HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY - 785
BENNINGTON TOWNSHIP.
VANFOSSEN, D. L., farmer, born in 1835, in this county; his father, Jesse, was born in 1783, in Augusta county, Virginia. Catharine Greiner, wife of Jesse Vanfossen, was born in 1790, in the same county.. They were married in 1807, and came to this county in 1811. Jesse died in 1867, and his wife in 1876. They were the parents o thirteen children, seven of whom. are living: John is living in Story county, Iowa; William, living in Woodford county, Illinois; Jacob, George, and Jesse are all living in this county; Elizabeth, married to Elijah Lake, formerly of this county, but now of Story county, Iowa, and Daniel, the subject of this sketch, was married in 1855, to Miss Sarah E. Lake, daughter of Jesse Lake, of this county. She was born in this county in 1839. They are the parents of five children: Charles C. Oliver P., Jesse, Effie, and Truman D.
VAN RHODEN, CHARLES C., farmer, born in 1834, in Frederick county, Maryland; came to this county in 1855. He was married in 1856 to Miss Elizabeth M. Stout, daughter of John Stout, of this county; she was born in 1836. They are the parents of eight living children and one dead. One child, Allie, is married to Scott W. Meyers, of Knox county, and resides there.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
VERMILION, WILSON, E., was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, September 4, 1821. When fifteen years old he came to Knox county Ohio, and two years after, to Hopewell town, ship. In 1860 he moved to his present residence in Franklin township. He was married December 10, 1846, to Christianna Smith, a native of Muskingum county. Their children are: Nelson T., born August 14, 1848; Edson O., born May 14, 1850; Jefferson, born April 10, 1852; Smith W., born September 5, 1854; Wilson E., jr., born September 1, 1856; Stephen L., born April 28, 1859 ; Franklin A., born March 11, 1861; Jesse B., born April 14, 1863; Perry P., born October 2, 1867; Joseph W., born September 23, 1870. The oldest two are married and reside in Hopewell township. Wilson E., lately wedded, live, at present with his father. Mr. Vermilion is a brick molder and mason, and carries on farming in connection with his trade.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP.
VERMILLION, EDSON O., post office, Little Clay Lick; he is the son of Wilson and Christianna (Smith) Vermillion, and was born May 14, 1850, in Gratiot, Hopewell township. His father came to this county from Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1837, and settled on the Bowling Green farm, in Madison township, where he engaged in the moulding of brick for two years, after which he removed to Gratiot: here he engaged in moulding and laying brick for nineteen years, when he removed to Little Clay Lick, where he has resided since. He was married in 1846 to Christianna Smith, the daughter of Isaac and Ruth Smith. They reared a family of twelve children, consisting of eleven sons and one daughter; all of whom are living, save one son and the daughter. The subject
786 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
of this sketch was married July 9, 1874, to Miss Mary Vermillion, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Vermillion; she was born November 6, 1855, in Knox county. Her parents came from Virginia to Knox county, in 1834, after which they were married. They have one boy and three girls. Mr. and Mrs. Vermillion have three children: Arthur B., born July 15, 1875; Irene Mabel, January 30, 1877; Eva May, August 2, 1879. Mr. Vermillion by trade is a stone-mason and bricklayer. He works at his trade during the summer months, while in the winter he teaches school. He resides in the western part of Hopewell township.
MONROE TOWNSHIP.
VARIAN, TRUMAN W., musician and music teacher, post office, Alexandria, born in Gallia county, Ohio, June 29, 1856; married October 17, 1880, to Miss Nora Graves, daughter of V. L. Graves, of Alexandria Mr. Varian is an accomplished musician, playing with equal skill all kinds of instruments. He has splendid success as a teacher of music, having had a wide experience in band teaching, and in other departments of music teaching.
CITY OF NEWARK.
VANFOSSAN, PHILLIP H., wa's born in Wellsville, Ohio, December 5, 1854; moved with his father's family to Alliance when he was quite young. They remained there one year, then went to Wellsville, and from there to Crestline, stayed there four years, then went back to Wellsville, afterwards moved to Mansfield, then to Newark, in November, 1872. He was married June 22, 1876, to Margaret E. Eader, of Newark, Ohio; she was born in Baltimore, Maryland, August 9, 1854. They have one child, Ida May, born April 24, 1879. Since he lived at Newark, he has been in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad company.
VICTOR, EDWARD W., deceased, was born in Granville, September 2, 1812. He was married to Louisa A. Crawford, October 16, 1841. They had three children; Emma L, who died April 11, 1857, aged fourteen years and nine months; Byron K., born May 22, 1845; Flora F., born August 5, 1850. Mr. Victor died August 24, 1847. He followed farming until his health failed. His wife now resides in this city.
NEWTON TOWNSHIP.
VANATTA, JESSE S., deceased, was born in New Jersey, Huntington county, April 7,1807. February 4, 1830, he married Ellen McDaniel, daughter of William and Ann McDaniel; she was born in New Jersey, Huntington county, February 15, 1809. After their marriage they remained in New Jersey till 1840, when they migrated to Ohio, locating in Licking county, Newton township, near Vanatta station, where he purchased a farm of two hundred acres. In connection with his farm he run a foundry in Vanatta until his death, which occurred June 29, 1852. His wife survives him, and is in her seventy-first year. They became the parents of seven children-four sons and three daughters, all of whom are living but one.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
VANKIRK B. D., farmer and blacksmith, post office, Union Station. He was born July 9, 1818, near Union Station, Union township. His father died when he was four years old, and he lived with his grandfather, Benjamin David, until he was sixteen. He learned his trade with Allen Sinnett, of Granville, Ohio, remaining with him ten years. He was married to Miss Mahala Lind, in 1841. They have had eight children, six boys and two girls; five are yet living. One of the boys died in Andersonville prison pen, during the rebellion. The oldest son was also in the service, and returned home with broken health. Mrs. Vankirk was born in Spring Creek township, Miami county, Ohio, in 182o, and removed to Licking county in 1823. They have resided at their present location thirty-six years, and in their declining years are blessed with the comforts of life, the result of industry and economy.
BOWLING GREEN TOWNSHIP.
WAGNER, DR. H. M.- Dr. Wagner is the son of John and Anna Wagner, and was born October 3, 1852, in Fairfield county, where he grew to manhood. He received his education at West Rushville; his professional training was acquired at the Columbus Medical college, located at Columbus, Ohio, where he completed two courses of lectures, graduating from this institution in 1879. He practiced fifteen months in Champaign and Ford counties, Illinois. Came to Linnville, December, 1879, where he has built up a yet growing practice in medicine and surgery, paying particular attention to obstetrics. He was married December 12, 1876, to Jessie V. Baker, of Rushville, Fairfield county, Ohio.
BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAMS, EDWIN, farmer, born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1822; came to this county in 1842. He was married in 185o to Miss Catharine Searle, of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. She was born in 1827. They are the parents of nine children: James S., John (deceased), George, Franklin (deceased), Mary, Clarissa, Ruth, Helen, Elizabeth. Mr. Williams was a soldier in the Mexican war under General Taylor. He was sheriff of Licking county from 1871 to 1875. He has also n held several township offices.
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 787
WILLIAMS, J. J., farmer and school-teacher, born in 1837, in this township. His father, J. Williams, was born in 1802, in Huntingdon county. He was married in 1831 to Miss Rachel Friend, of Fairfield county. She was born in 1811, in Mercer county,. Pennsylvania. They came to this county in 1833. He died in 1860. They are the parents of ten children, six of whom are living. The subject of this sketch is the third child. He was married in 1863 to Miss Mary E. Wilson, of Knox county, Ohio. She was born in 1843, in this county. They are the parents of three children: Elizabeth A., John W., William B. Mr. Williams held the office of land appraiser for the year 1880.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAMS, JONAS, was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, April 22, 1834, and moved to this county in 1836, with his parents, Fielding and Kezia Williams. He has two brothers, Redman and Aldridge, living, the eldest, Armstead, died in the Mexican war. Mr. Williams enlisted in company F, One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, August 18, 1862. He was engaged in the battles of Chickamauga and Nashville. In the former he was wounded, in consequence of which he was transferred to the invalid corps at Nashville, where he remained until his muster out June 30, 1865. He is a farmer.
WOLFE, JOHN, farmer, was born in Franklin township September 4, 1824. His father, George Wolfe, emigrated to this county- from Pennsylvania, in early life; was married in 1848, to Margaret Crawford, a native of this township, whose father, Parker Wolfe, a blacksmith, moved here in 1818, from near Baltimore, Maryland; her mother was from Washington county, Pennsylvania. After their marriage they lived fifteen years in Hopewell township, and have lived in this township since. They have four children: Martha Ann, wife of W. P. Neibarger, of Madison township; Mary Elizabeth, Albert C. and Parker Lee.
GRANVILLE TOWNSHIP.
WELLS, EZEKIEL, was born near Hartford, Connecticut, in 1786. He emigrated to Licking county, Ohio, with his parents, Israel and Chloe Wells, who reached Newark in the fall of 1804. Israel Wells purchased land in Granville township, on which he erected a cabin, and moved his. family in 1805, where he and his companion deceased; he in 1830, and his wife in 1833. His first purchase was the farm, now owned by Abner Bean. Ezekiel Wells married Mary Reed in 1815, born in 1796; daughter of William Reed. They settled in Hartford township, this county, on a farm which he had purchased some time prior to his marriage, and made . improvements where they lived until 1834. They moved to Granville township where he died in 1848. His wife survived him until 1869. Their union resulted in six children: Mary A., Chloe E., Independence E., William E., Jane J. and Laura E. All are now living.
WHITE, ERASMUS, deceased, was born in Ebensburgh, Pennsylvania, on the twenty-ninth day of May, 1804. He was, at the time of his death, seventy-six years old, lacking seventeen days. The greater part of that long life he passed in this county. In 1810 he emigrated, with his father's family, to this county, settling on. what are known as the Welsh Hills, then, of course, almost a wilderness, inhabited chiefly by wild beasts. There were six brothers and two sisters in all in the family, subsequently, of which the subject of this sketch was the third or fourth. Only two are surviving Mr. Joseph White, ex-county commissioner, and Mrs. Sarah Haver, a sister, who lives in the west. Mrs. Philipps, since deceased, was the other sister. Mr. Thomas White was a prominent minister of his day; Jonathan and John White were surveyors and civil engineers; and Hon. Samuel White was a very brilliant frontier orator-ranking with such men as Corwin and Clay. The Whites, with the assistance of their few neighbors, erected their log cabin on the Welsh Hill, Which was destined to be their home for so long a time, on Christmas day, 1810. The .deceased could doubtless remember that all-important occasion - but what vast and wonderful changes have taken place since then! The simple recital of the primitive frontier life that the deceased then led, in common with all the pioneers, would fill volumes. . But, doubtless, with all their disadvantages they had compensations. There was a strong and hardy manhood developed then, of which we have few traces now, and of which the deceased was so vigorous an example. Mr. White, early in life, married Miss Diana Owens, a young woman of much worth, of the neighborhood; by whom he had three sons, all :of whom survive him. Losing the faithful partner of his joys and sorrows, after long years of wedded life, Mr. White married, for the second and last time, Mrs. Barcus, the widow of John Barcus, esq., an old citizen of Newark. Mr. White, for the larger portion of his life, followed the business of contracting, in which capacity he was identified with the construction of numberless roads, bridges, etc., as well as engaged in several public-works of a more important nature. He was a contractor on the Ohio canal, begun in 1825. Afterwards he had a contract or. the old Ohio Central railroad, now the Baltimore & Ohio, between Newark .and Columbus. He also had a contract in the construction of a portion of the old Newark, Sandusky & Mansfield railroad, on what was known as the "old tramway." Mr. White was
788 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
a very strong and vigorous man all his life, and his iron constitution enabled him to live through hardships that would have long ago crushed an ordinary man. For a year or two he had been gradually failing, and seemed to anticipate, from various remarks made to his friends, that his end was drawing near. But the faith to which he had adhered in life, did not fail him at the approach of death. He expressed himself as ready to go whenever his time should come, and as having no fears for the future. For some weeks before his death he was confined to his bed, and- was a great sufferer. He selected the minister to preach his funeral discourse=Rev. W. B. Woodbury, of the Universalist church, as also the text-about four weeks before his death, at which time he made all arrangements for his funeral. The text was from first Timothy, second chapter, first eight verses. It was the same text that his father had selected for his own funeral long years ago. The remains were interred in .the Welsh Hills burying-ground, where lie his parents, and all his family, except his brother Samuel White. His funeral was very largely attended by numerous relatives and friends.
WHITING, C. L., son of John and Lydia Whiting, was born in Columbia county, New York, May 4, 1806. He was reared a farmer, and has followed farming as his vocation He married Sophronia Hamilton, August 31, 1831, daughter of James and Waity Hamilton, born January 22, 1810. They settled in Columbia county, New York, and remained six years. In 1837, migrated to Michigan, remained there two years. In 1839, moved to Licking county, Ohio, purchased a farm in Granville township, on which they have lived twenty-six years, and in 1865 they sold their farm and moved to Granville, where they are now living a retired life. Their union resulted in four children-one son and three daughters. Their son, George B. Whiting, enlisted in company D, Twenty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, September, 1861; served until November, 1864, his time having expired, was discharged from the service and returned home. He was educated at Denison university. He was appointed postmaster at Granville in 1866, and filled the position until April, 1879, when he gave up the office to his successor. In 1868, he commenced dealing in books, stationary of all kinds, mouldings, wall papers, sheet music, music books, window shades, etc. He is still furnishing the people of Granville with all of the above named articles. His room is well filled with the best quality of goods; also pictures framed on short notice and in a workmanlike manner.
WILLIAMS, THOMAS D. (deceased), was born in Wales, March 9, 1803; he was a cooper by trade. He married Hannah Jones in 1830, who was born in Wales February 28, 181o. They migrated to America in 1832, located in Utica, New York, where he worked at his trade until, in 1836, they came to licking county, Ohio,. located on a farm on the Welsh Hills, Granville township, where he remained until his death. After his settlement in Licking, he engaged in farming in connection with his trade as his vocation. His marriage to Miss Jones resulted in seven children, viz.: Thomas D., Morgan J., William D., Cyrus S., Ruth, Eva E., and Mark; only four of the above named are now living. His wife deceased December 2, 1849. He married for his second wife-Mary J. Davis, in 1852, who deceased May 24, 1879. He survived her until July 5, 1880.
WOLCOTT, HORACE, was born near Marietta, Ohio, March 22, 1799. His father, Horace Wolcott, was a noted Indian scout around Marietta during the War of 1812. He was the first sergeant at-arms in the Ohio legislature, and held the position for a number of years. Mr. Wolcott was reared a farmer, and followed farming as his principal vocation. In 1822 or 1823 he migrated to Granville, Licking county, Ohio. In about 1840 he purchased the Granville grist-mill, which he operated until 1862, when he sold the mill to Norton Case, and purchased the Wright tannery, at Granville, in company with C. C. Hays, which he owned until 1865. He sold his interest in the tannery to his partner and W. P. Wolcott, and lived a retired life the remainder of his days. April 15, 1829, he married Miss Ruth R. Winchell, born in 1804, daughter of Silas Winchell, who migrated to Granville, Licking county, Ohio, in 18o5 with the Granville .colony, and filled a prominent position among the early settlers of Granville and vicinity. Their union resulted in eight children: Ruth R., born January 20, 1830; Silas E. (deceased) born March 24, 1831; Orlena (deceased), born May 27f 1834; William P., born March 29, 1836; Lucy, born March 26, 1839; Nancy B. (deceased), born. May 5, 1841: Horace M., born January 14, 1844; Oliver M., born April 21, 1850. Nancy B., deceased when very young, the others all lived to be men and women. Mr. Wolcott died January 7, 1879, aged seven-five years. When first married they settled in Granville, where they passed the remainder of their days. Horace M. Wolcott, son of the above named Horace arid Ruth Wolcott, was born in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, January 14, 1844. He is a tanner by trade; commenced working at the business in 1861, with his father and C. C. Hays. In 1862 he took charge of the shops for his father, the partner, Mr. Hays, having gone to the army. He operated it one year for them, and Mr. Hays returning home assumed control of the tannery again. He continued working in the tannery, with the old
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 789
firm, except one year which he served in the war of 1861, until in 1869 he became a partner by purchasing C. C. Hays' interest in the business. In 1872 he purchased William P. Wolcott's share, became the entire owner of the establishment, and has operated it up to this writing. In former years he made calf, kip, and upper leather a specialty, but at present he also dresses harness leather. May 8, 1873, he married Miss Julia A. Bancroft. They settled in Granville, where they are now living. They have one child, a son.
WOODBURY, NILES, a son of Benjamin and Abigail Woodbury, was born in Licking county, Ohio, Granville township, August 2, 1833. He was reared a farmer, and followed farming as his vocation until 1861; he then engaged in the mercantile business in Granville, in which business he continued until he died, in 1866. He married Catharine Ewing, April 4, 1854, daughter of Thomas Ewing. They settled in Granville township. Their union resulted in two children, one of whom, a son, is living. Mr. Woodbury's father, Benjamin Woodbury, was born in Bristol, Maine, November 1, 1799. He migrated to Licking county, Ohio, in 1820; married Abigail Blanchard, January 17, 1822, born in Ilesborough, Hancock county, Maine.
WRIGHT, EDWIN. C., was born in Granville Massachusetts, in 1805, and was brought with his father's family to Granville, Ohio, in 1810. He remained here until his death, July 11, 1875, and was always a respected and influential citizen.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP,
WALKER, BENJAMIN, post office, Clay Lick, a farmer by occupation, living in the southern and western corner of Hanover township; his parents came to this county from Muskingum, at an early day, and settled on the farm now occupied by the subject of this sketch. Here they reared a family of four children-two boys and two girls. Benjamin Walker was born April, 1824,. in Muskingurn county. He is the son of Alexander and Susan Walker. He was married February 7, 1849, to Martha Lake, the daughter of Edmond and Lydia Lake. She was born February 22, 1822, in Hopewell township. Her parents came from Virginia at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have five children-four boys and one girl: Alexander was killed by the cars on the night of March 11, 1880, at Newark, on the Pan Handle railroad; Nathan, Charley G., Samuel and Sarah Patience. Mr. Walker has always voted the Democratic ticket. His first vote was cast for James K. Polk in 1844.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAMS, JOHN, was born in Shire Bativie, South Wales, on the twenty-sixth of November, 1801. Mary Williams was born in the parish of Handysul, Cardiganshire, South Wales, June ii, 1791. They left their home (near Flanddervie brefi) on the tenth day of April, 1832; left Liverpool May 2nd; landed in America near New York May 23rd; arrived in Newark July 4th, and camped on the commons of Granville the same night; came to Harrison township on the fifth of July, 1832. Evan William, their oldest child, was born June 0, 1824; David D. born March 25, :826; Jane E., born May 19, 1828 ; Thomas and Benjamin died in infancy (no record); Margaret P., born August 3, 1833; Benjamin E., born January 29, 1835; Mary R, born October 5; 1837; Ann S., born January 2, 1839; John Y., born September 16, 1841. Mary, the wife of John Williams, died on the seventeenth day of December, 1868; aged seventy-one years, six months and one day. John Y. Williams was the tenth child of John and Mary Williams, and was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Elliott, of Harrison township, oil the thirteenth day of February, 1868. Miss S. A. Elliott was born on the fifth of July, 1849. Elias S. Williams, the eldest child of J. Y. and S. A. Williams, was born on the first day of January, 1870. Mary J. Williams was born on the fifth of August, 1872. Margaret A. Williams was born on the tenth of September, 1875.
WILLIAMS, ELIAS, deceased, a native of New Jersey, was born May 9, 1775. He was a shoemaker by trade, and followed shoemaking as his avocation a number of years. He then turned his attention to farming, which he made his business during the remainder of his days. December 3, 1797, he married Miss Sarah Tomkins, of New Jersey, who was born August 14, 1778. In 1818 he with wife and eight children migrated to Ohio, and located in Jersey township, this county; remained about two years; and in 1822 they moved to Newark township, near Newark, where they lived about fifteen years. In 1837 they removed to the farm in Harrison township, now owned by their son, Stephen C., where they passed the remainder of their .days. His wife died September 15, 1860. He died January 26, 1871, aged ninety-five years, eight months and seventeen days. They reared a family of nine children-Abby, Marcus, Allen, Roslinda, Phebe T., Zophar, Elias, Stephen C., and Samuel E. Abby, Marcus, and Roslinda are dead.
