Licking Township (part 39 of 42)

The Trippier family has long been represented in Licking county, and Miss Trippier, who is now conducting a general store in the village of St. Louisville, is a native of this county. Her parents were Joseph and Sarah Trippier, the former born in Portage, Ohio, and the latter in Licking county. The father came to the latter county at an early date and both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives here, Mrs. Trippier passing away in March, 1890, while Mr. Trippiers death occurred in 1899. In their family were seven children: Adaline, now the wife of James Brush, of this county ; Miss Ella M. Trippier, whose name introduces this review; Tina, the wife of John W. Miller, of Wood county, Ohio; Christopher, also living in Licking county; Clcmma, the wife of L. C. Franks, of Columbus, Franklin county ; Roxa, who lives with her sister Klla ; and Lawrence, who died, aged one year and four months.

Miss Trippier has always resided in Licking county, was educated in the public schools and is now well-known in connection with the business interests of St. Louisville, where she is conducting a well-appointed general store, carrying a large and carefully selected line of goods, so that her annual sales amount to between six and eight thousand dollars. She capably manages her interests and is a lady of widely acknowledged business ability. She holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and has many friends in the community who esteem her greatly for her many good traits of heart and mind.

Frank C. Os Burn

Frank C. Osburn, well known throughout Newark township, as a breeder of fine stock, particularly of hogs and Jersey cattle, was born in Franklin township, August 17, 1870, and descends from a family identified with the agricultural interests of this section of the state for more than a century, his grandfather, Lee Osburn, a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, having come to this county in 18*?8, locating in Franklin township on the farm on which the father of F. C. Osburn now resides, and later removing to Licking township, where he departed this life.

Among bis children was William I?., Osburn, who was born in Franklin township on his father's farm, where he resided until the year 188°, during which year lie removed to the farm on which his son, Frank C., now resides and on which he remained for fifteen years. At the expiration of that time lie returned to the old Osburn homestead, where he now lives. He has followed general farming all his life in connection with stock-raising, in both of which he is very successful. His wife who bore the maiden name of Anna E. Shannon, is a native of Madison township, this county, where she was united in marriage. She has become the mother of eight children, namely: Alice; Henry L., an agriculturist of Madison township: Frank C. : T. S., deceased : G. R. ; W. (\, a machinist residing in Licking township; Nellie R., wife of Pearl Schurtle, of Bowling Green township; and Anna.

The district schools of Franklin township afforded Frank U. Osburn his education and he remained on the home farm until he was twenty-nine years of age, in the meantime having made himself familiar with the work of the fields and stock-raising, particularly the latter. Leaving home he purchased his present farm, which consists of seventy-five acres of land, and here he has an excellent house and his farm is provided with the full round of buildings, all of a substantial character, lit' engages in producing a general line of crops hut makes a specialty of breeding stock, Jersey and Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep.

He keeps on hand an average of sixty head of Poland China hogs, all of which are thoroughbreds, among them being Ohio Chief and Highland Lad, the former being a son of old Chief Perfection, the king of Polands, while Highland Lad is a grandson of Chief Perfection and was bred from Ohio Chief by Link Gukins, of Disko, Indiana, one of the largest stock breeders in the United States. Mr. Osburn is quite well known as a breeder of Jersey cattle and owns Exile of St. Lambert, sired by old Exile. He has paid more attention to stock breeding than to any other department of his farm work and his experience in this line of work has made him a recognized authority throughout the county. He belongs to the National Poland China Register and the American Jersey Cattle .Club.

In 1900 Mr. Osburn wedded Miss Ora S. Boring, a resident of Franklin township, by whom he has had one daughter, Mary Margaret, who is four years of age. Politically Mr. Osburn does not ally himself with any particular party inasmuch as he has not yet found the principles of any cult on the whole meeting with his approval, and consequently he takes an independent stand, casting his vote for such candidates for political office as he adjudges possessed of personal qualities and political ability which in lvis judgment will enable them to perform the duties of public office to the best advantage of the commonwealth. In local matters he has taken considerable interest and has been called upon by his fellow townsmen to perform the duties of road supervisor. He does not allow the pressure of business affairs to monopolize the time he should devote to his religious obligations. He and his wife are faithful members of St. Johns Lutheran church, of which he is an elder. Mr. Osburn is one of the most prosperous agriculturists of this part of the county, taking great pride in his farm and also in his home, which he has equipped with every convenience for comfort including a telephone. Upright in all his dealings and maintaining a position above reproach, he is held in high esteem by his neighbors and is accounted among the worthy citizens of the community.

William Cheek

William Cheek, a practical, progressive farmer of Monroe township and a public-spirited citizen, was born July 20, 18+9, in Jersey township, Licking county, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Smith) Cheek, who came to Ohio from the state of Virginia when young people. The father was a farmer by occupation and devoted his life to tilling the soil for the benefit of his family.

William Cheek was reared upon the old homestead farm and through the winter months attended the district schools of the township, while in the periods of vacation he worked in the fields. Practical training well qualified him for the same line of work when he attained manhood and lessons of thrift, economy and integrity were early impressed upon his mind. Following his marriage he began farming for himself in Monroe township and carried on general agricultural pursuits, also dealing in live stock, until 1887, when the family removed to Columbus, Ohio, where Mr. Cheek engaged in real-estate business. He remained a resident of the capital city six years, or until 1893, when he removed to the farm in Monroe township, where he has since resided with his family. In addition to tilling the soil he has been a successful stock-dealer nearly thirty years and is one of the best known and most extensive stock-dealers in this section of the state. In all of his business transactions his judgment and integrity are above question. He has been a large buyer both for the local markets of Columbus and also for shipment to the markets of other cities outside the state.

On the 29th of August, 1872, Mr. Cheek was married to Miss Elmira A. Ross, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Beem) Ross. Her father came to Licking county from Pennsylvania when a young man, while the mother was a native of Jersey township, this county. Mrs. Cheek here spent her girlhood days and has a wide acquaintance. Unto this marriage have been born eleven children : Ross; Stella M., the widow of William Seeds of Columbus by whom she had four children - Florence, Raymond, William, and Elsie - Mr. Seeds dying in May, 1904 ; Iva, the wife of Ethan Allen, of New York ; Mott ; Lester ; Lillie, now the wife of Edgar Welch, of New Holland, Ohio: Pansy, the wife of Carl Stanford, a resident of Columbus, Ohio ; Clinton : Bessie ; Grover C. ; and Frances.

Mr. Cheek takes a keen interest in public affairs and is an intelligent, broadminded man, who has done much to promote public improvement and to advance the educational conditions of his locality. He was an influential member of the school board for a number of years and loyally advocated progress and improvement in educational lines. He is a member of Johnstown Lodge, K. P., and is prominent in local ranks of the democracy, frequently representing Monroe township in county, district and state conventions. Moreover, he maintains an unsullied reputation for honesty and fair dealing in all business transactions and, believing that success may crown the efforts of every individual, he has labored diligently to attain his present enviable and creditable position in agricultural circles.

Rufus F. Wright

Rufus F. Wright, a prosperous farmer of St. Albans township, represents an honored and patriotic family, his grandfather, Simeon Wright, having served as a major in the war of 1812 and his great-grandfather, Robert Wright, in the Colonial army, during the Revolutionary war. The latter, in those perilous times, in order to protect his wife and family from the Indians, hid his wife and three children in a hollow tree and three children under his cabin floor. The Indians, discovering the latter, took their lives and burned the cabin, while the other three children together with his wife escaped the cruelty of the savages. Incensed bv the fiendish work of the Indians, Robert Wright vowed that he would kill every Indian he could and, faithful to his oath, he succeeded in taking the lives of twelve before he passed away in Licking county, at the age of ninety-seven years.

Simeon Wright, one of those who had been concealed in the hollow tree, in company with his family, located on Raccoon Creek, Licking county, in the year 1819. There he followed farming until he was sixty-three years old, at which age he lost his life in a runaway accident. Ilis son, Hiram Wright, father of

Rufus F. Wright, was born in Rutland, Vermont, July 25, 1803, and when sixteen years of age accompanied his parents to this county, settling in St. Albans township, where he was united in marriage to Eliza Blood, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, where her birth occurred in January, 1803, her family settling in this township in the year 1821. Following his marriage Hiram Wright settled in Monroe township but upon the deatli of his father he returned to St. Albans, where he resided until the year 1870, when he removed to Champaign county, Illinois, settling near Mahomet, in which place he departed this life in August, 1889, his wife surviving him but a few months. They reared the following children: Sarah, deceased; Elizabeth; Mary; Lueien ; Rufus F. ; Robert; Charles, deceased; and Theodore.

