A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 102

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1156

USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio > Part 102

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Zephaniah Evritt was a small boy when his parents came to the Buckeye state, and was only seven years of age at the time of his mother's death.

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He then went to live with Griffith Thomas, of Perry township, with whom he remained until fourteen years of age, having very limited educational priv- ileges, for there was no school house in his neighborhood and he had to walk miles through the dense woods to the nearest school. His mother taught him some of the principles of arithmetic and experience and observation in later years added to his knowledge. On leaving Mr. Thomas he entered the employ of Mr. Comstock, on the Worthington road, and also worked for Colonel Medbury. Subsequently he became guard at the Ohio penitentiary, remaining in that position until after the Mexican war. He was married, July 3, 1836, at Smiley's Corners, in the tavern kept by David Smiley, the father of the bride, Nancy Smiley, Smiley's Corners being six miles north of Columbus, on the Scioto river, and now owned by Mrs. Tuller. A few years afterward Mr. Evritt purchased and located upon fifty-three acres of land on the Scioto river, in Perry township, and to this place he added until he was the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of land, giving his atten- tion to farming pursuits until his death, which occurred June 14, 1872. His wife passed away September II, 1858. In early life he gave his political sup- port to the Whig party. He filled several township offices, discharging his duties in a competent manner. Of the Christian church he was a faithful member. In the family were the following children : David S., who died at the age of seven years ; Mrs. Tuller ; Esther Evelyn, wife of James T. Miller, of Perry township; Eliza Jane, who became the wife of John E. Price and died on a train while en route from Rochester to her home in Columbus; Josephine Blanche, wife of Julius C. Richards, of Columbus ; and David Henry, who married Belle Evans and is living in Columbus. The second of the family is Mrs. Tuller. She attended the district schools and while in her thirteenth year entered the schools of Dublin. She began her education in a log school house seated with slab benches, while the writing desk was formed of a board resting upon pins driven into the wall. The entire end of the building was occupied by the fireplace. She wore a linsey-woolsey dress, which was spun, woven and colored by her mother, and her first teacher was a Mr. Benjamin. When she was fourteen years of age her parents sent her to the Esther Institute, at Columbus, of which Lewis Heyl was principal. She spent four years there and after completing her education remained at home until her marriage. Her mother died when she was seventeen years of age.

In 1861 Mr. Tuller had entered into partnership with Francis Riley in the grocery business at Dublin and conducted that enterprise for a year, when he sold out owing to the uncertainty of affairs during the Civil war. At the

time of his marriage his only possession was a house which had been given him in 1858 by his father, who had purchased it from James Brooks, paying one thousand dollars. In the spring of 1864 his father-in-law, Mr. Evritt, said to Mr. Tuller, "You are not doing anything, and if you will come upon my farm I will furnish everything needed for its operation, keep you, your wife and child and give you half that you raise." Mr. Tuller accepted the proposition. He had never engaged in farming before and the arduous

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manual labor was a heavy strain upon his physical powers. He would return from the field at night sore and weary, but he had a wife and babe to keep and was at a loss to know what to do to better his condition. He, however, worked on untiringly, hoping, like Mr. Micawber, that something better would turn up, yet unlike Mr. Micawber, he did not remain in idleness while waiting for a more fortunate condition of things. He found in his wife a most faithful helpmeet and assistant and though they entered upon their domestic life in limited circumstances they are now the possessors of a hand- some competence. Becoming disgusted with the work of the farm Mr. Tuller went to Columbus, where he saw a friend, Eli F. Jennings, who was then an officer in the commissary department, and to him he applied for a position. Mr. Jennings said he would do what he could for him. Mr. Tuller then returned home and a month later, just as he was going into the corn field, his brother-in-law. David H. Evritt, brought him a letter from Mr. Jennings, telling our subject to meet him in Urbana, Ohio, if he wanted a position. Mr. Tuller was very glad to relinquish farming, which had not been profitable to him, and went to Urbana and thence to Nashville, Tennessee, as chief clerk in the commissary department. From Nashville he was ordered to Johnsonville, on the Tennessee river and there five hundred head of cattle and a company of drovers, together with a body-guard of soldiers, were placed in charge of Captain Jennings, who took them to Nashville, where they were turned over to the commissary department in that city. Captain Jen- nings and Mr. Tuller made two or three trips of this kind. On one occasion they took to Chattanooga, Tennessee, one thousand head of cattle, making the trip twice. Afterward they were ordered to Tullahoma, Tennessee, and stationed there for about six months. During that time Mr. Tuller returned home on a twenty days' furlough, and on the expiration of that time again went to the scene of his duties, there remaining until the close of the war, when he was discharged at Nashville in 1865.