WILLIAMS, STEPHEN C., farmer, son of the aforesaid Elias Williams, deceased, was born in New Jersey, June 5, 1817, and was brought to this county by his parents in 1818. In 1844 he married Miss Eleanor Evans, daughter of Thomas Evans. Miss Evans was born in Wales, September 26, 182o, and came to this county in 1831, with her father. Mr. and Mrs. Williams settled on the farm in Harrison township, where he now re-
790 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
sides. His wife died September 24, 1872. They reared a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. He served as infirmary director about six years. In 1873 he was elected justice of the peace of Harrison township, and has since been filling the office.
HARTFORD TOWNSHIP.
WEYANT, GEORGE, retired farmer, born in 1828, in this county. His father, David Weyant, was born in 18oo. David Weyant's wife, Elizabeth Baker, was born in 1798. They were both born, raised, and married near Peekskill, New York. They came to this county in 1821. David died in 1850, and his wife in 1858. They were the parents of seven children-William, born in 1820; James, born in 1822; Andrew, born in 1823 (died in 1843); David, born in 1825; the subject of this sketch comes next; Thomas, born in 1832 (died in 1846); Cordelia, born in 1836. George Weyant was married in 1853 to Miss Cynthia Rogers, of Knox county. She was born in 1833, in that county. She died in 1875. They were the parents of one child, Alice A., now the wife of Charles Coleman, of Hartford. She was born in 1858. They were married in 1876. George Weyant, in 1876, built the finest residence in Hartford, and removed to the village, leaving the farm, and now lives at his ease. His son-in-law lives with him. His house is situated northeast of the public square.
WILLISON, MADISON, farmer, born in 1829, in this county. His father, Jeremiah Willison, was born in 1792, in West Virginia; came to this county in 18o6 with his father, Elisha Willison. Elisha died in 1842. His wife died in Lancaster, Ohio. They were the parents of eleven children; Jeremiah was the fifth child. Jeremiah was married in 1815 to Miss Sarah Stymets, of this county. She was born in 1794, in Pennsylvania. Jeremiah died in 1872. They were the parents of ten children. Madison was married in 185o to Miss Statira Conklin, of this county. She was born in 1829, in this county. They are the parents of six children-Sally A., Chloe, Kirk, John, Jerry, Nelly.
JERSEY TOWNSHIP.
WARD, SAMUEL H., born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1809. His father, Josiah L. Ward, came to Muskingum county in 1818, and in 1819 came to this county. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, and from him he learned the carpenter trade, which business he followed for a number of years. In 1851 he moved to Illinois anti afterwards to Iowa, where he was engaged in saw-milling, carpentering, farming, etc. The years 186o63 were spent in this county, and in 1875 he returned permanently. He was married in 1830 to Ann C. Whitehead, by whom he has four children -Timothy Harris, Samuel Lawrence, Mary (Proctor), and Lucinda (Proctor), all of whom have homes in the west. Both of his boys were in the army; Timothy enlisted in the Forty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was afterwards commissioned lieutenant of the first colored regiment raised in Tennessee; Samuel was a lieutenant in the Third Iowa cavalry. In 1875 Mr. Ward married as a second wife Mrs. Elizabeth A. Whitehead, daughter of Orin and Abigail (Cornwall) Barnes, both of whom were natives of Connecticut, but moved. to Massachusetts, from which State -they emigrated to St. Albans township, at a very early date. Mr. Barnes organized the first Sabbath school held in St. Albans township.
WHITEHEAD, EZEKIEL, born in Seneca county, New York, November 28, 1800, and came to Jersey in July, 1826, his parents, Isaac and Elizabeth, having come the year previous. He had read law in New York and continued his studies in this county under William Stanbery, of Newark, and was admitted to the bar in 1827, at Lancaster, Ohio, his examination having been conducted by Hon. Thomas Ewing. He was obliged to desist from his chosen profession on account of ill health, and turned his attention to medicine; attended a course of lectures in Cincinnati, at the Ohio Medical college in 1829-30, and was licensed to practice in 1830 by the First Medical district of Ohio. Attended another course in 1842, and graduated. The doctor hag now practiced fifty years in Jersey, and though he has retired from active life, and is an old man of eighty years, he never refuses to make a professional call. He married, in 1833, Hetty Thompson, of Morris county, New York, by whom he had three children: William Wirt, Electa T., and Helen S. (deceased).
WHITTEN, WILLIAM, born in Monroe township, January 12, 1842, son of John and Ruth (French) Whitten. His father came to this county a poor orphan boy from Pennsylvania, and by his own unaided efforts acquired a competency here. In 1854 they moved to Delaware county; there, in 1861, William began an apprenticeship to a carpenter, but the following year enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, company H; was in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862, and Chickamauga September 20, 1863. In this latter engagement he was wounded in the left elbow, and, in consequence, confined in the hospital thirteen months; he was mustered out in October, 1864. His crippled arm not allowing the resumption of his trade, he returned to the farm in Delaware county; from there he came to his place in this township, about
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 791
1870. He married, September 30, 1866, Mary Cook, born April 20, 1846, daughter of Bnajah Cook. Her grandfather, Bnajah Cook, sr., was one of the first settlers in Harlem township, Delaware county, emigrating from Connecticut. Shortly after his arrival here he frequently traded with-the Indians for venison, etc. Mrs. Whitten's brothers and sisters surviving at this writing are: Selina (Henderson), of Galena, Ohio; Calvin T., an attorney at Wapakonetta, Ohio; Eli D., Albert, and Ella (Huff), of Delaware county. Mr. Whitten's father died February, 1876, from dropsy of the heart, having been afflicted with rheumatism for eight years.
WILLIAMS, J. N., born July 14, 1813, in Caldwell, New Jersey, the son of Swain and Frances (McFarlan) Williams. His mother emigrated from Ireland when seven years old. His father having died when he was yet an infant, he was adopted by his uncle, Samuel Williams, with whom he came to this township in 1816, when but three years old. At ten years of age he began an apprenticeship of four years with a carpenter and has followed his trade in connection with farming during his past life. He married, April 27, 1836, Martha, daughter of Amos and Sarah Park; she was born February 27, 1816, in Hampshire county, Virginia, and came to this county when six months old. Eight children were born to them: Samuel, Sarah (deceased), Rebecca, Amos (deceased), George, John, Bertram, and Henry Willie. Amos enlisted in the Seventy-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, company H., winning laurels in all its hard fought battles by his bravery, until he received his death wound at Ringgold, Georgia, dying at Chattanooga hospital. George and Samuel both served in the one hundred days service; George in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio national guards, and Samuel, as Captain in the One Hundred and Thirty-third Ohio national guards, organized in Columbus.
WIRTZ, HENRY K., born in Logan county, January 21, 1855, son of Matthias and Sarah (Swarz) Wirtz. His father, born in Wurtemberg, Germany, about 1830, emigrated to America in 1851, against his father's wishes, settled and married in this county, then living four years in Logan county, he returned to this county, engaged all the while in coopering. In 1861, at Newark, he enlisted as bugler in the Forty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served forty-five months, returning to Newark, he again moved to DeGraffe, Logan county. He died October 13, 1867, on a small island in Lake Erie above Toledo, where he had gone to plant a vineyard for a friend. His wife died in Logan county, November 18, 1867, leaving three helpless children: John C., Robert B., and Melinda, all of whom are now doing well, in Logan county. Henry K., the oldest child, had, in January, 1863, secured a home in this township with George W. Patterson, thereby supporting himself, and has lived here most of the time since. He began teaching school at seventeen, and has taught every winter since, having been variously engaged in summer. March, 18, 1880, he married Ella M., daughter of Thomas Dickerson, of this township, and is at present engaged in farming.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
WRIGHT, WAIT F., farmer, was born July 20, 1808, in Cornwall township, six miles from Middlebury, Addison county, Vermont. In the fall of 1816, his parents, Simeon and Susannah Wright, emigrated to St. Albans township, locating on what is commonly termed "Wright's Corners," about one mile south of where he now resides. He remained with his parents on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. About 1828 he with his brother, Seth S., contracted to build one mile of the Ohio canal, at the rate of eighteen cents per square yard. They worked on the canal about three years. He married Mary Hults, October 10, 1830; she was born June 7, 1812, on the banks of the Scioto river, in Ross county, and near the present town of Waverly. Her parents, William and Elizabeth Hults, were born, the former in Kentucky, the latter in Virginia. John Pancake, the father of the latter, emigrated to Ross county among the very early settlers in the county, and participated in the War of 18 12, with William Hults, father of the present Mrs. W. F. Wright. Captain Simeon Wright, father of the subject of this sketch, enlisted in Addison county, Vermont, under Colonel Fosset, during the War of 1812. After serving as captain for some time, he was breveted major, serving through the entire war. Wait F. Wright, subject of this notice, purchased a little over one hundred acres of land in an unbroken forest, about 1829; and has cleared, fenced and placed it under a high state of cultivation, adding later near three hundred acres. They had eleven children, ten of whom are living. John P. enlisted under General Steel, in an Iowa regiment, at the beginning of the late war, and participated in many hard fought battles, among the most hotly contested of which was that at Helena, Arkansas. He received his discharge at the close of the war, and married Kate Camble ; residing at present in Taylor county, Iowa Simeon S. married Ellen Linsey, and lives in Taylor county, Iowa; William H. married Margaret Ruster, and lives in Monroe township, this county; Susannah Amanda married Joseph White, grain dealer, of Gibson City, Illinois; Milton J. is at home with his parents; Jane E. married John F. Denver, and resides in Taylor
792 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY
county, Iowa; Mary D. married Newton M.. Willison, and resides in Monroe township, this county; Mary E. married Gilford H. Warden, grocer, in Columbus, Ohio; Bettie L married Delano H. Warden, general dealer in merchandise, Columbus, Ohio; Elnora K. is residing with her parents. October, 10, 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Wright witnessed the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. They are respected by the entire community.
LIMA TOWNSHIP.
WHITE, R., farmer, post office, Columbia Center. He was born in Fairfield county, March 1838, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth White, who came from Virginia about 1830, and settled in Fairfield county. In 1841 they moved to this county, and settled in Lima township. The subject of this sketch is the fourth of the family, and he remained at home until he was married in 1861 to Sarah Gilbert, of this township. After his marriage he moved to Wood county, where he lived until the spring of 1864, when he moved to his present farm. He has been honored with the office of trustee by the citizens of the township.
WICKLIFFE, JOSHUA, post office, Columbia Center. Mr. Wickliffe was born June 6, 1818, in Maryland, although he might claim either the. State of Maryland or Pennsylvania as his, as the house he was born in stood on the State line. He moved to Ohio with his parents, George and Isabel Wickliffe, about the year 1826, who settled in Fairfield, removing to this county in 1835. Mr. Wickliffe married Miss Sarah Huntwork, daughter of Henry Huntwork, of Fairfield.
McKEAN TOWNSHIP.
WIMER, SARAH, was born in 1818, in Green county, Pennsylvania, was the daughter of Jacob and Margaret Bowers, who located in McKean township in 1826. She was married in 1839-to John Wimer, of this county, a farmer, who was born in 1816, in Pennsylvania. They had six children: Martha, Henry, Margaret, Mary, John and Ezra; all living except Henry and Ezra. John was born September 15, 1853, and was married March x4, 1880, to Agnes 'Dinsmore, of this county, who was born in 1856. They are at present living at home with Mrs. Wimer; Ezra was born July, 1858, is single and lives at home. Mr. Wimer died March 13, 1873, aged fifty-seven years. Mrs. Wimer, his mother, died April 16, 1873, at Sarah Wimer's home. Mr. Wimer was a member of the Brethren (better known as Dunkard) church, of Knox county. Sarah, his wife, is also a member of the same church.
WHITSON, JACOB, was born in 1843, in Will county, Illinois, and was the son of Benjamin and Leah Whitson, who were natives of Ohio. Benjamin Whitson was born in 1811, and died in 1878. Leah Whitson was born. in 1813; and died Augusta, 1873, aged sixty years. They were the parents of nine children, all living. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was married in 1871, February 5th, to Mattie Tilton, of this county; who was born in 1847, in this county. They have two children Helen, born in 1872, and William J., born in 1874. Jacob Whitson located in this county in 1872, and is now living west of Fredonia, McKean township. Eliza I. Tilton was born in 1837, in this county, and is now living with her sister, Mrs. Whitson.
WILLARD, G. W., a farmer, was born July 29, 1847, in this county; is the son of William D. and Naomi Willard. He enlisted in 1862 for three months, at Columbus; in company K, Eighty-seventh regiment Ohio volunteer infantry. He was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry by Stonewall Jackson; was exchanged, and returned home; reenlisted the latter part of 1862, in company A,. Tenth Ohio cavalry, at Newark. He went as a substitute; was under General Kilpatrick, in the Third division, Second brigade, but was subsequently transferred to General Sherman's command. He was in all the battles of General Sherman's army, and received a slight wound in the arm; had two horses shot. from under him, and one lost. He returned home the latter part of 1864. He was married October 4, 1874, to Lucy Woodberry, of Lorain, who was born in 1854. Result of this marriage, one child, William D., born February 9, 1878. Mr. Willard gives a great deal of his attention to fruit growing and gardening.
WILSON, PHILIP, was born in 1811 in the city of London, England; came to New York in 1833; was married in 1834 to Jane Dorkin, of Newark, New Jersey, who was born in 1819, in Durham, England, and came to the United States in 1831 with her parents. Result of this marriage, six children-Mary Ann, born 1835, died 1840; Philip, jr., was born in 1844, enlisted at Newark, Ohio, October 19, 1861, in company C, Seventy-sixth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, under captain Coman; was in the battles of Fort Donelson, February 14, 15, and 16, 1862; Shiloh, April. 6 and 7, 1862; Siege of Corinth, April 7 to May 28, 1862; Milliken's Bend, August 18, 1862; Haines' Bluff, August 19, 1862; Greenville, August 23, 1862; Bolivar, Mississippi, August 25, 1862 ; Chickasaw Bayou, December 28, 1862; Arkansas Post, January 11, 1863; Deer Creek, April 7, 1863; Fourteen Mile Creek, May 14, 1863; Siege of Vicksburgh, from May 18 to July 4, 1863; Siege of Jackson, from July 10 to July 16, 1863; Canton, July 17, 1863; Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. He was
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 793
with General Sherman on his march to Atlanta, and was shot dead at the battle of Taylor's Ridge, Ringgold, Georgia, Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 1863. It was said he never shirked his duty; went as a private soldier, was promoted to color corporal. His remains were buried at the Soldiers' cemetery of Chattanooga He was in his seventeenth year when he enlisted, and was killed in his twentieth.
" Soldier, rest, thy warfare's o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Dream of battle-fields no more,
Days of danger, nights of waking."
Eliza A. was born in 1842; was married to W. C. Smith, of this county, now a lawyer of Holden, Johnson county, Missouri. Robert was born in 1850, is single, and lives at home. Edward was born in 1854, is single and a physician at Mt. Vernon. He is a graduate of Long Island city Medical college, of Brooklyn; is preparing himself thoroughly for the profession he has chosen. Mary Jane was born 1857, died in 186o. Mr. Wilson came to Newark in 1843, went to Chatham in 1847, located in McKean township in 1852, where he now lives: He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fredonia. He is a tanner by trade.
WILSON, SAMUEL, was born 1813, in New York; was the son of Hugh and Elizabeth Wilson, was married in 1838, to Angeline Peaslee, of New York, came to this county in 1838 and located in Madison township; moved to McKean township in 1844; is a blacksmith by trade; carried on business at the cross-roads, two miles south of Fredonia. They have three children-Hannah, born in 1839, married to F. M. Brooks, of this county, in 1836, dead; Hugh, born in 1844, is a blacksmith by trade and worked a number of years with his father, at the corners-was married to Mattie Carrico, of this county, is now living in Illinois, and is a, farmer; Alice, born in 1846, was married to F. M. Brooks In 1878. . Mrs... Wilson died in 1852, aged thirty-two years. Samuel was married again in 1853, to Nancy Ware, of this county. They are now living two miles south of Fredonia.
WRIGHT, ABRAHAM, farmer, came to this county in 1802, with his wife and five children. He located at Newark, and in 1809 removed to McKean township, where he built a log cabin, west of Chatham, for himself and family. At that time the township contained only. twelve or fifteen families. In 1812 Mr. Wright and his family, with the rest of the neighbors were obliged to go into camp every night at Chatham, on account of troubles with the Indians at that time. Mr. Wright enlisted at Chatham, under Colonel Samuel Dunavan, in 1812, to march against the Indians that were causing trouble at Upper Sandusky. He was on the march with General Bean. He returned home in 1814. There are at present only two of Abraham's children living. Ada, who was born April, 1799, is now living in Kansas. She was-married in 1823, to Johnson Abbot, of this county. They had three sons and four daughters.
WRIGHT, JACOB, was born April 10, 1802, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and is the only old settler left in McKean township. He was married November 10, 1825, to Sarah Conard, of this county, who was born March 31, 1808, in Loudoun county, Virginia, and came to this county in 1812. They had nine children, seven living at present James C., Matilda, Abraham, Elizabeth, Jonathan I., Jennie N. and Mitchel. They are all married and living in this township, except Abraham, who is living in Delaware county. Jacob's wife, Sarah, died February 14, 1876, aged sixty-eight years. He was married again November 27, 1879, to Mrs. Alcinda Hollingsworth, of Muskingum county, who was born March 11, 1833, in Loudoun county, Virginia. She had four children by her first husband. Carrie R., the. youngest, lives with her parents at present. Mr. Wright cast his first vote for John Quincy Adams. He has voted the Whig and Republican ticket ever since. Mr. Wright, when first commenced doing for himself, had but two hundred dollars, but by his own industry and economy he at one time owned and worked one thousand acres of land, having eight hundred acres in one body, but he has divided his property among his children, and at present he has only three hundred and twelve acres left for himself His education consisted of three winters' schooling, and then he was obliged to go three miles through the woods to school.
WRIGHT, J. I., farmer, was born July 4, 1837 ; remained at home on the farm until November 21, 1861, when he enlisted in the Seventy-sixth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, company C, for three years: He was under Captain Coman; was in General Sherman's division in the early part of the war; was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburgh Landing, Corinth, Yazoo River and Arkansas Post. He took sick February 22, 1863, was taken to Memphis, Tennessee; remained until January, then returned to the regiment Was in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain and Jonesborough. Returned home in the autumn of 1864. He enlisted as private; ,vas promoted to corporal, then to sergeant. . He was married December 29, 1864, to Anna E. McKinney, of this county, who was born in 1843. Result of this marriage, five children Dellman H., born January 8, 1866; Earnest G., born August 16, 1867; Edison C., born June 20, 1869; Martin L., born February 10, 1872; Lottie M., born January 14, 1876.
794 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
MONROE TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAMS, A., farmer, Johnstown, was born December 16, 1828, in the southern part of Munroe township, in what is commonly termed the David Williams homestead; here he has spent his entire life, with the exception of about one year, which he spent in Pennsylvania. He married Mary Stewart, January 27, 1857. She was born in Virginia about 1828. They had four children: Frank, born December 21, 1857; Ida, born July 24, 1859; Sanford, born December 8, 1861; Ella, born August 25, 1863. Mrs. Williams died May, 1872. Mr. David Williams and wife, Charlotte, parents of the subject of this sketch, purchased the present Williams farm in the unbroken wilderness, and now it ranks among the best farms in the township. About the year 185o, he, David, with his brother, Thaddeus Williams, started to California, but only reached Panama, where he sickened with the prevailing fever, and soon after boarding the vessel for California, died, and was buried in mid-ocean. Mr. A. Williams is one of those quiet, pleasant men who make one feel at home in their presence. Politically, he is a Republican.