Near Johnstown, Monroe township. Licking county, Rufus F. Wright was born April 7, 1835, and when four years of age, accompanied his parents to St. Albans township, where, excepting one year, he has since resided, devoting himself to agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with remarkable success. In Alexandria, Ohio, on March 26, 1857, he wedded Miss Harriet Elizabeth Lyman, a daughter of Abner and Betsey (Hubbard) Lyman, her father a native of Onondaga county, New York, where he was born on November 1, 1811, and from which place, at the age of six years, lie was taken by his parents to Hardin county, Kentucky, and from there, in the year 1820, to Louisville, Kentucky, from which place, in 1825, he drove an ox-team to this county and settled in St. Albans township. At that time he had but fifty cents and a few bed clothes. He was employed as a farm hand until the year 1830, when he purchased forty acres of land in St. Albans township, in the cultivation of which he was quite successful and attained prosperity. On July 10, 1836, he married Miss Hubbard, and they had four children, namely: Harriet Elizabeth; Horace C. ; Sarah F. ; and Joseph A., who lost his life in the battle of Ringgold, Georgia. Mr. Lyman died in Alexandria, Ohio, January 24, 1885, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a pioneer member of the Methodist church here, with which he became identified in the year 1848. His wife, a native of Rutland, Y7ermont, where her birth occurred September 30, 1815, spent most of her life in this county, her parents having settled in Granville township when she was four years of age, later removing to Lock, Knox county, where she was married, upon which she removed to St. Albans township, where she died December 24, 1883.

With the exception of about a year and a half spent in Morrow county, Rufus F. Wright has always resided here with Iris wife and they have the following children: Lyman Wright, who wedded Miss Mary B. Stinson on the 24th of October, 1878, has three children: Rufus S., who wedded Miss Hattie Eager, of St. Albans township, and has one child, Ida Louise; Gwen Ethel, the wife of Fred E. Hammond, by whom she has one child, Achsah ; and Sarah Elizabeth. S. Ida, the second child of Rufus F. Wright, married L. D. Rogers, A. M., M. D., L. L. D., of Chicago, Illinois, who founded the Chicago Baptist Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the west. In 1891 he likewise founded the National Medical University, which in 1906 had four hundred and twenty-five students. Dr. Rogers' official connection with the institution at the present time being that of dean and vice president. He is also editor of The People's Health Journal and the Chicago Night University Bulletin: author of "Su rgical Cleanliness," "Homeopathy Ex- plainedv and "Rogers Homeopathic Guide;" and surgeon to the Cook County Hospital of Chicago. He belongs to the American Institute of Homeopathy, the Illinois Homeopathic Association and the Homeopathic Society of Chicago. Mrs. Rogers is also a practicing physician, she and her husband having founded the Emergency hospital and college in Chicago, where they have been following the profession for twenty-four years. Both are graduates of Denison Univei>ity and Mrs. Rogers has three diplomas which she received respectively in Berlin, London and Vienna, aside from those which she received in this country. Dr. Rogers and his wife have three children, namely: Lyman W., Rufus Boynton and Rose Elizabeth. The third child of Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Frederick J., was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Levering, of Morrow county, by whom he has three children, namely: Roy, Ellis J. and Forest.

Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has officiated in many important stations and to which he has given generously. He is a stanch republican and for forty-six years has been affiliated with the Masonic order, in which he has held various chairs. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres and is neat and attractive, its well-kept appearance evidencing the care and energy of its owner. Mr. Wright retired from active farm life in 1883 and purchased a residence in Alexandria, which he remodeled and made one of the finest dwelling houses in the town.

Jacob Smoke

Jacob Smoke, a life-long resident of Etna township, where he engages in agriculture and stock-raising, was born February 11, 1844, on a farm situated one mile south of Etna village, and is a descendant of a pioneer family of this part of the state, his grandparents having located here in the early days and were among those to whom the present generation are indebted for the broad, fertile acres of this county. Dennis Smoke, his father, was born in Ohio and during his boyhood days assisted his father in cutting away the timber preparatory to putting the land under cultivation, and at the time of his death, through his perseverance and industry, he was the owner of three hundred and forty acres of land, all in one tract and all highly improved and productive. He married Elizabeth Hauser, who was a native of Switzerland, and they had eleven children, namely: Isaac, a resident of Columbus, Ohio: John, who lives in Harrison township; Elizabeth, widow of Daniel Showers, of Etna; Henry, deceased; Mrs. Margaret Mazeland, and Mrs. Maria Brock, both deceased ; Xancy, who met death in childhood by turning somersaults; Dennis and Mrs. Laura Jane Brock, deceased; Jacob; and Katharine, widow of Daniel Goode, a resident of the village of Etna.

Jacob Smoke resided on the home place until his marriage, in the meantime assisting his father in the duties of the farm and acquiring his education in the neighboring schools, and at that period of his life, desirous of becoming independent, he removed to another farm which he occupied for some time. Subsequently be went to a farm near Baltimore. Fairfield county, where he remained until 1873, during which year he purchased the farm on which he now resides.

and here he has since lived with the exception of six years which he spent on a tract of land near Kirkersville, Ohio, which he had rented. His farm contains eighty acres located two and onc-half miles southwest of Kirkersville and at the time he took possession all, with the exception of twenty acres, was a mass of thick timber which he has since cleared away, so that the entire tract is now under cultivation. His farm is provided with substantial, modern buildings, all of which he constructed himself, and all necessary care and attention having been given to the land, his farm is now one of the most productive in this part of the county. He devotes his attention to general agriculture and stock-raising, buying and shipping on a small scale.

In I860 Mr. Smoke wedded Miss Rachel Blosser, a daughter of John Blosser, a well known agriculturist of Fairfield county. She was born in Fairfield county, October 31, 1844, and her death occurred fhere on January 31, 1871. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Smoke are: Silas, a resident of this township; Clara, the wife of William Mauger, of Granville township; and Arvillali Luella, who resides with her husband, John Waggoner, in Columbus, Ohio. On March 31, 1872; Mr. Smoke was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Sands, a native of Baltimore, Fairfield county, Ohio, born May 5, 1853, and to this union were born : Zella ; Chloe, wife of Ora Snyder, of Fairfield county : Arley Sylvester, who was born May 4, 1880, and died October 31, 1898; Harvey Lester, who resides with his parents; Vernon Sylvano, who resides in Etna township: and Harry Galveston, at home.

Mr. Smoke is a stanch democrat and on many occasions he has been called upon to become a candidate for local political offices but has repeatedly declined, at the same time, however, being interested in the welfare of the community and always ready and willing to further measures purposed for its betterment. He belongs to the Evangelical church of Etna township, in which he is an active worker and a member of the board of trustees.

Perry Munson Ashbrook

The name of Perry Munson Ashbrook is found on the list of the successful business men of Alexandria and this part of the county. He is conducting a growing trade as a hay and grain merchant and also as a shipper of live-stock and, moreover, is known in financial circles as one of the directors of the Alexandria Bank Company. One of the county's native sons, his birth occurred near Johnstown, March 26, 1873. He traces his ancestry back to Eli Ashbrook, his greatgrandfather, who settled near Johnstown about 1810 and spent the remainder of his life on a farm there, devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits. He was also a local preacher of the old-school Baptist church. His family numbered fourteen children, twelve of whom reached years of maturity. This family included Hiram Ashbrook, who was born on the old homestead farm near Johnstown and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Sarah Ann Jewett, also a native of the same locality. They began their domestic life on a farm in the neighborhood and there lived until 1876, when they removed to Pataskala. In his farming operations Hiram Ashbrook had prospered and had become the ownei of a valuable tract of land of three hundred acres, which is still in possession of the family. He died in Pataskala in September, 1879, at the age of fifty-nine years, while his widow survived him -for more than thirteen years and passed away January 20, 1893, at the age of seventy-two years, six months and four days. Their family numbered six children: Albert, who died at the age of seven years:

Hiram Munson ; Mrs. Helen Clark, who is a resident of Marshalltown, Iowa : Omer D., who also lives in Marshalltown; Alice, who died unmarried; and Minnie D., who likewise resides in Marshalltown.

