Licking Township (part 36 of 42)

William C. Miller

Imbued with the progressive spirit which has given America a position as one of the commercial forces of the world, William C. Miller has, through individual effort, worked his way steadily upward until he is a prominent figure in commercial and financial circles in Newark. He devotes much of his attention to his duties as secretary and treasurer of the Licking County Bank & Trust Company, but has other important business interests as well and in the successful management and control of these has also contributed to the general prosperity and business development of the city. He is a native son of Newark, born December 3, 1868, his parents being George and Louisa (Florv) Miller, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. The father came to the United States about the year 1850 and settled in Dresden, Muskingum county, Ohio. Following the Civil war he removed to Licking county and took up his abode in Newark, becoming a prominent resident of this locality. He served as county treasurer for two years and always gave his support to those measures and movements which were calculated to promote the general welfare and upbuilding of the country. For a number of years he conducted business as proprietor of a meat market, but is now engaged in farming. At the time of the Civil war lie gave evidence of his unfaltering loyalty to his country, serving for four years as a sergeant in one of the Pennsylvania Light Artillery companies. He took part in several hotly contested battles and in one engagement was wounded.

The public-school system of Newark afforded William C. Miller his educational advantages, and passing through the consecutive grades he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1886. He then became deputy county treasurer and filled the position for nearly twelve years and then resigned that he might give military aid to his country, raising a battery for service in the Spanish-American war and going out with the rank of captain. With his command he reported at Chickamauga Park, Georgia, and was in camp there for about eight months, waiting for orders to move to the front, but his services wrere not needed.

Returning to Newark Mr. Miller engaged in the furniture business, in which he continued for three years. He then organized the Powers-Miller Company, of which he became secretary and treasurer and later became its president, the company today owning a department store which is one of the leading commercial enterprises of the city. On the 1st of June, 1907, he was elected the vice president of the Licking County Bank & Trust Company, and later to active management of the bank as secretary and treasurer. He is a director and secretary of the Licking Light & Power Company. He is also a director of the Tribune Publishing Company, Sherwood Improvement Company, and of the Newark Base Ball Club. In business affairs he shows keen discernment, resulting in a ready and accurate solution of intricate business problems. Moreover he possesses a determined spirit that enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and the business methods which he has employed will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.

On the 27th of June, 1897, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Alice G. Fleek, a daughter of John Fleek, deceased, and they have two daughters and one eon, Martha Grace, Virginia and John F.

Mr. Miller belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias, and in these different organizations numbers many friends who entertain for him warm regard. His entire life having been passed in this community, it is well known that no fortunate environment or circumstance aided him at the outset of his career, but through the utilization of his innate talents, through determined and unfaltering energy and industry that never flags, he has gained the prominent position which he now occupies in connection with the business interests of Newark.

Colonel John L. Clem

There is no man of his years who can claim such a military record as constitutes the life history of Colonel John L. Clem. He was undoubtedly the youngest drummer boy in the Civil war and the youngest to carry a musket in defense of the Union. He has since given his life to military interests of his country and is now stationed at Forth Worth, Texas. The storv of his exploits in the Civil war constitutes a most interesting chapter in the annals of that strife. For a long time he was known as "Little Johnny Clem, the Drummer Boy o£ Chickamauga.*' His invincible spirit and soldierly qualities were notable even in a day of brilliant achievements made by distinguished officers and the gallant rank and file of the army. He was born in Newark, Ohio, August 15, 1851, and as the years have passed various mentions have been made of him in historic and other publications relating to the Civil war period.

There was nothing particularly remarkable in his early youth, which was spent in the usual manner of lads of that locality and period. However, a martial spirit was early manifest in him and he was greatly interested in the discussions which preceded the outbreak of the Civil war. In May, 18(51, soon after the inauguration of hostilities in the south, when yet not ten years of age, he offered his services as a drummer to Captain McDougal, of the Third Ohio Regiment which was then posted in his native town, but on account of his size and age he was rejected. The regiment was on its way to the front and boarded a train for Cincinnati. Undaunted by the refusal which he had received, the little lad made his way to the train and there offered himself to the Twenty-second Michigan Regiment, but its officers also declined to muster him in on account of his youth. His persevering spirit, however, at length prevailed, and because of his determination to go to the front he was allowed to accompany the regiment in all of its subsequent movements and the beat of his drum was often the inspiring sound that awakened the lagging energies and dormant patriotism of tired and wearied soldiers. Although so young in years, he never faltered in the performance of the duties assigned him and in fact set a splendid example to many an older soldier. At length his soldierly spirit so won the confidence and admiration of the officers of the regiment that in June or July, 18G2, he was enlisted at Covington, Kentucky, as a drummer and afterward to regular duty as a soldier.

At Shiloh Colonel Clem had his drum smashed by a piece of shell and this won for him the appellation of Johnny Shiloh, indicating the courageous manner in which he discharged his duties at that bloody battle. He had just reached his twelfth year when the battle of Chickamauga occurred. In the meantime he had been allowed to carry a musket although the fire article had been shortened for his use. There he might have been seen sitting upon a caisson side by side with artillerymen, going to the front to form the line of battle, facing the fire of the enemy's bullets which might mean death. He did duty with the command all through the day and as evening drew on, when the army was retiring towards Chattanooga, the brigade to which he was attached received orders to hold ns position. After a time, however, the rebels surrounded this brigade and a demand for its surrender was made after its charge had been repulsed. At that time a confederate colonel rode toward little Johnny Clem, who could not fall back as rapidly as the rest of the line. In most ungentlemanly terms he bade him surrender, and rode toward the little soldier with his sword drawn. Suddenly the boy swung up his musket to the position of charge bayonet and fired, and the colonel fell. The surrounding rebels at the same moment fired upon the Union brigade and Johnny Clem dropped to the ground where he lay until darkness closed in and then arose, making his way toward Chattanooga, in which direction the remainder of the army had pursued. This exploit was one of the most heroic chronicled in the Civil war. Men of twice and thrice his years would have hesitated ere doing the deed which he did with the rebels all around and the Confederate colonel almost upon him. It was this which won him the well known title of "The Little Drummer Boy of Chickamauga," and it gained for him also the highest praise from Rosecrans and Thomas and other officers and men in the army of the Cumberland. When the rebels fired upon the Union forces, after the little drummer boy had discharged his gun at the colonel, the shot fell thick and fast about him and his cap was pierced by three balls.

Colonel Clem won recognition for his undaunted valor and bravery from General Rosecians, who made him sergeant, placing his name on the roll of honor and attaching him to the headquarters of the army of the Cumberland,, while the daughter of Chief Justice Chase presented him with a silver medal inscribed "Sergeant Johnny Clem, Twenty-second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, from N. M. C." This badge he yet proudly wears in connection with his Grand Army badge.

Yot long after leaving Chattanooga Colonel Clem and other Union soldier* were captured while he was doing detail service in bringing up the supply trains from Bridgeport, Alabama. For sixtv-three days he was held captive by the Confederate forces, during which time the Union soldiers were kept constantly on the move until they reached Tallahassee, Florida, where he was paroled. From that point he was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, for exchange. In the meantime, however, the Confederates had taken from him his cap, thrice pierced with bullets,, his jacket and his shoes. Upon reaching the Union lines he found General Thomas in command of the army of the Cumberland and the general, knowing of his previous valor and heroism, attached him to his staff and made him an orderly sergeant. He was on active duty in various important engagements including the battles of Sbiloh, Chickamauga, Perry ville. Stone River, Resaca, Kenesaw. Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Nashville and others, in which the troops constituting the army of the Cumberland won lasting fame for themselves.

Colonel Clem was not at all times fortunate in escaping the rebel lead.. At Chickamauga he was hit by a broken shell which knocked him over and twice he was struck by balls. Upon one of these occasions he was in the act of delivering a dispatch from General Thomas to General Logan at Atlanta, when the pony which he rode was killed and the rider was wounded in the right shoulder. His military record was altogether a most brilliant and creditable one and because of his youth and his undaunted bravery he enjoyed the highest respect and honor of both officers and comrades of the army of the Cumberland, while' General Thomas remained his best friend until his death and throughout that time a correspondence was maintained between them.

When the war was over and the country no longer needed his aid Colonel Clem was honorably mustered out and, returning to his old home at Newark, he resumed his interrupted education and was graduated from the high school in the class of 1870. Later he was graduated from an artillery school in 1875. In the meantime, through appointment of President Grant and upon the recommendation of Generals Thomas and Logan and other officers of the army of the Cumberland, he was appointed a cadet at West Point in recognition of his gallant service. On the 18th of December, 1871, President Grant appointed him second lieutenant of the Twenty-fourth United States Infantry and since that time successive promo- lions have come to him as he has done active military service for his country on the frontier, or in the various stations to which he has been called. On the 5th of October, 1875, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and on the 4th of May, 1882, became captain and acting quartermaster. Thirteen years later, on the 1 6th of May, 1895, he became major and quartermaster and on the 2d of February, 1901, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and deputy quartermaster general. On the 15th of August, 1903, his last promotion made him colonel, and as assistant quartermaster general he is engaged in active duty at Fort Worth, Texas.

