Licking Township (part 23 of 42)

J. P. H. Stedem, M. D., well deserves classification among the self-made men, for at the outset of his career he was confronted with many obstacles. It is a wellknown fact, however, that it is only under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in men is brought out and developed, and it was, perhaps, his lack of early advantages that made Dr. Stedem labor all the harder to attain the position which has now come to him. He entered, too, upon a professional career in which advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, and his close study and unremitting industry have formed the rounds of the ladder on which he has climbed to affluence.

Dr. Stedem was born in Logan, Hocking county, Ohio, May 2, 1858. His father, Anton Stedem, a native of Nuremberg, Germany, left that country during the troublous political times of 1848 and crossed the Atlantic to Canada, remaining in the southern part of the dominion for a year. He then became a resident of Lancaster, Ohio, and afterward removed to Logan, where he continued to reside until his death. He became identified with the business interests of that city as proprietor of a meat market, and continued in active trade until his death on the 21st of April, 1874, when he was forty-seven years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Anna Kathcrina Recktenwald, who was born in the valley of Moselle, in the Prussian Rhine province of Germany. The childhood homes of Mr. and Mrs. Stedem were only twenty miles apart, but they did not become acquainted until they met in Logan, Ohio. Mrs. Stedem arrived in that city in 1854 and their marriage was celebrated in 1856. She long survived her husband, and died August 5, 1908, in Lancaster, Ohio, when seventy-six years of age.

Dr. Stedem was one of a family of eight children, having four brothers and three sisters, all yet living with the exception of one brother and one sister. At the usual age he entered the public schools, and eventually became a pupil of the high school in Logan, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1874. He also attended a private German school and taught in the public schools of Logan and the surrounding country for ten years. He was a youth of sixteen at the time of his father's death, and, as he inherited no patrimony, was obliged to engage in teaching school in order to provide for his own support and for the support of the family, for he was the eldest child. The burden thus laid upon his young shoulders was a heavy one, but he bore it uncomplainingly, and throughout his entire life has met every duty with the same resolute and determined spirit, showing good cheer even in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties. After teaching school for a time he turned his attention to the drug business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in partnership with his brother, Fred William Edward Stedem. His interest in the practice of medicine quickly followed, and, determining to make it his life work, he matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1888. He afterward spent fifteen months as an interne in St. Agnes Hospital, and thus put his theoretical training to the practical test, gaining the broad expansion which comes in hospital work. He was thus well equipped for the duties of a private practice when he removed to Newark in 1889 and opened an office on South Third street. He is now located in the Newark Trust Building, where he has a well equipped office, supplied with many modern appliances that are of assistance to the physician in his humanitarian service for his fellowmen. He keeps in touch with the world's work along lines of medical and surgical practice through his membership in the Licking County and Ohio State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association.

On the 12th of January, 1892, Dr. Stedem was married to Miss Elizabeth Brennan, a native of Newark, and a daughter of Edward Brennan. They have one son, Edwin Joseph, born May 29, 1896. They also lost a daughter, Leah, who was born July 14, 1894, and died on the 14th of August of the same year. Dr.

Stedem belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. He displays many sterling characteristics of his German ancestry, including the persistency of purpose that has enabled him to accomplish what he has undertaken. His work in professional lines has been attended with gratifying success, and his practice has steadily grown in volume and importance.

Rollin R. Lusk

The enterprising town of PTtica finds a worthy representative of its business interests in Rollin R. Lusk, who is successfully conducting a jewelry store and is well known in the community for his enterprise and commercial probity. He is one of the native sons of the town, bom November 14, 1859. He represents one of the old families of the county. His grandfather, Thomas Lusk, who was bora in Pennsylvania about 1802, came to Licking county at an early day and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers who were reclaiming the district for the uses of the white race. He was a tanner and currier by trade and followed those pursuits for many years, his labors bringing to him well merited success. He married Elizabeth Dunlap, who was born in 1808, and for many years they traveled life's journey happily together. Thomas Lusk was killed, however, in Newark in 1872, by the cars, while on his way to his brother's funeral. His widow survived him for a number of years and died when more than eighty-two years of age. He was a stalwart republican in politics from the organization of the party, being prompted to join its ranks from the fact that it was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, and he was strongly opposed to that institution. He held membership in the Reformed Presbyterian church. The family of Thomas Lusk numbered seven children: Samuel G. ; Orilla, of Newark; Mary, James and Emma, all deceased; William, living in Newark; and Hattie, wdio has passed away.

Samuel Gibson Lusk, father of our subject, was bora in Utica, November 24, 1833. As he grew in years and strength he assisted his father and became interested with him in business. On the 13th of May, 1864, he was mustered into the United States army for one hundred days' service, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio Infantry. He did garrison duty in the defense of Washington until August 31, 1864, when the regiment was mustered out. Before going to the war he had been connected with his father in the tanning business, but as that pursuit no longer proved profitable, Mr. Lusk, after his return from the war, took up the stonemason's trade. On the 4th of January, 1S83, while attempting to pick the cap from a loaded shell with a knife, the shell exploded and the knife was driven into his forehead, causing his death nine days later. His political allegiance was stanchly given to the republican party and he was regarded throughout the community as a man of the highest respectability, whose sterling worth made him a valued citizen. It was in 1858 that he married Mi ss Amelia Jane Platt, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, July 5, 1834, a daughter of Paul P. Platt, who was a native of New Jersey, and removed westward to Knox county at an early day. Mrs. Lusk still survives her husband and is a member of the Christian church who enjoys the warm regard and friendship of all who know her, because of her many beautiful characteristics. She is now living in Utica. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Samuel G. Lusk were born three children: Rollin R. ; Alice, who married J. J. Hennessy and lives in Youngstown, Ohio; and Mamie, who died in infancy.

Rollin R. Lusk has spent the greater part of his life in Utica and at the usual age began his education in the public schools, pursuing his studies to the age of sixteen years, when he started out in the business world as a clerk in a grocery store. Subsequently he was employed in a drug store and in 1878 began learning the jeweler's trade in Utica. He was for a time employed in the same capacity in Coshocton, Ohio, and in 1883-4 was in Plain City, in the jewelry business. Since that time he has remained continuously in Utica, where he now owns and conducts a well appointed jewelry store, carrying a large and carefully selected line of goods. In his mercantile efforts he receives a liberal patronage, and aside from his activity in this line he is a stockholder in the Utica Gas Company and also in the Licking glass factory and the North American Gas & Oil Company of Newark. His business judgment is sound and reliable, and he has learned to correctly value his own powers, to determine his limitations and to understand and utilize his opportunities. In this way he is making steady progress and his business interests have brought him the capital that ranks him among the substantial citizens of the county.

In November, 1898, Mr. Lusk was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McClellan, a native of Washington township, Licking county, and a daughter of J. B. and Susan (Belt) McClellan, also natives of this count}\ The father died September 24, 1907, at the age of sixty-eight years, while the mother is still living in Utica.

Mr. Lusk exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and he gives his aid and influence to further its success, yet he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He belongs to Utica Lodge. No. 555, Iv. 1\, which he joined on its organization, and for twentysix years lie has been an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity. The principles which have characterized his life have made him a valued citizen, and his record constitutes an integral chapter in the history of his native town.

James Long

The pursuit of agriculture, as well as other vocations in life, requires the efforts and abilities of strong men, and perhaps no county has had more of the right class of energetic characters to develop the natural resources of this part of the state than Licking county. Among those deserving mention is James Long, who has large farming interests in Licking and Union townships. He was born in Thornville, Perry county, August 23, 1865, a son of Jacob and Jane (McCleeryl Long, his father having been a native of that place where he followed farming all his life, entering into rest in the year 1903. He was a straightforward, substantial farmer, whose political convictions were always on the side of the democratic party, and who held membership in the Lutheran church, in the affairs of which he took an active interest. The mother of our subject was a native of Fairfield county, and first married James Wilson, by whom she had two children - Charles and Allie. She afterward married Jacob Long in Perry county, where she departed this life. There were four children of the second marriage, namely : Emma, who became the wife of William H. Irvin, who is connected with Polk & Company, of St. Paul and Minneapolis; James; Ella, who became the wife of William Foster, a Thomville grocer; and John, also with Polk & Company, of St. Paul, Minnesota.

James Long was given the advantage of a good education, receiving his preliminary training in the district schools, later attending the Thomville high school. He returned to the home farm, where he remained until he was twentyfive years of age, at which period of his career he began to farm for himself in Perry county, where he remained until 1890, when he removed to this county where he has since resided. He has an excellent farm containing one hundred and sixty-one acres of land, and every improvement in the line of building and fencing upon the premises Mr. Long made himself, and in addition to having a substantial bam he also is the owner of a magnificent residence which is built after a modem type of architecture and is equipped with every convenience with which to make home life comfortable. Here he engages in general agriculture, his crops being of the finest quality owing to the attention he gives the soil, while at the same time he enters into stock-raising on a small scale, keeping on hand only thoroughbred stock.