WRIGHT, JAMES N., farmer, post office, Johnstown, was born February 20, 1818, in St. Albans township, Licking county. His father, Simeon Wright, jr., was born March 12, 1772, in Rutland county, Vermont, and was married to Miss Susannah Abbot in 1795. In 1816 they removed to St. Albans township, then having seven children, James and his sister being born after their arrival. Mr. Wright died September 4, 1833, from the effects of being thrown from a carriage by a run-away team. The subject of this sketch endured the usual hardships of a pioneer life, and had the same difficulties to surmount in order to secure an education, but being persevering and strict, he made the most of his advantages in the common schools of this period. After reaching his majority, he attended Denison university at Granville, Ohio, for one year. Since his college life Mr. Wright has been none the less a student, and it is rare, indeed, to find a man who has devoted his life to farming better informed in regard to current events. In 1848 he was ordained by the Reverend G. G. West, a local minister in the Methodist church, and from that time until the present, has always held himself in readiness to perform whatever duties, as a preacher, he was called upon to perform. Mr. Wright was married to Miss Effie Willison, of Monroe township, October 26, 1842, by whom he had seven children: Flora L., bo October 26, 1844; Columbia Ann, September 5, 1846; Esther L., May 3, 1849; Miles L., April 3, 1852; Seth I., May 21, 1854; James N., August 6, 1858; Frank P., May 19, 1861.When married he was engaged in the mercantile business in Johnstown, in which he continued for six years, but preferring a farmer's life, he sold out and moved on the farm where he now resides. Here he commenced with a farm of forty acres, which he has by good management and industry, 'increased to nearly one thousand acres in the townships of Hartford and Monroe. His great specialty is sheep raising, keeping nearly one thousand head, which are among the best in the State. He attends the State and county fairs through, and never fails to secure the first premiums for his exhibits. He is a living example of the success that may be achieved in our county, from what might seem at times the most adverse circumstances.
NEWARK TOWNSHIP.
WILSON, G. W., son of John and Rebecca Wilson, was born in Newark township, March 10, 1806. His parents removed from Hardy county, Virginia, in 1805, and settled in the central part of Newark township. The subject of this sketch remained at home until 1854, when his parents died. He was married January 24, 1835 to Barbara Miller, daughter of Abraham and Margaret Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had but one child-Harriet, born December 11, 1835, who married William Davis, of Newark, January 1, 1862. Shortly after this marriage they moved to Wisconsin. Mrs. Wilson died August 31, 1838. In 1854 Mr. Wilson married his second wife-Barbara Wilkin, of Mary Ann township, daughter of Henry and Magdalene Wilkin, who was born June 7, 1817. By this union they had one child-John M., born August 16, 1860. He lives about two miles north of the public square of Newark, on a farm of one hundred acres.
WILSON, THOMAS R., gardener by trade, is located about one mile north of the public square of Newark, on what is known as Cedar Hill. He is the son of David and Amanda M. Wilson, and was born April 7, 1848, in Newark township, near where he now lives. Mr. Wilson's father was born in 18o6, in Newark township, north of the city of Newark. He has always lived in the county and been engaged in farming, Mr. Wilson's mother died April 23, 1873. She was born April 13, 1812, in Madison township. She was the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Seymour. The subject. of this sketch is one of a family of five, being the third. He was married to Cordelia Irwin, January 27, 1870. She is the daughter of Hamilton and Catharine Irwin, and was born February 13, 1849, in Franklin township. By this union they have five children-Inez, born November 24, 1870: David A., August 21, 1872; Alice F., February 27, 1874; James A., February 1, 1876; Emma C., July 6, 1879.
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 795
WILSON, G. W., farmer.-He was born in Allen county, Ohio, September 1, 1841; came to Perry county when quite young, and to Licking county in 1868. He was married to Nettie C. Miller in 1872. They are the parents of three children - Ella, Frank, and Mary.
CITY OF NEWARK.
WADE, ZEPHNIAH, cooper, was born in Martinsburgh, Virginia, March 5, 1835. When he was six months old he came with his father to Newark, where he has since made his home. He was married September 18, 1856, to Jane Avery. She was born September 1, 1835. They are the parents of ten children: Zephaniah died August, 1858, aged one year; Rozella, born December 25, 1858; Elcy, born March 24, 1861; William, born September 27, 1863; John Franklin, born May 19, 1866; Mary Caroline, died November 11, 1868, aged two months; Viola Price, born September 23, 1869; Clarence, born July 23, 1873; Eva, died July 23, 1872, seven days old; Cevilla died September 22, 1877, eighteen months old. At the age of, twelve years Mr. Wade learned the cooper trade. He worked at this until September 18, 1864. He then enlisted in company A, one Hundred and Seventy-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until July 11, 1865. He then went at boiler making, and worked at this until May 7, 1878. He then went at his former business, at which he now works.
WALLACE, HUGH M., No. 345 south side of public square, Newark, Ohio, dealer in fancy and staple dry goods, notions, carpets, oil cloths, etc. Mr. Wallace is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1838. He was brought to America by his parents in 1844, who located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, remained a few years and then moved to Cincinnati. Mr. Wallace was educated in the schools of Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. His first business engagement was with Mr. George Wallace, of Cincinnati, as salesman in a dry goods store, where he remained until in 1854, when he came to Newark with Mr. George Wallace, and continued in his employ, as salesman in his store, until 1864, when he commenced in the dry goods business for himself, with an entire new stock of new goods, in a room on the corner of Third street and public square, where the First National bank now stands. He removed to his present location in 1868, generally known as the "Bee Hive store," where he has since been conducting the business successfully. He occupies a large, commodious salesroom, which is well filled with staple and fancy dry goods, notions, oil cloths, carpets, etc., in fact everything in his line of business. He has in his employ four efficient salesmen and one cashier.
WALTON, JOSEPH, M. D., a native of England and was born December 9, 1836, in Catterick, Yorkshire. He was educated at Saint Francis academy, and graduated at the old school of medicine in London. He came to America in the Great . Eastern steamship, July, 1863. He witnessed the Irish riot in New York, and the day after he started for Lawrence county, Ohio, on the cars, but could not proceed farther than Belmont county on account of Morgan's raid. He was detained there for three weeks, and at Buffington's island for one week. He arrived at Miller's Landing, Lawrence county, by boat, on the thirtieth of August, 1863. He moved to Columbus in 1865, and engaged in the practice of medicine until 1870, when he removed to Newark, and engaged in the building of houses. Being unsuccessful in this, he retired from the more active duties of life. In June after locating in Columbus, he married Elizabeth House, the youngest daughter of John House, of Hebron. In 1876 Mrs. Walton died, leaving him with two children: Emma J., born November 15, 1866; Adelbert H., born September 20, 1869. At the time of his wife's death he was a member of the Methodist church, having united with this denomination at the age of seventeen. After hearing the doctrine of the Bible preached by the Seventh Day Adventists he became dissatisfied with the Methodist .and joined the Adventist in 1877, and became a zealous worker in the cause, devoting his time fully to the building and establishing of a church which was completed and dedicated in December, 1878.
WARD, PRUDEN A., was born in Newark, New Jersey, May 28, 1811. He commenced as an apprentice at the carriage and wagon maker trade; in 1832, in his native town, and served three years as an apprentice. He continued at his trade as journeyman, in Newark, about one year, and then worked in New York city a few months. In September, 1836, he came to Newark, this county, and he in company with Isaac C. Ball (now deceased) established the well known carriage works at Newark, in which he is still a partner. He has been twice married-first to Miss Dorcas C. Ball, in 1839, who died in 1840. His second marriage was to Miss Julia A. Ward, then of Miller township, Knox county, Ohio; she was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1821. They settled in Newark, where they have since been residing. By this union he has four children: Matilda A., Frederick K., Horatio R, and Charles A. Matilda A. married Franklin James, and is now living in Toledo, Ohio. Frederick K. graduated at West Point, as second lieutenant in cavalry, in 1870, and has since been in the United States service. In 1875 he was promoted to first lieutenant, which
796 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
position he is now filling. Horatio R is married and living in Newark. Charles A., is yet unmarried.
BALL & WARD'S carnage and wagon shops, a pioneer institution, corner of First and Church streets, Newark,.Ohio. These shops were established in 1836, by Isaac C. Ball and Pruden A. Ward. They first erected a small frame building which served them as work shops for several years. In 1849 they erected the present stone structure, twenty-eight by fifty feet, three stories high, which has since been used as their principal work shops. They also built an addition of fifty feet to their first building. Their several shops, as extended and improved, now almost cover a parcel of ground ninety-nine by one hundred and ninety-eight feet, including two excellent show rooms-one for light carriage and buggy work, the other for farm wagons, and each of these departments is kept admirably stocked with some of the finest work possible -to be found in the State. They have from twelve to fifteen employes in their establishment, who are all skilled workmen. In 1849 Joseph Ball, brother of J. C. Ball, became a partner, and remained in the firm till 1879, when his interest was purchased by the original owners.
WARNER, GENERAL WILLARD.-General Willard Warner was a native of Granville, this county, and was born September 24, 1826. He lived in Muskingum county from 1830 to 1849. General Warner received a classical education, graduating from Marietta college. in 1845. In February, 1849, he went to California, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, in company with Dr. Horace Smith, George Howell, A. Brimagin and Jones Reily, all of whom died, except himself, he returning in 1852. He was engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Cincinnati in 1852-3. General Warner then went into the Newark machine works as treasurer, and became general manager in 1856 or 1857, and continued such until December, 1861, when he entered the Seventy-sixth regiment of the Ohio volunteer infantry as major. He was with the regiment at Fort Donelson and Pittsburgh Landing; also at the siege of Corinth, in the Vicksburgh and Jackson campaigns, and at the capture of the steamer Fairplay. Being promoted lieutenant colonel, he led the regiment from Vicksburgh to Chattanooga,. and through the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Ringgold. At the latter place, with two hundred men, he broke General Patrick Cleburne's lines, strongly posted. In this engagement he lost one-third of his men in half an hour, being either killed or wounded. ( Subsequently, in April, 1864, General Warner was appointed by General Sherman, inspector general on his staff, and served as such through the Atlanta campaign and on the pursuit of Hood until Allatoona was reached, when he accepted the colonelcy of one of the new regiments. General Sherman upon relieving him from duty, thanked him in special orders for his zealous and intelligent service, and complimented him "on his good sense in preferring service with troops to staff duty." General Warner joined his new regiment, the One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio volunteer infantry, at Dechard, Tennessee, and in January, 1865, was ordered to North Carolina. After the capture of Fort Fisher [see Ohio in the war], he participated in the engagement at Kingston, and upon the occupation of the capital of the "old North State," he was made provost marshal of the city. After the surrender of Johnson's army he was placed in command of the post of Charlotte, North Carolina, and continued in that position during the remainder of his term of service. Upon the recommendation of his corps and department commanders, Generals Sherman and Schofield, he was breveted brigadier general in July, 1865. Shortly after this he was mustered out of the service, with the additional honor of brevet major general, for " gallant and. meritorious conduct during the war," to rank from March 13, 1865.
After the war closed he returned to Newark, and at the election in October, 1865, was elected to the State senate of Ohio, of which body he was an efficient member. General Warner had previously been the active and efficient manager of the Newark Gas company, which, under his management, laid two miles or more of gas pipes in Newark. In 1867 General Warner removed to Alabama, where, having previously purchased a plantation, he engaged in the cultivation of cotton. During the next year (1868) he was elected a member of the lower branch of the State legislature, where he zealously supported and ably advocated the Thirteenth and Fourteenth amendments to the Constitution of the United States, and which were on his motion adopted by the Alabama legislature. In July, 1868, General Warner was elected a member of the United States Senate, and served in that body until March 4, 1871. General Warner was a delegate from Ohio to the Chicago convention in 1860, and voted twice for Salmon P. Chase, and on the third and last ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He was also a member of the National Republican convention in 1868, from Alabama, which nominated General Grant; and also of the convention which met in Cincinnati in 1872, and nominated General R. B. Hayes, he voting for B. H. Bristow. And he was also a member of the Chicago convention of 1880, which nominated General Garfield, he voting generally for Hon. John Sherman. General Warner was appointed collector of customs at
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 797
Mobile, Alabama, in July, 1871, and served as such until February, 1872, when he was appointed governor of New Mexico,- which, however,. he declined, as he did also the 'position of minister to the Argentine Republic, of South America. General Warner has been uniformly a Republican, voting for Chase for governor of Ohio in 1855; for Fremont for President in 1856; for Lincoln for President in 1860, and 1864; for General Grant in 1868; for Horace Greely in 1872; for General Hayes in 1876; and for General Garfield in 1880. In 1873 General Warner organized the Tecumseh Iron company, Situated in Cherokee county, Alabama, and has acted as president of the company and as general manager since that time. General Warner has always opposed slavery, and manifested his devotion to principle; when on coming into possession of his patrimony, he gave freedom to such slaves as came into his possession. General Warner's political friends in Licking county always had the utmost confidence in his integrity and ability. He was from 1856 to 1861 their chosen leader, serving during that time as chairman of the Republican county central committee. General Warner still frequently visits his numerous friends in this county, and no man receives a more cordial greeting when he makes those visitations.
WARNER, L. K., Third street, between Canal and Walnut streets, Newark, Ohio. Mr. Warner was. born in Brattleborough, Vermont, March 9, 1805, and when he was about two years old his parents came to Ohio; and located in Muskingum county, nine miles from Zanesville, near the location of the Spring Valley station. He received his education in the district schools, and spent his boyhood days on the home farm, where he remained until his mother's death, after which he made his home with his eldest brother, Lyman, who resided near Roseville, assisting on the farm until 1828, when he came to Newark, and engaged with his brother, Willard, in running a stage line, in which he continued until 1831, when he embarked in the grain business in a warehouse that stood on the northwest corner of Third street, on the south side of the canal where, instead of an elevator and other modern improvements, all the grain handled had to be drawn up hand over hand by means of a rope that run over a large wheel attached near the roof-most arduous labor where there was so much grain handled, as he purchased grain from all parts of this county and all the adjoining counties. In 1836 he associated with himself in the business Mr. Oren Smith, and in 1839 they built the warehouse now occupied by Jewett & Miller, in which they did an extensive business; he purchased Mr. Smith's interest, after which he did business in company with different persons until 1865, when he sold out the business to Samuel Updegraff and C. D. Miller. In the year 1858 he had, in company with Willis Robins,, built the Warner and Robins block, and in 1861 they associated with them L. B. Wing, and engaged in the banking business, in which he continued until 1876. In September, 1876, he engaged in the queensware business, and in which he still continues. He was married February 9, 1839, to Miss Sarah McDougal, daughter of the late Stephen McDougal, of this city; and the same year they took possession of the Warner mansion, where they have reared their family, and have resided during the past-forty years. They have had a family of eight children; two daughters-Mrs. Fred H. Wilson, and Mrs. C. A. Updegraff-and six sons: George L., Willard, Charles L., Frank. S., and Stanley; of these, two, Charles L. and Stanley, are dead.
WATKINS, JAMES, retired farmer, was born near Aberystrogth, Wales, April 2, 1838. He was married to Ellen Hughes, of Borth, Wales, January 1, 1856; she was born October 8, 1836. They have eight children, Enoch, born January 12, 1857; Catharine, March 29, 1858; Mary, September 13, 1862; Ellen, May 18, 1864; Laura, January 2, 1866; Elizabeth, July 18, 1871; David, August 9, 1873; Margaret, December 11, 1876. Mr. Watkins came to Newark in August, 1870; worked at farming before coming to Newark. He worked in a rolling-mill and at painting in Newark. Enoch is a printer in the employ of the Newark American.
WATSON, MOSES H.; he has been in the laundry business for some time past. He was born March 25, 1822, in Putnam, Muskingum county. He came to this county and settled in Granville, remaining there two years, when he removed to Newark, where he has lived ever since: He married Matilda Allen, of Zanesville, January, 1854; she was born in Virginia May. 14, 1833. She is the daughter of Wilson and Eliza .Allen. Mr. Watson is the son of Thomas and Jane Watson, of Virginia.
WEIANT, W. S., coal merchant, successor to the Newark Coal company, from whence the best and cheapest fuel is supplied, and contracts may be effected to an advantage unobtainable elsewhere. The most extensive enterprise in' this direction, within the city limits, was the establishment, in 1872, of the coal tipples on Clinton street, near the railroad track, by the Newark Coal company, who invested something over four thousand dollars in their construction. But that corporation only operated them about three years. In 1876 Mr. W. S. Weiant succeeded them, and has since been conducting them with good success In 1877
798 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
he opened his branch office on the corner of Second and Main streets, proving a step in the right direction. In the fall of 1879 he opened another office and yard on the corner of Second and Canal streets, at which place he has had a substantial platform erected to protect the coal from the ground. Having tried a number of different kinds of coal in this market, Mr. Wieant finds that the Bristol coal, from Perry county, gives by far the most general satisfaction, being equally adapted to house burning as well as for steam purposes. It is a sound, clean, free-burning coal, and is much sought after on account of its not being expensive. He keeps three of his own horses and carts constantly engaged in delivering coal, sending out, upon an average, from fourteen to fifteen loads per day, though in winter often as high as thirty loads a day. Prompt attention is given to all orders.
WELCH, LLOYD, a farmer, was born in New Lisbon, Amoramo county, Maryland; January 13, 1816. His parents came to Hartford, Licking county, when he was fifteen years old. He was married to Sarah Warden, August 24, 1842, who was born April 6, 1821, and was a resident of Granville. Her parents came from Vermont, and were among the pioneers. After their marriage they moved to Monroe township, four miles from Johnstown; lived there fifteen years and then they moved to Sunbury; lived there about a year and then moved to Granville, and from there to West Newark, where they now reside. They had nine children-Mary Ann, born December lo, 1843; Arravesta, born November 29, 1845; Ellalora, born October 28, 1847; Henry, born January 11, 1850. Silas, born September 8, 1851; William, born March 29, 1853; Caroline, born March 3, 1855 (deceased December 18, 1870); Martha, born July 7, 1856; and Albert, born December 29, 1861. They were all born in Monroe township but Albert, who was born in Sunbury. Mary, Arravesta, Henry, and William are married. Mary lives at Dunkirk, Hardin county, Ohio; Arravesta lives at Kirksville, Adams county, Missouri; Henry lives at Granville, Licking. county, Ohio; and William lives in West Newark. The remainder of the family remain at home.
WELLS, MRS. FANNIE, was born in Newark, October 2, 1842. She is the daughter of Ira Abbott, who died at Newark in 1863, at the age of fifty years. Her mother lives on Main street, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Wells was married November 27, 1861, to John James, of Newark He was born in London, England, November 27, 1838. She has one son, John Wallace, born November 9, 1862. Mr. James came to Newark at the age of nineteen years; he enlisted in company G, Forty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, in August, 1862 ; he served fifteen months, during which time he was a prisoner of war seven months; three months of this time at Libby prison. Twelve days after being discharged from prison he died, April 28, 1864, from the effect of being starved while there. Mrs. Fannie James was again married to David A. Wells, December 22, 1864, who was born in Wellsburgh, Virginia, May 26, 1816. He was a tailor, at which he worked for many years in Newark. He was a member in good standing of the order of Odd Fellows. He died March 28, 1879. John W. is working at the tailor trade in Newark.
WHITE, JOSEPH, liveryman, sale and feed stable, Church street, Newark. Mr. White is a native of Newark, where he was born, November 29, 1815. He received his education in the common schools of Granville township, and at Martin's academy, at Granville, attending the latter school about three years, making civil engineering his principal study. After leaving school in 1831 he engaged as rodman with his brother, John White, in the construction of the Hocking canal, through Fairfield, Hocking, and Athens counties, Ohio, which he followed several years. In 1845 he took charge of the Ohio canal as chief engineer; which position he held until 1851. He then engaged in the manufacturing of brick, and supplied all the demands for brick in the town of Newark for a number of years. In 1854 he engaged in the livery business in Newark, which business he has since followed. In 1859, in connection with his livery, he engaged in the coal business, operating the Coal Port coal bank in Coshocton county, boating the coal to Newark, and supplying all the calls for coal in the city of Newark about six years. In 1868 he constructed a bridge across the Scioto river, six hundred and forty feet long, near Chillicothe, which took one year to complete. In October, 1875, he was elected commissioner of Licking county, and served one term. During his term of office he superintended the building of the present court house. In 1841 he married Miss Sarah Drake, a native of Knox county. She was born in 1820. They settled in Newark, where they have since resided. They reared a family of four children - Hanson, Angeline, Leander and Freddie. Angeline married C. F. W. Yergens, moved to New York city, where she died in 1874. Mr. White is the youngest child of a family of nine children, and is the only one of six brothers now living. His father, Samuel White, sr., settled in Newark in 1810and remained in this county until his death.
WILKIN, R. B., son of Daniel and Barbara Wilkin, was born September 5, 1833, in the city of Newark, where be has lived ever since. Mr. Wilkin's father was one of the, old settlers in the county, coming into it in 1815. Mr. Wilkin is a
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carpenter and joiner by trade. When he was twenty-two years of age, he completed his trade with his father. He was married October, 1857, to Miss A. E. Phillips, of Newark. They have seven girls, the oldest of whom is a teacher in the public schools of Newark. Mr. Wilkin resides in the house where he was born on Fifth street.