In 1875 Colonel Clem was married to Miss Anita French, a daughter of William H. French of the United States army. They had but one child who survived, John L. Clem. In 1903 Colonel Clem married the youngest daughter of 11. Sullivan, a wealthy banker of San Antonio, Texas. There is one daughter of that marriage, Anne Elizabeth Clem. Colonel Clem served as chief quartermaster in the invasion of the Philippines from 1903 until 1905, during which time he succeeded in reducing the expenses two million five hundred thousand dollars, which was considered a remarkable record. He has attained high rank in Masonry, having become a thirty-second degree Mason in 1908. His history constitutes a brilliant chapter in the annals of Licking county's native sons and well deserves mention in this volume.

Charles C. Bricker

Prominent among the younger agriculturists of Harrison township, Charles C. Bricker makes a specialty of the dairy business in which he is meeting with splendid success. He was born February 18, 1876, in Morgan township, Knox county, on a farm located two miles east of Utica, and is the son of Hiram and Melissa M. (Bell) Bricker. His father was born in Morgan township, Knox county, Ohio, in 1827, his mother in Washington township, this county, February 14, 1836, the latter a daughter of Isaac Bell, a native of the Keystone state who in childhood came to Ohio with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Bell, who were among the early settlers of this part of the state, locating near the Knox county boundary line. In this vicinity Hiram Bricker, the father of Charles C., spent most of his life engaged in the occupation of farming. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted from Licking county and served in the LMiion ranks for one hundred days in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, entering the service as first lieutenant and subsequently becoming captain of his company. He was a man noted for his patriotism and during his residence in this community became quite prominent in local affairs and was numbered among the influential residents and worthy citizens. He reared the following children, namely: Katharine, wife of Rav McWilliams, of Newton township; Anna Bell, who resides with her husband, Frank Mercer, in Newark ; Elizabeth, who wedded Hugh C. Harrison, of Jennings, Louisiana ; Virginia, wife of James Seward, of Indianapolis, Indiana; James F., who occupies the home farm in Morgan township, Knox county; Emma, wife of Frank Forev, in Marysville, Ohio; Cary T..

a druggist of Newark; Laura, wife of J. R. Warner, of that city; Charles, a resident of Kirkersville, this county; and Nellie, who lives with her mother. Their father departed this life February 23, 1901, while his wife still survives and makes her home in Utica.

Charles C. Bricker was reared on his fathers farm and there spent his boyhood days, in the meantime perfecting himself in the art of husbandry and acquiring his education in the district schools. He was associated with the farming interest of Knox county until two years ago, when he came to this county and located on his present farm, which is situated on the Johnstov/n road between Outville and Kirkersville. He has been following agricultural pui suits all his life with the exception of two years which he spent in the farm implement business in Utica. He has seventy acres, all of which is highly improved property and supplied with every convenience with which to carry on his business by modern methods. He makes a specialty of dairying and has twenty-three head of cows, all of which are of the finest breeds and considered to be the very best for dairying purposes, most of his cattle being of the Ayrshire breed, every animal being a thoroughbred and registered. There are only six herds of this breed of animals in the state of Ohio, and Mr. Bricker has exhibited his stock at the different state fairs and in every instance has succeeded in taking prizes. He has a wide reputation for the quality of his dairy products and carries on a large shipping business in Newark, this state. His buldings are substantial and modern and there was erected a new dwelling house in 1903, at a cost of five thousand dollars, which is are large, the entire structure being of modern architecture and equipped with all necessary conveniences. His farm is in every particular indicative of thrift and progress and is known as "Terrace Place."

Homer, this county. In politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party and, although he is not active in public affairs, yet he keeps abreast with the times regarding the paramount issues of the day and is always ready with his vote and influence to secure the election of the candidates of his party. He belongs to Lodge No. 295, F. & A. M., meeting in UTtica, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is one of the most aggressive and enterprising men of the community, who is possessed of noble traits and qualities and whose life is such as to merit him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.

Smith L. Redman

Licking county has been signally favored in the class of men who have filled her public offices. They have usually been actuated by a spirit of untiring devotion to the general good and in the discharge of public duties have displayed ability as well as fidelity. The record of Smith L. Redman as sheriff of the county is a most creditable one and that he has the endorsement of the general public is indicated by the fact that he was elected for a second term. One of Ohio's native sons, his birth occurred in Hopewell, Muskingum county, October 27, 1859. his parents being Samuel and Susan (Rutledge) Redman who were also natives of Muskingum county. The father, who throughout his entire life followed the occupation of farming in support of his family, died November 4, 18(11, and is still survived by his widow who in the eighty-third year of her age is yet enjoying good health.

The public schools of his native county afforded Smith L. Redman his educational piivileges and when not busy with his text books he worked upon the home farm and in a coal mine through the period of his youth. Later he entered a retail grocery store in the capacity of clerk. He early learned the value of industry and energy as necessary factors in a business career and those qualities have ever been numbered among his sterling characteristics. In June, 1876, he moved with his mother to Newark and in April, 1877, entered into the employ of Ashbrook & Company, wholesale groceis. That he was loyal to their best interests and proved a competent, efficient, and faithful representative of the house, is indicated by the fact that he remained with that firm for twenty-seven years or until they sold out in January, 1904. He was then retained by the succeeding firm, the Tenney & Morgan Company, as manager, until December, 1904, when he entered upon the duties of the office of sheriff to which he was elected in November. Discharging his duties without fear or favor and standing as one of the bulwarks of law and order in this county, his course won him the confidence of the public as manifested in his reelection in 1906. He has proved a good officer, giving entire satisfaction in the discharge of his duties.

Mr. Redman has always taken an active interest in politics and is one of the best known men in the county. He was elected a member of the city council from the old Fifth ward in 1892, serving for two years and in 1896 was reelected for a second term. Over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil for his course has been actuated by a public spirited citizenship. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word for at an early age he was obliged to stait out in life on his own account and not only provided for his own support but has also taken a pride in providing and caring for his mother with whom he yet resides. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen, the Eagles and the United Commercial Travelers and in all of these organizations is popular, being highly esteemed bv his fellow townsmen..

Albert Beem

Albert Beem, a retired merchant and farmer of Lima township, now living at Summit Station, after having for many years conducted a general store and dealt in drain tile, was born in Lima township, December 16, 1818, a son of George W. and Margaret (Myer) Beem, natives of Jersey township, this county, the former born November 17, 1820, and the latter July 25, 1825. There they resided until they were united in marriage November 17, 1812, when they came to Lima township, where they purchased a farm on which they remained until they departed this life on November 14, 1895, and June 25, 1854, respectively. They reared a family of five children: Alonzo; Minerva, who departed this life in her twentieth year; George W., who passed away in infancy: Albeit; and John N. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Beem on July 1, 1855, was united in marriage to Julia Ann, a sister of his foimer wife and to this union was born one child, Alice D., the wife of Daniel IT. Whitehead, of Wichita, Kansas. Mr. Beem's second wife having entered into eternity, lie wedded Elizabeth Tharp, on March 18, 1858, by whom he had three children: Mrs. Sarah A. Deadly, of Franklin county, Ohio; Mrs. Rose L. Prior, deceased; and Mis. Ida E. Foster, a resident of Summit Station. George W. Beem was a well known stock dealer, who handled cattle and sheep on a large scale, his farm containing three hundred acres, provided with every convenience for carrying on his business.

Albert Beem spent his boyhood on the farm on which he was born, engaging in its daily routine during the summer season and acquiring his education at the neighboring school in the winter time. Remaining upon the home place until he was twenty-two years of age, he then went to Benton county, Iowa, where he spent six years, returning to this place after the lapse of that time and engaging in the general merchandise business at Summit Station, which enterprise he conducted in connection with handling the various kinds of drain tile until two years ago when he retired from active life. He still owns the store building in which he transacted his business, the structure being a two-story frame one, twenty-four by seventy feet, and also owns two fine dwelling houses aside from the elegant brick residence, which he built for himself in 1904. In addition to these holdings he also possesses a farm in Kansas and considerable real estate in the city of Denver, Colorado. Mr. Beem has been remarkably successful in his business ventures and his industry and careful management have enabled him to amass a handsome fortune and he is numbered among the influential citizens of the county.