At the close of the war Mr. Tuller purchased fifty acres of land from William B. Hayes, the tract being located in Washington township. For this he paid fifty dollars per acre. He then entered into partnership with James' Brown, buying and shipping hogs to the New York markets. Subsequently he entered into partnership with his father and with Francis Riley in a gen- eral mercantile business at Dublin, this relation being maintained for a year, when Mr. Riley withdrew. Mr. Tuller and his father, however, continued the enterprise until the death of the latter, in 1868, when the business passed into the hands of the administrator. In the fall of that year, how- ever, our subject purchased the stock of goods and has since carried on the business. He found it much more suited to his tastes and talents than farm- ing and has made an excellent living. his labors bringing to him creditable suc- cess. In the meantime, in association with Mr. Riley, he bought and sold real estate, and about 1890 formed a partnership with I. N. Hansbrough in the brokerage business, which they carried on for about ten years, when the relation between them was dissolved. Mr. Tuller is well known as a man of

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resourceful business ability and has been connected with many enterprises which have contributed in a marked degree to the prosperity and activity of the town as well as his individual success. About 1892 he joined Ephraim Sells, James M. Loren, Daniel E. Sullivan and George Atkinson in the estab- lishment of the Fifth Avenue Bank of Columbus, Ohio. It was conducted for four or five years, but proved an unprofitable venture under its first manage- ment and after a time was reorganized into a stock company, which also proved unprofitable. In 1885 Mr. Tuller purchased the stock of drugs in the same building in which his general mercantile store was located and car- ried on a drug business until 1898. For a time he was a stockholder in the Columbus, Shawnee & Hocking Railroad. In Washington and Perry town- ships he owns over seven hundred acres of land, giving careful supervision to its cultivation and management. He also owns valuable real estate in Columbus, including a business building on North High street, between Long and Gay streets, and a block sixty feet front, between High and Third streets. He also has realty interests in Bowling Green, Ohio, in Findlay, Ohio, and at Devil's Lake, North Dakota, and at Portland, Indiana.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tuller have been born four children : Charles Evritt, the eldest, born December 18, 1862, was married March 8, 1900, to Mary Lud- wig, of Circleville, Ohio, and resides on a farm in Perry township. Eber Theron, born October 9, 1864, was married, June 8, 1899, to Nellie B. Davis, and they have one child,-Ele W., Jr., born May 3, 1900; Nancy Jane born November 10, 1867, married Willis Arthur Herdman, of Zanesville, Ohio, June 10, 1891, and they have two children, Sarah Amelia, born March 29, 1892, and died August 9, 1893, and Willis Arthur, born October 3, 1896; and Sarah Lillian, born August 3, 1874, died November 23, 1883.

Mr. Tuller has traveled quite extensively through the western and southern states and has gained that broad knowledge and culture which only travel can bring. Fraternally he is a member of the Evening Star Lodge, No. 104, I. O. O. F., of Dublin, New England Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M., of Worthington. Also the Masonic chapter of Worthington, and is identified with Johanan Encampment, No. 57, of Dublin, and the Daughters of Rebekah, also of Dublin. His wife became a member of the Baptist church in 1857, but since 1868 has held membership in the Christian church. She also belongs to the Woman's Relief Corps, and Level Chapter, No. 109, of the Eastern Star. Mr. Tuller cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1860, in Dub- lin, while in 1864 he voted for the martyred president, when in Nashville, Tennessee. He was first elected to the office in the spring of 1875, when he was chosen justice of the peace, in which capacity he has since served, discharging his duty in a most exact and impartial manner, thus winning "golden opinions from all sorts of people." He was elected to represent his district in the state legislature in the fall of 1899, and was renominated for a second term to this position, and at present is a candidate for election in November of this year. For many years he has served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. His hearty co-operation and aid have never been

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withheld from any measure or movement which he believes would contribute to the public good and he has long been recognized as an important factor in business, political and fraternal circles in Franklin county. In all his business dealings he is straightforward and commands the good will of all those with whom he is brought into contact. His prosperity is therefore well deserved, as it comes in return for effort both honorable and consecutive.

