Licking Township (part 35 of 42)

Because of failing health Mr. Hodges gave up school teaching and again turned his attention to the manufacture of lumber, establishing a sawmill in 1877. Mr. Hodges was associated with AY. H. Hardy when he came to Johnstown, under the firm name of Hardy & Hodges, buying a sawmill. The partnership continued until 1890, when he bought out his partners interests. The following year expectation ran high here in regard to railroad building and the sawmill was removed to Johnstown, but the railroad did not materialize at that time and for two years the mill, which was a portable one, was moved from place to place. AA'hen the railroad finally came in 1881, the sawmill was again located in Johnstown and contracts entered into with the railroad construction contractors for large quantities of timber for bridges and other purposes. Mr. Hodges is a man of enterprise, push and determination, and the business grew. As he prospered in the operation of his sawmill he also extended the scope of his activities by becoming owner of a lumberyard and also a coal yard. About this time he likewise conducted a grist mill for two years in connection with his other interests which they had leased. Johnstown was proving a good business town and he decided to locate permanently. He therefore bought land and erected a stationary sawmill, put in railway switches to give him good shipping facilities and prepared to still further enlarge his business. The grist mill was disposed of and his entire energies were concentrated upon the operation of the sawmill and the handling of its products. A stock of lumber of all kinds was added, together with building materials and soon a planing mill was built and the business was increased to include dressed lumber, sash, doors, blinds and all materials necessary for the construction of a building. Mr. Hodges was the first man to engage in this line of business in Johnstown and is the only man in business here today that has remained in active connection with industrial and commercial circles for thirty-two years. He is the pioneer in his line and not one of his contemporaries of three decades ago now remain in active business. There is not a house in Johnstown for which Mr. Hodges has not furnished the material to build or to remodel and many of them he has contracted to build and finish. As the years have passed he has met with gratifying prosperity, owing to his straightforward business methods, his close application and his unfaltering spirit of enterprise. From the beginning he has continued in the same line, only increasing his business in its scope and capacity. He furnishes everything that enters into the construction of a building, even to the glass, hardware and paints and he is thoroughly conversant with the trade in every depaitment. He is justly accounted one of Licking county's most energetic and progressive business men. who carefully formulates his plans, and is determined in their execution and overcomes obstacles and difficulties by energetic, persistent and honorable effort.

Mr. Hodges was married the second time, September 22, 1886, to Miss Marv II. Trowbridge of Chesterville, Morrow county, Ohio, a daughter of Eliphalet A. and Angaline Trowbiidge, the oldest of a family of ten children, six hovs and four girls, all of whom are living except one boy who died in infancy. She was born near Appleton, Ohio, January 25, 1859, and went with her parents in early childhood to Utica where they resided until her fouitcenth year when the family moved to a farm near Chesterville, Ohio, where she lived until her marriage. Mr. Trowbridge was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in 1862 in Company A, First Ohio Cavalry, in which company he served faithfully until the close of the war. He died January 31, 1899, in Chesterville, Ohio, while his widow still survives, living with her children in Frederiektown, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. John B. Hodges have two children, a son and a daughter. The son, Holland C., was for several years a prominent educator, and at the age of twenty-three years held a life ceitifieate. He has now given up teaching, however, and is editor of the Observer, at Prairie Depot, Ohio. He married Miss Augusta Phillips of Sycamore, Wood county, Ohio. The daughter, Harriet Beatrice, is bookkeeper in her father's office and is a capable business woman.

Mr. Hodges is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, at Johnstown, and is foremost in many good works. He is particularly active in support of the temperance movement and is the recognized local leader in temperance organizations and campaigns. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the republican party and he is active in every thing that has for its object the public good. Every movement relating to the welfare of his city awakens his interest and in many cases receives his earnest endorsement. His judgment in public matters is held in high esteem and he has served as a member of the village council. At the present time he is a member of the board of public service. He has also acted for several terms as a member of the board of education. Progress and patriotism might well be termed the keynote of his character and have been manifest in his social and public relations as well as in his business affairs.

Hector Dean Ashbrook

Hector Dean Ashbrook is numbered among the prosperous business men of Pataskala, where he engages in the hay and grain trade and at the same time in buying and shipping live stock, his enterprise being of such proportions as to make him a leading factor in the commercial life of the community. Johnstown, Ohio, is his birthplace and there he entered this life November 27, 1876. In 1810 his great-grandfather, Eli Ashbrook, set tied in this part of the county, where he pursued general agriculture, at the same time ministering as a clergyman of the old school Baptist cluirch to nearby congregations. On the farm upon which he located he spent his remaining days. In his family were fourteen children, including Hiram Ashbrook, who was born near Johnstown and wedded Sarah Ann Jewett, a native of that place. In 1876 they removed to Pataskala, where, through his industry and enterprise he became the owner of a valuable tract of land of three hundred acres on which he spent his remaining days, dying in September, 1879, in his tifty-ninth year, while his widow survived him by thirteen years, passing away January 20, 1893, in her seventy-second year. In their family were seven children, namely: Albert, who died when seven years of age; Hiram Munson; Mrs. Helen (lark, who lives in Marshalltown, Iowa; Omer 1)., who also resides there; Alice, deceased; Minnie I)., a resident of Marshalltown; and David Guy, deceased.

Hiram Munson Ashbrook, father of the subject of this review, was reared near Johnstown, where his birth occurred May 18, 1850. There during his boyhood days he engaged in the duties of the farm, during the winter season availing himself of the educational advantages of the neighboring schools. After completing his studies he still continued farming pursuits and became a well known stock-dealer of this part of the county, his business having reached such proportions that in 1890 he had one thousand dollars worth of stock, at the same time carrying on an extensive wool-buying business and dealing largely in grain. He also became owner of the old original claim of his father. He passed away in December, 1891, and is survived by his widow, born September 20, 1819, who still resides in the old homestead. She is a daughter of William Bishop, who came from New Jersey to this county in 1826, when eight years of age in company with his parents, his father having departed this life shortly after his arrival. He now lives near Johnstown, where he still retains a measure of health and vigor in his ninetieth year. To his daughter, Anna M., who wedded Hiram Ashbrook, were born seven children: Perry M.; Charles Albert, an agriculturist near Johnstown, who died in March, 1908, leaving a widow and five children ; Hector Dean ; Mary Alice, who became the wife of J. Clyde Montgomery and passed away February 2, 1896, leaving one child ; Abbie Estelle, who died December 28, 1905; Byron W., who lives on a farm near Johnstown; and Alva H., a railroad brakeman residing in Columbus, Ohio.

Hector Dean Ashbrook resided on the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age, during his boyhood days attending the village schools of Johnstown, where he acquired his preliminary education and subsequently completed a three years' course of study in Doane Academy at Granville. He next engaged in the hay and grain business at Alexandria, with his brother Perry Munson Ashbrook, with whom he remained for two years, the firm being known as Ashbrook Brothers, and in 1901 the partnership was dissolved and he established himself in the same business in Pataskala and since inaugurating the venture his volume of trade has so increased that in 1908 his receipts amounted to something over fifty thousand dollars. He does an extensive shipping business in hay, grain, seeds and farm products, doing a large business here and in Johnstown, at both places having large warehouses, which he always keeps well stocked, in readiness to supply the demands of his constantly increasing trade.

On November 22, 1904, Mr. Ashbrook wedded Georgiana Spelman, a native of St. Albans township and the daughter of Henry and Emma (Van Ness) Spelman, her father being deceased while her mother resides in Alexandria. This union has been blessed with three children : Ross, whose birth occurred September 4, 1905 ; and twins, Louis Munson and Laura Belle, bom March 14, 1909. Mr. Ash brook is a strong supporter of the republican party, the principles of which his experience has taught him are in the highest measure adequate and serviceable to place the finances of the country upon a solid basis and to maintain the nation's permanent peace and, while he is not an active politician and does not aspire to public preferment, he is sufficiently interested in the affairs of his party to use not only his vote but also his influence during campaigns to secure the election of its candidates. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, in which he is an active worker. In all matters of citizenship he is public-spirited, giving loyal support to measures vital to the general welfare, while his business activity has placed him among the leading and representative men of the community.

William W. Spellman

William W. Spellman is now living retired in Granville but for a considerable period was closely identified with agricultural interests and through his unfaltering labor and well directed energy won the prosperity that now enables him to put aside the more active and ardent cares of business life. He was born August 23, 1840, in St. Albans township, his parents being George and Jane (Lansing) Spellman. His paternal grandparents were Thomas and Miriam (Clark) Spellman, the former a son of Timothy Spellman, who arrived in Licking county in 1805 with the colony that came from Granville, Massachusetts, and founded the village of Granville. Ohio. Thus for more than a century the family has figured in public life and business interests of this part of the state, and the name has ever been a synonym for progress and improvement as manifest in individual affairs and in public interests. The father of our subject was killed in a sawmill in St. Albans township in 1855. Unto Mr. and Mrs. George Spellman were born six children : William W. ; Marv, the wife of Israel Wilson, of Granville; Ellen Jane, who departed this life in 1866; Susan, the wife of Howard M. Sedgwick; Anna Louisa, the wife of Cyrus Wilson; and Georgiana, the wife of Charles McMillan of Iowa.

