Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals, Part 66

Author:
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642

USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals > Part 66

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The inconveniences of the settlers were greatly ings a part of the time in a cooper shop and at enhanced by the distance they had to travel to get private houses, or wherever a convenient place corn or wheat ground. Zanesville being the near- could be found, but God was with them and added est place, the trip was usually made up the river in to their number from time to time, many precious a dug-out canoe. Two to four days were required souls. In the year 1841 the church resolved to to make the trip, and occasionally, when the corn make an effort to build a meeting house on the was not thoroughly dry before grinding, the meal north side of the river, in the then opening village would be sour before reachingits destination. This of Duncan's Falls, on a lot afterward donated to fact led to the erection, by Samuel Frazer, of a them by Alvah Buckingham and lady.

gristmill on Flat river. A sawmill was erected

The church met in their new meeting house for in 1834, by Martin Chandler, on Salt creek. There worship, the first time on March 9, 1844. being an abundance of material for the making of Abel Johnson was the first pastor, under whose brick, I. S. Parkinson engaged in their manufact- labors the church was gathered. The following ure as early as 1825, and was soon followed by ministers served the church as pastors at different General Herrick and Andrew Carns.

times: . G. C. Sedwick, Kitchell, Sheppard, Em-

In 1825 the government, realizing the enormous erson, Amerman, Harford, Erwin James, Davies, water power to be had here. erected a dam on the Swinehart, Chambers, Neff, Morriss and N. W. natural falls of the river. In 1836 Dugan and Dixon, the present pastor. During the intervals Bowen began the erection of a four-story gristmill, of these pastorates the church was frequently sup- which was completed in 1838. It contained eight plied with preaching by other ministers. Al- run of stones and was the principal mill for many though many of the members of Duncan's Falls miles along the Muskingum. This mill is still in Baptist church resided in the country, away from operation. It has changed hands several times, the meeting house, surrounded by opposition to and is now the property of John Miller. It has Baptist sentiment, the little band has struggled been refitted and a great deal of new machinery along its way, many times cast down, but never has been added. Among other improvements has desparing, manfully "holding forth the Word of been the substitution of a full roller process for Life." At various times since its organization this the old buhrs. A large room in the building was church has had very fruitful revivals by which originally set apart and fitted up for a cardingmill, many new members were added to their number. and was the only cardingmill in the township. Some noble men have been connected with this

The Duncans Falls Baptist church was organ- church. Men whose piety, liberality, and conse- ized in Taylorsville, Muskingum county, Ohio, Oc- crated lives, endeared them to the church while tober 17, 1840, by a council of brethren invited living, and now that they have gone to their re- from neighboring churches for that purpose, viz. : ward, their memory is embalmed and cherished in from Salt Creek, Parley Brown, Archibald Gal- the hearts of those who survive them. Among braith, and Abel Johnson; from Zanesville, Thomas the names of these brethern we would mention the Neale and Charles Grant: from Zoar church, Will- names of Comstock, Gander, Cram, Male, and iam Hambrick, B. Y. Seigfried. Michael White many others, should space permit.

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

Anchor lodge 283, A. F. & A. M., was organ- Hosler, J. V. C .; S. W. Frickle, Adjt. ; J. W. ized in 1855, under a dispensation of the Grand Tigner, Q. M .; Fred Young, O. D .; H. H. Smith, lodge of Ohio, by James D. Sturges, John J Kas- O. G .; O. B. Crumbaker, Surg .; Rev. A. L. sell, R. I. Peach, Fred Young, Thomas McLees, Petty, chaplain; John Roberts, S. M .; G. B. Joseph Starrett and P. Denek.

Howard, Q. M. S.