RUDOLPH PHENEGER.

When a life is ended we can gain a clear and full conception of a full and round career. It is well then to take into consideration the salient features of the life and follow closely the characteristics that are worthy of emulation. There was in the career of Mr. Pheneger more that was commendable, for he was ever an upright man, a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and a faithful friend and neighbor, His birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, September 11, 1810. He was there reared, obtained a limited education, his school course comprising less than three months. After he had attained his majority he was married, in his native county, to Miss Elizabeth Galbraith, who was born December 20, 1816. The following spring he started for Ohio in company with his wife. Their outfit consisted of a horse and "dandy" wagon and such household effects as they could carry.

Arriving in Franklin county, Mr. Pheneger purchased eighty acres of land belonging to the military tract of Perry township. He made a cash pay- ment of two hundred dollars, borrowing four dollars of the amount. The tract was unimproved, but he erected a small log cabin and at once began to clear the land and place it under cultivation. He was a carpenter by trade and many of the early frame houses of this neighborhood were erected by him. As his financial resources increased he subsequently purchased other land from time to time until he was possessed of large acreage. A part of liis realty he afterward sold, investing the capital in city property. He was a very successful man, who carried forward to completion whatever he undertook, brooking no obstacles that would yield before earnest and determined effort. Although his early privileges were very meager he was studiously inclined, read extensively, and thus kept in touch with the general interests and questions of the day. He held several offices of trust, being trus- tee and school director. He usually voted with the Democracy, although he was not strictly partisan.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pheneger were born eight children, six of whom reached mature years, namely : William Rudolph; John James; Henry Alonzo; Benjamin Harper, of Cleveland, Ohio; Newton Frantz; and Parker Willard, a practicing physician of Columbus. John, the second son, is now cleceased, having been accidentally killed in California. The father of this family was called to his final rest March 4, 1886, at the age of seventy-five years, six months and twenty-one days, while his wife passed away March 10, 1898, at the ripe old age of eighty-one years, seven months and eighteen

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days. Both were members of the German Reformed church, with which they became connected after locating in Ohio, remaining consistent members until death claimed them. Both were deeply interested in religious work and devoted much time and labor in promoting the cause of Christianity. Mr. Pheneger was a power for good in his community. He assisted in the material development of the county through his agricultural interests and at the same time gave an earnest support to all measures calculated to promote the general progress along social, intellectual and moral lines.

Newton Frantz Pheneger, who was the seventh in order of birth of the family, first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 11th of September, 1856, on the old homestead where he now resides. He was reared upon the farm, which became his training school for business, his playground in youth and has been the scene of his mature efforts. He attended the district school of the neighborhood and also pursued a six-months course at the Worthing- ton Normal School. On the home farm he remained with his parents until they passed away, aiding his father in the cultivation of the land.

In 1881 Newton F. Pheneger was united in marriage to Miss Mary Easthen Walcutt, who died September 5, 1881, after which he again married, his second union being with Ada L. Johnston, a daughter of William A. Johnston, one of the pioneers of the county. Mr. Pheneger now has four children, namely : Stanley J., Ethel E., Harry J. and Howard K.

Mr. Pheneger is interested in the dairy business in connection with gen- eral farming, his land comprising eighty-four acres and the tract is well improved and highly cultivated. Upon the farm are found all modern con- veniences and accessories, and everything about the place denotes his faithful supervision. In his political views he votes with the Democracy, taking an active working interest in his party's welfare.

HANSON N. MYERS.

