at which age he lost his life in a runaway accident. His son, Hiram Wright, father of HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 801 Rufus F. Wright, was born in Rutland, Vermont, July 25, 1803, and when sixteen years of age accompanied his parents to this county, settling in St. Albans township, where he was united in marriage to Eliza Blood, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, where her birth occurred in January, 1803, her family settling in this township in the year 1821. Following his marriage Hiram Wright settled in Monroe township but upon the death of his father he returned to St. Albans, where he resided until the year 1870, when he removed to Champaign county, Illinois, settling near Mahomet, in which place he departed this life in August, 1889, his wife surviving him but a few months. They reared the following children: Sarah, deceased; Elizabeth; Mary; Lucien; Rufus F.; Robert; Charles, deceased; and Theodore. Near Johnstown, Monroe township, Licking county, Rufus F. Wright was born April 7, 1835, and when four years of age, accompanied his parents to St. Albans township, where, excepting one year, he has since resided, devoting himself to agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with remarkable success. In Alexandria, Ohio, on March 26, 1857, he wedded Miss Harriet Elizabeth Lyman, a daughter of Abner and Betsey (Hubbard) Lyman, her father a native of Onondaga county, New York, where he was born on November 1, 1811, and from which place, at the age of six years, he was taken by his parents to Hardin county, Kentucky, and from there, in the year 1820, to Louisville, Kentucky, from which place, in 1825, he drove an ox-team to this county and settled in St. Albans township. At that time he had but fifty cents and a few bed clothes. He was employed as a farm hand until the year 1830, when he purchased forty acres of land in St. Albans township, in the cultivation of which he was quite successful and attained prosperity. On July 10, 1836, he married Miss Hubbard, and they had four children, namely : Harriet Elizabeth; Horace C. ; Sarah F.; and Joseph A., who lost his life in the battle of Ringgold, Georgia. Mr. Lyman died in Alexandria, Ohio, January 24, 1885, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a pioneer member of the Methodist church here, with which he became identified in the year 1848. His wife, a native of Rutland, Vermont, where her birth occurred September 30, 1815, spent most of her life in this county, her parents having settled in Granville township when she was four years of age, later removing to Lock, Knox county, where she was married, upon which she removed to St. Albans township, where she died December 24, 1883. With the exception of about a year and a half spent in Morrow county, Rufus F. Wright has always resided here with his wife and they have the following children : Lyman Wright, who wedded Miss Mary B. Stinson on the 24th of October, 1878, has three children : Rufus S., who wedded Miss Hattie Eager, of St. Albans township, and has one child, Ida Louise ; Gwen Ethel, the wife of Fred E. Hammond, by whom she has one child, Achsah ; and Sarah Elizabeth. S. Ida, the second child of Rufus F. Wright, married L. D. Rogers, A. M., M. D., L. L. D., of Chicago, Illinois, who founded the Chicago Baptist Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the west. In 1891 he likewise founded the National Medical University, which in 1906 had four hundred and twenty-five students, Dr. Rogers' official connection with the institution at the present time being that of dean and vice president. He is also editor of The People's Health Journal and the Chicago Night University Bulletin ; author of "Surgical Cleanliness," "Homeopathy Ex- 802 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. plained" and "Rogers Homeopathic Guide ;" and surgeon to the Cook County Hospital of Chicago. He belongs to the American Institute of Homeopathy, the Illinois Homeopathic Association and the Homeopathic Society of Chicago. Mrs. Rogers is also a practicing physician, she and her husband having founded_ the Emergency hospital and college in Chicago, where they have been following the profession for twenty-four years. Both are graduates of Denison University and Mrs. Rogers has three diplomas which she received respectively in Berlin, London and Vienna, aside from those which she received in this country. Dr. Rogers and his wife have three children; namely : Lyman NV., Rufus Boynton and Rose Elizabeth. The third child of Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Frederick J., was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Levering, of Morrow county, by whom he has three children, namely: Roy, Ellis J. and Forest. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has officiated in many, important stations and to which he has given generously. He is a stanch republican and for forty-six years has been affiliated with the Masonic order, in which he has held various chairs. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres and is neat and attractive, its well-kept appearance evidencing the care and energy of its owner. Mr. Wright retired from active farm life in 1885 and purchased a residence in Alexandria, which he remodeled and made one of the finest dwelling houses in the town. JACOB SMOKE. Jacob Smoke, a life-long resident of Etna township, where he engages in agriculture and stock-raising, was born February 11, 1844, on a farm situated one mile south of Etna village, and is a descendant of a pioneer family of this part of the state, his grandparents having located here in the early days and were among those to whom the present generation are indebted for the broad, fertile acres of this county. Dennis Smoke, his father, was born in Ohio and during his boyhood days assisted his father in cutting away the timber preparatory to putting the land under cultivation, and at the time of his death, through his perseverance and industry, he was the owner of three hundred and forty acres of land, all in one tract and all highly improved and productive. He married Elizabeth Hauser, who was a native of Switzerland, and they had eleven children, namely : Isaac, a resident of Columbus, Ohio; John, who lives in Harrison township; Elizabeth, widow of Daniel Showers, of Etna; Henry, deceased; Mrs. Margaret Mazeland, and Mrs. Maria Brock, both deceased; Nancy, who met death in childhood by turning somersaults; Dennis and Mrs. Laura Jane Brock, deceased; Jacob; and Katharine, widow of Daniel Goode, a resident of the village of Etna. Jacob Smoke resided on the home place until his marriage, in the meantime assisting his father in the duties of the farm and acquiring his education in the neighboring schools, and at that period of his life, desirous of becoming independent, he removed to another farm which he occupied for some time. Subsequently he went to a farm near Baltimore, Fairfield county, where he remained until 1873, during which year he purchased the farm on which he now resides, HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 803 end here he has since lived with the exception of six years which he spent on a tract of land near Kirkersville, Ohio, which he had rented. His farm contains eighty acres located two and one-half miles southwest of Kirkersville and at the time he took possession all, with the exception of twenty acres, was a mass of thick timber which he has since cleared away, so that the entire tract is now under cultivation. His farm is provided with substantial, modern buildings, all of which he constructed himself, and all necessary care and attention having been given to the land, his farm is now one of the most productive in this part of the county. He devotes his attention to general agriculture and stock-raising, buying and shipping on a small scale. In 1865 Mr. Smoke wedded Miss Rachel Blosser, a daughter of John Blosser, a well known agriculturist of Fairfield county. She was born in Fairfield county, October 31, 1844, and her death occurred there on January 31, 1871. The children of Mr. and. Mrs. Smoke are : Silas, a resident of this township ; Clara, the wife of William Manger, of Granville township ; and Arvillah Luella, who resides with her husband, John Waggoner, in Columbus, Ohio. On March 31, 1872, Mr. Smoke was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Sands, a native of Baltimore, Fairfield county, Ohio, born May 5, 1853, and to this union were born : Zella; Chloe, wife of Ora Snyder, of Fairfield county ; Arley Sylvester, who was born May 4, 1880, and died October 31, 1898; Harvey Lester, who resides with his parents ; Vernon Sylvano, who resides in Etna township; and Harry Galveston, at home. Mr. Smoke is a stanch democrat and on many occasions he has been called upon to become a candidate for local political offices but has repeatedly declined, at the same time, however, being interested in the welfare of the community and always ready and willing to further measures purposed for its betterment. He belongs to the Evangelical church of Etna township, in which he is an active worker and a member of the board of trustees. PERRY MUNSON ASHBROOK. The name of Perry Munson Ashbrook is found on the list of the successful business men of Alexandria and this part of the county. He is conducting a growing trade as a hay and grain merchant and also as a shipper of live-stock and, moreover, is known in financial circles as one of the directors of the Alexandria Bank Company. One of the county's native sons, his birth occurred near Johnstown, March 26, 1873. He traces his ancestry back to Eli Ashbrook, his great-grandfather, who settled near Johnstown about 1810 and spent the remainder of his life on a farm there, devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits. He was also a local preacher of the old-school Baptist church. His family numbered fourteen children, twelve of whom reached years of maturity. This family included Hiram Ashbrook, who was born on the old homestead farm near Johnstown and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Sarah Ann. Jewett, also a native of the same locality. They began their domestic life on a farm in the neighborhood and there lived until 1876, when they removed to Pataskala. In his farming operations Hiram Ashbrook had prospered and had become the owner 804 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. of a valuable tract of land of three hundred acres, which is still in possession of the family. He died in Pataskala in September, 1879, at the age of fifty-nine years, while his widow survived him for more than thirteen years and passed away January 20, 1893, at the age of seventy-two years, six months and four days. Their family numbered six children: Albert, who died at the age of seven years ; Hiram Munson; Mrs. Helen Clark, who is a resident of Marshalltown, Iowa ; Omer D., who also lives in Marshalitown; Alice, who died unmarried ; and Minnie D., who likewise resides in Marshalltown. Hiram. Munson Ashbrook, father of Perry M. Ashbrook, was born near Johnstown, May 18, 1850, and was reared to the occupation of farming, which pursuit he chose as a life work. He always carried on the task of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops but did not confine his efforts to this line alone, for he became well known as a stock dealer and in fact conducted a most extensive business of that character. He handled one hundred thousand dollars worth of stock in 1890 and likewise conducted a profitable business as a wool buyer and dealer in hay and grain. He carried on general farming until 1880, when he began dealing in stock and later extended his efforts to other lines. About three months prior to his death he became the owner of an elevator at Johnstown. He passed away in December, 1891, but is still survived by his widow, who was born September 20, 1849, and now resides on the old home farm a mile east of Johnstown. In politics he was a stanch republican and was a citizen of sterling worth, interested in all that pertained to the welfare and progress of the community, while his active support of progressive public movements constituted an element in the city's growth. His widow is a daughter of William Bishop, who came from New Jersey to this county in 1826, when eight years of age, with his parents. His father died immediately after arriving here, his death being occasioned by smallpox. William Bishop still resides in this county about a mile east of Johnstown and is yet enjoying good health, although now ninety years of age. His daughter, Anna M., became the wife of Hiram Ashbrook and, still surviving, resides on the old home farm east of Johnstown. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children. Perry M. is the eldest. Charles Albert, who was a farmer near Johnstown, died May 5, 1908, at the age of thirty-four years, leaving a widow and six children. Hector Dean is engaged in the hay and grain business and also has an elevator at Johnstown but makes his home in Pataskala. Mary Alice became the wife of J. Clyde Montgomery and died February 2, 1906, leaving one child. Abbie Estelle died December 28, 1905. Byron W. is a farmer living in Johnstown, and Alva H., is a railroad brakesman living in Columbus. Perry Munson Ashbrook spent his entire life in Licking county and continued on the home farm with his mother until he was twenty-four years of age. The district schools afforded him his early educational privileges and later he was a student in the Johnstown high school for a short time. He spent one year in Johnstown engaged in the hay and grain business, entering the employ of J. R. Alsdorf as a clerk in October, 1897. In October, 1898, he came to Alexandria and established a hay and grain business on his own account. He is also engaged in shipping live-stock and owns a grain elevator and hay storage. In 1907 he shipped over three hundred carloads of farm products and is conducting an extensive business, his interests proving an excellent market for the farmers and stock-raisers HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 805 of the surrounding district. His capably managed interests are bringing to him prosperity and his financial resources are annually increasing. He is now a director and stockholder in the Alexandria Bank Company, with which he has been connected since its organization. On the 23d of June, 1897, Mr. Ashbrook was married to Miss Bertha A. Davidson, who was born near Croton, Ohio, September 11, 1877, and is a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Graham) Davidson, who are still living near Croton. Mr. and Mrs. Ashbrook became the parents of three children but lost their first born, Paul M., in infancy. The others are: Gordon G., born August 23, 1901; and Allen D., born February 18, 1905. The parents are prominent socially and have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances. Mr. Ashbrook belongs to the Knights of Pythias, to the Methodist Episcopal church and is an advocate of the prohibition party. These associations indicate much of the character of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. He is active in support of the temperance cause and is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral development of the community. His own life is upright in its varied relations and his unquestioned integrity has made his word as good as any bond solemnized by signature or seal. He is a worthy and prominent representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of the county and justly merits the high esteem in which he is uniformly held. SYLVESTER L. BUSH. A well improved farm in Monroe township is the property, of Sylvester L. Bush, who is diligent and industrious in his management and control of the place. He was born September 20, 1859, in the county which is still his home, his parents being Noah and Eliza (Longwell) Bush, who are mentioned on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of their son, Wesley Bush. From pioneer times the Bush family has been identified with the agricultural development of the county and Sylvester L. Bush was reared on his father's farm, assisting in its work from early boyhood until twenty-six years of age. During that period he gained intimate knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and marketing his crops. He was educated in the country schools of the township and while no events of exciting interest occurred in his youth, he laid the foundation for an honorable and upright manhood and for business activity and enterprise. After starting out on life's journey Mr. Bush chose a companion and helpmate, being married on the 15th of October, 1885, to Miss Florence Dague, a daughter of George and Harriet (Beecher) Dague. The father was a prominent and well-known farmer of Franklin county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bush have been born three children: Leota, who is the wife of Rolland Ravinna, of Johnstown; Russell; and. Clinton. Subsequent to his marriage Sylvester L. Bush began farming on his own account, taking up his abode on a part of the old homestead and within a short distance of the dwelling in which he had been born and reared. He still resides on this place and now has an excellent farm, well-improved with a comfortable, 806 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. modern dwelling, large barn and ample outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He raises good grades of cattle, horses and hogs and his place is well cultivated, the fields annually returning to him golden harvests for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He is continually studying to improve his farm methods and keeps in touch with the general trend of progress which has characterized agricultural life in the last half century. Aside from business interests Mr. Bush deserves to be classed with the representative citizens of the community, for he is a public-spirited man, interested in all that pertains to the general progress. He is an advocate of good roads and of all public improvements, is a stalwart champion of the cause of education and is equally loyal in his support of measures pertaining to the moral development of the community. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Freewill Baptist church. F. M. BROOKS. F. M. Brooks, who for many years was actively and successfully identified with the farming and stock-raising interests of this county, is now living retired on his excellent farm of two hundred and fifty acres in McKean township. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Licking county, his birth having occurred in McKean township on the 30th of October, 1835. His parents, Martin and Lucy (Blanchard) Brooks, who were natives of Maine and Vermont respectively, took up their abode in this county in the year 1820. The father here purchased a tract of land and continued a resident of the county until 1859, which year witnessed his removal to Missouri, where his remaining days were passed. The mother's death, however, occurred in Licking county. Of their family of six children only two survive, the sister of our subject being Amanda, a resident of this county. In the acquirement of an education F. M. Brooks attended the public schools and when he had attained his majority he purchased the farm of two hundred and fifty acres in McKean township, on which he has since made his home. As the years went by he placed many substantial improvements on the property and in addition to the cultivation of the fields he made a specialty of raising and feeding stock of various kinds, both branches of his business proving remunerative by reason of his well directed energy and capable management. When he had acquired a comfortable competence he put aside the active work of the fields and is now living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, being well-known and highly-esteemed as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the community. There are four gas wells on his property. Mr. Brooks has been married twice. On the 25th of December, 1856, he wedded Miss Hannah Wilson, a native of Licking county and a daughter of Samuel and Angeline (Peasley) Wilson, whose family numbered three children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were natives of the state of New York, but became residents of this county at an early day, and here continued to make their home until called to their final rest. By his marriage to Miss Hannah Wilson, Mr. Brooks had eight HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 807 children, namely : Lucy, who is the widow of William Farris and makes her home in Preble county, Ohio; Angeline, the wife of William Lake, of Licking county; Atta, the wife of Charles Jones, of this county; Wilson, who is also a resident of this county; Nancy, who is the widow of B. Scales and resides in Licking county; Oscar, who is deceased; and John and Samuel, both of Licking county. The mother of these children passed away on the 2d of May, 1876, and on the 17th of June, 1877, Mr. Brooks was again married, his second union being with a sister-of his first wife. Unto them have been born three children, as follows : F. D., who is on the home farm, born January 16, 1879; Mabel G., born July 25, 1882, the wife of C. J. Tatham, of Guernsey county, Ohio; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Brooks also has twenty-one grandchildren. In his political views Mr. Brooks has always been a stalwart democrat and has capably served as treasurer and trustee of his township. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows- Lodge, No. 350, at Granville, in which he has filled all of the chairs. Having made his home here for almost three-fourths of a century, Mr. Brooks has most intimate knowledge of the history of Licking county and especially of McKean township, and it is with pleasure that we present his record to our readers. He has seen the wild prairie land converted into rich farms, roads laid out, the streams bridged, and churches and schools built until the county today bears little resemblance to the district in which his boyhood was passed, for then the settlers had to endure many of the hardships incident to pioneer life. His friends in the community are many and the fact that a large number of them have known him from his boyhood days to the present is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright career. CHARLES V. ARMSTRONG. Charles V. Armstrong is cashier of the Johnstown Bank, which is the oldest banking institution of this city, and throughout the entire period of his connection with financial interests here he has borne an unsullied reputation while his concentration of purpose, his close application and his unwearied industry have carried the bank forward to its present commendable place in the business world, bearing important relation to the public interest. Honored and respected by all who know him, and most of all where he is best known, Charles V. Armstrong may justly be classed with the representative residents of Licking county.. He is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Cardington on the 5th of June, 1852. His parents were John and Caroline (Van Dorn) Armstrong. The father was a prominent farmer and the son was reared upon the homestead farm, assisting in the various tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, from the time of early spring planting until crops are gathered in the late autumn. His preliminary education was acquired in the district schools and supplemented by two years' study in the Columbus high school. He also attended a commercial school in Cleveland, and was thus trained in business methods, afterward becoming a bookkeeper in the Central Bank of Columbus, where he remained five years. He resigned his position in the bank to engage in farming, and for five years devoted 808 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. his energies to general agricultural pursuits. The need of a bank in Johnstown became apparent and in November, 1883, Mr. Armstrong became associated with Messrs. Derthick, Buxton & Kasson in the organization of the Johnstown Bank. He was then chosen cashier and has continuously filled this position, the success of the institution being attributable in large measure to his efforts and industry. This was the pioneer bank of Johnstown and as such has had much to do with the education of the people in the matter and methods of banking business. One year after the organization of the bank Mr. Armstrong became a partner and following the retirement of Mr. Kasson the firm name became Derthick, Buxton & Armstrong. This continued until 1897, when Mr. Derthick died. Mr. Buxton and Mr. Armstrong remained as partners, conducting the bank under the original name. It is today one of the strong financial institutions of the county and the broad experience of Mr. Armstrong combined with his reliability and enterprise have been leading factors in its success. On the 22d of February, 1882, Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Mary M. Beattie, a daughter of John and Lamatta (Van Dorn) Beattie, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and they are well known in Johnstown, occupying an enviable place in the social circles of the city. Mr. Armstrong is a public-spirited man, manifesting deep interest in community affairs and is now serving as a member of the town board, while for a number of years he was a member of the board of education. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, which finds in him a stalwart champion. Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Johnstown than Mr. Armstrong. He has been an important factor in its business circles and his prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating industry and energy that never flags. Efforts to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community receive his endorsement and his hearty cooperation. JOHN W. MOORE. The free and independent life of the farm has elicited the energies of many men who have tilled the soil to their advantage, among whom is John W. Moore, an agriculturist of Harrison township, this county, his birth having occurred in Newark, January 10, 1846. He is a son of William and Katherine (Taylor) Moore, natives of England, the father having been born in Yorkshire, in May, 1815, and the mother on March 18, 1814, he having come to Newark with his brother, John B. Moore, when he was in his sixteenth year. By trade he was a plasterer and followed contract work for a number of years in partnership with Jesse Hoover. His mother came to this country with her brother, Andrew Taylor, and departed this life in Newark October 25, 1900, when in her eighty-fifth year. They had two children : Frances, deceased; and John W. Until he was nine years of age John W. Moore resided in Newark, Ohio, where ship, this county. He lost his father six months after their arrival and there, excepting the time he spent in the army, he resided, taking care of the farm until he attended school and later removed with his family to a farm in Mary Ann town: HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 809 he was twenty-one years of age, when he enlisted on May 2, 1864, in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Legg, and was honorably discharged September 5, 1864. After the war he located in Madison township and, after a residence of three years there, returned to Newark, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick for three years, at the expiration of which time he gave up the enterprise and located on a farm in Union township and then in. Harrison, where he has lived and has continued since 1879. His farm. contains sixty-three acres located on the Lancaster road about one mile south of Kirkersville and he also owns an eighty acre farm situated about one mile east of that place, both farms being under a high state of cultivation and provided with all necessary means with which to pursue agriculture. In addition to doing a general farming business, producing hay and the various kinds of grain, he is also interested in stock-raising to some extent and deals lightly in cattle and sheep. Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Olive Young, a native of this county. and a daughter of David Young, and by her he had one daughter, Fannie, who resides in Newark. On October 10, 1871, he wedded Margaret M. Somerville, a native of Brookville, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, where her nativity occurred December 30, 1846, and a daughter of James and Nancy (Caldwell) Sumerville, natives of Ireland, Miss Sumerville having come to this country alone. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have the following children : Mary Isabelle, wife of Sherman Rees, of Union township; William, who resides in Montana; Margaret, who became the wife of William McGregor, the couple residing in Monongahela city, Washington county, Pennsylvania; and John W., who is at home with his parents. Politically Mr. Moore has always been affiliated with the republican party, by reason of the fact that after duly considering its principles he believes them to contain those protective policies by which the prosperity of the country may be maintained and its financial conditions enhanced and consequently, during campaigns he is always in evidence to do what he can in securing the election of its candidates. He belongs to Millersport Lodge, A. F. & A. M., meeting at Millersport, and is a member of Fletcher's Chapel, Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee and, being a man of noble, Christian character and one whose life has always reflected the goodness of the faith he holds, his example has always been such as to add to the moral and spiritual betterment of the community. JACOB M. FRIDDLE. Johnstown has high regard for Jacob M. Friddle, one of its active, energetic business men, now conducting an insurance and real-estate office. He is, moreover, one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Monroe township, December 20, 1861. His parents, Nimrod and Harriet (Huffman) Friddle, were both residents here for many years. The father came to Ohio from Virginia, while the mother was born in Knox county, this state. The year 1840 witnessed the arrival of Nimrod Friddle in Licking county, where he had turned his attention to farming, owning and cultivating a good tract of land, which constituted the homestead upon which his son Jacob M. was reared. The latter early 810 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was educated in the district schools until he had mastered the elementary branches of learning, while later he attended the public schools of Johnstown. Subsequently he pursued a course in pharmacy .and in October, 1893, received his certificate from the state board of pharmacy, after successfully passing the examination at Cleveland, Ohio. Returning to Johnstown, he here opened a drug store, which he conducted successfully for twelve years, or until the store was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1904. He then opened a real-estate and insurance office, writing both life and fire insurance and dealing extensively in property. He has negotiated many important realty transfers, has made judicious investments and profitable sales and his comprehensive knowledge of realty values enables him to wisely direct the investments made by his clients. He has been closely identified with the business life of Johnstown since 1887, in which, year he engaged in the grocery and meat business prior to establishing a drug store. In connection with his present business interests he is now acting as notary public and does considerable business of this character. Mr. Friddle is well known as a valued member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of democracy and is active in the work of his party. Moreover, he is a wide-awake, alert business man of sound judgment, who has not only furthered his own interests but has done his full part in bringing Johnstown to its present commercial importance. JOHN FRY. John Fry, who is of that sturdy and aggressive Holland Dutch stock which is so prominent in the nation's financial circles and has done much to produce our present advanced state of civilization, is now carrying on farming and stock-raising in Franklin township. He was born in Hartford township, Licking county, December 6, 1842. His grandfather, Michael Fry, came from Pennsylvania, in which state he located upon leaving his native land, and settled on a farm in Franklin township, Licking county, at a time when much of the surrounding country was in an undeveloped woodland state. Here he pursued general farming until he departed this life. Among his children was Thomas Fry, who was born in the Keystone state and accompanied his parents to this county, where his boyhood days were devoted chiefly to assisting his father in preparing the tract of land, for cultivation. Here he remained, engaged in farming until his death in 1882. His wife, Ingober Bowers, was a native of this county, where she was united in marriage, and entered into rest in Franklin township in 1887. She reared a family of six children, namely : Jacob and Nancy, both deceased; Sarah, who resides with her brother ; John; Susanna, deceased; and Mary, deceased wife of Jonathan Tavenner. John Fry was reared on his father's farm where he spent his boyhood days, assisting in the daily routine of agricultural life and during the winter seasons acquiring his education in the district schools. After completing his studies he HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 811 settled down on the home place,: where he has since been actively engaged in farming. He has always devoted his time and energies to tilling the soil and to stock-raising and has made a study of the soils and by carefully adapting his crops he has been successful from year to year in deriving abundant harvests. While he does not engage in stock-raising to a large extent he keeps on hand a sufficient number of head of thoroughbred cattle and sheep to make the investment a paying one and his stock, being well fed and sleek, generally meet with ready sale and amply remunerate him for the energy he devotes to this department of his business. He owns sixty-eight and a half acres of land, all of which is improved, with the exception of a few acres which he keeps in timber, and is provided with every convenience with which to make farming a paying proposition. On his place is an excellent dwelling house together with a substantial barn and other outbuildings. Mr. Fry's political views have always been on the side of the democratic party since he is a believer in the low tariff policies it advocates and, being of the opinion that its principles, if constantly kept in vogue throughout the nation, will not only maintain the original freedom and liberty of its institutions but also insure its finances from destructive crises and preserve the permanent prosperity of the country. While he has never held any local offices he has always favored such measures as in his opinion were purposed for the general good of the community: STEPHEN NESSLEY. Stephen Nessley, who is numbered among the aggressive agriculturists of Union township, Licking county, and whose ancestors have for many years been associated with the farming and stock-raising interests of this part of the state, was born one mile south of Wagram, Etna township, this county, October 3, 1849. His grandfather, Abraham Nessley, who was a native of Virginia, located in this county at an early day and here engaged in farming, together with working at his trade as a carpenter, until he departed this life. In his family were five sons and two daughters, among whom was David Nessley, whose birth occurred in West Virginia, July 20, 1817, and who when a lad came with his parents to Ohio, settling near Pleasantville, Fairfield county, where he remained until he became a young man and then removed with the family to this county, where he spent most of his life in agricultural pursuits. His death occurred in Kirkersville in the year 1900, where he had spent his latter years in retirement. He had twice been united in marriage, first to Mary Ridenour, who departed this life February. 19, 1872, and upon his second marriage he gave up active life. By his first wife he had three children, namely : Julia Ann, who departed this life on December 9, 1841, while in her thirtieth year ; John H., born September 10, 1844, who resides in Omaha, Nebraska; and Stephen. In 1850, when he was one year of age, Stephen Nessley was brought by his parents to Union township and they located on the farm he now cultivates, which is situated one mile east of Kirkersville. In the district schools of this place he acquired his education and under the instruction of his father perfected himself 812 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. in the art of husbandry, in which he has since been successful. He owns the farm of ninety acres upon which his father settled and has made most of the improvements which are now in evidence upon the premises. He has a good dwelling house and his farm is provided with a roomy and substantial barn, together with all conveniences necessary to successfully pursue general agriculture and stock-raising. He produces general crops, such as hay and the various grains, and while he does not deal largely in live-stock he keeps on hand the best specimens of cattle and sheep. His farm, though small in acreage, is large in its yielding power, and inasmuch as Mr. Nessley has devoted much time to the study of soils, which has enabled him to enrich his ground and by the proper adaptation of crops derive from the soil its maximum productive power his harvests have been in excess of those reaped from many farms which have a greater number of acres. On March 11, 1875, Stephen Nessley was united in marriage to Marcella A. Jackson, a native of Delaware county, this state, where her birth occurred February 8, 1852, and where she resided until the time of her marriage. She was a daughter of William and Katharine (McKitric) Jackson, her father having been a native of England, who departed this life on December 1.3, 1895, in his eighty-fourth year. Her mother came to this part of the country in childhood with her parents, James and Mary (Smith) McKitric, who were among the early settlers of Etna township, coming from Pennsylvania, and she departed this life November 13, 1890, when seventy-two years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Nessley have been born : Arlington C., whose birth occurred March 1, 1876, and who married Clara (Slough) Nessley, and now residing on a farm located one-half mile north of that of his father, the couple having three children : Mary L., George Pearline and Stephen S.; Bertha E., wife of W. H. Lane, residents of Newark, who have two children, Etelka N. and George E.; and Harold J., who was born November 29, 1890, a student at the university in Athens, Ohio. Mr. Nessley's political affiliations have always been with the republican party, its protective policies appealing to him as best adapted to develop the natural resources of the country and contribute to both the financial worth of the individual and the nation and hence he has always been loyal in his support of the party's candidates. He belongs to Lodge, No. 587, I. O. O. F., meeting in Kirkersville and, being a man who has always lived worthy of the respect and confidence of his neighbors, he is a valuable asset to the community and is numbered among the representative citizens of the township. RICHARD SUTPHEN. General farming commands the attention of Richard Sutphen in Union township, this county, his birth having occurred near Basil, Fairfield county, August 20, 1840. His parents were James and Sarah (Williams) Sutphen, his father a native of New Jersey, his birth having occurred near New Brunswick, and his mother, of this county. At an early date the elder Mr. Sutphen came to Fairfield county, locating on a -farm near the birthplace of the subject of this review, and there continued the pursuit of agriculture until his death, which occurred in his HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 813 fifty-sixth year, his wife having survived him and lived to the age of eighty-four years. In their family were seven children, namely : William, deceased; Elizabeth Weisner, deceased; James, who passed away in Columbia, Tennessee; April 14, 1864, while a soldier in the First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry; Richard; Mary Katharine, who departed this life in her seventeenth year ; Amanda Snyder, deceased; and Sarah, wife of Peter Fritz, of Columbus, Ohio. On a farm in his native county Richard Sutphen was reared, assisting his father in his agricultural duties, and during the winter season taking advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the district school. He resided with his parents until he was united in marriage, at which period of his life he purchased a farm adjoining one which his father-in-law owned, the farm containing one hundred and forty acres of excellent land, which he cultivated until the spring of 1893, during which year he sold the property and took up residence in Columbus, Ohio, that his son might attend the state university. In 1894 he bought his present farm and five years later, after his son had completed his educatoin, moved here, where he has since resided. His farm contains one hundred and fifty-two acres of highly-improved land, the premises being provided with an excellent dwelling and every convenience with which to carry on farming to the best advantage, and aside from engaging in general agriculture he is also interested in stock-raising, making a feature of cattle and hog breeding. His property is very valuable, by reason of the fact that it is in the gas belt, and at present two pipe lines run through his farm, two wells being now on the property. Recently he disposed of his residence in Columbus, but owning other real estate there he is contemplating the erection of another residence in that place. In 1865 Richard Sutphen was united in marriage to Mary A. Leonard, a native of Liberty township, Fairfield county, where she was born November 27, 1842, and a daughter of John and Hannah (Rees) Leonard, both of whom were born in that county and spent their lives there. He was at one time engaged in the merchandise business but subsequently gave it up and turned his attention to farming, which he pursued until he departed this life in his seventy-sixth year, his wife having passed away when in her sixty-fourth year. They reared a family of seven children, namely : Sebastian, deceased; Mary A.; Martha McCleary, of Fairfield county; Jesse, who also resides there; Frank, a resident of Columbus, Ohio ; and Thomas and Minerva, both living in Fairfield county. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sutphen, namely : Clarence, who attended Delaware and Ada Colleges, and who for the past fifteen years has been engaged in the manufacture of mechanical fire apparatus in Columbus, where he resides with his two children, Harry and Queen; Zula, wife of Charles E. Meisse, of Hebron, the couple having two sons, Raymond and Richard, their mother being a graduate of the Granville schools; John, who resides in Outville, and who has two sons, Gail and William Richard; and James L., a druggist, who was graduated from the state university and who is now residing at home. The principles of the democratic party have always appealed to Mr. Sutphen as embodying the wisdom of the nation's greatest statesmen and as containing those policies which are best suited to advance the nation's interests and preserve its financial integrity consequently, he has always been a loyal supporter of the party, and his influence is regularly in evidence during campaigns in order to do what he can in securing 814 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. the election of its candidates. In local affairs he has taken considerable interest, and for seven terms served as township assessor and for a number of years was land appraiser. He is well known throughout the county for his political zeal, while in Fairfield county his home was noted as a meeting place for political candidates, and during election times he has been accustomed to entertain many office-seekers. He and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian church at Outville, in which they are .active workers, and Mr. Sutphen being a man who has always lived a deserving life, both from a religious and business point of view, is one of the most highly respected men of the township. WILLIAM F. WILSON. William F. Wilson, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Licking county, was born in Newton township, this county, February 14, 1839, his parents being William B. and Margaret (Stadden) Wilson. The father, whose birth occurred in Virginia, March 14, 1800, was brought by his parents to Licking county, Ohio, in 1803, the family home being established in Newark township, where they purchased land. The mother of our subject was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1803, and thus it will be seen that in both the paternal and maternal lines William F. Wilson is descended from. early pioneer settlers here. Unto William B. and Margaret (Stadden) Wilson were born ten children, of whom four still survive, namely : R. S., a resident of Tennessee; David H., who is living in California; William F., of this review; and Thomas N., who makes his home in Arkansas. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in 1853, while the father passed away in 1863. William F. Wilson acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-two years. He was then married to Miss Martha A. Seymour, whose birth occurred in Madison township, Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1840, her parents being Adam and Mary (O'Bannon) Seymour, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Virginia. Their family numbered seven children, four of whom yet survive: William, a resident of Newark, Ohio; Mrs. Wilson; Ellen, the wife of George W. Mathews, of Licking county; and Elizabeth, the wife of William Drury, of this county. The death of Adam Seymour, the father, occurred in 1846, while his wife passed away in her eighty-fourth year. Unto William F. and Martha A. (Seymour) Wilson have been born five children, as follows: Edwin B., who is a college professor residing in Tennessee; Fred S., letter carrier, living in Newark; Maud S., who is deceased; Sadie L., the wife of John Gregg, of Licking county; and Nattella M., the wife of William Philbrick, of this county. Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Wilson operated his father's farm as a renter until the latter's death and then removed to Illinois, where he purchased a farm on which he made his home for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the land and, returning to Licking county, purchased his present place of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Newton township, in the cultivation of which he has since been successfully engaged. As the years have passed he has ever kept HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 815 pace With the progress that has been manifest in agricultural lines and his persistent and well-directed labor has brought him a gratifying measure of prosperity. In his political views Mr. Wilson is a stanch republican and has served as school director and trustee. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is acting as steward and trustee, while his wife is identified with the Lutheran denomination. He has spent, practically, his entire life in this county and has witnessed much of its growth and development, especially in the changes that have brought about the modern civilization of the present day. ALVEY SWISHER. Alvey Swisher, a retired agriculturist of Newark township, was born in Licking township, December 26, 1826, and has therefore passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. His ancestors came here in the early days while the country was densely covered with forests and were among that excellent class of sturdy citizens who assisted in developing the natural resources of the county. His great-grandfather, Nicholas Swisher, was twice united in marriage and reared a family of twenty children, one of whom was Jacob Swisher, the grandfather, a native of Virginia, who came to this state about the year 1802 and carried on general farming, marketing eggs, chickens and butter which he took on horseback to the town, the nearest place at that time where he could dispose of his products being Zanesville in Muskingum county. He labored on his farm all his days until he entered into rest, his remains being interred in Green cemetery, Licking township. His son, Abram Swisher, was a native of Licking township, this county, and resided there several years after his marriage but subsequently removed to the farm in Newark township now under cultivation by his son, where he resided until the year 1830, when he accidentally lost his life while engaged in loading logs. His remains were interred in the Lutheran cemetery which is located on his farm. His wife, Hannah Wilkin, a native of Virginia, passed away here and was laid to rest in the same cemetery in which lie the remains of her husband. In their family were three children : Alvey; David, a retired Cigar dealer living in Columbus, Ohio ; and Mary Ann, deceased. Upon the death of Mr. Swisher his wife was united in marriage to John Emory, by whom she had three children : Catherine, wife of Sylvester Reasoner, of Newark, Ohio ; Martha J., who became the wife of W. B. Rutledge, residing on a farm in Franklin township; and Elizabeth, deceased. Alvey Swisher was but two years of age when his parents removed from the place of his birth to the farm upon which he now resides and which is situated three miles east of the old home. He was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He pursued his education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses, such as were common at that day. Its furnishings were primitive and the methods of instruction were very crude compared to the teaching of the present time. Mr. Swisher, when not occupied with the duties of the 816 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. schoolroom, assisted in the work of the home farm and thereon remained until his marriage in 1846. In the following year he located on the farm on which he now resides and where for many years he pursued general farming and also engaged in breeding and raising stock. He owns two hundred and twenty acres of !and upon which he has made many improvements. His commodious residence which is of modern type of architecture, is one of the finest in the township and all of his other buildings ate of substantial character and in excellent condition. Although he has retired from active life he still superintends his land and manages his business affairs. On March 18, 1846, Mr. Swisher wedded Miss Sarah Franks, who departed this life fifty-eight years later. They had eight children, namely : Mary Margaret, deceased; .Jonathan A., an agriculturist of Franklin township; Hannah Catherine, deceased; Elizabeth S., who keeps house for her father; Nervina, deceased; Elm L., at home; Louisa V., who is the wife of M. Martin, residing in Newark, Ohio ; and Perry F., deceased. Mr. Swisher has always been affiliated with the democratic party and has never found cause to waive his loyalty to his party, in the success of which he has always been interested. For many years he served as township treasurer and, being a public-spirited man, has always been ready to further all measures purposed for the general welfare of the community. He belongs to the Lutheran church, in which he has held office and to which he is a liberal contributor. LEWIS A. MARTIN. Lewis A. Martin, who operates one of the finest farms in Union township, this county, his tract of land covering over three hundred and forty-seven acres, and thirty-one acres adjoining, and known as the Dewees farm, was born near Fredericktown, Knox county, this state, January 23, 1853, a son of Avery D. and Emeline (Lewis) Martin, natives of Oneida county, New York, where his father was born April 9, 1826, and his mother July 11, 1824. They were united in marriage in the Empire state, where they had one son, and came to this state in 1850, settling in Perry county. She departed this life in Hardin county in 1855 and the elder Mr. Martin wedded Tahitha Peck. He departed this life in Knox county in 1896. The children of his first marriage were : Edwin, who resides in Kansas ; Lewis A., of this sketch; and Charles B., who lives in Perry county. By his second marriage he had two children, namely : Effie, wife of Elmer Jacobs, of Mount Vernon, Knox county; and Allen, who also resides there. When about two years of age Lewis A. Martin was taken by his parents to Hardin county, where about one year after their arrival, he lost his mother. The family then removed to this county with the elder Martin and here for a period of three years they resided with Lewis A.'s mother's relatives until after his father remarried when he returned with the family to Knox county and there acquired his education in the district schools, at the same time working with his father on the farm. Leaving the home place when twenty-one years of age young Martin hired out as a farm hand and for four years worked for Wright Brothers HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 817 for twenty dollars a month, which was about five dollars a month more than was generally paid for that class of labor. He then came to this county, where he spent two years working at ditching which, not being as lucrative as he desired, he returned to Knox county and again entered the employ of Wright Brothers, with whom he remained about three years. At the expiration of this time he returned to Licking county and with his brother farmed for his grandfather on half shares until the death of the latter. From his grandsire Mr. Martin inherited about four thousand dollars which, with about the same amount he had saved, he invested in the farm he now owns in this township, in the spring of 1885, and has since resided here. A part of the farm had been purchased from the government by William. Dewees' father and Mr. Martin now has the deed which bears the signature of George Washington. The place is excellently drained and is in every particular adapted to the production of general crops and Mr. Martin, together with general farming, makes a specialty of stock-raising, particularly of cattle and horses. He is greatly benefited by the Licking feeder, which runs through his farm to the state reservoir. The state keeps the reservoir supplied with carp and during the high water the fish swim up to the Dewees pond and when the water goes down they are left behind and Mr. Martin catches all he can use. Upon one occasion he and a farm-hand within two hours captured more carp, their weight running from two and a half to sixteen pounds, than could be hauled in a two-horse lumber wagon bed. A portion of the catch he presented to friends, sold a part and salted the remainder for future use. The pond covers something over twenty acres during high water periods, at other times covering considerably less space and affords an excellent means with which to water his stock. He deals extensively in cattle and feeds from two to three carloads annually and in addition produces a number of the finest grade of draft horses, selling these locally. His farm is one of the most productive in the county and is equipped with a water supply which is unequaled in the state. There are at present six streams of water forcing their way out of the ground. Two hundred acres of his farm is planted in the richest quality of blue grass, which affords his stock the most nutritious kind of fodder and, in large measure, contributes to the excellent quality and sleekness of his cattle. Until recently Mr. Martin engaged very extensively in farming, to which he devoted his activities exclusively and employed large numbers of men clearing his premises and installing his present system of excellent drainage, in which he has spent several thousand dollars. Part of the farm, including about seventy-five acres known as the old pigeon roost, was a bog, and in putting it into condition for cultivation it was found that four feet beneath its surface there was a thick layer of leaves, among which vegetation was preserved and it required much money and hard labor to make the land tillable. On the premises was a brick house, which was erected over seventy-five years ago and which was burned out at one time, but the walls being left in substantial condition the building was repaired and is now one of the finest residences in the township. Mr. Martin takes pride not only in the age of the structure, but also in the fact of its being one of the most comfortable dwelling houses in the community. On September 9, 1885, Lewis A. Martin was united in marriage .to Susan Wise, a native of Licking township, where her birth occurred October 7, 1862, and a daughter of John and Sarah (Ross) Wise, both of whom were natives of 818 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. this county, her father having lost his life on the Union side during the Civil war. He also had four brothers who served in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry during that conflict. Her mother, who was a daughter of James and Susan Ross, natives of Virginia and pioneers of this county, still resides in Licking township at the age of seventy-three years. She had two children, namely : Susan; and John, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin were born: Helen E., wife of Harley Keller, who has one child, Charlotta Helen, the family residing in Fairfield county; Hazel L., a student in Denison University; Harold Wise, also in Denison College, and Avery Joseph, who attends school at Kirkersville. Mr. Martin has always been of the opinion that the principles of the republican party represent the results of the best political wisdom and that they have proven their worth as is shown under the several republican administrations, by the impetus which they have given to commerce and industry and by the part they have played in developing the natural resources of the country, both to the pecuniary advantage of the individual and the nation at large and consequently, he has been a loyal supporter of his party and has always used his vote and influence in an endeavor to secure the election of its candidates. Although he has never held public office nor desires political preferment he takes quite an interest in local affairs, particularly along educational lines, and for nine years has served as a member of the township school board. His religious obligations appeal to him as of the highest import and he is regular in attendance upon the services of the Baptist church at Kirkersville, to which he is a large contributor, being also active in its several departments of work. He is a man whose life has always been lived on a high plane of thought and action and consequently he has been attended by a measure of prosperity which has enabled him to do much toward 'developing the resources of the community and as well, to afford an example of industry and uprightness to all with whom he has come in contact, thereby doing much to maintain the moral and spiritual standing of the community. CHARLES AUSTIN WAGY. Charles Austin Wagy, who is now assisting his father-in-law, Melville G. Beem, in the cultivation of a farm of three hundred and fifteen acres, is a native of Lima township, this county, born. June 6, 1866, and has always resided here with the exception of two years he spent teaching school. Mr. Wagy's family history runs far back in the annals of the country, being particularly associated with the state of Virginia, where Philip Wagy, a native of Amsterdam, Holland, located in the year 1706, residing in Rockingham county, where he was united in marriage. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and reared a family of eleven children, among whom was Philip Wagy, Jr., who wedded Margaret Peck, of Virginia, and in 1806 settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he lived for many years. Subsequently removing to Licking county, he settled on a farm in Harrison township about the year 1826. There were fifteen children in his family, among them being Jacob Wagy, grandfather of the subject of this review, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, November 9, 1801, and was one of the early settlers HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 819 of Lima township, this county. He married Catherine Swisher and they reared a family of eight children, John Wesley being the only son. He was born in this county, February 20, 1844, and spent his entire life here engaged in the operation of a sawmill and in farming, residing on the old homestead. On June 8, 1865, he wedded Lucinda Conrad, who was born near Logan, Hocking county, this state, January 14, 1839, a daughter of George W. and Amelia (Reynolds) Conrad, who spent their entire lives in that county. In the family of J. W. and Lucinda Wagy were four children : Charles Austin; Ada C., the wife of Frank M. Morrison, of Franklin county; and two children who died in infancy. The father died May 10, 1886. Charles Austin Wagy during his boyhood days received his first lessons in general agriculture on his grandfather's farm. He acquired his preliminary education in the district schools, subsequently completing a course of study at the high school and after being graduated he taught school for two years, at the termination of which period he resumed his occupation as an agriculturist, locating on the farm which had been owned by his grandfather, Jacob Wagy, remaining there until he was united in marriage, when he settled on the farm operated by his father-in-law, whom he is now assisting. On this farm he engages in cultivating three hundred and fifteen acres and at the same time tills one hundred and fifteen acres of his own, both farms being in excellent condition and very productive. On February 27, 1890, Mr. Wagy wedded Jennie Beem, who was born in Jefferson township, Franklin county, Ohio, July 6, 1867, and later moved with her parents to Lima township, Licking county, where she was married. She was a daughter of Melville G. Beem, and to this union have been born four children : Roxana Belle, Jonathan B., Grace and Melville G. Mr. Wagy is an aggressive farmer, well versed in the nature of soils and also in the various phases of stock-raising and is numbered among the progressive agriculturists as well as worthy citizens of the township. He served as a member of the board of education for a number of years and was one of the first and foremost advocates of centralization in Lima township. LEE TIPPETT. Lee Tippett, a highly respected citizen of Johnstown, is one of the extensive landowners and progressive farmers of Licking county, and, in an analyzation of his life record, it will be found that his success is attributable to qualities which all may cultivate, for he has based his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and unfaltering industry in addition to his estimable habits. His birth occurred in Monroe township, this county, November 27, 1845, his parents being Thomas and Caroline (Green) Tippett, who were representatives of two of the earliest pioneer families. The father came to Ohio with his parents, William and Nancy Tippett, who left the state of Maryland to establish their home on the frontier when Thomas Tippett was but thirteen years of age. Here he was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life. Thomas Tippett became a large landowner and extensive farmer 820 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. for that time, and both he and his father were prominent in the business circles of the community and also active in promoting the progress and upbuilding of the county. Thomas Tippett and his wife have now passed away, the former having died December 11, 1897, while the latter lived to the 21st of April, 1900, and then passed to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns. The youthful days of Lee Tippett were quietly passed on his father's farm, where he engaged in such work as was common in the development of the fields. The district schools afforded him his educational privileges and when not busy with his text-books he assisted in the task of plowing, planting and harvesting. The years brought him success and for a long period he was closely associated with general agricultural pursuits. One of the important steps which he took in early manhood was his marriage to Miss Delilah Miller, the wedding being celebrated on the 24th of February, 1867, when Mr. Tippett was but twenty-one years of age. The lady of his choice was a daughter of Washington and Hannah (Cramer) Miller Both the Miller and Cramer families came from Pennsylvania during the pioneer epoch in the history of this county and settled in Monroe township, where Washington Miller became a very prominent and prosperous citizen. At one time he was the owner of fully eight hundred acres of land and was widely known as an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. He was likewise recognized as an influential citizen of the community and his own success caused his opinions to be regarded as of notable worth concerning business transactions. His judgment was at all times sound and far-seeing and his investments were most judiciously placed. Both he and his wife are now deceased. The father, Washington Miller, died on the 7th of February, 1900, having for a number of years survived his wife, whose death occurred May 20, 1887. He was very active in church circles. He built the Monroe Chapel (first called Miller Chapel), a United Brethren church, which was named for him. After his marriage Lee Tippett and his bride established their home on a farm in Monroe township near Johnstown, and there he continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits for five years. In 1872 he bought a farm in Franklin county, Ohio, to which he removed, making it his home about thirty years, during which time he was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. About five years of this time he also carried on a large business in buying and shipping stock to the Pittsburg and other eastern markets, but in 1900 he left the farm in Franklin county and removed to Johnstown, where he has since resided. As the years passed he met with gratifying success in his undertakings and is now the owner of about seven hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Monroe and Liberty townships in Licking county, and in Plain township, Franklin county. All are well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Tippett is numbered among the wide-awake, progressive farmers and every department of the farm work is given his careful and intelligent attention. The family home in Johnstown is one of the most modern and commodious there. It is built in an attractive style of architecture, is tastefully and richly furnished and, moreover, an air of refinement and hospitality pervades the place and makes it a favorite resort with their many friends. Here Mr. Tippett is now, practically, living retired, although he still keeps a general supervision over his large farming interests. Throughout the entire period of his manhood he had given his attention to farming and the raising, HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 821 buying and shipping of stock, and his sound judgment was manifest in the excellent success which attended him. His farms are now all well improved and stocked and it is his purpose to have everything upon the farms in good condition, in keeping with the progressive spirit of modern agriculture. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Tippett was blessed with three children : Lenn, who is married and resides in Johnstown; and Lena, at home. They lost one child, Huila. The family are prominent socially and their home is the scene of many delightful functions. Mr. Tippett is a public-spirited citizen, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the good of the community. He has never been an office-seeker nor an office-holder, save that he has in his efforts to secure good schools and good roads acted as school director and as road supervisor. He is a man whose character is above reproach. He has ever stood four-square to all the winds that blow, has been fearless in support of his honest convictions, loyal in his advocacy of what he believes to be right and at all times considerate of the privileges of others and giving ready recognition of his obligations to mankind. BARTON E. TAVENNER. The most independent of all callings in life is that of the farmer and while it entails the utilization of one's entire time and energy, one in this occupation is certainly enjoying the blessings of freedom and at the same time may entertain a measure of satisfaction in the truth that the soil he tills is the parent of all wealth. Barton E. Tavenner, who for many years has been following agricultural pursuits in Newark township, was born April 8, 1849, in Franklin township and was a son of George W. and Leah (Ewerts) Tavenner. His father, a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, settled in this county shortly after he was married. When he emigrated to this locality there were no railroads, so that it was necessary for him to make the journey overland by means of wagons and the trip, which covered several weeks, was accompanied by considerable inconvenience before he finally reached his destination. He resided in Franklin township until a year before he departed this life, that brief period being spent in Licking township, following the carpenter's trade and at the same time cultivating his farm. He was numbered among the substantial agriculturists and representative men of the community, being widely known throughout the county as a thoroughgoing, upright and industrious man. His political support was always on the side of the republican party and while he was not ambitious for political preferment himself he was always ready with his vote and influence to assist the candidates of his party in securing public office. He departed this life at the age of forty years. His wife was also a native of Virginia, where they were united in marriage, but later removed with her husband to this county, where she passed away. They had the following children : Mary, wife of David Venner, of Franklin township; Jonathan, an agriculturist of the same township; Catherine, who wedded Peter McKnight Fanes and resides in Madison township ; Sarah, wife of William Thompson, of Newark ; Josephine, widow of Henry Parr, who for many years followed agricultural pursuits in Frank- 822 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. lin township; Thomas, deceased; George, a farmer of Eden township ; Jennie, wife of James Foster, of Newark; Louisa, who was united in marriage with Sylvester Sampson, now residing in Hanover township; Amanda, deceased; Barton E., and two children who died in infancy. After obtaining his education in the district schools B. E. Tavenner remained on the old home place, conducting the work of the farm for his mother until he attained the age of twenty-nine years, when he moved to Madison township and later came to the farm on which he now resides. Here he has carried on general agricultural pursuits for the past seventeen years and has under cultivation something over one hundred and twenty-nine acres of land, which is very rich and arable. His entire farm is highly improved, having all modern equipments and accessories. In addition to a comfortable residence there are substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, machinery and all conveniences requisite to make farming a paying proposition and to conduct it according to modern methods. He raises a large quantity of hay and various cereals and gives some attention to stock-breeding. Mr. Tavenner was united in marriage with Miss Rachael A. Irwin, a resident of Franklin township, and they have one daughter, Jessie, who wedded Leonard Smith, a farmer of Newark township. Their children are : Ethel May, Nellie Ann, Leonard, Lorran, David and Florence. Mr. Tavenner deserves great credit for the progress he has made in life since he started out in business with neither means nor influence to aid him and by his own exertions and industry has acquired the farm he now has under cultivation and today enjoys substantial prosperity. In politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party and while he is not in the strict sense of the term an active politician yet he is enthusiastic during campaigns to secure the election of its candidates, owing to the fact that he is thoroughly convinced that the principles of the republican party are in an eminent way adapted to promote the highest interests of the commonwealth. Mr. Tavenner and his wife are members of the Disciple church and are faithful worshipers at its services. He is a man whose excellent qualities and straightforward transactions, together with his progressiveness, have won him high respect as a representative citizen of the community. WILLIAM G. LARIMORE. William G. Larimore, a son of John and Hannah Minerva (Lane) Larimore, was born in Licking county, April 9, 1860, where he has always resided with the exception of two years spent in Pueblo, Colorado, 1897-1899, in an endeavor to better his health. Upon his return he remained with his father and engaged in general agricultural pursuits until he was married when he began to farm for himself, and he is now cultivating eighty-eight acres belonging to his mother, located at Union. Station, He engages in general farming, dealing in stock on a small scale, having a number of the highest grade cattle and sheep. In April, 1903, he wedded Ada Dix, a native of Marion, Ohio, a daughter of Clark Dix, and to this union have been born Clark Dix, John Bryan, Marshall Clayton, and Florence Minerva. HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 823 Following the footsteps of his father in his political affiliations Mr. Larimore is a democrat, of which party he has always been a strong supporter. He belongs to Center Star Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Granville, and the Licking Baptist church, to which he is a liberal contributor. He is well known throughout the county for his enterprise and industry, and is respected by all as an upright and honorable citizen. JAMES U. YOUNG. James U. Young, who is numbered among Newton township's active and energetic farmers, was born on the tract of land he now has under cultivation, on February 11, 1860. His parents were Daniel and Rachael A. (Fry) Young, his mother being a native of Newton township and his father of the state of New Jersey. Daniel Young departed this life March 22, 1884, and his wife survived him, twenty-one years. They reared a family of nine children, namely : James U.; Monroe, who is a resident of Newark; George C. and Clara E., both of whom are deceased; Edward, a resident of Licking county ; Fourth and Dora, who have also passed away; one who died in infancy ; and Frank A., residing in the state of Washington; On the farm which he now has under cultivation James U. Young was reared and, during his boyhood, in addition to aiding his father in performing the duties of the farm, he attended the district school, where he obtained his education. After having completed his schooling, he remained on the old homestead until he was twenty-one years of age, when he rented a farm which he operated until the year 1900, during which time he had met with such splendid success as to have enabled him to lay by sufficient money with which to purchase the old home farm, which embraces about two hundred acres. He has given his entire attention to the business of cultivating his acres and has installed every improvement and convenience in the way of machinery and buildings in order to assure the success of his venture and make his farm one of the most modern with regard to the method of its cultivation in the countryside. Besides giving attention to the raising of general grain crops he has made somewhat of a specialty of stock-raising and has quite a number of head of cattle of various breeds. In the year 1882 Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Chamberlain, a native of this county, who was born in 1854, and a daughter of John B. and Maria (Allen) Chamberlain, her father having been a native of Ireland and her mother of the Keystone state. Both are now deceased. They had a family of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Young had one son, Daniel B. The mother departed this life in the year 1893 and was laid to rest in Wilson cemetery. Mr. Young is an advocate of the democracy and upholds the principles of this political cult because of the fact that, having given its principles due and candid deliberation, he believes them to be amply adequate to preserve both the financial equilibrium and the prosperity of the country. He is prominent in political movements in the township and, owing to his excellent judgment and executive ability, was chosen to serve as a member of the school board in which capacity he officiated 824 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. for several years. Although a busy man and occupied with the affairs of his farm, Mr. Young, considering his religious obligations as first among the duties of life, has ever been a supporter of and participated in church work. He is an earnest adherent of the Baptist faith and is a sincere and interested attendant on the services of the church. Mr. Young's sterling qualities, as well his unremitting industry, have not only won him the respect of the entire community but have also led him along the pathway of success to the prosperity which he enjoys today. CHARLES C. PRATT. While many of the farms throughout the state of Ohio and some in Monroe township, this county, were settled in pioneer times by agriculturists from adjoining states whose descendants now have them under cultivation, yet the native sons have not been backward in availing themselves of the opportunities of their own state and they, too, have put their energies in tilling the soil and have profited by their labors. Among the younger generation of agriculturists who are making their way in the world and seeking their fortune in the ground is Charles C. Pratt who, in addition to being one of the most prosperous agriculturists in Monroe township, this county, is also largely interested in its public affairs and has gained considerable distinction as a politician. His birth occurred December 21, 1873, and he is a son of John and Louisa Pratt. His father was also engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising here, for many years, having located here when a young man, becoming one of the early settlers to whom fell the task of clearing out the woodlands and making ready the land for cultivation. On his father's farm, enjoying the scenes and experiences of country life, Charles C. Pratt spent his boyhood days, engaging with his father in doing his part of the farm work through the summer months and during the winter attending the village school, where he acquired his education. After having pursued a course of. study in the schools of Johnstown he returned to the old home place upon which he worked until his marriage. He then settled on a farm in Liberty township where, for a period of six years, he engaged in general farming and stock-raising and at the same time was interested in the farm implement business in Johnstown, in both of which enterprises he met with signal success, but deeming Monroe township of greater value as an agricultural district, he disposed of his mercantile interests and purchased the farm upon which he has since lived. On March 12, 1895, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage to Miss Vena Williamson, a daughter of Frank and Emma (Tuller) Williamson, a well known family of high standing in this county. To them have been born two children, Blanch, who is now deceased, and Clinton. Mr. Pratt is a well known politician of the county, whose views are in accord with the republican party, to the principles of which he has given ample study and upon a thorough comparison of them with those of other political cults, he has come to the conclusion that the policies set forth in the platform of the republican party are those which are in every way adequate, not only to establish and preserve the permanent prosperity of the nation, but also to place on a firm and immovable foundation its financial system. HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 825 Consequently he is active in behalf of his party and during campaigns is not contented with simply casting his vote for its candidates but uses his influence in their behalf. On a number of occasions he has been chosen as a delegate to county and other political