Licking Township (part 8 of 42)

ORRIN W. BELL. This prosperous agriculturist of Licking County was born March 16, 1836, upon the old homestead farm in Washington Township, near where he now resides. He is a member of one of the pioneer families of Ohio, his grandfather, James Bell, having come to this state from Pennsylvania in 1815, and made settlement in Morgan Township, Knox County. Samuel Bell, our subject's father, was born in Greene County, Pa., December 10, 1800, and was a youth of fifteen years when he accompanied the family to the Buckeye State. He married Elizabeth Hanger, and settling in Licking County, became the owner of a farm in Washington Township. Here Mrs. Bell died April 12, 1854, aged fifty-three years, ten months and twenty-three days.

Twelve children were born to the parents of our subject, ten of whom attained manhood and womanhood. They are: Nancy, who married Benjamin Hays and died in Licking County; Elizabeth, Mrs. David Hull, who passed away in Licking County in 1893; Jacob II., whose death occurred in this county in 1857; William, Jr., a sketch of whom is presented on another page; Julia A., wife of Allen Ilickey, who resides in Des Moines, Iowa; Rachel, who is the wife of Samuel R. Allison and resides in Delaware County, Iowa; Orrin W.; Lee A., of Knox County, Ohio; David P., who died in December, 1892; and Lettie A., who married L. H. Bell and lives in Cumberland County, Tenn.

After the death of his first wife, Samuel Bell was a second time married, Nanc}' Simmons becoming his wife. She died November 10, 1891, aged eightyfour years. Mr. Bell survived her about two years, departing this life October 23, 1893. In his political views he affiliated with the Democratic party. In the Christian Church he was an active member, and for forty years officiated as Deacon. He was a man of great industry and perseverance, and being ambitious to acquire a competence, he overworked to such an extent that his health was seriously injured at the age of thirty-jthree. It was twelve years before he regained his health, but after that he was a strong and vigorous man.

The boyhood years of our subject were uneventfully passed in Washington Township, alternating attendance at the common schools with work on the home farm. In 1857 he married Miss Sarah Jewell, who was born in Licking Count}' November 4, 1837. She is a daughter of Matthew H. and Mary (Miller) Jewell, the former a native of

New Jersey, born April 17, 1809. In 1829 he came to Ohio and worked at the trade of a mason and bricklayer. After bis marriage he resided in Morgan Township, Knox County, for six years, and then removed to Licking County, settling in Washington Township, where he engaged in farming until advanced in j'ears. He then removed to Utica, where he died September 9, 1879; his widow still survives.

The farm owned and operated by Mr. Bell is one of the best in the township, and contains all the improvements and accessories of a modern estate- As an agriculturist he is energetic and efficient, possessing a sagacious mind and keen judgment. He and his wife have had two children, but have been deeply bereaved by the death of both. Warren was called hence when two years and six months old. Laura, a bright and accomplished girl, attained the age of eighteen years and ten days, and then passed away. In religious belief, Mr. Bell is identified with the Christian Church, and is at present filling the oltice of Deacon. Politically he is a Democrat, but not partisan in his preferences.

HON. SAMUEL L. BLUE. Few citizens of Licking County are more widely known than the honored gentleman whose name appears above and who, though now temporarily residing in Columbus, was for many years inseparably associated with the business and political history of Homer. He was born in Romney, Hampshire County, Va. (now W. Va.), March 15, 1838, and is the son of Richard and Lucinda (Larimore) Blue, also natives of Hampshire County. His mother died in April, 1893, aged seventyseven years; his father, who was born March 4, 1808, now makes his home with a daughter, Mrs. Wagner, in Burlington Township, and notwithstanding his seven and eighty years, enjoys excellent health.

farming until about 1874, when, selling his estate, he removed to the village of Homer and there resided until his wife's death. He was of Scotch lineage, while his wife was of Irish descent, though remote on both sides. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are now living. Robert William died at the age of nineteen; James J. is a hotel keeper at Clay Centre, Kan.; our subject is the next in order of birth; Hannah C. became the wife of Evan Leggett,a contractor and builder living in Denver, Colo.; Isaac P. is engaged in farming in Clay County, Kan.; John, who resides in Homer, is a painter by occupation; Susan E. died at sixteen years of age; Ella, wife of Harris Wagner, resides in Burlington Township.

The education gained in the common schools our subject has supplemented by careful reading and observation until he is a man exceptionally well informed on current topics, and especially on political subjects. In the advocacy of his views he has alwaj'S been active and earnest, and is a recognized leader of the Democratic party in Licking County. While a resident of Burlington Township he held the office of Township Clerk three years, was Township Treasurer ten and one-half years, and also served as President of the Homer School Board for nine years.

A still higher honor was conferred upon Mr. Blue when, in 1887, he was elected a member of the House of Representatives of Ohio by the Democratic party, and two years later he succeeded himself, after which he voluntarily retired. During his legislative work he served on various committees, and in the Sixty-eighth Assembly was a member of the Committees on Claims, Revision and Working Home of the Blind. In the Sixtyninth Assembly he was Chairman of the Committee on County Affairs, a very important and responsible position, and also served on the Military' Committee and the Committee on Medical Colleges and Societies.

At the time of his election to the Legislature Mr. Blue was a merchant in Homer, having opened a store in that place in 1865. He continued the business during both terms of the Legislature, closing it out afterward. Prior to engaging as a merchant he was a farmer and came to Homer soon after his marriage. This important event occurred October 81, 1862, the lady being Miss Sarah E. Smith, a cultured woman, who received a good education in the schools of Homer. She is a daughter of Daniel A. Smith, a soldier in the War of 1812, who died in May, 1883, aged ninety-five years. Her mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Mitchell, departed this life in September, 1893, at the age of eighty-two.

Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Blue. The eldest, Nettie, married J. W. Sigler, a merchant of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, engaged in a general store with Browning & Sperry; they have two children. The younger daughters, Eleanor and Mabel, were educated in the public schools of Homer, Eleanor being a graduate of the Columbus Business College. For two 3'ears she was stenographer for the Warden of the state penitentiary, was also employed in the Singer Sewing Machine office, and latterly in a railroad office, all in Columbus.

Being called to Columbus on the convening of Legislature, Mr. Blue lias since resided there. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His career was so long and closely linked with the history of Licking Count}-, that a work of this character would be incomplete without a sketch of his life. To the ability of such men as he does the count}' owe its advance movements in every department of business activity and the development of its valuable resources, and he therefore justly occupies a high place in the regard of the people.

NEHEMIAII LETTS, a retired farmer residing in Utica, is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Morgan Township, Knox County, November 17, 1820. The family was first represented in Ohio by his grandfather, Nehemiah Letts, a native of New Jersey, who for some time resided in Somerset County, Pa., and thence in 1806 made a trip to Ohio, where he purchased land in both Licking and Knox Counties. Returning to Pennsylvania, he continued to reside there until 1816, when he came to Ohio once more and settled upon his property in Morgan Township, Knox County. Therein 1822, at the age of fifty-nine years, his death occurred. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rhoda Reed, died in June, 1835, aged sixty-three years.

In Grandfather Letts' family there were four sons and four daughters, all of whom attained to years of maturity, married and reared children. John Letts, father of our subject, was born in Somerset County, Pa., about 1788, and accompanied his father to Ohio in 1806, assisting in the selection of the lands. On his return to the Keystone State he engaged in farming. Soon after his marriage in 1816 to Mary Hanna, also a native of Somerset County, he removed to Ohio and made permanent settlement in Morgan Township, Knox County. Being a surveyor, he was often called upon by his neighbors to mark the property lines between adjoining farms. Through good management he accumulated about four hundred acres, and at the time of his death, in 1860, was well-to-do. His wife, who was a daughter of James Hanna, a native of the North of Ireland, died in 1853.

Of ten children constituting the family of John Letts, Ave attained mature years, namely: Nehemiah and Joel, now the only survivors; Reed, Jackson and John. The latter was a minister by profession and died in Sedalia, Mo. The eldest of the children, Nehemiah, was reared upon the home farm, his boyhood years being uneventfully passed. March 30, 1848, he married Mary, daughter of John and Mar}' (Starrett) Smith, and a native of Knox County.

Until 1872 Mr. Letts engaged in farming pursuits, but during that year he rented his property and removed to Utica, where he has since lived, comparatively retired from life's active pursuits. He has, through economy and industry, gained prosperity, and is now the owner of more than five hundred acres of valuable land, in addition to his comfortable home in Utica. He has been a witness of the many changes this century has wrought in the Buckeye State. During his early childhood years white settlers were comparatively few in number, and wild animals were frequently seen in the forests. He has lived to see the country densely populated, the value of lands greatly increased and the development of the material resources of the state. In his religious belief he supports the doctrines of the Baptist Church. While he has never cared to take a prominent place in public affairs, he always gives loyal allegiance to the principles of the Republican party, and never fails to cast his ballot for its principles.

