Licking Township (part 42 of 42)

The commercial interests of Newark find a worthy representative in J. L. Benner, a progressive citizen of determined and energetic spirit. His birth occurred in this county June 16, 1862, and in the paternal line he comes of Pennsylvania Dutch and Swiss ancestry. His grandfather, Henry Benner, belonged to one of the old Dutch families of the Keystone state and came from Pennsylvania to Ohio during the epoch of pioneer development here. He married Anne Heiser, a lady of Swiss lineage, and following their removal to Licking county they established their home upon a farm in Franklin township. It was there that David Benner, the father of our subject was born and reared. Throughout his entire life he has been identified with commercial pursuits and is still living in Licking county at the very advanced age of seventy-nine years. He wedded Mary Tavcnner, also a native of this county and a daughter of George Tavenner, who, leaving his old home in Virginia, here faced the dangers and privations of pioneer life in order to enjoy the advantages which come with settlement on a frontier locality.

In his youthful days J. L. Benner attended the district schools and through the periods of vacation worked in the fields. He afterward followed farming in various places, making it his life wfork until 1896, when he removed to Newark for the purpose of seeking success in commercial lines. Here he began dealing in coal and has since continued in this line of business, being located for the past four years at the intersection of Third street and the Pennsylvania Railroad. He has secured a good business and his patronage is constantly increasing.

In 1885 Mr. Benner was married to Miss Martha E. Hill, a native of Iowa, and to them were born ten children, all of whom are yet living. Two are married and reside in Newark: Mary, who is now Mrs. Leonard, and Mrs. Edith Martin. Mr. Benner belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp but the necessity for close application to his business has left him little time for active participation in outside affairs. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his innate powers. He has worked diligently and persistently, realizing that there is no royal road to wealth, and he deserves great praise for what he has accomplished.

Henry Shipley

Authentic facts of history may well be secured from Henry Shipley, for he is one of the native sons of Ohio and the period of his residence here covers more than seventy-eight years. He is therefore cognizant of all the changes that have taken place and the labor that has been wrought in transforming this district from a wilderness region into one of rich fertility, peopled by a class of intelligent, enterprising citizens who have wrought along the line of the greatest good to the greatest number and have made this one of the leading counties of the state. He was born October 28, 1830, in Holmes county, Ohio, his parents being Josiah and Elizabeth (Hoagland) Shipley. The father came to Ohio from Pennsylvania with his parents and settled in Guernsey county, while the mother was a native of Virginia. She died in the year 1852 and in 1854 Josiah Shipley removed to Iowa, spending his remaining days in that state, his death occurring there in 1883.

In the year 1855 Henry Shipley followed his father and the family to Iowa, making the trip across the country by wagon and reaching his destination after several weeks of travel in this way. Ilis father was a farmer but as a young man Henry Shipley learned the carpenters trade and during the year which he spent in Iowa followed that pursuit.

Feeling better pleased with Ohio as a place of residence, Mr. Shipley returned to this state in 1856 and was probably furthermore attracted by the fact that lie had left his sweetheart here and on the 7th of December, of that year, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Parsons, a daughter of Cleveland and Sarah (Coleman) Parsons, who came to Ohio from the state of New York and settled in Bennington township, becoming early residents of that locality, where they assisted in the pioneer development and improvement. Eight children were born of that union: Willis M. : Josiah C. ; Eleanor E. : Miles M. ; Martha E., who became the wife of James Shipp and is deceased; Zoa Zella, now the wife of Ora Bowman: Dennis and Charles, both deceased.

After his return to Ohio Mr. Shipley continued to engage in carpentering and as his financial resources increased he became a landowner and took up farming, which he followed until 1883. In that year he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners and served for two terms. During his incimn.pn. v in the office some of the most important public improvements in the county wer* made, including the erection of the jail and sheriff's residence, the Children'* Home and two armories. Various other public improvements of a permanent character were made and in all the work of progress Mr. Shipley was deeply interested, giving his cooperation to the various movements for the public good. He served for several terms as trustee of Bennington township and also served as road supervisor and school director. In 1900 he was land appraiser for Bennington township and in every public position he has proven himself capable and honest. He has always been an advocate of legitimate public improvement, believing also in economy in the administration of office and yet does not believe in careful expenditure to the exclusion of progress. He is moreover an advocate of good roads, believing in the saying that "good roads put the farmer in touch with good markets/' Since leaving the county commissioner's office in 1890 his attention has been given to his farming interests which are quite extensive and, being well managed, bring to him a gratifying return. His political allegiance has long been given to the democracy and he is active in the party ranks, while frequently he serves as a delegate to the party conventions. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as a trustee and his influence is always on the side of right, justice and truth.