conventions. He is a man of exceptional energy whose aggressiveness is well known throughout the community. He is particularly interested in the improvement of county roads and in fact is ready to foster and promote any movement which in any degree will tend toward the betterment of the community. He pays strict attention to his business, which his industry and good management are constantly increasing, and being a man not only of excellent business judgment but also of congenial social qualities, he is looked upon with favor throughout the county of which he is one of the most substantial citizens. THEOPHILUS S. GEIGER. Theophilus S. Geiger, who engages in general farming in Union township, this county, making a specialty of sheep-raising and wool-growing, was born on the old homestead, which lies a mile and one-half west of Hebron, August 16, 1866, his parents being David and Nancy (Roads) Geiger. The family had for several generations been identified with the farming interests of this section of the state, his grandparents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Houdeshell) Geiger, having come from Virginia with their parents and located in Fairfield county in childhood. Their family numbered four sons and four daughters, all of whom attained adult age. Among their sons was David Geiger, who wedded Nancy Roads. His birth occurred in Fairfield county, near Pleasantville, while his wife, a daughter. of Abram and Annie (Beaver) Roads, natives of Virginia, was a native of Union township, where she spent her entire life and passed away in August, 1903, in her seventy-eighth year, having survived her husband twenty-nine years, his death having occurred May 14, 1874, when he was fifty-two years of age. Mr. Geiger followed farming here all his days and at his death left three hundred acres of excellent land. In their family were ten children, namely : Jacob Melville, who passed away in his twelfth year ; Emily N., wife of Louis Ruffner, of Fairfield county; Worthington R., an agriculturist of Union township ; Clara M., who wedded David House, and lives in Hebron; Peter H., who also resides in that place; Jesse E. 0., who follows farming in Union township; David M., who makes his home in Hebron; Lucy Melcina, a resident of Newark ; Rhoda A., who lives with her husband, D. E. Stewart, in Newark; and Theophilus S. On the old home place T. S. Geiger remained until he was united in marriage, in the meantime having taken advantage of the educational opportunities of the district school and acquiring a familiarity with all the work of the, fields under the instruction of his father. After his marriage he purchased thirty acres of land near Luray, which he tilled for a period of two years and then sold the property and purchased his present place containing sixty acres. Later he added fifty-five acres to the tract, so that now he possesses one hundred and fifteen acres of arable land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. His farm is located on the Ohio canal, one and one-half miles south of Hebron, and is provided with a com- 826 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. fortable dwelling which Mr. Geiger built and also with substantial outbuildings and all conveniences necessary to the occupation of farming, and here he engages in general agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of sheep-raising and woolgrowing and at the same time he does contract work in ditching and building bridges. On November 11, 1890, Mr. Geiger was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Christ, who was born on the premises where he now resides in 1870, and is a daughter of Solomon and Mary (Weisman) Christ, who live in Hebron. They now have one son, Paul, whose birth occurred October 10, 1891. Politically Mr. Geiger is a democrat, being a strong advocate of the principles of his party and influential during campaigns on behalf of its candidates. He served as road supervisor for seven years, in pursuit of which office he built the pike south of Hebron on the canal road. He has officiated in a number of minor offices. He is a man whose strong character is recognized by all who know him, while his industry and reliability have always enabled him to enjoy the confidence and respect of his neighbors. STEPHEN A. GILL. Stephen A. Gill, living retired at Hebron, after a long and prosperous career as an agriculturist and sheep raiser, was born in Newark, October 17, 1822, the family then residing where Kuster's restaurant now stands. He is a son of Stephen and Jane (Elliot) Gill, the former a native of Virginia, a hatter by trade, who located in Newark in 1805, while the latter was a native of Maryland. Her father, Samuel Elliot, came to these parts about the year 1801, and reared a family of six children, namely : Alexander, Frank, Nancy, Sarah, Margaret and Jane. To the latter, who became the wife of Stephen Gill, were born the following : John, deceased; Mary Ann, who became the wife of Mervin Cully, both of, whom are dead; Lorenz D., deceased; Sarah Ann, who was the wife of Miles H. Wad-hams, both of whom have also entered into rest; Eliza, who became the wife of Dr. James Kidwell, both of whom have passed away; and Stephen A., the subject of our sketch. The boyhood days of Stephen A. Gill were spent in Newark, where he attended the public schools until he reached the age of twelve years when he removed with his parents to a farm of one hundred and eighty-four acres in Union township. He engaged in general agricultural pursuits making a specialty of sheep breeding and wool growing, until the year 1906, when he removed to Hebron, where he is now living in retirement, enjoying in some measure the fruits of his long season of earnest and honest toil. On March 8, 1848, he wedded Miss Harriet J. Adams, a daughter of Joseph P. and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Adams, both natives of Virginia, where their daughter, Harriet J., was born December 8, 1819. She died in Licking county January 30, 1900, having been one of a family of the following children : Magdalene, deceased; Mary and George, twins, deceased; Alexander ; Harriet; and Susan and Ursula, twins, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Gill were born two children : Milton S., whose birth occurred January 10, 1849, and his death HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 827 May 28, forty years later ; and Mary Frances, who resides with her father. In his political views Mr. Gill is a republican as far as concerns national and state politics, and as a general rule casts his vote for the candidates of that party. He has always been a busy man, whose industry and enterprise have contributed much to the general good of the community but he has never permitted the pressure of his business affairs to interfere with his religious obligations, having always been a faithful adherent of the Licking Baptist church, of which he has for the past five years been a deacon. By his unfaltering allegiance to what he thinks is right he commands the respect and confidence of all the representative and worthy citizens of the township. U. K. ESSINGTON, M. D. Dr. U. K. Essington, practicing medicine in Newark, came to this city in 1907, and although one of the more recent arrivals here, has already secured a profitable patronage. Hocking county, Ohio, numbers him among her native sons, his natal day being February 18, 1869. His parents were George and Elizabeth (Frampton) Essington, the former a native of Perry county and the latter of Licking county. The father is now living retired, making his home in New Lexington. The maternal grandfather, Garrison Frampton, became one of the pioneer residents of Licking county, settling here at a time when the Indian population was just giving way before the advancement of the white race. His daughter, Mrs. Essington, died in 1887 at the age of forty-five years. In his boyhood days Dr. Essington was a pupil of the public schools or New Lexington, Ohio, and mastered the work in successful grades until he was graduated from the high school, after which he pursued a course in the state university. He studied medicine in the Starling Medical College at Columbus, being numbered among its alumni of 1896. He then located for practice in Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, where he remained for ten years or until 1906. He came to Newark in 1907 and has already secured a good practice which is continually developing in volume and importance. In New York and Philadelphia he has taken post graduate courses in general surgery and gynecology or the diseases of women, of which he is now making a specialty. His continuous study along that line has given him skill beyond that of the average physician, enabling him to speak with considerable authority upon this branch of medical science. Before coming to Newark he spent one year in hospital work in Chicago along that line, giving much attention to gynecological and general surgery, and is now surgeon for the Newark City Hospital and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. He belongs to the National Gynecological Society and the Association of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Surgeons, the Licking County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In 1896 Dr. Essington married Miss Stella Sellers, a native of Perry county, and they have one son, Edwin, born December 6, 1900. Prominent in Masonry, Dr. Essington is in hearty sympathy with the principles and purposes of the craft. 828 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. He belongs to Newark Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Warren Chapter, R. A. M., St. Luke's Commandery, K. T., Scottish Rite and the Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and in consistent harmony with its teaching his life is actuated by high and honored principles as manifest in his citizenship and his professional and social relations. ROBERT C. LAMPTON. Robert C. Lampton, who practically all his life has engaged in farming pursuits in this county, descends from a family who have been prominently identified with agricultural enterprise in this vicinity for something over a century. He was born on the farm where he now resides April 25, 1832, son of Robert C., Sr., and Mary' (Clizer) Lampton. His father, originally a native of the state of Virginia, migrated to Licking county with his family locating near Zanesville, and one year later settled on the tract of land now under cultivation by Robert C. Lampton, Jr. Here he extensively engaged in the various duties of farm life until he died in 1853, burial taking place in Franklin township. In politics he gave his allegiance to the 'democratic party. His wife was also a native of Virginia, in which state they were united in marriage, and she died in this county, her remains being interred beside her husband. They were the parents of ten children: Mary Emily, who married Elisha Gutridge, and is now deceased; Lucinda, who married Elijah Gutridge, and has also passed away; William, an agriculturist of Hopewell township ; Malinda, wife of Lemuel Bishop; Samuel, a farmer of Franklin township ; Robert C., our subject; Louisa, who married James Cochran, operating a large farm in Perry township; David, deceased ; Sarah, widow of Jackson Gut-ridge ; and Barbara, widow of Jesse Mack. The Lampton family were originally of Irish extraction, and Samuel Lampton, the grandfather of Robert C., one of the pioneer farmers of this county lived here throughout his entire life. In the district schools of Hopewell township Robert C Lampton received his education, attending school during the winter season and applying himself to general farm work during the summer He spent eight months in Clark county, Missouri when nineteen years of age, then returned home, and since that time has applied himself faithfully and arduously to the cultivation of his farm and the raising of stock. The old home place which he still farms embraces one hundred acres, in addition to which he has another nearby tract of land under cultivation containing fifty acres.. His lands are highly improved and continually kept in splendid condition for the production of the highest quality of grains, and are provided with suitable buildings to successfully and efficiently carry on his occupation. Aside from raising the various kinds of farm products Mr. Lampton devotes considerable attention to stock raising, making a specialty of Polled Durham cattle. He also has the finest specimens of the Norman breed of horses that can possibly be produced. In the year 1857 he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Leckrom, now deceased. They were the parents of the following children: Mary A. and Anna M., both of whom have departed this life; Lydia E., wife of John Cooper- HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 829 rider, a farmer of Bowling Green township-; Martha C., Noah S., Jacob, and David. M., all of whom are deceased; William, located on his father's farm; Benjamin F., a resident farmer of Bowling Green township ; Ora E., who runs a sawmill in Franklin township; Sarah J., who resides at home; and Alva J., who operates a farm in Muskingum county. In politics Mr. Lampton follows in the footsteps of his father and gives his allegiance to the democratic party, in the principles of which he is a firm believer. He is quite influential throughout the district and has served the community in several responsible capacities. Although he was reared an old-school Baptist, later in life he broke faith with that denomination and united with the Dunkard church, of which he is a regular attendant. His post office address is Glenford, rural delivery No. 3. WILLIAM PEARSON William Pearson, who is well known throughout Bennington township, this county, is a native of Donegal, Ireland, where his birth occurred October 3, 1832. His maternal grandfather was an English soldier, who for more than twenty-three years served with the Twenty-eighth Regular British Infantry, and William Pearson, Sr., father of our subject, also served twenty years in military ranks as a soldier in the Loughside corps. In the year 1850 William, Sr., and Catherine Pearson emigrated to America with their family, the journey over the seas requiring seven weeks -during which time Mrs. Pearson succumbed to illness and her remains were brought to Philadelphia for interment. This was not the only misfortune which attended the family, for soon after their arrival in this country, Matthew, a son who was being educated for the ministry under the celebrated Dr. Wylie of Philadelphia, was taken ill and departed this life in the year 1852. William Pearson received only such education as he could acquire by himself and soon after coming to the new world he repaired to Burlington township, Licking county, with his father who passed away in 1856. They made the journey from Philadelphia by rail, stage and water, and he remained in that township until the year 1874, when he removed to Bennington township. At that time his entire means amounted to one thousand dollars, which he invested in land and immediately began the cultivation of the fields, and from the outset, by his remarkable industry, practical economy and good judgment, he was attended by prosperity until he now owns more than four hundred acres of excellent, well improved land. He has been very successful in producing general crops and has given considerable attention to stock breeding, having fed and shipped many head of cattle, sheep and hogs throughout this and adjoining states. He is now in his seventy-seventh year, and has for the most part retired from active work. On May 30, 1854, Mr. Pearson wedded Miss Nancy J. Pugh, daughter of John and Mary (Simmons) Pugh, to which union were born three children, namely : James, deceased, Lewis A. and Mary E. In politics he is independent and, deeming the man more than his party, he reserves the right to cast his vote for candidates who, in his judgment, possess the necessary qualifications to best subserve the general interests of the commonwealth. As to his religious convic- 830 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. tions his family were Presbyterians and he was babtized into that faith while in his native land but, although he still leans toward that denomination, since coming to this country he has not allied himself with any church. However, he is a deep Bible student and has gained such familiarity with holy writ that there are few men, not excepting clergymen, who can compete with him in his knowledge of the scriptures of the old and new testaments. Aside from being a Biblical student he reads much along various lines and is generally conversant with the history of the world, particularly, with the events of the day. He is a man of rare intelligence and learning and in every sense of the word is a remarkable than considering the fact that he had no training in school and that he is in every respect self educated. He does not belong to any orders or fraternal organizations, although his father and grandfather were affiliated with the Free Masons and Orangemen. Perhaps no character in the county is more favorably known and highly esteemed than Mr. Pearson, and he is justly numbered among the township's most substantial and representative men. ELIAS BUTLER. Elias Butler, a substantial farmer of St. Albans township, whose family for over a century has engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county, was born in Granville township, May 22, 1834, and when a boy removed with his parents to the farm on which he is now located and where he has since resided. His grandparents, David and Anna Butler, natives of Massachusetts, came to Granville, Ohio, in 1805 with the Granville colony and in that place remained until they departed this life. They had three sons, Eleverett, Henry and Charles, and one daughter, Anna Woodruff, who departed this life in Kansas. Charles Butler was born near Granville, Massachusetts, July 16, 1804, and when but one year of age was brought to Licking county by his parents, who were with the Granville colony. He resided there until he bought the farm in St. Albans township, where he spent the remainder of this life, passing away August 9, 1886. He wedded Philota D. Pratt, who was born in Massachusetts, January 26, 1808, and came to Licking county with her parents when about five years of age. She departed this life on the old home farm, April 4, 1891. They reared the following children : Martha M., wife of Barzilla Price, of Colorado; Caroline, who was united in marriage with William Smith, the couple being mutes and residing near Youngstown, Ohio; Jane, wife of Joshua H. Headley, of Pataskala; William II., of Harrison county, Iowa; Corwin, deceased; and Elias. In the district schools Elias Butler acquired his education and engaged in the duties of the home farm until the year 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months, during which time he participated in the siege of Vicksburg. Upon receiving his discharge at Black River Bridge, Mississippi, in. August, 1863, he returned home and at once turned his attention to farming, which occupation he has since pursued. He owns two hundred and three acres of land, his farm being on the line between Harrison and St. Albans townships, one hundred acres in the latter and the re- HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 831 mainder of the farm in the former, while the dwelling house is located immediately on the township line. This farm was settled many years ago by his father who, upon his arrival erected a log cabin on the Harrison township side of the road and the land was cleared and put into condition for cultivation by him and his son Elias, the latter having subsequently vacated the log cabin and erected a comfortable modern home in St. Albans township. When they commenced work on this tract of land there were no fences to be seen anywhere but they later built fences, barns and outbuildings and bought modern farm machinery and today the farm is in excellent condition and is one of the finest in the township. In addition to raising hay and various grain crops Mr. Butler devotes considerable attention to breeding stock and keeps excellent specimens of sheep and cattle. In 1869 Mr. Butler wedded