WILLIAMS, GEORGE, grocer, was born in Pennsylvania in 1837; moved to Jacktown in 1850; was married to Anna Beck September 1, 1860. She was born in Hebron May 15, 1841. They are the parents of eight children: Lucinda, born October 5, 1861; John, who died August 16; 1865, aged seven months; Lewis, who died March 8, 1876, aged ten years and eight months; Edward, born May 15, 1865 ; Harry, born January 5, 1870; Daisy M., born December 12, 1872; Katie, born December 14, 1875 ; George B., born December 27, 1878. Mr. Williams moved to Newark in September, 1875. He is carrying on grocery trade and city meat market.
WILLIAMS, ALDRIDGE, son of F. and K. Williams, was born July 22, 1829, in Fauquier county, Virginia. He, with his parents, came to this county in 1837, and settled in Bowling Green township, where he resided until he was about twenty years of age, when he removed to Green county, remaining there about two years, when he returned to Licking county, and about three years after, he married Mary Dodd. She was born October 23, 1832. In 1869 they removed to Franklin county, remaining four years, when they returned to Licking county, and have been here since. They have nine children: Jennie, born July 16, 1854; Hamline, September 6, 1856; Ella, September 6, 1858; Belle, September 14, 1861; Byron, March 21, 1863; Anna, October 3, 1867; Daisy, March 12, 1869; David, January 27, 1872; Jessie, June 26, 1875; Jennie died April 16, 1873; Hamline died September 3, 1859; Anna died January 8, 1872; David died when a babe. Mr. Williams resides on Granville street.
WILLIAMS, A. H., proprietor of Licking county bindery and blank book manufactory, plain and ornamental binding done in good style, at reasonable rates. Mr. Williams' bindery is located on West Main street, in Felt's block, over C. D. Myers' harness store. He has had twenty-two years experience in the business, and will warrant satisfaction given on all his work.
WILLIAMS, GEORGE M., grocer and dealer in fresh meats, Woodbridge block, south side of the park He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1835, and in early life learned the. carpenter trade, which he followed in that county until 1854, when he came to Ohio, locating at West Wheeling, where he worked at his trade until 1859. He then came to Jacksontown, this county, where he continued in the carpenter business until 1859, when he engaged in the butchering, which he conducted until 1864, when he enlisted in company D, Tenth Ohio volunteer cavalry, in which he served until the close of the war, after which he returned to Jacksontown and resumed butchering, which he followed there until 1875. He then came to Newark, and conducted the business here until 1879, when he engaged in the grocery business in connection with butchering, since which he has been conducting both with good success. He occupies commodious rooms, twenty by eighty feet, with a spacious basement, twenty by fifty feet, in which he carries a large first-class stock of staple and fancy groceries, confectionery, queensware, glassware, wood and willow ware, stoneware, sugar-cured, smoked and pickled meats, dried and fresh meats of all kinds. He also conducts a meat market on the corner of Fourth and Main streets, where he keeps a large stock of all kinds of fresh and dried meats.
WILSON FAMILY.-The founder of this family in America was William Wilson, who was born in Ireland, November 16, 1722. He was the son of David Wilson, of Ireland, who was the son of David Wilson, of Scotland William came to America with a relative named White, about the age of fifteen years, settling near Winchester, Virginia. He is found in the Shenandoah valley in 1744-5, where he married Margaret Blackburn in 1746. He was the progenitor of the Wilsons of the Shenandoah valley, and of most of those who subsequently settled in Licking county. Little is known of him after he settled on his lands located in what is now Hardy county, Virginia, except that he was industrious and prosperous, owning a good farm, a grist-mill, a distillery, blacksmith shop and "weaving-house," making his household somewhat independent, after the custom of well-to-do farmers of that day. He resided here until his death in 1801; his widow survived him a few years, dying in December, 1806. Both were buried on that portion of the farm owned by their son, Solomon, in a place near a church, in what was known as "Wilson's graveyard." Their tombstones are still standing, together with that of their son, Moses, who died in infancy, in the year 1760; the inscriptions upon them being still perfectly legible, as has been recently ascertained. The following register gives the time of the birth and death of each of the sons and daughters of William and Elizabeth Wilson, one of whose sons (Archibald), with many grandchildren, settled in the valley of the Licking: Benjamin Wilson, born November 30, 1747, died December 2, 1827; Archibald Wil-
800 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
son, born June 13, 1749, died March 27, 1814; David Wilson, born September 8, 1751, died August 12, 11805; William Wilson, born February 8, 1754, died January 1, 1851; John Wilson, born April 12, 1756, died April 12, 1827; Moses Wilson, born May 1, 1758, died February 7, 1760; Moses Wilson (second), born April 8, 1761, died April 7, 1784; James Wilson, born July 25, 1763, died August 13, 1822; Solomon Wilson, born July 2, 1766, died September 8, 1819; Elizabeth Wilson, born July 2, 1766, died March 20, 1849; Margaret Wilson, born April 7, 1769, died September 19, 1826.
WILSON, COLONEL BENJAMIN, was the oldest son and first born of William and Elizabeth Wilson. He was born November 30, 1747, in that portion of Frederick county, Virginia, which is now included in Shenandoah county. The county of Frederick, at the time of Benjamin Wilson's birth, was bounded on the east by the Blue ridge, on the west by the western boundary of the State; and embraced most of the northern portion of the Shenandoah valley, extending nearly a hundred miles southwardly from the Potomac, its northern boundary. In 1772 the southern portion of Frederick county was formed into the county of Dunmore, named in honor of Lord Dunmore, then governor of the colony of Virginia. The governor taking the side of England against the colonists, in the opening year of the Revolution, became exceedingly unpopular with the Virginians. Fearing their vengeance he fled from the city of Williamsburgh and took refuge on the British fleet in the harbor of Norfolk, in August, 1775, and on the first day of the year 1776 he ordered the bombardment of the town by said fleet, which resulted in the destruction of the greater part of the business portion of Norfolk. By way of retaliation for his act of barbarity, the legislature of 1777 changed the name of Dunmore county to Shenandoah, which it still retains. Within its present limits, as before stated, the subject of this sketch was born.
But little is known of Benjamin Wilson during his minority, except that he made himself useful to his father, on his farm on "Trout run," sometimes as a miller, again as a distiller, then again as a general farm laborer. Educational facilities were quite limited in the new settlement in which he grew into manhood, but Benjamin Wilson made good- use of his leisure hours, by dedicating them to studies which fitted him for a prosperous business career. These he pursued eagerly by the firelight of the mill and distillery, as well as by the lamplight and pine knot light of the farm house.
From the family record we find that he entere into the married relation with Anne Ruddell on th fourth of September, 1770. Soon after his marriage we find him a resident of Tygart's valley, west of the Alleghany mountains, in what is now Randolph county, West Virginia. An incident in his life on the frontiers, by way of illustrating the hardships and perils of the pioneers among the Alleghanies, is not without interest, and will bear relating in this connection.
While making a horseback journey over the Alleghany mountains in winter, the weather suddenly durning very cold, and the ground being covered with snow, so retarded his speed as to throw him much behind time in reaching his destination. He was following a path in which the snow was probably not much broken, and when it became dark he was still some miles distant from the mountaineer's cabin in which he intended to spend the night. But seeing safety in perseverance only, he pushed along until he became so much benumbed from the cold as to almost lose consciousness, and dropped into the condition of drowsiness which usually precedes death by freezing. Soon sleepiness overcame him, and, yielding to his feelings, he gut off his horse, and, taking the sheepskin on which he rode, with him, placing it upon the snow he laid down with it under his head. After being in this perilous condition a few moments, having dropped asleep, he dreamed that his life was in danger from a pack of wolves, and that they were then pulling the sheep-skin from under his head. This frightful dream so thoroughly aroused him that he suddenly sprang to his feet to defend himself against the wolves, but hearing or seeing none he at once realized his condition, and how narrowly he escaped death in the woods that night by freezing. He, therefore, by an almost superhuman effort, sprang upon his horse and pushed forward on his lonely path until he reached his destination, where a large fire, a warm supper, and a good sleep fully restored him. Thus was a valuable life providentially preserved for many years of activity and usefulness.
Benjamin Wilson served as a lieutenant in the Dunmore war, as it was called, which was an expedition against the Indians in 1774. While negotiations with the Indians were going on at Camp Charlotte, now near Westfall, Pickaway county, Ohio, Lieutenant Wilson served as aide to Lord Dunmore, the commander in chief; and it is not unlikely that he held the same position until the army was disbanded. He is said to have "acquired by his zeal and attention to duty, the confidence of his superior officers."
Early in the Revolution Lieutenant Wilson was appointed a captain in the Virginia forces, and rendered essential services, principally on the frontiers. During the war he was the organ through which most of the military and civil business of
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the part of the State in which he resided was transacted.
Captain Wilson frequently served as commander of forces suddenly raised to pursue marauding parties of Indians, who had made incursions into the settlements on the frontiers, and had stolen the horses, burned the cabins and murdered the helpless women and children of the settlers in the wilderness, or carried them into captivity. In December, 1777, the Indians, in considerable force, entered the upper extremity of Tygart's valley, and killed Darby Connoly and his wife and three children, and John Stewart and his wife and child, besides making prisoners of four members of those families. With great promptitude Captain Wilson raised the requisite number of men, who . took the trail and pushed forward in pursuit of the savages. He also commanded the volunteers raised to pursue the Indians that murdered and scalped Lieutenant John White in Tygart's valley, in the following year. In these expeditions Captain Benjamin Wilson was prompt, influential, and conspicuously courageous, as well as prudent and judicious.
The late Elias Hughes, the first settler of Licking county, was frequently in the pursuing parties under command of Captain Wilson, and always bore testimony to his good sense, sound judgment, skill and bravery.
Captain Wilson's valuable services and distinguished abilities secured him a colonel's commission in 1781.
Colonel Wilson was a member of the legislature of Virginia from Monongalia, several sessions, previous to the year 1784, in which year the county of Harrison was established, and at the organization of the county he became the clerk of the county court. The duties of this office did not, however, withdraw him entirely from the theater of politics, although he retained it very many years, even well along until near the close of his long life.
Colonel Wilson was elected and served as a delegate in the convention of Virginia in 1788, which ratified the Constitution of the United States. In politics he was a Federalist, and was one of the acknowledged leaders of the Federal party in western Virginia, until after the close of the War of 1812, when party lines were obliterated, party names abolished, and parties themselves dissolved, the consummation being the election of Colonel James Monroe to the Presidency of the United States, whose administration for eight years (two terms) was sustained by almost the entire people, without distinction of party.
In 1802 Colonel Wilson purchased of John Rathbone a tour thousand two hundred and eighteen acre tract of land, being a quarter township of two and a half miles square, and designated on the surveys as the northeast quarter, section one, township two, and range twelve, of United States military lands. This eventuated in a sort of family purchase, whether so intended or not, for it is authentically ascertained that twenty families, that were the descendants of William .Wilson, have lived upon this celebrated "Wilson section," the southern boundary of which was within a few rods of the northern out-lots of Newark. Among the Wilsons who settled upon it were three of the children of Colonel Wilson, viz: Cornelius, Elizabeth (Mrs: Martin), and General Thomas W. Wilson, now deceased. Mrs. Ann Brice, Dr. Noah L. Wilson, Mrs. Julia Robinson, and Mr. Daniel D. Wilson are four other children of Colonel Wilson who settled in Licking county, the two latter being still residents.
Colonel Wilson's wife died after a married life of nearly a quarter of a century, having given birth to twelve children. He thereupon formed a second matrimonial alliance on the. fifteenth of December, 1795, with Phebe Davidson, who became the mother of sixteen children, making twentyeight by the two marriages, twenty-four of whom reached adult age. Twenty-four of the twentyeight children of Colonel Wilson were living at the time of his death, which occurred December 2, 1827, two days after he had closed the eightieth year of his useful, honored, eventful life. Not only honors, but wealth came to him in profusion, so that he made, liberal provision for his large family of children. The posterity of Colonel Wilson, living at the time of his death, consisted of twentyfour children, seventy-three grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, making a total of one hundred and thirty-six! And the number has been greatly augmented since. The names of Colonel Wilson's children are as follows, given in the order of their birth: Mary, born July 9, 1771; William, January 23, 1773; Stephen, October 21, 1775; Benjamin, June 13, 1778; Sarah, September 11, 1780; Ann, January 17, 1786; John, July 5, 1788; Archibald, July 25, 1790; Cornelius, April 7, 1795. In addition to these three others were born who died in infancy, and all were children of the first wife. The children of the second wife were: Josiah, born October 112, 1796; David, February 18, 1798; Edith, November 9, 1799; Elizabeth, October 18, 1801; Thomas W., May 12, 1803 ; Margaret, March 26, 1805; Deborah, October 17, 1806; James, June 9, 1808; Daniel, January 30, 1810; Phebe, August 29, 1811; Martha, January 23, 1813; Phillip, June 29, 1814; Noah L., March 9, 1816; Julia. Ann, September 28, 1817; Harriet, November 13, 1818, and Rachel, July 20, 1820. Of these children two died in Licking county, viz.: Ann, wife of the late Dr. John J. Brice, and mother of General B. W
802 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
Brice, late paymaster general in the United States army, and Elizabeth, wife of the late William Martin.
Colonel Benjamin Wilson was a man of affairs, of extensive information, of large experience, of keen observation, of genial temper, of mild disposition, of much knowledge of human nature and of the world, of excellent conversational powers, of sound judgment and good sense, of most dignified bearing, of stately deportment, of stalwart person, of vigorous intellect, of courage, energy, enterprise, of generosity and hospitality, of the adventurous daring becoming a frontiersman, of undoubted patriotism, of unimpeached and unimpeachable integrity of character, of fine address, of commanding presence, of high toned morality, and of the elegance of manners that characterized the true "Virginia gentleman of the old school," which he was. In 1810 the late Hon. William Stanbery spent a number of days in Clarksburgh, at the residence of Colonel Wilson, who had then reached the full maturity of his intellect, the dignity that characterized him in his more advanced years, and the elegant manners for which he was so distinguished The young and accomplished Ohio lawyer, having letters to Colonel Wilson, soon made his acquaintance, and in a late conversation the writer had with him, he remarked that in dignity, address, appearance and manners, Colonel Wilson reminded him more of General Washington than any person he had ever seen. It is well also to observe of Colonel Wilson that he was not unmindful of the claims of religion upon him, but sustained, to the close of his life, an irreproachable Christian character, and by precept, and not less by his example, exerted a large influence in behalf of Christianity. Being an influential leader among those who formed public opinion, it is readily inferred that the interests of sound morality, and of religion were greatly the gainers from his life and example, and correspondingly the. losers by his death.
WILSON, ARCHIBALD, was the second son of William Wilson, and was the oldest brother of Colonel Benjamin Wilson, the subject of the preceding sketch. He was born in the Shenandoah valley, near Winchester, Virginia, on the thirteenth of June, 1749. Comparatively little is known of his early life. There is now a book in the possession of his youngest, and only surviving, son (Enoch), entitled "Cocherel's Arithmetic," which bears an English imprint. Upon the blank leaf of this centenarian family relic is found this record, claimed to be in Archibald Wilson's hand writing: "Archibald Wilson, his book, bought of James Cam. Doud, at his store on Old street, in Winchester, August 14, 1771, I say bought by me, Archibald Wilson." This fact brought to view in the early life of the subject of this brief sketch raises the presumption, at least, that at the above date, when he was twenty-two years of age, he had got so far along in his studies as arithmetic. His education, like that of most of the young men of his day, in that then frontier country, was most likely obtained in an irregular, piece-meal manner, and by no means thorough- rather "picked-up" than systematically acquired. As Archibald Wilson was a farmer to the close of his life, it is highly probable that he spent the years of his minority upon his father's farm, assisting in farm work principally: In 1774 Archibald Wilson joined the Dunmore army, and proceeded with it on the famous expedition against the Indian towns on the Scioto. At Camp Charlotte, near the Scioto, Dunmore attempted to unite all the Indians in a treaty, but the Mingos declined, so a force of about three hundred men was organized and placed under the command of Major Crawford (who was afterwards burnt on the Sandusky plains by the Indians), to destroy one of their villages up the Scioto, and to otherwise chastise them for their obstinacy. Archibald Wilson was in this expedition. He says that few Indians were to be seen when they arrived at the Mingo village, one warrior and a squaw, however, were shot and a few prisoners taken. While in the pursuit of the savages he endeavored to capture an Indian boy who, however, was on the alert, and for some time dodged his pursuer in the woods. Under the excitement of the chase Archibald raised his tomahawk to strike him, but fortunately, before the blow was made, the young savage sprang into a tree-top, lying upon the ground, when he was easily captured. It was in after years, and to the close of his life, a matter of rejoicing with Archibald Wilson that he had done no injury to the Indian boy. This scene "came off" near where is now the village of Franklinton, in Franklin county. The killing of the squaw, who was not a beligerent, was an un-soldier-like, brutal act, but it was alleged to have been unintentional. She was killed by a shot fired by a man named Vance, who, at first sight, took her to be a warrior.
After the Dunmore army had reached the Ohio river, on their homeward march, Archibald Wilson, and John and William White (his cousins) were discharged, at their own request, preferring to take their own time, and to pursue their own chosen route for their homes., in the Shenandoah valley. They thereupon left. .the army at the mouth of the Hock-Hocking, crossed the Ohio river, and passed up it, on the Virginia side, to near the mouth of the Little Kanawha, where they found some beautiful bottom land. They thereupon proceeded to make what was called "a tomahawk
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 803
improvement" for each one, which was done by blazing the trees and cutting their initials and date upon them. They intended at some future day to occupy. those lands, as such titles were valid under . the laws of Virginia at that time. But John White, who was -appointed a lieutenant, and operated against the Indians, was killed by them at Tygart's valley, in 1775, and William White was killed near Fort Buchannon, in West Virginia. Just as these young heroes completed there tomahawk claims they came across some fresh signs of Indians, whereupon they struck out for the mountains, and towards their homes; but fearing to fire their guns, on account of the probable nearness of hostile Indians, to kill game, and being unable to procure food otherwise much of the distance, they almost starved sometimes on their homeward journey. The other Whites that were related to the Wilsons emigrated to Kentucky soon after the Revolution. Archibald Wilson and Ann Claypool were married at the house of Cuthbert Harris, June 21, 1775, in Dunmore county, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. Peter Muhlenburg, who was at this time a Lutheran minister in Woodstock, the shire town of Dunmore, now of Shenandoah county, who the next year entered the Revolutionary army, and served with distinction to its close, when he took rank as a major general. The issue of this marriage was six children, named Abraham C., Archibald, Margaret, Jane, and two that died in infancy. Mrs. Ann (Claypool), Wilson died May 6, 1788.
On the twentieth of January, 1776, Archibald Wilson was commissioned as lieutenant of the militia of Dunmore county, by the committee of safety of the colony of Virginia, which was composed of Edmund Pendleton, John Page, Thomas Ludlow Lee, Dudley Diggs, W. Cabell and P. Carrington, all of whose names are attached to Lieutenant Wilson's commission, which remains in the hands of his son, Enoch. The following is a copy of this commission
THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY FOR THE COLONY OF VIRGINIA.
"To Archibald Wilson, Gentleman:
"By virtue of the Power and Authority invested in us, by the Delegates and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in General Convention assembled, we, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage and good Conduct, do, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Lieutenant of a Company of the Militia of the County of Dunmore; and you are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Trust reposed in you, by disciplining all Officers and Soldiers under your command. And we do hereby require them to obey you as their Lieutenant. And you are to observe and follow all such Orders and Directions as you shall from Time to Time receive from the Convention, the Committee of Safety for the time being, or any superior Officers according to the Rules and Regulations established by the Convention.
"Given under our Hands at Williamsburgh, this twentieth day of January, Anno Domini 1776."
The next year he was appointed captain, in which capacity he served until the close of the war. His company was present at the taking of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown in Virginia, in October, 1781, but he was absent on account of sickness in his family. The chief service of his company was to keep the Tories in check, who were very troublesome in his section of the State, and on the South Branch Having been a magistrate "under the Crown," Captain Wilson had to take an oath of allegiance (a copy of which is still preserved) before he assumed military authority.