Thomas B. Fulton

Thomas B. Fulton, a member of the bar since 18?5 and practicing at the present time in Newark, is now associated with his brother, William D. Fulton, under the firm style of Fulton & Fulton. He was born in Homer, Licking county, his natal day being dune 11, 1851. His father, William Fulton, was a native of Pennsylvania, while the mother, Mrs. Rachael (Carver) Fulton, was born in this county. The Fulton family is of Irish lineage, while the Carvers came from England. About 1848 William Fulton removed from the Keystone state to Licking county and settled on a tract of land near Homer where he followed the occupation of farming. The maternal grandfather, James W. Carver, married Miss Mary Livingston and established his home in this locality in pioneer times. He had one of the first stove foundries in this county building and operating it under the name of the Mary Ann furnace in Mary Ann township. At that date nearly all of the stoves were made by hand as little of the improved machinery for manufacture was then upon the market. Mr. Carver afterward purchased a farm near Horner where he resided until his death, and while residing in this county he held a number of township offices and in this and other ways contributed to the welfare and upbuilding of this section of the state.

Thomas B. Fulton was a student in Granville University but left that institution in his sophomore year with the intention of entering West Point to which he had received appointment under General George W. Morgan. Ill health, however, obliged him to abandon this plan and after convalescing from an attack of typhoid fever he began reading law under the direction of General Morgan who remained as his preceptor until lie was admitted to the bar in 1875 at which time he became a partner of General Morgan at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. In the fall of that year, however, he removed to Newark, where he entered into partnership relations with J. M. Dennis. During the period of the trouble over the county clerk's office, about 1878-79, he was appointed deputy clerk and continued in that office until the succeeding clerk was elected, when he resigned and entered into a law partnership with T. E. Powell, now of Columbus. In that connection he went to Marysville, Ohio, where he practiced until 1888. He then went to Las Vegas, New Mexico, and was in the south for some months, after which he returned to Newark and formed a law partnership with his brother, William D. Fulton, under the firm name of Fulton & Fulton, which is still continued. The firm has a large clientele and the law business entrusted to them is of an important character, connecting them with much of the leading litigation tried in the courts of this district. In 1897 Thomas B. Fulton was elected city solicitor of Newark and was reelected in 1899, serving for four years. In 190G he received the democratic nomination for common pleas judge but was defeated with the remainder of the ticket. He is a member of the Licking County Bar Association and is regarded as one of the strongest and most forceful lawyers practicing in Newark. He is now attorney for the Citizens Building & Loan Association and concentrates his energies largely upon his work in connection with the legal profession, although at one time for a little more than a year he served as cashier of the Peoples National Bank of Newark.

On the 1st of June, 1878, Mr. Fulton was united in marriage to Miss Inez V. Mead of Licking county, and they have three children, Zoe A., Ned It. and Winifred. Mr. Fulton holds membership relations with the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and enjoys the warm regard of his associates in these organizations as well as in professional and social circles. Strong in his individuality he never lacks the courage of his convictions, is tolerant in his opinions of others and is recognized as a man of broad intelligence and genuine public spirit.

J. C. H Apt Sock, Jk

J. C. Hartsock, Jr., engaged in the hotel and livery business at Homer, was born in Johnson county, Iowa, October 7, 1850, his parents being J. C. and Elizabeth (Bricker) Hartsock, both of whom were natives of Greene county, Pennsylvania. In 1830 the father became a resident of Knox county, Ohio, where he lived for about fourteen years and then removed to Iowa, his death occurring in that state in 1850. The same year the mother returned to Knox county, Ohio, where she made her home until her demise.

J. C. Hartsock, Jr., is now the only surviving member of a family of six children. He was reared in Knox county, Ohio, and remained at home until the time of his majority, which was celebrated in 1872, Miss Gates, a native of Licking county, becoming his wife. Their children are: Cora, the wife of Edward Weigand, of Mount Vernon, Ohio: and D. W.. also of Mount Vernon. The wife and mother died in 1887 and later Mr. Hartsock wedded Miss Olive May Billmon, who was born in Licking county in 1865 and is a daughter of Leonard and Anna (McQueen) Billmon, in whose family were three children. The father died in 1898 and the mother is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Hartsock.