Hiram Munson Ashbrook, father of Perry M. Ashbrook, was born near Johnstown, May 18, 1850, and was reared to the occupation of farming, which pursuit he chose as a life work. He always carried on the task of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops but did not confine his efforts to this line alone, for he became well known as a stock dealer and in fact conducted a most extensive business of that character. He handled one hundred thousand dollars worth of stock in 1890 and likewise conducted a profitable business as a wool buyer and dealer in hay and grain. He carried on general farming until 1880, when he began dealing in stock and later extended his efforts to other lines. About three months prior to his death he became the owner of an elevator at Johnstown. He passed away in December, 1891, but is still survived by his widow, who was born September 20, 1849, and now resides on the old home farm a mile east of Johnstown. In polities he was a stanch republican and was a citizen of sterling worth, interested in all that pertained to the welfare and progress of the community, while his active support of progressive public movements constituted an element in the city's growth. His widow is a daughter of William Bishop, who came from New Jersey to this county in 1826, when eight years of age, with his parents. His father died immediately after arriving here, his death being occasioned by smallpox. William Bishop still resides in this county about a mile east of Johnstown and is yet enjoying good health, although now ninety years of age. His daughter, Anna M., became the wife of Hiram Ashbrook and, still surviving, resides on the old home farm east of Johnstown. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children. Perry M. is the eldest. Charles Albert, who was a farmer near Johnstown, died May 5, 1908, at the age of thirty-four years, leaving a widow and six children. Hector Dean is engaged in the hay and grain business and also has an elevator at Johnstown but makes his home in Pataskala. Mary Alice became the wife of J. Clyde Montgomery and died February 2, 1906, leaving one child. Abbie Estelle died December 28, 1905. Byron W. is a farmer living in Johnstown, and Alva H., is a railroad brakesman living in Columbus.

Perry Munson Ashbrook spent his entire life in Licking county and continued on the home farm with his mother until he was twenty-four years of age. The district schools afforded him his early educational privileges and later he was a student in the Johnstown high school for a short time. He spent one year in Johnstown engaged in the hay and grain business, entering the employ of J. R. Alsdorf as a clerk in October, 1897. In October, 1898, he came to Alexandria and established a hay and grain business on his own account. He is also engaged in shipping live-stock and owns a grain elevator and hay storage. In 1907 he shipped over three hundred carloads of farm products and is conducting an extensive business, his interests proving an excellent market for the farmers and stock-raisers of the surrounding district. His capably managed interests are bringing to him prosperity and his financial resources are annually increasing. He is now a director and stockholder in the Alexandria Bank Company, with which he has been connected since its organization.

On the 23d of June, 1897, Mr. Ashbrook was married to Miss Bertha A. Davidson, who was born near Croton, Ohio, September 11, 1877, and is a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Graham) Davidson, who are still living near Croton. Mr. and Mrs. Ashbrook became the parents of three children but lost their first born, Paul M., in infancy. The others are : Gordon G., born August 23, 1901; and Allen D., born February IS, 1905. The parents are prominent socially and have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances. Mr. Ashbrook belongs to the Knights of Pythias, to the Methodist Episcopal church and is an advocate of the prohibition party. These associations indicate much of the character of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. He is active in support of the temperance cause and is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral development of the community. His own life is upright in its varied relations and his unquestioned integrity has made his word as good as any bond solemnized by signature or seal. He is a worthy and prominent representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of the county and justly merits the high esteem in which he is uniformly held.

Sylvester L. Bush

A well improved farm in Monroe township is the property of Sylvester L. Bush, who is diligent and industrious in his management and control of the place. He was born September 20, 1859, in the county which is still his home, his parents being Noah and Eliza (Longwell) Bush, who are mentioned on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of their son, Wesley Bush. From pioneer times the Bush family has been identified with the agricultural development of the county and Sylvester L. Bush was reared on his father's farm, assisting in its work from early boyhood until twenty-six years of age. During that period he gained intimate knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and marketing his crops. He was educated in the country schools of the township and while no events of exciting interest occurred in his youth, he laid the foundation for an honorable and upright manhood and for business activity and enterprise.

. After starting out on life's journey Mr. Bush chose a companion and helpmate, being married on the 15th of October, 1885, to Miss Florence Dague, a daughter of George and Harriet (Beecher) Dague. The father was a prominent and well-known farmer of Franklin county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bush have been born three children: Leota, who is the wife of Rolland Ravinna, of Johnstown : Russell ; and Clinton.

Subsequent to his marriage Sylvester L. Bush began farming on his own account, taking up his abode on a part of the old homestead and within a short distance of the dwelling in which lie had been born and reared. He still resides on this place and now has an excellent farm, well-improved with a comfortable, modern dwelling, large barn and ample outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He raises good grades of cattle, horses and hogs and his place is well cultivated, the fields annually returning to him golden harvests for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He is continually studying to improve his farm methods and keeps in touch with the general trend of progress which has characterized agricultural life in the last half century. Aside from business interests Mr. Bush deserves to be classed with the representative citizens of the community, for he is a puhlic-spirited man, interested in all that pertains to the general progress. He is an advocate of good roads and of all public improvements, is a stalwart champion of the cause of education and is equally loyal in his support of measures pertaining to the moral development of the community. He gives Ins political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Freewill Baptist church.

F. M. Brooks, who for many years was actively and successfully identified with the farming and stock-raising interests of this county, is now living retired on his excellent farm of two hundred and fifty acres in McKean township. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Licking county, his birth having occurred in McKean township on the 30th of October, 1835. His parents, Martin and Lucy (Blanchard) Brooks, who were natives of Maine and Vermont respectively, took up their abode in this county in the year 1820. The father here purchased a tract of land and continued a resident of the county until 1859, which year witnessed his removal to Missouri, where his remaining days were passed. The mother's death, however, occurred in Licking county. Of their family of six children only two survive, the sister of our subject being Amanda, a resident of this county.

In the acquirement of an education F. M. Brooks attended the public schools and when he had attained his majority he purchased the farm of two hundred and fifty acres in McKean township, on which he has since made his home. As the years went by he placed many substantial improvements on the property and in addition to the cultivation of the fields he made a specialty of raising and feeding stock of various kinds, both branches of his business proving remunerative by reason of his well directed energy and capable management. When he had acquired a comfortable competence he put aside the active work of the fields and is now living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, being well-known and highly-esteemed as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the community. There are four gas wells on his property.

Mr. Brooks has been married twice. On the 25th of December, 1856. he wedded M iss Hannah Wilson, a native of Licking county and a daughter of Samuel and Angeline (Peasley) Wilson, whose family numbered three children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were natives of the state of New York, but became residents of this county at an early day, and here continued to make their home until called to their final rest. By his marriage to Miss Hannah Wilson, Mr. Brooks had eight children, namely: Lucy, who is the widow of William Farris and makes her home in Preble county, Ohio; Angeline, the wife of William Lake, of Licking county; Atta, the wife of Charles Jones, of this county; Wilson, who is also a resident of this county; Nancy, who is the widow of B. Scales and resides in Licking county; Oscar, who is deceased; and John and Samuel, both of Licking county. The mother of these children passed away on the 2d of May, 1876, and on the 17th of June, 1877, Mr. Brooks was again married, his second union being with a sister of his first wife. Unto them have been born three children, as follows: F. D., who is on the home farm, born January 16, 1879; Mabel G., horn July 25, 1882, the wife of C. J. Tatliam, of Guernsey county, Ohio; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Brooks also has twenty-one grandchildren.

In his political views Mr. Brooks has always been a stalwart democrat and has capably served as treasurer and trustee of his township. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 350, at Granville, in which he has filled all of the chairs. Having made his home here for almost three-fourths of a century, Mr. Brooks has most intimate knowledge of the history of Licking county and especially of McKean township, and it is with pleasure that we present his record to our readers. He has seen the wild prairie land converted into rich farms, roads laid out, the streams bridged, and churches and schools built until the county today bears little resemblance to the district in which his boyhood was passed, for then the settlers had to endure many of the hardships incident to pioneer life. His friends in the community are many and the fact that a large number of them have known him from his boyhood days to the present is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright career.

Charles V. Armstrong

Charles V. Armstrong is cashier of the Johnstown Bank, which is the oldest banking institution of this city, and throughout the entire period of his connection with financial interests here he has borne an unsullied reputation while his concentration of purpose, his close application and his unwearied industry have carried the bank forward to its present commendable place in the business world, bearing important relation to the public interest. Honored and respected by all who know him, and most of all where he is best known, Charles Y. Armstrong may justly be classed with the representative residents of Licking county. He is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Cardington on the 5th of June, 1852. His parents were John and Caroline (Van Dorn) Armstrong. The father was a prominent farmer and the son was reared upon the homestead farm, assisting in the various tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, from the time of early spring planting until crops are gathered in the late autumn. His preliminary education was acquired in the district schools and supplemented by two years' study in the Columbus high school. He also attended a commercial school in Cleveland, and was thus trained in business methods, afterward becoming a bookkeeper in the Central Bank of Columbus, where he remained five years. He resigned his position in the bank to engage in farming, and for five years devoted liis energies to general agricultural pursuits. The need of a bank in Johnstown became apparent and in November, 1883, Mr. Armstrong became associated with Messrs. Derthick, Buxton & Kasson in the organization of the Johnstown Bank. He was then chosen cashier and has continuously filled this position, the success of the institution being attributable in large measure to his efforts and industry. This was the pioneer bank of Johnstown and as such has had much to do with the education of the people in the matter and methods of banking business. One year after the organization of the bank Mr. Armstrong became a partner and following the retirement of Mr. Kasson the firm name became Derthick, Buxton & Armstrong. This continued until 1897, when Mr. Derthick died. Mr. Buxton and Mr. Armstrong remained as partners, conducting the bank under the original name. It is today one of the strong financial institutions of the county and the broad experience of Mr. Armstrong combined with his reliability and enterprise have been leading factors in its success.