In 1856 the lodge was chartered by the Grand Olive Branch lodge No. 368, Knights of lodge of the state at Zanesville, and the following Pythias, was organized and chartered in 1889. were appointed the first officers of the lodge: It was instituted July 15, 1889, by Capt. Charles James D. Sturges, W. M. ; John J. Kassell, Sr. Fulkerson, who was deputized by the Grand lodge The to perform this work. The degrees was conferred

Ward .; Marquis Williams, Jr. Ward.

lodge has about sixty members. The lodge by McIntire lodge.

owns a good two-story frame building, the upper

Olive Branch lodge was instituted with a char- story of which is finished for a lodge room, and is ter membership of fifty-six, whose names were as well furnished with all pharaphernalia. The build- follows:

J. Hardtla. G. A. Fouch, J. W. Rice, ing was erected by the Masonic Building associa- T. A. Dilly, W. S. Hyser, J. E. Webster, Wesley tion in 1884. The lodge completed payment for Dutro. J. E. Green, J. A. Marshall, J. Morrison, the building in 1887. The lower story is occupied A. Miller, G. W. Stockdale, M. F. Fauber, L. as a general store and postoffice.

H. Garrett, C. D. Few, B. H. Wion, E. Dutro,

Dan Brown post No. 380, G. A. R., was or- William Boetcher, E E. Neff, J. Waxler, J. W. El- ganized and chartered September 29,1883, with a son, C. A. Waxler, J. F. Berkamer, W. H. Frazier, membership at its institution of thirty-eight as G. B. Davis, F. F. Dozier, J. E. Johns, P. J. Gay, follows: John T. Brown, Jacob Bash, F. M. Chris- C. G. Hardtla, L. I. Stockdale, J. E. Arnedt, tie, O. B. Crumbaker, Joseph Daw, George W. W. T. M. Elliot, J. C. Forsyth, A. M. Shedron, Dempster, H. H. Dickes, Silas W. Fickle, H. S. W. P. Harrop, B. Mantz, A. C. Mitchell, B. F. Finley, A. M. Frazier, G. B. Howard, C. H. Host- Elmore, F. J. W. Howe, J. Hardtman, W. F. ler, D. Hoppstetter, John Kusmaul, A. L. Kin- Price, R. J. Neff, G. H. Clapper, J. Staker, C. W. kade, Mathew Lynn, James McNeal, George Mc- Murphy, P. R. Maxwell, and D. Brittigan, P. C .; Curdy, John Mercer, William McGill, C. C. Mil- O. W. Ward, C. C .; W. E. Peach, V. C .; D. S. ler, G. A. Neff, James G. Osborn, Joseph Peach, Priest, Prel .; L. C. Burckholter, M. F .; J. J. Kassell, M. E .; B. Olive, K. R. S .; J. K. Wilson,

A. L. Petty, John Roberts, John Robison, William Robinson, Henry Romine, D. L. Stock- M. A .; S. S. Waxler, O. G .; A. Reamer, J. G. dale, I. C. Swingle, H. H. Smith, John Smith, In February, 1891, a lodge of Patriotic Order John W. Tigner, C. Swinchall, John Waxler, Sons of America was organized with a member- David Wells, Frederick Young. Since its or- ship of twenty. The officers are John Weinford- ganization the post has been increased until ner, president; Herman Perry, vice-president; U. it has now a membership of seventy-five. The S. Messick, past president; Stephen Cross, M. A .; first officers of the post were Joseph Peach, Andrew Armstrong, secretary; Robert Peach, post commander; F. M. Christie, S. V. C .; H. treasurer; Gee Davis, financial secretary.

Chapter XLV

PERSONAL MEMOIRS.

