Licking Township (part 32 of 42)

William D. Fulton

William I). Fulton is practicing at the Licking county bar as a member of the law firm of Fulton & Fulton. Moreover, he is a public-spirited citizen concerning whom many tangible evidences may be given of his interest in municipal affairs and his co-operation in the general advancement and welfare of the com muni tv. his latest work of this character being in connection with the Newark library, of which he was the originator and promoter.

Mr. Fulton is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Homer. May *i7, 18(>3. He pursued his studies in Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan, and was graduated from Denison University, Ohio, in 1883, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. For one year he was engaged in teaching school and then took up the study of law in the office of Hon. J. B. Jones, being admitted to the bar in 1 88(5. He has since been engaged in practice in Newark and a liberal and growing clientage has been accorded him. His legal learning, hi< analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasps the point in an argument, all combine to make him a strong, forceful lawyer, while the public and the profession acknowledge him the peer of the ablest representatives of the legal fraternity in Licking county. In 1888 he was elected city solicitor and the capability with which he discharged his duties during his first term was indicated in his re-election in 1890, so that he remained the incumbent in the office for four years. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to positions of public trust. He served for three years as city school examiner and was also a member of the city council from the second ward. He takes a most active and helpful interest in public affairs and has not only cooperated in many measures for the general good, but has instituted various plans and projects whereby Newark has been greatly benefited. He originated the plan for the Newark library which was opened in August, 1908. He has also been a very progressive member of the Board of Trade and through that avenue has aided largely in securing the location of a number of factories in this city, thus promoting its industrial development. He introduced the bill in the city council for closing the old canal in the city and the work is being done.

On the 3d of November, 1883, Mr. Fulton was married to Miss Josephine M. Wintermute of Licking county, and they have five living children, Bertha, William D., Martha, Frances and Margaret. The family is one of prominence and their beautiful home is the scene of many attractive social functions. Theirs is one of the finest residences in Newark, and in addition Mr. Fulton owns much very valuable property including a number of store buildings, residences, vacant lots and six hundred and thirty acres of choice land. His investments in real estate have been judicially made and they constitute important features in his annual income. Socially Mr. Fulton is connected with the Elks, the Woodmen, the Red Men and the Camels. His associates in these orders find him a generous, courteous gentleman who holds friendship inviolable. He is justly accounted one of the prominent and representative citizens of Newark and Licking county. Possessing a broad, enlightened and liberal mind, his has been an active career in which he has accomplished important results, contributing in no small degree to the expansion and material growth of the county, and from which he himself has also derived substantial benefit.

Willis R. Peck

Willis R. Peck, who was for a number of years well known throughout the state as a heavy poultry shipper and who is now devoting his attention to general farming in Lima township. Licking county, is a native of Harrison township, where his birth occurred November 4, 1858. His paternal grandparents were Solomon and Elizabeth (Nutt) Peck, in whose family were eight children, including Dexter Peck, whose birth occurred at Topsham, Vermont, April 25, 1833. He was only five years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, the family home being established in Harlem township, Delaware county. There amid pioneer conditions he was reared to manhood hut when a young man came to lacking county and spent his remaining days in agricultural pursuits in Union and Harrison townships. He wedded Miss Comfort Parkerson, who was born in Etna township, Licking county, and was a daughter of John and Mary (Slack) Parkerson. Her father's birth occurred in Sawley, England, July 25, 1793, while his wife was born in Pennsylvania about 1796. John Parkerson, the grandfather of Mr. Peck, was one of a family of seven children, namely: Martha, John, Samuel. Ann, William, Thomas and Edward. With his parents, John and Anna Parkerson, the grandfather, John Parkerson, crossed the Atlantic to Connecticut about 1800 and on leaving New England became a resident of Zanesville, Ohio, where his marriage was celebrated. He served his adopted country as a soldier of the war of 1812, holding the rank of colonel. Following his marriage in Zanesville he removed to Licking county and for some time resided in Etna township, and thence went to Union township, but his last days were passed in Kirkersville, this county, where he died when about eighty years of age. His wife passed away in 1874.

Following his marriage Dexter Peck established his home on a farm in this county and throughout his remaining days devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits in Union and Harrison townships. In his chosen life work he met with gratifying success and at one time was the owner of about three hundred acres of rich and productive land but divided this with his children. He died upon the home farm upon the day following the seventieth anniversary of his birth, while his wife died in 188(i at the age of fifty-two years. He was a member of the Kirkersville Baptist church and in early life gave his political allegiance to the democracy, while later he became a supporter of the republican party. Unto him and his wife were born six children: Perry, of Harrison township, this county : W. F., deceased: Willis ]?., of this review; Mary J.. who has passed away: Anna Y.. the wife of Charles Camp, of Lima township; and Loren B., of Harrison township.

When Willis R. Peck was about a year old his parents removed to a farm two miles north of Outville. Harrison township, and there he resided until he was married, in the meantime acquiring his knowledge of husbandry under the instruction of his father and during his boyhood days taking advantage of the educational opportunities of the district schools. After his marriage he purchased sixty-seven acres of land on York street, on which he remained actively engaged in general agriculture, and to some extent in stock-raising, until the year 1903, when he sold his farm and purchased one hundred acres of land located three miles and a half north of Pataskala on the Green Church road. His place, which is known as Maple Grove farm, is highly improved, being provided with substantial buildings, and is as productive a plot of land as can be found in this part of the county. While residing in Harrison township Mr. Peck dealt extensively in poultry, which business he followed for more than eleven years, and during one season shipped east forty-five thousand pounds and had on hand at one time eight hundred head of turkeys and his last shipment of chickens was twelve hundred. Aside from engaging in the various departments of general farming he pays a great deal of attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of breeding high grade sheep. Aside from his home interests he owns a valuable lot on Lake Higgins, Michigan, and is a stockholder in the Pataskala Oil Company.

On September 9, 1880, Mr. Peck wedded Emma Artz, who was born in Harrison township, September 29, 1855, and resided there, on a farm two miles east of Pataskala, until her marriage. She is a daughter of Henry and Katherine (Fisher) Artz. The father was born in Woodstock, Virginia, July 4, 1825. and in 1827 was brought to Harrison township by his parents, Jacob and Sarah Artz, who bought six hundred acres of land adjoining the Disciple church property and there erected a small house in which they spent their remaining days. Henry Artz now resides in Union township, this county. His wife was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where she was born October 3, 1815, and where her parents departed this life. She came here when a girl, having made the trip, covering two hundred miles, on horseback and all the education she received was that which she obtained at Sunday school but if she was not possessed of learning of the schools she was gifted with a strong constitution which stood her well in the battle of life and she could shear sheep with as great dexterity as a man and also worked as efficiently in the field. She departed this life near Fredonia, McKean township, December 29, 1891. In her family were five children, namely: Sarah Frances, who became the wife of John Holler, of Granville; Almeda Katharine, who was united in marriage to Thomas Pierce, both of whom arc deceased ; Lewis Fisher, of McKean township : Emma : and Henry Wishard, who resides in Liberty township.

In 1900 Mr. and Mrs. Peck went to Virginia and visited the burial place of her great-grandparents, Jacob and Mary Artz. who in their day were wealthy and possessed large tracts of land near Woodstock, and much of interest was found about the birthplace of his father-in-law, where many relatives are now residing. Mr. and Mrs. Peck are the parents of four children: Zelma I. is the wife of J. II. Wells, of Harrison township, and they have three children, Lewis E., Edna B. and Helen F. : Lester Roy, residing in Lima township east of Summit Station, wedded Ethel Cooper, and they have one son, Sherman ; Gladys Ethel, and Russell B. reside with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Peck also lost three children: Marion Dale, who passed away in his third year: Marie Pearl, who died in infancy: and Glenndolyn C., whose birth occurred October 4. 1893, and who departed this life August 13, 1908.

Politically Air. Peck has always been affiliated with the republican party. He is a man of admitted business ability, whose enterprise has done much to promote the general welfare of the township, and his transactions, being straightforward and honest, he is looked upon as a man of integrity and is favorably spoken of by all his neighbors.