On the 22d of February, 1882, Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Mary M. Beattie, a daughter of John and Lamatta (Van Dorn) Beattie, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and they are well known in Johnstown, occupying an enviable place in the social circles of the city. Mr. Armstrong is a public-spirited man, manifesting deep interest in community affairs and is now serving as a member of the town board, while for a number of years he was a member of the board of education. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, which finds in him a stalwart champion. Few men are more prominent or more widely knowm in the enterprising city of Johnstown than Mr. Armstrong. He has been an important factor in its business circles and his prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating industry and energy that never flags. Efforts to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community receive his endorsement and his hearty cooperation.

John W. Moore

The free and independent life of the farm has elicited the energies of many men who have tilled the soil to their advantage, among whom is John W. Moore, an agriculturist of Harrison township, this county, his birth having occurred in Newark, January 10, 1846. He is a son of William and Katherine (Taylor) Moore, natives of England, the father having been born in Yorkshire, in May, 1815, and the mother on March 18, 1814, he having come to Newark with his brother, John B. Moore, when he was in his sixteenth year. By trade he was a plasterer and followed contract work for a number of years in partnership w ith Jesse Hoover. His mother came to this country with her brother, Andrew Taylor, and departed this life in Newark October 25, 1900, when in her eighty-fifth year. They had two children: Frances, deceased; and John W.

Until he was nine years of age John W. Moore resided in Newark, Ohio, where ship, this county. He lost his father six months after their arrival and there, excepting the time he spent in the army, he resided, taking care of the farm until he attended school and later removed with his family to a farm in Mary Ann town- lie was twenty-one years of age, when he enlisted on May 2, 1864, in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Legg, and was honorably discharged September 5, 1864. After the war he located in Madison township and, after a residence of three years there, returned to Newark, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick for three years, at the expiration of which time he gave up the enterprise and located on a farm in Union township and then in Harrison, where he has lived and has continued since 1879. His farm contains sixty-three acres located on the Lancaster road about one mile south of Kirkersville and he also owns an eighty acre farm situated about one mile east of that place, both farms being under a high state of cultivation and provided with all necessary means with which to pursue agriculture. In addition to doing a general farming business, producing hay and the various kinds of grain, he is also interested in stock-raising to some extent and deals lightly in cattle and sheep.

Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Olive Young, a native of this county and a daughter of David Young, and by her he had one daughter, Fannie, who resides in Newark. On October 10, 1871, he wedded Margaret M. Sumerville, a native of Brookville, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, where her nativity occurred December 30, 1846, and a daughter of James and Nancy (Caldwell) Sumerville, natives of Ireland, Miss Sumerville having come to this country alone. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have the following children : Mary Isabelle, wife of Sherman Rees, of Union township; William, who resides in Montana; Margaret, who became the wife of William McGregor, the couple residing in Monongahela city, Washington county, Pennsylvania ; and John AV., who is at home with his parents. Politically Mr. Moore lias always been affiliated with the republican party, by reason of the fact that after duly considering its principles he believes them to contain those protective policies by which the prosperity of the country may be maintained and its financial conditions enhanced and consequently, during campaigns he is always in evidence to do what he can in securing the election of its candidates. He belongs to Millersport Lodge, A. F. & A. M., meeting at Millersport, and is a member of Fletcher's Chapel, Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee and, being a man of noble, Christian character and one whose life has always reflected the goodness of the faith he holds, his example has always been such as to add to the moral and spiritual betterment of the community.

Jacob M. Friddle

Johnstown has high regard for Jacob M. Friddle, one of its active, energetic business men, now conducting an insurance and real-estate office. He is, moreover, one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Monroe township, December 20, 1861. His parents, Nimrod and Harriet (Huffman) Friddle, were both residents here for many years. The father came to Ohio from Virginia, while the mother was born in Knox county, this state. The year 1840 witnessed the arrival of Nimrod Friddle in Licking county, where he had turned his attention to fanning, owning and cultivating a good tract of land, which constituted the homestead upon which his son Jacob M. was reared. The latter early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was educated in the district schools until he had mastered the elementary branches of learning, while later he attended the public schools of Johnstown. Subsequently he pursued a course in pharmacy and in October, 1893, received his certificate from the state board of pharmacy, after successfully passing the examination at Cleveland, Ohio. Returning to Johnstown, he here opened a drug store, which he conducted successfully for twelve years, or until the store was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1904. He then opened a real-estate and insurance office, writing both life and fire insurance and dealing extensively in property. He has negotiated many important realty transfers, has made judicious investments and profitable sales and his comprehensive knowledge of realty values enables him to wisely direct the investments made by his clients. He has been closely identified with the business life of Johnstown since 1887, in which year he engaged in the grocery and meat business prior to establishing a drug store. In connection with his present business interests he is now acting as notary public and does considerable business of this character.

Mr. Friddle is well known as a valued member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of democracy and is active in the work of his party. Moreover, he is a wide-awake, alert business man of sound judgment, who has not only furthered his own interests but has done his full part in bringing Johnstown to its present commercial importance.

John Fry

John Fry, who is of that sturdy and aggressive Holland Dutch stock which is so prominent in the nation's financial circles and has done much to produce our present advanced state of civilization, is now carrying on farming and stock-raising in Franklin township. lie was born in Hartford township, Licking county, December 6, 1842. His grandfather, Michael Fry, came from Pennsylvania, in which state he located upon leaving his native land, and settled on a farm in Franklin township, Licking county, at a time when much of the surrounding country was in an undeveloped woodland state. Here he pursued general farming until he departed this life. Among his children was Thomas Fry, who was born in the Keystone state and accompanied his parents to this county, where his boyhood days were devoted chiefly to assisting his father in preparing the tract of land for cultivation. Here he remained, engaged in farming until his death in 1882. His wife, Ingober Bowers, was a native of this county, where she was united in marriage, and entered into rest in Franklin township in 1887. She reared a family of six children, namely: Jacob and Nancy, both deceased: Sarah, who resides with her brother; John; Susanna, deceased ; and Mary, deceased wife of Jonathan Tavenner.

John Fry was reared on his fathers farm where he spent his boyhood days, assisting in the daily routine of agricultural life and during the winter seasons acquiring his education in the district schools. After completing his studies he settled down on tlie home place, where he has since been actively engaged in farming. He has always devoted his time and energies to tilling the soil and to stock-raising and has made a study of the soils and by carefully adapting his crops he has been successful from year to year in deriving abundant harvests. While lie does not engage in stock-raising to a large extent he keeps on hand a sufficient number of head of thoroughbred cattle and sheep to make the investment a paying one and his stock, being well fed and sleek, generally meet with ready sale and amply remunerate him for the energy he devotes to this department of his business. lie owns sixty-eight and a half acres of land, all of which is improved, with the exception of a few acres which he keeps in timber, and is provided with every convenience with which to make farming a paying proposition. On his place is an excellent dwelling house together with a substantial barn and other outbuildings. Mr. Fry's political views have always been on the side of the democratic party since he is a believer in the low tariff policies it advocates and, being of the opinion that its principles, if constantly kept in vogue throughout the nation, will not only maintain the original freedom and liberty of its institutions but also insure its finances from destructive crises and preserve the permanent prosperity of the country. While he has never field any local offices he has always favored such measures as in his opinion were purposed for the general good of the community.

Stephen Xessley

Stephen Nessley, who is numbered among the aggressive agriculturists of Union township, Licking county, and whose ancestors have for many years been associated with the farming and stock-raising interests of this part of the state, was born one mile south of Wagram, Etna township, this county, October 3, 1849. His grandfather, Abraham Nessley, who was a native of Virginia, located in this county at an early day and here engaged in farming, together with working at his trade as a carpenter, until he departed this life. In his family were five sons and two daughters, among whom was David Nessley, whose birth occurred in West Virginia, July 20, 1817, and who when a lad came with his parents to Ohio, settling near Pleasantville, Fairfield county, where he remained until he became a young man and then removed with the family to this county, where he spent most of his life in agricultural pursuits. His death occurred in Kirkersville in the year 1900, where he had spent his latter years in retirement. He had twice been united in marriage, first to Mary Kidenour, who departed this life February 19, 1872, and upon his second marriage he gave up active life. By his first wife he had three children, namely: Julia Ann, who departed this life on December 9, 1841, while in her thirtieth year ; John II., born September 10, 1844, who resides in Omaha, Nebraska ; and Stephen.