In 1890 Mr. Long wedded Miss Annie M. Christ, by whom he has two children, Angus and Edith. A democrat in politics, Mr. Long is a strong advocate of maintaining the original character of the nation's institutions and also of a low tariff system by which a more healthy competition in trade and commerce may be established, and thereby wealth and prosperity be more equally distributed. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and upon its services, in company with his wife, he is a regular attendant. Industrious and enterprising, always endeavoring to do what he can to add to his own interests and to those of the community as well, he merits a place among the worthy citizens of the township.

Daniel M. Shepardson

Daniel M. Shepardson has passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey and has always lived in Licking county, his birth having occurred February 2, 1825, on a farm which he yet owns near the north line of Granville township, and which is operated under his supervision. His parents were Daniel and Prudence (Morse) Shepardson. The father was born in Middletown, Vermont, September 27, 1787, and the mother in Dublin, New Hampshire, September 19, 1784. They were married in the Green Mountain state and in the fall of 1813 started for Ohio, with Licking county as their objective point, driving a team of horses from Fairfax, Vermont. Their journey ended, they settled on the farm which is now the property of Daniel M. Shepardson and which then contained ninety acres. It was a tract of wild and unimproved land, and in the midst of the green woods

Daniel Shepardson built a little cabin and began placing the farm under cultivation, clearing away the trees and stumps in order to cultivate the fields and develop the property. There he spent the remainder of his days and his labors were manifest in the improved appearance of his place. A brick dwelling which still stands on the farm was built by him in 1829. There he and his wife spent their remaining days, the death of the father occurring November 24, 1866, while the mother passed away on the 25th of March, 1835. He was an energetic, industrious man and took charge of the construction of three-fourths of a mile of the canal east of Newark, in 1825, acting as superintendent of construction. A few years later he was identified with the building of Granville College, now Denison University. He had charge of the erection of the two first buildings, situated a mile and a half out in the country. Not only did he figure prominently in the early business development of the county, but was also a factor in the political, social and moral progress of the community. He was a factor in the organization of the First Baptist church and served as one of its deacons until his demise. His political allegiance was originally given the whig party, and on its dissolution lie joined the ranks of the new republican party and served as township trustee and in other township offices. He was also a member of the board of trustees of Granville College. Unto him and his wife were born eight children : Lucetta, the wife of David Woods; Perrin, who married Elvira Miller; Abagail, the wife of Gardner Woods; Harriett, the wife of Niram Pruden; Nancy, who died unmarried; Elvira, the wife of Rev. D. D. Walden, who is now living at South Haven, Michigan, at the age of ninety-two years; Daniel, who died at the age of two years; and Daniel M., who is the only one now living.

The boyhood days of Daniel M. Shepardson were passed in the usual manuei of farm lads of the locality. He shared with the family in all of the difficulties and trials of pioneer life and aided in the arduous task of developing a new farm. As the years passed he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits and his labors brought him rich harvests for which he found a ready sale on the market. He continued to reside upon the farm until 1879, and since that time has given to it his general supervision. In 1879 he built his present home in Granville and has since occupied it, being now most comfortably located in the village.

On November 8, 1848, occurred the marriage of Daniel M. Shepardson and Miss Abbie L. Durant, who was born in Springfield, Vermont, October 1, 1827, and with her parents, Jotliam and Lucy (Chilson) Durant, natives of the Green Mountain state, came to Ohio in 1842. They settled at Croton, in Hartford township, and Mr. and Mrs. Shepardson were married there. For a long period they traveled life's journey happily together, but were separated in the death of Mrs. Shepardson, May 14, 1894, her demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret to her family and many friends. Unto this marriage have been born two daughters: Esmah C., who was born in Januanr, 1850, became the wife of the Rev. Alfred Orcutt, a Baptist clergyman, who died in Minnesota. She and her four children are now living with her father. Lucy P., born in October, 1856, is the wife of M. P. Ashbrook, of Granville, and they have had eleven children, six of whom arc living.

A lifelong member of the Baptist church, Mr. Shepardson served as chairman of the building committee at the time of the erection of its present house of worship. He was also chairman of the building committee of Burton Hall and of

King Hall, two of the buildings of Slicpardson College, in Granville. In 1863 he became a member of the board of trustees of Denison University, and so continued until a recent date, when he resigned. He has served as a deacon in the Baptist church since the '60s and has been a member of the board of trustees most of the time. His first presidential vote was cast for Zachary Taylor and on the organization of the republican party lie became one of its supporters and has since been most loyal in his advocacy of its principles. Few have resided for so long a period in the county as has Mr. Slicpardson, who for eighty-four years has been a witness of its growth and progress. He has seen the building of the railroads, the introduction of the telegraph and telephone and the transformation of farm life through the invention of improved farm machinery. He can remember a time when many of the rural homes were log cabins and when much of the land was still covered with the native forest growth. Cooking, too, at that early day, was done over the fireplace, and the spinning wheel and the tallow candle were features of almost every home. Ilis memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present and he relates many interesting incidents of the early days. He is now one of the venerable and honored citizens of the county, and well deserves a place on the pages of its history.

William M. Sherman

William M. Sherman, one of the best known farmers of Licking county, has been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits here for almost thirty-five years. A native of Muskingum county, Ohio, he was born October 14, 1840, a son of John and Mary (Miller) Sherman, both natives of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. The father, having learned the miller's trade in his native place, came to Ohio in early manhood and located in Hanover, Licking county, where he engaged in the milling industry, with which he was identified for forty-five years, or until his death, which occurred in 1853, at Dillons Falls, Muskingum county, where he had removed with his family.

William M. Sherman was reared under the paternal roof, and pursued his education in the district schools until the spring of 1853, when, following his father's death, he removed to Licking county and took up his abode with Samuel B. McKinney, in whose home he remained until he reached manhood. Upon attaining his majority he assumed the responsibility of providing for his own support and, in the spring of 1861, he went to work for Esquire Smith, receiving in return for his labors ten dollars per month, with the understanding that should his services prove satisfactory to his employer his salary would be increased to twelve and a half dollars per month. That he found favor in the eyes of his employer is manifest in the fact that he soon received the advanced salary and remained with Esquire Smith for eight years, at the end of which time he was receiving twenty-five dollars per month. Upon severing his connections with Esquire Smith, Mr. Sherman entered the employ of William R. Seymour, who subsequently became his father-in-law. In 1864 he made his first investment in real estate, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of wild, uncultivated land in Yan Wert county, Ohio. That this investment was a good one is manifest in the fact that a short time after purchasing the property he sold it for twice what he paid for it. Later, in 1874, he removed to his present home in Licking county and rented a farm of sixty-one acres, which he cultivated for two years, when, in 1876, he purchased the place and has since added to his holdings until his farm now consists of eighty-two acres. Mr. Sherman has greatly improved his farm, erecting substantial buildings and bringing the fields under a fine state of cultivation.

In June, 1896, Mr. Sherman was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Seymour, a daughter of William E. Seymour, of Licking county. Her paternal grandfather, Thomas Seymour, came to Licking county in 1803, from Virginia, settling in Madison township, where he held a government land grant of one thousand acres. Mr. Sherman is democratic in politics, and although he served one term as trustee of Madison township, he has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to his agricultural interests. Mr. Sherman and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian church, and well known throughout the community, while Mr. Sherman is one of the most prominent agriculturists of his locality.

John E. Euffnee

John E. EufTner has throughout his entire life engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising on the farm he now cultivates in Union township. Licking county, and on which he was born June 8, 1833, the family being among the pioneers of this part of the state, his grandfather, John A. Euffner, a native of Virginia, locating at an early date in Fairfield county, where he owned and cleared large tracts of land, ne departed this life there at the advanced age of ninety-five years. John and Mary (Eoads) Euffner, the parents of John E. Euffner, were natives of Page county, Virginia, the father's birth having occurred March 3, 1785, and his death in this county in 1863, when he was in his seventyeighth year. John Euffner went with his parents to Fairfield county, where he remained for a few years, and about 1818 came to Licking county, where he spent the remainder of his days on his farm. He owned three hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which at the time he staked his claims was timber-land but subsequently he cleared off most of the tract and put it under cultivation, at the same time erecting substantial buildings. His first dwelling house was a log cabin, which he afterwards replaced by a more modern home. In his family were two children: David, who died August 11, 1888, in his sixty-ninth year; and John E., the subject of this sketch.