John Nesbet McKelvy, who at the age of eighty-one years is living retired in Washington county, Iowa, was for a number of years a resident of Utica, Licking county, and is still remembered by many of the residents of this section as one of the honored pioneers and business men. His ancestry can be traced back to an early period. His paternal great-grandfather, whose name is forgotten, lived to be one hundred and four years of age. He was married to a Miss Jane McKinley who, with her brother, John, emigrated from their native country, Ireland, to America, in the early part of the fifteenth century. Her father was a wealthy lord of County Down and both he and his wife died during the early girlhood of their daughter Jane. On account of religious persecutions in the old country, on a certain Sunday, while the people of the neighborhood were attending church services John and Jane

McKinley took passage on an old sailing vessel bound for the United States. They had no money and agreed to work three years for the captain of the ship, in order to pay for their passage. Landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, they began their three years' labor but, at the end of that time, their services having proved so satisfactory, they were paid one year's wages, which was all they had to begin life in America. John McKinley was a noted singer. As above stated Jane McKinley became the wife of a Mr. McKelvy and to their union were born three sons and a daughter, namely : John, William, Robert and Elizabeth. At the beginning of the Revolutionary war the three brothers enlisted in the army, John and Robert serving three years, while William served eight years, or during the entire period of hostilities. The latter joined as a fifer and later was promoted to the rank of captain. The boys were in the battle of the Brandywine, near which place the family lived. The mother and daughter supposed that all would be killed by the British but at night John returned home and reported that all were alive. They had a narrow ('scape, however, for after the battle was over William found that his cap had been pierced with nine musket balls. His death occurred at Bucyrus, Ohio, about the year 1838. Robert was married about 1783 and reared quite a large family, among whom were James, John, who became the father of our subject; and Elizabeth. Roller! McKelvy died in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.

John McKelvy eventually took up his abode in Trumbull county, Ohio, and followed farming. He later removed to Putnam county, this state, the year 1846 witnessing his arrival there. He passed away in the latter county in 1848. His son, John Nesbet McKelvy, the subject of this review, was born August 17, 1827. He walked a mile and a half to school, pursuing his studies in an old-time log schoolhouse, in which the seats were made of two-incli plank, supported by wooden legs, or pins, while a long board served as a writing desk. The methods of instruction were equally as primitive as the building. After completing his studies John N. McKelvy, in 1844, was bound out to a man by the name of Hubbard, under whom lie engaged to learn the tinner's trade. He was to sene four years, his compensation to be thirty-five dollars a year, while in the event of sickness he was to be taken care of. Mr. Hubbard bad in his employ five boys, who were engaged in making tinware, which was peddled through the country, and in exchange for which rags, beeswax, lard, tallow and other products were taken. After completing his apprenticeship Mr. McKelvy worked in Mansfield, Ft. Finley, Bedford, and other Ohio towns. Wishing to secure a better education than had been afforded him in his early youth, he spent one winter in an academy and also qualified for teaching in a night school. Having saved from his earnings about fifty dollars he invested this in a stock of tinware and engaged in business in LTtica, where he continued a long period. lie became well known as a pioneer resident of this section of Licking county and, although he is now living retired in Washington county, Iowa, he is still remembered by many of the residents of Utica and surrounding country. He has intimate knowledge of the early history of Licking county and during the early years of his residence here shared with the other pioneers in the hardships and privations that had to be met in a frontier district.

Mr. McKelvy was married in 1852 to Miss Margaret Darrah and their union was blessed with six children, of whom three died in infancy. The living members are: J. W.. of Washington county. Iowa: Anna J.. the wife of John D. Atherton, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio : and Hr. J. K. McKelvy, now practicing in Chatham.

The mother died in 1869, and in 1812 Mr. McKelvy was married to Eliza Ferguson. They had one daughter, who died in 1883. Mr. McKelvy is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church and now, at the advanced age of eightyone years, is living in Washington county, Iowa, enjoying the rest which he so well deserves.

John M. Beem

John M. Beem, a son of George W. and Margaret (Myer) Beem, has practically spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits in Lima township, where his birth occurred January 22, 1854, since which time he has remained here with the exception of the brief period spent in Iowa. He is widely experienced in all phases of farming, being an adept in the adaptation of crops and also in stock-breeding, his work in these lines having been successful from the outset, so that at present he is in comfortable circumstances and in possession of as fine a farm as exists in this part of the county. He owes his success to his own exertions, being a man of great energy and industry, at the same time being possessed of all those qualifications requisite to thrift, and through his practical economy and excellent management he has gradually attained the reputation which he well deserves as a progressive farmer and substantial citizen of the township.

Mr. Beem acquired his knowledge of farming from his father and during his boyhood days received his education in the neighboring schools, remaining upon the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, at which period of his life he was married and then removed to Benton county, Iowa, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, in the cultivation of which he engaged for four years. Then selling his property he returned to Licking county in 1878 and resumed the occupation of farming on fifty acres of land which he subsequently sold and then purchased one hundred and sixteen acres to which he later added sixty-eight acres and, including ninety acres of his father's estate, his farm at one time embraced two hundred and seventy-four acres of excellent land, all of which he kept under cultivation. He has been quite successful in agricultural life and has made considerable money in the sale of his farms, having several times disposed of his property, each time purchasing a new tract of land which he would improve and put upon the market. He has thus realized substantial profits in this way out of his real-estate transactions. He has now disposed of all but eighteen acres. Eight years ago he built an elegant residence at Summit Station, which he subsequently traded for fifty-two acres - a farm which he still owns. His present residence, which is one of the finest in the township, is surrounded by ten acres of land. He is interested in a number of commercial enterprises, being a stockholder in the People's Bank at Pataskala, the Summit Creamery, the Summit Chair Factory and the Pataskala Farmers Telephone Company.

On June 29, 1874, Mr. Beem wedded Margaret Beals, a native of Lima township, born October 11, 1853, and a daughter of Enoch and Katherine (Beem) Beals. Her father was born in Etna township, this county, March 5, 1818, a son of Nathan and Elmira Beals, the former a native of Vermont who settled in this county in 1815. Mrs. Beals was born in Lima township, and passed away June 25, 1899, in her seventy-* ghth year, her husband's death occurring February 10, 1895. They had eight children: Andrew, who resides at Summit Station; George, who passed away in infancy; Adelbert, a resident of Indiana; Fidelia, the wife of Albert Beeni ; Margaret; Amanda, who resides with her husband, Alvin Peters, in Jersey township; Belle, the wife of Amos Coulter, residing in Jersey township : and Jane, who lives with her husband, Dennis Davenport, in Franklin county.

Mr. and Mrs. Becm have one daughter, Xerva Izora, who was twice united in marriage, first to William Dixon, by whom she had one child, lnzabelle, and, after becoming a widow*, she wedded Jacob William Eoshon, of this township. Politically Mr. Becm is a democrat and his religious convictions are with the Dniversalists, having served in the church of that denomination here as deacon since its organization and at the same time as a member of the hoard of trustees and, being an ardent church worker, he has for many years been superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a man of high moral and religious aims, living a daily life above reproach, striving ever to conduct his actions in harmony with the tenets of the Christian faith, while his excellent qualities justly command for him the respect and confidence which he enjoys from all who know him.

Charles H. Wells

(diaries H. Wells, city engineer of Newark, was horn in this city May 2, 18T9, and is one of a family of seven children, whose parents were William C. and Mary E. (Hempsted) Wells. The father was a native of Lancaster, Ohio, a son of Jonas M. Wells, a leading tailor of Lancaster at an early date. As William C. Wells attained manhood he entered upon an apprenticeship under his father, and thus became familiar with the tailoring business. When but eighteen years of age he went to Columbus, Ohio, remaining only a short time, thence coming to Newark. Here he worked at his trade as a journeyman for a short time, and in 1876 he established himself in business, desiring that the profits of his labors should come directly to himself. He was a young man of laudable ambition, possessing also n genial disposition and an earnest desire to suit his customers. Those wTho came to him once usually returned again, remaining with him as permanent patrons. As the years passed, therefore, he prospered, and continued successfully in business until 1902, when he retired from the field of tailoring to take up the management of Buckeye Lake Park. His time was thus spent for two years, after which he retired in order to give his undivided attention to the supervision of his real-estate interests in Newark which, in the meantime, had become extensive and important. In connection with William E. Miller he platted Park Addition west of the city of Newark. His carefully controlled real-estate interests brought to him a substantial and gratifying return. In his political views Mr. Wells is a stalwart democrat, and his personal popularitv is indicated in the fact that he was elected to the board of education in a republican ward. He served for six years on the board, and for four years of I hat time acted as president and for two years as treasurer. He also served for some years as president of the board of trade, and has been an important faeloi in flie location of all the important industries in Newark. In fact, for many years past he has been regarded as one of the city's foremost resident and a business man whose cooperation can always be counted upon to further any movement for the public good. His ideas are practical, and when his theories are utilized it is found that they contain elements of substantial benefit to the community at large. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He makes his home in Park Addition, west of Idlewilde Park, and is yet counted one of the valued and representative citizens of Newark, although at the present time he is engaged in no active business pursuits save the superintendence of his own interests.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Wells were seven children, of whom six are yet living, namely: Charles H., of this review; William C., Jr., residing in Cincinnati, Ohio; George B., a tailor of Newark; Sidney E., a carpenter of Newark; Richard E. and Henry E., both attending school in Newark.