In 1850, when he was one year of age, Stephen Nessley was brought by his parents to Union township and they located on the farm he now cultivates, which is situated one mile east of Kirkersville. In the district schools of this place he acquired his education and under the instruction of his father perfected himself in the art of husbandry, in which he has since been successful. He owns the farm of ninety acres upon which his father settled and has made most of the improvements which are now in evidence upon the premises. He has a good dwelling house and his farm is provided with a roomy and substantial barn, together with all conveniences necessary to successfully pursue general agriculture and stockraising. He produces general crops, such as hay and the various grains, and while he does not deal largely in live-stock he keeps on hand the best specimens of cattle and sheep. His farm, though small in acreage, is large in its yielding power, and inasmuch as Mr. Ncsslev has devoted much time to the study of soils, which has enabled him to enrich his ground and by the proper adaptation of crops derive from the soil its maximum productive power his harvests have been in excess of those reaped from many farms which have a greater number of acres.

On March 11, 1875, Stephen Nessley was united in marriage to Marcella A. Jackson, a native of Delaware county, this state, where her birth occurred February 8, 1852, and where she resided until the time of her marriage. She was a daughter of William and Katharine (McKitric) Jackson, her father having been a native of England, who departed this life on December 13, 1895, in his eightyfourth year. Her mother came to this part of the country in childhood with her parents, James and Mary (Smith) McKitric, who were among the early settlers of Etna township, coming from Pennsylvania, and she departed this life November 13, 1890, when seventy-two years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Nessley have been born: Arlington C., whose birth occurred March 1, 1876, and who married Clara (Slough) Nessley, and now residing on a farm located one-half mile north of that of his father, the couple having three children: Mary L., George Pearline and Stephen S. ; Bertha E., wife of AY. H. Lane, residents of Newark, who have two children, Etelka N. and George E. ; and Harold J., wrho was born November 29, 1890, a student at the university in Athens, Ohio. Mr. Ness ley's political affiliations have always been with the republican party, its protective policies appealing to him as best adapted to develop the natural resources of the country and contribute to both the financial worth of the individual and the nation and hence he has always been loyal in his support of the party's candidates. He belongs to Lodge, No. 587, T. 0. 0. F., meeting in Kirkersville and, being a man who has always lived worthy of the respect and confidence of his neighbors, he is a valuable asset to the community and is numbered among the representative citizens of the township.

Richard Sutphen

General farming commands the attention of Richard Sutphen in Union township, this county, his birth having occurred near Basil, Fairfield county, August 20, 1840. His parents were James and Sarah (Williams) Sutphen, his father a native of New Jersey, his birth having occurred near New Brunswick, and his mother, of this county. At an early date the elder Mr. Sutphen came to Fairfield county, locating on a farm near the birthplace of the subject of this review, and there continued the pursuit of agriculture until his death, which occurred in his fifty-sixth year, his wife having survived him and lived to the age of eighty-four years. In their family were seven children, namely: William, deceased; Elizabeth Weisner, deceased; James, who passed away in Columbia, Tennessee, April 14, 1864, while a soldier in the First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry; Richard; Mary Katharine, who departed this life in her seventeenth year; Amanda Snyder, deceased; and Sarah, wife of Peter Fritz, of Columbus, Ohio.

On a farm in his native county Richard Sutphen was reared, assisting his father in his agricultural duties, and during the winter season taking advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the district school. He resided with his parents until he was united in marriage, at which period of his life he purchased a farm adjoining one which his father-in-law owned, the farm containing one hundred and forty acres of excellent land, which he cultivated until the spring of 1893, during which year he sold the property and took up residence in Columbus, Ohio, that his son might attend the state university. In 1894 he bought his present farm and five years later, after his son had completed his educatoin, moved here, where he has since resided. His farm contains one hundred and fifty-two acres of highly-improved land, the premises being provided with an excellent dwelling and every convenience with which to carry on farming to the best advantage, and aside from engaging in general agriculture he is also interested in stockraising, making a feature of cattle and hog breeding. His property is very valuable, by reason of the fact that it is in the gas belt, and at present two pipe lines run through his farm, two wells being now on the property. Recently he disposed of his residence in Columbus, but owning other real estate there he is contemplating the erection of another residence in that place.

In 1865 Richard Sutphen was united in marriage to Mary A. Leonard, a native of Liberty township, Fairfield county, where she was born November 27, 1842, and a daughter of John and Hannah (Rees) Leonard, both of whom were born in that county and spent their lives there. He was at one time engaged in the merchandise business but subsequently gave it up and turned his attention to farming, which he pursued until he departed this life in his seventy-sixth year, his wife having passed away when in her sixty-fourth year. They reared a family of seven children, namely: Sebastian, deceased; Mary A.; Martha McCleary, of Fairfield county; Jesse, who also resides there; Frank, a resident of Columhus, Ohio; and Thomas and Minerva, both living in Fairfield county. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sutphen, namely: Clarence, who attended Delaware and Ada Colleges, and who for the past fifteen years has been engaged in the manufacture of mechanical fire apparatus in Columbus, where he resides with his two children, Harry and Queen; Zula, wife of Charles E. Meisse, of Hebron, the couple having two sons, Raymond and Richard, their mother being a graduate of the Granville schools; John, who resides in Outville, and who has two sons, Gail and William Richard ; and James L., a druggist, who was graduated from the state university and who is now residing at home. The principles of the democratic party have always appealed to Mr. Sutphen as embodying the wisdom of the nation's greatest statesmen and as containing those policies which are best suited to advance the nation's interests and preserve its financial integrity consequently, he has always been a loyal supporter of the party, and his influence is regularly in evidence during campaigns in order to do what he can in securing the election of its candidates. In local affairs lie has taken considerable interest, and for seven terms served as township assessor and for a number of years was land appraiser. lie is well known throughout the county for his political zeal, while in Fairfield county his home was noted as a meeting place for political candidates, and during election times lie has been accustomed to entertain many office-seekers. He and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian church at Outville, in which they are active workers, and Mr. Sutphen being a man who has aiways lived a deserving life, both from a religious and business point of view', is one of the most highly respected men of the township.

William F. Wilson

William F. Wilson, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Licking county, was born in Newton township, this county, February 14, 1839, his parents being William B. and Margaret (Stadden) Wilson. The father, whose birth occurred in Virginia, March 14, 1800, was brought by his parents to Licking county, Ohio, in 1803, the family home being established in Newark township, wdierc they purchased land. The mother of our subject was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1803, and thus it will be seen that in both the paternal and maternal lines William F. Wilson is descended from early pioneer settlers here. Unto William B. and Margaret (Stadden) Wilson were born ten children, of whom four still survive, namely: R. S., a resident of Tennessee; David H., who is living in California; William F., of this review; and Thomas N., who makes his home in Arkansas. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in 1853, while the father passed away in 18G3.

William F. Wilson acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-two years. He was then married to Miss Martha A. Seymour, whose birth occurred in Madison towmship, Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1840, her parents being Adam and Mary (O'Bannon) Seymour, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Virginia. Their family numbered seven children, four of whom yet survive: William, a resident of Newark, Ohio; Mrs. Wilson; Ellen, the wife of George W. Mathew's, of Licking county ; and Elizabeth, the w'ife of William Drury, of this county. The death of Adam Seymour, the father, occurred in 1846, wdiilc his wife passed aw'ay in her eighty-fourth year. Unto William F. and Martha A. (Seymour) AVilson have been born five children, as follows: Edwin B., w'ho is a college professor residing in Tennessee; Fred S., letter carrier, living in Newrark; Maud S., who is deceased; Sadie L ., the w'ife of John Gregg, of Licking county ; and Nattella M., the wife of William Philbriek, of this county.

Subsequent to his marriage Mr. AVilson operated his father's farm as a renter until the latter's death and then removed to Illinois, wffiere he purchased a farm on which he made his home for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the land and, returning to Licking county, purchased his present place of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Newton township, in the cultivation of which lie has since been successfully engaged. As the years have passed he has ever kept pace with the progress that has been manifest in agricultural lines and his persistent and well-directed labor has brought him a gratifying measure of prosperity.

In his political views Mr. Wilson is a stanch republican and has served as school director and trustee. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is acting as steward and trustee, while his wife is identified with the Lutheran denomination. He has spent, practically, his entire life in this county and has witnessed much of its growth and development, especially in the changes that have brought about the modern civilization of the present day.