JAMES M. McCLELLAND. The earthly pilgrimage of this venerable resident of Licking County covers a period of about four score years, his birth having occurred September 8, 1815. For many years his life record has been connected with the development and material growth of this county, to which he came in 1880, settling in Eden Township in September of that year. As may be imagined he has witnessed many wonderful changes since this locality became his home. Nor has he been an uninterested witness, but in ever}' way possible he has contributed to the development of its resources, and his name will be held in affectionate remembrance long after he shall have journeyed into the land beyond.

Mr. McClelland is a native of Greene Count}', Pa., which was also the birthplace of his parents, Carey and Sarah (Warthen) McClelland. In 1830 the family came to Ohio, where the father had purchased land some ten years before. One of his sons had settled in Licking County in 1829. The parents continued to reside in Eden Township as Long as they lived. The mother was fatally injured by a horse, receiving injuries that resulted in her death May 5, 1853. The father survived her, passing away March 27, 185G. They had fifteen children, of whom eight sons and five daughters attained to manhood and womanhood.

cattle trade, and, when a small boy, he assisted in driving hogs to Baltimore, where they were sold. On the 25th of March, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Amelia, daughter of Isaac Bell. This estimable lady was born in Licking County in October, 1822, and died in the same county, November 27, 1882. They were the parents of two children, a son and a daughter. Isaac, who was born April 26, 1842, is married and resides in Utica; Maiy E., whose birth occurred August 8, 1843, is the wife of Calvin Miller, of Knox County. After his marriage our subject settled on a farm in Licking County, but later sojourned for a few years in Delaware Count}'. Since returning to Licking County he has continued to reside here, engaged in fanning pursuits and also giving some attention to the raising of sheep. He is the owner of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, which he still superintends, though the infirmities incident to advancing age prevent him from actively tilling the soil. For two years he conducted a mercantile establishment in Martinsburg, and has also dealt extensively in live stock. With two others he had the contract for constructing the canal from Ottawa to LTtica, 111., and made his home in that state for four years. He has kept in touch with all the advancing movements of the present age, and is as progressive and public-spirited as he was forty j'ears ago. Time has dealt kindly with him, and he preserves his mental faculties unimpaired, and while physically he is not so strong as in former years, he nevertheless is hale and vigorous for one of his years.

HERMAN S. WHITE. While Union Station is itself a comparatively unimportant village, it nevertheless commands the trade of a large section of the surrounding country. Here the farmers find a market for their produce, which they dispose of for cash or in exchange for various necessary commodities. The principal store at the station is that owned and conducted by Mr. White, who is Postmaster as well as merchant, and is recognized as the leading citizen of the place. Though still a young man, the success which he has gained might well be desired by man}7 of his seniors in years.

The parents of our subject are Samuel S. and Ella (Smith) White, the latter being a daughter of the late Stephen F. Smith, an early settler and prominent business man of Hebron, where he remained until death. Sherman S. was born in Hebron, Union Township, Licking County, November 14, 1864. He was only five years of age when his parents removed to Kirkersville and there the succeeding six years were passed. From there he returned to Hebron with the family, and here he has since resided.

In early boyhood Mr. White received a fair elementary education, but as he was obliged to become self-supporting at an early age, his advantages were necessarily limited. From the age of twelve to sixteen years he worked by the day at any honest occupation he could secure. He then entered the employ of II. D. Burch, with whom he remained as clerk for six years. Afterward he became an employe in the establishment of W. F. Janeway & Co., of Columbus, Ohio. For one year he traveled as commercial salesman, and then returning to Hebron, accepted a position as clerk for D. T. Crawshaw, with whom he remained for one year.

The year 1889 witnessed the arrival of Mr. White at Union Station, of which he has since been a resident. Purchasing the stock of goods belonging to F. B. Ford, he opened a store and has since conducted an extensive trade among the people of this section. February 2, 1892, under the administration of President Harrison, he was appointed Postmaster at Union Station, in which capacity he has since served acceptably. Politically he is a Republican, but does not mingle actively in public affairs, preferring to devote his attention to his business interests.

In Union Township, September 18, 1888, occurred the marriage of S. S. White and Miss Blanche E. Larimorc, the daughter of John Larimore, of Union Township. Three children blessed this union, namely: Harry, who died at the age of three months; Wilber S. and Mildred B. The family is highly regarded in the social circles of the township. As a business man, such has been the uniform reliability of Mr. White's transactions that he now occupies a high position in the confidence of the general public, who recognize in him an honorable, energetic and fair-minded man.

VIRGIL J. HAMMOND. The business interests of Alexandria have a capable and successful representative in the gentleman named, who is well and favorably known as a dealer in coal, grain and lumber. He has been a life-long resident of Licking County and was born in St. Alban's Township September 3, 1855. He is the son of Joshua and Algarvia (Harrigal) Hammond, the former born in New Jersey May 15, 1821, and the latter a native of Zanesville, Ohio. Both are still living and make their home in St. Alban's Township, of which they have long been residents.

Nine children comprised the family, but three are now deceased. The six living children are, Virgil J.; Laura E., wife of John G. Davis; Orrilla M., George B., Willis H. and Archie D. Our subject was reared on his father's farm and after completing the studies of the common schools, devoted his attention exclusively to agriculture until he was twenty-three years old. He then embarked in his present business, building his elevator early in the '80s. As a business man he has met with a success to which his keen discrimination, excellent management, force of character and untiring industry certainly entitle him.

15, 1863, and is a daughter of the late Robert and Mary Lloyd, both of whom died in Newark, the mother passing from earth when her daughter was an infant of eleven weeks. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hammond, Celia M., who was born May 1, 1885.

Believing it to be the duty of every publicspirited citizen to maintain an intelligent interest in affairs of local or national interest, Mr. Hammond keeps himself well posted concerning all the great issues of the age, and is therefore a pleasant and interesting conversationalist. lie has given careful stud}- to the principles of the great political parties, and favoring free trade, consequently gives his support to the Democratic party. In April of 1892 he was elected to the office of Township Trustee, which position he has since held. He has also been Clerk of the Election Board. His wife united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when she was thirteen and has since adhered to the faith she then professed. While not identified with any denomination, he favors Methodist doctrines and attends the services of this church. He is now in the prime of manly vigor and usefulness, and it is probable that future years may bring him added successes; such at least is the hope of his hosts of personal friends.

EVI M. FARNSWORTH. This well known I Cy farmer of Newark Township is a native of Licking County, his birth having occurred in Mary Ann Township, March 13, 1843. He is the son of Mahlon Farnsworth, a native of .Shenandoah County, Va., born in 1817, who came to this state in childhood and at the age of twentyfive years married MissLydia Miller. Mrs. Farnsworth was born in Mary Ann Township March 3, 1818, and died April 2, 1883. A sketch of her anoestry appears in the history of Jacob Miller herein. Of the six children comprising the family of Mahlon Farnsworth only two are now living.

Levi M. is the eldest of the family. Sarah E., born June 23, 1847, married Charles Marshall and died June 23, 1875, at twenty-eight years of age; she had united with the church in 1866, and was a sincere and devoted Christian to the end of her short life. Orlena, also a devoted Christian, died of consumption September 23, 1878, aged twentynine years. Alice (). died October 7, 1870, when only seventeen. With every prospect for a happy life, she was called from earth, and on her death bed implored her relatives to meet her in heaven, saying as she fell asleep, "I am going to Jesus." Emma, who was born March 22, 1860, died July 9, 1890, at the home of our subject, being the last of four daughters whose lives ended in the consummation of that dread disease, hereditary consumption. Like the others, she was firm in her Christian faith and died with the assurance of future life beyond the grave.

Thus the father, mother and four sisters have crossed the dark river of death, leaving but the two brothers to represent the family. Jacob, the second child, married Mayme O. Forry, and is a farmer by occupation, residing in Granville Township, one and one-half miles northwest of the village. He has had three children, Harry, Grace and Blanche, the latter dying in childhood. Our subject was educated in the district schools of his native township and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-one. He then began railroading in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio, and for about fourteen years operated stationary engines in the railroad water works at Union Station and Utica. While at the last named'place he was called home on account of his father's failing health and resumed his farm work, in which occupation he is still engaged.

By the terms of his father's will, Mr. Farnsworth came into possession of the old home farm in Newark Township, where he now lives. His father had removed from Mary Ann Township to Bennington Township, this county, when Levi M. was only a child, remaining there until 1861, and coming to the present property during the Civil War. October 23, 1890, Mr. Farnsworth was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie E. Evans, a native of Licking County, and daughter of Lewis Evans,

Jr. Her grandfather, Lewis Evans, Sr., was a native of Virginia and a very early settler of Licking County, where he died at the age of ninety-six years. Lewis Evans, Jr., died in 1892; his wife, whose maiden name was Jane Conrad, and whom he married in this county, still makes her home here. They had four children, Clark M., Henry A., Alta and Lizzie, of whom the two first-named are farmers of this county, while Alta died in young womanhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth one child has been born, Ray Evans, now nineteen months old. The family is identilied with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Newark, while political!}' Mr. Farnsworth votes with and works for the Republican party.