David J. Abbott, Otsego, Muskingum county, is the famous historian, Jolm S. C. Abbott, and the Ohio, is one of the old settlers and prominent farm- famous singer, Emma Abbott. John Abbott, the ers of Monroe township. John S. Abbott, his father, father of Jolin S. Abbott, was a citizen of Tolland, was one of the pioneers of Muskingum county and Conn., and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. fame from Tolland, Conn., of English descent and He had six brothers and from them have descended co the old colonial family of Abbotts, who have pro- the numerous family of Abbotts in America. John duced many famous men and women, among whom Abbott was the father of six children: Jolin S., 21

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

Dr. Jehiel (who was a prominent physician of August 18, 1826, in Salem township, where. his Westfield, Mass., and a member of the Massachu- father lived for about two years when he first came setts legislature), Elizabeth, Sarah, Susan J., and to this county. He received but little education Margaret. He was a farmer of Tolland, Conn., for those days, as he was but an infant of six months and a member of the Presbyterian church. He when left an orphan and had but little opportunity. died there. His wife lived to be ninety years of From the time he was from ten to eleven years of age. John S. Abbott, his son, and the father of age, he worked out for farmers, and thus early took our subject, was born April 22, 1786, on the old care of himself. He worked in this and Scioto homestead at Tolland, Conn., and received a com- counties, where he worked for his brother Orren. mon-school education. Here he was married, He went to Westfield, Mass., where his uncle, Dr. March 22, 1810, to Eunice Richardson (born at Jeliiel Abbott lived, and attended two terms at the Tolland, Conn., April 8, 1786), daughter of David Westfield academy. He worked at Agawam Falls Richardson, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary in the cotton mills for two years. While at West- war and held the office of captain. He was the field he threw his first vote for Zachary Taylor. father of six children: Eunice, David, Marion, When he was twenty-four years of age he returned Nathaniel, Martin and Alpheus. Captain Richard- to Ohio and worked at farm labor. In 1852, Jan- son came to Ohio with his family by wagons drawn uary 1, he married Rachael C. Buker (born Febru- by oxen and settled in Monroe township in 1812. ary 20, 1831) the daughter of Caleb Buker, who Here he died in the brick house now owned by the was a prominent and wealthy citizen of Monroe heirs of Caleb Buker, at the age of eighty years.

township. [See sketch of Decatur Buker.] To He was a pioneer and a man of excellent character Mr. and Mrs. Abbott were born eight children: and a patriot. After his marriage, John S. Abbott Francis M. (born May 16, 1853), Mary C. (born resided in Connecticut two years, and in 1812 in September 27, 1855), Eunice C. (born November company with Captain Richardson and several 27, 1857), Annie E. (born November 27, 1859), others came to Ohio. Mr. Abbott had an ox team Sarah M. (born November 23, 1863), Orren H. with a horse as a leader and a huge covered ox (born April 3, 1867), John S. (born April 28, 1869), wagon, and made the long journey quite comfortably, William B. (born September 8, 1872). After his sleeping in the wagons at night. They took the marriage Mr. Abbott settled on the old Captain Indian trail from Cambridge, and finally settled in Richardson farm, and here lived for two years. He Monroe township, next to a spring on the old Cap- then lived in different places in this township, tain Richardson farm. This land was all a wilder- finally purchasing ninety acres near the farm of ness, and Mr. Abbott built a two-story hewed-log Decatur Buker, and in 1867 he moved to his house and worked at the blacksmith's trade. He present farm, now owning 360 acres. In politics also had a contract in the building of the National he is a stanch republican, has the respect of the pike, five miles between Byesville and Cambridge. people and has held the office of township trustee. During the fulfillment of this contract he was Both Mr. and Mrs. Abbott are members of the taken sick with the malarial fever and died after a Protestant Methodist church, and he has held the short illness. Mr. Abbott was one of the early offices of trustee and steward. His wife died May justices of the peace of Salem township. He was 14, 1889. She was a devout Christian and a woman a man of good character and a very strong and of fine character and an excellent mother. Of the powerful man, and once walked (on a wager) from children Mary C. married William Dunlap of Can- Salem township to the Holcomb farm and mowed with dor, Penn., May 16, 1872. They had one child, an old-fashioned scythe, five acres of heavy grass Mary C., born December 31, 1872. Mrs. Dunlap and walked home again, a distance of six miles in died January 10, 1873. Francis M., who is a farm- one day, when two acres were considered a good er on the home farm, August 15, 1872, married day's work. He was the father of seven children: Mary J. Vinsel. They have one child, Olive C., Watson B., Austin L., Orren H., Temperance, Me- born September 25, 1874. Annie E., in 1875, lissa, Sarah E., John S., and David J. After Mr. Ab- married C. N. Bainter, deputy sheriff of Muskingum bott's death, Mrs. Abbott, who had a good education county, and resides at No. 90 North Fifth street, for those days, taught school for several years in Zanesville. They have three children: Blanch, different parts of the county. She married again, Ernest and Emmitt. Eunice C. married Jeremiah John Mulvane, of this county, and died at the age Bradford, a farmer of Monroe township, and has of sixty-eight years, at the residence of her son one child, Ernest. Sarah M. married Eugene L. John. She was a member of the Methodist church, King, a farmer of Monroe township. The three and was a woman of great force of character mak- younger sons are unmarried. Orren H. is a con- ing friends wherever she went. She taught the ductor on an electric car at Zanesville; John S. and first school in Adamsville. David J. Abbott, son William B. are at home.