In the district schools William W. Spellman acquired his early education and later had the opportunity of attending Denison University, where he pursued his studies from 1858 until 1861. He afterward engaged in teaching for a term but the country became involved in the Civil war and the spirit of patriotism constrained him to offer his services to the government and put aside business and personal interests. Therefore on the 3d of September, 1861, he enlisted and was assigned to duty with Company D, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry. He served with that command for eleven months and was then discharged because of disability.

Following his return home, Mr. Spellman resumed the profession of teaching, which he followed for two years and then rented a farm, which he cultivated for two years. In the meantime he had become owner of a little place here and selling it, removed to Illinois in 1865, following both farming and teaching in that state. He continued a resident of Illinois for seven years and in 1872 returned to Licking county, where he resumed agricultural life. He was again engaged in teaching from 1876 until 1882, after which he purchased a truck farm, which he carried on with growing success for twenty-five years, or until 1907. In that year he retired from active business life, for his labors in previous years had brought him a substantial competence sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He is now living in Granville, where he has a comfortable home and his rest is well merited.

Mr. Spellman has been married twice. In 1862 he wedded Miss Laura Wartenbe, who died ten years later, leaving four children: George, who resides in

Cleveland ; Lorinda; Alma, the wife of Rev. William Keis; and Clarence, living in New Mexico. In 1883 Mr. Spellman was again married, his second union being with Miss Jane A. Griffith, a daughter of Griffith W. and Anna (Weeks) Griffith, both of whom were natives of the state of New York and came to Ohio in 1814. Their family numbered four children: Ann M., the wife of Charles Barrett, a

In his political views Mr. Spellman has always been a stanch republican, interested in the growth and success of the party, for he believes its platform contains the best elements of good government. He belongs to the Baptist church at Granville and his life is in harmony with his professions. In all of his business dealings he has been straightforward and in every relation of life in which he has been found he has been true to honorable manly principles.

Thomas Algeo

Thomas Algeo, deceased, was for a long period an active and honorable representative of the farming interests of Licking county. He was widely known as an energetic and active representative of agricultural life and in his business dealings was ever found reliable and trustworthy. His birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1831, his parents being Robert and Sarah (Cockins) Algeo. The father spent his entire life in Pennsylvania but the mother afterward came to Ohio and passed her last days in this state, living among her children. In the family were four sons and three daughters: John, Elizabeth, Vincent, Margaret, Sarah and Robert, twins, and Thomas.

The last named spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the state of his nativity and pursued his education in the public schools there. When fourteen years of age he began learning the cabinet maker's trade, which he followed until he took up his abode upon the farm that is now the property of his widow. He was only a year old when his father died and at ari early age was thrown upon his own resources and made his way in the world unaided from that time until his death, so that whatever success he achieved or enjoyed was attributable entirely to his energy and perseverance. He made several visits to Ohio in his youthful days to see his relatives in Muskingum and Guernsey counties and when about twenty years of age he joined his brothers, John, Vincent and Robert, in this state, the last named being a physician who for many years practiced medicine in Ivirkersville, Ohio. On coming to Ohio Thomas Algeo secured a tract of land and for nearly a half cent m y remained on the farm which he developed and improved. He began with only ninety-one acres of land but prospered in his undertakings and later purchased three other farms for his children. He always retained possession of his original ninety-one acres and at his death left this to his widow. His brother John was the first of the family to come to Licking county, at which time he bought two hundred acres of timberland and subsequently he sold one hundred acres of this to Thomas Algeo. John Algeo also established and operated a sawmill and admitted his brother Thomas to a partnership so that for a number of years they' operated the sawmill together. In his farm work Mr. Algeo of this review made a specialty of raising sheep and always had good flocks upon his place. He was energetic and persevering and manifested a progressive spirit in all that he undertook to do.

On the 28th of February, 1856, Mr. Algeo was married to Miss Margaret Jane Moore, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, March 9, 1831, and came to Licking county, when about twenty years of age with her parents, Thomas and Mary (Elliott) Moore. The mother was a native of Ireland and was brought to the new world when ten years of age. The father was born in this country of Irish parentage and their last days were spent on their farm on the Columbus road in Harrison township. They had five children: John, now deceased; Mrs. Katharine Patten; Mrs. Algeo : James and Robert, who are both deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Algeo were born three children: Robert, who married Nora Thomas and is now living in Harrison township near his mother's home; Flora, who died at the age of twentyfive years; and Thomas Elton, who wedded Annina Belle Thomas, and has also a farm near his mother's place. lie has one son, Charles.

In his political views Thomas Algeo was a stalwart republican but never sought office as a reward for party fealty. During the greater paid of his life lie held membership in the Christian church, which he joined in early manhood. His religious faith was a guiding principle throughout all his years and as an upright and honorable man, he was known to his fellow townsmen, who appreciated his sterling worth and gave to him high esteem.

Robert J. Thomas

Robert J. Thomas, who all his life has been connected with the farming interests of Licking county and now owns a large farm in Lima township, descends from a family whose members were among the early settlers of this region, his paternal grandparents having been David and Mary (Reese) Thomas, natives of Wales, who came to this country at an early date, here spending the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Thomas was a daughter of Theophilus Reese, who in eompanv with Samuel Phillips purchased two thousand acres of land in the Welsh hills, where they established a Welsh colony and induced ('migration to that place from their native country. Among the children of David Thomas was Samuel Thomas, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania in 1800 and who was united in marriage with Katharine Jones, a native of Montgomeryshire, Wales, born in 1799. When a vmimr woman, she came to Licking county and her death occurred on a farm in Harrison township in 1865. In 1802 when he was in his second year Samuel Thomas was brought to the Welsh hills by his parents and was living with his son-in-law, near Johnstown, this county, when he departed this life, July 18. 1877. He owned about two hundred and fifty acres of land in Harrison township, upon which he put all the improvements, and there he spent his life in general farming and stock-raising. In his family were seven children, namely : Jcrusha, who wedded Cfeorge Avery, both now deceased; Maria, deceased, wife of William Jones; Ellis, who resides in Alexandria; Robert J. ; Ann, who wedded Andrew Hicks, both of whom are deceased, she having departed this life at the home of her brother, Robert J., in September, 1905 ; Charles, and Edwin, who have passed away.

Robert J. Thomas was born in the Welsh hills, Granville township, this county, May 28, 1850, and five years later removed to Harrison township with his parents and there spent his boyhood days on the farm, in the meantime acquiring his education at the district schools. He remained at home until his marriage, and, on April 1, 1859, he bought the farm he now owns in Lima township, where he has since resided. His farm consists of one hundred and fifty-two acres, situated one mile north of Pataskala on the Harrison township line. It is known as the "Sycamore Grove Farm," and its rich soil makes it one of the most desirable pieces of property in the township for farming purposes. Here he has the latest improved machinery and equipments with which to carry on his work according to modern methods. The first residence in which he lived was one of a gothic type of architecture and upon its destruction by fire he built his present dwelling in 1891, which is considered as fine a residence as there is in the vicinity. In addition to engaging in general farming Mr. Thomas has also paid considerable attention to stock-raising and in his time has raised many head of sheep and cattle which he shipped to various parts of the state.

In Harrison township, on February 25, 1858, Mr. Thomas wedded Mary Chadwick, daughter of Cyrus and Ann Eliza (Xichols) Chadwick, he having been born in Kew Hampshire, October 1, 1800, and his wife in New Jersey, September 27, 1813. They came here in the years 1830 and 1819, respectively, and both departed this life on their farm in Harrison township, Mr. Chadwick's death occurring May 10, 1870, his wife surviving him by twelve years, her demise occurring August 1, 1882. In their family were five children, namely: Mary; Charles, who died in his eleventh year; Albert, who resides in Washington; Byron, of Pataskala; and Sarah A., who departed this life in 1897. Mrs. Thomas was born in Harrison township, September 3, 1835. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born: Charles, who had been connected with the Central Ohio Paper Company, of Columbus, and passed away in his fortieth year; Frederick X., who is affiliated with the same company, and resides in Westerville, Ohio; Katharine, wife of David O. Evans; C. B., of Westerville, Ohio, who is a traveling salesman for the Central Ohio Paper Company; and Ellis, who resides on the old Thomas farm in Harrison township.