In taking up the personal history of Charles H. Wells we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known. He was reared at home, acquiring his education in the Newark schools and, passing through consecutive grades, completing the course of the Newark high school by graduation in 1899. He was honored with the presidency of his class, and was very popular with his fellow students. During the following year he began his business career as first assistant in the location of the Columbus Buckeye Lake and Newark Interurban line. After acting in that capacity for a year he went to Zanesville and secured a position in the designing department of the Mosaic Tile Works, with the intention of learning the business. He remained but a short time, however, when he decided that civil engineering was more suited to his abilities, and took up the active work of the profession. He was elected to the office of county surveyor of Licking county and he therefore returned to assume the duties of that office. He had acted in that capacity for only six months when he was appointed to the important office of city engineer of Newark, and his resignation as county surveyor was accordingly tendered. He is now serving his sixth year in the office of city engineer. During his term of service there has been done extensive sewer work and street paving, and the condition of the city's streets speaks volumes in favor of his capabilities. He is a gentleman of genial and pleasing personality, and his friends are legion. He belongs to Newark Lodge No. 391, B. P. 0. E., and the Young Men's Christian Association of Newark. He is known as one of the popular young professional men of the city, and is proving his worth in every relation of life in which he is found.

Dr. John K. McKelvv, who since 1881 has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Chatham, was born in Utica, Licking county, August 11. 1837, a son of John N. and Margaret J. (Darrah) McKelvv. The father was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, August 17, 18*37, came to Licking county in 1848 and established a tin and hardware shop in Utica. He conducted this establishment until 1883, when he disposed of his store and removed to Washington county, Iowa, where he is now living retired, at the advanced age of eightv-tvvo years. The mother, who was a native of Ireland, came to Licking county at an early day and her death occurred in Utica in 1869. Their union was blessed with five children, namely: James W., who is employed by the Farmers Bank at Utica; Clark, deceased; John K. of this review; Boyd, who has also departed this life: and Anna J., the wife of John D. Atherton, a resident of Cleveland. More extended mention is made of the parents on another page of this work.

Dr. John Iv. McKelvy was reared in the place of his nativity and acquired his literary education in the schools of that place. Deciding upon the practice of medicine as a life work, to this end he matriculated in the Normal high school, at Utica, graduating from that institution in 1877. He then attended the Ohio Medical College one year and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Baltimore, from which he graduated in 1880. He began the practice of medicine at Utica, there remaining one year. In 1881 he located in Chatham, where he has remained in practice to the present time. He has built up a good patronage, covers a large area of country and thus has become well and favorably known.

Dr. McKelvy was married in 1880 to Miss Mary Florence Koontz, who was born in Licking county November 18, 1858, a daughter of H. B. and Mary (Coad) Koontz, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. McKelvy has been blessed with one daughter, Mamie Dean, who was born February 16, 1881, and is now' the wife of Harry A. Stream, wrho operates his father-in-law's farm in Newton towmship, the property comprising one hundred acres of well improved land. Mrs. Stream wras graduated from the Chatham high school.

Dr. McKelvy gives his political support to the republican party, while both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the wrork of which they take an active part. The Doctor was a trustee of the church for several years and both he and his wife have served as teachers in the Sunday school for the past fifteen years. Mrs. McKelvy has been church organist sixteen years. The Doctor has been examiner for various insurance companies a number of years. He owns a nice residence in Chatham which he occupies. He is highly esteemed in this vicinity, not only as a professional man but also as a citizen and friend of humanity, who lives for the good he can do to others.

Byron G. Hoover

The name of Byron G. Hoover is found on the list of Licking county's honored dead. Though his life record covered little more than a half century, in every relation he stood as a man among men, reliable in business, and progressive and patriotic in his citizenship. He was born March 24, 1843, and was called to his final rest on the 13th of March, 1904. His birth occurred in Monroe township, this county, his parents being Mahlon and Mary C. (Ashbrook) Hoover. On his father's farm he was reared to manhood, engaging more and more largely in the work of field and meadow as his years and strength increased. His educational opportunities were those offered in the district schools and early in life he manifested a desire for and adaptation to mercantile life. Following his marriage, however, he engaged in farming in Monroe township for five years but later turned his attention to general merchandising, establishing a store at Appleton, which at that time was an important business center. There he built up an extensive trade, which he successfully conducted until 1893, when he was elected treasurer of Licking county. He served two terms, or four years, and proved an excellent official, popular with all the people and a most faithful custodian of the public funds. He retired from office as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all concerned, and when he put aside political cares he assumed the management of his farming interests adjacent to Appleton. There the family home has since been maintained.

It was on the 25th of October, 1866, that Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Susie Mclnturf, a daughter of James and Alice Ann (Gregg) Mclnturf. Her mother's people came from Virginia. Her father, however, was born in Licking county, his ancestors having come to this state from Pennsylvania in pioneer times. Both the Hoovers and the Mclnturfs were large and influential families, active in farming interests and commercial life of the county. Nine children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hoover, as follows: Harry G.; Burt N. ; Mary, now the wife of Homer Rice; Don C. ; and five who died in infancy.

Mr. Hoover was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Knights of Pythias lodges at Johnstown. He believed in an active support of all public movements for the benefit of the community, advocated civic improvement and through his example and influence did much to promote public progress along that line. He was a democrat in his political allegiance and always took an active interest in party affairs. He was enterprising in business, resolute in his spirit of what he believed to be right and was everywhere recognized as a man of high character and sterling integrity, whose influence was always on the side of justice, truth and substantial development. His personal worth, his business success and his faithful and capable service in public office all combined to make him a citizen whom the community honored and respected. The Hoover home at Appleton has always been among the most hospitable in the county - a favorite resort for the many friends of the family.

Charles Slife

General farming and stock-raising have commanded the attention of Charles Slife, of Liberty township, where for a number of years he has been identified in an influential way with its agricultural interests. Being energetic and enterprising and possessed of an aggressive spirit, which neither discovers nor halts before difficulties, he has lent his hand to the plow perseveringly and with a patience worthy of emulation, until now in his declining years, owing to the success he has achieved in the annual production of bountiful harvests, he is surrounded by prosperity and can afford, if he desires, to lay aside the implements with which he has long efficiently worked and in leisure participate somewhat in the comforts and fruits of his long years of earnest and honest toil. In Liberty township in which he has spent practically all his life he was born October 26, 1840, a son of Henry and Catherine (Dunbauld) Slife, natives of Pennsylvania. His father, who came to this county from Westmoreland county, in that state, devoted his life to the vaiious depai tments of agr iculture until his death, which occurred in August, 1894, while his wife, originally from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, passed away here in October, 188G. Both were hard workers, known throughout the community for their industry and careful management, and as well for the uprightness of their lives.

On his fathers farm, indulging the usual experiences of a farmer hoy and engaging in the general routine incident to the occupation, Charles Slife was reared to manhood, in the meantime attending the district school, where he obtained his ludimental training, after which he was given the educational advantage of a course of study in the Johnstown high school. lie then turned to the farm and. after woiking for several months, became discontent with its apparently meager oppoi tunities and decided to seek his foitune in another vocation. At about that time the news of quickly-earned riches in the gold fields of California was being spread abroad and Mr. Slife, becoming enthused over the situation, made up his mind to take his chances with others who were becoming wealthy in the Golden state. Therefore in 1862 he repaired to the gold fields of the far west, where for three yea is lie applied himself arduously to the search for the valuable metal. On the expiration of that period, having been successful in acquiring a snug fortune and after a long journey across the plains he finally reached his present faun and settled down to the pursuit of agriculture. He owns and cultivates a splendid farm containing two hundred acres and equipped with every convenience necessary to carry on the occupation by progressive methods and from year to year his harvests of hay and grain arc bountiful and the returns of his stock satisfactory.

On May 25, 1876, Mr. Slife was united in marriage to Mrs. Ella McXela, daughter of Casper and Maria (Reamy) Myers, of this county. They have two children: Maud M., wife of I. J. Miller, a prominent agriculturist of Geauga county, Ohio; and Mabel, who resides with her parents. Mr. Slife is a democrat and while he does not take an active interest in politics he devotes a great deal of stud}' to public affairs and is well informed on the issues of the day. lie is a man of high aims and noble character, which have won him the confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen, and is in every sense a man whose many admirable qualities have made him a general favorite and have won him a host of warm friends. His dwelling is large and elegant, built on modern lines, and bis is an ideal country home where he lives in happiness and contentment and in which lie extends his hospitality to his many friends.

Elliott A. Cochlax

Elliott A. Cochlan, who operates an extensive planing mill and is prominent in the lumber business of Newark, Ohio, was born in Litchfield, Illinois, in 1861. Martin E. Cochlan, his father, was born in Ireland, coming to the United States in the early *50s. Immediately upon reaching the shores of the new world he located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon arriving in this city he secured employment in the service of the railroad where he remained for several years. Giving up this position he became a member of the Cincinnati police force. He served in this capacity until the time of his death in 18G5, his son, Elliott A., being then but four years of age. Mr. Cochlan was a member of the Roman Catholic church and a supporter of the republican party. The mother of the subject, Hannah A. (Schooley) Cochlan, was a native of Ross county, Ohio, having been born near Chillicothe. Schooley Station bears the name of her father, who was a pioneer farmer of that section of the country. Mrs. Cochlan is still living in Newark, Ohio, at the advanced age of ninety-one years, and still maintains her mental and physical vigor. She had four children of whom the subject is the youngest.