Alvey Swisher

A lvev Swisher, a retired agriculturist of Newark township, was born in Licking township, December 26, 1826, and has therefore passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. His ancestors came here in the early days while the country was densely covered with forests and were among that excellent class of sturdy citizens who assisted in developing the natural resources of the county. His great-grandfather, Nicholas Swisher, was twice united in marriage and reared a family of twenty children, one of whom was Jacob Swisher, the grandfather, a native of Virginia, who came to this state about the year 1802 and carried on general farming, marketing eggs, chickens and butter which he took on horseback to the town, the nearest place at that time where he could dispose of his products oeing Zanesville in Muskingum county. He labored on his farm all his days until he entered into rest, his remains being interred in Green cemetery, Licking township. His son, Abram Swisher, was a native of Licking township, this count}', and resided there several years after his marriage hut subsequently removed to the farm in Newark township now under cultivation bv his son, where he resided until the year 1830, when he accidentally lost his life while engaged in loading logs. His remains were interred in the Lutheran cemetery which is located on his farm. His wife, Hannah Wilkin, a native of Virginia, passed away here and was laid to rest in the same cemetery in which lie the remains of her husband. In their family were three children: Alvey; David, a retired cigar dealer living in Columbus, Ohio; and Mary Ann, deceased. LTpon the death of Mr. Swisher his wife was united in marriage to John Emory, by whom she had three children: Catherine, wife of Sylvester Reasoner, of Newark, Ohio; Martha J., who became the wife of \Y. B. Rutledge, residing on a farm in Franklin township : and Elizabeth, deceased.

Alvey Swisher was but two years of age when his parents removed from the place of his birth to the farm upon which he now resides and which is situated three miles east of the old home. He was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He pursued his education in one of the oldtime log school houses, such as were common at that day. Its furnishings were primitive and the methods of instruction were very crude compared to the teaching of the present time. Mr. Swisher, when not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom, assisted in the work of the home farm and thereon remained until his marriage in 1846. In the following year he located on the farm on whicli he now resides and where for many years he pursued general farming and also engaged in breeding and raising stock. He owns two hundred and twenty acres of land upon which he has made many improvements. His commodious residence which is of modern type of architecture, is one of the finest in the township and all of his other buildings are of substantial character and in excellent condition. Although he has retired from active life he still superintends his land and manages his business affairs.

On March 18, 1846, Mr. Swisher wedded Miss Sarah Franks, who departed tins life fifty-eight years later. They had eight children, namely: Mary Margaret, deceased; Jonathan A., an agriculturist of Franklin township; Hannah Catherine, deceased; Elizabeth S., who keeps house for her father; Nervina, deceased; Eima L., at home; Louisa Y., who is the wife of M. Martin, residing in Newark, Ohio; and Ferry F., deceased. Mr. Swisher has always been affiliated with the democratic party and has never found cause to waive his loyalty to his party, in the success of which he has always been interested. For many years he served as township treasurer and, being a public-spirited man, has always been ready to further all measures purposed for the general welfare of the community. He belongs to the Lutheran church, in which lie has held office and to which he is a liberal contributor.

Lewis A. Martin

Lewis A. Martin, who operates one of the finest farms in Union township, this county, his tract of land covering over three hundred and forty-seven acres, and thirty-one acres adjoining, and known as the Dewees farm, was born near Fredericktown, Ivnox county, this state, January 23, 1853, a son of Averv D. and Emeline (Lewis) Martin, natives of Oneida county, New York, where his father was born April 9, 1826, and his mother Jul}T 11, 1824. They were united in marriage in the Empire state, where they had one son, and came to this state in 1850, settling in Perry county. She departed this life in Hardin county in 1855 and the elder Mr. Martin wedded Tabitha Feck. He departed this life in Knox county in 1896. The children of his first marriage were: Edwin, who resides in Kansas ; Lewis A., of this sketch ; and Charles B., who lives in Perry county. By his second marriage he had two children, namely: Effie, wife of Elmer Jacobs, of Mount Vernon, Knox county : and Allen, who also resides there.

When about two years of age Lewis A. Martin was taken by his parents to Hardin county, where about one year after their arrival, he lost his mother. The family then removed to this county with the elder Martin and here for a period of three years they resided with Lewis A.'s mother's relatives until after his father remarried when he returned with the family to Knox county and there acquired his education in the district schools, at the .same time working with his father on the farm. Leaving the home place when twenty-one years of age young Martin hired out as a farm hand and for four years worked for Wright Brothers for twenty dollars a month, which was about five dollars a month more than was generally paid for that class of labor. He then came to this county, where he spent two years working at ditching which, not being as lucrative as he desired, he returned to Knox county and again entered the employ of Wright Brothers, with whom he remained about three years. At the expiration of this time he returned to Licking county and with his brother farmed for his grandfather on half shares until the death of the latter. From his grandsire Mr. Martin inherited about four thousand dollars which, with about the same amount he had saved, he invested in the farm he now owns in this township, in the spring of 1885, and has since resided here. A part of the farm had been purchased from the government by William Dewees? father and Mr. Martin now has the deed which bears the signature of George Washington. The place is excellently drained and is in every particular adapted to the production of general crops and Mr. Martin, together with general farming, makes a specialty of stock-raising, particularly of cattle and horses. He is greatly benefited by the Licking feeder, which runs through his farm to the state reservoir. The state keeps the reservoir supplied with carp and during the high water the fish swim up to the Dewees pond and when the water goes down they are left behind and Mr. Martin catches all he can use. Upon one occasion he and a farm-hand within two hours captured more carp, their weight running from two and a half to sixteen pounds, than could be hauled in a two-horse lumber wagon bed. A portion of the catch he presented to friends, sold a part and salted the remainder for future use. The pond covers something over twenty acres during high water periods, at other times covering considerably less space and affords an excellent means with which to water his stock. He deals extensively in cattle and feeds from two to three carloads annually and in addition produces a number of the finest grade of draft horses, selling these locally. His farm is one of the most productive in the county and is equipped with a water supply which is unequaled in the state. There are at present six streams of w'ater forcing their way out of the ground. Two hundred acres of his farm is planted in the richest quality of blue grass, which affords his stock the most nutritious kind of fodder and, in large measure, contributes to the excellent quality and sleekness of his cattle. Until recently Mr. Martin engaged very extensively in farming, to which he devoted his activities exclusively and employed large numbers of men clearing his premises and installing his present system of excellent drainage, in which he has spent several thousand dollars. Part of the farm, including about seventyfive acres known as the old pigeon roost, was a bog, and in putting it into condition for cultivation it was found that four feet beneath its surface there was a thick layer of leaves, among which vegetation was preserved and it required much money and hard labor to make the land tillable. On the premises was a brick house, which was erected over seventy-five years ago and which was burned out at one time, but the walls being left in substantial condition the building was repaired and is now one of the finest residences in the township. Mr. Martin takes pride not only in the age of the structure, but also in the fact of its being one of the most comfortable dwelling houses in the community.

On September 9, 1885, Lewis A. Martin was united in marriage to Susan Wise, a native of Licking towmship, where her birth occurred October 7, 1862, and a daughter of John and Sarah (Ross) Wise, both of whom were natives of this county, her father having lost his life on the Union side during the Civil war. He also had four brothers who served in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry during that conflict. Her mother, who was a daughter of Janies and Susan Ross, natives of Virginia and pioneers of this county, still resides in Licking township at the age of seventy-three years. She had two children, namely: Susan; and John, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin were born: Helen E., wife of Harley Keller, who has one child, Charlotta Helen, the family residing in Fairfield county; Hazel L., a student in Denison University ; Harold Wise, also in Denison College, and Avery Joseph, who attends school at Kirkersville. Mr. Martin has always been of the opinion that the principles of the republican party represent the results of the best political wisdom and that they have proven their worth as is shown under the several republican administrations, by the impetus which they have given to commerce and industry and by the part they have played in developing the natural resources of the country, both to the pecuniary advantage of the individual and the nation at large and consequently, he has been a loyal supporter of his party and has always used his vote and influence in an endeavor to secure the election of its candidates. Although he has never held public office nor desires political preferment he takes quite an interest in local affairs, particularly along educational lines, and for nine years has served as a member of the township school board. His religious obligations appeal to him as of the highest import and he is regular in attendance upon the services of the Baptist church at Kirkersville, to which he is a large contributor, being also active in its several departments of work. He is a man whose life has always been lived on a high plane of thought and action and consequently he has been attended by a measure of prosperity which has enabled him to do much toward developing the resources of the community and as well, to afford an example of industry and uprightness to all with whom he has come in contact, thereby doing much to maintain the moral and spiritual standing of the community.