JOHN J. SIMMONS. The prosperous farmers of Burlington Township have achieved their success by virtue of their own thoroughgoing industry, untiring enterprise and the wealth that lay hidden under the sod of the Buckeye Slate. Among such we are pleased to mention the name of John J. Simmons, a general farmer and stock-raiser, whose farm consists of one hundred and fifty well cultivated acres. Whatever success he has met with in life, and it is not a little, is due to his own efforts. His industry, good management and perseverance have won for him a handsome competence, which places him among the substantial citizens of the community.

Near Homer, on the farm now owned by his brother Lewis, the subject of this sketch was born September 17, 1826. Of his parents, Van and Sarah (Butcher) Simmons, mention is made in the sketch of Lewis Simmons. He lived on the parental homestead until he was twenty-four years of age, meantime attending the public schools of the home locality. At the age above mentioned he was married, October 13, 1850, to Miss Mary Jane Wise, a native of Washington County, Pa., and four years his junior. lie moved to his present farm and raised a crop of grain prior to his marriage, keeping "bachelor's hall" and sleeping in a barn. In that way he began life for himself. A portion of the farm he purchased from his father, the balance being inherited. It originally comprised one hundred acres, but fifty acres have since been added to the property. Here he engnges both in general farming and in stock-raising.

Politically, Mr. Simmons is a Democrat, though not of the radical type. During the late war he was loyal to our Government, supporting the cause of the Union. An honest, upright citizen, he possesses the confidence and esteem of nil who know him, and is especially prominent in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he and his wife have belonged for man}' years. Mrs. Simmons was born October 31, 1830, and is the daughter of Jacob and Harriet (Alexander) Wise, natives of Washington County, Pa., who died in Ohio. There were five sons and three daughters in the family, only three of whom are now living. Andrew A., the eldest, lives in Las Vegas, N. M. Mrs. Simmons was the second in order of birth. Hannah E., Mrs. Charles Selby, died in Story County, Iowa, leaving eight children. William A., a lieutenant in the army, died in Missouri from the effects of disease contracted in the service. Cyrus N., who served three years in the army, returned in broken health and died in Delaware County, Ohio, from the effects of disease and hardships resulting from army life. Demas Z. died in the army and was buried at Frederick City, Md. Loretta died in Washington County, Pa. Jacob J., a man of good education and fine business attainments, has been engaged in mining and has devoted much of his time to travel, visiting all the western states and spending several winters in Alaska. When last heard from he was in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been three times married, his first and second wives having died in Sedalia, Mo.

To Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Simmons five children were born. Harriet Louisa, whose birth occurred on the home farm July 9, 1852, married Park DeC'row, a prosperous farmer living near the parental home. Sarab Philena, born Septembei 27,

1854, is the wife of Charles Fry. Mary E., born April 18, 1857, is the wife of Willis Shipley, who cultivates the home farm. Warner W., born November 4, 1860, married Hattie Lake and resides near Johnstown; he was educated at the Utica Normal School and is a school teacher by occupation, having also served as Appraiser, Assessor and Justice of the Peace in Monroe Township. Martha, who was born September 18, 18G3, was an intelligent and refined young lady, popular with all who knew her. She was especially fitted for teaching, and had just completed her lirst term of school when she was taken ill with typhoid fever and died August 23, 1882, when nearly nineteen vears old.

JOHN LAR1MORE. Without a sketch of Mr. Larimore, well known among the successful agriculturists of the county, this volume would be incomplete. A life-long resident of Union Township, he is now the owner of one of the finest farms of the locality, which through excellent methods of fertilization and proper rotation of crops has been brought to a high state of cultivation. The success which he has attained is especially noteworthy inasmuch as it has been secured through his own unremitting exertions, aided by the efficient co-operation of his excellent wife.

Mi. Larimore was born in Union Township, October 7, 1831, and grew to manhood upon his father's farm, where it was his especial duty to attend to the flocks and herds. When opportunity allowed he attended the neighboring schools, but the broad fund of information he now possesses is attributable mainly to his own persevering endeavors. In the school of experience he was an apt pupil, and through reading and observation he has become a well informed man.

became the wife of Mr. Larimore bore the maiden name of Hannah M. Lane and was born in Union Township April 2, 1835. She received a good education in the district school and remained beneath the parental roof until she left it to enter the home prepared for her by her husband. After his marriage Mr. Larimore settled upon a portion of his father's estate, where he resided about nine years. In November, 1863, he purchased one hundred and seventy-two acres, comprising the nucleus of his present possessions. At the time of purchase the land was unimproved, but through his diligent efforts and untiring industry the soil has been placed under excellent cultivation and all the necessary buildings have been erected. He is now the owner of about four hundred acres of valuable land, all situated in Union Township.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Larimore has resulted in the birth of thirteen children, nine of whom are now living. Clara E. and Elma E. died at the respective ages of four and sixteen years. Caroline is the wife of John Black; William G. resides in New Mexico; George L. married Lillie King and makes his home in Topeka, Kan; Richard C. is a railroad man in New Mexico; Blanche is the wife of S. S. White, a merchant living at Union Station (of whom see sketch elsewhere in this work); Fannie F. is the wife of C. E. Perry; Bruce L. and Jessie V. are at home; one child died unnamed in infancy, and James II. passed away when eighteen months old; Fred B., the youngest, is also at home.

The parents of our subject, James and Ann Eliza (DeWald) Larimore, were natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland, and came to Licking County in a very early day, settling in Union Township. There they died, the father in 1874, when seventythree years old, and the mother in 1886, aged eighty-three years. Their children were, Daniel, Louisa, John, Sarah, Scienda, James and Caroline. The father was a man of more than ordinary enterprise, determination and force of character, and while economical in personal expenditures, was generous to those in need, and no deserving per. son was ever refused assistance by him.

Elizabeth (Horn) Lane, the former born in Washington County, Ohio, February 14, 1812, and the latter born in Union Township, Licking County, the same date as that of her husband. After their marriage they settled in Union Township, where they walked life's pathway side by side for a period of fifty-eight years, dying amid the scenes of their early wedded life. The wife and mother passed away December 20, 1891, and Mr. Lane did not long survive her demise, his death occurring January 8, 1892. They had two children, Hannah M. and George W., the latter of

In local affairs, and especially in all enterprises for the promotion of the best interests of the people, Mr. Larimore takes a commendable interest, and in his political views is a loyal supporter of the Democratic party. While not identified with an)' denomination, he favors the Baptist Church, of which his wife is a consistent member. They occupy a high place in the regard of their hosts of friends and are numbered among the most influential citizens of Union Township.

eOL. JOSEPH C. WEHRLE. Few residents of Newark were so closely identified with its business interests during a period covering more than a quarter of a century as was the subject of this biographical notice. In the prime of his usefulness, ere jret old age had dimmed his eyes or impaired his intellect, he passed from earth and his mortal remains were laid to rest in the cemete.y at this place.

Born in Germany March 1836, Jflr. Wehrle was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied the other members of the family to the United States, settling with them at Newark. His father, Martin Wehrle, was a blacksmith by trade, and in this city was engaged also in the mercantile business for a time, lie was one of ten children, only four of whom grew to maturity, and of these he was the eldest, the others being Catherine, who became the wife of John McCarthy, of Newark, and died in 1866; Elizabeth, who died in 1867;and Anna, wife of William Sex, of Newark. In Newark Joseph C. learned the trade of a moulder, which he followed here, and in 185'J he opened a grocery store on Fifth Street. After the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union army, and was appointed Second Lieutenant of Company E, Seventy-sixth

Ohio Infantry, October 17, 1861. He recruited and organized this company at his own expense, and on the 16th of December following was commissioned Captain of the same company. The regiment was organized at Newark, Ohio, and was ordered to Paducah, Ky., February 9, 1862.

The regiment participated in many important engagements, among them the capture of Ft. Donelson, siege of Corinth, capture of the steamer '-Fair Play," siege of Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta Campaign, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and numerous others, in all of which Captain Wehrle proved himself a brave, daring soldier. By reason of the expiration of his term of service he was honorably discharged Octotober 28, 1861, and on the 13th of March, 1865, he was brevetted Major and Lieutenant-Colonel of United States Volunteers for gallant and meritorious services during the war. On his return to Newark he formed a partnership with T. J. Davis in the wholesale grocery business. Later he engaged in the wholesale liquor trade, and afterward carried on a grocery store in partnership with John Mc- Carthy.

barked in the manufacture of stoves. In January, 1890, he purchased his partner's interest and conducted the business under the (inn title of Moser, Welirle & Co. At the time of his death, March 31, 1890, lie owned a three-fourths interest in the foundry, and afterward his widow purchased the other one-fourth. At the present time (1894), William W. Wehrle owns a half-interest in the business, while the Wehrle estate owns the other half.

In addition to the foundry Mr. Wehrle owned other valuable property, and at the time of his death owned several business blocks, including the Wehrle Block, on West Main Street. In his religious belief he was a member of the Catholic Church, and politically gave his support to the principles of the Republican party. His widow, who still survives, was prior to her marriage, in 1865, Miss Philomena V. Morath. She was born in Columbus and is the daughter of Michael Morath, a well known brewer of this city. There were born to the union eleven children, only five of whom attained mature years, viz.: Joseph, a Catholic priest, and now residing at Wheelersburg, Ohio; Mary, a nun in St. Mary's Convent at Columbus; William W.; August T., a moulder by trade and a resident of Newark; and Cecelia, who is attending school.