of the above mentioned gentleman, was born

George E. Adams, mayor, Frazeysburgh Ohio,

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

is one of the old soldier citizens whose war record Anna, William, George E., Euphemia, Virginia, is quite interesting, for he was incarcerated in Howard, Thomas B., and one who died in infancy. Libby prison in the dark days of the civil strug- Mr. Adams died at the age of sixty-six. During gle. He is now the chief municipal officer of the the latter part of his life he was greatly afflicted with town of Frazeysburgh. He was born in Mus- heart disease and rheumatism. He was a man of kingum county, near Dresden, and was the son of great intelligence and accumulated an extensive Zachariah Adams and the grandson of Littleton library. He was a lover of reading and kept him- Adams, who was one of the original settlers of self well informed on all matters pertaining to this county, coming here from Fauquier county, church and state. In later years his children Va., about 1797 or 1798. The grandfather was a found his name a passport wherever he was known. farmer in comfortable circumstances and came in In early political opinions he was a whig, later a a six-horse wagon to this county and brought his stanch republican and abolitionist and a firm sup- family; consisting of his wife and nine children: porter of the government. He was one of the pil- George, Zachariah, John, Benjamin, Samuel, Lit- lars of the Methodist Episcopal church, held the tleton, Alfred, Maria and Julia. Maria was office of steward and trustee and was also class next oldest to George and brought Zachariah, the leader. He contributed liberally of his means to father of our subject, in her arms, riding a horse the support of the same. His wife is still living across the Alleghany mountains. Mr. Adams and is now seventy-two years old. She is also a settled in Madison township, on government land, devout member of that church. Their son, George which he cleared up and converted into a fine E. Adams, was born June 19, 1846, received a farm. There he lived many years and died at a good common-school education, and when but sev- good old age. He was an old line whig and enteen years of age, or on June 17, 1863, enlisted took an active interest in politics. He was a in Company H, First Virginia Light artillery. well-informed man. The sons were also interested He was in two battles at New Creek, Va., on No- in politics, and it was said to be both interesting vember 28, 1864, the date of the last battle of and instructive to hear them discuss political ques- New Creek, he was captured together with about tions, two of the sons being strong democrats. 700 inen, being surprised by the confederates, who Mr. Adams was a man interested in all improve- were dressed as Union soldiers. Mr. Adams was confined in Libby prison from November, 1864,