In February, 1871, Mr. Beem wedded Fidelia Beals, a native of Lima township, born March 20, 1849, and a daughter of Enoch H. and Katharine (Beem) Beals. To this union two children were born: Carrie M. is the widow of Lewis G. Evans and resides with her father. George H., born February 10, 1875, died August 3, 1905. His widow, Ninniota Pickering and their children, Hazel M. and Lula, reside with her father-in-law. Mr. Beem has had a long, useful business in this community and one which has been marked by a degree of enterprise and industry which not only furthered his own prosperity but also greatly contributed to the financial worth of this part of the county. His business relations having always been in accord with a high standard of morals, his influence in commercial circles has been of much worth and lie is entitled to the high place he now occupies as a retired business man and representative citizen of the township.

William Larimore

William Larimore, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Kirkersville, was born on his father's farm in Union township, July 12, 1851, and is a son of Daniel and Samantha C. (Essex) Larimore. The father, one of a family of seven children, is a native of Virginia and the mother, who is of English and French extraction, was born in Etna township, this county. Among their children were: William; Frank, who wedded Miss Elizabeth Sherman and resides in

Columbus, Ohio: Belle, who resides at home with her mother in Outville; Louis, deceased; and Etta, who became the wife of Dr. F. P. Lcatherman, a practicing physician in Outville.

William Larimore, the firstborn of the family, was reared amid the experiences of farm life, acquiring his preliminary education in the village schools, and in 18(39 removed to Granville, where he attended high school, subsequently being given the advantage of a four years' course of study in Denison University. Upon graduating from this institution he returned to his father's farm, where he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture until 1893, during which year he located in lvirkersville, where he established himself in the furniture and undertaking business, in which he has since been engaged. Through his energy and enterprise his has become one of the leading business concerns in the township.

On February 27, 1890, Mr. Larimore wedded Miss Sarah J. Taylor, a daughter of James and Lvdia (Bolby) Taylor, the former born February 27, 1822. Mrs. Larimore is one of a family of seven children, namely: Samuel W. ; George W. ; John, deceased; Lydia, who became the wife of 0. N. Penny, of Carthage, Missouri; Ella, the wife of Thomas Clumus, of Hebron, Ohio; Elizabeth, who resides with her husband, T. M. Rugg, in Newark, Ohio; and Sarah J.

Mr. Lari more's business interests have been attended with prosperity and in 1906 he erected a magnificent cement residence of nine rooms and of modern style of architecture. He has provided it with every convenience with which to make domestic life comfortable and happy and here it is his pleasure to spend his evenings amid the delights of the home circle. Politically he is a democrat and while lie is not an aspirant for public office he is a firm believer in the wisdom of the principles of his party and is invariably in evidence during campaigns, using his influence to the best advantage in order to secure the election of his candidates. Although his business affairs demand much of his time and attention yet he does not forget his religious obligations which he deems of greater import than the ordinary affairs of human life and attends divine services at the Baptist church, of which he is a liberal supporter. He takes an active part in the affairs of the Masonic order, being a member of Lodge No. 537, at Millersport, Ohio, and belongs to Lodge No. 587, I. 0. 0. F., of this place. Mr. Larimore is a man whose enterprising spirit has contributed much toward the commercial standing of the community and, his business relations being conducted on the basis of honesty, he is looked upon as one of the most reliable men in the vicinity, justly meriting the respect in which he is held as a representative citizen of the county.

Jesse W. Hursey

Jesse W. Hursey, clerk, of the courts at Newark to which position he was elected in 1906 for a second term, was born in Gratiot, Licking county, Ohio, April 20, 1862, his parents being Abram and Mary (Gordon) Ilursey, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. The father was a farmer bv occupation and for many years was a resident of this county, becoming prominent in this locality. ITe served as justice of the peace in his township and filled other official positions, the duties of which he discharged in prompt and capable manner.

The environment of Jesse W. Hursey in his boyhood days was that of the home farm and of the district school. In the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields and in the winter seasons pursued his education. Later he had the opportunity of attending the Hanover graded school while subsequently he became a student in the Normal College at Zanesville. For eleven years he engaged in teaching school and proved a capable educator, imparting concisely and readily to others the knowledge that he had obtained. In September, 1898, he came to Newark to fill the position of deputy clerk under 0. C. Larason, which position he filled for three years and in the fall of 1903 he was elected to his present position, assuming the duties in August, 1904. In the fall of 1906 be was reelected, being the only democrat on the county ticket elected at that time. However he was given a majority of nine hundred and eighty votes, a fact which is unmistakable evidence of his popularity and an equally strong endorsement of his service during his first term. He held the office of assessor of Hopewell township for two terms and his official record has always been creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents.

On the 27th of May, 1888, Mr. Hursey was married to Miss Laura Duncan, a native of Licking county, who died May 7, 1889. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Masons, the Modern Woodmen, the Eagles, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks, and he also belongs to the Kebekah lodge of Odd Fellows. He enjoys the respect of even his political opponents for they know that he is sincere and is loyal to his honest convictions. He exemplifies the fact expressed by Grover Cleveland that "a public office is a public trust" and it is well known that no trust reposed in Mr. Hursey has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree.

Harry H. Baird

Harry H. Baird, prominent in the financial and commercial circles of Pataskala, as cashier of the People's Banking Company and also as secretary of the Brooke Lumber Company, was born in Harrison township February 7, 1857, a son of Joseph and Margery (Fenell) Baird, his father having been a native of a town near Wheeling, West Virginia, and his mother of St. Clairsville, this state. They were united in marriage in Wheeling, West Virginia, and, having made the trip to this county in wagons, settled in Harrison township on a farm which was then woodland. Later Mr. Baird cleared this and spent his remaining days in the pursuit of agriculture, the farm containing three hundred and twenty acres situated a half mile from Pataskala. Prominent in religious circles, Joseph Baird was a deacon in the Presbyterian church and, being well known for his vocal attainments, was instructor and leader of the church choir and was also influential in the moral and spiritual life of the community. In his family were: Jane I)., widow of C. H. Elliott, of Pataskala; Frank, a resident of Irving, Kansas; Colonel

J. IU, deceased, a veteran of the Civil war wlio organized a company wliicli participated in that conflict, and was well known in the general merchandise business here; Joshua, who lost his life at Little Rock, Arkansas, while a soldier in the war; George, who passed awa}r in his fourth year; Joseph, deceased, who had been engaged in the general merchandise business here; William, who passed away in his twenty -fourth year; Charles, who is living in retirement in this city; and Harry H.

On his father's farm situated a half mile from Fataskala Harry II. Baird was reared and assisted in the duties of agricultural life until the year 1877, in the meantime acquiring his preliminary education at the schools of Pataskala and subsequently completing a course of study at Reynoldsburg Academy. After graduating from that institution he taught school for three years or so and upon giving up that profession he went into partnership with his brothers in general merchandising, the firm being known as Baird Brothers. In this enterprise he continued for eighteen years and when the People's Banking Company was organized in 11)01 lie was appointed cashier, at which time lie severed his business relations with his brothers to perform the duties of that office, in which he is still engaged. Among the other interests with which he is affiliated are the Brooke Lumber Company, being secretary of that organization, and the Farmers Telephone Company, organized in 1906, of which he is treasurer.

Mr. Baird wedded Jennie Y. Joseph, a native of this place, and a daughter of Jacob and Martha V. Joseph. Mrs. Baird and her father are both now deceased. Mr. Baird has always been a supporter of the republican party and has taken considerable interest in local affairs, having served three years as county commissioner -and is at present a member of the town council, to which he has belonged since the organization of that body at the incorporation of the town, twenty years ago. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church and, being a man of excellent -characteristics, whose business relations have always been conducted on the basis of honesty and whose industry and enterprise have contributed largely to the financial standing of Pataskala, he is justly numbered among its influential and worthy

Harvey Cooper Rider

Among those deserving mention for the part they are hiking in sustaining and developing the agricultural interests of this county is Harvey Cooperrider, -who operates a large farm in Newark township. He was born in Bowling Green township. Licking county, July 2, 1812, a son of Samuel and Dorcas (Spencer) Cooperrider. Ilis father, a native of Pennsylvania, came to this county with his parents when he was six years of age, locating in Bowling Green township, where his father spent his remaining days, actively engaged in the routine of farm life, and was laid to rest in Goodhope cemetery, Perry county. He was well known throughout the community for his industry and at the time of his death loft a six-hundred-acre farm, all of which is under cultivation and highly improved. Politically he was a strong supporter of the democratic party, being an able advo- cate of its principles, and aside from casting his vote for its candidates was always ready to use his influence in order to bring the wisdom of his party policies to the attention of voters. He was a man against whose reputation nothing harmful could be said as his life was largely in harmony with the principles of Christianity as set forth by the Lutheran church, of which he was a zealous member. His wife, also a native of Pennsylvania, was united in marriage in Perry county but died in Licking county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cooperrider were born ten children, namely: Austin, Eliza and Margaret, all deceased; Julia Ann, wife of Harvey Johnston, an agriculturist of Bowling Green township; Oliver, deceased; Harvey; Levi, deceased; Alvia, an agriculturist of Bowling Green township; and Henry and Louise, both deceased.