Charles Austin Wagy

Charles Austin Wagy, who is now assisting his father-in-law, Melville G. Bcem, in the cultivation of a farm of three hundred and fifteen acres, is a native of Lima township, this county, Ixmi June 6, 1806, and has always resided here with the exception of two years he spent teaching school. Mr. Wagy's family history runs far back in the annals of the country, being particularly associated with the state of Virginia, where Philip Wagy, a native of Amsterdam, Holland, located in the year 1706, residing in Rockingham county, where he was united in marriage. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and reared a family of eleven children, among whom was Philip Wagy, Jr., who wedded Margaret Peck, of Virginia, and in 1806 settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he lived for many years. Subsequently removing to Licking county, he settled on a farm in Harrison township about the year 18^6. There were fifteen children in his family, among them being Jacob Wagy, grandfather of the subject of this review, who was born in Rockingham county. Virginia, November 0, 1801, and was one of the early settlers of Lima township, this county. He married Catherine Swisher and they reared a family of eight children, John Wesley being the only son. He was born in this county, February 20, 1844, and spent his entire life here engaged in the operation of a sawmill and in farming, residing on the old homestead. On June 8, 1865, he wedded Lucinda Conrad, who was born near Logan, Hocking county, this state, January 14, 1839, a daughter of George W. and Amelia (Reynolds) Conrad, who spent their entire lives in that county. In the family of J. W. and Lucinda Wagv were four children: Charles Austin; Ada C., the wife of Frank M. Morrison, of Franklin county; and two children who died in infancy. The father died May 10, 1886.

Charles Austin Wagy during his boyhood days received his first lessons in general agriculture on his grandfather's farm. He acquired his preliminary education in the district schools, subsequently completing a course of study at the high school and after being graduated he taught school for two years, at the termination of which period he resumed his occupation as an agriculturist, locating on the farm which had been owned by his grandfather, Jacob Wagy, remaining there until he was united in marriage, when he settled on the farm operated by his father-in-law, whom he is now assisting. On this farm he engages in cultivating three hundred and fifteen acres and at the same time tills one hundred and fifteen acres of his own, both farms being in excellent condition and very productive.

On February 27, 1890, Mr. Wagy wedded Jennie Beem, who was born in Jefferson township, Franklin county, Ohio, July 6, 1867, and later moved with her parents to Lima township, Licking county, where she was married. She was a daughter of Melville G. Beem, and to this union have been born four children: Roxana Belle, Jonathan B., Grace and Melville G. Mr. Wagy is an aggressive farmer, well versed in the nature of soils and also in the various phases of stockraising and is numbered among the progressive agriculturists as well as worthy citizens of the township. He served as a member of the board of education for a number of years and was one of the first and foremost advocates of centralization in Lima township.

Lee Tippett

Lee Tippett, a highly respected citizen of Johnstown, is one of the extensive landowners and progressive farmers of Licking county, and, in an analvzation of his life record, it will be found that his success is attributable to qualities which all may cultivate, for he has based his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and unfaltering industry in addition to his estimable habits. His birth occurred in Monroe township, this county, November 27, 1845, his parents being Thomas and Caroline (Green) Tippett, who were representatives of two of the earliest pioneer families. The father came to Ohio with his parents, William and Nancy Tippett, who left the state of Maryland to establish their home on the frontier when Thomas Tippett was but thirteen years of age. Here he was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life. Thomas Tippett became a large landowner and extensive farmer for that time, and both he and his father were prominent in the business circles of the community and also active in promoting the progress and upbuilding of the county. Thomas Tippett and his wife have now passed away, the former having died December 11, 1897, while the latter lived to the 21st of April, 1900, and then passed to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.

The youthful days of Lee Tippett were quietly passed on his fathers farm, where he engaged in such work as was common in the development of the fields. The district schools afforded him his educational privileges and when not busy with his text-books he assisted in the task of plowing, planting and harvesting. The }Tears brought him success and for a long period he was closely associated with general agricultural pursuits. One of the important steps which he took in early manhood was his marriage to Miss Delilah Miller, the wedding being celebrated on the 21th of February, 1867, when Mr. Tippett was but twenty-one years of age. The lady of his choice was a daughter of Washington and Hannah (Cramer) Miller. Both the Miller and Cramer families came from Pennsylvania during the pioneer epoch in the history of this county and settled in Monroe township, where Washington Miller became a very prominent and prosperous citizen. At one time he was the owner of fully eight hundred acres of land and was widely known as an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. He was likewise recognized as an influential citizen of the community and his own success caused his opinions to be regarded as of notable worth concerning business transactions. His judgment was at all times sound and far-seeing and his investments were most judiciously placed. Both he and his wife are now deceased. The father, Washington Miller, died on the 7th of February, 1900, having for a number of years survived his wife, whose death occurred May 20, 1887. He was very active in church circles. He built the Monroe Chapel (first called Miller Chapel), a United Brethren church, which was named for him.

After his marriage Lee Tippett and his bride established their home on a farm in Monroe township near Johnstown, and there he continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits for five years. In 1872 he bought a farm in Franklin county, Ohio, to which he removed, making it his home about thirty years, during which time he was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. About five years of this time he also carried on a large business in buying and shipping stock to the Pittsburg and other eastern markets, but in 1900 he left the farm in Franklin county and removed to Johnstown, where he has since resided. As the years passed he met with gratifying success in his undertakings and is now the owner of about seven hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Monroe and Liberty townships in Licking county, and in Plain township, Franklin county. All are well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Tippett is numbered among the wide-awake, progressive farmers and every department of the farm work is given his careful and intelligent attention. The family home in Johnstown is one of the most modern and commodious there. It is built in an attractive style of architecture, is tastefully and richly furnished and, moreover, an air of refinement and hospitality pervades the place and makes it a favorite resort with their many friends. Here Mr. Tippett is now, practically, living retired, although he still keeps a general supervision over his large farming interests. Throughout the entire period of his manhood he had given his attention to farming and the raising.

buying and shipping of stock, and his sound judgment was manifest in the excellent success which attended him. His farms are now all well improved and stocked and it is his purpose to have everything upon the farms in good condition, in keeping with the progressive spirit of modern agriculture.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Tippett was blessed with three children: Lenn, who is married and resides in Johnstown; and Lena, at home. They lost one child, Rilla. The family are prominent socially and their home is the scene of many delightful functions. Mr. Tippett is a public-spirited citizen, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the good of the community. He has never been an office-seeker nor an office-holder, save that he has in his efforts to secure good schools and good roads acted as school director and as road supervisor. He is a man whose character is above reproach. He has ever stood four-square to all the winds that blow, has been fearless in support of his honest convictions, loyal in his advocacy of what he believes to be right and at all times considerate of the privileges of others and giving ready recognition of his obligations to mankind.

Barton E. Tayenner

The most independent of all callings in life is that of the fanner and while it entails the utilization of one's entire time and energy, one in this occupation is certainly enjoying the blessings of freedom and at the same time may entertain a measure of satisfaction in the truth that the soil he tills is the parent of all wealth. Barton E. Tavenner, who for many years has been following agricultural pursuits in Newark township, was born April 8, 1849, in Franklin township and was a son of George W. and Leah (Ewerts) Tavenner. His father, a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, settled in this county shortly after he was married. When he emigrated to this locality there were no railroads, so that it was necessary for him to make the journey overland by means of wagons and the trip, which covered several weeks, was accompanied by considerable inconvenience before he finally reached his destination. He resided in Franklin township until a year before he departed this life, that brief period being spent in Licking township, following the carpenter's trade and at the same time cultivating his farm. He was numbered among the substantial agriculturists and representative men of the community, being widely known throughout the county as a thoroughgoing, upright and industrious man. His political support was always on the side of the republican party and while he was not ambitious for political preferment himself he was always ready with his vote and influence to assist the candidates of his party in securing public office. He departed this life at the age of forty years. His wife was also a native of Virginia, where they were united in marriage, but later removed with her husband to this county, where she passed away. They had the following children: Mary, wife of David Yenner, of Franklin township: Jonathan, an agriculturist of the same township ; Catherine, who wedded Peter McKnight Fanes and resides in Madison township: Sarah, wife of William Thompson, of Newark: Josephine, widow of Henry Parr, who for many years followed agricultural pursuits in Frank- lin township; Thomas, deceased; George, a farmer of Eden township; Jennie, wife of James Foster, of Newark; Louisa, who wras united in marriage writh Sylvester Sampson, now residing in Hanover township; Amanda, deceased; Barton E., and two children who died in infancy.

After obtaining his education in the district schools B. E. Tavenner remained on the old home place, conducting the work of the farm for his mother until he attained the age of twenty-nine years, wrhen he moved to Madison township and later came to the farm on which he now resides. Here he has carried on general agricultural pursuits for the past seventeen years and has under cultivation something over one hundred and twenty-nine acres of land, which is very rich and arable. His entire faim is highly improved, having all modern equipments and accessories. In addition to a comfortable residence there are substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, machinery and all conveniences requisite to make farming a paying proposition and to conduct it according to modern methods. He raises a large quantity of hay and various cereals and gives some attention to stockbreeding.

Mr. Tavenner was united in marriage with Miss Rachael A. Irwin, a resident of Franklin township, and they have one daughter, Jessie, who wedded Leonard Smith, a farmer of Newark towmship. Their children are: Ethel May, Nellie Ann, Leonard, Lorran, David and Florence.