Y/V/ Joseph C. and Philomena V. (Morath; Wehrle. He was born February 25, 1870, and after completing the studies of the common schools, in 1884 he entered St. Vincent College at Beatty, Pa., where he remained for three years. On his return to Newark he assisted in various departments at the foundry, thus becoming familiar with all branches of the business. Soon after the death of his father he assumed the management of the business, in which he now owns a one-half interest. He has already displayed the possession of the qualifications that bring success to a business man, and it is safe to say that under his careful supervision the business will enjoy a steadily increasing reputation for the character of its productions. Politically he gives his support to the principles of the Republican party.

PHILIP P. SMOOTS. This prosperous agriculturist and stock-dealer, residing near Utica, was born December 16, 1832, on the farm where he now lives. His parents, George and Susan (Nicely) Smoots, were natives of Shenandoah County, Va., where they were also reared and married, the latter event occurring December 13. 1820. After the birth of two children they removed from the Old Dominion to Ohio, coming to Licking County in 1822 and settling on the farm where our subject now lives.

In the parental family there were five sons and one daughter, only three of whom survive. Harrison, the eldest, died about 1882; he was the only Whig in the family, and while the other members became Republicans on the organization of that party, he affiliated with the Democrats until his death. Matthias died soon after the war from the effects of army service. George W. died about a week after his discharge from the army, his death resulting from disease contracted while in the service. Our subject is fourth in order of birth. Nathaniel Fuller is proprietor of a meat market in Utica. Susan, the widow of Charles Trowbridge, lives in Utica. The father of this family was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a man of upright and energetic disposition. His death occurred April 1, 1867.

Reared to the calling of a farmer, our subject chose agriculture for his occupation and has always followed that vocation. He was unable to go to the front during the war, but furnished a substitute, and his sympathies were ever on the side of the Union. On the 10th of December, 1856, lie married Miss Martha Stevenson, a native of Ireland, who at tlie age of about twelve years nunc to America with her parents, John and Susanna Stevenson. The}' settled in Licking County, of which they were long residents. The mother is now deceased, and the father makes bis home in Chillicothe.

In March. 1866, Mr. Soooots moved his family to Mexico. Mo., and purchasing property, lived there about two years. On account of the death of his father he was compelled to return home and attend to the settlement of the estate. lie disposed of his Missouri property at a good bargain and bought the parental homestead, where the family now lives. The farm comprises about one hundred and three acres, on which are excellent improvements. For about thirty-five years Mr. Smoots has been engaged in buying and selling stock, m which department of agriculture he has met with flattering sin cos. He buys and sells all kinds of stock, feeds some cattle and a large herd of sheep every winter, and has recently made shipments to Buffalo as well as New York City, though for some time Pittsburgh was the regular market.

To Mr. and Mrs. Smoots eleven children were born, nine of whom are living. John S., who is married and has three children, is engaged in the mercantile business at Frederick town, Ohio; Robert A., who married Kllie McWilliams, lives in Utica; Wiley C, who is married and resides at Granville, is engaged with his brother Edward in the meat market and stock business, conducting two markets, also buying stock and hay in large quantities; George W. chose as his wife Phi la Dunlap, and they live on the old homestead, his wife being housekeeper for the family; Edward, who married Laura Bell, is located at Granville, as previously stated; Lottie, who lives in Hamburg, Iowa, is the wife of George Ilulsi/.er, who owns and operates a Homing mill at that place; Susanna married .lames Frie, a mechanic of Fredericktown; Maggie, living at Riverton, Iowa, is the wife of Robert Thompson, a hardware merchant and undertaker.

Mi. Smoots had the misfortune to lose his wife by death December 1, L890. she had long been his devoted counselor and helpmate and was a lady of fervent religious belief, being a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church. In his religious views he advocates Presbyterian doctrines and holds membership in the church of that denomination at Utica. He is one of the most successful and influential residents of Washington Township, and the prosperity he has attained is richly deserved, having been secured by good management, economy, perseverance and energy.

WILLIAM A. LOVETT, proprietor of the Newark Steam Laundry and a resident of this city since 1884, was born in Mansfield, Ohio, October 30, 1837, being a son of John W. and Lydia (Gray) Lovett. He was reared to manhood upon a farm, and for a time was a student in the common schools. Later, after having worked for himself for two years, he continued his studies in an academy. When only nineteen he commenced to teach school, and during the sumn er seasons attended school, while in winter he taught in Crawford and Richland Counties.

In the spring of 1800 Mr. Lovett went to New York Stale, where he visited friends. In the winter of 1860-01 he taught school at Thompsonvi lie, Sullivan County. N. V. When the Civil War commenced he at once enlisted for two years in response to the call of the New York State Legislature. After remaining in the service of the state for a short time he was mustered into the United States service with Company II, Twentyeighth New York Infantry, under General Ranks. The first engagement of the regiment was at Winchester, although several skirmishes had taken place previously. Later came the battle of Cellar Mountain, where Mr. Lovett received a gun shot wound, which disabled him from further service. He remained in the hospital until the regiment was mustered out, when he returned to the Buckeye Slate.

was first employed as a farm laborer, and later worked in an implement store at Upper Sandusky. After serving as Deputy Postmaster for a time, he was appointed Postmaster under the administration of President Lincoln, and served in that capacity until, on account of his refusal to endorse President Johnson, he was removed from ollice. He then traveled in the employ of a book publishing house. In 1868 he went to Peoria, 111, where for two years he was the representative of the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company. From that place he went to Ottawa, 111., and during his residence there of twelve 3rears he was engaged in the manufacture of shirts, and also in the steam laundry business.

Returning to Ohio in 1880, Mr. Lovett became a resident of Newark two years later, and establishing his steam laundry soon after coming here, now conducts the oldest business in that line in the city. Not only is it the oldest, but the largest laundry as well, and the accurate and reliable business transactions of the proprietor, together with his systematic and thorough manner of conducting the enterprise, have secured for the laundry an established reputation.

In 1863 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lovett and Miss Louisa, daughter of John Smith, and a native of Fredricksburg, Ohio. Her mother's maiden name was Sea Wright. One child has blessed this union, Emma. In religious connections Mr. and Mrs. Lovett are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, to the support of which they contribute in proportion to their means. They have a pleasant home at No. 205 West Locust Street, and are well known and highly esteemed in the social circles of the community. A Republican in politics, Mr. Lovett was for several j'ears Chairman of the Republican Executive Committee, and has frequently served as a delegate to various political conventions. Socially he is a member of Lemert Post, G. A. R., of which he is Past Commander.

The Lovett family is of English descent. The grandfather of our subject, Aaron Lovett, was a drayman in New York City, but removing thence, settled upon a farm in Sullivan County. His death occurred at the age of eighty years. The father of our subject was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and in childhood removed with the family to New Y^ork City, where he attended school. Later removing to Sullivan County, he engaged in farming and teaching school. After his marriage he came to Ohio, and settling in Richland County, there made his home until his death, at the age of forty-four years. His wife passed away at the age of forty-five. He was a man of many virtues, and as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church accomplished much good in the community. Of his five children, four grew to mature years, namely : William A., of this sketch ; David B., who lives on the old homestead ; Aaron, a miner of South Dakota, and John B., an engineer, whose home in Galion, Ohio.

THOMAS PATTON was born January 14, 1847, upon the farm in Burlington Township where he now resides. He is the son of Joseph and Jaue (Lusk) Patton, of whom further mention is made in the biographical sketch of Samuel Patton, elsewhere presented. In youth he became thoroughly familiar with the occupation of his ancestors, that of agriculture, and this he has followed for his life work. His education was received in the schools of the district, and while not complete, was nevertheless practical, thus preparing him for an active business career.

May 29, 1879, Mr. Patton was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of Thomas and Eleanor (Stearns) Larrimore. Mrs. Patton was orphaned by her mother's death when she was a mere child; her father subsequently married again, and the step-mother is still living, Mr. Larrimore having died in 1884. Mrs. Patton was one of five children, the others being sons, as follows: Joseph, a teacher by profession, and at present Deputy Clerk of Pottawattamie County, Iowa; Samuel Gilmer, manager of a horse ranch in Montana; Lemuel Franklin, who is employed with his brother in Montana; and Robert Newlon, who lives in Homer, Ohio. The children received only common-school educations, with the exception of Joseph, who was educated at Denison University at Granville. Three children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Patton, viz.: Reese Lee, who was born February 28, 1883; Clifford Carson, April 6, 1885; and Hazel Ruth, September 25, 1887.

Having inherited the old homestead, Mr. Patton now engages in the cultivation of the land. Upon the place he has made a number of valuable improvements, and his home is one of the neatest rural abodes in the township. The property consists of one hundred and eighty-four acres of farm land, besides twenty acres of timber land. As an agriculturist he is careful, persevering and industrious, and his success is due largely to the exercise of these qualities, combined with good sound judgment.