In politics Mr. Thomas is a republican, having voted for John C. Fremont, the first republican candidate, and has since been loyal to the principles of his party. He has been quite active in the affairs of the township and served a number of terms as trustee, and throughout his career has always been public-spirited and favored the promotion of all measures purposed to advance the general welfare of the community. During his long career he has never permitted the pressure of business affairs to usurp the time required for the performance of his religious obligations and he has always attended divine services at the Wesley Methodist church, of which he is a liberal supporter. Mr. Thomas is a man who has so lived as to preserve his character above reproach, and now in his seventy-ninth year he may look back over a well spent life and inasmuch as he has always been a zealous Christian, striving according to his power to disseminate the truth of the gospel to the moral and spiritual betterment of the community, he may look forward in his declining years for the dawning of the morning of joy.

Charles Wells

Charles Wells, well known as a sheep breeder and real estate dealer in Harrison township, was horn on his present farm, which is located on the Johnstown road a quarter of a mile south of Outville, Harrison township, on April 16, 1849. His great-great-grandfather, George Wells, was of Scotch-Irisli parentage, the family having emigrated from Scotland and settled in New York at an early date. Part of the family located in Virginia, and one son in Wellsville, Ohio, which city was laid out by him, and another son settled in the northwest. His grandparents. Joseph and Polly Wells, came here before the county was incorporated and located in the woods, at that time the entire region being covered with thick forest. He purchased a large tract of land, some of which he later disposed of, and spent his entire life here, his death having occurred in 1861, when he was in his eighty-eighth year. Although he disposed of the greater portion of his property he retained two hundred acres on which he pursued general farming, and in his day Zanesville, thirty miles distant, was his nearest market. In his family were Peter, Samuel, Joseph, George, William, John (who went to Oregon during the \r>0s), Katherine and Elizabeth, all the children having remained in Licking and Fairfield counties but one.

Charles Wells was a son of William and Mary (Zeller) Wells, his father having been born April 27, 1816, on a farm about three miles east of here in what is now known as Union township, but which at that time was part of Fairfield county. There lie spent his entire life, following agriculture and also breeding stock to some extent. He cultivated an excellent tract of land, all of which he cleared and upon which he made all necessary improvements, erecting his dwelling house, barn, outbuildings and fences. He was an active member in the Presbyterian church and was one of the founders of the Kirkersville church of that denomination, the latter organization having later removed to Outville. Widely known for his high moral qualities, he was particularly prominent in church circles inasmuch as he devoted a great deal of his attention to religion and to the promotion of the various interests of the congregation, and also was a leading factor in advancing the moral and spiritual welfare of the community. He died in 1890, in his seventy-fourth year. His wife, Mary Zeller, a daughter of Peter and Alary (Smith) Zeller, natives of Pennsylvania, who departed this life in this county, was born near Harrisburg, Peunsvlvania. in 1821 and came to Ohio with her parents about 1836, settling near Columbus and later removing to Etna township, this county, where she resided until her marriage. She passed away February 7. 1909, at the home of her son diaries. The Zellers trace their ancestry back to King William, of Germany, the name originally having been Howenzeller. but when the family came to the new world they changed the spelling. In their family were two sons: Alfred, who

Mr. Wells lias been twice united in marriage, first in 1878 to Narcissus A. Brown, a daughter of James and Martha Brown, who died three years after her marriage. In 1906 he wedded Marilla Glinn, a native of Johnstown, this county, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Harriett (Miller) Glinn, both of whom were natives of this county where they departed this life. To the republican party Mr. Wells has always been loyal, inasmuch as a thorough study of its principles have convinced him that they contain those policies best suited to developing the natural resources of the country and give impetus to financial enterprises, and although he is not an active politician he does all he can by his vote and influence at elections to place the candidates of his party in office. He is a man who entertains a high sense of religion and its benefits to mankind and attends divine services at the Presbyterian church, in the affairs of which he is quite active and of which he is a liberal supporter. His noble character has been such as to command the respect and confidence of all his acquaintances, and he is acknowledged as one of the substantial and valued citizens of the township.

Charles M. Stinson

Charles M. Stinson, a substantial farmer and representative citizen of Burlington township, and a man who has taken considerable interest in politics in the county, was born on the farm where he now resides February 24, 1861, a son of Archibald and Nancy S. (Gillespie) Stinson. His father, who for many years was actively engaged as an agriculturist and who is now enjoying the fruits of his toil in retirement, was born in New Jersey, December 29, 1820, and was the son of Joseph and Mary (Garrison) Stinson, both of whom were natives of New Jersey and came to this county in the year 1832 locating on the farm which he now owns. He is the only surviving member of a family of four children. His father passed away in the year 1843, his wife surviving him seven years. Archibald Stinson during his boyhood passed through the usual experiences common to farmers' sons and his early life was spent in the usual uneventful manner of those reared amid the peaceful surroundings of rural life. During the winter season he attended the district school, in this instance an old log cabin which will long be remembered by those who were enrolled there as pupils, and having acquired his education still continued to perform his labors, in company with his father, on the old home place. Here he remained without intermission and early and late assisted his parents in the various duties incidental to agriculture. Upon the death of his parents he purchased the old homestead and its surrounding acreage and labored incessantly as long as his energy and vitality would permit, and now at the advanced age of eighty-nine years is enjoying as best he can the comforts of his hard earned toil. In the year 1856 he wedded Miss Nancy S. Gillespie, whose birth occurred in Licking county in 1830 and, who after a happy domestic life of forty-five years, passed away, October 10, 1901. She had a family of six children, namely: Archie N., who resides in Crawford county, Ohio ; Charles M. ; and four deceased. Mr. Stinson is well known throughout the county as a man of sterling qualities, good judgment and high moral character, and during his long years of active life has lived in such a way as to command the respect of all with whom he has come in contact and now in his declining years can look backward with gratification upon the life lie has lived, and forward into eternity with confidence that his well spent life will not fall short of a joyful immortality. In politics he has always given his allegiance to the democratic party and served the community for two terms as trustee of the township. It has been some time since he has taken active interest in the affairs of his farm owing to his advancing years, but he is still enjoying a great measure of health and vigor.

Charles M. Stinson was reared on the farm where his birth occurred and in connection with assisting his father in the general routine work he attended the district school where he received his early education. On completing his studies there he attended the Utica high school, after graduating from which he also spent some time in study at Ada, Ohio. Upon completing his education he returned to the old homestead and assisted in the cultivation of the farm. In the year 188T, lie was united in marriage with Miss Eva Beaver, daughter of the late William Beaver, of Knox county. After a bridal trip he returned to the old homestead with his wife and continued his agricultural pursuits in company with his father until about the year 1898, when the elder Mr. Stinson, having attained an advanced age, felt disposed to spend the remainder of his life in retirement, qnd consequently placed the farm under the management of his son. Since then Mr. Stinson has devoted his time and attention to general farming, in which he has met with a full measure of success and amassed means with which to purchase several other valuable tracts of land, which, he keeps under cultivation in connection with the old home place. About 1896 he purchased a farm containing sixty acres in McKean township which he has extensively improved and kept under cultivation. Mr. Stinson takes great pride in his farm, employs modern methods in working his lands and has equipped his place with all modern machinery necessary to make agriculture in the highest degree remunerative.

Mr. Stinson is liberal in his political views and while he is a democrat and leans more toward the principles of that party than of those of other political cults, lie does not consider himself bound bv party ties as he is of the opinion that in politics a man should be free from coercion and, thinking more of the character of the candidate than of the party to which he belongs, he should judge candidly the qualifications possessed by office seekers and cast his vote for the man whom in his judgment will to the best advantage serve the interests of the commonwealth. In 1907 he was elected as a member of the board of trustees of the township, and in this capacity renders excellent service. He belongs to Centennial Grange, Xo. 1682, Patrons of Husbandry, in which organization he takes deep interest.

I?. C. Bigbee, a veteran of the Civil war, was bom in Richland county. Ohio. February 1, 1819. He was therefore hut a boy when he entered the service and yet his loyalty and valor were equal to that of many a veteran of twice his years. His father, George Bigbee, was a native of Virginia and he was brought to Ohio in 1810 by his father, John Bigbee, who settled in Knox county. There his son was reared who, after his marriage, removed to Richland county wdiere he took up the occupation of farming, being for many years closely identified with the work of tilling the soil there. He continued to live on the old home place until his death which occurred in 1881 when he was seventy-seven years of age. He had married Susan Shaffer, a native of Pennsylvania, who had gone to Mansfield, Ohio, with her parents in pioneer times. Her natal year was 1811 and in 1885 she was called to her final rest.