Harvey Cooperrider was educated in the district schools of Bowling Green townsiiip and remained at home until he was twenty-six years of age, when he farmed for himself for three years, at the expiration of which period he became associated with his brother Levi in the flour milling business at Glenford, Perry county, the two conducting this enterprise in partnership for fifteen years, when he disposed of his interests and returned to tilling the soil, in which he has since been engaged. His farm embraces one hundred and fifty acres, all of which is improved, his premises being provided with a modern dwelling house, a substantial barn and modern machinery with which to carry on farming. Here he engages in producing general crops, making a specialty of breeding Chester White hogs, all of his stock being thoroughbreds.

In 1868 Mr. Cooperrider was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Matherspaugh, a native of Franklin townsiiip, by whom he had three children: Orren Elsworth, who wedded Miss Laura Dean, and resides on a farm in Franklin township; Homer Allen, who married Captola Orr and lives in Franklin township ; and Florence Edward, deceased.

The principles of the democratic party have always appealed to Mr. Cooperrider and he has always voted the democratic ticket because he is firmly convinced of the fact that should its policies be put in vogue throughout the country the nation's prosperity would be greatly enhanced and its financial system placed upon a substantial foundation and thereby relieved from crises. He belongs to the Lutheran church, of which bis wife is also a member and as his life is in close touch with the principles of the faith he professes, he is a worthy citizen, not only because of his enterprise but also on account of his moral example.

Mbs. M. A. Wagnee

Mrs. M. A. Wagner, who has the distinction of being the oldest member now in the Homer Presbyterian church, is the widow of E. M. Wagner, who was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1827, and for many years was an enterprising and substantial farmer of Burlington township. He was a son of William and Christina (Beaver) Wagner, who were also natives of the Keystone state, and was one of a family of twelve children, four of whom survive, namely: William, Y. H. and Esther, residents of California; and John M., who resides in the state ol* Iowa. Mr. Wagner received his education in the district schools of his native county, where he worked on his father's farm until the year 1851, when he removed to this county and located in Burlington township. Upon his arrival he rented a farm which he cultivated for several years and then purchased land for himself which, during his days of activity, he highly improved, following general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising until he departed this life, November It), 1899, leaving his widow and one son, Daniel H., who now has the management of the farm. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Homer.

.Mrs. Wagner was a daughter of John W. and Mary Catherine (Hummel) Hoy, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and in the year 1851 removed to this county, where they lived until they departed this life. They reared a family of three children, namely: Sallie, deceased; John T., who resides in Muskingum county, Ohio ; and Mrs. M. A. Wagner. The last named resides on the farm which for many years was under cultivation by her husband. It embraces fifty-nine acre? and in every respect is highly improved, constituting one of the finest farms in the county. Throughout her life she has berm very dutiful in her domestic relations, and particularly as to the performance of her religious obligations, always having been a faithful attendant of the Presbyterian church. Her life has been well spent and she has always manifested those traits and qualities which are requisite to a high type of Christian character, and in her declining years can contemplate with gladness the dawning of the morning joy when will come the summons to call her to her eternal home.

William Youst

For upwards of half a century William Youst has been interested in the occupation of farming in this county, and during that time, through his energy and industry, has met with splendid success, being now the owner of a large tract of valuable and productive land, well improved. Here he has a comfortable residence, capacious barns and other outbuildings and the machinery necessary to conveniently carry on the farming work. Eighty years ago, on July 16. 1829, his birth occurred in Hampshire county, Virginia, where he resided until he was twenty-three years of age. During that time he acquired his education in the district schools and also labored at farm work, thereby acquiring that experience and proficiency which enabled him to progress step by step in agricultural lines until he placed himself in comfortable circumstances. When about the age of twenty-three years he removed to the state of Ohio and located in Knox county, remaining there for a period of two years or more, during which time he successfully operated a saw mill and also a grist mill.

These enterprises rewarded him in large measure for his toil, hut thinking that he might add to his prosperity in some other location, he removed to Licking county in the year 1855. Here he remained for five years, continuing his milling business, when he again changed his location and removed to Darke county, where he remained for upwards of four years, at the expiration of which time he had laid by considerable means. Upon returning to Licking county he invested a portion of his money in a farm situated west of Homer. Mr. Youst here engaged in general agricultural pursuits until the year 1883, when he had an offer for his property which would enable him to part with it at a profit and he sold the farm, after which he invested in the one hundred and twenty-five acres of land on which he is now living. Since making this purchase he has carried on general farming and engages in raising various kinds of grain. He has the entire tract under cultivation, and although his advanced age does not permit him to give to his farm the attention and energy of his youthful days - he is now eighty years old - yet he is still in good health and may be seen around his premises still performing general farm labor. Mr. Youst is in comfortable circumstances, and his success in life is due entirely to his own energies. He had little educational training to assist him, as he only attended the district school during the winter season, but his practical experience was broad and his enterprise, aggressiveness and excellent business judgment made up for deficiencies in other lines and enabled him to pursue the vocation of farming with splendid success, so that now he is able to take his leisure and enjoy the reward of his honest and unremitting toil.

On October 12, 1854, Mr. Youst was united in marriage with Miss Sarah C. Laramore, whose birth occurred in the state of Virginia in 1829. To this union were born eight children : Loren and Ella, both of whom are deceased ; John E., who resides in Knox county, Ohio; Charles, who resides in Homer; Lewis E., of Columbus, Ohio; Gertrude, wife of William Beever, of this county; R. F., in Homer ; and Joseph S., at home. Mrs. Youst departed this life August 22, 1901, and was laid to rest in the Homer cemetery. Her long years of faithful companionship and motherly regard have an abiding place in the thought of those whom she left behind and will ever cause them to mourn her departure. Mr. Youst is an adherent of the Presbyterian faith. In politics he gives his allegiance to the democratic party because after candid deliberation he considers its principles best adapted to insure the permanent peace and prosperity of the nation. He has always been held in profound respect as a citizen and has served the township faithfully for a number of years as a trustee.

James S. Orr

James S. Orr, who is engaged in general farming, having under cultivation a tract of land covering something over five hundred and fifty acres in Licking county, is a native of Bowling Green township, his birth having occurred July 22, 1843. Ilis parents were Benjamin and Eliza (I)ustheimer) Orr. The father, a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, located in Licking county at a very early date. Here he followed general agricultural lines with some attention to stockraising until his death, when he was interred near Linville. In politics he was always allied with the democratic party to the principles of which he had given a great deal of study, by which he was forced to the conclusion that their adoption by the government was the only feasible plan by which the country could avert panics and be assured of general prosperity. His wife was also a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, but they were united in marriage in Licking county, where she also died, her burial being in Fairmount cemetery. They were the parents of the following children : Enos, Charlotta, Jeremiah, Elizabeth, and Eliza, all of whom are deceased; William, who is in Wabash county, Indiana; Anthony, a prosperous farmer of Bowling Green township; Silas, who follows agricultural pursuits in Jersey township; George W., a successful farmer, residing in Franklin township; Sarah and Margaret, both of whom are deceased; Phoebe, who is the wife of N. S. Corsen, of Washington county, Indiana, and James S.

James S. Orr was born and reared on the farm in Bowling Green township, where during the winter season he pursued his studies in the district school, in the meantime engaging in the labors of the farm. After having passed through the successive grades he remained at home and devoted his entire time and attention to the work of the fields. When about twenty-six years of age he began to farm for himself and met with such splendid success that he soon became the owner of a five hundred and fifty acre tract of land, all of which is highly improved and submits to the highest class of cultivation. The premises are in excellent condition, being furnished with an attractive residence, capacious barns and numerous other buildings, all of which are evidences of his own labor and the results of his incessant toil. He engages in the production of wheat and oats in large measure and in raising general crops. In stock-raising he makes a specialty of sheep for which he has gained a wide reputation throughout the county. Although he has attained the age of sixty-six years, he still retains exceptional health and vigor and is active in participating in the general affairs of his business. He has always been inspired by enterprise and progressiveness and has sacrificed both leisure and comfort in order to make sure the way of success, which he is now realizing in his present substantial prosperity.