In early life Mr. Hartsock took up the carpenter's trade, entered the business and became a contractor, being identified with building interests for thirty-four years. In that way he became closely connected with the improvement of the county, but in 1904 put aside industrial interests and purchased a hotel and livery at Homer, where he is now located. The hotel is well appointed and conveniently arranged and contains nineteen rooms. In the livery Mr. Hartsock keeps eight horses and also has an automobile for rental. In addition to his property in Homer, he owns a residence at Fallsburg, this county.

In his political views Mr. Hartsock is a stanch democrat, giving earnest support to the principles of the party and on its ticket he has been elected justice of the peace and clerk, filling the latter position six years. He is a charter member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Brandon, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and his wife is connected with the Rebekah Lodge.

S. L. James

S. L. James, attorney at law, is numbered among Ohio's native sons. He was born in Belmont county, in November, 1852, and is a son of Andrew J. and Almira (Gray) James, who were likewise natives of Belmont county. His father, following the occupation of farming, spent the greater part of his life in Belmont county but died in Licking county, while buying timber here, death coming to him very suddenly. His widow still survives at the age of seventy-eight years and is a remarkably well preserved woman.

S. L. James was reared on the home farm and acquired his education at Mount Union and Scio Branch, in Harrison county. He taught school for two years in early manhood but regarded this merely as a preliminary step toward other professional labor and in preparation for the work of the courts he entered the law office of Judge J. H. Collins, general counsel for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, located at Barnesville, Belmont county. Mr. James read law in this office until his admission to the bar in 1872 and then began practice in Barnesville, where he remained until 1885. Seeking the opportunities afforded in a larger city, he then removed to Newark and has since been in practice here, giving strict attention to his professional duties. He has argued many cases and lost but few. No one better knows the necessity for thorough preparation and no one more industriously prepares his cases than he. He is always courteous and deferential toward the court, kind and forbearing toward his adversaries, and while examining a witness carefully and thoroughly, he treats him with the respect which makes a witness grateful for his treatment. His thorough legal learning, his wide experience in the courts and the care with which he ascertains all the facts bearing upon every case which comes before him, makes him one of the strong and able members of the bar and accounts for his large and growing clientage.

In 1877 Mr., James was married to Miss Mary R. Hunt, a native of Pennsylvania. They attend the East Newark Methodist Episcopal church and have a large circle of warm friends in the city. Mr. James is connected with the Woodmen and the Tribe of Ben Hur, while along more specifically professional lines he is connected with the Licking County Bar Association. What he has accomplished represents the wise use to which he has put his native talents and acquired ability and makes him a forceful factor as a member of the bar.

Ellsworth E. Boyd

Ellsworth E. Boyd, a successful, enterprising and progressive agriculturist of Burlington township, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 21st of December, 1862, his parents being Marion and Ann (McCormick) Boyd. The father was likewise a native of Coshocton county, his natal year being 1823, while the mother, a native of Ireland, was eleven years of age when she accompanied her parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in Coshocton county, Ohio. In that county Marion Boyd was reared and in 1851 wedded Miss Ann McCormick, the young couple beginning their domestic life on a farm near Keene. In 1863 they came to Licking county, Ohio, settling on the farm on which Mrs. Boyd has since resided and which has remained the home of her son, Ellsworth E. Boyd, since the age of one year. On coming to this county Marion Boyd first purchased one hundred acres of land but subsequently added a tract of twenty-five acres and in his farming interests met with a well deserved and gratifying measure of prosperity. Politically he was a stalwart republican, while his religious faith was indicated in his membership in the Reformed Presbyterian church, in the faith of which he passed away in 1900, when he had attained the age of seventy-seven years. His demise was deeply mourned by many friends, for during the long period of his residence in this county, covering thirtyseven years, he had won the esteem and regard of all with whom he came in contact by reason of his upright and honorable dealings in all the relations of life. His widow still survives at the age of seventy-seven years and, being a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind, the circle of her friends is almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances. LYito this worthy couple were born five children, namely: Renriek, a resident of Burlington township; Ellsworth E., of this review; Almira, the widow of Samuel Patton, of Burlington township; Caroline E., the deceased wife of Clem Patton, by whom she had five children, Morton, Joseph M., Ray C., Ethel and Cettie; and Edward, who has also passed away.