John E. Euffner was reared to farm life under the supervision of his father and when not busy with the work of the fields he attended the district school - a characteristic structure of that pioneer period, being equipped with slab benches and other primitive furnishings. After putting aside his text-books he settled down to the pursuit of husbandry on the old home farm, where he has since resided. ITis farm contains two hundred and twelve acres of valuable land situ- ated on the Newark road, eight miles south of Newark, in Union township, and Mr. Ru finer, being a progressive agriculturist, has always given sufficient attention to the soil to preserve its nutritive elements and consequently his land is highly productive. Aside from engaging in general farming he also raises stock of all kinds, particularly cattle and sheep, his long experience in this department of work making him familiar with every phase of the situation and in his earlier days he transacted a large buying and shipping business in this line. II is farm is well kept and in every particular is indicative of the thrift and progressive spirit of its owner.

In 1862 Mr. Ruffner was united in marriage to Amanda Dennis, a native of Fauquier county, Virginia, where her birth occurred June 11, 1831. Her parents, James and Frances (Kendall) Dennis, natives of that state, located in Licking township, this county, about the year 1835, and here departed this life. In their family were eight children: Julia, widow of Brady Bosnian; Amanda; Joel and Patrick, deceased; Octavia, the wife of Miles Joseph; Rhoda, who resides in Johnstown, this county; Fidelia, widow of William Frusli; and Wilson, who resides in Union township. The last two are twins. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ruffner, namely: Ella, born May 30, 1864, became the wife of Dudley Taylor, and died leaving a daughter, Beulah; Charles, born December 13, 1865, manages the home farm, upon which he resides with his wife, Caroline Hand, and three children, Burrell, Mabel and Mary. Mr. Ruffner has always voted on the side of the democratic party to whose candidates he has ever been loyal but while he is deeply interested in the success of his party he has never desired to hold public office, preferring rather to live quietly within his home circle. He lias belonged to the Licking Baptist church since 1876 and has been treasurer of that organization for the past thirty years. A man whose daily life and conversation have always been indicative of Christian ideals, he well deserves the high measure of respect he now enjoys as a worthy citizen of the township.

John Larimore

John Lari more, who is now living a retired life after many years of labor on his farm in Union township, this county, was born there October 7, 1831, a son of Janies and Anna Eliza (DeWald) Larimore, his father having been a native of Virginia and his mother of Maryland, both settling in this county about the year 1827. The father departed this life April 20, 1874, and she April 5, 1887. In their family were Daniel, Louisa, John, Sarah Ann, Scienda, James and Caroline, all of whom are deceased except the latter and John.

In this township John Larimore has spent his entire life, remaining on his father's farm during his boyhood days and youth, in the meantime learning the art of husbandry and acquiring his education at the district schools, subsequently pursuing a course of study at the old academy. He remained upon the home place until he was twenty-two years of age, at which period of his life, desiring to be independent and self-supporting, he rented a farm, which he tilled for nine years, and in 1863 purchased his present farm, which contains one hundred and seventytwo and one-half acres, on which he engaged in general agriculture and stock raising, making sheep his specialty until he retired from active life in the spring of 1907. He has since resided in Granville, where he owns a two-story dwelling house.

On November 9, 1854, Mr. Larimore wedded Hannah Minerva Lane, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Horne) Lane, natives of this state, the father's birth having occurred February 14, 1812, and his death January 8, 1892. The mother, the day and year of whose birth were identical with those of her husband, departed this life December 20, 1891, both being interred in Granville. Her mother's maternal grandparents came here from Virginia in 1806 and purchased a farm near Union Station, which Mr. Lane subsequently purchased from the heirs and deeded to his daughter, Mrs. Larimore. The grandfather passed away before Mrs. Larimore's birth, and the grandmother in the year 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Larimore were born thirteen children, namely: Clara and Elma Elizabeth, deceased; Caroline

May, wife of John Black, of this county; William Gerry, of Union Station, this county; George Lane, who resides in Oklahoma City; Richard Clement, who lives in Winfield, Kansas; Blanche, wife of Sherman White, the couple residing in Bucyrus, Ohio; Fanny Fern, widow of Emmett Perry, Mrs. Perry residing in Delaware, Ohio; Bruce Lee, a resident of Georgia; Jessie, widow of Asa H. Brown, Mrs. Brown residing at home; James H., deceased; one who died in infancy; and Frederick Buxton, who resides in Port Washington, Ohio. The democratic party has always received the support of Mr. Larimore, who is an able advocate of its principles, being convinced, both by study and observation, that the principles of the democratic platform alone sustain the original import of our institutions and favor that degree of individual liberty for which our forefathers, with much self sacrifice and self denial, contended victoriously. He is therefore active in support of the candidates of his party, and uses whatever influence he may be able to exercise during campaigns to bring the strength of the tenets of his platform before the people in their behalf. Although Mr. Larimore has been a very busy man, crowded by the affairs of his extensive interests, he has never lost sight of his religious duties and has always been a zealous Christian, holding membership in the Licking Baptist church, and being a man whose many years of activity have been marked by honesty and an endeavor to do good in the world. He has always entertained the confidence of his neighbors and been numbered among the representative citizens of the township.

D. E. Chism, who for the past twenty-seven years has been identified with the fanning interests of Granville township, is a native of Walnut township, Fairfield county, Ohio, where his birth occurred March 21, 1840, and where he resided, engaging in agricultural pursuits, until he took possession of his present farm. He is a man possessed of an aggressive spirit who for many years was employed as a farm hand and then rented the property he cultivated and finally, through his industry and perseverance, reinforced by practical economy, gradually rose in the financial world until he had accumulated sufficient means with which to purchase the excellent tract of land he now owns. His parents were Franklin and Elizabeth (Geiger) Chism, natives of Virginia and Fairfield county, Ohio, respectively. In 1854 the father settled in the state of Ohio, where he was united in marriage. He departed this life when eighty-two years of age. During his life he engaged for a period of eight years hauling whiskey for J. M. Ashbrook's distillery, and for fourteen years was employed as a stage driver before the days of railroads. Upon giving up this occupation he commenced farming, in which he continued until he departed this life. Of six sons and one daughter born to this union, D. E. Chism was the oldest.

The maternal grandfather, David Geiger, was a native of Pennsylvania and early in life removed to Fairfield county, of which he was a pioneer. Upon his arrival there the region was in a primitive state and presented a far different appearance from that of today. There wTere no broad and arable fields and only here and there was a cabin to be seen and as little land had been cleared for cultivation the country was almost devoid of buildings, which are now seen in great profusion throughout that county. Dense forests covered the land and the early settler, instead of entering it with the plow and harrow, came with the ax, prepared for hard work and obviously inspired with an aggressive spirit, knowing that only through patience and perseverance could the trees be hewn down, the stumps uprooted and the land put into condition for cultivation, but Mr. Geiger was a progressive man and, being equal to the emergency, he soon converted the tract of land which he purchased into arable fields, from which he derived bountiful harvests. In addition to his agricultural interests he also owned and conducted a distillery which was located on his farm. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hawdeyshell, a native of the Keystone state, who accompanied him to Fairfield county, where they spent their lives.

On their farm which occupied a part of the present site of Pleasantville, occurred the nativity of D. E. Chism. In the district schools of his native township he acquired his education and then remained on the home farm, actively engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, until the year 1889, when he removed to Licking township, where he followed farming for ten years, at the expiration of which time he came to this township and bought a farm containing one hundred and fifty-four acres. Upon leaving the home farm at twenty-two years of age he rented a tract of land, and meeting with splendid success by the year 1899 he had accumulated sufficient means to enable him to buy the property he now has under cultivation. Of the one hundred and fifty-four acre plot, which lie first purchased, he subsequently disposed of thirty-six acres and has since been engaged in general farming and stock breeding on the remainder. Before he settled down to agricultural life Mr. Chism was employed for five years as superintendent on the Lancaster and New Salem pike, in Fairfield county and remained in this position until the work was completed.

On January 14, 1863, Mr. Chism wedded Samantha Pence, of Rush Creek township, Fairfield county, where her birth occurred November 28, 1838. Her parents were David and Catharine (Grove) Pence, who were natives of Yirginia> and among the first settlers of that county, but who subsequently removed to Licking county. Her grandfather, John Grove, early in life settled in this county and built a round-log cabin in the woods, three miles south of Newark. Her father was twice united in marriage and by his first wife had ten children and bv his second four children, of whom she was one, the members of the entire family having lived to maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Chism are the parents of: Oliver, of Centerville, this county; Ida, who resides in Columbus, Ohio; Viola, wife of Clyde Bowman, of Newark; Annie, wrho became the wife of Jesse Grove, of that place; George W., who resides in this township; Fannie, who wedded Perry Carlyle, the couple residing on his fathers farm; Estella, wife of Ernest King, of this place; Mamie Abi and Beulah, who reside at home. Two children passed away in infancy.