In the year 1867 Mr. Orr was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Burge and they are the parents of the following children: B. B., of Brownsville, Ohio; Laura, wife of John Redding, a farmer of Bowling Green township; Della, who was united in marriage with Nathan Mack of the same district; Zoa, wife of John Mack, whose farm adjoins that of his brother Nathan; Ammy, wife of Ernest Cooperrider, of Bowling Green township; Edith, at home; Burge; and Jess, who is engaged in farming in Bowling Green township. Mr. Orr is a democrat, not because he credulously follows others who have allied themselves with that party, but because of having given the principles of the party thorough study. He is held in high esteem throughout the community for his honesty, good judgment and executive ability and has served the community as township trustee and also as supervisor of roads. His wife is an adherent of the old Baptist church and genuine worth has gained them many friends.

Dr. J. N. Stone, a respected and honored representative of the medical fraternity in Newark, is a native son of Licking county, having first opened his eyes to the light of day within its borders June 1, 1861. Has father, Evan P. Stone, was a native of Georgetown, D. C.. and in 1843 arrived in Licking county. He en- gaged in merchandizing in various parts of the county and was an enterprising and successful business man who controlled important and prosperous interests. He married Lovina Morgan, a native of Muskingum county, and both are now deceased, the former passing away on the 17th of June, 1891, while the mother survived until 1907.

Dr. Stone was a pupil of the public schools of the county until he was graduated from the Hanover high school. He engaged in teaching when he was but fifteen years of age and at intervals followed that profession until he determined upon the practice of medicine as his life work and to this end began reading. He attended the Starling Medical College at Columbus and was graduated in 1892, after which he opened an office in Hanover where he continued in active practice until 1898. He then sought the opportunities of the city, and in a general practice here has met with excellent success, a liberal patronage being accorded him. Recognizing fully the responsibilities and obligations that devolve upon a physician, he faithfully performed his duties day by day and gained therefrom inspiration and strength for the labors of the succeeding day. He is competent to meet the highest demands made upon a general practitioner, for his reading has been wide and varied and he has continually studied along lines that assist in solving the intricate professional problems or bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life.

In 1892 Dr. Stone was married to Miss Hallie E. Welsh, a native of Muskingum county, and they have one daughter, Frances, who is now a high school student. Dr. Stone belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other associations. His friends find him a genial gentleman whose companionship they prize, while his work well merits the high regard which is uniformly given it.

David M. Geiger

Among the enterprises which have been largely influential in bringing prosperity to Licking county are the Hebron Flour Mills, of which David M. and Peter H. Geiger are proprietors. He was born in Union township December 5, 1859, a son of David and Nancy (Roads) Geiger, his ancestors having for many generations been identified with the farming interests of this section of the state, his grandparents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Houdeshell) Geiger, having come from Virginia with their parents and located in Fairfield county in childhood. They reared four sons and four daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity. This number included David Geiger, whose birth occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, near Pleasantville. He wedded Nancy Roads, a daughter of Abram and Annie (Beaver) Roads, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Geiger was a native of Licking county, where she spent her entire life and passed away in August, 1903, in her seventy-eighth year, having survived her husband twent}f-nine years, his death having occurred May 14, 1874, when he was fifty-two years of age. Mr. Geiger followed farming here all his days and at his death left three hundred acres of excellent land. In their family were ten children, namely: Jacob Melville, who passed away in his twelfth year ; Emily X., wife of Louis Ruffner, both of whom are residents of Fairfield county; Worthington R., an agriculturist of Union township; Clara M., who wedded David House, of Hebron ; Peter H., who also resides in that place ; Jesse E. 0., who has extensive farming interests in Union township ; David M. ; Lucy Melcina, a resident of Newark; Phoda A., who lives with her husband, D. E. Stewart, in Newark; and Theophilus S., an agriculturist of Union township.

On the home farm Mr. Geiger spent his boyhood days, occupied with the plowing, planting and harvesting from early spring until late fall and attending the neighboring schools during the short winter terms. Having acquired his education he made his first venture in the business world as a clerk in a meat market in Hebron, where he remained for two years, at the termination of which period he was apprenticed to a miller and after learning the trade purchased a half interest in the Hebron Flour Mills. From 1885 to 1891 he was in partnership with William Bebout, whose interest he subsequently purchased and became sole owner and proprietor of the enterprise but has since been joined by his brother Peter in the present firm relation. David Geiger is thoroughly familiar with the business, which is proving a successful venture. The mill is thoroughly equipped with modern appliances and has a complete roller process, the business being conducted on the general custom basis for toll or cash, and flour and feed is exchanged for grain. His excellent business judgment and careful management have enabled Mr. Geiger to greatly increase his volume of trade since he undertook full management of the concern, which is now one of the leading industries in this part of the state.

On July 2, 1890, Mr. Geiger wedded Miss Lily White, a daughter of Samuel and Ella White, natives of Union township, and the couple have since been living together in the enjoyment of domestic happiness. For about eight years, prior to her marriage Mis. Geiger was a teacher in the public schools of Hebron, and her efficiency in that profession was widely acknowledged. Unto this marriage two children were born: Mary Lois, in March, 1897; and Mildred Ruth, in July, 1903. Mr. Geiger has given his political support to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a man of marked industry who in all his business alfairs has displayed sound judgment and keen discrimination. Moreover he possesses a resolute spirit which enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

Eli A. Pratt

Macaulay has said that "the history of a country is best told in the lives of its people." History is no longer a record of wars and conquests but the tale of business development, commercial, industrial and agricultural progress, and the leading men of the community are not military leaders but those who control the veins and arteries of trade and traffic. Tn this connection Eli A. Pratt deserves mention as one of the representative farmers of Monroe township and a member of one of the oldest and most honored pioneer families. He was born August 27. 1858, and is a member of two of the earliest, most prominent and influential families of Licking county. Ilis father, John Pratt, was also born in Monroe town- ship near Johnstown. His son Eli now resides on the farm where his father spent most of his entire life, his death occurring on the old homestead in November, 1897, at an advanced age. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Louisa Crocker and her parents were among the first settlers of this part of the state. She, too, was born in Licking county, and her last days were spent on the old homestead farm, where she had lived from the time of her marriage. It was on the 1th of August, 1905, that she departed this life and her death was deeply regretted by many who had known and loved her. The grandfather, Major Eli Pratt, came to Licking county from Pennsylvania when a young man and was among the most active and influential residents of his day in developing the county and founding the institutions which have been creditable forces in its material, intellectual and moral development. As the years passed he was actively engaged in transforming the wild land into a rich and productive farm and both he and his son, John Pratt, became large landowners and extensive farmers. In their work they were progressive as well as practical and their labors resulted in making the Pratt homestead one of the fine farms of the county.

Eli A. Pratt was reared on the old home place and found employment there, being busily engaged with the work of the fields from his early youth. When the farm work was over for the year lie had the privilege of attending the country schools and he also continued his education in the schools of Johnstown. When twenty years of age he went west, imbued with a spirit which prompts many young men to leave home and learn something of life in other parts of the country. For two years he found employment with the farmers of Iowa and Illinois but, becoming convinced that there was no more desirable place of residence than Ohio, he returned to this state in December, 1879, and again engaged in farm work with his father. The lessons of diligence, industry and honesty which were early impressed upon his mind have borne fruit in later years, making him one of the prosperous and reliable agriculturists of the county.

On the 2d of August, 1885, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hursev, daughter of Simon and Charlotte (Bateson) Hursev, of Delaware county. Following his marriage Mr. Pratt began farming for himself, upon a tract of land which he purchased in Monroe township near the Delaware county line. There year after year he tilled the fields and harvested his crops, remaining upon that place until March, 1906, when he purchased from the heirs the old home farm, where his parents had so long resided and which thus again became the Pratt family homestead. Here he is now living with his family of four children, two sons and two daughters, John K., Benjamin H., Milley L. and Charlotta Louisa.

In addition to his extensive farming interests Mr. Pratt was engaged for three years, beginning in 1891, in the hay and grain business in Johnstown, and was an extensive buyer and shipper of farm products. He has also been for some years a large stock raiser and also a dealer in stock at certain seasons of the year, buying and shipping to the markets of this and other states. His business interests have become extensive and important and have been well managed. Tireless energy, keen perception and a genius for formulating and executing well devised plans, are salient characteristics in his business career and have proven elements in a success which is as honorable as it is gratifying.

History Of Llck1Ng County

In addition to his growing and prosperous interests, Mr. Pratt lias held to the opinion that public affairs demand a certain share of every man's time and attention and he has never been tardy in performing what lie considers a public duty. The work of general improvement and all movements calculated to promote the public good have ever found in him a suppoiter and cooperant factor. He has served the public as justice of the peace and as school director and in other public capacities and his aid in matters of general welfare is never sought in vain. He is a republican in politics and in 1900 he was census enumerator for liis township. He takes an active interest in promoting the growth and securing the success of his party, while frequently he serves as a delegate to county, district and state conventions. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, his membership being in their respective lodges in Johnstown. lie is emphatically a prominent man of the community and is not only active in business but has also been influential in promoting the best interests of all the people and contributing to public prosperity as well as to individual success.