In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Patton are actively connected with the Presbyterian Church at Homer, and he is a member of the building committee, having in charge the erection of the new edifice. He is also active in Sunday-school work. Roth of his time and means he gives liberally to the support of religious work. He takes an intelligent interest in all progressive measures having lor their object, either direct or indirect, the material welfare of the people, and may always be found on the side of right and justice.

JAMES SEARLE WI LLIAMS.a representative farmer and stock grower of Burlington Township, and a leading citizen of Homer, was born September i», 1851, in the house where he now lives. He is the eldest of the family of four sons and live daughters born to the union Of Edwin and Catherine (Searle) Williams, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. For several generations the family was represented in Pennsylvania, where was born Grandfather George W. Williams, for many years a hotel keeper at Plains. In public affairs he was a man of prominence, and served for some time as Sheriff of the county. Socially, lie was a zealous worker in the Masonic order.

The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in Licking County, receiving a practical education in the common schools. For three years he served as his father's deputy in the Sheriff's office, and later, returning to Homer, spent three years beneath the parental roof. lie then removed westward, and settling in the eastern part of Kansas, engaged in farming and sheep growing, operating a sheep ranch. In this enterprise he met with considerable success, gaining not only material profit, but also an experience that was of great value to him.

On receiving the announcement of his father's serious illness, Mr. Williams returned to Ohio, and after the death of his father went back to the Sunflower State, where he closed up his business. Since that he has made his home at the old place, where his boyhood days were passed. Here he has charge of the estate belonging to his mother, who is still living and at present makes her home on the farm in the suburbs of Homer, where her husband died. She is an educated and refined lady, esteemed by all who know her, and is a valued member of the Episcopal Church. Of her children we note the following: George W. is a prominent attorney of Columbus, Ohio; Mary S. is the wife of Dr. John Rouse, of St. Louisville; Clara became the wife of William Burner, a draughtsman with the Case Manufacturing Company at Columbus, Ohio; Ruth S. married Lewis Youst and resides on the home farm; Elizabeth V. is the wife of Frank Yoakam, who resides on his father's farm in Burlington Township; Helen I), is unmarried and lives with her mother.

At Homer, January 7, 1871, James S. Williams and Ella Dumbauld were united in marriage. Mrs. Williams is the daughter of David Dumbauld, a prominent farmer and merchant of Burlington Township, who at one time owned and operated a general store in the village of Homer. She was educated in this city, completing her studies in the

Presbyterian Female College at Granville. One child blesses their union, Clendon Senile, now (1894) nineteen years of age and a young man of superior intellectual ability. Together with his family Mr. Williams is identified with the Presbyterian Church at Homer, in the good works of which they assist with characteristic liberality. Mr. Williams is Chairman of the building committee, which has in charge the erecting of the Presbyterian Church at. Homer.

AMUEL L. SHAFFER. The agricultural interests of Licking County have a worthy representative in tins influential citizen of Burlington Township. He is a native of Knox County. Ohio, having been born at Mt. Liberty, on the 2d of July, 1803, to Peter and Ellen (Thatcher) Shaffer. The Shaffer family is of German origin though somewhat remote. The father was born in Pennsylvania on the 4th of December. 1826, came with his parents when young to Knox County. Ohio, and there continued to reside until his death, February 1, 1898. The mother, a native of New Jersey, accompanied her parents to Knox County in childhood, and at present makes her home in Columbus, this state.

Five sons and one daughter constitute the parental family. George M. married Ella Lyle, and they have two sons; he resides at Mt. Liberty, where he owns the old family homestead, and in addition to dealing in farm produce, he isalso filling the position of station agent. William H., who married Calls Cox, resides in Centreburgh, Ohio, and is a liveryman by occupation. Our subject is the next in order of birth. Clement Y. married Miss Delia, daughter of Marshall Doty, who is owner of a boot and shoe store at Marvsville. Ella is the wife of Porter Bliss, proprietor of the popular Hotel Bliss at Ftica. Charles P., the youngest, resides in Columbus. Ohio, where he

Educated in Knox County, our subject was about twenty-one years of age when he began to learn the silversmith's trade in Mt. Vernon. After having worked at this business about three years, he bought the farm on which he is now located and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. May 25, 1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Sadie M., daughter of Morgan and Elizabeth (West) Woodruff, old settlers, and still prominent residents of Burlington Township. Three children bless this union, Morgan Guy, Goldie Amber and Lulu Coral Wave. The children are enjoying the benefits of the excellent schools of the district, and the elde^ will enter the Utica graded schools at the beginning of the fall term (1894).

December 22, 1887, Mr. Shaffer was deeply bereaved by the death of his wife, an exemplary Christian lady, who was beloved by all who knew her. The loss was also an irreparable one to the liltle children, bereft of a mother's love when not yet old enough to realize the extent of their bereavement. Mr. Shaffer is a man of untiring industry, and the fact that he has accumulated a valuable property in a comparatively brief period, speaks well not only for his industry, but also for his excellent management. Socially he is a member of Burlington Lodge No. 551, K. P., in which he has held various official positions, and is now the third officer. In religious connections he is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Enterprising and public-Spirited, Mr. Shaffer takes an active interest in local and national queslions and votes with the Democratic party. For three years he served as Trustee of Burlington Township, during which time he built the pike from Homer to Ftica. a distance of four miles. This is called the Shaffer pike, and was built by Licking County, aided by private subscriptions. The proposition by the County Commissioners was to duplicate from county funds the amount raised by private subscriptions. Mr. Shaffer presented them a subscript ion list showing that £400 had been pledged by people interested. This sum was promptly duplicated and the work went on. Outside of the paved streets of the cities, there is no better road in the county to-day, and the success of the enterprise is largely due to the untiring efforts of Mr. Shaffer. lie deals extensively in stock, making a specialty of buying and matching carriage horses, and has sold several fine teams to parties in Columbus and other cities. Now in the prime of life, the future years will undoubtedly bring to him an ever in creasing success in financial affairs.

WILLIAM A. M( )( IKE. Eew of the farmers of Burlington Township enjoy a more extended acquaintance throughout Licking County than does the subject of this sketch, an efficient, capable and enterprising agriculturist, whose life occupation has been that which he still successfully follows. He owns and operates a valuable estate consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he engages in general farming. The land contains first-class improvements, including a substantial set of farm buildings, and the soil has been placed under a high state of cultivation.

Of the parents of our subject, V. R. and Mary (Butcher) Moore, mention is made in the sketch of the former, presented on another page. William A., the only son, was born in Delaware June 1,1853, and received an excellent education in the district school and the Homer High School. Being a thoughtful reader and a man of unusual intelligence, he has added to his fund of knowledge by self culture, and is intelligently posted upon all topics of local or general importance.

On the 25th of September, 1876, William A. Moore was united in marriage with Miss Alice, daughter of the late Alex and Martha lies, of Bennington Township, Licking County. One child blessed this union, Grace, who resides with her grandparents, and is now (1894) a student in college. In March of 1883, the wife and mother was called from earth. Mr. Moore was again married in June, 1885, choosing as his wife Miss Elizabeth

Yoakam. an estimable and cultured lady, who was educated in the Homer High School. She is a daughter of M. W. and Esther Yoakam, a prominent family of Burlington Township.

In polities, Mr. Moore is active, being recognized as a leader among the Republicans of his township. Frequently he has been chosen to serve as a delegate to county conventions, and has also represented bis party in numerous local positions of trust. He believes the principles of the Republican party are the best adapted to promote the welfare and material prosperity of the people, and consequently gives to them his loyal and enthusiastic support. In his social connections he alliliates with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Licking Lodge No. 291, in which he has held the office of Junior Warden. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Homer, the services of which they regularly attend, and to the support of which they generously contribute.

EV LMAS W. SCOTT, a prominent merchant C\ of Homer, was born December 15, 1834, in the town where he now lives. He enjoys the distinction of being the oldest resident of Homer who was born here. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Scott, came to what is now Burlington Township in 1802, entering Government land within a half-mile of the present site of Homer. On this farm, December 27, 1803, was born Samuel, our subject's father, who in youth learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. This occupation he followed until about the beginning of the Civil War, when he purchased and settled upon a farm two miles north of Homer, continuing to reside on that place until his death, in 1877. Our subject's mother was Lydia, daughter of Gary Meade, one of the first settlers of Granville, coming there in 1802 and continuing to make it his home until death. Mrs. Scott was born in Granville January 14, 1804, and died in Kansas

City, Mo., in January, 1888. Her family comprised five sons and one daughter, concerning whom the following is noted: Samuel A. resides in Napa City, Cal., where he is a merchant and Internal Revenue Collector for two ports on the Pacific coast. Mrs. M. L. Newlon, the wife of a well-todo retired merchant, resides at Pacific Grove, Cal.; Thomas is a wealthy merchant at Woodlawn, Mo.; Elmas W. is our subject; Orville, a prosperous farmer at West Ely, Mo., was severely wounded while in the army during the Civil War, being shot through the body, and from the effects of the injury he has never recovered; Winfield died at the age of six years.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Homer and at South Salem Academy in Ross County, Ohio. He has been twice married. In 1856 he was united with Miss Helen M. Williams, who was born in Wilkes Barre, Pa., in 1837, and died February 28, 1890. Two children were born of this union, viz.: Charles W., a farmer and ranchman of Edwards County, Kan., who married Miss Cora Ilargadine and has three children; and Lulu M., now the wife of Edward II. Rankin, a lumber merchant of Columbus, Ohio, their union being blessed with three children.