When the tocsin of war sounded in the middle of the nineteenth century and there were four years of bloodshed Hanson N. Myers responded to the call of his country, and with loyal heart and unfaltering courage went to the front to aid in defending the Union. Throughout the period of hostilities he followed the starry banner of the nation, and when the war was ended he returned to his home with a most creditable military record. A debt of grati- tude is due to the soldiers that can never be repaid, but while memory lasts young hearts will be thrilled with the story of their heroism and fortitude.

Mr. Myers, who is now living in North Columbus, is a native of Picka- way county, Ohio, born December 1, 1839. He was reared in the town of Tarlton, that county, and is a son of Samuel and Matilda ( Hedge) Myers, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. They became early settlers of Pickaway county, Ohio, where both attained to a ripe old age, but have now passed away. Our subject acquired a common-school education in the county of his nativity, and there learned the shoemaker's trade, which 53

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he followed until the time of his enlistment for service in the Union army. He made an attempt to join the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but was not accepted on account of being under size. Later, however, he joined Com- pany B, of the Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, for three months service, and went to Camp Dennison, where the regiment remained until the time had expired. He received his discharge at Columbus and again went to his home, but on the 7th of October, 1861, he was enrolled among the boys in blue of Company I, Fifty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in as sergeant. From Columbus the regiment was transferred to the scene of conflict in Kentucky, under General Lew Wallace. They left the boat on the Tennessee river and formed into line of battle at Fort Donelson, where the rebels were soon afterward forced to surrender. The command then proceeded southward, taking part in the engagement at Shiloh, the brigade to which Mr. Myers was attached opening the battle at that place on Sunday morning. Following that engagement the Fifty-eighth Ohio Infantry was at Corinth, Mississippi, later at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, on the 28th and 29th of December, 1862. They proceeded to Helena, Arkansas, and Mr. Myers, being taken ill, was sent to the hospital at St. Louis, Missouri. When he had partially recovered he was sent home, being mustered out, however, in St. Louis. He was discharged on the 28th of October, 1862, and after recuperating his health he re-enlisted, on the 20th of February, 1863, as a member of Company M, First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, being mustered in as a private. He was then transferred to the front, joining his regiment at St. Louis, whence he proceeded to Tennessee, taking part in the battle of Stone River on the 3Ist of December, 1862, and on the 2d of January, 1863. He also participated in the engagement at Elk River, on the 2d of July of the latter year ; Chickamauga, on the 20th of September; Washington, Tennessee, October 1, 1863; Painted Rock, October 30; Cleveland, Tennessee, November 27; and Calhoun, Tennessee, on the 16th of December. 1863. In the fol- lowing year he participated in the engagements at Decatur, on the 20th of May ; Moulton, Alabama, on the 29th of May; Lovejoy Station, August 20; and the Atlanta campaign. On the Ist of April, 1865. he was in the engage- ment at Ebenezer, Georgia, on the following day took part in the battle at Columbus Church, Georgia, and was mustered out of service September 13, 1865, in Columbus, Ohio. His record is one of thrilling interest, for from first to last his was an active service upon the field of battle. During the different terms of his enlistment he never missed an engagement in which his regiment participated. He displayed bravery and loyalty of a high order, and he has every reason to be proud of his military record.

Upon his return to civil life Mr. Myers resided in Pickaway county for a time, but about twenty years ago came to Columbus, where he has since remained, his home being now in North Columbus. He was married to Rachel Friend, and unto them has been born one son, A. J., who resides near his parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Myers hold membership in the Methodist church and are worthy and consistent Christian people. He retains pleasant rela-

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tionship with his old army comrades through his membership with military organizations. He always attends the national annual reunions, and is inter- ested and active in all soldiers' gatherings. During the recent war with Spain he made an effort to enter the service, but owing to his gray hairs and his advanced age he was not accepted. His son, however, joined the Fourth Ohio Regiment, as a member of the quartermaster's department, and did duty in Porto Rico. Fraternally Mr. Myers is connected with Curtis Lodge, No. 762, I. O. O. F., of Columbus, and in politics he is a Republican, keeping well informed on the issues of the day which concerns the welfare of the nation.

JACOB E. SLYH.