Captain Archibald Wilson contracted a second marriage, which was consummated with Nancy Newman, on the thirty-first of August, 1791. She was of English parentage. As the fruit of this marriage six sons and two daughters were born, named respectively, in the order of their birth, as follows: Benjamin, George, Elizabeth, David, William B., John N., Winnefred Ann, and Enoch. Of the eight sons and four daughters only the last named is living. They all attained to adult age. Abraham C. was born June 20, 1776, and died on his farm near Newark, June 8, 1830. He was in the army that subjugated the "whiskey boys" in 1794, and also, as well as his three next younger brothers, served a tour of duty in the War of 1812. He was universally regarded as a most excellent man. Abraham C. Wilson never married. Archibald was the first merchant of Newark, having sold goods here in 1804. He was well educated, and served for a term on the staff of General Gaines during the War of 1812; and was also clerk of the first board of commissioners of Licking county. He was born October 18, 1781, and died in Newton township in 1835 School teaching had been his profession. Margaret married Levi Cooper,* and died August 8, 1828. Jane married Rev. James Scott, the pioneer Presbyterian preacher of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where she died, August 6, 1852. Benjamin was born July 9, 1791, and died in Petersburgh, Illinois, November 4, 1847. George also married, and had sons and daughters, who, with himself, removed to Illinois, where he died, September 3, 1872: He was born October 31, 1795. Elizabeth married Andrew McMillen, and died in Ramp Creek valley, Licking county, July 3, 1863. David never married, and died in Dresden, Muskingum county, Ohio, October 21, 1833. He was born December 9, 1797. William B. married a daughter of the late Colonel John Stadden, raised a large family, was very successful in the acquisition of property, and died in Newton township, October 22, 1862. He was born March 18,
• Levi Cooper died November 7, 1658. His children were Rebecca Ann Cooper, born February 22, 1807 ; Archibald Wilson Cooper. born March 12, 1810 ; Jeremiah Cooper, born May 20, 1812; Jane S. Cooper, born September 9, 1814; Abraham Cooper, born October 25, 1818 ; Newton Cooper, born August 14, 1823.
804 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
1800. John N. was born November 21, 1802; entered the medical profession in 1828, and pursued it with energy and success, until within a few years of his death, which occurred October 8, 1872, aged seventy years. Winefred Ann, was the wife 'of Isaac McMillen. She was born May 17, 1805, and died some years ago.
WILSON, DAVID, born September 8, 1751; was the third son of William Wilson, the progenitor of the Wilsons that settled on the Wilson section near Newark, Ohio. On the twenty-fourth of September, 1778, he entered into matrimony with Mary Miller, Rev. A. Moffitt being the officiating clergyman. In the summer of 18o5, he, with his son, George, visited the Licking valley for the purpose of making arrangements for an early settlement upon his land, he having previously bargained for a portion of the Wilson section. On their homeward journey both father and son were taken sick. When they reached the residence of Archibald Wilson in Wood county, Virginia, George was so ill that he could go no further, and there he died on the thirtieth of July. The stricken father then pursued his journey to Clarksburgh, Harrison county, Virginia, where, at the residence of his brother, Benjamin, on the twelfth of August, he also died. His youngest son, Enoch, also deceased while the father and his brother, George, were in Ohio. David Wilson was the father of twelve children, eleven of whom were living when he left home. The death of two of them, during this summer, still left nine, most of them in their minority, and to be cared for by their widowed mother. The following record gives the names and time of birth and death of each of the children of David and Mary Wilson: John, born November 15, 1779, and died September 6, 1834, near Newwark, Ohio; Jacob, born September 15, 1781, and died October 11, 1827, near Newark, Ohio; Elizabeth, born January 27, 1784, and died in infancy; George, born March 19, 1785, and died July 30, 1805, in Wood county, Virginia; Job, born October 15, 1787, and died November 14, 1812, near Newark, Ohio; Isaac, born January 6, 1790, and died April 1, 1851, near Newark, Ohio; Barbara, born February 20, 1792, and died February 2, 1822, in Licking county, Ohio; Sarah, born October 8, 1794, and died October 13, 1872, near Newark, Ohio; Margaret, born April 18, 1797, and died May 1, 1866, in Wayne county, Ohio; Abel, born March 21, 1799, and .died April 14, 1870, near Utica, Ohio; Jesse, born October 3, 1801, and died December 16, 1827, in Morgan county, Ohio; Enoch, born October 21, 1803, and died July 4, 1805, in Hardy county, Virginia.In the autum of 1805, the widow of David Wilson, with he minor children, moved from Hardy county, Virginia, and settled upon the portion of the Wilson section, purchased by her late husband. Her house stood.between the Mount Vernon road and the North fork. John, the oldest son, located on the eastern part of the section, where his son, George, now lives. Job, next oldest to Jacob, settled on the Mount Vernon road, on what is now known as the Dickinson farm. Isaac settled on the adjoining farm upon which his widow lived until November, 1880. Barbara intermar ried with John Thompson, Margaret with James Robinson, of Wayne county, and Sarah became the wife of the late David Moore, one of the original proprietors of Mary Ann furnace, and an early, enterprising, successful business man, as well as a respectable and most highly esteemed citizen. The widow of David Wilson, and mother of the foregoing children, Aunt Molly, as she was generally called, was a woman of wonderful adaptation to pioneer life. She met with genuine heroism the privations, labors, hardships and trials incident to widowhood, and to life on the frontiers, and had her reward in the respectability, the usefulness, the honor and virtue of her large family of sons and daughters. Highly esteemed was she, while living, for her many excellencies and matronly virtues, and the memory of such heroic pioneer women should be gratefully cherished. She died in February, 1837, in Licking county, Ohio.
WILSON, THE PIONEER -Jacob, second son of David, was "the pioneer Wilson" in the Licking valley. He came, accompanied by Evan Payne, in the spring of 1803, and settled upon the "Wilson section." He built his cabin near the big spring, where James Haggerty lives, east of the North fork, about a mile north of Newark. He brought with him a willow switch, cut on the Alleghany mountains. on the way out, which he stuck into the groud at the "big spring," and which grew into a large tree and is still flourishing. After raising a crop of corn, which he did on the open land in the North fork bottom, he returned to Hardy county, Virginia, where his father then lived. In March, 1804, he consummated a matrimonial contract, in pursuance of a previous agreement, with Nancy Colville, of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and immediately brought her to his cabin at the aforesaid "big spring," where the "bride of the valley" entered upon her career of life in the wilderness. Here she witnessed, experienced, endured, and enjoyed all the varied phases of pioneer life, for a period of almost a quarter of a century of married life, and for twenty years of widowhood dying April 16, 1848. She was the mother of eight children, all of whom survived. They were religiously trained, and have led lives of respectability, usefulness, and honor. The names of the
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 805
sons are David, James H. and Benjamin W., of Licking county; John, of Iowa; and Job, of Franklin county; and Mrs. Milligan, wife of Robert Milligan, of Newark; Mrs. Stout, of St. Louisville; and Mrs. Arabella Stanton, of Opelousas, Iowa, are the daughters.
The "Pioneer Wilson" commenced here in the wilderness while everything about him was in a primitive state. Nature had not yet been despoiled by the hand of man. The native savages were still lingering in a scattering condition, feeble, small in numbers, and by no means desirable neighbors. Birds of prey, venomous reptiles, marauding animals, and ferocious beasts of the forest abounded. These natural enemies of man were more or less troublesome, and by frequent raids on the poultry yard, the chicken-coop, the pig-sty, the sheep-pen, and the barn-yard, rendered it a precarious business to raise poultry, sheep, and calves. The foxes, minks, weasels and skunks called for our pioneers poultry, as . well as the hawks and owls-the wild-cat and the bear were fond of their young pigs, the sheep were called for by the wolf, and the panther very naturally took to his half-grown swine and tender calves. The incident is related that the subject of this sketch was suddenly called to his cabin door, one morning in the autumn of 1805, by a great noise and commotion among his pigs, one of which had been seized for a breakfast, by a huge panther. The pig's noisy demonstrations had very promptly drawn the attention of the dogs to his case, who came to the rescue successfully, and not only relieved him, but treed the panther. Just at this crisis the pioneer hunter reached his cabin door, and spied the beast upon the tree, the faithful dogs surrounding it, holding him in check. Of course the first impulse of the backwoodsman was to bring his trusty rifle into use, which he did instanter, and the panther fell among the dogs at the first fire.
Jacob died at fifty-six years of age, upon the farm which, from a wilderness, he had by industry, energy, and much hard labor, converted into fruitful fields. And it is due to the just man's memory to say that none of our pioneers ever died more universally regretted than Jacob Wilson. None more uniformly practiced the virtues that constitute a good citizen, an upright man and faithful Christian. None among us more faithfully discharged his duties in the varied relations of life. Jacob Wilson's church relations and Christian character are presented at more length in pioneer paper No. 32, and in pioneer pamphlet No. I, written by Rev. H. M. Hervey.
BRIEF STATISTICS OF THE OTHER CHILDREN OF WILLIAM WILSON. - William was the fourth son and came next to David. He married and had eight children, four sons and four daughters. In his old age he lived in Belmont county, Ohio, where he died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. He was a man of equable temperament, social, boyish, mild, good disposition, musical, and happily adapted to the enjoyment of life always contented and happy. The notes from which we write represent that when heard from in his old age he was playing the violin to his grand and great-grandchildren.
John was the fifth son of William Wilson. He married Mrs. Mary Westfall, a widow, and was the father of nine children, five sons and four daughters. His widow was still living in September, 1869, being then nearly ninety years of age. She was born April z, 178o. Her name was Mary, usually called Mollie. John Wilson died at Philippi, Barbour county, West Virginia.
Moses, the first, died when less than two years old, at the ancestral homestead in Hardy County, Virginia.
Moses, the second, died there also, when thirteen years old.
James was the eighth son of William Wilson. He married Harriet Jimeson, and had eight children, five sons and three daughters. The sons were named in the order of their birth: William, Harvey, Presley, Vastine, and Isaac Newton. James Wilson continued to reside on a part of the old homestead until 1814 (after the decease of his parents), when he sold out and removed to Hamilton county, Ohio, where he remained three years, and then removed to Palestine, now Crawford county, Illinois, and died there in 1822. William, Harvey, and Vastine died in Crawford county, Illinois. Presley died in California in 1850, and Isaac Newton is living in Olney, Illinois. The three daughters married respectively, Jacob Sperry, Guy Smith, and J. D. Shepherd. Mrs. Sperry died. at Utica, Licking county, Ohio. Mrs: Guy Smith removed to Iowa and died there.
Solomon was the. ninth, and youngest son of William Wilson. He married and had two children. He lived oil one end of the farm of his father, and died in Virginia, probably on the old ancestral homestead.
Elizabeth Wilson was the first daughter, and tenth child of . William and Elizabeth Wilson. She entered into the married relation with Abraham Claypool, who died May 5, 1845, she outliving him nearly four years. They had ten children, six sons and four daughters, namely: Solomon, Jacob, Ann, Peggy, Newton, Wilson, Abel, Isaac, Sallie B. and Maria E. .Four of the foregoing have died, to-wit: Solomon, Peggy, Newton and Isaac, Abraham Claypool and Elizabeth, his wife, lived in Randolph county, West Virginia, where also he died. In the paper which announced his death it was stated that
806 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
he had travelled through the Northwest Territory as early as 1799. Several of his youngest children live in Ross county, Ohio.
Margaret Wilson, eleventh child and second daughter of William and Elizabeth Wilson. She married Cornelius Ruddell and removed to Kentucky, and from thence into Iudiana, settling at Madison, or near it, in said State, probably while it was yet the territory of Indiana. It has not been ascertained certainly where she died, but it was probably in Indiana, and perhaps near Madison.
The following table presents the number and sex of the grandchildren of William and Elizabeth Wilson, so far as they have been ascertained:
NAMES. SONS. DAUGHTERS. TOTAL.
Benjamin..........................14 14 28
Archibald ......................... 9 6 15
David............................... 8 4 12
William........................... 4 4 8
John ................................. 5 4 9
James................................ 5 3 8
Solomon .......................... 1 1 2
Elizabeth ......................... 6 4 10
Totals............................. 52 40 92
The children of William and Elizabeth Wilson died in the following places: Benjamin died in Clarksburgh, Harrison county, West Virginia; Archibald died near Newark, Licking county, Ohio; David died in Harrison county, West Virginia; William died in Belmont county, Ohio; John died at Philippi, Barbour county, West Virginia; Moses, first, died in Hardy county, Virginia; Moses second, died in Hardy county, Virginia; James died in Crawford county, Illinois; Solomon died in Virginia, probably on the old homestead; Elizabeth probably died in Randolph county, West Virginia; Margaret probably died in the State of Indiana.
WILSON, Dr. JOHN N.-In concluding this family history it is but an act of simple justice to the memory of the late Dr. John N. Wilson to say that he collected most of the facts presented in the foregoing pages. He also wrote the first seventeen pages of manuscript, when he became so ill as to be unable to finish it according to his plan. It was his own conception, and for several years he was engaged, by correpondence and otherwise, in the collection .of the information necessary to carry out his plan. As he had thus interested himself in the history and genealogy of the branch of the Wilsons, with which he and many others in the Licking valley were identified, it is meet and proper that a more extended notice be given of him. To him are the descendants of their progenitor, William Wilson, indebted for the preservation of the facts presented herewith, and for their publication, which he contemplated. By another pen the concluding pages were written-the same pen presents the following biographical sketch of the co-writer of this family history, the late Dr. John N. Wilson:
The late Dr. John N. Wilson died at his residence in Newark, Ohio, October 8, 1872, after an illness that extended through many months. During the closing weeks of his protracted illness he endured much suffering, which he bore patiently and with philosophic composure. Dr. Wilson was the son of Captain Archibald Wilson, and was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, November 21, 1802, and was, therefore, near the close of his seventieth year when he died. Sixty-six of those years were spent in Newark and its vicinity, his lather having settled near the North fork, adjoining the then very small village of Newark, in 1806. Here he grew into manhood, and here our de. ceased friend, during the years of his early manhood, acquired those habits of industry, energy, and enterprise in business pursuits, which so-prominently characterized his laborious, useful, successful professional career. He qualified himself for the practice of medicine, under the direction and instruction of the late Dr. John J. Brice, and after attending a course of lectures in one of the medical colleges of Cincinnati, he entered upon the practice of his profession. This he pursued energetically, successfully, persistently 'for more than thirty years, having had a widely extended practice during all that time. Dr. Wilson entered upon his professional career with a hopeful, promising future. He had had some educational advantages denied to most of the young men who grew up with him. He .was a member of a class that pursued the study of Latin, under the able instruction of Rev. Thomas D. Baird, with whom also he was engaged in studying other branches of learning. His opportunities in professional studies were also favorable, and moreover, being endowed with fair intellectual powers, with sound judgment, and excellent common sense, it is not surprising that he attained the position and success that were the objects of his ambitious aspirations.
Dr. Wilson was one of the most public-spirited citizens, and never failed to interest himself in any movement that promised to ameliorate the condition or promote the welfare of the people. In educational enterprises he always took an active part, and it is most probable that his influence and efforts tended largely to their. success. It is due to his memory to say that his influence was always found in favor of good morals, and that he recommended the practice of the virtues which elevate and dignify mankind, upon the young men especially who were willing to recognize him as their mentor.
The characteristic energy and other qualities of e Dr. Wilson, as a leader, were conspicuously dis
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 807
played during the Rebellion. Eminently patriotic he, as a member of the "military committee," was active in. securing the enlistment. of Licking county's quota of soldiers, his only son being of the number. .And generally, throughout the whole war, he was active in promoting the interests of the government of the country. And none did more to give success to our "sanitary fair" than Dr. Wilson; and it may be justly said in this parting tribute to his worth, that we have had none more truly, more patriotically devoted to the interests of our country during the perilous years of the Rebellion, or who had its interests more at heart.
Dr. Wilson was mainly instrumental in establishing, many years ago, the "Medical and Philosophical society, of Licking county," an association whose meetings were of great interest to those of philosophical tastes. Atheneums, lyceums, lecture associations, reading rooms, library companies, clubs, and institutions having for their object the advancement of knowledge, invariably found in him a patron and friend He, too, was one of the founders of the "Pioneer Historical and Antiquarian society," in 1867, and labored much in its behalf. A number of the most interesting and valuable of the published papers of the society, in which he brought matters of great historic and antiquarian interest. under review, were the production of his pen. Archaeology, geology, and ethnology were the most attractive studies.
Integrity of character, candor and devotion to truth, together with those requisites of a successful physician already mentioned, were his predominating characteristics. He had an extensive fund of information, acquired from books and from personal intercourse with intellectual and intelligent men. His reading, during the latter part of his life, was rather confined to his profession anal to those sciences that incidentally related to it. In early life it was more varied. His knowledge had a wide range, embracing a great variety of subjects, other than the natural sciences, which, during the closing years of his life, were favorites with him.
Dr. Wilson, in social life, had popular qualities, being a good conversationalist, and always cheerfully imparted information to those that desired. He had a logical mind, good reasoning powers, and enlargement of thought. He was outspoken, frank, faithful to his convictions, never professing faith in anything falsely, nor professing belief in anything, without arriving at such belief by investigation and thorough examination. He was an acknowledged leader among us in the investigation of scientific truth; and as a student of nature, and of nature's works and laws, he had made fair progress. His companionship and conversation were, therefore, attractive to those of similar tastes; and his presence was always desirable among the respectable, intelligent, and most enlightened of social circles. The small circle, especially, of his chosen friends, with whom in almost daily companionship for many years so much of pleasure was enjoyed, highly appreciated him, and greatly deplore his death. They realize that the central figure of their little group is gone, and that none will be found to take his place or act his part.
Dr. Wilson entered into the marriage relations with Belinda, daughter of the late judge Holmes, who, however, died-soon thereafter. His second marriage was with Sabra Newton, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, who deceased June 1, 1871. A son and a daughter survive their parents. The death of Dr. Wilson created a vacancy in this community in which he led so active and prominent a part for so many years, that will not soon be filled. He is greatly missed, and his death is sincerely mourned by endeared relatives, and numerous acquaintances and friends.
Dr. Wilson was honored with an unsolicited membership in the "American Philological society," and also of other associations having in view the promotion of literature and science. He also had the distinction of being a member of that time-honored institution, the "American Antiquarian society." In literary, antiquarian, historical, and scientific circles, Dr. Wilson's intelligence and attainments made him an ever welcome associate.
WILSON, ENOCH, yet living in Newark, is the youngest of the children of Captain Archibald Wilson, and the only survivor. He is the custodian of the Revolutionary commission of his father, a copy of which appears above. He is the father of two children, a son and a daughter, both deceased, though they have left a number of children. The daughter married Captain Wallace. Enoch Wilson was born May 4, 1810, and was, therefore, but four years old at the time of his father's death, in 1814, and was the youngest of a large family of children thus left without a father. But the mother was one of those heroic pioneer women who by her good sense, sound judgment, and many excellent qualities was admirably adapted to meet the crisis, the trying emergency she encountered, occasioned by her husband's death. She met the crisis courageously, discharged her duties, highly responsible as they were, with great fidelity and success, trained her children to the practice of the moral virtues, so that they became industrious, useful, upright, honored men and women. All honor to the memory of "Aunt Nancy," whom the writer knew so well, and venerated so much, and to all such heroic pioneer mothers! Mr. Enoch Wilson has lived in Newark and the vicinity, nearly all his life, the ex-
808 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
ceptions being a short residence in Dresden, Muskingum county, and a few years that he resided in the Wabash valley, Indiana. He is one of our best known citizens, possesses intelligence and integrity of character, has always been patriotic, public spirited, and a promoter of what he supposed would tend to advance the public welfare. Mr. Wilson has been often chosen to occupy positions of trust and responsibility, and always discharged the obligations that devolved upon him with fidelity and honor. One of those public trusts which demands integrity and honor, quite recently conferred upon him unsought, is that of a member of the board of trustees of our Children's Home.
In 1804 Captain Archibald Wilson, with his whole family, removed from his home on Cedar creek, in the northern portion of Shenandoah county, Virginia, to the county of Wood, on the western borders of the same State, and near to where he made his "tomahawk claim," thirty years before. Here he remained two years when, in March, 1806, he removed to the Licking valley and settled upon the portion of the "Wilson section" nearest the then four-year-old village of Newark, having previously purchased a few hundred acres of said section from his brother, Colonel Benjamin Wilson. In the previous autumn Abraham C. Wilson, his oldest son, and his daughter Jane, came to the Licking valley and spent the winter preparing for the reception of their father's family the ensuing spring. Captain Wilson's effects, in part, and Mrs. Wilson with the smaller children, were brought up the Muskingum river to Zanesville in a pirogue, which narowly escaped wrecking on Duncan's Falls. By the slipping of the pole of one of the boatmen, the bow of the boat was whirled out into the rapidly flowing current, and soon turned down stream with great speed, being entirely beyond control. Before reaching the foot of the falls it passed by and barely escaped a large rock, which, if it had struck squarely, going with such great speed, would inevitably have wrecked it, and most likely have resulted in the drowning of most on board. The family were then taken around the falls by land. Their narrow escape, and the incidents connected with their passage, by pirogue up the Muskingum, were oftentimes, in after years, the subject of remark in the family circle.