Bernard J. Mattingly

Stock-raising and general farming command the attention of Bernard J. Mattingly in Jersey township, this county, where he has resided for a number of years. His birth occurred in Muskingum county, March 22, 1861. His parents were Christopher and Theresa (Durbin) Mattingly, his father, who was a son of James Mattingly of the state of Maryland, having gone to Muskingum county, in 1849. He made the trip from his native home in Maryland over the rugged mountain trails on horseback and when he arrived in Muskingum county he had little capital but possessed what was of far greater worth to him - a strong constitution and ambition to succeed. Being a man of sterling qualities and thoroughly honest, his ambition to succeed materialized, as is manifest from the fact that he is now probably the largest individual landowner in that county, not only possessing large farms there but at the same time owning a vast acreage in Knox and Licking counties. Upon coming to Ohio he earned his first money by rail-splitting but subsequently, through industry, honesty, frugality and perseverance, he won prosperity until he is now one of the most considerable financial factors in his county, lie is also well known through his contributions to public and private charities. He has reared, educated and comfortably established in life a large family, and among his children are: James, of Zanesville; the Rev. Jerome B. Mattingly, pastor of the Catholic church at Lancaster, Ohio; Ida, who became the wife of John McLaughlin, a farmer of Muskingum county: Dennis, also an agriculturist of that county, now residing on the old homestead of six hundred acres; Bernard J. : and Marv. deceased. The parents now reside near Zanesville, Ohio. Mrs. Mattinglv is a descendant of the Durbin family of Knox county, well known and prominent in the affairs of that county.

On his father's farm Bernard J. Mattinglv was reared and during his bovhood days engaged in agricultural duties, in the meantime attending the district school where he acquired his education. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, when he began farming for himself on the Baptist Durbin farm, the old homestead of his mother's people, located in Knox county, where he remained until the year 1889, when he removed to his present farm, where he has since devoted his time to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He has an excellent tract of land containing four hundred acres, and makes a specialty of buying and shipping cattle, sheep and hogs. He was formerly one of the largest shippers of stock to eastern markets from this locality and also made extensive shipments of hay and grain. His farm is highly improved, being provided with a modern home, a capacious barn and other buildings, is also well fenced and drained, and in every particular is one of the finest pieces of land in the county.

On August 10, 1886, Mr. Mattingly was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Sapp, a daughter of George and Delia Ann (White) Sapp, her father being a well known farmer of Knox county, while her mother departed this life several years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Mattingly were born: Christopher; George C. ; Mary Ann; Jerome F., deceased; Lucy; Theresa; Burnadette, deceased; and Grace Genevieve Mr. Mattingly is a democrat and takes a deep interest in the affairs of his party, always doing what he can by his influence during campaigns to secure the election of its candidates. He has served the township as trustee and has also officiated on the school board of Knox and Licking counties, but not being ambitious for public preferment he does not seek higher office as he wishes rather to devote his time to his private business affairs. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, meeting at Johnstown, and with the members of his family attends the Catholic church. He is held in high regard by all who know him and always favors every measure providing for public improvement and which, in his opinion, will in any degree promote the interests of the community. Mr. Mattingly has an ideal country home, permeated with refinement and culture, and his wife, who is a noble, Christian lady, is well known throughout the community for her charity and hospitality. In addition to his country residence he also owns considerable business property and a dwelling in Johnstown, the house being furnished and always ready for the reception of the members of his family when they desire to spend a few months in the city.

Milton Kelsey

The commercial interests of Hebron find a worthy representative in Milton Kelsey, who is now conducting an extensive business as a dealer in lumber and building material. He possesses strong purpose and indefatigable energy and these qualities enable him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. As he is widely recognized as a leading business man of the community, his record cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. He was born in I860, in Hebron, and has always remained a resident of the village, with the development and growth of which the name of Kelsey has been long inseparably connected. His father was Ira E. Kelsey, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. Milton Kelsey was reared under the parental roof and attended the public schools of Hebron, afterward spending three years in the state uni- versify. Starting out in business life, he worked for his father in the tile factory until 1891, when, owing to his father's death, he succeeded to the business, which he managed for three years. He then entered the shipping business as a dealer in hay and grain and continued in this field until the fall of 1908, his annual sales amounting to about one hundred and twenty thousand dollars, and recently he erected a storeroom. On retiring from the hay and grain business he became a dealer in lumber and building material and has since been thus identified with the commercial interests of his native town. In addition to his business interests in Hebron he owns fifty acres, constituting a good farm within the corporation limits of the village.

Mr. Kelsey was married in 1887 to Miss Mary Hutchison, of Basil, Ohio, who died leaving one son, Irving, who is with his father in business. For twenty years Mr. Kelsey remained a widower and then was married in 1908 to Mrs. Minnie Carlile Faller. In his fraternal relations he is connected with the Masonic Lodge of Hebron and with the Warren Chapter, R. A. M., at Newark. In politics he is independent and is also interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. He has served as a member of the village council and on the board of education. The same spirit of progressiveness characterizes his public service as is manifested in his control of his private business interests. Recognizing the fact that industry and diligence are the basis of all success, he has used those qualities in gaining the prosperity which he now enjoys. By the consensus of public opinion he is regarded as one of the leading business men and representative citizens of this part of the county.

Jurdon Patterson

For something over one hundred years the Patterson family has been identified with the agricultural and stock-raising interests of this county. Early in the nineteenth century his ancestors located in this region, being among the pioneer settlers who came into this section of the country when the land was in its primitive condition and, bravely meeting the hardships and privations of pioneer life, assisted in its cultivation until it was transformed into fertile fields. In those early days one could not come into that region and buy or rent a farm which stood in readiness for cultivation because most of the land was in its original state and had never felt the plowshare nor produced crops of waving grain. Timber and stony ground greeted the eyes of the first settlers and while the soil was good, yet, being overgrown with underbrush and in every respect in a rough state, it was only by hard and incessant labor that they were able to convert it into pleasant and fruitful fanning country. In was in Burlington township, on August 27, 1827, that the birth of Jurdon Patterson occurred. He was the son of Adam and Ann (Crow) Patterson and his father was born in Augusta county, Virginia, and his mother near Wheeling, West Virginia. In the year 1810 Adam Patterson emigrated to Licking county from his old home in Virginia and purchased a large tract of land which he cleared and put into condition for farming and upon which he lived and labored until he departed this life, in April, 1855, preceding his wife into that land from which no traveler returns by forty-five years. They reared a family of seven children, the following ones surviving: Matilda, wife of E. R. Moore; Cordelia, who was united in marriage with A. Householder, of this township; Addison; and Jurdon.

In his boyhood days Jurdon Patterson attended the district schools during the winter season and in the summer time assisted his father in his labors on the farm. He remained at home, engaging daily in agricultural pursuits, until he attained the age of twenty-eight years and about that time, his father retiring from active life, he rented the homestead which he cultivated for a period of ten years, during which time he was especially successful and succeeded in accumulating the means with which to purchase a farm for himself. He bought seventy acres of land in Burlington township, which he cultivated and upon which he lived until the year 1870, when he removed to the farm which he now has under cultivation. He has altogether two hundred and thirteen acres of excellent land. He is among the enterprising and progressive farmers of the county and through careful management and hard work has become a wealthy and prosperous husbandman and has also won the respect of the entire community.

In the year 1855 Mr. Patterson wedded Miss Ellen Folley, a native of the state of Virginia. To this union was born one daughter. His wife passed away in the year 1856 and Mr. Patterson, in 1861, was united in marriage with Mary A. Warner, of this county. They had two children, one of whom died in infancy. The other, Mary E., is the wife of L. L. Edman, who resides in Burlington township. Mrs. Patterson departed this life in 1863 and Mr. Patterson afterward wedded Eliza Stevens, who died January 20, 1867. Mr. Patterson next married Mrs. Amy Keckley, with whom he is now living. Mr. Patterson gives Iris political support to the democratic party in the principles of which he is a firm believer. He is a man of exceptional executive and administrative ability, as well as of keen business judgment, and has been called upon to serve the county in several responsible positions such as school director, county trustee and justice of the peace three terms. He has spent a long and useful life, being now in his eighty-second year, all of which time he has devoted to agricultural interests, and while he does not engage as actively in farming pursuits as in former days his health and vigor still permits him to attend to many farm duties although he prefers now to enjoy somewhat of the leisure and comfort with which his hard and earnest toil has generously rewarded him.