Elliott A. Cochlan received his education in the public schools of Marietta, Ohio. Immediately upon leaving school when but a hoy he went to work in a planing mill and has ever since followed that business. In 1903 he came from Marietta, Ohio, to Newark, and bought out the Gaiber & Vance planing mill, which is now known as the Cochlan planing mill. This is a well known concern and draws an extensive tiade from many miles of the surrounding country. He engages in the manufacture of all kinds of lumber with special attention to turning out products for fine finishing work. His plant is equipped with the most modern machinery and his business is gradually increasing. In his mills and lumber yards he employs a number of men.

In 1881 Mr. Cochlan was united in marriage with Miss Alma Phillips, who was born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1859. She was a daughter of Lyman W. and Eunice Phillips, the former a brick manufacturer. The following children were born: Lyman P., Hazel, Audrey, Alma and Fern. Mr. Cochlan gives his support to the republican paity. He does not take an active interest in politics as an aspirant to public office. However, he served most capably as a member of the Marietta city council. He is familiar with the political issues of the day but confines his political activity to casting his vote and using his influence toward the election of candidates whom he thinks fitted to serve the public. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and also of the Knights of Pythias.

John F. Weiss

John F. Weiss, an enterprising and successful agriculturist of Newton township, was born in Licking county, July 2, 187*?, his parents being Lewis and Samantha (Barrick) Weiss. Tn early manhood the paternal grandfather journeyed from Pennsylvania t> Licking county, and for one year resided on a farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres, which he had purchased here. He then returned to the Keystone state, was married and brought his bride to this county, making his home here until called to his final rest. Lewis Weiss, the father of our subject, was born in Newton township, Licking county, and was long numbered among the most worthy and public-spirited citizens of his community. He took an active interest in politics as a suppoiter of the democracy and held township offices. His demise occurred in February, 1880, and was deeply mourned by many friends as well as his immediate family. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Samantha Barrick and is a native of Pennsylvania, was only three years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Licking county in 1838. She was one of a family of eleven children and by her marriage to Lewis

Y, c;.*s bepame the mother of five, namely: L. A., a resident of Mount Vernon, Ohio; Ada, the wife of Charles Rouse, of Newark; Ella, the wife of Alford Lee, of Granville; John F., of this review, who is living with his mother; and Mary, the wile of Clyde Bline, of Newark.

John F. Weiss acquired a common-school education and has always resided on the home farm, to which he was taken by his parents when a babe of six months. The place comprises one hundred and two and a half acres in Newton township and one hundred and five and a half acres in McKean township. Throughout his active business career Mr. Weiss has been engaged in farming and stock-raising and his carefully directed and untiring labors have gained him the prosperity whicli entitles him to recognition among the progressive and representative farmers of the community.

In his political views Mr. Weiss is a stalwart democrat and is now serving as township trustee, which position he has held for three years. He has also acted as constable and has ever discharged his public duties in a prompt and efficient manner. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and all who know him entertain for him respect and regard in recognition of his fidelity to lofty principles and an upright, honorable manhood.

Mr. Weiss' father was a member of the Masonic order and also of the Methodist church. His widow and all the children also belong to that church.

Melville G. Beem

Melville G. Beem, who is now living retired at Summit Station after many years of activity in agricultural lines, was born in Lima township, Licking county, March 20, 1815. The family name is well known in this part of the state for his great-grandfather, Michael Beem, came here at an early date with his children, Benjamin, Andrew, John, William, Michael, Daniel, Jacob and Betsy. William Beem, grandfather of the subject of the review, was born in Allegany county, Maryland, and was among those who accompanied his parents to this part of the county in pioneer times. Here he was united in marriage to Catherine Rhodes, a native of Virginia, whose people came to this place about the same time the Beem family located here, and among their children were John B., George W., Richard, Josiah, David, Jefferson, William P., Ardillis, Sarah, Rachel, Marietta, Almeda, and two who died in childhood.

Richard Beem, the father of Melville G. Beem, was born in Jersey township, July 19, 1822, where he resided until he was united in marriage and then went to Lima township, where he secured one hundred and twenty acres of land in trade for forty acres which he owned in Jersey township, but before he had been here long he became discouraged and offered for sale his farm, a yoke of oxen and everything else he had, except his personal effects, for six hundred dollars but, not being able to get a buyer, he was compelled to retain his possessions and finally he improved his property, his farm becoming one of the most highly cultivated in the region. Thereafter he became quite prosperous and from time to time added to his land until at his death he owned two hundred and sixtv-five acres of excel- lent farm land, drained with over thirty miles of tile and provided v an excellent residence and other substantial buildings. He was united in marriage to Chrislera Myer, who was a native of Jersey township, born May 11, 1826, and departed this life April 29, 1888.

Melville G. Beem was an only child and on his father's farm was reared. There during his boyhood days he learned to plow and plant the fields and harvest the crops, while his education was obtained in the district schools. Remaining upon the home farm until he was twenty- two years of age, he was then married and located in Jefferson township, Franklin county, on a farm a short distance from that upon which his parents lived. There he pursued general farming for about twelve years and then returned to the home farm, remaining there until the year 1890 when he removed to Summit Station and built a magnificent home on the north side of that city. There he lived for about eleven years when he returned to his farm and in the fall of 1907 purchased his present home on the south side of Summit Station, where he now resides. He likewise retains possession of the home farm which consists of two hundred and sixty-five acres, also owns one hundred and fifteen acres in partnership with his son-in-law and fiftyfive acres at Summit Station, together with two houses, besides his own residence.

On September 13, 1866, Mr. Beem wedded Isabella Morrison, a native of County Down, Ireland, born July 1*5, 1844. She came to America in 1850 with her parents, John and Jane (McCauley) Morrison, who settled in Knox county near Columbus, later removing to Franklin county, where they both departed this life. In their family were six children: Andrew, Samuel, Isabella, William,

Ann and Jane. One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Beem, Jennie, the wife of Charles Wagv, and they have four children, Roxana, Jonathan, Grace Evelyn and Melville. Mr. Beem supports the democratic party in national and state affairs, but in municipal matters he takes an independent stand, casting his vote for the candidate rather than for the party, and thus assists in putting sucli men into office as in his opinion are best qualified to serve the county's interests. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1874, is also a member of Derthick Grange, No. 1621, of Summit Station, and has been a member of the Grange bodies in Jefferson township since 1873, being a leading factor in all farmers' organizations. He attends the Universalist church, of which he is a liberal supporter. His industry and enterprise have had a wide influence in developing the natural resources of the township and he justly merits the position in which he stands as a representative and substantial citizen.

Mrs. Joseph Davis

Iveziah Hellen (Sutton) Davis, wife of Joseph Davis, was bom in Licking county, Ohio, on March 23, 1840. Joseph Sutton, her grandfather, came from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1801 and put into cultivation a hilly piece of ground now included in the farm owned by James Richardson of Licking township, this county. His excursion from Pennsylvania to this then far western territory was made on foot and through a trackless forest. The small crop of corn raised was stored in a rudely constructed crib on the cleared ground and late in the fall the pioneer returned to his old home in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, to make the necessary preparations for blinking his family, consisting of a wife and child, to the new home in the forest. His description of the locality so recently visited was such as to induce his father to return with him to Ohio in the following spring, bringing with them their families. The paity of emigrants returning to the newly prepared Ohio home included the following: Isaac Sutton, the father; Elizabeth Carr Sutton, the mother ; and the sons and daughters, Elizabeth, Jeliu, Rhoda and Eliza, - all led by the adventurous Joseph with his wife and child. Two married daughters, Ruth and Naomi, remained at the old Pennsylvania home, but their descendants later followed along the old trail to the new settlement.

A permanent settlement was not established by the emigrants till the spring of 1805, when the combined family entered a piece of land of four hundred acres two and a half miles south of the present site of Newark. This land is now the property of the late Jessie R. Moore heirs and Mr. Charles Bader. Joseph Sutton was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Keziah Gaskill of Maryland. To this union were born the following children: Benjamin, born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania; Naomi; Amanda; Joseph Bentley; Elmer Gaskill; Keziah Ann; Emaline; Alva Rigdon; Electa Fidellia; and William Henry. In 1812 Joseph Sutton enlisted a troop of cavalry and served as captain throughout the war. His command embraced the Third Regiment, under orders from General Tupper. He saw much service and at the close of the war was mustered out with honors. The war ended, he returned to his farm and continued in its improvement. He built a brick house, burning his own brick and laying them with his own hands. The house still stands in a good state of preservation. Later he purchased property in the village of Granville, Licking county, and conducted a tannery at that place. His children enjoyed the education offered by the Granville schools - then as well as now the educational center for central Ohio. Joseph Sutton died on liis farm south of Newark at the age of seventy-nine years.