Jacob E. Slyh, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Clinton township, and is accounted one of the most progressive agri- culturists of Franklin county, was born at the place of his present residence May 30, 1831, his parents being Jacob and Emeline (Lakin) Slyh, honored pioneer settlers of the county. His boyhood days were spent in his parents' home, his time being passed in a manner similar to that of pioneer lads of the period. He acquired his preliminary education in one of the primitive schools of the day-a log cabin with one window, a stick chimney and puncheon floor. He subsequently spent a portion of one term in the college at Delaware, but left that institution in April in order to aid in the work of the farm. Sub- sequently he was at different times for brief periods a student in Otterbein College, at Westerville, thus completing his education, which he obtained under serious difficulties, having to pursue his studies during the portions of the year when there was little to do upon the farm. In his early youth he assisted in the labors of clearing and cultivating new land, for his father's farm was heavily timbered and it was necessary to clear away the forest trees and grub up the stumps ere the work of plowing and planting could be carried on. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until he had attained the age of twenty-five years.

Mr. Slyh then completed arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage, on the 13th of December, 1855, to Miss Louisa Walcutt, a daugh- ter of Robert and Susan (Legg) Walcutt, early settlers of Franklin county. After their marriage they began their domestic life upon the farm where Mr. Slyh now resides and which has been his home continuously since. To this worthy couple were born four children: Anna Maria; William Henry, de- ceased; Sarah Nattie Christina ; and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Slyh is one of the enterprising and successful agriculturists of Frank- Jin township, and to-day owns and operates one hundred and fifty acres of land, all of which is under cultivation and supplied with substantial and attractive improvements. He is energetic and diligent in the prosecution of his labors, and his industry and capable management have been crowned with a very desirable degree of success. He is recognized as one of the prominent and influential residents of the community, and has several times been called

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upon to serve in the capacity of township trustee. He was also justice of the peace for six months, school director for twenty-eight years and supervisor for many years. He is likewise a director of the Union Cemetery Association, in which capacity he has been associated with the organization through a long period, having been one of the incorporators. He has many times as- sessed his township, and in other public positions has discharged his duties with the utmost fidelity and promptness. He has ever been interested in all that tends to promote public progress and the general good, and is an enter- prising citizen, actively co-operating in everything calculated to advance the general welfare. In 1900 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 14th of July, at the age of sixty-two years, eight months and eight days. She was a consistent Christian woman, holding membership in the Episcopal church, to which Mr. Slyh also belongs, having been identified therewith for many years. Both he and his wife took an active part in religious work, and were people of broad charity and sympathy. Mr. Slyh has almost reached the age of four-score years and ten, but is a well- preserved man yet, actively connected with business and public affairs. His entire life has been passed in Franklin county, and those who have known him from youthi entertain for him the warmest regard, a fact which indicates that his career has ever been worthy of respect and emulation.

JOHN CLARK.

John Clark is one of the venerable and highly esteemed citizens of Perry township, Franklin county. Few, indeed, of the settlers of this portion of the state can claim to have spent eighty-two years in this section, but this honor was justly accorded Mr. Clark, who was born on the old family homestead in Franklin county in 1819. His father, Uriah Clark, settled on the site of the Dublin Bridge January 28, 1815. The family is of English lineage, the grandfather of our subject having been born in England. When Uriah Clark came to Ohio he secured from the government one hundred acres of wild land and established his home in a little log cabin. He was a successful farmer, and lived and died in Perry township, where he carried on agricultural pur- suits, his energy and labors bringing to him a handsome return. Although he started out in life a poor man, he accumulated a good property. He mar- ried Miss Nancy Pfeiffer, the wedding being celebrated in Franklin county, although the lady was a native of Kentucky, her birth having occurred in [800. They became the parents of eight children, namely: John, Samuel, Daniel, Lucy Ann, Sarah, Elizabeth, Martha and Cornelius. For a number of years Mr. Clark filled the office of justice of the peace, and also served as trustee, discharging the duties of both positions in a capable and satisfactory manner. He died in 1856. at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife has also passed away. She was a deeply religious woman and with her hus- band shared in the high regard of all with whom they came in contact. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat.

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A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 102

Author: Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1156

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1156