Peter H. Geiger

Peter H. Geiger, who for some time conducted a general store in Kirkersville, and subsequently engaged in general farming one mile north of Hebron but is now in paitnership with his brother David, operating the Hebron Flour mills, was born near Hebron, Licking county, November 14, 1854, a son of David and Nancy (Roads) Geiger. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Geiger, served in the war of 1812 and departed this life at Pleasant ville, this state. In the last named place, a small town of Fairfield county, David Geiger was born in 1822 while his wife's birth occurred in 18^5, in Union township, where they located after their marriage. There Mr. Geiger spent his remaining days, entering into rest May 14, 1874, his wife, who survived him by twenty-nine years, passing away in the year 1903. He followed agiicutural pursuits all his days on a farm containing three hundred and twenty-five acres and was well known throughout the community as an upright and industrious man. He was also a stanch democrat who was always enthusiastic in presenting the principles of his party. While he was not affiliated with any religious body he attended divine services with his wife who was a member of the Baptist church. Mrs. Geiger belonged to a family well known in this pait of the state as they came here in the early part of the century when much of the land was occupied bv the Indians. They were among the advance guards of civilization through whose energies the forest lands were cleared away and the ground made ready for cultivation. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Geiger were born ten children: Jacob M., who passed away in his twelfth year; Emily, who resides in Fairfield county, near Hebron; Worthington IL, who lives in Union township; Clara, the wife of David House, residing in Hebron ; Jesse E., who resides on the old homestead a mile and a half west of Hebron; David M., who is in partnership with his brother; Peter H., in the milling business; Theophilus F., who operates a farm situated in Union township a mile and a half south of Hebron; Millie, who resides with a sister in Newark; and Rhoda, the wife of Elmer Stewart, of Newark.

On the farm with his parents Peter II. Geiger was reared, becoming acquainted with the work of the fields under the supervision of his father and acquiring his education in the village school. He remained at home until he was nineteen years of age, at which time he went to Fairfield county, where lie remained for six years, cultivating thirty-five acres of land which he owned. At the expiration of that period, disposing of his property there, he invested in one hundred acres of land in Lawrence county, Tennessee, which he tilled for two years and then traded for a general store in Kirkersville. After conducting the business for the brief period of two months, he became dissatisfied with the enterprise and, disposing of his interests, purchased the farm in Fairfield county which he formerly owned, there spending six years. He next located on a farm one mile north of Hebron, where he tilled his fields for about eleven years, when he sold out and purchased an interest in the Hebron mills in 1903. In this enterprise he is in partnership with his brother David M., and the plant is one of the largest of the kind in this part of the county, being thoroughly equipped with modern machinery and the most advanced milling processes, the capacity of the mill being fifty barrels. Since associating himself with this enterprise Mr. Geiger, through his industry and business ability, has succeeded in adding largely to the volume of trade, which is gradually increasing so that the mill is among the most remuneiative industries of the township.

In 1880 Mr. Geiger wedded Rachael Parrish, who was born in Walnut township, Fairfield county, Ohio, October 14, 1856, and is a daughter of Alfred and Jemima (Parrish) Parrish. Mr. and Mrs. Geiger had three children; Gertrude, who entered into rest in her twenty-first year; and Perry G. and Frederick L., who reside with their parents. Mr. Geiger gives his support to the democratic party and although he dees not aspire to office and is not an active politician he is familiar with the political situations of the day and is sufficiently interested in his party as to use his influence as well as his vote during campaigns to secure the election of its candidates. He is a liberal supporter of the Baptist church, where he and his wife attend services and, being a man who is upright in all his dealings, endeavoring as nearly as possible to conduct himself in harmony with the teachings of his church, he is a most desirable citizen and is held in high favor as a business man throughout the county.

John P. Swisher

John P. Swisher, long prominent in agricultural circles of Union township, Licking county, is now living in retirement after a long life devoted to farming. He was born October 11, 1837, in Lima township, a son of Joseph and Dorothy (Houser) Swisher, his father having been a native of Virginia, while his mother was a native of Ohio. In their family were seven children, namely: Sarah, who became the wife of Oscar F. Wilson, of Columbus, Ohio; 0. Rhoda, who was united in marriage to Ebenezer Graham, and lives in Madison, Indiana; John P., our subject; Nancy, the wife of George Whitehead; Mary, a resident of Columbus, Ohio; Jacob Sennett, who lives in Colorado; and Stephen, who makes his home in Omaha.

On his father's farm in Lima township John P. Swisher spent his boyhood days, acquiring his preliminary education in the neighboring schools and subsequently taking a three years' course in the Columbus high school. After completing his studies he remained on the home farm until he was seventeen years of age, and then taught school for awhile, later serving as a clerk for about eight years, at the expiration of which time he commenced farming in Licking township. He began his agricultural life on a farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres which he had obtained from his father-in-law, and to which from time to time he added until he owned a magnificent place consisting of something over six hundred acres. He has since given his son and his son-in-law each a farm of one hundred acres, and sold to them the reservoir farm, and has retired from active life and removed to Hebron locating in an elegant new residence on Basin street, in which he still resides.

On March 4, 18G1, Mr. Swisher wedded Miss Sarah Green, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Green, born in 1839. They were the parents of two children, namely: Karev A., who resides in Millersport, Ohio, engaged with a Mr. Pence in the hay and grain business. He married Florence Stoolfire, a daughter of Charles Stoolfire, and they have one daughter, Louise; and Mary, who became the wife of George Stinson, of Utica, Ohio, and has had five children, two of whom survive, namely, Carl and Thelma. Mr. Swisher does not ally himself with any particular political party, as it has always been his opinion that one should vote for the candidate, after having duly considered his qualifications, rather than for party principles. Consequently he reserves the right to examine the ballots of the several political cults and mark his ticket independently. For forty-seven years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is an active worker and of which he has served as steward for some time. Being a man possessed of those qualities of character which add dignity to his person and command respect, he has been very influential in his community, endeavoring to live in obedience to the teachings of Christ, in whom he anchors his hope for a higher and better life. His industry and enterprise have not only been a benefit to him and his family, but also to the entire county, in the financial circles of which he figures prominently, being a stockholder in the Hebron Bank, the Park National Bank of Newark, and the Millcrsport Bank. He is favorably known throughout that entire region and enjoys both the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact.

No history of Johnstown would bo complete without extended and personal reference to McKindra 1). Shrader who is now the efficient and popular mayor of the city and is giving to Johnstown a practical, businesslike administration and is, moreover, well known through his connection with commercial interests here, being a dealer in hav, grain, live stock, vehicles and farm implements. A gentleman of determined spirit and progressive ideas, he carries forward to successful completion whatever lie undertakes, and it was through no wish on his part but as the result of a desire on the part of his fellow townsmen that he consented to become the chief executive officer.

Mr. Shrader was born in Liberty township. Licking county, February 1-1, 1860, and is a son of Eliud and Lucy (Wise) Shrader. In his boyhood days the father came from Pennsylvania to Ohio with his parents and was reared in this state. The mother was a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and spent her entire life here. Eliud Shrader followed the occupation of farming as a life work and his son. McKindra D. Shrader, remained upon the homestead farm until he was twenty-three years of age. His education was obtained in the district schools of the neighborhood, and when not busy with his text-books he gave his attention to the work of the fields, assisting in the cultivation of the crops from the time of early spring planting until after the harvests were gathered in the late autumn. He was married on the 18th of September, 1883, to Miss Alda Emerson, a daughter of Monroe and Charity (Platt) Emerson. Two children have been born of this union, Grace, now the wife of Ralph Hubbard, and Poe, who is engaged in clerical work.

For six years after his marriage Mr. Shrader engaged in farming in Liberty township and then put aside the work of the fields to become connected with the commercial interests of Johnstown. He became a dealer in hay, grain, vehicles, farm implements and live stock, and from 1895 until 1903 was engaged in the lumber, coal and live stock business at Alexandria, Licking county. While residing there he was called to public office, serving as clerk of St. Albans township for five years, and also as township trustee for two years. Since his removal to Johnstown he has engaged extensively in the hay. grain, live stock, vehicle and farm implement business and is reckoned among the largest and most successful dealers in his line. By energy and close application he has built up a profitable business. No matter in how much fantastic theorizing one may indulge as to the cause of suc- cess, a careful analysis will always reveal the fact that persistency of purpose and unremitting industry constitute the foundation upon which prosperity rests. Mr. Shrader's life history is another exemplification of this fact. With him a promise made or a pledge given has ever been regarded as a sacred obligation, and at all times his commercial integrity has stood as an unquestioned fact in his career.