Joseph Bentley Sutton was born in 1814 and died September 8, 1892, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Joseph Davis. On April 11, 1836, he married Sarah Ann Arthur, who was born in Ohio county, West Virginia, and emigrated with her parents to Ohio, settling on the old National road near Amsterdam in this county. She was one of six daughters, a profoundly religious woman of Presbyterian belief and always one most zealous for the welfare of her family and home. Joseph Bentley Sutton was a man of indomitable courage, a leader in all things pertaining to the development and advancement of the community in which he lived. He never held office aside from that pertaining to the school and township, but his judgment and fearless execution of the plans he believed to be just and for the best of all concerned made him a most prominent and useful man. He was much interested in the preservation of peace and order in the community during the troublous times of the "early days"7 and was held in terror by all evil doers. He did much to promote and assisted materially in the construction of the old plank road extending south from Newark, Ohio, to Jaeksontown. In 1841 he was commissioned by Thomas Corwin, then governor of Ohio, captain of the Seventh Company, First Regiment of Cavalry, Second Brigade, Fourth Division in the Ohio Militia. To Joseph Bentley Sutton and Sarah Ann (Arthur) Sutton were born seven children, namely ; Phoebe Ellen, Susan Amanda, and Benja- min, all dead; Keziah Hellen, now Mrs. Joseph Davis; Alva Arthur, a contractor of Medway, Ohio; Thomas Franklin, a farmer and stock-raiser of this county; and Edward Augustus, engaged in the produce and exchange business in Columbus, Ohio.

Mrs. Joseph Davis was born in the old Sutton homestead a few miles south of Newark, Ohio, now the propeitv of Mr. Charles Bader and sisters. She was the oldest of seven children and much of her early life was spent in the assistant care of the home and younger members of the family. She attended the township school at the Lloyd schoolhouse and later the city high school in Newark, Ohio. In 1858 she was married to Mr. Joseph Davis and they began their early housekeeping on a portion of the tract of land now included in their splendid farm of five hundred acres. The family consists of three sons, all grown to manhood. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Primitive Baptist church, a most worthy and highly respected woman, sympathetic, kind and generous, - that type of womanhood portrayed in the ideal wife and mother.

Ezekiel \Y. Albery, a veteran of the Civil war, who is well known as an agriculturist in Lima township, was born in Jefferson township, Franklin county, a half mile west of his present home, February 28, 1832. Ilis grandfather, John Albery, was born in this country of English lineage and at the age of sixteen years, as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, participated in the siege against Cornwallis. The parents of E. AY. Albery were Peter and Esther (Brown) Albery, the father a native of Allegany county, Maryland, where his birth occurred in October, 179(1, and the mother of Columbiana, Pennsylvania, where she was born September 2, 1798. They were united in marriage near Wooster. AYayne county, Ohio, and about 1827 went to Jefferson township, Franklin county, this state, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in his eighty-first year and the mother at the age of eighty-seven. He had one bundled acres of land which he cleared and brought under a high state of cultivation, spending his life in the pursuit of agriculture. In their family were ten children, namely: Mary, who wedded Jesse Baughman; Annie, wife of AATlliam Lotta; Esther, who became the wife of Aaron E. AYoodruff; John, who died in his tenth year; Herman B., who resides in Columbus, Ohio; Henry M., of Jefferson township; Ezekiel; Thomas A\\, deceased; B. AL, of New Albany, Franklin county; and Jerusha, wife of Matthew Cherry.

Ezekiel \Y. Albery spent his boyhood days on his fathers farm where he assisted in the general routine of agricultural life, at the same time acquiring his education in the district schools. Remaining on the home place until the year 1860, he then went to Miami county, Indiana, working there on a farm by the month until May 4, 1864, when he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana Arolunteer Infantry, in the one hundred days' service, under Captain Joseph R. Silvers. He was discharged September 2, 1864, and subsequently enlisted again in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana A'ol- unteer Infantry, being honorably discharged in September, 1865. During his military career and under his first enlistment he marched three times across the state of Kentucky and while serving under his second enlistment he was for the greater part of the time on guard duty near Nashville, Tennessee. After the war he returned to Indiana, where he remained for two years and then came to Licking county, where he worked on a farm by the month until he was married. At that period of his life he purchased his present farm which contains thirty-three acres and is located on the Columbus and Granville road, two miles west of Jersey. For a few years he engaged in the sawmill business but subsequently gave up the enterprise and has since been devoting his attention to general farming.

In 1870 Mr. Albery was united in marriage to Juliana Foster, who was bom in England, November 2 3, 1838. When she was two years of age her parents, George and Mary (Thomas) Foster, started for America, but Mrs. Foster passed away on board ship while enroute. The family settled near Johnstown and Mr. Foster carried on farming in this county until his death. By his first wife he had two daughters: Mrs. Sarah Gosnel, of Concord, this county; and Juliana. He married again and to that union ten children were born. Mr. and Mrs. Albery have two daughters. Carrie El vie is the wife of George Hewitt, of Jersey township, and they have eight children, namely: Samuel C., Charles, Mary, John, Jennie, Robert, Ethel and Albert Edwin. Mary Josephine is the wife of Adelbert Mcntzer, who resided in St. Albans township, and their children are Eva May, Bertha T., Roe A. and Herman A.

Mr. Albery has always been devoted to the republican party and through his long years of observation and experience as to the merits of the various political parties he sees in the principles of the republican platform those policies which to his mind are adequate to develop the country's natural resources and consequently has used both his vote and influence toward the election of its candidates. He has always taken an interest in local affairs and has served as school director and also as township road supervisor. He belongs to the Methodist church and measures up to the full standard of manhood in all requirements.

Abel Job Wilson

Abel Job Wilson is prominent in the financial circles of Washington township, as president of the First National Bank of Utica. This is one of the substantial financial institutions of Licking county and in fact of the state, its deposits averaging nearly five hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Wilson was born on a farm in Washington township, Licking county, April 21, 1840, and descends from a family, the members of which have exerted a telling influence on the business interests of the county. In the year 1805 his grandfather, David Wilson, removed from Virginia to this state, intending to make it his permanent home, and he entered one thousand acres of land near Newark and about two hundred acres in Washington township. On Iris way back to Virginia to get his family he contracted an illness which caused his death, but later the family came to this state and settled on the land he had purchased.

A. J. Wilson

Among hip children was Ahel Wilson, father of the subject of this review, who was born in Hardy county, Virginia, and was a child at the time the family settled in this county. Here he participated as a pioneer in clearing away the forests and putting the soil into condition for cultivation. Upon attaining manhood he located upon land foimerlv belonging to his father, built a log cabin and engaged in farming and stock-raising. Being a man of indomitable will and energy, success followed him and he became owner of a tract of valuable and highly cultivated land of four hundred acres, and in addition to raising general crops he was one of the largest wool growers in the county. Before the Civil war he cooperated with the underground railroad which was used to assist negroes in making their escape from slavery into liberty. He was a strong L'nion man and when the republican paity was organized he became one of its stanch supporters and served in a number of county offices on the republican ticket.

Abel Wilson, Sr., was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of Daniel Forrey, one of this county's earliest settlers. She was born in Pennsylvania, in 1799, and departed this life in 1893, when ninety-four years old, having survived her husband by twenty-three years. They reared the following children: Jerusha, who was united in marriage to P. W. Sperry, formerly connected with Wilson's Bank; Nancy, who became the wife of Frank Knowlton, of Marion, Iowa; Eliza, who wedded Benjamin Bowman, also of that place; Jesse, who resides in Utica; Mary, widow of W. P. Dale, who departed this life in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in July, 1893 ; and Abel Job.

Upon the home farm Abel Job Wilson was reared and there assisted in the general duties of agricultural life, at the same time acquiring his education in the district schools. Upon attaining his majority, he removed to Utica, where he engaged in farming and in speculating in various lines until he finally became interested in the hanking business. Later he became associated with P. W. Sperry and Jesse Wilson and organized what was known as Wilson's Bank in Utica in 1871, the three continuing in partnership until 1887 when Jesse Wilson dissolved his relations with the institution and two years later P. W. Sperry withdrew, leaving Ahel Job Wilson as sole proprietor. Between the years 1871 and 1890 this was the only banking house in the city and having always conducted a safe and successful business it enjoys the confidence of the people to an extent which gives the institution the reputation of being one of the most substantial in the slate. It is now known as the First National Bank of Utica.