As before stated, Ellsworth E. Boyd has lived upon his present home farm since the age of one year and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education that would fit him for the practical and responsible duties of life. On reaching man's estate the work of the fields devolved upon him and his brother Edward, and subsequent to his fathers death E. E. Boyd acquired seventy and a half acres of the farm, together with the buildings. Owing to his untiring indus- try, indefatigable energy and capable management, he has won a substantial measure of success in his agricultural pursuits and is numbered among the representative and prosperous citizens of the community.

In 1901 Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Ada Stinson, a daughter of Charles Stinson, of Washington township, who is now deceased. Like his father before him, Mr. Boyd gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have so long resided, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them.

John B. Whitehead

On the farm he now cultivates in Lima township John Bates Whitehead has practically spent all his life, having been brought to Licking county by his parents when he was four years of age, his birth having occurred in Franklin county June 16, 1831. He is a son of Silas and Sarah (Parrott) Whitehead and the fourth born of a family of twelve children. In this township he acquired his education at the district schools, at the same time assisting in the task of plowing, planting and harvesting. He worked steadily on the farm until May 1, 1861, when he enlisted in Company I), One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain J. II. Baird and after serving in the one hundred days' service he was mustered out at Camp Chase, September 1, 1861, during his military career having participated in the battle of John Brown's Schoolhouse, near Maryland Heights, and also having served in the army of the Potomac. Returning to this township after the war he settled down upon his farm containing fifty-two acres and continued the pursuit of agriculture until a few years ago when he practically retired from active life and turned over the management of his farm to his son.

In 1852 Mr. Whitehead was united in marriage to Hannah Headley, whose birth occurred in Jersey township January 9, 1832, and whose ancestors have been for many generations in this country. Representatives of the name served in the Revolutionary war. Her grandfather was Joseph Headley, whose birth occurred in New Jersey, in 1758, and his death in Jersey township, this county, August 27, 1812. He married Martha Riker, a native of Sussex county. New Jersey, where her birth occurred in the same year as that of her husband and who passed away in Jersey township, September 16, 1812. In 1809 they came from New Jersey, settling near Zanesville, this state, where they remained until 1815, during which year, in company with a son, Peter, they went to Muskingum county, camping on the south fork of Licking creek, near Jersey. There they erected a log structure in which they resided and for a while engaged in making sugar. The following year Peter Headley entered a quarter section of land on section 21, on which he built a log cabin and his father with the remainder of the family resided with him until the year 1822, when his parents took up their residence with their son, Lewis, in Jersey, Ohio, where they resided until they departed this life. Joseph Headley was a soldier in the Colonial army during the Revolutionary war and after that conflict he spent his remaining days in the pursuit of agriculture.

As to his religious convictions, he was broad minded and was affiliated with the Universalists. Among his children were: Elizabeth, Peter, Dorothy, William, Samuel, Uziali, Lewis, and Mary C., who has two daughters, Lavena and Eunice.

Lewis Headley was born in New Jersey March 31, 1799, and in 1822 he was united in marriage with Mima Noe, who passed away August 13, 1871, in her seventieth year. They settled on a farm in Jersey township, this county, on land which is now part of the village of Jersey, and there Lewis Headley built a log cabin and later constructed and operated the first sawmill built in Jersey township, the mill having been located on the north fork of Licking creek. There he lived for a number of years engaged both in agriculture and the lumber business. In the village of Jersey he built an elegant dwelling in which he resided in retirement for several years before his death. He was a man who took considerable interest in the welfare of the community and donated to the trustees of the township the ground for the Jersey cemetery, in which rest the remains of several members of his family. As to his religious convictions his were far from the generally accepted orthodox thought and, believing in the ultimate salvation of all mankind, he was affiliated all his life with the Universalist church. In his family were the following children: Mary, Lemuel, Matilda, Hannah, Phoebe, Ebenezer, John and Martha.