Mr. Chism has always given his allegiance to the democratic party in national issues and, being of the opinion after due deliberation that its principles are fundamental to the financial life and permanent prosperity of the nation, he is enthusiastic during campaigns and is ready with his vote and influence to secure the election of its candidates. In his political views he has deviated radically from those of his people, who were originally whigs and upon the dissolution of that party naturally contributed their support to the republican party. He has contributed much to the welfare of the communities in which he has resided and for two years served as assessor of Pleasant township, Fairfield county. All his life he has been an active man, of industrious habits and upright character, and his general demeanor has been such as to make him a substantial and representative citizen.

Mrs. Margaret M. Warner, widow of C. K. Warner, who for many years was prominent in the agricultural and business circles of Washington township, was horn in the house in which she now resides, February 17, 1836. For over a century her people have been tillers of the soil in this region, wrho came here when the entire country was in a primitive condition, thickly covered with timber, and when they were one of a very few families scattered throughout the county. Her parents were Presley 0. and Mary M. (Taylor) O'Bannon, her father having been born here November 11, 1807, and her mother also, in the year 1811. Upon coming to this region he took up extensive claims and cleared off several hundred acres, which he put in a fit shape for cultivation. The old log house, which he built upon coming to this part of the county, is still standing and occupied by his daughter. Mr. O'Bannon was an influential man in the county and was known within a wide radius of his home as a minister of the Lutheran church, having served in that station for a period of eighteen years, ministering to many of the small congregations then scattered throughout this and adjoining counties. Upon his death, which occurred September 13, 1880, he left one thousand acres of the finest farming land in the country. His wrife passed into eternity September 18, 1881. They were the parents of the following children, namely: William P., a resident of St. Louisville; Margaret M. ; and Elizabeth, Catherine, Jennie and Ellen, deceased.

In her twentieth year occurred her marriage to C. Iv. Warner, whose birth occurred in Knox county, this state, in the year 1828 and who throughout his life followed general agriculture and stock raising and owned one hundred and ten acres of land, which he had highly improved and made one of the most desirable farms in the county. He was a republican in politics, active during campaigns in securing the election of the candidates of his party, and served the township in many useful offices. To this union wrere born: C. K., Jr., who resides in Mexico; Frank M., a resident of this township; Presley N., who lives in Utica, this state; W. C.; and Ralph M.

Since her husband departed this life Mrs. Warner has operated the farm and has since enlarged her interests to one hundred and sixty-seven acres, which she keeps under cultivation and on which, aside from producing general grain crops, she makes a specialty of raising shorthorn cattle. She is a noble Christian character and belongs to the Lutheran church, in which she is an active worker and to which she is a large contributor.

William M. Clem

The well directed labors of William M. Clem have resulted in the acquirement of a fine farm consisting of two hundred and three acres, located in Licking township, Licking county. He comes of an old southern family, his birth having occurred in Shenandoah county, 'Virginia, November 25, 1866. He is of German extraction, but representatives of the name through several generations have lived in Shenandoah county, his paternal grandfather, Simon Clem, having there been born and reared. He followed farming as a life work. The father of our subject, Isaiah Clem, was born and reared on his father's farm in Shenandoah county, and after reaching years of maturity wedded Miss Isabel Shuff. When starting out in life on his own account he, too, engaged in general agricultural pursuits, to which he still devotes his attention. At the time of the Civil wrar the father enlisted for service in the Confederate army, with which he served for two years. He was made a prisoner at Brandy Station and wTas also for a short time held as a prisoner at Washington, D. C. After his release he remained in the north until the close of hostilities and then returned to his native state, where he resumed his work as a farmer. He still survives and makes his home in Virginia. The wife and mother, who was likewise born and reared in Shenandoah county, also survives. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, all of whom are living, namely: Lydia, the wife of Joseph Clem, a market gardener of Page count}", Virginia; Maggie, the wife of Bradley Collin, also a farmer of that county; Mary Jane, the wTife of W. F. Marston, wrho is a railway mail clerk, with headquarters at Woodstock, Virginia; William M., of this review; Ella, at home; Luther, who is engaged in farming near Apellton, in Licking county; Walter, who is employed as a railway mail clerk, w'itli headquarters at Manassas, Virginia ; and Guy, who is engaged in teaching in Page county, Virginia.

William M. Clem, whose name introduces this review, spent the period of his boyhood and youth on the old homestead farm in Virginia and during the winter months pursued his education in the common schools. He remained on the home farm until he reached the age of twenty years, and then, believing that other pursuits would prove more congenial, he secured employment as clerk in a store, being thus engaged for one year. He then came to Ohio and, settling in Knox county, worked for a time by the month as a farm hand. Later, in Licking county, he rented land for three years, after which lie returned to Knox county, but five years ago returned once more to Licking county and purchased his present farm of two hundred and three acres, all of which is well improved. Mr. Clem gives his time and attention to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and each year gathers rich harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon the fields. His success, too, is richly merited, for it has come to him through earnest, indefatigable labor, since he started out in life in the humble capacity of a farm hand and today is numbered among the substantial citizens of Licking county.

On the 24th of November, 1890, Mr. Clem was united in marriage to Miss Ida 0. Weaver, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, and by her marriage she became the mother of three children: Belle, who is attending school; Kirby and Helen, all at home.

Mr. Clem gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, and while residing in Knox county filled some township offices. He is a member of the Lutheran church, while Mrs. Clem belongs to the Christian church. They are people of the highest respectability and worth in their community and in business circles Mr. Clem has won a reputation for honorable and straightforward dealing.

William P. Neibarger

An attractive and well improved property comprising one hundred and seventeen acres, situated in Madison township, and known as the Rural Dale Farm, is the home of William P. Neibarger, who is engaged in dairying and farming. He is a native son of Madison township, born on the old Neibarger homestead, January 5, 1846, his parents being William and Mary (Tebo) Neibarger, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The former came to Licking county with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Neibarger, when he was a lad. They first settled on a farm which Jacob Neibarger rented near Bowling Green, but later he purchased a tract of land at the junction of the two branches of Clay Lick, where he erected and operated a sawmill for several years, this being the first sawmill to operate in this section of the country. There he spent his remaining days and after his death his farm was divided among his three sons, John, David and William. The latter continued farming on the old home place and made that his home until the time of his death, which occurred in 1880, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-three years. He was a democrat in his political views and affiliations and was a man of influence in the community in which he so long made his home. His wife was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Protestant church.

William P. Neibarger was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors of the home place, assisting his father in the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn, while in the winter months he pursued his education in the common schools. After reaching maturity he continued the work to which he had been reared and, subsequent to his father's death, sold his interest in the home place and also disposed of one hundred and sixty acres of land which he owned in Indiana, and with his capital invested in his present property, consist- mg of one hundred and seventeen acres, known as the Rural Dale Farm. He is engaged in general husbandry and for the past ten years has given much of his time and attention to the dairy business, being assisted in his various duties by his son. In the latter branch of business he is meeting witli gratifying success, his products finding a ready sale on the market, where they demand a good price, and his fields, too, wdiich are in a good state of cultivation, also yield rich harvests, so that Mr. Neibarger is numbered among the substantial citizens of Licking county. He was in former years engaged in the cultivation of flowers, but for the past few years has not carried this on as a business.

Mr. Neibarger was married November 18, 1869, to Miss Martha A. Wolfe, who was born in Franklin township, this county, a daughter of John Wolfe, who is likewise a native of Franklin township, his father, George Wolfe, having come to Licking county from Pennsylvania at an early day. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Neibarger has been blessed with nine children, of whom eight survive, namely : Mary, the wife of Webster Drunn, of Newton township; Charles 0., at home; Henry Curtis, who is a farmer and dairyman of Madison township; Jennie Florence, the wife of William H. Roe, a resident of Vanatta, this county; Arthur, who is also engaged in farming and dairying in Madison township; Anna, the wife of Charles Roe, of Licking county; James, a machinist of Mount Vernon; and Blanche, the wife of Jeff Long, of Newark.

Following in the political footsteps of his father, Mr. Neibarger gives his support to the democracy. He has served as township supervisor and was likewise for several years a member of the school board. He is identified with the Patrons of Husbandry, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian Union church, of which his wife is also a member. He is not in the sense of office seeking a man in public life and yet he exerts his influence in the community where he has always made his home. He finds his greatest social enjoyment at his own fireside, where he delights to entertain his friends and all who know him have for him high regard.