Mr. Tavenner deserves great credit for the progress he has made in life since he started out in business with neither means nor influence to aid him and by his own exertions and industry has acquired the farm he now has under cultivation and today enjoys substantial prosperity. In politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party and while he is not in the strict sense of the term an active politician yet he is enthusiastic during campaigns to secure the election of its candidates, owing to the fact that he is thoroughly convinced that the principles of the republican party are in an eminent wray adapted to promote the highest interests of the commonwealth. Mr. Tavenner and his wife are members of the Disciple church and are faithful worshipers at its services. He is a man whose excellent qualities and straightforward transactions, together with his progressiveuess, have won him high respect as a representative citizen of the community.

William G. Larimore

William G. Larimore, a son of John and Hannah Minerva (Lane) Larimore, wfas born in Licking county, April 9, 1860, where he has always resided with the exception of two years spent in Pueblo, Colorado, 1897-1899, in an endeavor to better his health. Upon his return he remained with his father and engaged in general agricultural pursuits until he was married when he began to farm for himself, and he is now cultivating eighty-eight acres belonging to his mother, located at Union Station. He engages in general farming, dealing in stock on a small scale, having a number of the highest grade cattle and sheep. In April, 1903, he wedded Ada Dix, a native of Marion, Ohio, a daughter of Clark Dix, and to this union have been born Clark Dix, John Bryan, Marshall Clayton, and Florence Minerva.

Following the footsteps of his father in his political affiliations Mr. Larimore is a democrat, of which party he has always been a strong supporter. He belongs to Center Star Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Granville, and the Licking Baptist church, to which he is a liberal contributor. He is well known throughout the county for his enterprise and industry, and is respected by all as an upright and honorable citizen.

James U. Young

Janies U. Young, who is numbered among Newton township's active and energetic farmers, was born on the tract of land he now has under cultivation, on February 11, 1860. His parents were Daniel and Rachael A. (Fry) Young, his mother being a native of Newton township and his father of the state of New Jersey. Daniel Young departed this life March 22, 1884, and his wife survived him twentyone years. They reared a family of nine children, namely: James U. ; Monroe, who is a resident of Newark; George C. and Clara E., both of whom are deceased; Edward, a resident of Licking county; Fourth and Dora, who have also passed away; one who died in infancy; and Frank A., residing in the state of Washington.

On the farm which he now has under cultivation James U. Young was reared and, during his boyhood, in addition to aiding his father in performing the duties of the farm, he attended the district school, where he obtained his education. After having completed his schooling, he remained on the old homestead until he was twenty-one years of age, when he rented a farm which he operated until the year 1900, during which time he had met with such splendid success as to have enabled him to lay by sufficient money with which to purchase the old home farm, which embraces about two hundred acres. He has given his entire attention to the business of cultivating his acres and has installed every improvement and convenience in the way of machinery and buildings in order to assure the success of his venture and make his farm one of the most modern with regard to the method of its cultivation in the countryside. Besides giving attention to the raising of general grain crops he has made somewhat of a specialty of stock-raising and has quite a number of head of cattle of various breeds.

In the year 1882 Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Chamberlain, a native of this county, who was born in 1854, and a daughter of John B. and Maria (Allen) Chamberlain, her father having been a native of Ireland and her mother of the Keystone state. Both are now deceased. They had a family of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Young had one son, Daniel B. The mother departed this life in the year 1893 and was laid to rest in Wilson cemetery.

Mr. Young is an advocate of the democracy and upholds the principles of this political cult because of the fact that, having given its principles due and candid deliberation, he believes them to be amply adequate to preserve both the financial equilibrium and the prosperity of the country. He is prominent in political movements in the township and, owing to his excellent judgment and executive ability, was chosen to serve as a member of the school board in which capacity he officiated for several years. Although a busy man and occupied with the affairs of his farm, Mr. Young, considering his religious obligations as first among the duties of life, has ever been a supporter of and participated in church work. He is an earnest adherent of the Baptist faith and is a sincere and interested attendant on the services of the church. Mr. Young's sterling qualities, as well his unremitting industry, have not only won him the respect of the entire community but have also led him along the pathway of success to the prosperity which he enjoys today.

Charles C. Pratt

While many of the farms throughout the state of Ohio and some in Monroe township, this county, were settled in pioneer times by agriculturists from adjoining states whose descendants now have them under cultivation, yet the native sons have not been backward in availing themselves of the opportunities of their own state and they, too, have put their energies in tilling the soil and have profited by their labors. Among the younger generation of agriculturists who are making their way in the world and seeking their fortune in the ground is Charles C. Pratt who, in addition to being one of the most prosperous agriculturists in Monroe township, this county, is also largely interested in its public affairs and has gained considerable distinction as a politician. His birth occurred December 21, 1873, and he is a son of John and Louisa Pratt. His father was also engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising here, for many years, having located here when a young man, becoming one of the early settlers to whom fell the task of clearing out the woodlands and making ready the land for cultivation.

On his father's farm, enjoying the scenes and experiences of country life, Charles C. Pratt spent his boyhood days, engaging with his father in doing his part of the farm work through the summer months and during the winter attending the village school, where he acquired his education. After having pursued a course of study in the schools of Johnstown he returned to the old home place upon which he worked until his marriage. He then settled on a farm in Liberty township where, for a period of six years, he engaged in general farming and stock-raising and at the same time was interested in the farm implement business in Johnstown, in both of which enterprises he met with signal success, but deeming Monroe township of greater value as an agricultural district, he disposed of his mercantile interests and purchased the farm upon which he has since lived.

On March 12, 181)5, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage to Miss Vena Williamson, a daughter of Frank and Emma (Tuller) Williamson, a well known family of high standing in this county. To them have been born two children, Blanch, who is now deceased, and Clinton. Mr. Pratt is a well known politician of the county, whose views are in accord with the republican party, to the principles of which he has given ample study and upon a thorough comparison of them with those of other political cults, he has come to the conclusion that the policies set forth in the platform of the republican party are those which are in every way adequate, not only to establish and preserve the permanent prosperity of the nation, but also to place on a firm and immovable foundation its financial system.

Consequently he is active in behalf of his party and during campaigns is not contented with simply casting his vote for its candidates but uses his influence in their behalf. On a number of occasions he has been chosen as a delegate to county and other political conventions. He is a man of exceptional energy whose aggressiveness is well known throughout the community. He is particularly interested in the improvement of county roads and in fact is ready to foster and promote any movement which in any degree will tend toward the betterment of the community. He pays strict attention to his business, which his industry and good management are constantly increasing, and being a man not only of excellent business judgment but also of congenial social qualities, he is looked upon with favor throughout the county of which he is one of the most substantial citizens.

Theophilus S. Geiger

Theophilus S. Geiger, who engages in general farming in Union township, this county, making a specialty of sheep-raising and wool-growing, was born on the old homestead, which lies a mile and one-half west of Hebron, August 16, 1866, his parents being David and Nancy (Roads) Geiger. The family had for several generations been identified with the farming interests of this section of the state, his grandparents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Houdeshell) Geiger, having come from Virginia with their parents and located in Fairfield county in childhood. Their family numbered four sons and four daughters, all of whom attained adult age. Among their sons was David Geiger, who wedded Nancy Roads. His birth occurred in Fairfield county, near Pleasantville, while his wife, a daughter of Abram and Annie (Beaver) Roads, natives of Virginia, was a native of Union township, where she spent her entire life and passed away in August, 1903, in her seventy-eighth year, having survived her husband twenty-nine years, his death having occurred May 14, 1874, when he was fifty-two years of age. Mr. Geiger followed farming here all his days and at his death left three hundred acres of excellent land. In their family were ten children, namely: Jacob Melville, who passed away in his twelfth year ; Emily N., wife of Louis Ruffner, of Fairfield county ; Worthington R., an agriculturist of Union township ; Clara M., who wedded David House, and lives in Hebron ; Peter H., who also resides in that place; Jesse PI. 0., who follows farming in Union township; David M., who makes his home in Hebron; Lucy Meleina, a resident of Newark; Rhoda A., who lives with her husband, D. E. Stewart, in Newark; and Theophilus S.

On the old home place T. S. Geiger remained until he was united in marriage, in the meantime having taken advantage of the educational opportunities of the district school and acquiring a familiarity with all the work of the fields under the instruction of his father. After his marriage he purchased thirty acres of land near Lurav, which he tilled for a period of two years and then sold the property and purchased his present place containing sixty acres. Later he added fifty-five acres to the tract, so that now he possesses one hundred and fifteen acres of arable land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. His farm is located on the Ohio canal, one and one-half miles south of Hebron, and is provided with a com- fortable dwelling which Mr. Geiger built and also witli substantial outbuildings and all conveniences necessary to the occupation of farming, and here he engages in general agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of sheep-raising and woolgrowing and at the same time he does contract work in ditching and building bridges.