A negro boy, a slave, named Ben Wilcox, the property of Captain Wilson, accompanied him from the Shenandoah valley to Wood county, an from thence to Ohio. Ben and his owner had pre viously arranged that if he (Ben), w ho was the twenty years of age, would serve faithfully until h was twenty-four years old, that he should then set free. Ben served faithfully-was a member o Captain Wilson's family, in fact and at the stipu lated time not only became a free man, but for many years after continued to make the Wilson homestead his headquarters, although at work elsewhere. He was attached to the family, especially the children, and they liked him. He received some schooling,; and when free had a fair outfit of good clothes.
The late Dr. Wilson related the following facts in connection with the journey from the Ohio river to the Licking valley. He said that all the family were on the pirogue except his brother George, his sister Margaret, Ben Wilcox and himself, who came on horseback. He, being only four years old, generally rode behind George, sometimes behind Margaret. When their destination was reached he was riding with Margaret. His sister, Jane, who came the previous autumn, ran out of the cabin; and took him off the horse, and carressed and made a great ado over him. The. house was small into which they entered; there was but a small clearing around it, enclosed by a low fence; there were woods and swamps all around in full view. All this he remembered, and also that the impression these surroundings .produced upon his youthful mind were decidedly unpleasant. He further remarked that what he saw on this occasion, and the impression produced, remained distinct on his mind through life, while he remembered no event in his life before that time, nor for a year after.
Captain Wilson entered courageously upon pioneer life in the Licking valley, after he had passed the meridian of life, being then fifty-seven years old, and of course he and his family shared largely in the laborious work of clearing up the land and converting the wilderness into fruitful fields. He displayed much skill, energy and enterprise as a pioneer, and was distinguished for his early efforts in the erection of school-houses, and employing teachers, and generally in the promotion of educational interests.
Captain Wilson, upon the organization of Licking county, in 1808, was elected one of its first commissioners, and continued to serve with fidelity and acceptability in said office until his death. His widow, who was a woman of rare excellence and piety, survived him twenty-two years. Being left a widow, with a large family of children, some of them young, ample opportunities presented themselves for the display of those superior qualities which characterized many of our pioneer women, and for the practice 'of the womanly virtues which are the glory of the sex. Mrs. Nancy Wilson was one of the most excellent of women, and has an honored memory that is still tenderly cherished. The fragrance of gentleness, kindness, charity, always pervaded her home circle-it was ever redolent of matronly virtues, and of Christian graces. She was one of the early members of the Presbyterian church of Newark, and died in its
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 809
communion. Mrs. Wilson, or "Aunt Nancy," as she was familiarly and almost universally called, was born June 10, 1770, and died in Newark, September 23, 1836, in the sixty-seventh year of her age.
Captain Wilson was a man of sound judgment, of integrity, and of great usefulness. The impulse of patriotism with him was strong-his sense of justice and right was keen, his discrimination accurate. He was an upright and faithful public officer, a good neighbor, a just man, an intelligent citizen, a first-class pioneer. Captain Wilson was public-spirited, enterprising, and much given to taking the lead in movements tending to subserve public interests. He died, greatly regretted, at his home near Newark, March 27, 1814, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. But few, if any, of the early time settlers of Licking county had deceased before him, whose death was deemed so great a public loss, for he commanded the confidence and respect of the community, and deservedly, too, to a large extent. Captain Archibald Wilson, having borne himself worthily and honorably throughout his eventful career, and having faithfully discharged the duties that devolved upon him in all the relations of life, it could not be otherwise than that he should be esteemed while living, and mourned in death.
WILSON, MRS.. HATTIE, was born in Liberty township, Licking county, December I5, 1843, She was married to Charles B. Wilson, June 23, 1870. He was born in Newark, and died March, 1, 1876, aged forty years. Mrs Wilson has three children-Alice, born March 30, 1871; Winniefred, December 26, 1873; Charles C., December 8, 1875. Her parents, Mahlon Conard and wife, of Newton township, are living, and are pioneers of the county. Her husband learned cabinet making, expecting to make it his future business, but, on account of ill-health, was obliged to give it up. He then went with his father 1n the grocery business, in which he was engaged-about fifteen years prior to his death. His father and mother, Enoch Wilson and wife, are now living on Locust street. Mrs. Wilson has a pleasant home at No. 6m Mt. Vernon street.
WILSON, HON. JAMES F.-Hon. James F. Wilson is a native of Ohio, born in Newark, Licking county, October 19, 1828, where he continued to reside until April,. 1853, when he removed to the then recently organized State of Iowa, locating at Fairfield, Jefferson county, and where he still resides. He studied law in Newark, first in the office of William B. Woods, esq., recently appointed as sociate justice of the supreme court of the United States, in place of judge Strong, resigned; and completing his law studies in the office of the late Hon. Lucius Case, with whom he subsequently formed a law partnership. This partnership continued until 1852, when for another year he continued the practice of his profession in the courts of Licking county. On settling in Iowa in 1853 he immediately entered upon the active and successful practice of law. He was elected a member of the convention for the revision of the constitution of Iowa in 1856. In 1857 he was elected a member of the lower house of the general assembly of the State; and in 1859 he was elected a member of the State Senate, of which body he was chosen president pro tern. The governor of Iowa had meanwhile (in 1857) appointed him assistant commissioner of the Des Moines river improvement. In 1861 Hon. James F. Wilson was elected a member of the Thirty-seventh Congress, to serve out the unexpired term of the late General Samuel R Curtis, who had resigned to enter the army. He served as a member of the judiciary committee. He was re-elected a member of the Thirtyeighth, Thirty-ninth, and Fortieth Congress, serving throughout as chairman of the judiciary committee. He also served as chairman of the committee on unfinished business, and as a member of the committee on the Air. Line railroad to New York Mr. Wilson was also one of the managers of the impeachment trial of President Johnson. In March, 1869, President Grant tendered him the position of Secretary of State, which he declined. In the same year the President appointed him a commissioner for the Pacific railroad. He accepted this position, and at the same time entered upon a course of active business pursuits and the practice of his profession, a line of policy which he has steadly pursued to the present time, uniformly and persistently declining official position. Hon. James F. Wilson is a gentleman of ability and decided talents, and always acquitted himself handsomely in whatever public stations he has occupied. He sustained the war measures and the policy of the Republican party generally, while a member of Congress, with much ability, and held a high rank in that body as an outspoken, earnest patriot, and as a statesman of more than ordinary shrewdness and foresight. As a thinker he is cool, deliberate, judicious, profound, philosophic. In argument he is logical, and able to present the strong points in all questions of law or politics, that he has fully considered. It is but truth to say of Hon. James F. Wilson, that he is a good lawyer, a close thinker, a writer of ability, a philosophic statesman, a good speaker, a man of integrity, and a conscientious politician, who, on all suitable occasions, gives free utterance to his convictions.
WILSON, SAMUEL, saddler and harness maker. He was born in Salem, Massachusetts, October 4,
810 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
1812; came to Newark in 1839, and was marriedto Mary Cordelia Sites, April 12, 1842. Mrs. Wilson was born in Harrisonburgh, Rockingham county, Virginia, March 27, 1821. They have five daughters-Amanda H., born April 8, 1843, who is now the wife of George Markley, furniture dealer in Newark; Malinda S., born October 16, 1845, died May 25, 1853; Anna E., born December 31, 1847, now the wife of Warren Wright; Mary Effinger, born June 17, 1850. Mrs. Wilson is the daughter of William Sites, an old pioneer of Licking county, who died when Mrs. Wilson was but fourteen years old. Her mother is yet living with Mr. Thomas Sites, on Locust street, at the age of seventy-eight years.
WING, HON. LUCIUS B.-Mr. Wing, born in Wilmington, Vermont, November 15, 1852, is the son of Bane and Thirza Flint Wing. He came to Newark in 1855, was married to Mary M. M. Mayhew, of Charlemont, Massachusetts, May 31, 1855, and has three children-Charles M., Mary La Salle, and Julia M. Mr. Wing is one of our most active, energetic, enterprising business men, now engaged very extensively in agricultural pursuits, chiefly in Illinois, where he has large landed interests. He has also been many years engaged in the banking business, his partners at present being Willis Robbins and D. C. Winegarner. His tastes being largely in the line of agriculture, he has often been elected to the office of director or president of the Licking County Agricultural society; he has also been, for a number of years, serving as a member of the Ohio State board of agriculture, is now the president of the board, a position he has occupied for a year, discharging its onerous and responsible duties energetically and successfully, and with general acceptability. Hon. Lucius B. Wing is one of our most judicious, intelligent, public spirited business men, ever ready to lend a helping hand to any movement that promises to promote the public welfare. He is a gentleman of varied and extensive information, of generous impulses, of unexceptionable habits, genial and popular socially, of undoubted integrity of character, and exemplary in all the relations of life.
WOLVERTON, N. S., dyer and scourer, No. 125 Fourth street, between Main and Canal streets. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, March 1, 1844. His father, Clement B. Wolverton, came to Ohio some time in 1830. He was a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. He married Miss Louisa Lauderbaugh, by whom he had three sons and four daughters, two of whom are yet living, John B. and the subject of this notice. The parents died near Gambier, Knox county, Ohio. Mr. Wolverton lived on a farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he commenced his present business. From his long experience he is well qualified to give satisfaction. He was married to Catharina C. Warner in 187o. They have five children.
WOODS, EZEKIEL S., was among the oldest citizens of Licking county. He was born in Washington county, Kentucky, December 25, 1791. At that early day schools were very few and young Woods grew up deprived of the educational privileges of the present more favored period. The greater part of his life was spent in the avocation of a farmer. In May, 1818, he came by himself to Newark, Ohio, where he engaged -in general merchandise, which business he followed for some eighteen years. On September 11, 1823, he married Sarah J. Burnham, of Zanesville, Ohio, who was born November 20, 18oo. By this marriage he had four children-William B., Charles R., Mary B., and Eliza W. Mrs. Woods died April 17, 1841. She was devotedly attached to the church of her choice-the Second Presbyterian of Newark of which she was a faithful member. She was distinguished for her benevolent nature, for her kind attentions in the sick chamber, and for her charities towards the poor. Her loss was deeply felt in her family circle, which comprised four children, the oldest being only seventeen. In 1836 Mr. Woods closed out his mercantile business, and was employed in superintending his farming interests and in dealing in real estate. For quite a number of years he paid considerable attention to the raising of blooded stock, which was always with him a favorite employment. In May, 184-, Mr. Woods' second companion was Mrs. Harriet Munson, of Granville, whose maiden name was Warner. She was a native of Vermont. Mary B., the oldest daughter, married George W. Manypenny, of Zanesville, and is now a resident of Columbus. He was for many years one of the Ohio canal commissioners. Eliza W. became the wife of Mr. Willard Warner, of Newark. Mr. Warner was once a member of the United States Senate. Mrs. Warner is now deceased. In the late war Mr. Woods was represented by his two sons, William B. and Charles R., and also by one son-in-law, Mr. Warner, the three families of whom he took care of while the husbands were in the army. He died February 7, 1880.
*WOODS, JUDGE WILLIAM B., was born in Newark, Ohio, graduated at Yale college in 1845, was admitted to the bar in Ohio on November 3, 1847, and commenced the practice of law at Newark with S. D. King, esq., under the firm of King & Woods. Was elected mayor of Newark in April, 1856, and re-elected in 1857. In October; 1857,
"From the Licking county Atlas.
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 811
was elected to the Ohio house of representatives from Licking county. On the assembling of the legislature, in January, 1858, was elected speaker of the house, and served as such during two sessions. In October, 1859, was re-elected to the house of representatives, -and served to the final adjournment of the legislature, in May, 1861. In September, 1861, was appointed lieutenant colonel Seventy-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, taking rank from November 4, 1861. On August 22, 1863, was commissioned colonel Seventy-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry. Brevetted brigadier general, to date from January 12, 1865, for faithful and continued service as an officer in the Atlanta and Savannah campaigns. Promoted to full rank of brigadier general May 3, 1865. Brevetted a major general, to rank from March 13,1865, for gallant and meritorious services during the war. During the war he served at the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Arkansas Post, the sieges of Vicksburgh and Jackson, Mississippi; was engaged in the campaign against Atlanta, marched with Sherman to the sea, and from Savannah, through South Carolina, to Raleigh; North Carolina, when the surrender of Lee and Johnston put an end to the war. Marched with General Sherman to Washington, and commanded the advance brigade of his army in the great review in May, 1865. Soon after was ordered to Mobile on military duty. Remained there until February 17, 1866; when he was: honorably mustered out of service. In 1868 he was elected chancellor of the middle chancery division at Alabama; served as chancellor until December 22, 1869, when he was appointed United States circuit judge for the fifth circuit, comprising the States of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, which position he has held with marked ability; and it is generally conceded that no better appointment could have been made. As an officer, he commanded the respect and confidence of his regiment, and was brave and fearless in the defence of the Union.- Judge Woods is now in his prime. He is a man of marked ability, of the strictest integrity, of courteous manners, and is an honor to the county which claims his birth He was appointed in 1850 one of the associate judges of the supreme court of the United States.
* WOODS, GENERAL CHARLES R., is the second son of the late Ezekiel S. Woods, esg., of Newark, Ohio, of -which place he is a native. His boyhood was passed upon his father's farm. When about seventeen years of age, he was placed under the instruction of Rev. R. K. Nash, of Worthington. At the age of nineteen, he entered the West Point Military academy as a cadet,
• For military history, see page 346.
where he graduated in June, 1852. Since that time to the latter part of 1874 Mr. Woods has been engaged in the United States military service. He began as second lieutenant in First infantry regular service, in 1852, was promoted to captain of the Ninth on April 1, 1861, and to major of the Eighteenth on April 20, 1864, to lieutenant colonel of the Thirty-third July 28, 1866, and to colonel of the Second on February 18, 1874. Brevetted lieutenant colonel on the fourth of July, 1863, for gallant and meritorious services at the capture of Vicksburgh, Mississippi; colonel November 24, 1863, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Chattanooga, Tennessee; brigadier general March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services in battles before Atlanta, Georgia; and major-general March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Bentonville, . North Carolina. He was mustered into service as colonel of the Seventy-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, on October 13, 1861, and as brigadiergeneral of volunteers August 22, x863. Brevetted major-general November 22, 1864, for long continued services, and for special gallantry at Griswoldsville, Georgia. Mustered out of volunteer service September 1, 1866. Retired from regular service December 14, 1874. On the second of August, 186o, General Woods was married to Miss Cecelia Impey, eldest daughter of Robert and Frances Impey, of Newark, Ohio. She was born March 1, 1842. Her mother was a daughter of Hon. William Stanbery, of Newark. General Woods has had a family of three sons and one daughter: William E., horn in Philadelphia .May 5, 1861; Robert I., born in Newark, Ohio, September 28, 1862; George H., born in Newport, Kentucky, May 28, 1866; Frances B., born at Fort Wallace, Kansas, March 13, 1870.
WOTRING, JONATHAN, M.. D., was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on .the. first day of September, 1828. He is. the son of Abraham and Elizabeth Wotring, and the third child of a family of eleven children, all of whom are now living. Mr. Wotring received his education in the Washington college, at Washington, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1848. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. F. J. Lemoyne, of Washington, Pennsylvania, with whom he read several years, and then graduated at the medical university of Pennsylvania, in 1853. He began the practice of medicine in his native county a short time after his graduation, where he remained ten years. In 1863, he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Eighty-third Pennsylvania regiment, which position he held about six months. Then, on account of bad health, he was compelled to resign his position and return home. In the fall of 1864 he went
812 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
to Wisconsin, and after regaining his health, he again commenced the practice of medicine in Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, Wisconsin, where he remained about nine years. Then he moved to Negaunee, Michigan, in 1873, remained about three months, and then returned to his native home, where he remained a few months. In the spring of 1874 he moved to Newark, where he has since been engaged in his profession. In 1874 he received the appointment of United States examining surgeon for Licking county, which position he is now holding. He has been medical director of the Union Life association, of Newark, since 1878. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Dille, of Newark, daughter of Israel Dille. They have three sons and one daughter.
WULFHOOP, JOHN, drayman.-He was born in Germany, May 12, 1843, and went to New York city when he was seventeen years old; was married July 21, 1871, to Matilda Finch. They are the parents of four .children-John, born April 10, 1872; Henry, who died July 8, 1876, aged fourteen months; Annie, who died May 22, 1877, aged two days; Carl William, born September 7, 1878. Mr. Wulthoop came to Newark, May 25, 1876, and has followed draying ever since. His wife's mother is living in New York city, in the seventy-ninth year of her age.
WYLIE, ALEXANDER, is the proprietor of the popular dry goods store located on the south side of the public square, well known to the trading public as the "county dry goods store." The place may be easily found from the fact that a neatly executed model of the court house is elevated upon a post in front of the building. Mr. Wylie's main salesroom on the first floor is one hundred and thirty-five feet deep, and full of goods from floor to ceiling. He has succeeded in building up a large trade, and devotes all his time and energies in trying to please and supply his customers. Everything in the line of fancy and staple dry goods is kept here at prices that defy competition. The second floor, one hundred feet in length, is used as a carpet room, where carpets of all kinds and styles are kept, from the cheapest hemp to the best brussels. The establishment is first class in every particular. .
NEWTON TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAMS, JOHN, farmer, was born in North Wales, April 15, 1820, emigrated to America at the age of twenty-one, landing in- Philadelphia; came to Newark in 1849, and worked as a day laborer. April 6, 1855, he married Elizabeth Jones, who was born in Wales in 1826. They had children-David, born March 14, 1856; Catharine, born November 15, 1858, and Edwin J., born April 4, 1860, the latter being the only one living. In 1847 he purchased forty-nine acres of land in this township, upon which he erected a house and barn, and now has a comfortable home.
PERRY TOWNSHIP.
WALLACE, W. R, physician, post office Perryton.-Dr. Wallace is a native of Muskingum county, and was born in 1848. After a thorough literary course at Muskingum college, New Concord, he chose medicine as a profession, and to get the benefits of the best educational advantages possible, attended the medical college at Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated in x880. He then located in Elizabethtown, where he has in a few months gained quite an enviable reputation as a successful practitioner. He has enjoyed all the advantages of the best medical instruction, and can always be found attending to his professional duties..
WILLEY, THOMAS (deceased), was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, July 7, 1808; came to Ohio and was married to Miss Lucinda Iden, in 1830; she was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1813, and came to Ohio two years later; they had twelve children: Matilda Ann, George W., William S., Mary J., Thomas Jefferson, Francis, Lucinda, John H., Catharine, Liza, Lulicia, and James B. Mr. Thomas Willey died in 1867. John H. Willey was born in 1846, and was married in 1867 to Miss Mary J. Weekley; they have had five children: Ira C., twelve years; Carrie B., ten years; Dollie M., eight years; Alva, seven years and six months; Dora D., four years. John H. owns the home farm of one hundred and thirty-four acres in the township, and is a progressive farmer; is township trustee; took an active part in the late war, going out in company E, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry. William W. went out in the Seventy-sixth ; Thomas J. went into the service and was captured on the third of July, and was in various rebel prisons until the eighth of December.