Dr. J. G. Bower is engaged in the general practice of medicine in Newark, but yet specializes to some extent in surgical work, and his ability in that line has given him more than local repute. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was born October 20, 1863, of the marriage of Samuel H. Bower and Susan Pontius, both of whom were natives of Germany and died in Philadelphia during the infancy of their son. Dr. Bower was then reared by a German family of Philadelphia to the age of eleven years, when he started out into the world to make his own living, from which time forward he has depended upon his own resources and his judgment to tell him what was best to be done. In his efforts to secure a living he has traveled extensively and engaged in various occupations, but all the time has been actuated by a desire to work his way upward, and at length became imbued with the determination to enter professional circles. To this end he took up the study of medicine in 1887 and was graduated from the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in 1895. Immediately afterward he opened an office in Newark, where he has since remained, and in the fourteen years of his practice has made steady advanee- ment on lines demanding strong intellectuality, close application and sound judgment. On coming to this city lie located in the west end when it was sparsely settled, but he has witnessed its rapid and substantial development and throughout the years has done a good, general practice, at the same time giving much attention to surgery, for which he is well fitted. His office is now equipped with many fine instruments and appliances for surgical work and he possesses moreover a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of anatomy, understanding fully the component parts of the human body, their functions, and the onslaughts made upon them by disease. Moreover lie is cool in emergencies and combines a gentle touch with a steady hand - qualities which are absolutely essential in successful surgery. He was for ten years surgeon to the Wclirle Stove Company, the largest enterprise of this kind in the world. He is a member of the Licking County and Ohio State Medical Societies, and the American Medical Association.

In 1905 Dr. Bower was married to Miss Clara 0. Hall, a native of Ohio. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and has been an extensive traveler, visiting many parts of Europe, Australia, and South America, from which countries he has brought back many interesting curios. He speaks a number of languages. His mind is enriched with many interesting incidents of his travels and lie is an entertaining talker, his friends finding him a most congenial and companionable gentleman.

Daniel Shaw

Daniel Shaw is a worthy representative of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of Licking county and for many years has been identified with the agricultural life of Madison township, having made his home on a well improved farm of two hundred acres but he has rented his farm and taken up his abode in Newark, where he expects to spend his remaining days in well earned rest. Mr. Shaw is a native son of the township in which he has always made his home, his birth having here occurred in an old log cabin, October 2, 1849. His paternal grandparents, Zachariah and Marian Shaw, both natives of Virginia, removed to Licking county in a very early day, establishing their home on a farm in Clay Lick. Their death here occurred and their remains are buried in Bowling Green cemetery. Their family included William Shaw, who became the father of our subject. He was also born in Madison township in 1822 and was here reared and educated. He remained under the parental roof until 1850, when starting out in life on his own account, he accompanied his two brothers, Urias and Andrew, to Jasper county, Illinois, hoping to find that a favorable location, but not being pleased with the country, after three weeks they returned to Licking count}r and purchased two hundred acres of land, known as the Shawnee land in Madison township. Although during his lifetime he made several changes in his place of residence he always remained in Madison township, and in connection with farming he also engaged in the butchering business, whereby he acquired a handsome competency. He was a democrat in his political belief and while wholly in sympathy with the northern cause, during the Civil war when the sentiment between the north and south was at its height, Mr. Shaw made an expression which was misconstrued by some of his enemies and he was threatened with violence, narrowly escaping death in his meat market in Newark. He wedded Miss Mary Ann Stump and to them were born five children all of whom survive, namely: Catherine, the wife of Alva Tinkle, of Newark; Matilda, the wife of William Mossman, of Madison township; John W., also of Newark; Marietta, the wife of Robert Warman, also of that city ; and Daniel, of this review. Both parents were consistent and faithful members of the Christian Union church. They are now deceased, the father passing away in 1898, when he had reached the advanced age of seventy-six years, while his wife survived him only about six months.

Daniel Shaw, the youngest member of the father's family, spent the period of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and during the winter seasons he pursued his education in the district schools. He was early trained to the duties and labors of the home farm and continued to assist his father until he had reached the age of thirty years, when he established a home of his own by his marriage, and subsequently engaged in general agricultural pursuits on his own account. He purchased from his father the home farm comprising seventy acres, which he operated for about five years, during which time, through his capable management and well directed labors, he acquired a competency that enabled him to add to his possessions thirty acres, while still later he purchased one hundred acres adjoining, so that he now owns two hundred acres all in one body. The land is in a highly productive state, while good buildings add to the value, as well as to the attractiveness of the farm. Mr. Shaw has long been active in agricultural pursuits but has removed to Newark, where on four acres of ground he has erected a nice modern home, in which he expects to spend his declining years.

Mr. Shaw was married March 11, 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Angel in e Wiley, a resident of Hanover township, Licking county. Their union has been blessed with five children: Etta May, the wife of George A. Pigg, of Madison township, who is mentioned on another page of this work; Daniel Bert, at home; Mary Eva Kirk, also at home; while two died in infancy.

A democrat in principle and practice, Mr. Shaw has served one term as township trustee, while both he and his estimable wife are devoted members of the Christian Union church, of which he is serving as elder and trustee. Having spent his entire life in Madison township he is well known and highly esteemed, for in his relations with his fellowmen and in his treatment of his neighbors he has never lost sight of the principle of the Golden Rule.

Philip M. Brill

Character and ability will come to the front anywhere. In youth and manhood many an individual has been buffeted by fortune, while almost insurmountable obstacles have strewn his path. Perseverance, however, has cleared them away and the man has gone on to success, winning the respect and good will of all who have witnessed his struggles and victories. Such is the record of Philip M. Brill, county recorder for Licking county, who may justly be called a self-made man, for he deserves all of the praise that term implies. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, February 1, 1850, his parents being David and Catharine (Mulinex) Brill.

The father was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, coming to Ohio in 1824 and settling in Guernsey county. He was the youngest of a family of twelve children. The ancestors of Philip M. Brill were all farming people, and both families number several representatives among the Union soldiers of the Civil war. David Brill continued his residence in Ohio up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1859. .

Philip M. Brill was then nine years of age. lie was reared on the old homestead farm and attended the district schools, but through private reading, study and research and through experience and observation he added greatly to his knowledge, becoming a well informed man, and for twenty-seven years he engaged in teaching through the winter seasons, proving a capable educator. As his father left the family in limited financial circumstances, Mr. Brill was compelled to supplement his farm labors through the summer months by teaching in the winter in order to support the family. For seven years in his early life he worked as a farm hand by the month, having a hard struggle to earn a livelihood, but persevered until he had gained a substantial financial footing. While living in his native county he served as assessor.

In 1890 Mr. Brill removed to Licking county, taking up his abode on a farm in Hanover township, two miles from Black Hand. With characteristic energy he began the development and further improvement of that property, which he still owns, and which returns to him a good rental. His fellow townsmen have recognized his worth and ability and called him to public office. While living in Hanover township he served as justice of the peace and was also assessor. In the fall of 1904 he was elected on the republican ticket to the office of county recorder for a term of four years. He has made an efficient officer, carefully systematizing his work, and in the discharge of his duties he has displayed the utmost fidelity as well as promptness and capabilit}\

On the 28th of September, 1878, Mr. Brill was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Bolton, a native of Noble county, Ohio, and they have four children: Othel, Florence, Ethel and Ada. Mr. Brill belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Woodmen Camp. He has been closely allied with the soldiers' and sailors' reunions of Black Hand and is interested in many measures of public moment. It is only under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in man is brought out and developed, and the hardships and privations which Mr. Brill had to endure, in his youthful days, gave rise to a strong, stalwart manhood that makes him one of the worthy and valued residents of Newark and Licking county.

Mrs. Phebe A. (Williams) Daniels, the widow of Charles H. Daniels, was born in Newark township, Licking county, Ohio, August 31, 1857, her parents being William and Mary (Evans) Williams, he of South and she of North Wales. In 1832 the mother accompanied her parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in Licking county, Ohio. William Williams, the father of Mrs. Daniels, was an agriculturist bv occupation and both he and liis wife died on the home farm, his demise occurring October 16, 1885, while Mrs. Williams was called to her final rest in April, 1882. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, namely: Evan T., a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio; Zachariah J., living in Rhode Island; Margaret S., deceased; Sarah J., of Newark, Ohio; Mrs. Daniels; and Susan E., who has also passed away.

On the 24th of September, 1885, Phebe A. Williams gave her hand in marriage to Charles H. Daniels, whose birth occurred in Licking county, April 24, 1857, his parents being Edward and Lucy (Thomas) Daniels, the former a native of North Wales and the latter of Licking county, Ohio. Edward and Lucy (Thomas) Daniels reared a family of eight children and made their home in this county until called to the home beyond, the mother's demise occurring in 1904. Unto Charles H. and Phebe A. (Williams) Daniels were born two children: William Harold, whose natal day was September 30, 1886, and who died September 16, 1887; and Edward Williams, born May 25, 1895.