Pauline Slough, a native of Canal Winchester, Fairfield county, Ohio, born July 6, 1839. She was a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Tollman) Slough, natives of Fairfield county. The Tollmans originally came from Virginia, while the. grandfather, John Slough, emigrated to this state from Germany The parents passed away when their daughter was a mere girl and she. resided with relatives until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have the following children : Edith May, wife of Ellis Thomas, of Harrison township, their family consisting of Robert, Pauline, Owen and an infant; Ella, who wedded Raymond Taylor, of St. Albans township; and Charles. Mr. Butler has given his support to the republican party all his life and cast his first vote for Fremont. He is a profound believer in the principles of his party and has always been thoroughly convinced that they are necessary to assure the permanent prosperity of the country. He is well known and highly respected throughout the county and belongs to Baird Post, G. A. R., of Pataskala. J. M. DUSTHIMER. Licking county has never been wanting for representative men to take hold of its farming interests and develop its natural resources, and one of the prosperous agriculturists of Franklin township is J. M. Dusthimer, whose birth occurred in Hopewell township May 18, 1850, a son of Isaiah and Mary (Brady) Dusthimer. His father was a native of Franklin township, this county, where he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture until his death. Politically he was a supporter of the democratic party, was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church as one of its leading factors, and was a man whose upright character was well spoken of throughout These parts. The mother, a native of this county, still survives and resides in Brownsville, Ohio. Among their children were : Elizabeth J., wife of Berban Coe, residing in Brownsville; J. M., our subject; J. W., an agriculturist of Jacksontown, this county; H. E., a retired farmer of Linnville, Ohio; and Rebecca E., deceased. J. M. Dusthimer attended the district schools of Hopewell and Franklin townships, his father having removed to the latter township when he was but eight years old, and in the Newark public schools which he attended for one term. He thus acquired sufficient education to enable him to teach school, which voca- 832 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. tion he followed for four terms. His early life was spent upon the farm upon which he resided until he was twenty-two years of age, when he rented a farm in Franklin township where he engaged in farming for several years and then purchased the farm upon which he has since resided. His present farm consists of sixty-eight and one-half acres of land upon which he has made all the improvements, having done almost all carpentry work on his barn and other buildings himself. Besides this home place he and his wife own one hundred two and one-half acres of land, and his wife one hundred and twenty-seven acres of land in Franklin township. Mr. Dusthimer gives his attention to general farming and stock raising, has made a careful study of the soil and has therefore been fortunate in reaping abundant harvests, for the most part deriving the maximum yield per acre. In 1872 he wedded Miss Elnora H. Motherspaugh, and they have had three children, namely : Samuel L., an agriculturist and township clerk of Franklin township; Mary A., wife of Alva Haslett, also a farmer of that township; and Elmer Ray. The democratic party has always received the vote of Mr. Dusthimer and aside from taking an interest in national and state politics he is also concerned in local affairs, having been township clerk and for several years a member of the board of education. While he is not affiliated with any secret societies nor religious organizations he attends divine services with his wife, who is a member of the Lutheran church. He is a man whose honest and straightforward life places his name above reproach among the township's most industrious and worthy citizens. JOHN P. WOLFE, M. D. One of the younger representatives of the medical fraternity who is gaining a wide reputation as a practicing physician and surgeon in Bennington township, this county, is John P. Wolfe, whose birth occurred August 25, 1873, near Mt. Sterling, Pickaway county, Ohio, and who, for the past ten years, has been successfully following his profession in Appleton and vicinity, his excellent service having brought him a liberal patronage. He is a son of George W. and Sarah J. (Puckett) Wolfe, his father having been for many years a well known agriculturist and stock-raiser of that locality. The boyhood days of John P. Wolfe were spent on his father's farm, where he passed through the experiences common to the country lad, performing his part of the work of the fields during the summer months and in the winter attending the district school, where he acquired his preliminary education. Upon quitting the neighborhood school he followed the profession of teaching for three years, being principal of the school at Era, Pickaway county, two years, and Pancoastbury, Fayette county, one year. He was then enrolled as a student at the Normal School in Lebanon, Ohio, where he completed a course of study and was subsequently matriculated as a student in the Ohio Medical College, of Columbus, from which he was graduated in the class of 1899. Immediately upon receiving his degree in medicine he secured a place in the Protestant Hospital as interne physician, HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 833 this institution being in connection with the Medical College, and after serving one year, during which time he gained considerable experience in the practice of various branches of materia medica and surgery, he entered the profession independently in Columbus, Ohio. He had been there but a brief period of six months and was becoming popular in the neighborhood in which he had located, when, upon receiving intelligence of an excellent opening for one of his profession at Appleton, Bennington township, this county, he at once gave up his practice in Columbus and came to that place in June, 1901. He at once became well known as a physician throughout the vicinity and has since been steadily engaged here in his profession. He is the only doctor within a radius of many miles of Appleton, where he has his office, and consequently his practice, which has steadily grown during his residence here, is of far greater proportions than that of many of the medical fraternity who reside in the cities. On February 16, 1901, shortly before locating here, Dr. Wolfe was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Seltzer, a daughter of George and Harriet (Ogden) Seltzer, who were of a prominent family of Columbus, Ohio. Just prior to her marriage Mrs. Wolfe had completed a course in training for a nurse. She comes of a family of physicians, her grandfather, Dr. Samuel Seltzer, having located in Columbus for the practice of medicine in 1832, while her uncle, Dr. Van S. Seltzer, followed the profession in Columbus from 1856 until 1873 and was one of the most prominent physicians of the city at that time. Dr. and Mrs. Wolfe have one son, George S. The doctor's political views are on the side of the democratic party and in addition to holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Masonic Lodge, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in all of which organizations he is well known and has a host of warm friends. Dr. Wolfe is of genial disposition, blessed with kindness and sympathy so necessary to the physician in his treatment of the sick, and his charming qualities, together with the interest he takes in his patients and the remarkable success which he has met in restoring them to health and vigor, have made him popular throughout the entire vicinity while growing confidence in his medical work and surgical skill is constantly adding to the proportions of his practice. He is widely known as a man of remarkable worth and is highly respected and esteemed not only for his professional ability but also for his social qualities. He resides at Appleton, where he owns one of the most attractive residences of the village, his home being one of the most hospitable,- bearing every evidence of culture and refinement. JOHN A. PRINCE. The agricultural and stock raising interests of Newark township, this county, have always been in the hands of enterprising men, among whom is John A. Prince. He was born in Green township, September 15, 1847, a son of David and Anna (Fulk) Prince. His father, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, came with his people when a child to this state and located in Bowling Green township. He followed general agricultural pursuits and threshing until he en- 834 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. tered into rest, his remains being interred in Fairmount cemetery, while his wife, whom he married in this county, where she was born, departed this life in 1895 and was laid to rest beside her husband. In their family were nine children : Sarah, wife of John Catlin, a liveryman residing in Amsterdam near Bloomington, Illinois ; William O., deceased, whose remains lie in Fairmount cemetery, this county; John A.; Eliza Jane, wife of Marion Bencroft, residing in Jacktown, this state; Emma, wife of David Black, an agriculturist of Union county, Ohio ; Albert F., who owns large farming interests near Bloomington, Illinois; Lucinda, who became the wife of Charles Winston, a dairyman of Montana; Mary Ellen, deceased; and Hester Louisa, deceased. In Bowling Green township John A. Prince was reared and there on the home farm he became familiar with the various phases of agriculture, attending the neighborhood schools during the short winter term. He lost his father when a lad and upon his shoulders fell the management of the farm and the responsibility of rearing the younger members of the family but to the performance of this task he set himself with an earnest heart and willing hand and applied himself faithfully to tilling the soil. He remained at home until the members of the family were of an age to help themselves and then, when in his twenty-first year, he located in Van Buren, making the trip in a one-horse wagon and without a dollar in his pocket. There with his wide knowledge of the various departments of agriculture he at once began to apply his energy, meeting with success from year to year until now he owns one hundred and fifty acres of land, all of which is highly improved and under cultivation. He also has a fine dwelling house and two building lots in the village of Van Buren. His career was beset by many obstacles but being a man who was willing to work, blessed with health and vigor and at the same time with an aggressive spirit, he overcame all difficulties and soon turned the soil to his advantage and in course of time surrounded himself with prosperity, which he enjoys today. In 1869 Mr. Prince wedded Miss Nona Jane Elmose, a resident of this county, by whom he has had five children, namely : Ida Belle, deceased; William, who resides at home; Ada; Altha; and Verne. Mr. Prince has always given his vote to the democratic party to the principles of which he has always been loyal. Local affairs have also commanded his interest and he has officiated at various times as a member of the school board and in other township offices. ALBERT F. SLATER. Albert F. Slater, who since 1887 has been numbered among the successful and enterprising merchants of St. Louisville, where he has also served as postmaster since July, 1891, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, February 27, 1865. His parents, John M. and Margaret E. (George) Slater, who were also natives of the Old Dominion, are deceased. Their family numbered seven children, namely: Eloise, the wife of W. B. Marple, of Licking county; A. G., a resident of Iowa ; Solomon E., who has passed away; Sallie, living in Missouri; one who died in infancy ; Albert F., of this review ; and C. S., of St. Louisville. HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 835 Albert F. Slater acquired a common-school education and made his home with his uncle until sixteen years of age. In 1881 he came to Licking county, Ohio, and resided with his sister for three years, on the expiration of which period he secured employment as a farm hand, being thus engaged for four years. The year 1887 witnessed his entrance into the mercantile circles of St. Louisville and he has since been numbered among the successful and progressive business men of the county. His well selected stock of goods, reasonable prices and reliable methods insure him a profitable and steadily increasing patronage and his business returns to him an income of from seven to ten thousand dollars annually. He owns the store building, a fine residence and seventy-five acres of valuable land in Newton township. He is widely recognized as a most substantial and public-spirited citizen of his adopted county. On the 21st of November, 1899, Mr. Slater was united in marriage to Miss Cora E. Evans, a native of Newton township, Licking county, and a daughter of W. D. and Amanda E. Evans, whose family numbers three children. Mr. and Mrs. Evans still survive and make their home in Newton township. Unto our subject and his wife has been born a son, Edward F. In his political views Mr. Slater is a stanch republican and is now serving as postmaster of St. Louisville, in which position he has been the efficient incumbent since July, 1891. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic Lodge, No. 291, at Utica, and with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 850, of St. Louisville. Both he and his wife support the Lutheran church and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which they reside. NAHUM A. HINES. The quiet little town of Granville has every reason to be proud of her list of alumni, for from Denison University have gone out men and women who have left their impress upon the world's progress, gaining distinction in various lines of life and contributing to the universal advancement. Among this number was the Rev. Nahum A. Hines, well known as a Baptist minister and educator. He was born in August, 1852, at Stafford, Monroe county, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Esther (Grey) Hines. The father was a native of Virginia and the mother of Maine and both were descendants of old families represented in the Revolutionary war. They removed from Virginia to Ohio about 1815 and became closely associated with the pioneer development of the state. Their family numbered six children : Woodman and George, still living; Hiram; Thomas; and Nahum and Elizabeth, who have passed away. In taking up the personal history of Nahum A. Hines we present to our readers the life record of one who was widely and favorably known in this county, enjoying to the fullest extent the good will and confidence of all who knew him. He acquired his early education in the public schools of his native town and afterward entered the Denison University, where he pursued his studies for six years and was graduated in 1876. Determining to devote his life to the work of the ministry, he next entered the Rochester Theological Seminary and was graduated 836 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. in 1883. In the meantime, however, he was pastor of the church at Olathe, Kansas, from 1878 until 1880. Following his graduation he accepted a pastorate at Webster, New York, where he remained until 1884 and then became professor of theology in the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Virginia, where he continued until 1887. In the latter year he established his home at Fort Hamilton, New York, where he engaged in the real-estate business and at the same time gave considerable attention to compiling a work on theological and metaphysical subjects. There he remained until his demise, which occurred April 10, 1896, his remains being interred in Maple Grove cemetery at Granville. It was on the 31st of July, 1879, that Mr. Hines was united in marriage to Miss Kate V. Shepard. Her father was a graduate of Denison University of the class of 1848 and her mother attended Shepardson College, then the Granville Female Seminary, from 1833 until 1838. The Rev. Shepard was born in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, April 6, 1822, and came of Puritan ancestry, many preachers and teachers being numbered among the representatives of the family. His father, Philemon Shepard, removed to Henrietta, Lorain county, Ohio, in 1832, and for forty years owned and cultivated a large place there. He was a very prominent layman and engaged in all 'kinds of religious work. For a number of years he also served as justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. His son, the Rev. W. C. Shepard, was reared under the parental roof and, following his graduation from Denison University in 1848, became pastor of the church at Bucyrus, Ohio, where he remained until 1851. During the four succeeding years he occupied a pastorate at Henrietta, Ohio, and from 1855 until 1870 had charge of the church at Wasioja, Minnesota. He also organized a number of other churches in that section, and then returned to Granville to educate his children, four in number. Vinton. R., the eldest, was graduated from Denison University in 1876 and was on the editorial staff of the Cincinnati Commercial from 1876 until 1883. Later he was connected with the Commercial-Gazette until 1893 and since that date has been publisher and proprietor of the Court Index, since 1904 also editor and publisher of the Ohio Law Reporter. He has been a trustee of Denison University since 1900 and is a member of the Beta Theta Pi. Three of his children are graduates of Denison. Linden M. Shepard, the second son, was graduated from Denison in 1877, afterward became agent for the Associated Press and was on the staff of the Daily Times Star at Cincinnati until 1883, when he went west. He died at Kinsley, Kansas, in 1888. The daughters of the family are Kate V. and Florence A., also graduates of the Young Ladies' Institute, now Shepardson College. The younger daughter pursued a post-graduate Course at Denison in 1879 and 1880 and the following year was spent as a student in the university at Cincinnati. She engaged in teaching in the normal school at Stafford, Ohio, from 1881 until 1883, and was afterward very active in church work in Granville up to the time of her death, which occurred in 1892. Her beautiful Christian character and kindly spirit endeared her to all who knew her. The other daughter, Mrs. Hines, taught in the Granville schools from 1872 until 1879 and afterward engaged in teaching history and the history of art in Pennsylvania College for Women at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, from 1901 until 1902. She was state secretary of the Women's Baptist Foreign Missionary Society of Ohio from 1898 until 1901. In 1900 the honorary degree of Master of Arts was HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 837 conferred upon her by Shepardson College. Not only has she been very active in religious work but also in intellectual lines and served as president of the Travelers Club of Granville from 1897 until 1899, while for thirteen year she has been a member 'of its program committee. She was also the president of the Granville Centennial Association from 1903 until 1905, was president of the Shepardson College Alumni Association from 1905 until 1908, has been librarian of Denison. University since 1903 and is now organizing regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her labors have made her widely known throughout the country and have won her social recognition. Unto Rev. and Mrs. Hines was born one son, Cecil Shepard Hines, now in Alberta, Canada. He was graduated from Denison University in 1902 and won the Master of Arts degree on his graduation from Columbia University in 1905. In his political views Rev. Hines was always a stanch republican. He regarded it as the duty as well as the privilege of every true American citizen to keep well informed on the questions and issues of the day and he studied the great political, sociological