On the 20th of September, 1893, Mr. Scott married his present companion, Mrs. Sarah (Weaver) Cooper, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, (her birthplace being at Chatham, Newton Township) in 1844. She is a daughter of George and Ruth Weaver, well known residents of Newton Township. The life occupation of Mr. Scott has been that of a merchant. For a time he was a clerk in the employ of others, later engaged in business together with Dr. B. Coleman, but for twenty years past he has been alone. He operates a general store and has the largest stock of goods in the village. In all his transactions he has been very successful and is universally esteemed for his integrity and business ability.

Under the administration of Benjamin Harrison, in 1889, Mr. Scott was appointed Postmaster at Homer. During the war he served in the same capacity, having been appointed by President Lincoln in 1861, and filling the position until 1866, when he resigned and went to Missouri. In political belief he has always adhered to Republican principles and is prominent in local affairs. For some time he served as Treasurer of his township and has also occupied other offices of trust. Socially, he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. His first wife was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he and his children also belong. From his mother he inherits the sturdy qualities of the people of the Green Mountain State, while from his paternal ancestors he has derived strength of character and indomitable energy. With his family he occupies a higli place in the regard of the people among whom his life has been passed, and no name is more respected than that of E. W. Scott.

HENRY N. TIPPETT, the village blacksmith of Homer, was born in Newark, Ohio, February 22, 1840. His father, James W., was born in Maryland in 1815, and for twenty years was engaged as a dealer in agricultural implements at Newark. For twelve years he carried on an extensive lumber business and in the interests of the enterprise was obliged to travel almost constantly, buying lumber in Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, and other states. He was the first conductor on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, then known as the Sandusky, Mansfield <fc Newark, and was in the employ of this road and the Central Ohio line for sixteen years. His was a useful, honorable life, and such was the integrity of his character that he had a host of warm friends wherever he was known. Some years before his death he removed his family to Preston County, W. Va., settling at Cranberry Summit, and there he passed from earth in November, 1884.

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Sarah Zollinger, was born in Williams Count}', Pa., and coming to this state, settled at Marietta, where her parents both died before she was four years old. At present she makes her home in Newark. Her children were three in number, Henry N., Helen and Emma. Helen, the eldest of the family, is the widow of John Batch aud resides at Barnesville, Ohio; Emma, the youngest, married George MeMnllin, a resident of Newark and traveling salesman for a tobacco house.

The subject of this sketch served a three years' apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade at Newark, also one year in a carriage shop at Utica. This, coupled with long experience in practical business and a natural aptitude for the trade, makes him a master mechanic in his line. In May, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Company II, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and served in West Virginia and Maryland. He is now a pensioner of the Government by reason of the loss of an eye and other disabilities resulting from service.

Upon being discharged from the army, Mr. Tippett came to Homer, and here on the 14th of December, 1864, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Harrison Weaver, of this place. This estimable lady died January 6, 1884, after having become the mother of seven children. They are, Maggie, who since her mother's death has lovingly cared for her father and the younger members of the family; Emma, wife of Harry Hoover, a farmer residing in Appleton, Licking County; Walter, Nannie and Ilattie, who are successful teachers; Henry Harrison and Fannie, deceased. The children have received excellent school advantages and are well informed and refined.

The same jear that Mr. Tippett lost his wife he met with another heavy misfortune in the loss of his property by fire, entailing a loss of about $2,- 500. It will thus be seen that he has had more than his share of hardships, but notwithstanding obstacles and misfortunes, he has worked industriously and perseveringly, and has been successful in making a good living, as well as laying up something for a rainy day. Socially, he is a member of the Sycamore Valley Lodge No. 553, 1.O. O. F., at Brandon, and has filled the principal ollicial stations in the fraternity. He is a charter member of Dill Post No. 463, G. A. R., at Homer, and is Past Commander.

In political views Mr. Tippett is a stanch Republican. For nine years he has been a member of the School Board and is interested in promoting the grade of scholarship here. Though not a member of any denomination, he is an attendant at church services and contributes of his means to the support of the Gospel. His daughters are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is the patentee of a farm gate known as the "II. N. Tippett Gate," from which he is deriving a handsome revenue. As a citizen he is held in high esteem by the residents of Homer, and as a business man he has the reputation of being enterprising, energetic, capable and persevering.

THOMAS CARTER dates his residence in Licking County from 1869, and his settlement in St. Alban's Township from 1880. Throughout life agriculture has been his chosen occupation, and that he made a wise selection the results plainly evince. It is said by his neighbors that his farm is one of the finest, not only in St. Alban's, but in the entire county. He avails himself to the utmost of modern farm machinery, modern plans of work and modern ideas, and as a consequence every acre of land produces the very best possible results.

The Carter family is of Virginian ancestry, and our subject's grandfather, Slathiel, a native of the Old Dominion, was born in Loudoun Count}'. In an early day he came to this state and bought land in Hanover Township, Licking Count}', and then went back for his family, and returning, was taken sick and died on the way, when within a day's journey of his intended home. His widow moved on the farm with the family and reared her children and superintended the clearing, improving and cultivation of the land, and late in life married a Mr. Dean. The family consisted of five children, and Slathiel, the father of our subject, was third in order of birth. He was born in Loudoun Count}', Va., but grew to manhood in

Mkmortal Record

Licking County', Ohio. About 1828, lie married Sarah Wickham, of Muskingum County. They made their home in Licking County about six years, when they removed to Mt. Sterling, Muskingum County, where in 1838 Mr. Carter was murdered by a man by the name of Kemp. His widow, in 1843, married Mason Redman, by whom she had two children. She was again left a widow in 1849, and in I860 became the wife of Joseph Blaine. She died in Muskingum County April 2, 1872.

In the parental family there were live children, of whom Thomas was the third in order of birth, lie was born in Hanover Township, Licking County, Ohio, April 20, 1834, but when quite small was taken by his parents to Muskingum County, where his boyhood days were passed. His education was somewhat limited, but being a man of close observation and a thoughtful reader, he has become well informed. When the time came for him to choose his life occupation he selected agriculture, and so well has he prospered at this that he has no reason to regret his choice.

When the Civil War broke out the sympathies of Mr. Carter were aroused in behalf of the Union, and on the 2d of May, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Ohio Infantry, for one hundred days' service. At the expiration of his term of service he was honorably discharged, August 22, 1864, and returned home.

As above stated, Mr. Carter came to Licking County in 1860. Settling in Perry Township, he there conducted agricultural pursuits until 1881, and then removed to St. Alban's Township, where he has since resided. Since coming here he has introduced a number of improvements, erected substantial buildings and set out numerous shade and fruit trees. His orchard is without doubt one of the finest in the state of Ohio, and is now in good bearing condition. He raises the various cereals, to the cultivation of which the soil is adapted, and is in every respect a progressive and energetic farmer.

In Perry Township, Licking County, November 26, 1857, occurred the marriage of Thomas Carter and Anna M. Wintcrmute, a native of that township, born March 1, 1835. In religious connections they are identified with the Methodist Church, to the support of which they are liberal contributors. Politically, Mr. Carter is an ardent supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party, and gives his support to its men and measures.

JOHN R. NEADERHAUSER, a well known mechanic and inventor of Homer, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, January 31, 1851. He is of Swiss parentage, his father and mother, Hironomus and Kalherine (Winters) Neaderhauser, having been born in Canton Berne, whence in 1851 they emigrated to America and settled on a farm in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Later they removed to Defiance County, Ohio, where they died in 1875 within six weeks of each other.

Six children comprised the family of Mr. Neaderhauser, Sr., of whom Elizabeth died in the Mother Country, Mary on the ocean voyage to America, and Katherine in this country. The lastnamed married Frederick Gertner and left six children to mourn her death. John R. has always been of a mechanical bent of mind. He first learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked some two years after completing his apprenticeship. He then gave his attention to carpentry, and from that to wagon making, which he still follows. In connection with this he has also perfected a wind engine, which promises very favorable results. The wheel is a combination direct or gear power, a feature not universally applied to wind engines. March 5, 1894, he made application for a patent which is now pending. If successful in this he can manufacture a first-class engine for less money than any of his competitors. He also does general wood repairing, saw filing, bracket and scroll work, cabinet work, etc. He came to Homer in the fall

In the fall of 1878 Mr. Neaderhauser was united in marriage with Miss Roseltha E., daughter of Harrison and Helen Hawkins, old settlers of Licking County. She is the eldest of the family, and has two living brothers. One brother, Franklin, and a Bister, Marion, are deceased. In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Neaderhauser are identified with the Presb3'terian Church, the services of which they regularly attend, and in the maintenance of which they are liberal contributors.