In his political views Mr. Daniels was a stalwart republican and capably served in the office of supervisor for several years. He was a Modem Woodman of America of Newark and an Odd Fellow of Granville. His death occurred on the 20th of March, 1901, and his remains were interred in Cedar Hill cemetery, the county thus being called upon to mourn the loss of one of its worthy native sons and substantial citizens. Mrs. Daniels is now the owner of one hundred and eighty-five acres of rich and valuable land in Newark township, a fine residence at No. 237 Central avenue and two lots on Craig avenue. Throughout her entire life, or for more than a half century, she has now been a resident of this county, and is therefore largely familiar with its annals from a pioneer period down to the present time, while the many excellent traits of character which she has displayed have made the circle of her friends almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances.

Madison Melick

Madison Melick, one of the prosperous and well-known agriculturists of Burlington township, where he owns a highly improved and valuable farm of three hundred and sixtv-three acres, was born in Jackson township, Knox county, Ohio, on the 27th of September, 1843. His parents, Jonas and Imas (Jones) Melick, were natives of Pennsylvania and Crawford county, Ohio, respectively. The father, who participated in the war of 1812, with the rank of major, made his way westward to Knox county at an early day and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the venerable age of eighty-three years. When he arrived in this part of the state the district was still to a large extent wild and unimproved, numerous bears and deer roamed through the woods, and all the privations and hardships of pioneer life were to be met.

Madison Melick was reared under the parental roof and obtained a limited education in one of the old-time log school houses, with puncheon floor, slab benches and other primitive furnishings. When nineteen years of age he went with a Mr. Miller to Illinois, taking a flock of sheep to that state and there remaining during the corn husking season. He then accompanied Mr. Miller to Iowa, where lie spent the winter. His father, who had been married four times, his last wife being a native of Perry county, Ohio, had become paralyzed, and Madison Melick was called home to look after his interests. He remained with his father throughout that summer and was then married and located with his bride on the old homestead farm in Jackson township. In the fall of 1874, however, he came to Licking county, Ohio, purchasing one hundred and forty-six acres in Burlington township, while a few years later he bought ninety-six acres adjoining his original purchase on the east. In 1891 he bought another farm of one hundred and nineteen acres adjoining and took up his abode thereon in the spring of 1892. His three farms are all in one body and now comprise three hundred and sixty-three acres of some of the most valuable and productive land to be found in the county. The fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them, and in the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with a measure of success that entitles him to representation with the substantial and influential citizens of his community.

Mr. Melick has been married twice. In 1865 he wedded Miss Yaletta Drake, of Perry county, Ohio, by whom he had two children: Mrs. George Beaver, of Knox county, Ohio ; and Gus, a resident of Mount Vernon, Ohio. For his second wife Mr. Melick chose Miss Mary Larue, of Burlington township, Licking county, and by this marriage there were also born two children, namely: J. Frank, who assists his father in the operation of the home farm; and David M., who likewise carries on agricultural pursuits on one of his fathers farms. Mrs. Mary Melick was called to her final rest in March, 1901, and her death was deeply and sincerely mourned, not only by her immediate family but also by the many friends whom she bad won.

In his political views Mr. Melick is a stalwart republican. Having spent almost his entire life in this part of the state, he is widely and favorably known here, and has been a valuable assistant in much of the progress and development that has been made in the line of agricultuial pursuits.

James Oliver Pryor

James Oliver Pryor, whose birth occurred in Glencoe, Belmont county, Ohio, July 8, 1850, came to Etna township, Licking county, more than thirty years ago. His parents were Albert- and Matilda (Meeks) Pryor, his father having been a native of Maryland while his mother was horn in Belmont county, Ohio. They located in Licking county, settling on a farm in Harrison township, where Mr. Pryor engaged in general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death, in December, 1896, when he was eightv-eight years of age. His wife, still surviving, lives upon the home farm. They reared a family of eight sons and three daughters, James Oliver Pryor having been the second child born.

Shortly after James Oliver Pryor was born, his parents removed to Centerville, Belmont county, Ohio, where his father transacted a general merchandise business in connection with farming, and there his son was reared until he was fifteen years of age, in the meantime working upon his father's farm and availing himself of the educational opportunities afforded by the neighboring schools. The family next removed to Monroe county where his father purchased a tract of land on which his son James Oliver Pryor resided until he was united in marriage, in the meantime hiring out with neighboring farmers. In 1879 he removed to this county where he was employed as a farm hand until his marriage. He then rented a farm which he tilled for a period of five years, at the termination of which period he and his wife located on the farm where they have resided for the past twenty-three years. The farm which originally embraced sixty-five acres lie has since increased to one hundred and forty-five acres, the property being located one mile west of Etna on the National Pike and Electric Line, and here he carries on general farming together with stock-raising. Provided with new and substantial buildings, its fences in excellent repair and the soil in the best condition, this farm is as desirable a piece of land as exists in this part of the county. In his ventures Mr. Pryor has been very successful and aside from his farming interests he has launched out farther in the commercial world and is a stock-holder in the Kirkersville Bank and also in the Farmers Telephone Company of Pataskala.

On March 9, 1872, Mr. Pryor wedded Belle McLeary, a native of Monroe county, who passed away six years later. She had three children, namely: Anto Genella, who became the wife of Homer Lamp, residing in Denver, Colorado; Luna, who entered into rest in her ninth year; and McLeary, who went to South Africa with a transport carrying horses during the Boer war, and who now resides in St. Louis, Missouri. The second marriage of Mr. Pryor occurred February 19, 1882, and was to Louisa Katharine Emswiler, who was born here November 28, 1854, a daughter of William Harrison and Susan (Goss) Emswiler, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. To this union were born: Verna, who passed away in her fourth year; Lottie E., who died in infancy; Daisy, who lives with her parents; Ethel Florence, whose death occurred when she was in her third year; and Otto, who lives at home.

Mr. Pryor is a republican in politics and has never deviated in his loyalty to his party since casting his first vote and, being a man who has given considerable study to the merits of the platforms of the several political cults, he is decided in his leaning toward the principles of republicanism and during campaigns his influence is widely felt in his efforts to secure the election of the candidates of his party. He belongs to Etna Grange and the Methodist Episcopal church, and his honesty and straightforwardness together with his enterprise, include him among the township's worthy citizens. .

J. W. Barker, M. D., capably and successfully practicing medicine in Newark since 1891, comes to Ohio from Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Armstrong county, of the latter state, September 1, 1873. His father, Edward Barker, was also a native of that county and followed the occupation of farming as a life work, but died in 1875 when his son, Dr. Barker, an only child, was but two years of age. The mother bore the maiden name of Martha Adams and was also born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. She still survives and is now living in Newark with her son, who thus repays her in filial love and devotion for the care and attention which she gave to him in his }routhful years. Dr. Barker was a pupil in the schools of Grove City, and other places in Pennsylvania. He received no inheritance from his father, but in his childhood days determined to become a physician, which was his father's wish. He was reared bv Dr. Pettigrew, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and this may have had something to do with shaping his life work. Through the summer months he was employed in different ways and in the winter seasons attended school. He carefully saved his earnings and worked hard to fit himself for the profession. After preliminary reading he used his earnings to pay the expenses of a college course, and began studying in the Baltimore Medical College, from which he was graduated April 21, 1898. He then began practice in Mineral City, Ohio, where he remained until 1901, w'hen he came to Newark and located in the western section of the city, where he has since lived.

In 1897 Dr. Barker was married to Miss Bertha F. Devereaux, who was bora in Maryland and is of French descent. The doctor and his wife have an extensive circle of warm friends in their section of the city. They are members of the Presbyterian church and Dr. Barker also belongs to the Licking County and Ohio State Medical Societies. He has given his attention to general practice in which he has been very successful, for he displays keen discernment in diagnosing his cases and is seldom, if ever, at fault in predicting the outcome of disease. He is also correct in his application of remedial agencies, and while slow to discard the old and time-tried methods of practice, the value of which has been proven in the passing years, he is also quick to adopt new methods which his judgment sanctions as elements in the progress of professional labor.

J. G. Frederick

Among the honored veterans that Licking county sent to the Union army for service in the Civil war J. G. Frederick is numbered. The country ow^es to her soldiers a debt of gratitude which can never be paid and especially to those who made great sacrifice to aid in the preservation of the Union. Mr. Frederick is well known in the county, for his entire life has here been passed. He w^as born in Newdon township, October 22, 1836, a son of John and Nancy (Fry) Frederick, natives of Virginia. Coming to Ohio about 1820, they settled in New'ton township, Licking county, and here resided until the death of the mother. The following year the family removed to Iowa, wdierc the father passed away. In their family wrere seven children, six of wdiom reached adult age.