and economic as well as religious problems. He was a devoted member of the Baptist church and his life was given to the work of uplifting humanity. Mrs. Hines was always his able associate and assistant and has continued her efforts for the good of mankind through intellectual and moral development. DANIEL L. VAN FOSSEN Daniel L. Van Fossen, an old resident who is well known as a stock raiser and wool grower of. Bennington township, this county, is a native son, born August 16, 1835, his parents having been Jesse and Catherine (Greiner) Van Fossen, both of whom were natives of Augusta county, Virginia, who came to Burlington township in 1811. Upon their arrival they leased a farm which they cultivated for a period of seven years, at the expiration of which time the family removed to this township, where they bought the farm upon which our subject now resides. At that time the country was a dense forest, so covered with small trees and underbrush that it was necessary to cut out a road through which they might convey their wagons laden with their possessions. When they settled here there were but three families in this part of the county and obviously no buildings within many miles, consequently their first work was to put up a small log cabin for which they cut the timber. Little by little they cleared off the land, made it arable, and began cultivating the soil, each year adding to their tillable acreage until the entire plat which constituted their claim was put into condition for farming. Amidst these surroundings Daniel L. Van Fossen, the youngest of a family of thirteen children, was reared, helping to clear off the land and engaging in the general routine of the farm, and in season acquiring an education by attendance at an old log schoolhouse. The duties of the farm were pressing and the school advantages of a very meager and insignificant sort, and he did not have much of an opportunity to acquire learning but was obliged to be satisfied with the little schooling he obtained. He continued to work on the home farm, saving the greater 838 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. portion of his earnings until he was married, when he invested in the farm which he is now cultivating. From time to time he added to his land until he now possesses four hundred acres, keeping the entire tract under cultivation where he engages in stock raising on a large scale. For the past forty-five years he has bought and sold some of the finest cattle ever seen in these parts. He also deals largely in sheep and for twenty-five years has given considerable attention to horse raising. His success has been such as to enable him to accumulate considerable means, the fact that he is the largest individual tax-payer in the county being proof of that statement. On February 18, 1855, Mr. Van Fossen was wedded to Miss Sarah Lake, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth (English) Lake, her parents being representatives of prominent old Virginia families who came to this county at an early day. Unto this union were born five children, namely : Charles, who has extensive farming interests in Bennington township; 011iver Perry, also an agriculturipracticing physician; Jesse, a practicing-physician of Columbus, Ohio ; Effie, deceased; and Truman B., who owns a large farm adjoining the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Van Fossen celebrated their golden wedding on February 18, 1905. Mr. Van Fossen has served as trustee of his township for three terms, then refusing to hold the office longer, for twenty-four years was township treasurer and for a long period an efficient member of the school board. In politics he is a democrat but does not concern himself in party affairs beyond casting his vote for its candidates. His religious convictions are with that Christian denomination known as the Disciples of Christ and he was the chairman of the building committee when the present building in Appleton was erected, was one of the largest contributors toward that work and is a liberal supporter of all departments of the church work. He is a man who has made excellent use of his means, being known throughout the county for his charities and as well for the generous hospitality of his home. He stands high in the esteem of all who know him, both as a business man and a citizen. ALFRED JOHN HOLT. Alfred John Holt, who has retired from active business life after having followed farming and butchering in Etna township for many years, was born in East Hadden, Northamptonshire, England, on January 21, 1831, and located here in the year 1856, where he has since resided. He was a son of John and Hannah Holt, who were the parents of four sons and three daughters, namely : John. Harriett, Edwin and Martha, all of whom reside in England; Mary Ann Garlick, who departed this life in Nebraska ; Eli, who resides in that state ; and Alfred John, our subject. Alfred John Holt acquired his education in the public schools of his native land, and upon locating in this township he was employed as a laborer until the Civil war broke out when he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on July 18, 1861, and served until August 17, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge. He participated in many engagements during HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 839 the war, among which were Kenesaw Mountain, Lookout Mountain, Corinth and Iuka, and he also served throughout the Atlanta campaign. While he was in his native land he learned the butchering trade and upon returning to this township after the war he followed that occupation, hauling meat from this place to the Columbus market. Later he gave up this business and bought a farm of one hundred acres east of Etna where he remained for twenty years, when he retired and removed to Etna village in 1899 where he has since lived. On October 14, 1864, he wedded Elizabeth Hagy, who was born in this county on July 25, 1842, where she has always resided, and is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Miller) Hagy. Mr. and Mrs. Holt are the parents of the following children, namely: Charles A., who wedded Estella Ryerson, and resides in Columbus, Ohio; Susie E., who is thirty-eight years of age, was first married to Wishard Parkinson, her second husband being William Nash, and they now reside in St. Louis, Missouri; Laura G., thirty-six years of age, whose first marriage was with Perry Smoke, and her second with Samuel Winn of Newark, Ohio ; and James William, who was born February 3, 1875, and wedded Hannah Snider. Mr. Holt has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for over forty years. The success of his enterprise and industry in his days of activity enable him to live comfortably in retirement on the fruits of his long years of honest toil. JOHN S. GRAHAM. John S. Graham, who for six years has acceptably filled the office of county commissioner, his reelection in 1908 being the evidence of commendation and trust on the part of the general public, spends much of the year in Granville and a portion of the time upon a farm of three hundred acres which he owns in McKean township. He has always derived his income from agricultural pursuits and stands as a prominent representative of farming interests in Licking county. His birth occurred in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1864, but when three months old he was brought to this county by his widowed mother. His parents were John Shannon and Hannah (Hayes) Graham, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Scotch lineage and the latter of Irish descent. The father had enlisted for service in the Union army and was to have joined the regulars but was thrown from a horse and killed. He had up to this time followed the occupation of farming. After being left a widow Mrs. Graham brought her family to Ohio, locating in McKean township, Licking county, making her home with her brother-in-law, John Barrick. She had four children: Mary M., now the widow of the Rev. F. H. Smiley, of Ohio M. E. Conference; Jennie A., the wife of Rev. C. F. Prior of the Ohio M. E. conference; David F., of New York City; and John S. On a farm in McKean township, John S. Graham was reared and the common schools and a business college afforded him his educational privileges and equipped him for life's practical and responsible duties. In his youthful days he aided in the work of the farm and afterward formed a partnership with his uncle and together they carried on husbandry until Mr. Graham purchased a part of the 840 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. old home farm that has since continued to be his place of residence. He now owns a farm of three hundred acres in the southwest corner of McKean township, on the Appleton and Granville road, and carries on general farming and stock-raising. He has many kinds of stock upon his place and well improved farm buildings, while the fields are rich and productive, responding readily to the care and labor bestowed upon them. ln 1907 Mr. Graham purchased a dwelling in Granville, where he remains during the scholastic year in order to educate his two sons. On the 5th of October, 1888, Mr. Graham was married to Miss Minnie T Deardorff, who was born in Springfield, Ohio, a daughter of General J. M. Deardorff, who had charge of the state militia during the Morgan raid. He had raised a regiment for the war but the colonel's commission was given to another and he took charge of the state troops. For many years he was numbered among the leading manufacturers of Springfield, Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Graham was blessed with two sons, Paul B. and Hayes D. They have also reared an orphan girl, Bessie Kulp, who has lived with them twelve years. In his political views Mr. Graham is a republican recognized as one of the leaders of the party. Six years ago he was elected county commissioner and on the expiration of his first term of three years was reelected and is now acting in that capacity. Over the record of his official life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, for his course has been characterized by the utmost devotion to the general good. For twelve years he was a member of the township board of education in McKean township and the cause of the schools has ever found in him a stalwart champion. For twenty-five years he has been an official member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Granville and his life has at all times been actuated by high and honorable principles and characterized by the utmost devotion to the public good. In his business career he has so directed his efforts and energies that his labors have been crowned with gratifying success and in addition to his farming operations he is interested in the Granville Bank as a stockholder and director. Whatever he undertakes he accomplishes and his resolute spirit, unfaltering energy and indefatigable enterprise constitute an example well worthy of emulation. JOHN W. WILLIAMS. The fine farm, comprising one hundred acres, situated in Burlington township, now owned by John W. Williams, has been in possession of the family through several generations. It was the birthplace of our subject, who was born September 29, 1867, a son of Jonas J. and Mary E. (Wilson) Williams, the former also born on this farm, while the latter was a native of Eden township, Licking county. The son was reared on the home place and was early trained to, the duties necessary to the cultivation of the fields, his time being fully occupied from the planting in early spring until the gathering of the crops in the late autumn. For a short period during the winter months he attended the district school of the neighborhood but his advantages in this direction were somewhat limited. When HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 841 a young man of twenty-four or twenty-five, he and a brother purchased that portion of the farm on which stood the buildings and after a few years Mr. Williams bought his brother's interest, so that he is now operating it independently. He has here one hundred acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, while his farm buildings are considered among the finest in Licking county. The tract is located on an elevation and thus commands a prominent view for miles around. In his farm work Mr. Williams follows the most modern methods and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate his work. He manifests much skill in his labors and this combined with his thrift and industry has been the means of his forging to the front in agricultural circles, so that today he is numbered among the county's foremost citizens. Mr. Williams was married in 1895, the lady of his choice being Miss Allie Bash, a daughter of Frank Bash, of McKean township, now deceased. A little daughter and son, Helen Fay and Carl C., grace the home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams. In his political views Mr. Williams is a republican, strong in his support of its measures. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church, of which he is now serving on the board of trustees. He possesses a firm and determined character, one that recognizes and utilizes opportunity and no citizen of Burlington township is held in higher regard and esteem than is John W. Williams. ANDREW J. SMITH. Andrew J. Smith, owning and cultivating a well improved farm of eighty acres in McKean township, was born in Licking county, Ohio, November 1, 1843, his parents being George W. and Lida (Piles) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and West Virginia respectively. The father, who was sixteen years of age when he came to this county, continued to reside here until called to his final rest on the 11th of September, 1891, the community thus losing one of its most respected and worthy pioneer settlers. His wife, who survived him bto restry brief time, was laid to,rest one month later. Unto this worthy couple were born thirteen children, namely : William H., a resident of Texas ; Bennett T., of Licking county ; Andrew J., of this review Mary E., the wife of Samuel Wagner, of Nebraska ; Martha J., the wife of William Howell ; John W. and George W., who have passed away ; Richard G.; Sevilia, the wife of Mitchell Willard, of McKean township ; Urilla, the deceased wife of Frank Lock; Henry F.; Charles L., living in McKean township; and Asa, who is also deceased. Andrew J. Smith acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he rented a farm and was actively engaged in its cultivation for eight years. On the expiration of that period he bought a tract of fifty acres in Burlington township, which he sold at the end of two years and then bought a farm of forty acres in McKean township, making his home thereon for twelve years. After disposing of that property he purchased a tract of eighty acres in McKean township, in the improve- 842 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. ment and development of which he has been successfully engaged to the present time. The farm presents a well kept appearance and everything about the place is indicative of the careful supervision of the owner, whose methods are at once practical and progressive. His industry has ever been one of his salient characteristics and has been the measure of his prosperity. On the 8th of December, 1864, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Johnson, a native of McKean township, Licking county, and a daughter of John L. and Mary A. (Bowers) Johnson, whose family numbered ten children. The father is deceased but the mother is still living, having now attained the age of eighty-three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born four children. Eva May, who is the wife of Felix Nutter, of Newton township, has six children: Grace E., Ray, Blanche, Annie, and Avia and Trevia, twins. Alice N., who is the wife of Elmer Sillen, of McKean township, has three children, as follows : Zora, Hugh and Fred. William A., who also makes his home in McKean township, is married and has one daughter, Vernie. George L., the youngest member of the Smith family, is likewise a resident of McKean township. Mr. Smith gives stalwart allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and has served in the position of constable. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelist church, with which his wife is also identified. Having spent their entire lives in this county, they have been interested witnesses of its substantial growth and development and, owing to their many excellent traits of character, enjoy the warm regard and esteem of many friends throughout the community. MORGAN J. WILLIAMS. Morgan J. Williams is remembered by many who knew him as an honest, industrious, frugal man, reliable in his business and loyal in matters of citizenship. His life was at all times guided by honorable purposes and his many good traits endeared him to those who knew him. He was born October 14, 1833, in Utica, New York, and was a son of Thomas D. and Hannah Williams, both of whom were natives of Wales. The father was a cooper by trade and followed that pursuit in order to provide a living for his family of seven children, namely : Thomas, Morgan, William, Eva, Cyrus, Ruth and Mark. Morgan J. Williams was but a lad at the time of his mother's death and he then went to live with a man by the name of John J. Hughes. When a young man he left the state of New York and removed westward to Ohio. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade which he followed for a number of years, after which he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. On the 15th of February, 1869, he was married to Mrs. Henrietta J. (Twining) Jones, a daughter of Merrick and Corintha (Clark) Twining. Her father was a native of Massachusetts while her mother was born in Granville, Ohio. Throughout his entire life Mr. Twining followed the occupation of farming and was well known as a leading representative of agricultural interests in this county. Unto him and his wife were born nine children: Henrietta, Lewis S., Edward, deceased, HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 843 Harriet, Almira, Nelson, Charles, Henry and Gratia. The last named is also deceased. Having arrived at womanhood Henrietta J. Twining first gave her hand in marriage to Lewis Jones on September 14, 1848, and unto them were born three children: De'Esting W., who is engaged in the hardware business and makes his home with his mother; Otto S., who married Georgiana Williams, a liveryman; and Alma M., the wife of Edward E. Tight, a farmer living near Alexandria, Ohio. The birth of Henrietta J. Twining occurred in 1830 and she has long been a resident of this county. Following the death of her first husband she became the wife of Morgan J. Williams and they went to live on her farm about a mile from Granville on the Alexandria road. The place comprises one hundred and four acres of land which responds readily to the care and cultivation bestowed upon it. Here Mr. Williams not only conducted the farm but also worked at the carpenter's trade, living a useful and active life. Unto this marriage there were born, in 1871, twin sons : Dr. Howard L., a graduate of Ontario Veterinary College, who practices in Newark, and Dr. George L. Williams, a graduate of the Ohio Medical University, and practices in Columbus. The death of the husband and father occurred December 23, 1893, and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret to many friends as well as his immediate family. In politics he was a stanch republican, giving unswerving support to the principles of the party. He was strictly temperate, never indulging in the use of intoxicants in any form and his entire life was characterized by the highest moral principles. He held membership in the Granville Presbyterian church in which he served as an elder. Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world through us is the measure of our success and, judging in this way, Mr. Williams was an eminently successful man. Mrs. Williams now resides on her farm west of Granville, having taken up her abode here April 1, 1909. She still owns the farm property on which there are three gas wells, and from these she derives a very substantial and gratifying annual income. LEVI M. FARNSWORTH. Levi M. Farnsworth was a retired farmer living in Croton, Ohio, who owned three hundred and twenty-eight acres of valuable land in this county at the time of his death, from which he derived a substantial annual income. For many years he gave his undivided attention to the work of the fields and through his close application and unremitting diligence won the success that was his in his latter years. His birth occurred March 13, 1844, in Marion township, Licking county, his parents being Mahlon and Lydia (Miller) Farnsworth, who came to Licking county from Virginia. The father was a machinist and followed that trade for some time, while later he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. Levi M. Farnsworth was reared on the old home place and was educated in the district schools, dividing his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the duties that were assigned him in connection with the development of the fields. When a young man he entered the employ 844 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Company and for fourteen years remained in the employ of that and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company at the Centerville pumping station. He removed from Centerville to Monroe township in 1898 and then to Croton, where he passed away. He was a large landowner, his farms comprising about three hundred and twenty-eight acres of productive and well improved land. After taking up his abode in Monroe township he bent every energy toward the cultivation and development of his place but a few years before his death gave up active work and lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. His life was one of continuous and well directed activity and his tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose brought him the prosperity which he latterly enjoyed. Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Farnsworth was married on the 14th of October, 1893, to Miss Emma Evans, a daughter of Lewis and Margaret Jane (Conard) Evans, the former a farmer of Bennington township. Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth had two children, Roy E. and Margaret Jane, who are pupils in the village school. The home of the Farnsworths is an attractive center of culture and refinement and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by many friends. Mr. Farnsworth was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a republican in politics but aside from voting took no active part therein. He was, however, never remiss in the duties of citizenship but gave loyal allegiance to many movements and measures for the public good. He was a man of many sterling traits of character, and in his death the town and county have lost one who will long be remembered and admired. EDWARD YOUNG. Among the prosperous and progressive young farmers of McKean township is Edward Young, who was born in Newton, this county, January 20, 1870, son of Daniel and Rachael A. (Fry) Young, his mother being a native of Newton township and his father of the state of New Jersey. Daniel Young departed this life March 22, 1884, and his wife survived him twenty-one years. They reared a family of nine children, namely : James LT., a resident of Licking county ; Monroe, who makes his home in Newark; George C. and Clara E., both of whom are deceased; Edward, of this review ; Fourth and Dora, who have also passed away ; one who died in infancy ; and Frank A., residing in the state of Washington. In the district schools Edward Young received his education and when he had completed his studies he still remained at his father's home, where he engaged in general farm work until he was twenty-one years of age, when being ambitious to engage in business on his own account he rented part of the old home farm which he kept under cultivation until the year 1904. During this time he was untiring in his application to business and by his industry he succeeded in producing excellent crops, for which he found a ready market, and finally saved sufficient means with which to purchase the tract of land on which he now resides. His farm contains sixty-four acres to which he has since given his attention. He has tilled the fields so that rich crops have been harvested and he has also improved HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 845 the buildings on his place, repairing and remodeling the house and outbuildings and keeping everything in good condition. He uses the latest improved machinery to develop the fields and his work is being attended with gratifying success. On July 20, 1893, Mr. Young wedded Miss Hattie M. Bevard, a native of McKean township and a daughter of Adam and Mary (Rhodes) Bevard. Her parents, also natives of this county, are now residing in Newark. Mrs. Young has one brother, who lives with his parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Young were born five children, namely : Frank, Viva G., Asa M., Harley E. and May Alta. Mr. Young and his wife hold membership with the Disciples of Christ and are loyal to the church and its teachings, contributing to its support and aiding in its various activities. In politics Mr. Young is a democrat and to this party he gives his allegiance because upon thorough investigation he believes its principles to contain the secret of the nation's prosperity. He is a member of the Grangers and is interested in all pertaining to the agricultural development of the community and to its progress in political, intellectual and moral lines. His own character worth commends him to the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and Licking county numbers him among her valued residents. JOHN T. GILLESPIE. John T. Gillespie, whose well directed and unremitting activity in former years now enables him to live retired in Brownsville, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, was born in Harford county, Maryland, on the 16th of December, 1827, his parents being William and Sarah (Heap) Gillespie. The paternal grandfather, John Gillespie, whose birth occurred near Cork, Ireland, was there married and about 1785 emigrated to the United States, subsequently becoming a planter and slave-owner of Maryland. On the paternal side the ancestry can be traced back to the House of Stuart of England. William Gillespie, the father of our subject, was a native of Harford county, Maryland, was there reared and on attaining man's estate took up farming as a life work. In 1833 he came to Ohio, arriving at McConnelsville, Morgan county, on the 16th of November of that year. There he continued to reside until 1844, when he located near Roseville, in Clay township, Muskingum county, where he made his home until 1847. In that year he came to Licking county, locating on the property in Brownsville where his son, John T. Gillespie, now resides and there remaining until he passed away in September, 1881. His remains were interred in the Brownsville cemetery, as were also those of his wife, whom he had married in Maryland, she being a native of that state. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, namely : John T., of this review ; Mary E., the widow of William Dilts ; Sarah J. and Margaret E., both of whom are deceased ; and two who died in infancy. As a student in the academy at McConnelsville, John T. Gillespie acquired a good education and subsequently taught school for one term in Morgan county, one term in Muskingum county and, after coming to Brownsville, taught for a similar period in the schools here. He then turned his attention to coopering, being identified with that line of activity for several years, and then followed mer- 846 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. chandising a number of years, meeting with a gratifying and well merited measure of success in his undertakings. Subsequently he was engaged in buying and shipping produce but eventually retired, having accumulated a competence sufficient to enable him to spend his remaining days in comfort and ease, without further recourse to business activity. He owns an attractive and commodious residence in Brownsville, as well as forty-five acres of valuable land in Hopewell township, and is interested in real estate in Brownsville and Bowling Green township, being numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of the community. On November 12, 1846, Mr. Gillespie was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Risen, of Morgan county, by whom he had six children, as follows : William T., whose whereabouts are unknown; Sarah E., the wife of James Uffner, of Brownsville, Ohio; Eva A., the wife of David R. Mealick, of Blackford county, Indiana; and three who have passed away. In his political affiliation Mr. Gillespie was originally a whig, then a republican and finally became a supporter of the democracy, whose candidates and principles he upholds at state and national elections but votes independently on local questions. Between the periods 1871 and 1899 he served twenty-one years as justice of the peace and it is worthy of note that during his long term of office he did not have a decision overruled by the higher court, which speaks in strong terms of his legal knowledge and ability as well as of his sense of justice and his executive powers. He is a strong anti-saloon man and has always worked strenuously in order to abolish the liquor traffic and thereby relieve humanity of the cause of the greater portion of its poverty, sickness and misery. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In religious faith he is a Universalist, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. He has a very wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county in which he has now so long resided, being highly esteemed by all who know him as one of its venerable and honored citizens. THOMAS F. COULTER. Thomas F. Coulter, a contractor of Newark, has won a prominent place in the industrial circles of the community. Besides being interested in an extensive contracting trade he is also the president of the Coulter-McKay Realty Company. Ambitious and of an aggressive spirit, he is an industrious man and it has been through his keen business discernment and perseverance that he has become head of a profitable enterprise. He was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1873. Cyrus Coulter, his father, was also a native of Pennsylvania and for many years was engaged in the contracting and roofing business. Mary Coulter, mother of the subject, was also a native of the Keystone state. Thomas F. Coulter, who was one of a family of four children, obtained his education in the common schools of his native city. Being anxious to get out in the business world for himself and being ambitious to learn a trade, he apprenticed to his father and learned the roofing and contracting business. Under the supervision of his father, who was a skilled mechanic, he progressed rapidly and HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 817 soon became a skilled artisan and master of all details of the business. Leaving his native city in 1905 he came to Newark, where he began business for himself. Since then he has applied himself diligently to his work and has succeeded in developing an extensive trade. He is acknowledged to be one of the most proficient men in his line of business in the city and is accounted one of the leading contractors. Mr. Coulter was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Gill, of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Clyde T., who was born in Newark, Ohio, three years ago. Mr. Coulter is deeply interested in religious work of the First Presbyterian church, of which he is a member and also one of its trustees. He is a member and director of the Newark Young Men's Christian Association, in which he is very popular, and is connected with the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Coulter gives his support to the republican party but is not active in politics beyond exerting his influence in securing the election of honorable men to public office. JOSEPH C. HANBY. It was in June, 1893, that Joseph C. Hanby purchased the farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres in Union township, on which he now resides. In the intervening sixteen years he has given his undivided attention to its cultivation and has brought the fields into a state of rich fertility. He follows modern methods in all his farm work and his labors are bringing him a substantial and gratifying annual income. Mr. Hanby is a native of Perry county, Ohio, his birth having occurred near Thornville in 1860. His parents were William and Amanda (Overholt) Hanby, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Knox county, Ohio. Mr. Hanby was a son of John and Sarah (Abbott) Hanby, who were among the pioneer residents of Perry county, journeying thither in wagons, for it was long prior to the era of railroad building John Hanby was not permitted to enjoy his new home any length of time, for he died soon after reaching his destination. The members of his family were William, Samuel, George, Martha and Elizabeth A., and two who died in childhood, one being drowned in a well, while the other was killed by lightning. Of this family William Hanby was the eldest, and brought to Perry county in early childhood, he was there reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life. As stated, he wedded Amanda Overholt. Their last years, however, were spent in Perry county, and they were well known farming people, whose lives closely adhered to high standards and won for them the respect and confidence of those with whom they were associated. Their family numbered nine children, seven sons and two daughters, of whom one son and one daughter are deceased. The family record is as follows : John Jefferson, now living in Van Wert county; Sarah Ann, who became the wife of Jesse Mechling and died in Van Wert, Ohio ; Joseph C. of this review ; Alma F., the wife of William Fallars, of Van Wert county ; Lincoln E., who died in Van Wert, leaving a widow and one child; William G., of Allen county, Ohio ; B. F., who is living on a part of the home farm in Perry county; Alta B., also living on the homestead farm ; and David Webster, of Perry county. The father owned in 848 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. Perry county a tract of rich land of one hundred and seventy-six acres and also another farm of eighty acres and in his business affairs met with good success, owing to his capable management and well directed thrift. He started in life empty-handed and in fact was dependent upon his own resources from an early age. Gradually he worked his way upward, however, carefully utilizing his business opportunities until his labors brought him to a place among the substantial and prosperous farmers of his community. He voted with the republican party but manifested only a citizen's interest in political affairs. He and his family are all members of the Methodist church. On the old homestead farm in Perry county, Joseph C. Hanby was reared, remaining there with his parents until twenty-three years of age, during which time he assisted in the farm work. He aided in the task of plowing, planting and harvesting and when the duties of the fields were largely over for the year, he attended the public schools of the neighborhood. On leaving home he went to Van Wert county, where he engaged in farming for eighteen months and in 1885 arrived inin county. Here he invested irrin land, purchasing a farm of sixty acres, which he cultivated for about eight years and then in June, 1893, sold that property and bought his present farm comprising one hundred and forty-eight acres of rich and productive land in Union township. He has here made many improvements and the farm is well equipped with modern conveniences and accessories. In addition to tilling the soil he also raises stock and both branches of his business are proving remunerative. Just before coming to this county, Mr Hanby was married in Perry county, in 1884, to Miss Laura A. Goodin, who was born in that county in 1869, a daughter of Asa and Sarah Ellen (Miller) Goodin, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hanby has been blessed with two children, a son and a daughter. Hollis G., who was born in Perry county, married Ethel Tavner, and they have one child. He occupies a part of his father's farm, which he is carefully cultivating. The daughter, Lulu B. was married to T. E. Jones, December 6, 1908. In his political views Mr. Hanby is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he has always preferred to devote his attention to his business affairs, in which he has met signal success. The Methodist Episcopal church of Hebron numbers him among its valued representatives and it is well known that his influence can always be counted upon on the side of justice, truth and general improvement. T. J. BLINE. T. J. Bline, who has long been numbered among the progressive and prosperous agriculturists of Newton township, was born in Licking county, Ohio, on the 4th of May, 1847. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Frederick) Bline, natives of Virginia, came to Licking county in 1829. For thirteen years the father was engaged in the operation of rented land and in 1843 purchased a farm, on which he made his home until his demise, which occurred April 9, 1888. He HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 849 was widely recognized as a most worthy and respected pioneer settler of this county and one whose labors proved an important element in its agricultural develop, ment. His wife was called to her final rest in the year 1887. Unto this worthy couple were born ten children, namely: Mary A., deceased; John W., a resident of Crawford county, Illinois ; Sophia, who has also passed away; David and A. J., residing in Licking county; T. J., of this review; Rebecca, the wife of Samuel Hawkinson, of Licking county; Jacob, who likewise makes his home in this county; Elizabeth, the wife of A. J. Swisher, of Licking county; and one who died in infancy. T. J. Bline obtained his education in the common schools and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. In 1872 he purchased his present farm in Newton township and as the years have gone by he has placed many substantial improvements thereon, so that it is now lacking in none of the conveniences and accessories of a model farming property of the twentieth century. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has been very successful, owing to his untiring labor and sound business judgment, and he is well known as a progressive and enterprising citizen of his native county. Mr. Bline has been married twice. At the age of twenty-eight years he wedded Miss Eleanor King, a daughter of John King, of Licking county. By this union there were seven children: Bertha, the wife of Bud Brown, of this county; Clyde, a resident of Newark, Ohio; Frances G., the wife of Charles Osborne, of Licking county; Blanche, at home; Cora, the wife of Stanley Wright, of Newark, Ohio ; Pearl, also yet at home; and Calvin P., who is deceased. Mrs. Eleanor Bline passed away in 1896 and in 1900 Mr. Bline was again married, his second union being with Mary J. Runnels, the widow of Orlando Runnels, of Licking county. Mrs. Bline is also a native of this county, her birth having occurred in 1840. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Bline has given his political allegiance to the democracy and has served his fellow townsmen in the position of township trustee and also as a member of the school board. He is likewise identified with the Grange. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives, possessing those commendable traits of character which in every land and clime awaken admiration and respect. ARTHUR WYETH. Arthur Wyeth, a prosperous farmer and highly respected citizen of Liberty township, was born in this county February 16, 1866, a son of Stillman. S. and Elizabeth (Wright) Wyeth, his father having come to Licking county from Massachusetts with his parents, David and Sallie Wyeth, in the year 1838, locating in this township, where he departed this life April 1, 1891, leaving a widow. Both father and grandfather were substantial farmers of this county and men whose sterling qualities made them representative and influential citizens.