As a citizen Mr. Neaderhauser may always be relied upon to support such measures as have for their object the promotion of the best interests of the people. He is a man of highest integrity and force of character, one who commands the esteem of all with whom he has business or social relations. In his political views he is not a strict partisan, although, having given close study to the grave issues of free trade and protection, he favors the platform adopted by the Republican party, which he always supports during the National campaigns. In matters of local importance he gives his support to the candidates whom he deems lust qualified to represent the people in their particular office, irrespective of party affiliations.

ROLL1N R. LUSK represents the jewelry business at Utica, where he was born November 14, 1859. The first member of the Lusk family to settle in Licking County was his grandfather, Thomas, who was born about 1803, and came to this county in an early day. He was a tanner and currier by trade and was thus engaged for many years, meeting with fair success in his enterprises. March 21, 1873, he was accidentally killed by a train at Newark. In politics he was a believer in the principles of the Republican party, prior to the organization of which he was opposed to slavery, but being an earnest member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, he never exercised his right to cast a ballot. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Dunlap, and was born in Licking County, which continued to be her home until death.

Samuel G. Lusk, father of our subject, was born in Licking County November 21, 1833. When he was sufficiently advanced in years he assisted his father about the tannery, and for some years was interested with him in business. On the 13th of May, 1864, he was mustered into the service for one hundred days, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio Infantry. He did garrison duty in the defense of Washington, D. C, until August 31, 1864, when the regiment was mustered out.

After the war, the tanning business being no longer profitable, Mr. Lusk worked at the trade of a stone mason. January 4, 1883, while attempting to pick the cap from a loaded shell with a knife, the shell exploded and the knife was sent into his forehead, causing his death nine da3'S later. While not a member of any religious denomination, he was a believer in the truths of the Christian religion. In politics he was a stanch Republican. His wife, whom he married in 1858, bore the maiden name of Amelia Piatt, and was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 5, 1834, being a daughter of Paul P. Piatt. She is a member of the Christian Church, and, a lady of noble qualities of head and heart, is highly esteemed by all who know her.

The parental family consisted of three children, of whom Rollin R. is the eldest; Alice, the second, and Mamie, the youngest. The last-named died in infancy. Our subject, his sister and mother reside in Utica, where they have a pleasant home. Rollin R. was educated in the public schools of this place, and at the age of sixteen years began his business career, becoming a clerk in a grocery store and later working in a drug store. In 1878 he commenced work at his trade of a jeweler at Utica, completing his studies in that line at Coshocton. In the fall of 1880 he opened a jewelry store in Utica, and now conducts the only business in this line here. Such has been the energy and integrity with which he has conducted business transactions that he has won the confidence of the

In casting his ballot, Mr. Lusk has at all times supported the principles of the Republican party, and his co-operation may always be relied upon to secure the success of that political organization. Socially he affiliates with Licking Lodge No. 291, A. F. & A. M., and is a charter member of the L'tica Lodge No. 555, K. P.

JAMES HOLMES, of Perry Township, belongs to the class of pioneer residents to whom so large a debt of gratitude is due from the present generation, owing, as it does, all its advantages for a higher degree of culture and the refinements of life to the noble hearts who endured privations, and during the opening years of the present century, engaged in the development of the material resources of Licking County. Though having attained to an advanced age, Mr. Holmes is still in the enjoyment of good health, and, with mind unimpaired by the flight of time, can look back over his long and busy life and rejoice, not only in the prosperity he has gained, but also in the high degree of respect in which he is held by his fellow-citizens.

In Fauquier County, Va., September 20, 1813, was born James, the son of Willis and Isabel (Redman) Holmes, both natives of the Old Dominion. There were two daughters and three sons in the family, of whom the only survivors are James and William S., the latter a prominent farmer of Clark County, 111. In his youth our subject was a student in the primitive log school houses of Virginia, where the building and instruction were equally crude and all the appurtenances of rude construction. lie had few advantages for acquiring a good education, but availed himself to the utmost ofeverv opportunity for gaining knowledge.

subject settled in Licking County twelve years later. Early beginning the battle of life, he was trained into assisting in the daily rounds of agricultural duties, and attained his majority an energetic, ambitious and self-reliant young man. June 20, 1833, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Redman, the daughter of Beade and Susan (Hill) Redman. Mrs. Holmes was one of three daughters and three sons comprising the family circle, all of whom have passed from earth. IJy her marriage she became the mother of six children, but all are now deceased, and when on the 31st of January, 1890, she passed to the world beyond, our subject was left alone in the world. In the bereavement which fell upon him, he received the deepest sympathy of his hosts of friends, who strive, so far as possible, to cheer his declining days and render his life less lonely. Of those living in this county when he came here, few survive; his associates of those days are mostly gone, some to other states, but many to the grave.

Though now in his eighty-first year, Mr. Holmes may be seen early every morning looking after his stock and attending to needed repairs or changes on his farm. He is hale and hearty, and possessing an excellent memory, delights to recount events connected with the early history of this county. In politics he was a Whig until the disintegration of the party, since which time he has voted with the Republican party. For more than fifty years he has been a consistent member of the Regular Baptist Church, the doctrines of which he has sustained and supported, while his upright life has proved, in language more eloquent than words, the sincerity of his religious belief.

S~y EORGE S. FROST. In the course of his W T active and useful career Mr. Frost earned an enviable reputation as an enterprising agriculturist, thoughtful friend, efficient citizen and self-reliant man. His pilgrimage on earth was short. A brief span of thirty-three years separated the cradle from the grave. Short, however, as was his life, it was filled full of good deeds and of generous acts, to which his friends now recur with pleasure, lie has left in the hearts of his family and acquaintances the imperishable memory of his good name, more enduring than monuments of marble or brass.

The parents of our subject, William and Eleanor (Shrake) Frost, were both natives of Ohio, where he was born in Licking County February 22, 1861, Though his educational privileges were few in boyhood, he was ever on the alert to seize opportunities for self-culture and gained a broad fund of information. When eighteen years old he entered the employ of the late P. R. Denman, with whom he remained for several years. November 19, 1882, occurred his marriage to Miss Ida Denman, and two children blessed the union, Daisy E. and Ethel D., bright and interesting girls of ten and seven years respectively.

Mrs. Frost was born July 25, 1858, and was only four months old when she came to the farm where her life has since been passed. She is the third daughter of P. R. and Susan Denman, pioneer residents of Licking County. Her father, a man of unusual worth and business capacity, accumulated a handsome fortune and was well and favorably known throughout this part of the state. Honest and upright in all his dealings, he was the foe of wrong and the friend of the cause of justice. He passed away April 20, 1886, leaving to his friends the heritage of his honorable and useful example in life. His wife died July 16, 1884, in the faith the Methodist Church, with which she had long been identilied.

There were five children in the family of P. R. Denman, the eldest of whom, Frank, is represented on another page in this volume. Leonora was born June 26, 1821, and is the wife of John Gardner, of Fallsbury Township. Townsend was born November 20, 1854, and died on the 16th of the following month. Huldah was born August 12, 1856, and died September 29, 1856. Ida is the youngest. Soon after the marriage of Mr. Frost, his father-in-law removed to Newark and left him to superintend the farm, which he managed until his death, May 15, 1894. Though not identified with any denomination, he was a moral and upright man and one of his favorite books was the Bible. Politically he was an advocate of Republican principles and for two years prior to his death he held the oilice of Justice of the Peace.

JACOB J. YOAKAM, a prominent farmer of Burlington Township, was born a mile east of his present home March 2, 1846. He is the son of Jonathan and Maria (Bailey) Yoakam. The former, who was born in Randolph County, Va., December 14, 1815, came to Licking County at the age of about twenty-one and still lives in the vicinity, making his home with his children. The mother, whose birth occurred in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1820, died in Burlington Township eleven years ago.

The marriage of Jonathan and Maria Yoakam, which was solemnized in Muskingum Count}- in 1843, resulted in the birth of six sons and two daughters, of whom one son and one daughter are deceased. Samuel, the eldest, who served through the entire period of the Rebellion as a member of Company II, Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, received injuries for which he is now pensioned; he married Celesta White and resides in Homer, his occupation being that of a farmer. Jacob J. is the second in order of birth. William, who married Estella Conditt, went west, but returned to Homer, where he died about 1887. Nancy, Mrs. Horace Taylor, died in 1893, after having become the mother of two children. Curtis, who married Emma Shipt, resides near Homer and is engaged in farming. John, whose wife bore the maiden name of Ella Clarke, is a produce merchant at Fredericksburg, Ohio. Moses, who married Belinda Sellers, is a produce merchant at Columbus, Ohio; Amanda became the wife of William Shadwell, a farmer residing near Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

The early years of our subject were spent on his father's farm in Burlington Township. After having secured a common-school education, he began life for himself as a farmer. In 1868 he married

Miss Mary, daughter Joseph Johnson, an early settler and prominent farmer of Knox County, Ohio, but now deceased. She was one of eleven children, all of whom are now living, the youngest being about thirty-five years of age. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Yoakam, Franklin ( )wen, Elmer LeGrand, Ulla Maude and Arthur J. Franklin married Lillie Woodruff, and Elmer chose as his wife Miss Bertie Hunter. Ulla is now the wife of Charles Hatfield.