ment and development in those early days. Zachariah Adams grew to manhood in the wilder- until March 1, 1865. While in prison he was re- ness and in some way received a good education duced in flesh from 165 to 90 pounds and came for those early days and taught school when a out a walking skeleton. The prison then con- young man. He was one of the early justices of tained about 1,000 prisoners and they were served the peace, and was sheriff of Muskingum county very scanty rations, a small piece of corn bread in those early days when it required a brave and about an inch and a half square, and a piece of resolute man to fill that position. He was a pork about the same size contributed the morning prominent military man and a colonel in the old meal and nothing more was served until night militia. He was also active in political matters, when the same rations were repeated, except about was well known throughout the county, and pos- one-half pint of bean soup took the place of the sessed a great deal of influence in politics. When pork. They slept on the floor of the prison at about forty years of age his health failed and he night with nothing to cover them but their own took a six-months' sea voyage to Cuba. He was clothing. Mr. Adams considered himself fortunate married late in life, at the age of forty, to Miss in finding a brick which he used as a pillow. Harriet Williams, daughter of Dr. William Will- They were also treated with great harshness and iams, of Clermont county, Ohio, who was one of many died from starvation and exposure. On be- the leading physicians of early days. Dr. Will- ing released Mr. Adams was a year in recovering iams was born in Pennsylvania about 1791, and from his prison exposure and has never since been was one of the pioneer physicians of Ohio. He the same man. The government grants him a was the father of Olive, Courtland, Selina, Har- small pension in acknowledgment of his faithful riet and Martha. His first wife dying, he married services. When he was discharged from the again, and the result was one daughter, Elizabeth. prison, the war was over and his military life was He died in Clermont county in the eighty-seventh closed. After regaining his strength in a measure, year of his age. During his career as a physician he farmed for two years on his father's old home- he built up a fine practice and was well known as stead and then embarked in the sawmill business. an able and successful physician. He was well He was subsequently in the mercantile business a off, financially, and was a member of the Method- Simons Creek, Ohio, but soon sold out and bough ist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Zachariah a gristmill which he ran for two years. In 1876 he . Adams were the parents of nine children: Martha, came to Frazeysburgh and engaged in the grocery

370

HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

business for a short time, after which he was in then moved on a farm ten miles north of Newark. the lumber business and this he still follows. He Leaving his family on this farm he returned to is a man of sound sense and excellent judgment Dresden, engaged in the mercantile business, and and has a host of warm friends. He has held the was business manager for his uncle, George Adams, office of justice of the peace two years, was mayor who owned 14,000 acres of land, and was also of the town for three terms, and other positions, engaged in the milling business. In 1859 he all of which he filled in a creditable and satis- moved his family to Dresden, and in 1864 engaged factory manner. He is a member of the G. A. R., in business for one year, when he sold out. In Griffe post No. 337, and has been senior vice-com- 1866 he settled on what is now Brice Frazey's farm, mander one year. Like his father before him, Mr. and later settled in Dresden, where he died March Adams is a strong republican. He was married, 5, 1885, nearly eighty years of age. He had first February 1, 1872, to Miss Minnie A. Thompson, married, at the age of thirty-one, Emma Reasoner, daughter of James and Sarah Thompson. Mr. and to them were born two children, Howard and Thompson was a merchant of Noble county, Ohio, Jay. His wife died, and he married Mary E. Le- but subsequently moved to the Lone Star state. mert, widow of Ferdinand Lemert, and formerly He died about 1886. He was of Pennsylvania Miss Cass. [See sketch of Dr. E. Cass. ] To this German stock. His family consisted of five chil- marriage were born six children: Jonathan, Oscar, dren: Eleanor, Mary, Minnie A., Ernest B. and Thomas Dick, Abner L., Josephine A. and Rebecca Edgar N. To Mr. and Mrs. Adams were born six J. In politics Mr. Adams was an old line whig, children: Nellie W. (died in infancy), Lora E. and later, a republican, and he and Mrs Adams (died at the age of five years), Blanch, Herbert, were members of the Christian church, of which Wheeler and Seth. Mr. Adams and wife are he was deacon and trustee for many years. He members of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a man of good judgment, and was justice of he is one of the trustees. He is a man universally the peace for many years, also school director and respected and is classed among the best citizens of treasurer. Thomas Dick Adams, his son, was born the county.