R. C. Bigbee was educated in the country schools of Richland county, and with patriotic ardor he responded to his country's call for troops when only fifteen years of age, joining the Union army as a member of the One Hundred and Forty Seventh Ohio Infantry. He did service in the vicinity of Richmond and Petersburg and was mustered out in 1864. He then resumed his interrupted studies but in the spring of 1865 he once more enlisted, serving in the army of the Cumberland until after the close of hostilities.

When the country no longer needed his military aid, Mr. Bigbee returned to Richland county and learned the carpenters trade which he followed for several years. He worked hard and gained a start in life. In 1881 he turned his attention to the distillery business in Richland county where he remained until 1895 when he came to Newark. In 1905 he wTas elected city treasurer and held that office for two years.

In 1876 Mr. Bigbee was married to Miss Alice Hildebrand and following her death Mr. Bigbee was again married in 1887, his second wife being Susie Acton. He has one son by his first marriage, Alzura, and one by the second marriage, Cecil. Mr. Bigbee gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a stalwart advocate of its principles, lie belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to Lemmert Post G. A. R., and has the distinction of being the only man ever reelected commander of Lemert Post.

David V. Bline

A well improved farm comprising one hundred and five acres, situated in Newton township, is the home of David V. Bline, who is today numbered among the substantial agriculturists of this section of Licking county. He was born in this county July 29, 1839, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Bline, mention of wffiom is made on another page of this volume. The son remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, during which time he was reared to farm labor and acquired his education in the common schools. It was about that time in his life that he was united in marriage to Miss Marv J. McCoy, who was born in Licking county, November 10, 1842, a daughter of Mathew and Margaret (Gates) McCoy, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Licking county in the '40s. The family of Mr. and Mrs. McCoy numbered eight children and both the parents are now deceased.

Following his marriage Mr. Bline rented the old Keller farm, which he operated for eighteen years. During this time he carefully saved his earnings and at length felt justified in making a purchase of land, thus becoming owner of fiftythree acres in Newton township. As lie prospered in his undertakings he added to his landed possessions until his property now embraces one hundred and five acres. He has made many improvements on the place, in the way of substantial buildings, while his fields have been placed under a high state of cultivation and annually yield abundant harvests.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bline has been blessed with eight children : Willis J., who is an engineer in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, with headquarters at Newark; Ilezekiah, who resides at Chatham, this county; Frank D., at home; Della C., the wife of C. A. Holler, a resident of Newark ; Rovena, the wife of Clinton McKinney, of Newton township; John, of Yanatta, who wedded Miss Louise Kirkpatrick, who was born in Knox county, their family numbering seven children; Bessie M., the wife of Henry Wilkin of Licking county; and Fred C., of Chatham. The wife and mother departed this life March 23, 1901, her remains being interred in Wilson cemetery.

Mr. Bline supports the men and measures of democracy and has served as township treasurer. He has met obstacles and difficulties in his path blit these have been overcome through honest, earnest effort and he is now one of the substantial citizens of Newton township.

M. W. Yoakam, who is now living retired after many years of hard and honest toil as an agriculturist in Burlington township, is a native of West A'irginia, where he was born August 25, 1825. Some time ago he relinquished the plow and left the active duties of husbandry to those who are yet blessed with youth and vigor, and at the ripe age of eighty-four years is now enjoying the fruits of his earnest labor. He was a son of Jacob and Jane (Wo ms lev) Yoakam, both of whom were natives of West Virginia, in which state they lie buried. Of a family of twelve children but four survive, namely: Jane, who resides in West Virginia; William, of Allen county, Ohio: Jacob, who lives in West Virginia; and M. W.

When a boy in his native state Mr. Yoakam attended the district school, where he obtained his education, and then engaged in the active duties of farm life on the old home place. There he remained until 1847 when he came to this county and for a period of two years hired out as a farm hand. The opportunities for farming being extensive and grain and live stock being in pressing demand he felt confident that he could engage in agriculture for himself and out of it derive satisfactory recompense. Ceasing to work as a wage earner he rented a farm, which he immediately began to cultivate and met with such success as to enable him to lay by sufficient money with which to purchase seventy-five acres of excellent land in Knox county, upon which he lived for a period of three years and then disposed of his property to great advantage. After making the sale he did not invest in property for some time, but rented a farm which he cultivated for a period of four years, ne then purchased the farm on which he is now located. The tract of land Mr. Yoakam now has under cultivation contains two hundred and fifty-one acres, which he has improved to such an extent as to make his farm among the very best in the county for the cultivation of all kinds of grain. In addition to a comfortable residence his place is supplied with excellent barns and sheds, with machinery and all conveniences requisite to carry on agriculture according to the most modern methods. During his active career as an agriculturist he engaged more or less in everything pertaining to farming, with a special attention to raising and feeding stock.

In the year 1858 Mr. Yoakam was united in marriage with Miss Esther Weaver, who was born on their present farm and was one of a family of seven children, of whom she is the only one surviving. Mr. and Mrs. Yoakam have been blessed with four children, namely: Mary E., wife of William Moore; George W. ; Charles N., deceased ; and John F. Mr. and Mrs. Yoakam have long since given up active life and are now living in pleasant retirement on the farm where they settled many years ago and which bears evidence of their unwearied toil, patience and energy. While the vigor and ambition of youth was theirs they worked with unabating zeal, providently bearing in mind the days when they should reach the evening of life, and day by day setting aside something of their earnings, thus gradually increasing their savings until now they are able to spend their declining years amid the gratifying comforts which are the outcome of their former toil. They are both adherents of the Christian church, of which they have for many years been members so living in the observance of their religious duties as not to fear when the summons comes to call them to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.

Judge E. M. P. Bri8Ter

Judge E. M. F. Blister is a great-grandson of General Rufus Putnam, of the Revolutionary war, who settled the State of Ohio, at Marietta, April 7, 1788, his mother being a granddaughter of Gen. Putnam. Judge Blister was born in Cadiz, Harrison, county, Ohio, June 26, 1850. His father, M. P. Brister, who was a well-known and talented journalist, came with his family to Newark in 1852, and died in 1856, leaving the subject of this sketch fatherless at the age of six years. By the death of his father, young Brister was compelled, when a bov, to supplement his mother's heroic exeitions to maintain herself and child, Mrs. C. P. Blister conducting her husband's newspaper with great ability for three years.

"Put" Brister, as he was generally called, began his life's labor when only eight years old, as a newsboy. When fourteen years old, he entered the office of the "Licking Record" to learn the printing trade. When seventeen yea is old, he. with L. F. Tenney, staited a job piinting office which the two carried on for three years. But Mr. Brister had long cherished the resolution of obtaining a classical education and in 1870 he bought Mr. Tenney's interest in the little printing office and lemoved it to Granville, the seat of Denison University.

There he entered upon the aiduous undei taking of working his way through a six years' college course, at the same time suppoiting himself and his invalid mother. He did his studying at night and morning, studying until eleven o'clock at night and getting up to study at four o'clock in the morning. In this way he completed the six years' classical course, graduating from Denison University with high honors in 1877. Part of his course lie took in Wooster University, Wayne county, Ohio, where he also moved his printing office. In the spring of 1878, Mr. Brister began to read law, and was admitted to the bar in 1880.

Judge Brister is a life-long democrat, and has been a hard and faithful part}' worker all his life. Some twenty-five years ago he began making campaign speeches for the democratic party, since which time his services, both as a campaign and public speaker, have been in constant demand, both in his county and throughout the state. He has also done good service on campaign clubs and committees and has always been liberal with his time and such means as he had, whenever the party needed them.

E. M. P. Brister was elected probate judge of Licking county in 1890 and served one term of three years with entire satisfaction, but was defeated for his second term in the landslide of 1893. He was again elected to the office of probate judge in 1905 and reelected to a second term of four years in 1908, which he is now serving, receiving a majority of 1,879, the largest majority ever received by a county officer in this county. Judge Brister has made quite a reputation for himself in the juvenile court work, to which he is devoted and in which he has accomplished much good for the children and the community. He began public speaking when a mere boy only sixteen years old, which he has continued ever since, making addresses upon all topics in different parts of the country. He has also acquired considerable reputation as a song writer and writer of poems. Judge Brister became a member of the First Presbyterian church of this city when he was only sixteen years old, in which membership he has continued ever since. He has been a member of the city board of education, the county board of examiners, is past president of the Ohio Society, S. A. R.- He is also a Mason, an Elk, a Knight of Pythias, a Woodman, and a Knight of the Ancient Essenic Order, besides belonging to tbe ladies auxiliaries of the above orders.

Morgan Fausett

A well improved and highly cultivated farm of one hundred acres, situated in Madison township, Licking county, has been the home of Morgan Fausett since 1906. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Knox county, July 13, 1845, his parents being Samuel and Elizabeth (Hayes) Fausett, both of whom were natives of Knox county, where they spent their entire lives.