J. G. Frederick, the fifth in order of birth, wras a lad of ten years when his parents left Licking county and went to Ottawa, Illinois. Two years later he accompanied his father to Hamilton county, Iowa, wdiere they remained for two years and then returned to Ohio, settling near Chatham. In 1857, when about twenty-one years of age, J. G. Frederick went to Canton, Illinois, and there remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when in August, 1862, he enlisted in Fulton county, Illinois, as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry. With his command he went to the front and participated in the skirmish at Black River, Mississippi, and in the battle of Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863. There he lost his left arm and was also wounded in the hip. His injuries necessitated his remaining in the hospital until February, 1865, when because of his wounds he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Licking county, Ohio, with a most creditable military record, but had made a great sacrifice in order to preserve the Union.

Shortly after his return home he was married to Miss Nellie M. Philipps, the wedding being celebrated May 20, 1865. She was born in McKean township in 1844, a daughter of Samuel and Susannah (Riley) Philipps. Her father came to this county at the age of two years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick has been blessed with four children, namely: Arthur, who is still with his parents; Ada, who died at the age of thirty years; Nellie, the wife of E. E. Weiser, a resident of Cleveland; and Susannah, who died when but three years of age.

Soon after their marriage, in the fall of 1865, Mr. Frederick removed with his young wife to Illinois, where he resided until 1877, when he returned to his native county. For many years he followed the painter's trade. At the present time he owns and occupies a little farm of twelve acres just outside the city limits of Granville. He is a member of Lima Post, No. 71, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He also belongs to the Granville Baptist church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while in Illinois he held some minor township offices, the duties of which he discharged in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He has now passed the seventy-second milestone on life's journey and an honorable record has won him the respect and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.

Jacob Vandenbark, Sr

Jacob Yandenbark, Sr., has followed agricultural pursuits as a life work and for many years has been identified with farming in Hanover township, although he has recently sold to his son the old home farm. He is a native of Ohio, born September 27, 1832, a son of Gersham and Mary (Baird) Yandenbark, both natives of New Jersey, whence in their childhood days they removed with their respective parents to Muskingum county. The father there grew to mature years and was married to Miss Baird. He made farming his life work and died in Muskingum county at the age of fifty-eight years. The wife and mother died when seventy-three years of age.

Jacob Yandenbark was reared in Muskingum county and acquired his education in one of the old time log schoolhouses near his father's home, the methods of instruction being quite as primitive as the building. He assisted his father on the home farm until he had attained his majority, when, in 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen Virginia Bealmear, a daughter of Dr. Thomas Beal- mear, of Muskingum county. In the spring following his marriage Mr. Yandenbark and his bride came to Licking county and located on his present farm in Hanover township, this tract having been given him by his father. It embraced one hundred and thirty -eight acres and the only improvement on the place was a little log house, in which the young couple began their domestic life. Five years later this pioneer home was replaced by a fine frame residence, which at that time was one of the finest in this section of the country. As the years have passed Mr. Yandenbark has prospered and has remained active in agricultural circles to the present time. lie recently sold the home farm to his son. His success has been gained through the most straightforward and honorable methods and is therefore well deserved.

Mr. and Mrs. Yandenbark became the parents of ten children, of whom nine still survive: Flora, the wife of Z. II. McKnight of Licking county; Mrs. Ollie

Myers, a widow residing in Columbus; Emma, the wife of Jasper Siler, of Massillon, Ohio; Thomas B., of Granville, this state; Ella, the wife of William Smart, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Jacob, Jr., who married Catherine Huffman and owns the old home farm; Mattie, the wife of E. P. Stone, of Hanover; Carrie, the wife of Frank .Richards, of Hanover township ; and Blanche, the wife of Austin Howe, also of this township. After a happy married life of forty-five years, Mr. and Mrs. Yandenbark were separated by the death of the latter and her remains were interred in Hanover cemetery.

Mr. Yandenbark has supported the men and measures of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is well known as a pioneer of the county and as a most industrious and useful man, whose probity is an unquestioned element in his career. In daily life he is genial and affable and his friends speak of him in terms of highest praise and commendation.

Isaac Newton McMillen devotes his time and energies to the further improvement and development of a farm of two hundred and twelve acres, situated on the township line between Union and Granville townships. It is only about five miles from Newark on the county road and there Mr. McMillen carries on general farming and stock raising, for many years making a specialty of sheep raising. He was bom in Newark township, north of the city of Newark, May 14, 1834, a son of Andrew McMillen, whose birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylavnia, February 14, 1188. In the year 1808 he came to Licking county with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James McMillen. The former was a son of William and Margaret McMillen, and William McMillen was a native of Scotland. The birth of James McMillen occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 1, 1158, and there he resided for a time, from whence he went to Wellsburg, West Yirginia, where he operated a tavern and dry goods store. In 1808 he went to Ohio and purchased a farm west of Newark, on which he erected a large distillery. He afterward went to Muskingum county in 1814 and there his death occurred in 1821. During the first night which he spent in Licking county, he and his family camped on the present site of tlxe courthouse. He married Jane Bell, a daughter of George and Mary Bell and by this marriage there were born ten children, Andrew, George, William, James, Isaac, Theodocius, Mary, Diver, William and James. The first of the name of William died in early childhood.

An interesting episode in the early life of Andrew McMillen reads as follows : One day Andrew and some other boys waded across the Ohio river to the Ohio side to get some paw-paws. On their return they heal'd a gun fired and after reaching the shore learned that a man had been killed by an Indian on the site they had but lately quitted. He was killed and scalped, the Indian escaping, it was supposed the Indians were trying to capture one of the boys.

Arriving at years of maturity Andrew McMillen was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and a daughter of Archibald and Nancy (Newman) Wilson, who were also natives of the Old Dominion and came to this state in 1802. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Andrew' McMillen spent the remainder of their lives here and he was recognized as one of the prominent and influential farmers wdio owned two hundred and eightysix acres in the home place and was engaged extensively in stock raising in addition to cultivating the fields. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church and his life was characterized by principles that neither sought nor required disguise. His political allegiatxce was given to the whig party and at one time he was a candidate on that ticket for the legislature. He stood always for reform, improvement, for justice, truth and right and his name was honored wherever he was known. In his family were eleven children: James, a physician and surgeon, practicing in Newark; Archibald, a farmer and stock dealer; George V., who also follows farming; John W., who owns a large farm and also engages in raising and selling stock; William, who devotes his attention to the same pursuit; Benjamin F., well known as a representative of farming interests in this county; Henrietta, the wife of Wesley Belt, who is a local preacher and farmer; Dorothy, the wife of Miles Marple; David P. and A. B., twins; and Isaac Newton of this review.

The last named was only a young lad when his parents removed to the farm on which he now resides. Here he has lived continuously since, save for a short time which lie spent in Granville in order to give his children better educational advantages. He has two hundi*ed and twelve acres which formerly constituted a part of his father's estate, lying on the township line between Union and Granville townships and bordering the county road five miles from Newark. It is a pleasant situation and enables the family to enjoy all the advantages of town life and at the same time the freedom of rural life. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and the farm is a splendidly improved property, giving etidence in its neat appearance of the supervision and practical methods of the owner. Stock raising has been an important feature of his business and for a number of years he engaged quite extensively in raising sheep.

On the 8th of June, 1858, Mr. McMillen laid the foundation for a happy home life in his marriage to Miss Martha Jane Showman, a daughter of John and Mary (Swick) Showman, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. McMillen was born in 1838 and passed away in 1900, her death being deeply regretted by many friends. In the family were six children: Archa Bell, a resident farmer of Newark township; Andrew M., who follows farming in Granville township; Annie, the wife of Jano Buckland, of Granville; Mary E., at home; Dorothy, the wife of George Piper, of Granville; and Martha, the wife of Elmer Griffiths, who is professor in a college at Liberty, Missouri. Martha engaged in teaching for a number of years before her marriage.

Mr. McMillen exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and is interested in all that pertains to the moral progress of the community. He has now reached the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and in looking back over the past he can see that there have been few wasted opportunities and few leisure moments. His life has indeed been a busy, active and useful one and furnishes an example which might well be followed by those who wrish to win honorable success and at the same time enjoy the merited confidence and good will of their fellowmen.