The two eldest sons are engaged in the mercantile business at Homer, where they carry on a general store stocked with everything usually kept in a place of that size. They also have a meat market. They are intelligent young business men, whose industry and close application will undoubtedly bring them success and prosperity in the near future. For ten years their father was engaged in merchandising at the same stand, and sold out to the sons in 18'JO, since which time they have paid for the stock.

For four years Mr. Yoakam owned and operated two steam saw mills, one at Utica, the other at Homer, in each of which he had a half-interest. .Since retiring from the mercantile business he has erected a beautiful residence at Homer and has as fine a home as can be found anywhere in the town. Two of his sons are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially he is identified with Sycamore Valley Lodge No. 563, I. O. O. F., at Brandon. In his political views he a stanch Republican and upon that ticket has been elected to a number of local offices. For two terms lie has filled the position of Township Trustee and has also held the office of Township Treasurer for one term.

CfTV RTIIUR WYETH, an agriculturist of intel- / - \ ligence and influence, residing in Liberty Township, is numbered among the progressive and energetic young men of Licking County, lie owns and operates the land comprising what was formerly known as the DeCrow farm and including one hundred and sixty acres. The soil is under a high state of cultivation, and a number of neat farm buildings have been erected; modern machinery has been introduced and all the improvements have been made that mark a first-class farm.

In the township where he now lives the subject of this sketch was born February 1(5, 18(>0, to Stillman S. and Libbie (Wright) Wyeth, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Licking County, Ohio. The family of which he is a member consists of five sons and one daughter, all of whom are living with the exception of Morton. They are, Newton; Clinton E.; Jennie, wife of O. II. McConoughey; Arthur and Charles L. The father of this family accompanied his parents to Ohio in 1837, settling with them in McKean Township, Licking County, where he grew to manhood upon a farm. Receiving the advantages of a commonschool education, he was for a number of winters employed in teaching school, in which profession he was very successful. He entered upon the active career of a farmer when about twenty-one years old and continued thus employed during the summer seasons, while the winter months were devoted to teaching. He purchased one hundred and fifty-two acres, to which he added by subsequent purchase one hundred acres, the whole when improved constituting one of the best farms of the county. There his death occurred April 1, 1891, at the age of sixty-one years. His widow still survives, making her home in Liberty Township.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was named David Wyeth, and was a native of Massachusetts, where for some years he engaged in farming. His death occurred in 1879, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a man of medium height, genial in manner and upright in character, one who by his habits of industry and perseverance gained the esteem of his associates. In early life he joined the Baptist Church, but in later years identified himself with the Methodist Church. His family numbered nine children. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Jacob Wright, was born in Pennsylvania and in an early day came to Licking County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming until his death, at the age of about eighty. In religious belief he was a Methodist. His character was above

The subject of this sketch was born and reared upon his father's farm in Liberty Township, receiving his primary education in the district school and afterward attending the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware for four years, lie then taught school for a few years and was afterward in the mail service as railway postal clerk, resigning the latter position at his father's death in order to take charge of the estate. On the 24th of October, 1888, he married Miss Allie, daughter of Wilson and Mary (Kasson) Butte, and two children have come to bless their home, Cleo and Claude. Politically Mr. Wyeth is an advocate of Republican principles, supporting the nominees and measures of that party. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as Trustee and Steward, also as .Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

<rT\ DSTIN G. ASHBROOK. The wholesale / - \ grocery house of Ashbrook & Co. was established in Newark June 1, 1864, and having continued in business for thirty consecutive years, the firm now enjoys the distinction of being the oldest in its special line in the city. The business was founded by the subject of this sketch, who a few months after opening the store look into partnership his father, Absalom P., and the connection then begun has continued to the present day.

The Ashbrook family is of remote Scotch descent, and was represented for several generations in the North of Ireland. The paternal grandfather of our subject, the Rev. Eli Ashbrook, was a Virginian, and in 1814 removed with his family to Fairfield County, Ohio, becoming the first minister in that and Licking Counties. He attained a great age, having rounded out a century at the tune of his death. Among his children, six sons and six daughters, was Absalom P., a native of the Old Dominion, born December 12, 1807. He was a mere lad when he came to Ohio, where the remainder of his life has been passed. Learning the trade of a tanner, he for many years carried on a successful business at Johnstown, Ohio. In 1864 he disposed of that enterprise in order to join with his son in the wholesale grocery trade. He has been a man of temperate habits, and consequently possesses a robust constitution. For eighty-six years of his life he was without sickness, a record of which he may well be proud.

In politics, Absalom P. Ashbrook was a supporter of the Whig party until its disintegration. When the Republican party was born, he at once identified himself with it, and has since supported its platform. lie has always had the courage of his convictions, expressing his opinions freely and with resolute spirit. Though ever ready to use his influence for his party's candidates, he would never accept office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his personal affairs. He commenced for himself without a dollar, and after attaining his majority, worked for three years at $5 per month. From this small compensation he saved a sufficient amount to purchase four acres at Johnstown, and there he established a tannery. He now owns a pleasant home on Locust Street, and other valuable real estate.

The lady whom A. P. Ashbrook chose as his life companion was Miranda, daughter of the Rev. George De Bolt, a native of France, who after coming to the United States, settled in Fairfield County, Ohio. lie married a German lady, and they reared four sous and four daughters, among the former being the late Judge Reason DeBolt, of Missouri. Mrs. Ashbrook is still living, being now (18114) seventy-seven years old. She has reared three children: Olivia, wife of George Follett, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Mary, wife of R. P. Ford, Sheriff of Licking County; and Austin G.

The latter is the youngest of the family, and is a native of Ohio, having been born in Licking County, July 19, 1839. In early life he assisted his father in the tannery, but owing to lung trouble, he was obliged to desist from all work, and for some time it was feared that he would never regain his health. Hoping to better his condition, his father purchased a farm, and there our subject, amid the invigorating influences of rural life, soon was fully restored to health. He then engaged in the grocery business at Johnstown, and later at Mt. Gilead, whence in 18t>4 he came to Newark, opening a wholesale grocery store on the 1st of June.

The family residence is situated at No. Ill South Third Street, and here Mr. and Mrs. Ashbrook have established a pleasant home. They have four children living, viz.: Maud, wife of Fred H. Ross; Node, who married W. F. Smith;

Tulle and Joyce, who are with their parents. Two children, Cash and Otto, died in childhood. Mrs. Ashbrook was in maidenhood Mary M. Miller, and was born in Licking County, being a daughter of John H. Miller. In politics, Mr. Ashbrook is a Democrat, and has served in some important local offices, including that of President of the City Council. In addition to his other enterprises he has dealt extensively in real estate. As a citizen he is progressive, and as a business man energetic, painstaking and capable, which qualities entitle him to a rank among Newark's successful and leading residents.

Williah Q. Taafel

\ \ *) ILLIAM G. TAAFEL, Foreman of the V/V/ Baltimore & Ohio machine shop, at Newark, dates his residence in this place from April 10, 1880. Not only is he prominent in railroad circles, but he is also acquiring considerable prominence in the state as the patentee of the Pressure Regulator for Water, Steam, Air or Fluids of any description. The Newark Regulator Company has been organized for the purpose of manufacturing regulators, and already several hundred have been made, which are now in use in various places. The enterprise bids fair to become one of the most important in the county.

In Cumberland, Md., November 30, 1856, was born William G., son of John G. and Susan (Campbell) Taafel, natives respectively of Germany and Maryland. The father was born in Germany in 1830, and accompanied his father to the United States at the age of twelve, settling in Maryland. By trade he was a merchant tailor, and he conducted that business at Cumberland, Md., until his death, in 1865. His family numbered seven children, of whom four married and reared families. Frank was killed in 1882 on the Pittsburgh

Division; he was a passenger engineer on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and his death was the result of an accident. David is a contracting plasterer at Cumberland, Md. Our subject is the next in order of birth, while Lucy, the youngest, resides with her mother in Newark. The latter was twice married, her lirst husband having been John Kirkpatrick, and Frank and David were born of that union.

The subject of this sketch was reared in Cumberland and attended school until he was lifteen, after which he clerked in a general store. Ambitious, however, to acquire a better education, he devoted his evenings to study in a business college, and after having continued in that way for seven years he was graduated from that institution. At the age of eighteen he began to work at the trade of a mechanic in the Baltimore it Ohio shops, where he served an apprenticeship. In 1878 he was transferred to Grafton, W. Va., as Assistant Foreman of the machine shops, from which place he came to Newark, and two years after his arrival he was promoted to the position of Foreman of the machine shop.

Miss Elizabeth J. Weisgerber, who was born in Wheeling, W. Va., being the daughter of E. L. Weisgerber, formerly Superintendent of Machinery for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Taafel occupy the residence at No. 408 East Main Street, erected by our subject in 1889, and their household is completed by the presence of two children, Bessie and Sue. The family is identified with the English Lutheran Church, and Mr. Taafel has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school for two years.