In September, 1879, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Mary E., daughter of John and Elizabeth Clark, of Utica, and to this union have been born: Mary

Elizabeth, Genevieve and Wilbur. In politics he is a republican and while he has not been solicitous to hold public office his services have been sought by his fellow citizens, with whose requests he has complied and rendered the city useful services. In the year 1891 he completed his second term as mayor of the city, his administration in that office having been marked by sagacity and executive ability. From time to time he has been offered a number of political preferments but the pressure of his business affairs demanding his almost undivided attention he has not been able to find time to devote to outside matters. However, he is in favor of any movement which in any way may tend toward the welfare of the community and he may always be relied upon to support measures calculated to be of benefit to the people. Utica owes much of its present development to his efforts as many noted reforms have been introduced by him and he has been an influential factor in promoting its material resources. Mr. Wilson is an extensive real-estate owner in the city, possessing four of the largest business blocks, together with other town property, and also several of the largest farms in the county, one of which contains five hundred acres. He is thus interested in general agriculture and stockraising. Moreover he owns one of the finest residences in the county and upon the whole he is one of the largest contributors toward the general welfare of the city. Mr. Wilson's character is beyond reproach and his business life having been one of straightforwardness and honesty, he stands high in the respect of all who know him, and as a substantial banker and business man he has an excellent reputation throughout the state.

William J. Tharp

The soil of Licking county has furnished many a man his fortune and among those who for a number of years have been reaping the benefits of bountiful harvests is William J. Tharp, whose birth occurred May 17, 1856, on his present farm in Lima township, where he has always resided. His ancestors have for several generations been identified with the agricultural interests of this region. His paternal grandparents, Isaac and Madlen (Swisher) Tharp, were natives of Hampshire county, West Virginia. Having come here at an early date Isaac Tharp entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, the entire tract at that time being thickly covered with timber, and after clearing off a portion and erecting a log cabin, he returned to his native state, where he was united in marriage. With his bride he came back to this place and they were the third family who settled in the district. The remainder of their lives they spent on this farm, which is now in possession of a nephew, I. R. Tharp. In their family were eight children: John, Philip, Joseph, Elizabeth, who became the wife of G. W. Beem; Katherine, who wedded James Banner; Annie, deceased ; and two who died in infancy.

On January 2, 1848, Philip Tharp, who was born in Lima township, was united in marriage to Mary Swigert, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, who, when eighteen years of age, came to this state with her parents, Samuel and Susan (Schaffer) Swigert, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state and who passed away here. Mr. Tharp departed this life July 19, 1906, at the age of seventy-nine years, three months and ten days, having survived his wife by but a few months, she having passed away January 19, 1905, at the age of seventy-nine years, eight months and three days. In their family were two children : George W., a resident of Houston, Texas, and William J.

On the farm on which he now resides William J. Tharp has thus far spent his life and here under the supervision of his father he became familiar with the various departments of farm work and during his boyhood days acquired his education in the district schools. Ilis farm, which in every respect equals that of any in this region, contains one hundred and seventy-one acres, ninety-three acres of the tract belonging to the original farm cultivated by his father. The place is provided with all modern improvements, its fencing being substantial and in excellent condition, while the buildings are in good repair. Hay and the various grains are produced in large quantities by Mr. Tharp but stock-raising is his specialty and he makes a feature of breeding thoroughbred Berkshire hogs and, having been in this business for the past thirty years, he has established the reputation of a recognized authority. He deals only in registered stock and keeps on hand on an average of one hundred head of cattle and sheep.

On March 15, 1879, Mr. Tharp wedded Abbie J. Headley, a native of this township, where she was born January 29, 1856, and the daughter of Lemuel and Mary (Clouse) Headley. Her mother was born in New Albany, Franklin county, February 6, 1828, and is now residing in Jersey township, while her father, who is deceased, wras born in the latter township, April 10, 1827. They reared five children, namely: Alice, who became the wife of J. S. Carrico, of Alexandria, this county; Abbie J., Lena, and Cyrus C., who reside in Jersey township; and Lewis, who lost his life in an accident, December 25, 1887. To Mr. and Mrs. Tharp have been born two children: Barton P., who married Myrtle Davenport, and resides with his parents ; and Ora L., who also lives at home.

Mr. Tharp is a democrat in politics and is loyal to that party in national and state elections and although he has never desired to officiate in public office he is sufficiently interested in the issues of the day to keep well informed and also to use his vote and influence during campaigns to aid the candidates of his party to secure the offices they seek. Being industrious and aggressive and at the same time a man of upright character Mr. Tharp has not only won prosperity but has also promoted the welfare of the community.

Sidney B. Levingston

Sidney B. Levingston is an efficient and highly respected member of the board of public service of Newark. He has contributed much toward the betterment of the community in which he resides both as a business man and public servant. He was born in Eden township, Ohio, October 5, 1854. His father, Bradley B. Levingston, was also a native of Licking county. For many years he was the proprietor of a tavern and store in the same county. He was highly esteemed and very popular throughout the community and for many years served as township supervisor. He was born in 1821 and passed away in 1897. The mother of the subject, Ellen (Copper) Levingston, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, coming to Licking county, Ohio, when a young woman. She departed this life December 23, 1901, having attained the ripe age of eighty-two years.

Sidney B. Levingston, when he had attained the required age, was enrolled as a pupil in the common schools of his birthplace. Leaving school before having completed his course of study he was employed for a while in the vicinity of his birthplace, and then removed to Mary Ann township where among other positions he served as constable. Later he removed to Newark, Ohio, where in 1888 he engaged in the livery business and continued in that until 1903. At that time he disposed of his business interests and was elected a member of the board of public service. Having served in this capacity for two years and eight months lie again engaged in the livery business in which he remained until March, 1907. Being a second time elected a member of the hoard of public service he gave up the livery business and is now devoting his entire time to the duties of his official position.

In March, 1890, Mr. Levingston was united in marriage with Melissa Cochran, who passed away November, 18, 1906. Beside being a member of the German Benevolent Society Mr. Levingston is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Bed Men, the Eagles and Modern Woodmen.

Samuel J. Peters

Samuel J. Peters, a prosperous farmer of Lima township, this county, who in connection with the tilling of the soil operates a small dairy, is a native son of Licking county, his biith having occurred in Lima township, December 1815. He represents a family whose members have been identified with the agricultural interests of this state for many years. His paternal grandparents, Samuel and Caroline Permelia (Peters) Peters, natives of Virginia, settled at an early date in Franklin county, where he departed this life when seventy years of age, his wife having lived to the age of eighty-six. They had eight children, namely: John: Samuel; Bev. Tunis, an old-school Baptist clergyman ; Simeon; Harvey; Rev. Jonathan, who was also a Baptist clergyman; Joseph, who died in infancy; and Pennelia. The maternal grandparents of Samuel J. Peters were Theodrie and Martha (Burdick) Waithen, natives of Virginia, who settled in Harrison township, this county, at an early date, and in whose family were seven children.

The parents of Samuel J. Peters were Simeon and Susan (Warthcn) Peters. The father spent the greater part of his life on a farm in this township where he successfully followed farming and stock raising, and at his death, which occurred in 1887, when he was in his seventieth year, left considerable property. Among his children were: George W.. who resides here;. Samuel J. ; Albion, an agriculturist of Jersey township ; and Caroline, the deceased wife of Silas Longstreth.

Samuel J. Peters spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, his time being divided between the work of the fields and the acquirement of an education in the public schools. He was trained to habits of industry, early becoming familiar with the task of plowing, planting and harvesting and with all the woik incident to the cultivation and care of the crops. He remained with his parents until after he was married, at which period of his life he took up farming independently on one hundred and sixty acres of land, all of which he has highly improved and which in every respect is an ideal farm. In his dairy business he lias been especially successful and while he keeps on hand only ten head of cattle for that purpose they are of the very best breeds and his dairy products, being of the highest quality, have won him a remunerative patronage. Aside from this business he raises hay, wheat and oats, and having given considerable study to the nature of soils he has been successful in producing harvests on his small farm which from year to year have far exceeded those produced on farms containing a greater num- her of acres. Prosperity lias attended him throughout his career and he is not only the owner of this excellent farm, but of considerable valuable property in Pataskala, wlieie he possesses eight desirable building lots.

On August 30, 18GG, Mr. Peters wedded Rosilla Moreland, who was bom February 1G, 1818, and has always resided on the farm which is now her home with the exception of two years, which were spent in the same neighborhood. She was a daughter of Nimrod and Sarah (Moon) Moreland, the former a native of Virginia and his wife of Fairfield county. Mr. Moreland came here with his parents when he was ten years of age and resided here until his death, which occurred in 1888, when he was eighty years of age, having survived his wife by eight years, her death having occurred in 1881, when she was in her sixty-ninth year. In their family were nine children, three of whom departed this life in infancy, the others being: Mary Headley, of Indiana; Sarah Ann, deceased; Hannah Bessie, deceased; Maitlm; Rosetta; and William, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Peters have been born four children, ('ora, the eldest, is the wife of Arthur Sprinkel, of Montgomery, Alabama, and they have two children, Marie and Ruth. Walter, who owns and operates one hundred acres in this township, was united in marriage to Miss Laura Wolcott and they have three children, Burdell, Marvin and Ruby. Minnie is the wife of John AW Keyser and with their four children, Dale, Samuel, Mata, and Wilmer, they reside on a farm in Lima township. Addie is the wife of Tilden Mazelin, an agiiculturist of Etna township.