Richard L. Taneyh1Ll

Richard L. Taneyhill, attorney at law, of Newark, was born at Millersburg. Holmes county, Ohio, February 16, 1875, and is a son of Richard W. and Matilda (Robertson) Taneyhill, both of whom are natives of Holmes county. The father has been probate judge of that county for thirty years and is still the incumbent of that office. He was also clerk of the court for seven years and Avas a captain in the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which rank he served throughout the entire war. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and in numerous other notable engagements and his entire life has been characterized by the same patriotic spirit and loyalty to his country that marked his course when he followed the stars and stripes on southern battlefields.

Passing through consecutive grades in the public schools, Richard L. Taneyhill eventually became a high-school student and Avas graduated Avitli the class of 1894. Determining upon the practice of Uiav as his life Avork, he then matriculated iii the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and Avas graduated in 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Law. He also spent one year in pursuing a special course in Columbian College at Washington, D. C. In 1899 he was admitted to practice in the Ohio courts and in January, 1900, opened an office in NeAvark, where he has since remained. He has comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of laAv, but in his practice makes a specialty of commercial Iuav, and has displayed marked ability in this department of jurisprudence. In addition to the care of legal interests on behalf of his clients he also publiahes a rating book for Licking and Richland counties, knoAvn as the Blue Book. He is likewise the secretary of the Ohio Collectors' Association. He belongs to the Licking County Bar Association and his fellow practitioners recognize his ability and class him with the representative lawyers of the city.

On the 25th of May, 1905, Mr. Taneyhill Avas married to Miss Irene S. Duer, of Millersburg, and they have one son, Richard D., born December 15, 1906. Mrs. Taneyhill ig a daughter of E. J. Duer of Millersburg, an attorney, who has been prominent in the public life of his community, serving as mayor, as postmaster and in other positions of public trust. His daughter. Miss Taneyhill, is a graduate of the Millersburg high school and of the School of Applied Design for Women, a well known ait school in New York city. She displays artistic ability that would 6oon take her beyond the ranks of the amateurs if she desired to enter the profession. Both Mr. and Mrs. Taneyhill have many friends in Newark and their home is the center of a cultured society circle.

Aaron Park Hillbrant

Aaron Park Hillbrant, a worthy citizen and prosperous farmer of Union township, whose family for upwards of a century has been tilling the soil in this county, was born here December 5, 1847. His paternal grandfather, Henry, who was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1762, came here at a time when there were but two or three families in this part of the township, and settled near the away in his ninety-fourth year. He took up a claim covering something over sixteen hundred acres, all of which was woodland, a portion of which he cleared and present home of his grandson, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing put under cultivation. In his family were six sons and four daughters, some of whom were born in Virginia, and a number of whom were united in marriage and reared families, among them having been Aaron Hillbrant, whose birth occurred here on October 7, 1808, where he spent his entire life in the pursuit of agriculture, entering into rest November 8, 1879. He was an extensive land owner, having possessed five hundred acres in this township, together with one farm in Illinois, his first purchase here having been one hundred acres of timber land which he cleared off and put under cultivation and provided with substantial buildings. For five years he was employed on the Ohio canal, receiving seven dollars a month for the first three years, eight dollars per month for the fourth year, and nine dollars per month for the fifth year. Giving up this occupation, he returned to farming, and was so successful in tilling the soil as to have been able not only to increase his acreage ten times over his original purchase but also to amass considerable means. He wedded Isabella Huddleston, a native of Hampshire county, Virginia (now West Virginia), in November, 1811, a daughter of Henry and Mary Huddleston, who were early settlers of this place, and to this union were born eleven children, four of whom survive, namely: Lucy, who became the wife of George C. Wilcox, the couple living in Kansas; Henry, a resident of Granville township; Aaron Park, whose name heads this review; and Thomas P., who resides here. His wife having passed away in 1864, Mr. Hillbrant was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Kagy Walton, by whom he had one son, W. H., who resides in Kansas.

On the home farm with his parents Aaron Park Hillbrant remained until he was united in marriage, in the meantime assisting his father in the daily routine of agricultural life, and, during the short winter terms, acquiring his education in the neighboring schools. At that period of his life, desirous of entering the world for himself, he purchased a farm one mile north of the old homestead, where he lias since been following the occupation to which he was born and reared. His farm consists of one hundred acres of rich and highly cultivated soil, and is part of the original Hillbrant estate upon which his father and grandfather had lived, and, being provided with buildings of the most substantial character, and neatly fenced, the premises present the appearance of thrift and industry, and no better or more productive farm exists in this part of the county. Hay and wheat, together with other grains, are produced in large quantities bv Mr. Hillbrant, who also pays some attention to stock raising, breeding cattle and sheep from the highest grade of registered specimens.

On April 15, 18G8, he wedded Alice Owens, a native of Granville township, this county, where her birth occurred April 20, 1851, and a daughter of John and Mary A. (Jones) Owens, natives of Wales, both of whom passed away here where they had spent the greater portion of their lives and reared a family of six children, all of whom grew to maturity. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hillbrant are: Charles A., who resides at home; Orie E., a widower with one child, Emma, both of whom reside with his parents: Alice J., who became the wife of Charles Richards, of Granville township, the couple having one daughter, Alice; John A., who lives with his parents; and Bertha E., who lives with her husband, John Showman, in Granville township. Mr. Hillbrant has always had unquestioning faith in the possibilities of the principles of the democratic party as regards the general welfare of the nation, and hence he is an enthusiastic advocate of the tenets of his party, and during campaigns his influence is deeply felt on behalf of its candidates. Aside from national and state affairs, he takes quite an interest in local matters and has served as road commissioner and as a member of the school board. For the past eight years he has been a member of the Licking Baptist church, although he has attended the divine services of that institution since boyhood. Being a man of high moral purpose, whose daily conduct is thoroughly in keeping with the teachings of his religion, he enjoys an excellent reputation among his neighbors, and is one of the valued citizens of the township.

Frank F. Wright

Frank F. Wright, a life-long resident and a native son of Monroe township, where for many years, in connection with general agriculture, he has been engaged in sheep breeding, in which connection he is widely known throughout the state, was born May 19, 18G1, upon the farm where he now resides. His parents were James and EiTie (Willison) Wright, his father having spent the greater portion of his life in Licking county, where he owned many acres of land on which he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He came here in the early days and was known throughout the county as one of the men through whose energies this part of the state was transformed from thick woodlands and undeveloped tracts to its present fertile and fruitful fields.

Frank F. Wright was reared under the parental roof and in the neighboring schools acquired his education, in the meantime assisting his father in the daily routine of agricultural life. Upon the death of his parents he fell heir to the old homestead and its surrounding acreage. The farm is one of the finest in the vicinity and has long since been provided with every convenience by which agriculture may be carried on by modern methods. It includes two hundred acres of excellent and well located land, the quality of its soil being unexcelled in the county, and from year to year, under favorable conditions, it yields large harvests. Mr. Wright carries on stock-raising to some extent and has a number of head of graded cattle and sheep, making a specialty of breeding the latter, many of which he has shipped throughout the adjoining states. He pays particular attention to raising Delaine sheep and has won the reputation of being among the foremost sheep breeders in the state.

On November 10, 1887, Mr. Wright wedded Miss Alma Wells, a daughter of Alfred and Ellen (Follett) Wells, her father being a well known farmer in Hartford township. They have since been living together in happy companionship, assisting each other in bearing life's burdens. Mr. Wright is a republican in politics and, having given a thorough study to the principles of his party, he is an able advocate of their merits. During campaigns he is influential in presenting his side of a question to the end of securing votes to place the party candidates in office. Imbued with public-spirit, he is a hearty advocate of improvements, particularly good roads, and is always ready to further any movement which in his judgment will tend toward the general welfare of the community. He belongs to Johnstown Lodge, K. P., and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of which he has been a trustee for several years and in addition is one of its most liberal supporters. He is in every sense an exemplary character, honest, upright and progressive, and is highly esteemed throughout the county.

Mrs. Rose A. (McDonell) Smith, the widow of Patrick Smith, is well known in Newark, where she has a wide and favorable acquaintance. She was born in Ireland at the Castle Blaney estate, and came to America when sixteen years of age, becoming a resident of New Jersey. A year later she removed to Newark, Ohio, where she has since resided. She is a daughter of Michael and Mary McDonell, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Her father was a shoemaker by trade and followed that occupation throughout his entire life. He was industrious, energetic and reliable and whatever success he enjoyed was attributable to his own labors. He passed away in March, 1888, while his wife survived until March 23, 1908, and died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. In the family of this worthy couple were ten children: Mrs. Smith, of this review; Elizabeth, the wife of John McKenna, of Newark, Ohio; Esther, who is the widow of Benjamin Nichols and makes her home in Newark; Patrick, also a resident of Newark, Ohio; and six who are deceased.