WELLS, LEONIDAS SUMMERFIELD, Delaware, Ohio, son of Richard and Marinda Wells, was born near Hanover, Licking county, Ohio, December 3, 1845. His father was born in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, February 4, 1799 After working in the Union, Savage & Elliotts cotton mills, he learned the carpenter and joiners trade in the city of Baltimore. He came to Ohio in 1827, locating at Utica, and three years later on his farm near Appleton. Soon after. came his parents, Thomas Wells (of English origin) and Thomatha (whose parents, Duvalls, were of French descent), with their three sons and two daughters. Richard married Marinda Denman February 16, 1845, who was born near Hanover, June 24, 1813. Her
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 813
father, Phillip Denman, son of Matthias and Rhoda (Elstone), and grandson of Joseph Denman, whose wife was Catharine Townley, sister to Lord Townley, of England, came to Ohio from New Jersey in 1803, and settled on Rocky fork, and about six years later married Amelia Fox, a native of Glastenbury, Connecticut. L. S. Wells moved with his parents to Delaware, Ohio, in 1861, and entered the Ohio Wesleyan university, and after teaching about three years, mostly in Preble county, graduated with the class of 1868, and immediately entered the employ of Wilson, Hinkle & Co., as general agent for their school publications, with headquarters at Newark. His father died May 27, 1870, soon after which he engaged in the book trade in Marysville, Ohio. In 1873 he formed with T. C. O'Kane, the firm of T. C. O'Kane & Wells, publishers and booksellers, at Delaware, Ohio, from which he withdrew in x878. He married Miss Mary Elizabeth Battenfield in 1878, who was born in Centerburg, Ohio, August 18, 1848. She was the daughter of Elias and Ann (Waldruff) Battenfield, the former born in Tennessee, June 19, 1813, and the latter in New York State, August 24, 1817, and were married February 14, 1842. The latter died April 3, 1878. After travelling for H. W. Derby & Co., Columbus, about six months, he took charge of the Ohio agency of the school books of A. S. Barnes & Co., New York, which position he held until the close of the agency in 1880, when he again opened a book store in Delaware, in 'which he is now engaged.
ST. ALBANS TOWNSHIP.
WEBB, STILES, was born October 10, 1804, ten miles west of Utica, New York. He has followed farming nearly all his life. He ran a packet from Syracuse to Albany on the canal; he also worked at. carpentering about one year; remained at home with his parents, Ephraim and Allie Stiles, until he was about twenty-two years of age. He married Julia Ann Hosman; they have six children, five living: Henry, Ephraim, Jennette, Laura, and Lucy Ann His wife dying he next married Mahala Myer, and by this union had three children, only one of whom is living, Jane, born December 9, 1847, Mr. Webb emigrated to Huron county. about 1813, and from there moved to this county where he purchased sixty acres of land in the then unbroken wilderness. He has been an honest, economical, hard-working man, and has made himself a comfortable home. His last wife is dead, and he makes his home with his so Ephraim, where he is passing his declining years.
WEBB, EPHRAIM, farmer, was born Septemb 4, 1834, near New London, Huron county, Ohio. He with his father came to Licking about 1836 he remained with his father until his marriage with Cornelia Emery, November 8, 1856, who was born June 20, 1837, near North Belgrade, Maine. They have two children: Clarissa, born October 21, 1857, and who married John Hammond; Ettie was born January 30, 1864, and remains with her parents. They have lived in Granville and St. Albans townships ever since their marriage and are now living on what is known as the Stiles Webb homestead, that his father purchased about 1836.
WILLIAMS, WILLIAM T., farmer and stock grower, born in New York city, January 27, 1835, the son of William and Guen Williams, who emigrated to the United States about 1823. His parents came to his present home in October, 1837, at which time the land was wholly uncleared. He received a common school education, and during the years 1856 and 1857, he travelled through Illinois and Kansas. He enlisted in the Twenty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, company D, organized at Alexandria, September, 1861, and participated in the following engagements: Siege of Fort Donelson, February 13, 14, and 15, 1862; battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7; siege of Corinth, April 29, to May 30, 1862; battle of Corinth, October 3, and 4, 1862; skirmish at Yorkville, Tennessee, January 28, 1863; siege of Vicksburgh, June 4, to July 27, 1863; capture of Little Rock, Arkansas, September 10, 1863; from which date to November 18, 1864, he was engaged in guarding railroads and scouting after guerillas. He was discharged at Camp Dennison, and returned to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture. He was married June 5, 1866, to Mary Nichols, by whom he has three. children: Jessie, Frank, and Crissie, all living. His father died about 1852, and his mother still lives in Pataskala, at the ripe age of seventy-three years.
WOOD, ABNER. (deceased), dealer in stock, Alexandria, Ohio; -was born June 4, 1817. The family emigrated to Muskingum county, at quite an early day, purchasing the present Claypool farm. He married Miss Helen M. Cornell, March 31, 1859, and died February 21, 1862. Mr. Wood was one of the leading Masons in Licking county, taking all of the degrees that can be taken in the United States. Mrs. Wood, his widow, is a daughter of the late Archibald and Sarah Comell, of St. Albans township. Archibald Cornell was born in Connecticut, October 4, 1792, and died August 27, 1856. He was. an active member of the Masonic fraternity at Johnstown, Ohio. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Peck, was born in Nova Scotia, February 6, 1799, died August 2, 1849. About 1853 Mr. Cornell married Mrs. Converse (mother of George L. Con-
814 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
verse, of Columbus). Mr. Cornell came to Licking county about 1805, locating at Granville, and assisting in cutting the first large oak tree cut in Granville township. His father, Gideon Cornell, and grandfather of Mrs. Wood, was the first person buried in the Granville cemetery. The present Cornell family spring from one of the best families of old Connecticut. They are of English descent.
WRIGHT, WILLIAM J., carpenter and joiner, Alexandria, Ohio, was born July 18, 1815, on one of the Bermuda Islands. He came to New York State in 1822. He married Martha Mead, September 5, 1835. She was born January 11, 1819, in Wayne county, New York. They have had eleven children-Francis J., born January 26, 1837; Silas, born October 17, 1839; William H., born December 8, 1841; Benjamin F., born November 29, 1843; Mary, born June 8, 1845; Weltha, born February 22, 1847; Milton, born March 26, 1851; Ida, born May 9, 1853; George S., born September 9, 1857; May, born July 6, 1859; Charley, April 18, 1862. Benjamin F. died June 7, 1844; Mary died December 8, 1848; Milton died January 25, 1852; Silas died August 18,-1858; William H. died February 21, 1861. Henry Wright, father of the subject of this sketch, traded in the West India islands. He married Elizabeth Dickerson about 1813 or 1814, on one of the Bermuda Islands, where the subject of this sketch was born. Mr. Wright ranks among the intelligent men of St. Albans township. He has reared a large and interesting family.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
WYLIE, EPHRAIM, dry goods, post office Hebron, was born in this township in 1850. His father was born in Virginia in 1803, and died in Licking township in 1866; his mother was born in Ireland, county Armagh, in 1807, and came to America in 1811. E. Wylie came to Hebron in January, 1866, and engaged in the dry goods business on the north side of Main street, where he has, by squaredealing, gained public confidence and a large patronage. He is one of the representative business men of the place; he is the second lieutenant of the "Atherton guards," his commission bearing date December 7, 1877.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
WILSON, ABEL -This gentleman was a native of Hardy county, Virginia; born in 1799, and was brought to this county in 1805, and died at his residence near Utica, April 14, 1870, aged seventy-one years. His wife, and a number of children survive him. Mr. Wilson was a man of character, of intelligence, of integrity, of purity of purpose, and was most exemplary in all the relations of life. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, devoted to the institutions of Christianity, and distinguished for regularity of habits and correct deportment.
WILSON, JESSE, farmer, was born in Washington township, August 23; 1834. His father came from Virginia, Hardy county, in 1805, with his mother. His grandfather had been here and started back for his family, and on his way he died. His wife, nothing loth, came on to Licking county with her family; among her children was the father of the subject of this sketch who was about six years of age. The farm on which the subject of this sketch lives was purchased in 1809 for two hundred and fifty dollars per acre; it was all timber; but one tree was cut, and that was a bee tree. The father of the subject of this sketch first settled in Licking county, in Newark, on one thousand acres of land, and at that time was Fairfield county. He moved on the farm in Washington township; in 1821. He built a log cabin, cleared three acres of land and set out an orchard, and in 1822 was married to Mary Forry, September i9; she was a daughter of Daniel Forry, sr., and was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1797. After his marriage he went on to his place, where he remained clearing and making improvements until his death, which occurred April 14, 1870, and was seventy-one years of age. There were of this family of children, six girls and two boys. The The subject of this sketch is the sixth member of the family. At his father's death, he purchased the interest of the other heirs and is living on the homestead with his mother. His sisters are all married and living in other parts of the county. His brother is married and lives in Utica. Mr. Wilson has two hundred and fifty-five acres of land and carries. on a general farming business. He served in the one hundred days' service as second lieutenant, company A, served his time and was mustered out at camp Chase, in September, 1864; was in one engagement at John Browns school house, Maryland, on the Potomac river. Mr. Wilson is a man in the prime of life, and one of the leading citizens of the township.
CITY OF NEWARK.
YOUNG, HON. GEORGE M.-This gentleman was once a prominent man in Licking county-prominent as a business man,, prominent in social, political and religious circles. He was mayor of Newark from 1839 to 1843. Mr. Young was of Irish parentage, born, in Bethlehem, Litchfield county, Connecticut, and died in Dayton, August 30, 1878, at the age of seventy-six years, his birth having occurred in 1802. He was elected twice to the office of mayor of Dayton and held other positions there of trust and responsibility. Mr. Young
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 815
always favored the moral enterprises of the times, and his influence was given to temperance, virtue and religion. He had industry, intelligence and enterprise, and is most kindly remembered as a companionable, genial gentleman, of great affability of manners,.and of kindly disposition.
YOUNG, UZAL -father of James Young, was born in Newark, New Jersey, March 19, 1774. Hiswife was Comfort Tichenor, of the same place.
The family record: Eliza, born August 20, 1797 ; James, born February 0, 1799; Mary, born February 2, 1802. Mrs. Young died June 26, 1807. Mr. Young married for a second companion, Sarah Tichenor, by whom he had one son, Daniel, born April 5, 1810. Mr. Young came with his family to Ohio in November, 1816, and was five weeks on the road. He settled in Newark, where he opened a boot and shoe establishment which he conducted for a short time, and then purchased a tract of land near the town, and spent the remainder of his life in fanning. He embraced religion in early manhood, and, at a later penod, connected himself with the First Presbyterian church in Newark. In his decease, the community lost a most valuable citizen.
YOUNG, JAMES.-This gentleman has been a resident of Newark nearly sixty years; he was born in Newark, New Jersey, February 16, 1799. His boyhood and early manhood were spent upon the shoemaker's bench, under the supervision of his father, at which trade he was placed at the age of ten. His mother died when he was seven years old. He came to Ohio with the family about the i8 16, and located in Newark where he was engaged in conducting the boot and shoe making business about forty years. When he was between ten and eleven years of age, being very anxious to go to school, he proposed to his father that if he would let him go to school one summer, he would obligate himself to perform two-thirds of a regular day's work each day. His father accepted the proposition, and the son made good his promise, performing his full task each day, running nearly a mile to the school-house and back. Mr. Young says today that he looks back to that year as. a period of his life made very important by the formation of habits of self-denial and industry. He was converted at the age of eleven; and when about eighteen years old, he made a public profession of religion, and connected himself with the .First Presbyterian church of Newark, Ohio, and upon the organization of the Second church, in 1836, he became one of its first members, and was elected an elder in the same year, which position he. has occupied for upwards of thirty years. For a number of years he was also superintendent of the Sabbath-school.
In 1837 Mr. Young, with a sagacity worthy of commendation, secured for the church the west half of the lot upon which the present beautiful edifice stands.
In 1819 Mr. Young married Sarah Trindle, daughter of William Trindle, of Newark. She was born in Pennsylvania January 12, 1799. Their children were: Harriet, born March 5, 1821, and died March 28, 1821; William, .born February 10, 1823, and died October 14, 1823; Matilda A., born July 8, 1825; Lavina, born in 1828, and died April 22, 1829. Matilda married Robert P. Moore, of Newark, February 8, 1848, and reared a considerable family. Mr. Moore is extensively engaged in the stock business. Mrs. Young died June 15, 1865. She united with the First Presbyterian church of Newark at an early age, upon a public profession of her Christian faith, led a very useful, consistent Christian life, was beloved by a very large circle of acquaintances, and doubly endeared in her family circle.
From 1827 to 1868 Mr. Young was employed as an agent, under power of attorney, for the heirs of one of the original proprietors of Newark, to improve rents and sell their lands, including town lots and outside property. The duties of this trust Mr. Young faithfully discharged, turning over to the heirs the entire proceeds of their property.
October 25, 1825, three acres and a half were purchased by Mr. Young for the sum of sixty-five dollars. This land lies now in the heart of Newark, a part of which has for nearly fifty years constituted his residence site. It is probably the only property in the city, owned by the same person from the date of purchase till the present time, 1880.
Mr. Young has served in several public trusts, among them may be mentioned that of township treasurer, city treasurer and a member of the city council. He has also been called upon, and appointed to the work of settling a number of estates.
Mr. Young, as was .his father, is one of those quiet, peaceable, modest men who form the most valuable portion of the community. After retiring from his mechanical avocation in 1854, he engaged in conducting a farming interest, in which he continued till the year 1873, when he retired from that field of labor and devoted parts of the year 1873 and 1874 in erecting the new and commodious residence that himself and family now occupy, and at the ripe old age of eightytwo, retired from the more active duties of life, with the hope of spending the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of his life's labors until the Master shall see fit to call him hence.
NEWTON TOWNSHIP.
YOUNG, DANIEL, farmer, was born in Newark, New Jersey, April 5,1810; came to Licking county
816 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
with his father at the age of six; at the age of eighteen he learned the trade of carpenter with John Wolf. He continued working at his trade in various places until 1833, when he enlisted in the First regiment of dragoons, company D, Captain David Hunter, and went on an exploring expedition to the Rocky Mountains. They went to Jefferson baracks, St. Louis, where they received supplies, and from there to Fort Gibson, where they wintered. In May, 1834, they were sent south after the Indians, crossing the headwaters of the Rio Grande; captured two Indians; went to the mountains in the vicinity of Pike's Peak, where they remained a short time, and returned to Fort Gibson in the fall of 1834. He was discharged June 1, 1835, and returned home, where he resumed work at his trade. In x836 he purchased a canal-boat, which he run until 1838, when he sold out, and went to Mississippi, where he remained until 1840, when he returned to Newark. Purchasing some horses, he took them to Mississippi, sold them, and remained there working at his trade until 1849, when he again returned home. Remaining but a short time, he went to Cincinnati, purchased horses, sugar, whiskey, flour, pork and dried beef, taking this cargo to Fort Adams, Mississippi, and selling it; remaining there working at his trade until 1856. He then returned to Newark, and soon purchased two hundred and eleven acres of land, where he now resides. The same year he went west to .Des Moines, Iowa; from there to Davenport, then to St. Louis, and, finally, to Cincinnati, where he purchased another cargo similar to the other, took it to Mississippi, and sold it, after which he remanied working at his trade until March, 1857, when he returned again to this county. He made another trip south with a cargo the same year, but returend home immediately after selling out, and has remained here ever since. February 22, 1859, he married Rachel Ann Fry, who was born July 4, 1835. They had nine children, seven sons and two daughters; six of these are living. After his marriage he removed to his farm, and has been successful as a farmer.
ST. ALBANS TOWNSHIP.
YALE, REV. A. W., pastor of the Baptist church, Alexandria, and editor and publisher of the Church and Home, a very neat monthly periodical, noticed elsewhere in this volume. Rev. Yale was born . in Osceola, Warren county, Ohio, October 9, 1848. His father's family went to Iowa in 1849, settling at Plymouth. In 1852 his father went to California, where he remained till 1865. In 1853 his mother returned to Ohio, living there till 1865, when she went to Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, where her husband joined her. He lived until September, 1867. In 1868 A. W. Yale joined the Kansas militia, serving two years. In 1870 he began to learn the printing business in the office of the Chase County Banner. The Banner was soon supplanted by the Central Kansas Index; in whose office Mr. Yale served his apprenticeship, and not long after, purchased an interest in the paper. In the winter of 1871 he moved the material to Wichita, and started the Wichita Tribune which existed but a short time. He edited the Winfield Messenger during the political campaign of 1872. October 28th of that year, Mr. Yale was married to Miss Carrie Sheare. In December he started the McPherson Messenger when there were only six houses in the village, now a thriving city. In 1874 Mr. Yale left Kansas, and went to Illinois where he lived one year and a half, and then came to Ohio. He entered Denison university in 1878. July 1, 1880, he went to Alexandria; the fifteenth, was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist church, and not long after, began his labors as pastor of the congregation in Alexandria, where he is now laboring effectively and earnestly for his Master. In addition to his pulpit labors, he now conducts his periodical, referred to, which he began October, 1880.
ADDENDA:
In the preparation of works of the nature of county histories considerable matter must be omitted in its proper place, owing to the failure of persons possessing the same to furnish it in time, and because many events of importance occur, after the forms go to press.
In this work every item of history that could be obtained to the close of the year 1880 was gathered, and if received too late for insertion in its proper place, it is preserved in the addenda.
In this will be found several family histories, a copy of a "power of attorney" from General George Washington, the "Black Horse tavern," the muster rolls of two companies, who went out in the War of 1812 from this county, the opening of the Children's Home, and officers of the agricultural society, elected for the year 1881, all furnished after their proper forms had gone to press.
ALMOND, JAMES S:, farmer, son of Thomas and Mary Almond, .was born in Patterson, New Jersey, December 3, x834; was brought to Ohio by his father in 1836, locating in Seneca county. The subject of this sketch remained with his father until he arrived at the age of twenty-one years. He then engaged as fireman on the Baltimore & Ohio road, where he continued two years.
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 817
He then took in charge an engine which he continued to run about fourteen years. December 8, 1869, he married Anna McMullen, a widow, and daughter of Jesse and Ellen Vanatta. She was born September 10, 1834. After his marriage he purchased the remainder of the old .homestead. of his wife's parents, near Vanatta, where he now resides.
CURTIS, CHRISTOPHER C., deceased, son of William and Sally Curtis, was born in Pennsylvania, October 27, 1809, and was brought to Licking county, Ohio, by his parents when but a few weeks old. In 1829 he commenced at the carriage and wagon making trade in Granville, with Joseph Blanchard, and served about two and a half years as an apprentice. December 13, 1832, he married Miss Charlotte, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Blanchard. Miss Blanchard was born on the island of Grand Manan, province of New Brunswick, July 27, 1809, and came with her parents to Licking county, Ohio, in 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis went to Mt. Vernon, where she now resides. After their settlement in Mt. Vernon, Mr. Curtis continued at his trade and carried on a carriage and wagon shop about twenty-one years. In 1854 he engaged in the hardware business, dealing in general hardware until 1864, when he retired from the business. He deceased June 9, 1876. He was the father of two children: Lucien B., and Rollin C. Rollin C. served about three years in the late war. Lucien B., was born in Mt. Vernon July 1, 1837. In 1856 he commenced in his father's store and remained as such six years. July, 1862, he entered the Knox County Branch bank, which afterwards became the Knox County National-bank, as teller; in 1865 he became assistant cashier, and in 1870, cashier of the bank, which position he filled until in 1875. After leaving the bank he engaged in the merchant tailoring business one year. In 1877 he entered the county clerk's office as deputy clerk, and from thence to . clerk in the auditor's office for some time. In December, 1879, he was appointed National bank. examiner for nine of the southern States, which position he is now filling. He served about four months in the late war in the Ohio national guards. In 1858 he married Miss Cornelia A. Pyle, daughter of Adam arid Mary Pyle, of Mt. Vernon. By this union they had six children, five of whom are now living, two sons and three daughters.
GRIFFIN, CHARLES, deceased, brevet major general United States army, was born in Granville township, Licking county, Ohio, in 1826, and was the son of Apollos Griffin. He graduated at West Point in 1847, entered the Fourth artillery and became first lieutenant June 30, 1849, an was made captain of the Fifth artillery April 25, 1861, and brigadier general of volunteers, July 9, 1852. He served gallantly at the first Bull Run engagement in 1861, and was in the Chickahominy campaign, winning especial distinction at Gaines' Mill, and at Malvern Hill. He was present at the second Bull: Run battle August 22, 1862, and took part in the battle of Antietam, and acquitted himself with distinguished honor and bravery. General Griffin fought under Burnside at Fredericksburgh, and bore himself gallantly through Hooker's brief campaign in Virginia. He was present at Gettysburgh, and conspicuous in all the engagements- from the Wilderness to the Five Forks, where he so distinguished himself as to be assigned to the command of the Fifth corps, in which capacity he received the arms and colors of the army of Northern Virginia. On the twentyeighth of July, 1866, General Griffin was appointed colonel of the Thirty-fifth infantry, United States army. He was made a major general of United States volunteers April 2, 1865. In 1866-7 he had command of the department of Texas, headquarters at Galveston. He received many brevets for bravery and gallant conduct during the war for the Union, and for meritorious conduct on many trying occasions. General Charles Griffin died at Galveston, Texas, September 15, 1867.