Mr. Peters" political affiliations have always been with the democratic party and although he has never aspired to hold public office he is a stanch advocate of the principles of his party and is a leading factor during campaigns in endeavoring to secure the election of its candidates. lie is favorably known throughout the township, and his life has been such as to merit the respect and confidence of all with whom he associates.

Henry B. Koontz

Hemw B. Koontz, a retired farmer residing in Newton township, was born in Washington county, Maryland, February 18, 1827, his parents being John and Susan (Bowman) Koontz, who were also natives of Maryland. In 1833 they made the journey westward and took up their abode in Licking county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father purchased land and carried on agricultural pm suits until called to his final rest in 1846, the county mourning the loss of one of its worthy and respected pioneer settlers. Unto him and his wife had been born ten children, namely: Maria, deceased; Henry B., of this review; Solomon, John, Catherine and Elizabeth, all of whom have passed away; Sarah, who is the widow of Beach Harris and makes her home in St. Louisville; Ellen, the wife of Calvin Harris, of St. Louisville; Eliza, deceased, and one who died in infancy.

Henry B. Koontz acquired a common-school education and when nineteen years of age started out in life on his own account by renting a farm, in the operation of which he was engaged for two years. He then purchased a farm of one hundred and three acres. He added to this and now lias one hundred and sixty acres in Newton township, on which lie has since resided and, as the years have passed, has met with a gratifying and well-merited measure of prosperity in the careful conduct of his agricultural interests. He is now, however, living retired, having attained the venerable age of eighty-two years, and is widely and favorably known throughout the county in which he has spent practically his entire life.

On the 26th of October, 1853, Mr. Koontz was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary S. Coad, whose birth occurred in Licking county, April 14, 1829, her parents being William and Barbara (Topperman) Coad, natives of Loudoun county, Virginia. Mrs. Koontz was one of a family of seven children and by her marriage she became the mother of nine, as follows: Peter F., of St. Louisville; George M., a resident of Licking county; Flora, the wife of Dr. McKelvy, of Chatham; Sarah A., who makes her home with her father; Ida, deceased; Henry W., living in Newton township; Ann, the wife of Albert Riley, of Licking county; Clara J., the wife of William Riley, of this county; and John A., who is likewise a resident of this county. In 1906 Mr. Koontz was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 26th of August of that year, her demise being deeply regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family.

In his political views Mr. Koontz is a republican, while fraternally he is connected with a Masonic body, and is a member of the Blue Lodge. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church at St. Louisville, with which his wife was also identified. For seventy-five years he 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, his mind forming a connecting link between the primitive past, with all its attendant hardships and privations, and the progressive present. He has traveled far on life's journey and well merits the veneration and respect which are uniformly accorded him.

Daniel Larimore

Daniel Larimore, who for many years was a substantial farmer and highly respected citizen of Harrison township, this county, was born March 16, 1826, at Baltimore, Maryland, and departed this life on April 7, 1903, leaving behind him a reputation which will always justify his memory in being cherished as one of the most enterprising and straightforward citizens of the county. His parents were James and Eliza (De Wald) Larimore, and for many years he followed agriculture in Union township, later removing to a farm here, thence to Granville, subsequently returning to the old home farm until he retired in 1898 and spent the remainder of his days in Outville. In politics he was loyal to the democratic party and having been a man who always regarded his religious obligations as superior to all other affairs of life, he was an active church worker and affiliated with that denomination of Christians known as the Disciples of Christ.

Daniel Larimore was brought to this country with his parents when a lad and here he acquired his education in the district schools, remaining with his parents, assisting in the duties of the farm and learning the art of husbandry. All his life lie applied himself industriously to general agriculture, paying some' attention to stock raising. On December 31, 1849, lie wedded Samantha Essex, daughter of Isaac and Anna (Smock) Essex, he having been a native of the Keystone state while his mother was an Old Virginian. Her grandmother, Eliza Alden, was a native of Vermont and her grandfather, Isaac Essex, was a native of England and for many years was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, stationed at Columbus, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Larimore have been born: William, who lives in Kirkersville; Frank, residing in Chicago, Illinois; Belle, who resides with her mother; Lewis S., a practicing physician, who departed this life March 14, 1899, leaving three children, namely: Lewis, William and Frank; and Etta, residing in Outville.

Mr. Larimore was well known throughout the several communities in which he had lived as an exemplary character and his long years of activity contributed much toward the development of the natural resources of this county, in which he will long be remembered for his uprightness and the part he took in adding to its moral and spiritual betterment.

Nelson Richard Buckland

Nelson Richard Buckland, now deceased, who for many years was well known throughout Union township as a general agriculturist and a breeder of Delaine sheep, was born here June 11, 1837, and descends from a family the members of which settled in this part of the county in the early days. His grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Buckland, the latter a native of England, came to this county at an early date and secured a tract of land then covered with forest, upon which Mr. Buckland erected a log cabin and subsequently- cleared off the land and put it under cultivation. Among his children was Nelson Buckland, who was twelve years of age when his father came here. For a number of years he engaged in the sawmill business, subsequently devoting his attention to farming, and was one of the few in this part of the country who owned and operated a carding machine. His first wife was Honor Wells, a native of Licking county, by whom he had three children: Miche, deceased, who was the wife of William Banatta; Byron S. ; and William Richard. Their mother having departed this life, in 1839, Nelson Buckland wedded Miss Eliza Winters, who passed away in 1900. They had five children, namely: Sarah, who became the wife of William Palmer, and resides near Wagram, Ohio; Clara, the wife of Richard Van Dorn, of Newark; John, wdio wedded Anna McMillan and resides in Granville; Sanford, who lives with his wife, formerly May Henderson, on the home farm; and Laura, who resides with her husband, Charles Burner, in Baltimore, Maryland. The father died in the year 1888.

Nelson Richard Buckland was reared on his father's farm and during the short winter terms acquired his education in the neighboring school, after which he remained in Union township, 'where he engaged in general farming in connection with stock-raising, handling stock of all kinds and making a specialty of breeding Delaine sheep, until he departed this life. He owned two hundred and forty acre? of land which lie kept under a high state of cultivation, and in addition to this he also tilled eighty-two acres, the possession of his wife, on which she now resides, both fanns being well improved and equipped with substantial buildings. Mr. Auckland was a man whose enterpiise and industry made him solicitous as to the appearance of bis piemises, and during his life he kept all his buildings and fences in excellent repair, and in every paiticular his farm bore the impress of the thrift of its owner. Mis long and useful eaieer was terminated July ?3, 1905, and many mourned bis death.

In 1859 Mr. Auckland was united in maniage to Saiali Stone, a native of Union township, born August ?8, 1849, and a daughter of Thomas and Julia (Hite) Stone. Her father was born in 180(>, on the farm he cultivated and which contained live hundred acres of land, and his death occurred in the year 188?. He was well known thioughout the county as a sheep-raiser and woolgrower, and kept on his place only high bred and registered stock. Mrs. Stone was a native of Maryland, born in 1 81 <>, and came to Ohio with her parents, Valentine and Mary Magdalene Hite. Mrs. Stone reaied a family of six children, namely: Matilda, who became the wife of Isaac Slocum, both of whom are deceased: Wilson S.. a icsident of Union township; Sylvester, deceased; Sarah; Mary, who lives with her husband, William Hand, in Columbus, Ohio; and Minnie, wife of James Harrer, residents of Kirkersville, this county.

The children of Mr. and Mis. Rockland are: Gettie, who is at home; Minnie, wife of Clarence Lawyer, of Union township; Della, who resides with her husband, Janies Climes, in Hebron; Richard F., who was born July 14, 1884, and wedded Helen Embrev, by whom he has one daughter, Mary; and Honor, who became the wife of Dr. R. R. Embrev, of Uleasantville. Richard F. Buckland resides on the home farm and manages the place for his mother. Mr. Buckland throughout his life gave his support to the republican party. He belonged to Hebron Lodge, No. 11(», A. F. & A. M., and also to the chapter at Newark, having been a very active man in Masonic circles. He was a member of the Licking Baptist church in which he held membership the greater part of his life, and having been a man who so lived as to command the respect and confidence of all who knew him, he was always accounted one of the township's most worthy citizens.

Nathan Quinn Fleming

Nathan Quinn Fleming enjoys a national reputation as a breeder of standard thoroughbred hoises and polled Durham cattle. His business in this section of the state exceeds in volume and importance that of any other breeder and not only has he won merited success but has also proven a benefactor to the race in improving the grade of stock raided, thereby materially advancing prices. His opinions always carry weight in stock-raising circles, for his long expel iencc and the fact that he has been the owner of some of the finest stock produced in this country enable him to speak authoritatively upon the subject. Moreover, he is an alert, energetic business man. who notes and utilizes opportunities that others pass bv heedlessly, and in all business tiansaetioix displays keen discernment and undaunted enterpiise.