Morgan Fausett was reared to the pursuits of agricultural life, his boyhood and youth being spent on the home farm in Knox county, while in the common schools of that section he acquired his education. When he reached maturity the home farm, comprising three hundred and seventy acres of land, came into his possession and he retained the ownership until 1885, when lie disposed of the property and removed to Kansas, where lie invested his money in six hundred acres of farm land in Ness county. After eighteen months spent thereon, however, he traded the land for three hundred acres in Wayne county, Illinois, on which he took up his abode and made his home for four years. During this time he also engaged in the real-estate business. In this undertaking he met with excellent success, his sales far exceeding those of any of his competitors. In six months' time he disposed of over two hundred thousand dollars worth of property. In 1896 he suffered a twenty-two thousand dollar loss by fire and then returned to Knox county, Ohio, and for two years engaged in the grocery business at Mount Zion. On the expiration of that period, in 1898, he removed to Newark, where for eight years he conducted a boarding house. During the years that have come and gone he has carefully managed his business affairs and to some extent retrieved his losses, so that in 1906 he found himself in possession of a capital sufficient to invest in one hundred acres of land in Madison township, whereon he has since made his home. He carries on general farming and in his undertakings is meeting with a full measure of success, for his fields annually yield good crops of grain, for which he finds a ready sale on the market.

In 1864 Mr. Fausett was united in marriage to Miss Lydia C. Wolf, a resident of Knox county, and their marriage has been blessed with nine children, of whom two are deceased, the surviving members being : Linza L., of Knox county ; Lilly, the wife of White Elliott, also of Knox county; Frank M., who makes his home in Newark; Cleveland, at home; Lola, the wife of Charles Dover, a resident of Coshocton, this state; Anna, the wife of Ed Harris, a resident of Newark; and Cora, the wife of Atwood Hilliard, also of this city.

A democrat in principle and practice, Mr. Fausett is a public-spirited citizen, ever ready to assist in any worthy movement calculated to benefit the community. Having spent the greater part of his life in Knox and Licking counties, he is well known in both sections and commands the esteem of all with whom he is brought into contact.

George U. Wells

George U. Wells, who is meeting with splendid success in general farming and stock-raising in Harrison township, was born March 17, 1868, on the old homestead, which he now occupies and which is located on the line between this and Etna township, one mile west of Kirkersville. His paternal grandparents were George and Mary (Essex) Wells. The grandfather applied himself to agricultural pursuits on this farm, at the same time cultivating a tract of land of thirty acres located near the Disciple church on York street, making his residence on the latter. He was a man highly revered for his excellent Christian character, was a deep Bible student and affiliated himself with that denomination of Christians known as Disciples of Christ, because he deemed the interpretation of the scriptures by that organization the best expression of Christian truth and also by reason of the fact that in his opinion the Disciple church was truly apostolic, its requirements for church membership being identical with those prescribed by the great Teacher.

Henry Wells, father of George IT. Wells, was born in Harrison township, spent his entire life on a farm and died May 2, 1907, in his sixty-first year. In politics he was a republican, thoroughly conversant with the political issues of the day, but while he interested himself in the successes of his party he was never an aspirant for public office, contenting himself with using his vote and influence during campaigns in order to secure the election of its candidates. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Kellenbarger and whose birth occurred in Etna township, May 20, 1846, still survives in excellent health. They had seven children, namely: George U. ; Amelia, the wife of Vincent Algeo of Etna township ; Louis, of Columbus, Ohio; Harvey, who departed this life in his twenty-ninth year, a widower; Samantha, the wife of Freeman Rostoffer, of Columbus, Ohio; Clida, the wife of Professor Rell Nichols, of Pataskala; and Joseph, who resides on the old homestead.

On the farm he now has under cultivation George U. Wells was reared, participating in the experiences common to the country lad during his boyhood days, in the summer months assisting his father in agricultural duties and in the winter attending the district schools. After completing his studies he settled down to a life of husbandry and has since resided here with the exception of three years devoted to agricultural pursuits on a farm located four miles north of his present one. He owns two hundred and ten acres of his father's original estate, eighty-five acres of which is in Etna township, although the entire tract of land is in one body, separated by the township line. General farming engages his attention and the soil, well cared for is very productive, his crops of hay and various cereals being of the best quality. He also engages in stock-raising, breeding sheep and cattle. He always handles thoroughbred stock, and his business is remunerative.

On June 9, 1888, Mr. Wells wedded Ida Bell Gamble, a native of Fairfield county, born August 30, 1870, and a daughter of Leonard and Mary (Shiddigger) Gamble, residents of East Outville. They have one daughter, Vera, who resides with her parents. Mr. Wells' political views are on the side of the republican party, being a stanch believer in its princ^les which in his opinion advocate those policies upon which depends the general financial and commercial prosperity of the nation, and during campaigns he is always loyal to his party candidates. He is a man whose progressive spirit has not only enabled him to surround himself with prosperity but his energies have also been felt in the community where he is highly respected, entertaining the confidence of his neighbors and being numbered among the honored and representative agriculturists.

S. D. Lyons, who has held the position of postmaster at Vanatta for seventeen years and is still the efficient incumbent of that office, is also the owner of a general mercaniile store at that place and is widely recognized as one of the county's most substantial and public-spirited citizens. He was born in Licking county, April 24, 1858, his parents being James L. and Eleanor (Francis) Lyons. The father, whose bh*th occurred in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1822, accompanied his parents on their removal to this county in 1825 and still makes his home in Washington township, being now numbered among the venerable and respected early settlers of this portion of the state. His wife, a native of Harrison county, Ohio, was called to her final rest on the 16th of August, 1900. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children, as follows: Mary A., the wife of J. R. Honahev, of Licking county:

William F., deceased: Sarah, the wife of G. W. Merriott, of this county: S. H.. of this review: Esther, the wife of F. E. Elliott, of Martinsburg: Ida, who has also passed away: J. F., a resident of Newark: and Wilbur J., living in Knox county.

S. D. Lyons supplemented his preliminary education by a course at Hie normal school at Utica and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He was then engaged in the operation of rented land for six years and on the expiration of that period wedded Miss Emma Pound, whose demise occurred in December, 1886. Afterward he made his home with his father until he was again married, in 1801, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Litzenberg, widow of William Litzcnberg. Mrs. Lyons, whose birth occurred in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1850, has one daughter by her former marriage - Ethel, the wife of Frank Stewart.

In his political views Mr. Lyons is a stalwart republican and has served as township clerk, while at present he is filling the position of postmaster at Yanatta, which office he has held for seventeen years. He is also the well-known proprietor of a general mercantile establishment in Yanatta and in addition to his store building he owns one of the finest residences in the town. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge, No. 850, at St. Louisville, in which he has filled all of the chairs. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Lutheran church. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged and in his business and official life he has shown how forceful are the qualities of diligence and perseverance when supplemented by sound judgment. His prosperity is due to these sterling traits of character and in all of his undertakings he has been so straightforward that his name is largely a synonym for business integrity to those who know him. Having been a resident of this county throughout his entire life, covering a half-century, he has been a witness of the greater part of its growth and development, and his conduct has been at all times so exemplary that the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

Charles C. Forry

Charles C. Forry is a successful member of the Newark bar. The zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession, the careful regard evinced for the interests of his clients, and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases have brought him a large business and have secured for him many verdicts favorable to his clients. Bom in Newark on the 31st of August, 1868, he is a son of Harmon and Lydia A. (Slife) Forry, both of whom were natives of Licking county. His great-grandfather, Daniel Forry was one of the pioneers of this county, arriving here about 1807, only a few years after Ohio was admitted into the Union that constituted the newly created republic. He purchased a tract of land from the original owner, and the Wchrle plant now occupies a portion of this farm. It was also at an early period in the history of the county that Henry Slife, the maternal grandfather, came from Pennsylvania in the '30s and established his home in Licking county, purchasing land in Liberty township whereon he gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits.

Harmon Forry, the father of our subject, was reared to the occupation of farming and in connection with the work of tilling the soil he became a brick manufacturer, owning and operating a brick yard in Tacking county for a number of years. He afterward became a resident of Texas, where the latter part of his life was spent. He died in 1902. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause and enlisted as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty Fifth Ohio National Guard. lie was captured and spent several months in Andersonville prison, and also in the Florence prison and other places where the Union soldiers were confined by their southern captors. He was captured at Martinsburg, Virginia, during Early's raid and about eight months later was released. He long survived his wife, who died in Newark in 1880.