While Mr. Shrader is preeminently a business man, his fellow townsmen recog* nized in him the qualities that make for efficient, faithful and progressive service in public office and, contrary to his ambitions and wishes, he was elected mayor of Johnstown in February, 1907. His administration is proving the wisdom of the people in selecting him as the head of the town government. In politics he lias always given his allegiance to the republican party and has ever been interested in its success, yet from no desire for office blit because he believes its principles are most conducive to the welfare of the state and nation. He is a member of the uniformed rank of the Knights of Pythias and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church with which he has been identified since fourteen years of age, and stands as a high type of the honorable and upright citizen, reliable and energetic business man and the faithful friend.

Fred B. Moreland

General agriculture and stock-raising have commanded the attention of Fred B. Moreland of Lima township for many years, although recently he has withdrawn somewhat from active life and is living in retirement. He was born near St. Louisville, in Newton township, Licking county, January 2, 1840, a son of Philip F. and Elizabeth (Wortham) Moreland, natives of Virginia. His grandparents were Bazel and Margaret (Foss) Moreland, the former a native of Maryland. They were united in marriage in Virginia, and came from that state to Ohio with a family of twelve children, all of whom were married and reared large families. Philip Moreland was born in 1815 and departed this life on the farm now in possession of his son, Fred B., in 1875, and his wife, bom March 13, 1819, is now residing with her children in this township. She was a daughter of Theodore and Martha (Burdette) Wortham, who came overland by wagon to Newton township, this county, subsequently settling in Lima township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Philip Moreland was a farmer all his life and he owned four hundred acres of land, to which lie had given sufficient attention to make it one of the most desirable in the township. In his family were four children, namely: Alonzo, who departed this life here October 1, 1908; Frederick B. ; Susan, wife of William Slain, of Lima township ; and Bun Moreland.

On his father's farm Fred B.. Moreland was reared, and during his boyhood acquired his education in the district schools. He was about ten years of age when his parents removed to Lima township and here he has since resided with the exception of four years spent in Knox county. He assisted in performing the duties of the home farm until he was united in marriage, at which period of his life he purchased ground for himself and engaged in agricultural pursuits independently. For many years he tilled an excellent farm containing one hundred acres, which ho disposed of in 1900 and at present he has a thirty acre farm, which is all he desires to care for since his sons have married and left home. He has followed general farming all his life in connection with stock-raising and in both has been quite successful, but in recent years, being in comfortable circumstances, he decided to give up active life for the most part and enjoy the fruits of his long season of toil in retirement.

On October 2, 1861, Mr. Moreland was united in marriage to Frances Reece, who was born in Granville township, October 21, 1843, a daughter of John and Judith (Jones) Reece, natives of Wales, who came to Granville at an early date with their parents, her maternal grandparents having been Thomas and Sarah Jones, who had ten children, one of whom was born in Wales. Mrs. Frances (Reece) Moreland lost her mother when she was six weeks old and when eight years of age she was sent to Lima township to live with her uncle, John C. Jones, with whom she remained for twelve years. To Mr. and Mrs. Moreland were born : Clement and Eva, twins, she having died in infancy and he at the age of forty years, leaving a widow and three children, Claudine, Ethel Lee and Elsie G. ; Elmer, of Columbia Center, who is married and has four children, Guv, Clair, Charles and Ned, while Theodore, the twin brother of Ned is deceased; Zona, who departed this life when nine years of age ; and Mary, wife of Frederick Lewis.

Mr. Moreland is a stalwart democrat, being loyal to his party, and a firm believer in its principles. For three terms he has served as township trustee, has been assessor of the township for ten consecutive years and has served as land appraiser. He is a man who, on account of his intelligence and executive ability, has been chosen to serve in a number of responsible positions, among them being that of a director of the County Infirmary, in which position he officiated for six years. Mr. Moreland is a man of marked personality, being thoughtful and well informed, and by his industry and public spirit has contributed much to the general welfare of the community in which he is held in high respect.

S. V. Rugg, proprietor of a general merchandise establishment in Outville, Harrison township, conducting the enterprise in partnership with his son Francis M., is a native of New Lexington, Perry county, born in October, 1847, and a son of Samuel and Nancy (Imel) Rugg. The father, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, passed away at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, while the mother, a native of Perry county, departed this life in Alexandria, this county, when in her seventy-second year. Samuel Rugg, who had been active in agricultural life here for many years, was living in retirement at Newark. Ohio, when his life's career was terminated. Tn his family were the following children: Nathaniel, who died in Newark in 1905: S. Y. ; Amy, the wife of Leslie Wise, of Columbus, Ohio; Elijah P., a merchant of Outville; Ephraim T., a resident of Newark, Ohio, where he is engaged in banking, the real-estate business and manufacturing; John 8., also of Newark; Katharine, a resident of Granville; Thomas, who lives in Newark ; and Ella, the wife of James A. Blank, of Newark.

S. V. Kugg remained on the home farm with his parents until he was twenty years of age, in the meantime pursuing his education in the neighboring schools and completing a course of study in the New Lexington high school. He afterward located in McCuneville and engaged in general merchandising with John Storer, the firm being known as Storer & Rugg. Continuing in that partnership for about five years, at the termination of that period, in company with his brother Nathaniel, he engaged in business in McCuneville under the name of Rugg & Brother for two years and in 1875 came to Outville, where he has since resided. He continued the business with his brother Nathaniel, and later another brother, Elijah P., was admitted to the partnership. They conducted a general merchandise store, dealing extensively in hardware and at the same time running a railroad agency for the Baltimore & Ohio and Pennsylvania Companies. The three brothers continued in partnership until 1900 when Nathaniel severed his relation with the firm and went to Newark to take a position in the county treasurer's office under his brother Ephraim T., who was elected head of that department of the city, and Elijah P. also withdrew from the firm and is engaged in business for himself, the enterprise of this place being now solely under the control of S. V. Rugg. In connection with dealing largely in hardware and other merchandise he also trades in vehicles and harness. Recently he associated with him his son Francis M. and the firm is now known as S. Y. Rugg & Son. Mr. Rugg owns the store building and the site upon which it stands and also two dwelling houses in Outville, one of which he rents, and he also has a fine farm of eighty acres located a mile and a half north of the town. He has been very successful in his business ventures and his industry and enterprise have made him one of the most influential commercial factors in the township.

In 1881 Mr. Rugg wedded Emma C. Alward, who was born near Granville, this county, a daughter of James and Martha Alward, and to this union have been born a son and two daughters: Francis M. wedded Isabelle Harrison, of Jersey, Ohio, and they have one child, Janice; Louise D. is the wife of Allen W. Smith, of Pataskala, and they have a son, Paul ; and Beatrice, a pupil in the Pataskala high school. In politics Mr. Rugg is a democrat but the pressure of business has been so great as to prevent him from taking an active interest in the affairs of his party, although he has always been loyal to its candidates and regularly casts his vote to secure their election. He is a man of keen business judgment, whose industry has given him a high place in the commercial circles of the town of which he is a leading business man.

Elijah P. Rugg

Elijah P. Rugg, long a prominent representative of commercial interests in Outville, was born September 21, 1852, in New Lexington, Perry county, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm until he was eighteen years of age, in the meantime availing himself of the educational advantages of the neighboring schools. At that period of his life he removed with his parents to a farm situated four miles north of Outville, in St. Albans township, later returning to his birthplace, where he attended the high school. After his graduation lie taught for four terms in Pickaway county, subsequently completing a course of study at the Pataskala high school, in which he later taught for two terms. He then spent one year on the farm, at the same time becoming interested in general merchandising with his brother in Outville. In 1898 they dissolved partnership and Elijah Rugg stinted in business for himself. His perseverance and enterprise have enabled him to acquire a large patronage and he has been so successful that his trade has enabled him to own the store he occupies and also an elegant residence. He is recognized throughout the township as an honest and reliable business man and it has been through his own exertions and untiring efforts, together with solicitation to please and accommodate his customers, that he has developed his present remunerative business, which plays a large part in the commercial welfare of the community.

In 1877 Mr. Rugg wedded Lois Nichols, a native of this county and a daughter of Leonard E. and Mary (Lewis) Nichols. Her mother, a native of Wales, was brought here in infancy bv her parents, who located in St. Albans township. To Mr. and Mrs. Rugg have been born three children, namely: Leona Leota. a stenographer for the McLaray Insurance Company of Columbus, Ohio; Edna Dell, the wife of Edward Rickley, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and Iola X., a pupil in the Pataskala high school. Mr. Rugg, like his brother, gives his allegiance to the democratic party and in local political affairs he has exerted considerable influence, his enthusiastic public spirit contributing much toward the improvement of the community in various directions. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee and an ardent supporter, and, his life being in close keeping with the teachings of his faith, he deserves the reputation of being one of the township's honorable and representative citizens.