Mr. Fleming was born in Perry township, Licking county, Ohio, December 7, 1831, and is a son of Thomas D. and Rebecca (Hall) Fleming, of whose family of four children two are yet living, Nathan Q. being the eldest. His sister, Matilda J., who was the wife of M. L. Montgomery, of Perry township, this county, died in March, 1909, while Hugh A. Fleming is living in Newark, Ohio. The father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1807, and was the son of John and Mary (Caldwell) Fleming, who came to Licking county, Ohio, when Thomas D. Fleming was a child. They settled in Madison township, where the death of John Fleming soon afterward occurred, leaving a family of five children to the care of his widow.

On attaining his majority Thomas D. Fleming settled on a farm in Perry township, where he spent his entire life and became recognized as one of the most prominent and influential agriculturists of the community. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings and, making judicious investments in property, became the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of some of the best land in Perry township. He died in August, 1880, in his seventy-fourth year, and thus closed a life of activity and usefulness. He was a consistent Christian man, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. His political views accorded with the principles of the republican party and for twelve years he served as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. For several years he was also one of the township trustees and ever discharged his official duties with promptness and fidelity so that his course won for him the unqualified confidence of his fellowmen. His wife, who was born in Perry township, Licking county, in 1814, was a daughter of Allen and Nancy (Thrap) Hall, who were among the pioneer settlers of Perry township, coming here from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Fleming died in her eightieth year.

Nathan Quinn Fleming was born in a typical log cabin of the pioneer times and was educated in one of the little log schoolhouses common at that day, with its large fireplace, rude benches and primitive methods of instruction. Later he attended a select school taught by J. C. Miller. He was twenty-four years of age when he sought a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, being married in 1856 to Miss Sophia A. Wickham, a daughter of Gideon Wickham, who came to Licking county from Muskingum county.

The same year of his marriage Mr. Fleming purchased a portion of the old home farm and later acquired the entire tract which he still owns. In 1879 he removed to his present place of residence - a farm in Hanover township, which he had purchased some years before. He has been very successful throughout his entire business career, following a course where mature judgment and keen discrimination have led the way. He is seldom if ever at error in determining the value of a business situation and his keen sagacity and unfaltering industry have brought him gratifying success. As his financial resources increased he added to his property from time to time until he became the owner of nine hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable land, but has recently divided much of this among his children, retaining three hundred and eighty acres for himself. He has been an extensive cattle, sheep and horse raiser and this branch of his business has proved a most profitable source of income. He has always taken great pride in the standard of horses that he has raised and has furnished the community with some of the best stock to be found in the state of Ohio. He lias also engaged extensively in the breeding and raising of polled Durham cattle and has indirectly contributed to the general prosperity of the community by raising the standard of stock, whereby better prices are secured.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fleming were born four children, of whom three survive: Thomas G., a resident farmer of Hanover township; Carrie J., the wife of Orris C. McClelland, of Madison township, and Charles 1\, a farmer of Hanover township. Mrs. Fleming died May 13, 1888, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which denomination Mr. Fleming also belongs, contributing generously to its support and taking an active part in its work. Later he married Mary E. Marple. Mr. Fleming is a republican in polities, voting for the party where national issues are involved, but frequently casting an independent local ballot. He stands today as one of the men of sterling worth in the county whose business reputation is unassailable. lie is honored and respected by all, not alone because of the success he has achieved but by reason of the straightforward business principles he has ever followed. His life may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be attained by determined, persistent effort and business probity. Moreover, he is one of the oldest native citizens of the county, having for more than seventy-seven years witnessed its growth and development, during which time he has seen it emerge from pioneer conditions and take rank with the leading counties of the commonwealth, its loir cabins being replaced by substantial and commodious farm residences, while its villages have developed into cities and the Avork of improvement has been carried forward along many substantial lines.

Miles M. Shipley, one of the successful and enterprising agriculturists of Washington township, was born in Licking county, Ohio, May 13, 1867, his parents being Henry and Sarah (Parson) Shipley, the former a native of Holmes county, Ohio, and the latter of Licking county. The father followed the trade of carpentering in early manhood but subsequently turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, with which he was connected until his retirement from active business life. A democrat in his political views, lie has served for six years as commissioner and is widely recognized as a substantial and public-spirited citizen of his community. Their family numbered eight children, as follows: Willis M.. a resident of Benton township; Josiali C. and Elmer E., both residing in this county ; Hiram, deceased ; Miles M., of this review ; Martha E., the wife of James Ship, of Licking county ; Zoa Z., the wife of Ora 0. Bowman, of Knox county, Ohio ; and Charles IT., who has also passed away.

Miles M. Shipley obtained his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm and when his unremitting industry and careful expenditure had brought him sufficient capital, he purchased property and is now well known as a prosperous and progressive farmer.

In 1890 Mr. Shipley was united in marriage to Miss Aldie Virginia Day, whose biith occurred in Licking county in 1865, her parents being John and Elizabeth (Edwards) Day. The father, a native of West Virginia, is a veteran of the Civil war and makes his home in this county. The mother, a native of Licking county, also yet survives. Unto our subject and his wife was boin one child, who died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Shipley is a stalwart democrat and is now serving as township trustee, which office he has held seven years. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, No. 551, at Homer, and both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Utica. They are widely and favorably known throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which, in every land and clime, awaken admiration and regard.

Benjamin E. Jones

Benjamin E. Jones, who for many years carried on fanning and stock-raising in Harrison township, and who was among its most prosperous agriculturists and highly respected citizens, was a native of Clay township, Knox county, Ohio, where his birth occurred November 19, 1839. He passed away July ?8, 1904. Ilis parents, Rev. Isaiah and Belinda (Bell) Jones, were natives of Ohio. The father was boin June 15, 1816, in the city of Worcester, and his death occurred in his eighty-fifth year. He was one of a family of four children, namely: Harrison, of Alliance, Ohio, who depaited this life May 23, 1901, and who was chaplain in General Garfield's regiment and officiated at his funeral; Anne, who was united in marriage with Mr. Butler, now of Nebraska; Thomas; and Isaiah. Rev. Jones was a man naturally endowed with extraordinary intellectual capacities. Early developing the desire to become a minister of the gospel and not being able to avail himself of the learning of the schools to accomplish that purpose, he became a deep student of the Bible. Even when a lad he made himself familiar with the scriptures and at the age of seventeen years began preaching. Lately however, about the year 1875, he took a brief course of study to better equip him for his work and thereafter followed the ministry, in connection with farming, until the time of his death. He was well known throughout the country as a man of noble Christian character and was instrumental in doing much good in heightening the moral and spiritual conditions of the communities which lie Visited. In the Rev. Mr. Jones' family were five children, namely: Benjamin; Thomas M.^ who resides in Newark; Bareklav I., of Granville; Lilly Belle, deceased, who was the wife of Dr. Kyle, of Granville; and Laneth Elizabeth, who departed this life in infancy.

Benjamin E. Jones spent his early days on his father's farm, where he learned the art of husbandry, and in the meantime attended the district schools, where he acquired his education. In 1856, when a young man, he removed with his parents to Newark township, where they settled upon a farm and subsequently, when they sold off the home place in city lots, removed to Holmes county, where he devoted his energies to tilling the soil, later leaving that place and locating on a farm on the outskirts of Kirkersville, where he spent the remainder of his days in the pursuit of agriculture. He owned two hundred acres of land, all of 'which is thoroughly drained and under a high state of cultivation. He also built a comfortable frame dwelling, together with a substantial barn and outbuildings. His farm, being provided with every convenience, is one of the most desirable in the county and the attention which he had given it has put it in such excellent condition as to make it indicative of thrift and progress. Aside from pursuing general crops he also engaged, on a small scale, in stock-raising, keeping on hand only the best breeds of cattle and sheep.

Mr. Jones was twice united in marriage and by his first wife had one child, B. Rees, who resides in this township. His second marriage was to Miss Mary Catherine Stootfire, daughter of Jacob and Isabelle (Rogers) Stootfire, who were natives of Pennsylvania, he having been born on July 4, 1803, and his wife on April 16, 1815. In their family were six children, namely: Charles, a resident of Newark, Ohio; Lizzie, deceased ; Mary Catherine; Francis, who resides in this township; Lorena, wife of Israel Rees; and John, who departed this life in boyhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born three children: Isaiah, who manages the farm for his mother; Charles F., who also resides on the home farm; and Lorena Belle, deceased. Mr. Jones was loyal to the democratic party all his life and was a member of the York Street Disciple church, in which he was an active worker. He also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he had many friends, and his funeral services were conducted by his lodge of that organization. He was a man whose long life was replete with industry and goodness and in departing this life he entered into eternity, fully conscious of realizing the earnest of his hope.