Charles C. Forry is indebted to the public school system of Newark for the early educational advantages which he enjoyed and, mastering the work of the successive grades he was at length graduated from the high school in the class of 1886. He then entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in preparation for the practice of law and was graduated from the law department in 1889, at which time he won his professional degree. The following year he was admitted to practice in the courts of Texas and for six years followed Iris profession in Vernon, that state. In 1895, however, he returned to Newark, and in January, 1896, was admitted to practice in the courts of Ohio, since which time he has given unremitting attention to his professional duties.

Mr. Forrv is a member of the Licking County Bar Association and aside from his professional connections he has business interests as the secretary and treasurer of the Hanover Eed Pressed Brick Company. Socially, he is connected with the Masons and with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the republican party and for one term he was justice of the peace, while in the spring of 1903 he was elected mayor of Newark. His official record is commendable, showing marked fidelity to duty and a progressive spirit in the discharge of all tasks relative to municipal progress and advancement.

N. M. Brown, proprietor of a large livery and sales stable at Pataskala, is a native of Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, born May 7, 1853, a son of William and Jane (McNaughton) Brown, natives of Perry and Fairfield counties, respectively, the mother's death occurring when her son, N. M. Brown, was an infant, while the father lived to the age of fifty-four years. He spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits and was prominent in local affairs, having officiated as probate judge of Perry county for a few teims, conducting the duties of that responsible post in a manner foi cofull v evidencing his executive ability. He was prominent in Masonic circles and an ardent adherent of the Presbyterian faith, being a zealous Christian whose daily life reflected the qualities of that character to whom he anchored his hope. II is family numbered six children: Owen W., captain of

Company B, Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who answered the first call to arms at the outbreak of the Civil war and now resides in Terry county; Thomas, deceased, a veteian of the Civil war, who served four years in the regular army: N. M. ; Sarah, deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Beam: Eebecca Jane, deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Barr: and Mary, who died in childhood.

Being left an orphan when lie was still a lad, which compelled him to make his home with his sister and other relatives, and while engaged in agricultural work, he availed himself of the educational oppoi tunities of the district schools, remaining in the neighborhood of his birthplace until lie was twenty-one years of age, at which period of his life he removed to a farm of his own near Thornville, Perry county. This he cultivated for one year and then sold. Upon coming to this county, he purchased a farm containing two bundled acres, located north of Newark in Newark township, and there he tilled the soil until he was married, when he sold his property and located in the town of Newark, where he established himself in the lively business, and also dealt in horses. He continued in this business for throe yeais, at the termination of which time he removed to Alexandria, St. Albans township, living with his wife's people and managing their farm about two years. He next removed to Pataskala in 1882 and founded the business in which he is now engaged. He has a large sales stable, in which he feeds and boards horses, his barn being located on Jefferson street and measuring fifty by two hundred feet, being the largest used for the purpose in the city and here, in addition to taking (are of animals for others, he keeps some of the very finest horses for hire and sale. He owns an excellent dwelling house on Main street, of modern style of architecture and supplied with every convenience, and also two residences which he rents, also still retaining possession of his farm of two hundred acres in St. Albans township. He is an enterprising business man, whose careful management has enabled him to surround himself with the prosperity he now enjoys, all of which is the result of his own economy and exertions.

In 1879 Mr. Brown wedded Miss Sarah Palmer, a native of this county and a daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Hasten) Palmer, also natives of Licking county, his wife having passed away in July, 1903. Mr. Brown is a republican in politics and while he docs not desire public office he takes an interest in the successes of his party and is on hand during campaigns with his vote and infltience to secure the election of its candidates. He belongs to Lodge No. 404, A. F. & A. M., of Pataskala and to the eommandery, chapter and council at Newark, being also affiliated with the Scottish Bite Masons at Columbus, Ohio, and with the Shriners of the same city. Mr. Brown's financial relations have always been transacted on the basis of justice and honesty and both as a citizen and business man he has always been accorded the respect and confidence of the communit}'.

Joseph Ehinehabt Moseb

Joseph Bhinehart Moser, who has charge of the sand cutting department of the Wehrle Stove Works at Newark, is well known in industrial circles and equally well known in political circles, having for several years served efficiently as a member of the city council. He has always remained a resident of Newark, his native city. He was born January 10, 1872, and ia a son of John G. Moser. Spending his boyhood under the parental roof, he was sent as a pupil to the public schools and passing through consecutive grades eventually became a high-school student. As early as his fourteenth year, however, he apprenticed himself to the moldeFs trade and for nine years was employed as a molder in the Moser & Wehrle Stove Works. During that time lie gained comprehensive knowledge of the business and broad practical experience, and was then given charge of the foundry department and for ten years was assistant superintendent of the plant. Since the reorganization of the business he has had charge of the sand cutting department and has under his employ twenty workmen. When he entered the foundry he was the twentyseventh man whose name was placed on their payroll. When he took charge of the shop he had eighty-seven molders under his direction and when he left there in 1905 he was in control of over eight hundred workmen. In 1902 the business w^as reorganized and Mr. Moser continued under the new regime, taking charge of his present department in the mills in 1905. Throughout his entire business experience he has been connected with this industry and no higher testimonial of faithfulness and efficiency could be given than his long connection with the plant. He stands as a prominent representative of the industrial life of the city and has long enjoyed in the fullest extent the confidence of those writh whom he has been associated. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has made judicious investments in property and is now the envner of four residences in Newark, seventeen city lots and a fifth interest in the old Moser home.

In politics Mr. Moser has always been an earnest democrat and has served for three successive terms on the city council, during one term being the only democrat elected in the county at that time. Fraternally he is connected wdtli Newark Lodge, No. 391, B. P. 0. E. ; Licking Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles; Roland Lodge of the Knights of Pythias; the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Ivhorassan; and Cedar Camp, M. W. A., and Independent Order of Foresters.

On the 23d of October, 1890, Mr. Moser was married to Miss Ida Brubaker, a daughter of P. W. and Matilda W. Brubaker, the former proprietor of a feed store in Newark. There is one child by this marriage, Walter, wrho is attending Bliss Business College. Mr. Moser is one of the representative men of Newark, esteemed by many friends, respected by his business colleagues and held in high regard by all with whom he has come in contact in every relation of life. He has ever been loyal to the tiust reposed in him and while a member of the citv council he did effective service in support of many movements for the general good.

William H. Montgomery

For more than a century the Montgomery family has been associated with the agricultural interests of Licking county, Henry Montgomery, grandfather of William Henry, having settled in Madison township about the year 1810. He was born in Goutmore, in the County of Tyrone, Ireland, January 8, 1790. and there he was reared under the rigid discipline of the Presbyterian church. He early acquired the art of reading and at the age of eight years had perused Cook's Voyage Around the World, while before he reached manhood the contents of Charles Rolands' Ancient History, a compact review of the* rise, splendor and fall of bygone civilization, w'ere a part of his knowledge, nor did this satiate his thirst for learning and information for wdien still a young man he made himself familiar with the annals of many nations and also took an interest in general literature as repre- sentcd by the standard authors of his day. On May 3, 1803, his parents and entire family set sail from Londonderry, Ireland, cnroute for America and, upon arriving on the shores of the new world, they were transferred to a river packet and pursued their course by the Delaware river to Wilmington, from which place they repaired by wagon to Pennsylvania, in which state they stopped at the home of a relative by the name of James Summerville. Two months later Mr. Montgomery's mother passed away and her remains were interred in a cemetery which was located a few miles east of Lancaster. He then went to Augusta county, Virginia, and rented a small farm near Staunton, Greenbriar county, where he remained for a few years and in 1810 started from that place for Ohio, making the journey for one hundred miles along the mountain path and finally came to the home of Felix and Katherine Grimes, where resided the young woman, the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Grimes, who was to become his wife. Arrangements were soon made for the happy event and on September 27, 1810, the ceremony was performed and the next day he and his bride started on their wedding tour on horseback, carrying with them all their household effects, such as cooking utensils and bedding, and also driving four cows. Finally they located in Madison township, this county, where they remained for two }rears when Mr. Montgomery and his brother William, in company with their father, purchased one hundred acres of land in Bowling Green township, about five miles east of Newark, but after a few years' residence there he sold his interest to William and purchased one hundred and five acres of land in Perry township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1870. His wife, whose birth occurred in Bath county, Virginia, in 1784, departed this life October 14, 1865.