January 10, 1849, in Perry township, Licking

Among the old and prominent settlers of Ohio, county, Ohio, on a farm. He received a common- and of English descent, may be mentioned the school education, and attended the Dresden high Adams family, of which Hon. Thomas Dick Adams, school, and gained a knowledge of Latin. He Dresden, Ohio, is a worthy representative. His then took a special course preparatory to teaching grandfather, Samuel Adams, was a farmer of Fau- at New Concord, Ohio, and began teaching in 1874 quier county, Va., a large land owner, and owned in Muskingum township. This he continued for slaves, which he liberated when he moved to Wash- some time, but his farming operation required his ington township, Muskingum county, in 1826. He time, so he relinquished teaching and devoted his was then a man of large family, having married a entire attention to this pursuit. In 1869 he super- Miss Smith. They had eight children, Harriett, intended the construction of the first two sections Anna, Louisa, Juleana, Josephine, Mary, James T. of the C. & M. B. R. R. When young he was a and Joseph. Samuel Adams bought 400 acres of clerk and book-keeper for his brother in Dresden. land in the northwest part of the township, and On November 16, 1870, he married Susannah Van- improved this property until it was the best farm derbark. daughter of Eliphlet and Bethiah H. in the township, setting out a fine orchard, which (Cole) Vanderbark. Mr. Vanderbark was a de- is still in a thrifty condition. He lived on this scendant of old pioneers of that name, and had farm the rest of his life. In religion he was an three children: Susannah, Owen D. and Gresham. Episcopalian, and in politics a democrat. Joseph He was a substantial farmer, and owned 400 acres Adams, his son, was born in Fauquier county, Va., of land in this county. Himself and wife were July 16, 1804, and was about twenty two years of members of the Old School Baptist church. He age when he came to this county with his father. lived to be sixty two years of age, and died Jan- He received a good education in Virginia, was a uary 24, 1889. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dick school teacher and civil engineer, and was one of Adams were born four children; Alta B., Mary the early educators of this county. When young E., Judson J. and Jessie G. Since his marriage he traveled for pleasure, visited the famous Mam- Mr. Adams has resided on his farm near Dresden, moth Cave of Kentucky, and was present in Phil- which consists of 200 acres, pleasantly situated. adelphia when La Fayette made his famous visit to Socially, Mr. Adams is a Mason. He is a member this country, and shook hands with him. He did of the Christian church, and Mrs. Adams of the surveying, and then engaged in the mercantile Baptist, and in politics he is a stanch republican, business in Frazeysburgh, and later in Dresden. and has just been elected to the Ohio State legis- In 1846 he settled on a farm in Perry township, lature by that party. He is vice-president of the Licking county, where he resided until 1858, and Muskingum Agricultural society, and has been

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

connected with it for a period of four years. Sarah A. Carver, a native or Muskingum county, When young, Mr. Adams read law, and at one born May 9, 1827, and the daughter of Millar D. time had a good practice. He has had an excel- and Nancy A. Hannen, who were originally from lent education, and his judgment has been strength- Bucks county, Penn., but who moved to this county. ened by the study of common law. He is a man The father died here in 1861 and the mother in of ability, and well fitted for the part of a legis- 1863. They were the parents of one child besides lator, his life of a practical farmer bringing him Mrs. Adams, Mary, now deceased. The father was nearer the people. His daughter, Alta, is an artist a farmer. Mr. Adams has held the office of town- of ability, and has painted several fine pictures, ship trustee and school director for a number of Mary E. graduated at the age of fifteen years at years, and is deeply interested in educational and the Dresden high school, and was the youngest religious matters. He has succeeded in accumu- pupil ever graduated from that school, which ranks lating considerable property, and is the owner of as one of the best in the state. She has shown three as good farms as are in the township, 600 great talent in music and in crayon drawing, and acres in all. He also owns a fine residence in Ad- is a young lady of fine talents. amsville. He takes an interest in political matters,

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals, Part 66

Author: Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 642

Author:
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642