To Hannah Headley, who became the wife of John Bates Whitehead, was born one son, Elmer G., his nativity having occurred on a farm two and a half miles south of the home place, September 19, 1863, and he now is the possessor of the old homestead. Mr. Whitehead has always been affiliated with the republican party and throughout his long experience as a voter he has never found reason for leaving the party as he has always believed its principles in every particular to be adequate to advancing the nation's interest. He is a man whose industry and enterprise have made him favorably known throughout the township and he stands in excellent repute among his neighbors as an upright and straightforward citizen.

George N. Rector

George N. Rector, now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Licking county, was born May 3, 1854, in Muskingum county, Ohio, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Rector, botli of whom were natives of Virginia and came to Muskingum county in the early '40s. The fathers death occurred in 1884, while the mother survived until 1900. Their family numbered ten children, namely: Jacon, of Licking county; Samuel and Joseph, also of this county; Cordelia; Elizabeth J., deceased; Sarah Ann, the wife of William Shaw, of Newark, Ohio; George N., of this review; John B., a resident of Licking county; Mary M., the wife of George Priest, residing in this county; and Andrew J., living in Newark, Ohio.

Reared in the home of his parents, George N. Rector acquired his education in the common schools and remained upon his father's farm until twenty years of age, when he began working out by the month, being thus engaged for four years. Later he purchased eighty-five acres of land in Newton township, and began farming on bis own account. This farm is situated near Newark, Ohio, and Mr. Rector is devoting his time and attention to the work of general development and improvement, and his fields arc bringing to him good returns.

Mr. Rector was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Derfflinger, who was born in 1853, a native of Licking county. She wras one of six children whose parents are both dead. Mrs. Rector died in December, 1901, and later he again married, his second union being with Miss Mary D. Lowell. She was born in Knox county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Charity (Kearns) Lowell, the former a native of Muskingum county and the latter of Morrow county, Ohio, while .they now make their home in Licking county. Mrs. Rector is one of eight children born to her parents.

Although Mr. Rector is a stalwart supporter of the democratic party, the honors and emoluments of office hold no attraction for him, preferring, as he does, to devote his entire time and attention to his agricultural interests. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's and is likewise a member of Newark Lodge, No. 2747, M. W. A., and through these channels he has made a large number of acquaintances and many warm friends.

Henry 0. Norris

Through successive stages of business progression Henry 0. Norris has reached his present position among the successful, prominent and energetic business men of Newark, wdiere he is now' connected with the lumber trade. He vras born in Maryland, May 4, 1852, a son of Nicholas D. and Caroline (Devries) Norris, who were likewise natives of that state. The father devoted his life to farming and died in Maryland in June, 1908, at the age of eighty-five years, having for more than two decades survived his wife, who passed away in 1887 at the age of sixty-five years.

Henry 0. Norris obtained his education in the public schools of Maryland, and afterward lived upon his fathers farm until he was twenty-one years of age, assisting in the work of field and meadow. He there formed habits of industry, economy and diligence wffiich have constituted elements in his later success. Leaving the farm on attaining his majority he went to Bellaire, Ohio, wdiere he entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, there serving as ticket agent for five years. In 1879 he came to Newark and accepted a position as bookkeeper in the First National Bank. Promotions made him teller in the same institution and he occupied that position for nine years, being one of the most trusted representatives of the institution. On the expiration of that period he joined Charles A. Smith in the purchase of the lumber business of John S. Bradley & Company, which has been in existence for twrenty-five or thirty years. His partnership wdtli Mr. Smith was maintained until 1901, when he purchased his partner's interest and has since been alone in business, being nowr sole owner of a large lumber yard. He carries all kinds of lumber and his sales have become extensive, owing to the straightforward business methods he has ever followed, his reasonable prices and his efforts to please his customers. As he has prospered he has extended his labors to other lines, becoming a stockholder and director of the First National Bank and also a stockholder of the Newark Ice and Cold Storage Company, of which he is now the vice president.

In 1879 Mr. Norris was married to Miss Anna Buckingham, a native of Newark, and a daughter of Judge Buckingham. He lost his wife, however, in September, 1900. Mr. Norris is a member of the Episcopal church and is well known in Newark by reason of his progressive citizenship and devotion to the general welfare, as well as by his business activity that has resulted in the attainment of gratifying success. His record may well serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished when one is not afraid of labor, for the opportunities which came to Mr. Norris were such as any man might secure and it is by reason of his diligence and reliability that he has become one of the successful merchants of his adopted city.