Among his children the third in order of birth was James S. Montgomery, whose birth occurred near Hanover, this county, April 27, 1815, and whose boyhood was spent at the home of his parents, who gave him the advantage of an excellent education, having had him enrolled for several years as a student at a private educational institution. On September 9, 1841, he wedded Sarah E. Waddell, who was born November 16, 1816, a daughter of James Waddell and his second wife, who departed this life on March 4, 1896, and October 28, 1900, respectively. Mr. Montgomery and his wife settled on a farm in St. Albans township, this county, on December 31, 1841, and the first night slept in a log cabin located on the opposite side of the road from their farm, its roof being in such bad condition that they received the full benefit of the wintry blasts and in the morning when they awoke were as completely covered with snow as though they had made their bed on the outside. In that day the entire region was practically a wilderness, the trees being uncut so that not a particle of land was in condition for cultivation. The tract which Mr. Montgomery purchased, covering over two hundred acres, was completely overgrown with heavy timber and it fell to him to cut it away in order to transform the land into tillable fields. He was inured to hardship and inspired with an aggressive spirit and success followed every move until finally he became one of the most extensive landowners and prosperous farmers in the vicinity. During his latter years he lived in retirement, enjoying the comforts of his country home, and on September 9, 1891, he and his wife celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. He was favorably known throughout the county as a man of sterling character, whose industry and enterprise had largely contributed toward developing the natural resources of this part of the state. He was a zealous Christian and when a youth united with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was an enthusiastic worker until called to the life beyond. In his family were four children, namely: Kate, deceased, who was born January 12, 1844, and became the wife of Griff Bosebraugh, who is also deceased; William Henry; Mary, born August 30, 1856, and residing in Newark, Ohio; and James Eddie, who was born November 24, 1858, and wedded Nellie K. Campbell. They resided in Newark, where her death occurred July 17, 1905, and he died February 13, 1909.

William Henry Montgomery was horn in St. Albans township, Licking county, about one-fourth of a mile east of where he now resides, on July 28, 1848, and there he remained until he was twenty-seven years of age, in the meantime assisting his father in the duties of the farm and acquiring his preliminary education at the district school, while subsequently he completed a course of study at the Ohio Wesleyan University, in Delaware, Ohio. He paid a visit to Harrison township and though he had previously planned to locate in the far west, upon coming to the township to assist a neighbor in cradling wheat, he was favorably impressed with the country and, upon communicating the fact to his father, the latter induced him to give up his idea of a westward trip and to invest in land here. He purchased the farm in 1872 immediately upon leaving school and three years prior to the date of his marriage. The farm consists of one hundred and twenty-five acres situated in the northwest corner of Harrison township and the rich and highly cultivated soil produces the best crops. A double log cabin stood upon the place when he made the purchase but the year in which he was married Mr. Montgomery tore it down and built a small cottage, which in 1892 he remodeled and enlarged into his present two-story, twelve-room residence, at a cost of three thousand dollars. The farm is provided with an excellent barn, forty-two by sixty-four feet, which he constructed in 1882, at an expense of fourteen hundred dollars, and which is as roomy and as fine a structure of the kind as exists in the county. Among other improvements he installed a thorough system of drainage which cost him upwards of one thousand dollars so that as far as concerns irrigation his farm is the equal of any in the state. He carries on general agriculture and stock-raising, making a specialty of sheep-breeding, and has had on hand as many as six hundred head of sheep at one time while he was in partnership with his father. He also has made quite a specialty of shorthorn cattle for which he has quite a reputation throughout the country. In addition to his general farming interests Mr. Montgomery has also taken up other enterprises and for the past sixteen years has been writing fire insurance and now represents the Phoenix Insurance Company, of Hartford, Connecticut, and the German-American and Ohio Farmers Insurance Companies.

On October 14, 1875, Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage to Anna B. Cooley, a native of Homer, Ohio, where her birth occurred April 30, 1854, and a daughter of Timothy H. and Mary L. (Youmans) Cooley, her father having been born in Granville, April 9, 1827, and her mother in Knowlton, New Jersey, March 15, 1831. Her mother came here with her parents when she was three months old and departed this life October 5, 1904, at the residence of her son-in-law, with whom she had spent the last fourteen years of her life. She was the daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Loder) Youmans. Timothy H. Cooley departed this life at his home in Pataskala, July 10, 1891. He came to Harrison township in 1854, eight years previous to his death, and during that time had been living in retire- ment in Pataskala. He had been a tanner until he located in Harrison township but thorn he engaged in farming and followed that occupation the remainder of his active days. His parents were I)r. John B. and Bethia (Linnell) Cooley, who came with the Granville colony from Granville, Massachusetts, to Granville, Ohio, in 1805. His wife had been married before to Rev. Timothy Harris, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Granville, and after her marriage with Dr. John B. Cooley they located in Homer, where he practiced medicine for some time. Later they took up their residence with their son, Timothy H. Cooley, where she departed this life.

Mr. and Mrs. William Montgomery have three children. Bertha C. departed this life in infancy; Orville Cooley, whose birth occurred November 15, 1881, and is now instructor in physics in the high school at Los Angeles, California, was educated at the Pataskala high school and Denison University from which he was graduated in the class of 1904. Lela B., born July 3, 1886, was graduated from the high school in Pataskala and from Denison University in the class of 1908 and is new preceptress and teacher of German and English in Sac City Institute, Sac City, Iowa.

Mr. Montgomery has been influential in local affairs and particularly instrumental in establishing a school law, through the action of the legislature, which has lx»cn beneficial not only to the schools of this township but also to those throughout this and other counties, the cause for the framing of such a law having arisen out of a difficulty which occurred between Mr. Montgomery as a member of the school board and the county authorities. In 1896 he was prepared to send his son to Pataskala high school, at which time he was a member of the Harrison township board of education and he made a proposition to that body providing for the temporary suspension of the district school, the school funds which were used to support that institution to be employed in conveying the pupils of District No. 8 to Pataskala high school. The board granted the request and a wagon was provided and the pupils were transferred. A few weeks after the plan had been in operation a petition was circulated asking the discontinuance of the wagon service and the replacing of the district school teachers but, the movement meeting with failure, the question was carried to the county commissioner who ordered the board of education to replace the teachers. That body, refusing to act in obedience to the order and determined that its plans should not be frustrated, still continued the wagon service and in the winter of 1896-7 Mr. Montgomery went to Columbus and advised with the committee on education in the house of representatives and begged of its members to change the law governing common schools and to frame an amendment to permit a board of education in any township to temporarily suspend school in its district and use the money to provide transportation for its pupils to the nearest high school. The bill was placed before the house in the morning and by a special act was passed and submitted to the senate bv a committee, the latter body approving of the bill which at once became a law. Mr. Montgomery returned home with the law in his pocket after he had spent but two days at the capital city. The bill is known as No. 133, amending section No. 3921 of revised statutes. The law has been employed by many communities and has proved of invaluable benefit throughout the state.

Mr. Montgomery, a life long republican, is a strong and able advocate of the principles of his party and is enthusiastic during campaigns to secure the election ri its candidates. He lias also figured prominently in local affairs and for a period of six years served efficiently as justice of the peace. He belongs to Pataskala Lodge, No. 404, A. F. & A. M., having united with the order in 1872. He is a past master, has held the chair of senior deacon for nine consecutive years, for one year officiated as junior warden and for twelve years served in the station of worshipful master, having also represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state for the same period of time. He belongs to Pataskala Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., in wliieh lie has filled the various chairs and of which he is now past noble grand. In company with his wife he is a member of the Eastern Star of Pataskala, both l>eing charter members of that organization, his wife having officiated as chaplain since its institution. Mr. Montgomery and all the members of his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church of Pataskala, with which he united in 1881 and in which he has served as steward. He is a man whose high character and genial disposition, together with his broad mindedness and business ability, have gained him great influence throughout the county and, being an upright, straightforward man, he is favorably spoken of wherever he is known throughout the county and state.

Charles N. Wells

Charles N. Wells, one of the younger men who are devoting their lives to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising in Harrison township, was born September 17, 1877, on the farm on which he now resides and which is located three-quarters of a mile north of Ivirkersville, a son of Reason and Adaline (Cain) Wells, l>otli of whom were natives of this county, his father's birth having occurred September 20, 1818, and his mother's on March 11, 1834. They departed this life July 4. 1891, and March 31, 1888, respectively. The father followed farming and stoekbreeding and he owned about eight hundred acres of tillable land, all of which is located in this county. At the time of his death he was a man of considerable means, most of which he earned by raising sheep and wool. He was considered an authority throughout the country on the breeding and raising of sheep. He took a profound interest in public affairs and had always given his support to the republican party, the principles of which he ably advocated, and during elections lie regularly used his vote and influence in order to secure the election of the candidates of his party to the offices they sought. In his family were nine children, namely: Mary Ellen, wife of J. R. Chanuell, of Harrison township: George Elmer, who is in the milling business at Pataskala: Minnie J., who became the wife of dames Jacobs, of Kirkersville : Carry May, wire of Janie* S. White, residing on a farm in Etna township: Mattie E., wife of George Harris, an agricultmist of Union township; Addie, whose birth occurred in 1809 and who departed this life in 1893; Laura J., who is the widow of Joseph Welch, and resides in New Mexico; Reason L., of Columbus, Ohio; and Charles N.