HAMILTON, WILLIAM DOUGLAS, was born in Scotland, May 24, 1832. He emigrated to this country in 1838, and settled in Muskingum county, near Zanesville. He was educated at the Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, and subsequently studied law at the Cincinnati law school, graduating in the class of 1859. At the opening of the Rebellion he was practicing law in Zanesville, but he abandoned his profession and raised the first three years' company in that part of the State. He was assigned to the Thirty-second Ohio infantry, and served through the West Virginia and Shenandoah campaigns but, fortunately, was at home on recruiting service when his regiment was surrendered at Harper's Ferry. In December, 1862, Captain Hamilton was directed by Governor Tod to recruit the Ninth Ohio cavalry, and of this regiment he was appointed colonel. He served in the Atlanta campaign, on the march to the sea, and in the campaign of the Carolinas. His military services extend over a period of four years one with infantry and three with cavalry. He was made brevet brigadier general for gallant and meritorious services rendered during the campaign ending in the surrender.of the insurgent armies of Johnson and Lee. General Hamilton, after the close of the war, married Miss Sarah Abbott, of Zanesville, and soon after removed to Newark, where he was engaged actively in business for a number of years,
818 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
principally in the coal trade and in iron manufactures of various kinds. While a resident of Newark he, in 1872, was elected a presidential elector, casting a vote for General Grant for President of the United States. He was an elder in the First Presbyterian church, of Newark, superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and by lectures, addresses, and otherwise, sustained all moral movements that tended to enlighten, elevate and improve mankind. His influence was always on the side of right, truth, justice, freedom, humanity and religion. General Hamilton removed from Newark to Chicago, where he was in business several years, and is now living at the Ogden furnace, in the Hocking valley. He is a gentleman of intelligence, character, and general information, and is widely and favorably known, and has the faculty of making friends wherever he is known, and among those whose acquaintance he makes.
MOORE, R. P., stock dealer, Newark.-David Moore and Elizabeth, his wife, great-grandparents of R R P. Moore, were married in r 76o, near Gettysburgh, Pennsylvania. David Moore died there June 19, 1803, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. His widow, Elizabeth, emigrated to this county soon after the death of Mr. Moore, with her two sons, settling near Utica, where she raised her large family, nearly all of whom lived to the age of manhood; nearly all of them became members of the Presbyterian church.
Samuel Moore was born September 12, 1762, and died in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, June 7, 1798.
Joseph Moore was born June 16, 1765; became a farmer; moved to Licking county, settling on the Mt. Vernon road, near Newark. He afterwards moved to Eden township, where he raised his family of six children-three boys, David, James, and Joseph, and three girls, Eliza, Margaret, and Mariah. All grew to manhood and womanhood, and all became members of the Presbyterian church, married and raised families.
Joseph Moore died April 10, 1859, at the house of his daughter, Mariah White, at West Liberty Logan county, Ohio, in the ninety-fourth year of his age.
William was born April 17, 1767, and died March 1, 1816, aged forty-eight years. He was a farmer by occupation.
Patrick Moore was born December 6, 1769. He settled on a farm near Utica, where he lived until his death, July 15, 1856.
David Moore was born April 17, 1772. He settled in Newark, where he was one of the first merchants. He was the founder, and for many years the owner, of the Mary Ann furnace in Mary Ann township. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church in Newark many years. He died on his farm, near the city,. April 29, 1865.
Thomas Moore was born October 23, 1876. He died December 18, 1806.
John Moore was born January 8, 1779. He died on his farm, near Utica, in May, 1865.
Archibald Moore was born April 6, 1781. He died November 26, 1806.
Doctor Robert Moore was born April 29, 1785. He died at Mt. Vernon, November 20, 1829.
Moses Moore was born April 6, 1788. He was a cabinet-maker and manufacturer of coffins, until his death in Newark. He died in April, 1863.
David Moore and Hannah Kirkpatrick, parents of R. P. Moore, were married at Utica, November 4, 1819. They settled on a farm near the village, where they had a family of nine children, eight of whom were raised to years of maturity. There were four boys-Robert P., Joseph S., James. W., and David M.; and five girls-Lydia A. Mary J., Eliza H., Nancy A., and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were consistent members of the Presbyterian church and Reformed Presbyterian church. Mr. Moore, no matter how hurried in business, always found time for morning and evening devotions, singing, reading the scriptures and prayer. Mr. David Moore died on the morning of April 30, 1868, at six and a half A. M., whilst Rev. Henry Hervey was engaged in prayer. Just as the minister uttered the words, "and now our Father in Heaven, we commit the spirit of our friend to Thee." He was seventy-seven years of age. His wife died at her daughter's, Mrs. O. M. Wylie's, in Springfield, Ohio, December 26, 1874, in the eighty-third year of her age. She was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in July, 1792, and was the youngest and last survivor of eight children of Robert and Nancy Kirkpatrick. They came to Utica, this county, in 1809. She was married in 1819, and, with her husband, enjoyed an exceedingly harmonious life forty-eight and a half years.
ROSECRANS, WILLIAM S.-General W. S. Rosecrans is a son of Crandall Rosencrans, formerly of Homer, in this county, and was born in Kingston, Delaware county, Ohio, December 6, 1819. He graduated at West Point in 1842; entered the engineer corps and served as assistant professor of engineering at West Point in 1843-47, and had charge of repairs at Fort Adams, Rhode Island, from 1847 to 1854, when he resigned because of ill health. General Rosecrans was engaged in civil pursuits after the restoration of his health, until 1861, when, upon the breaking out of the Rebellion, he entered the military service again, first as aide to General McClellan. He was soon appointed colonel of Ohio volunteers and brigadier gen-
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 819
eral in United States army, and commander of the department of Ohio. General Rosecrans commanded, in 1862, a division at the siege of Corinth; was made commander of the army of the Mississippi, and of the army of the Cumberland, and won the battle of Stone River. He was defeated at Chickamauga in 1863, and relieved of his command. In 1864 he had command of the department of Missouri, and was made brevet major general United States army in 1865; resigned in 1867, and was appointed minister to Mexico in 1868, but was recalled in a few months. General Rosecrans has since 1868, given his time and talents to civil pursuits, and was elected a member of Congress from San Francisco in 1880. The very popular and greatly esteemed Catholic bishop of Columbus, who recently deceased, was a younger brother of General Rosecrans. The father of the general, and of the bishop, was for many years one of the active politicians of Licking county.
The following document is now in possession of Mr. Montgomery, in the quaint handwriting and orthography of General Washington. Mr. Montgomery is by marriage a descendant of the Lemarts, his wife being a direct descendant of Lewis Lemart. The Lemart family were long residents of this county, and well known. The paper is a power of attorney from General Washington to Mr. Lemart to collect rents, and reads as follows:
" I hereby empower Mr. Lewis Lemart to recieve such rents as are due to me upon the tract on which he himself lives, and which lyes partly in the county of Fauquier, and partly in Loudoun. I give him the same power with respect to my other tract on Goose creek, near Mr. Robart Ashby's-and I authorize him to make distress for the annual or Transfer Rents which are reserved to me by the Leases-and this he is in a more especial manner to do from such persons as are about to remove from off the Land-He will see by the Leases (for I have it not in my person at this moment to make out the accts. for each man individually), for many years they have been subject to the payment of Rent, and he will make no allowances save such as appear by Receipts from myself, Mr. Lewis Washington or any public officer, by way of deduction without further authority from me-He is not to detain any money which he recieves under this power in his hands longer than can well be avoided, but shall transmit the same to me with an acct. Of the same, from whom and when recieved, as soon as possible. For his trouble in all these acts and doings, and in full compensation for all his expenses. I hereby agree to allow him five per cent for all monies which he shall actually pay into my hands or to any other person by my order-This power to remain in force till revoked by me.
Given under my hand at Mount Vernon, this 10th day of April, 1784.
Go. WASHINGTON.
THE BLACK HORSE TAVERN.
The Black Horse tavern of Newark was among the early and best known hotels in Newark. It was established in 1807, by Mr. John Cully, an energetic, active business man, who came here from western Virginia. This famous tavern stood at the head of East Main street, directly north of the Park house, and just across Main street from it For about thirty years it was managed by Mr. Cully, and may be said to have been the leading hotel of Newark during most of that time. The judges of the supreme court while on their annual circuit always stopped with "mine host" of the Black Horse, as did also the lawyers belonging to other counties of the State who attended our courts, and most of the travelling public did likewise. The Black Horse had the reputation. of furnishing the best dinners to be had in town, and the landlady did as much at least; to give popularity and attract business to the hotel, as the landlord. Mrs. Cully lived to be more than an octogenarian, and died in the spring of 1867. The pall-bearers on the occasion of her funeral on the way to the cemetery decided to form a pioneer soeiety, and through its instrumentality preserve and put on record the facts of early-time history, known to such pioneers as Mrs. Cully, before they all pass to the shadow land.
Mr. and Mrs. Cully had a large family of children, both sons and daughters. The sons have all deceased; three of the daughters are still living, all widows: Mrs. J. M. Taylor, Mrs. J. I. Mooney, and Mrs. David Moore, whose, husbands were for many years prominent business men of Newark One of the daughters became the wife of judge Corrington W. Searle, a leading and well known member of the Newark bar; who is elsewhere noticed. Both are dead, but a number of children survive them, one being the wife of Hon. John O'Neil, of Zanesville, formerly a member of Congress.
MUSTER ROLL OF CAPTAIN LEVI ROSE'S COMPANY of infantry, in the Third regiment of Ohio, commanded by Colonel Lewis Cass, in the War of 1812:
Levi Rose, Sylvanus Mitchell.
Eleazer C. Clemons, Oren Granger.
John Reese, Timothy Spellman
Asa B. Gavit, Knowles Lennel,
Lester Case, Thomas Spellman,
Justin Hillyer, Elias Gilman,
James Alexander, George Avery,
820 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
Christopher Avery, Leveret Butler,
Milton Brown, Arunah Clark,
Justus Cooley, Elijah Fox,
Thomas Ford, Claudius Graves,
Benjamin F. Gavit, Titus S. Hoskins
Oren B. Hayes, Hezekiah Johnston,
John Kelley, Hugh Kelley,
Benjamin Lennel, Seth Mead,
John Martin, Campbell Messenger,
David Messenger David Murdock,
Augustine Munson, Owen Owens,
Calvin Pratt, Elijah Rathbone,
Theophilus Reese Ormond Rose,
James Shepherd William Thompson,
David Thompson, Cotton Mather Thrall,
Alexander Thrall, Joel Wells,
Spencer Spellman, Rowley Clark,
Harry Clemons, William D. Gibbon.
The officers of the company were:
Levi Rose, captain.
Sylvanus Mitchell, lieutenant,
Eleazer Clemons, ensign.
Oren Granger, first sergeant.
John Reese, second sergeant.
Timothy Spellman, third sergeant.
Asa B. Gavit, first corporal.
Knowles Lennel, second corporal.
Lester Case, third corporal.
Return J. Meigs commissions Levi Rose as captain, June 1, 1812. Signed, Return J. Meigs, governor, and Jeremiah McLean, secretary of State. Great seal of the State affixed at the Grand Camp of the First Army of Ohio, on the western bank of Mad river.
MUSTER ROLL OF A COMPANY OF MOUNTED VOLUNTEERS under the command of Captain Grove Case, of the Fifth regiment, Second brigade, and Third division of Ohio militia, War of 1812:
Grove Case, Alexander Holmes,
William Stedman, Silas Winchell,
William Holmes, Lester Case,
James White Simeon Avery,
Ethan Bancroft. Frederick Case,
Timothy Case, Gabriel Critton,
Matthew Critchett, Archibald Cornell,
Benjamin Carpenter, Julius Coleman,
Cornelius Elliott. Elisha S. Gilman,
Josiah Grave, Joseph Holmes,
Titus Knox, Campbell Messenger,
John Mays, Jesse Munson,
Levi Phelps, Worthy Pratt,
John H. Phillips, John Parker,
Helan Rose, Lemuel Rose, jr.,
Caleb Randels, Justus Stephans,
John Sinnit, John Wells,
Joseph West, Amos Wilson.
This company was called into the service on the emergency occasioned by the surrender of General Hull at Detroit, in August, 1812.
CHILDREN'S HOME - On page 281 brief mention is made of the Children's Home of Licking county. Since that was written, the Home was opened and is now in successful operation.
The following extracts from the Newark American relate to this institution, and furnish the necessary information in regard to the opening exercises:
"The Licking county Chirdren s Home' was formally opened with music, addresses and religious exercises, on Tuesday afternoon, December 21, 1880.. Many friends of the institution were present, participating in the exercises; entering into the enjoyment of the occasion; interchanging congratulations, and giving hearty expression to the kindly feeling that pervaded the assembly, all being in such beautiful harmony with the time, the place and the occasion.
"The arrival at the Home, in carriages, from the infimary, of the twenty-five homeless ones their reception by the kind, sympathetic friends present, each one eager to take charge's one at least-and their introduction, one by one, into the war:, rooms of the Home, presented scenes most touching; impressing themselves upon many minds from which they will not be eradicated while life shall last; but remain among the hereafter memories to be cherished on the other side.
"The Home now accommodates twenty-five homeless, friendless waifs, with room and accommodations for fifteen moreforty in all.
"It was an interesting sight to see the little band of children, chilled as they were after their ride across the country, marsh in one after another into this, to them, cozy home.. Their names, a, ages, and the places from which they were sent are given as a matter of interest and historic value
"Jesse Reichter, aged five years, from Franklin township; James Reichter, three years, Franklin; L. W. Batrick, nine years, Newark; Rolson S. Patrick, seven years, Newark; Charles Patrick, five years, Newark; Orra Tanner, two and a half years, Newark; Walter B. Wyrick, six years, Newark; George Downing, four years, Monroe; Russel Moore, two years, Granville; Harris Tipton, five years, Union; Robert E. Sparks, ten years, Eden; George W. Rose, twelve years, St. Albans; Jesse Cook, nine years, Newark; Frank Irwin, ten years, unknown; George Jewell, two years, Union; Benjamin Baker, four years. Franklin; John Twigg, eight years, Newark; Nora Tanner, two and a half years, Newark; Mertie Jones three years, Harrison; Maggie Downing, Monroe; Lillie Putnam, six years, Madison; Mary E, Vail, seven years, St. Albans; Anna Twigg, Ten years, Newark; Rosa M. Battie, five years, McKean.
"Mrs. Sutton. was appointed matron; .and her adopted daughter and Mrs. Bower assistants."
The following officers of the Licking Agricultural society were elected November 13, 1880, for the year 1881: William Veach, president; J. Willis Fulton, vice-president. Directors for three years L. B. Wing, David Barrick and Andrew Berry. e To fill a vacancy, A. J. Cady.
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY. - 821
LEMERT FAMILY THE. * The ancestors of this family were probably from Alsace, Germany, and settled in Pennsylvania about the year 1760, afterwards my grandfather migrated to Loudoun county, Virginia, where he died about 1780. His wife died in Coshocton county, Ohio, early in the present century. Lewis Lemert, the grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, accompanied his father to Loudoun county, Virginia, afterwards settled and married in Fauduier county, Virginia, to Elizabeth Glasscock. They raised six sons and one daughter. Lewis Lemert died in 1817. His widow and family came to Dresden, Muskingum county, Ohio, in the autumn of the same year, and I think, raised the first house in Dresden. The names of the sons were Thaddeus, Laban, Beverly, Leroy, Ferdinand, and Abner. The latter the only one surviving. The daughter's name, Minerva. The widow and younger children removed to Licking county, Perry township, where they owned a considerable body of land and laid out the village to which she affixed her own name (Elizabeth). She erected a meetinghouse at her own expense, dedicated to the use of the Disciples, of which she became an active and zealous member. She manifested a great amount of energy and business tact, and filled well her part in pioneer life, and died in August, 1834, in the fifty-seventh year of her age. Thaddeus died in Dresden, in 1820.
Laban was largely identified in the early history of Dresden, in building it up and giving it material prosperity. He was twice married and his children and grandchildren are actively engaged in business at the present time. Beverly settled in Jackson township, Muskingum county, having three daughters and four sons, three of whom perished in the army. Ferdinand married a daughter of Jonathan Cass, a niece of Lewis Cass, and died leaving two sons, one of whom was killed at the battle of Arkansas Post; George, the older brother, served as captain in an Ohio regiment through the war, and is now living in Kansas. Colonel Leroy Lemert owned and cleared up the farm adjoining .Elizabethtown, in this county, .a part of which is now occupied by the writer. He sold goods in the village and lived on the farm qnite a number of years, was commissioner of the county, and was a candidate on the Whig ticket in 1849, against Colonel Alward, his successful competitor on the Democratic side.
He was an active and energetic business man, strongly interested himself in schools and public improvements, and the general well-being of the society in. .which he lived, gave liberally of his means for religious purposes, especially for the building up and establishing the organization of
*Contributed by Elizabeth A. McCann.
Disciples of this place. He was an ardent politician of the Henry Clay school of politics. He left five children-two daughters and three sons: The writer married in 1853, Dr. McCann; Amanda E. married judge William Beckham, of Napoleon, Ohio, and died in 1871; Henry C. resides on a farm adjoining .Napoleon; Beverly W., after serving as captain of company A, in Seventy-sixth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, removed to Kansas, where he is now practicing law; George L, was discharged from the army an invalid; he married, but died in 1872, leaving a widow and four children; Abner resided in this county until 1854, living on a farm one mile north of Elizabethtown, and preached considerably for the Disciple church for a number of congregations. He was exceedingly zealous in the cause, and untiring in his energy to the promulgation of the distinguishing tenets of the church.
He was an earnest advocate for prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors. His earnest efforts in behalf of temperance had much to do in fostering a public sentiment against the selling of liquors in our village, to make it uncomfortably warm for any person to make the attempt In 1854 he, moved to Henry county, Ohio, where he purchased a section of land in the woods, where he exhibited his indomitable energy in clearing it up, and draining it, making a very fine farm which he sold a few years ago; and following his pioneer instincts, he removed to southwestern Kansas, where he has. been carrying on farming to a considerable extent Minerva married William S. Brown, and lived in, the old homestead in the village, and possessed the: strong traits of character of her mother. Her useful and benevolent life commanded the love and esteem of all who knew her. She died in 1864, leaving a son and daughter. The son died soon after he came out of the army. Fanny married J. P. Seward, and lives in the old brick house built and occupied by her grandmother. Twelve of the grandsons enlisted in the army, seven of whom gave their lives for the maintenance of the Union.
ERRATUM:
A few errors were observed in the work after the forms had gone to press It is absolutely impossible to make books of a historical nature perfect. The utmost care has been taken to avoid any errors, and where any were noticed they have been corrected in this erratum
Page 12, first paragraph, first and second line,
822 - HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
Lakes Erie and Michigan should read Lake Erie, and Michigan.
Page 132, first column, third paragraph, fifth and sixth lines, L Hamer Giddings should read Major L Giddings; Thomas Hamer should read Thomas L Hamer.
Page 116, second column, fifth paragraph, fourth line, Bezaleel Williams should read Bazaleel Wells.
The history of County surveyors, on page 287, is somewhat imperfect from Thomas H. Bushnell to the end The following list; with time of service, is given by way of correction: Thomas H. Bushnell served from 1828 to 1835: William Anderson, 1835 to 1839; Timothy S. Leach, 1839 to 1847; Julius Q. Knowles, 1847 to 1850; James R Anderson, 1850 to 1854; David Wyrick, 1854 to 1856; John W. Wyrick, 1856 to 1857; James Johnson, 1857 to 1858; Z H. Denman, 1858 to 1865; G. I. Spring, 1865 to 1867; A. R. Pitzer, 1867 to 1874; George P. Webb, 1874 to 1881.
On. page 282 it is stated that St. Louisville was laid out by John Evans in 1840. It should read was laid out in 1839, by John Bell and Stephen Ritter.
Chapter LXIII, on page 545, should read LXVIII.
Page 532, date of Dr. Wilson's death should read 1872.
Danner, M. F., on page 658, should read Danner, M. L
The Baptist church in Bowling Green township, mentioned on pages 403 and 495, is not now an appendage of Friendship church.
The Baptist church in St. Louisville has now a neat frame church, erected about 1874 at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars.
Page 610, first column, third paragraph; second line, 1815 should be 1814.
Page 644 should read 646.
Page 811, first column, tenth line from bottom. 1850 should read 1880.
Page 817, Hailton should read Hamilton.