On his father's farm Charles N. Wells was reared and was early set to work in the performance of the duties of agriculture, in the meantime attending the district schools where he acquired his education. After completing his studies he remained upon the home farm, where he has since been actively carrying on general agricultural pursuits, stock-raising and dairying. His place is known as the "Eagle Glen" farm. He has one hundred and fifty-three acres of land, all of which is highly improved, a considerable portion being excellent grazing land, and he bears the reputation of conducting one of the finest dairies in the county. He has as fine a herd of milch cows as there are in the county, keeping on hand all the time about twenty head, to which he gives the utmost attention and, having made a special study of this class of animals and of the best methods for carrying on the daily business together with the care of his cattle, he had brought his kine to a high state of perfection and he cannot be excelled for his several dairy products, most of which he ships to Columbus, Ohio, where he has a large and lucrative trade. Among other modern improvements which lie has made upon his farm is that of a magnificent dwelling, his old home having been destroyed by fire while he was on the way to be married. His barn is also of the most modern type and the other outbuildings are substantial. His farm, which is a part of that originally belonging to his father, is one of the finest and most desirable in the county and bears every evidence of thrift and progress.

On April 4, 1901, Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Mable Walker, who was born in Harrison township, April 1, 1881, and is a daughter of William H. and Belle (Mason) Walker, who reside in Kirkersville. To Mr. and Mrs. Wells has been born one child, Rheabelle, who was born September 25, 1905. In politics Mr. Wells follows in the footsteps of his father and loyally supports the republican party. Among the fraternal organizations with which he is affiliated are the Red Men and Gleaners. He is a veteran of the Spanish-American war, having enlisted in this county in Company K, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served at Camps Axline, Bushnell, Alger and Meade. Mr. Wells is a young man of remarkable energy and enterprise and at the same time one of noble character, his upright life meriting him the confidence and respect of the entire community of which he is numbered among the representative citizens.

David A. Thomas

David A. Thomas, who for more than a third of a century has been continuously and successfully connected with the agricultural interests of Licking county, was born in Wales on the 20th of October, 1835. His parents, Christmas and Margaret Thomas, also natives of Wales, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1842 and were three months on the water. They took up their abode in Granville township. The father, who was an agriculturist by occupation, made his home in this county throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in 1873, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1880. Unto this worthy couple were born nine children but David A. is the only surviving member of the family. His brother James was in the Mexican war and died with cholera in 1849.

David A. Thomas supplemented his preliminary education by a college course at Denison University and following his graduation in 1859, he took up the profession of teaching, meeting with success during his fifteen years'' connection with that line of activity. In 1810 he purchased his present place of one hundred and forty-five acres in Newton township and moved here into a log cabin in 1871. He made improvements thereon and has since been engaged in the work of general farming. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place is indicative of the careful supervision of the owner, whose methods are at once practical and progressive. His industry has ever been one of the salient characteristics and has been the measure of his success.

December 9, 1869, Mr. Thomas was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary King, whose birth occurred in Newark township October 28, 1840, her parents being John and Elizabeth King, the latter a granddaughter of James King, one of the early settlers in this county and a millwright by trade, whose family numbered seven children. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four children, namely: Gilbert J., of this county ; Hilda E., deceased; and Elmer E. and Hamer L., both at home.

In his political views Mr. Thomas is a stalwart democrat but has never sought nor desired the honors or emoluments of office. He is a member of the Grange and is widely and favorably known throughout the county, whose growth and development he has witnessed during the past two-thirds of a century. The facts which have shaped its history are largely familiar to him and he has rejoiced in what has been accomplished for the improvement of this part of the state along moral, intellectual and material lines.

Charles E. Hoover

Charles E. Hoover, the owner of a highly improved and valuable farm of one hundred acies in Newton township, was born in Newark, January 28, 184-1, his parents being Charles and Mary (Franklin) Hoover. The paternal grandfather paitieipated in the Revolutionary war, and his wife lived to attain the age of one hundred and one years, her demise occurring in Newark. Charles Hoover, the father of our subject, whose birth occurred in Virginia, November 30, 1780, became one of the first settlers of this county. He successfully conducted a lumberyard in Newark, where he made his home for forty years, passing away in this county in 1866. His wife, who was horn in England, June 16, 1819, was a girl of twelve years when she accompanied her parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in Licking county. LTnto Charles and Mary (Franklin) Hoover were born four children, namely: Charles E., of this sketch: one who died in infancy; Mary, the wife of George T. Nash, of Newark: and Olivia, the deceased wife of George W. Rugg, of Newark.

Though but a young man of eighteen years at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, Charles E. Hoover, with patriotic ardor, enlisted as a member of Company A, Captain Thayer, Tenth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, under General Kilpatrick. II is service, covering a period of three years, included participation in the battle of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and various other hotly contested engagements. At Resaca. Georgia, on the 14th of May, 1864, he was shot in the right forearm, the bullet passing through his elbow and across the back. After being honorably discharged from the aimy he returned to this county and remained at home until the time of his father's death. Subsequently he wedded Hiss Ada Bracket, a native of Licking county, by whom he had two children: Florence, the wife of Oscar Osborn, of this county; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Ada Hoover passed away in 1874 and afterward Mr. Hoover was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary L. Swartz, of this county, bv whom he likewise has had two children: Charles, a graduate of the commercial college,

Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Hoover bought a faim, on which he made his home for six years, then sold the property and purchased his present farm, of one hundred acres, in Newton township. In connection with the work of the fields he makes a specialty of raising hogs and cattle and his business interests are so carefully managed that annually his sales of grain and stock return to him a good financial reward for his labor.

In his political views Mr. Hoover is a democrat and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and fidelity, have called him to various positions of public trust and responsibility. He has served as township clerk for ten years, has been justice of the peace for a similar period and has always acted as a member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, in which he has held the office of Sunday school superintendent fourteen years. His business interests have been carefully conducted, his duties of citizenship capably performed and at all times he has been true to the obligations and responsibilities devolving upon him in every relation of life, making him one of the worthy and much respected citizens of his native county. Moreover, lie is a representative of a family that has figured prominently in the annals of this county, from the earliest period of its settlement, and whose labors contributed in substantial measure to the growth and upbuilding of the community in pioneer times. He is a member of the G. A. I?, of Newark. He was sergeant from the time he left for the front until wounded and quartermaster sergeant after he was wounded. He was transferred to Company One Hundred and Eleven, Second Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, of the Tinted States Army, and was in command of his company at Columbus when discharged September 23, 1865.

H. P. Smith

II. P. Smith, who is now among the enterprising and substantial agriculturists of Newton township, and who has gained considerable prominence in politics, and also as a member of the Masonic order, is a native of McKean township, where his birth occurred September 9, 1855. He was a son of George W. and Lydia (Piles) Smith, the former a native of the Keystone state and the latter of this county. They had thirteen children, namely: William IT., of Oak township; B. F., who reside^ in Knox county; Andrew J., a resident of McKean township; Mary, wife of Samuel Wagner, who lives in Nebraska; Martha, who was united in marriage with William Howell, of Missouri; John W., George W. and Asa, all of whom are de- ceased; H. P., of this review; Richard G., who resides in Missouri; Sivila, the widow of M. W. Willard; Emily, the deceased wife of Frank Lock; and Charles L., who resides in McKean township. Mr. Smith departed this life August 20, 1803, and his wife three months later, on October 24, of the same year.

In the district school H. P. Smith pursued his studies, in the meantime engaging with his father in performing the labors of the farm. After putting aside his text-books lie followed farming on the old home place until he was twenty-four years of age, when he united in marriage with Miss Nancy Welsh, a native of Perry county, where she was born October 29, 1853, and a daughter of Henry and Johanna (Post) Welsh, her father a native of Maryland and her mother of Perry county. They had a family of twelve children, and both have departed this life. Immediately following his marriage Mr. Smith left the old homestead and rented a farm which he cultivated for a period of ten years, during which time he met with signal success and acquired sufficient means to purchase the farm upon which he now lives in Newton township. He possesses sixty acres of land and since acquiring the property he has devoted his entire time to its cultivation and has so improved his acreage, with all the buildings, machine^, and other conveniences requisite to carry on general farming that his place is now one of the finest in the township.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith had one daughter, Viola May, whose birth occurred September 1, 1889, and who departed this life in March, 1895. Mr. Smith is affiliated with the Lutheran church of Vanatta, Ohio, and, being a man of high moral character, he is very observant of his religious duties. To the democratic party he has always given his political support. He is a prominent member of Lodge No. 2, A. F. & A. M., at Fredonia. Mr. Smith is industrious and enterprising and his patience and perseverance, reenforced by hard work and careful management, maintain him in his present prosperity.