USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 17
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DAVID L. EVANS
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Evans in early life learned and followed the stonemason's trade and afterward turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and was at one time the owner of four hundred acres of land here. His success came to him as the direct result of his enterprise and labor. He was a deacon of the Baptist church and a man much respected in the community where he made his home. Unto him and his wife were born six children: David L .; Elias and Christmas, both deceased; George, of Granville; Isaac, a practicing physician of Columbus; and Cyrus, also of Granville.
David L. Evans has spent his entire life in this county and no event of especial importance occurred to vary the routine of farm work for him in his youthful days. He attended the schools of the neighborhood and when not busy with his text-books was employed at the task of plowing, planting and harvesting When he reached adult age he resolved to follow the same pursuit, and is now the owner of a farm of seventy-three acres all in one body, although twenty-five acres lie across the boundary line in Mckean township. He has lived upon this farm for over forty-seven years and its attractive appearance indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. His life has been of untiring activity and energy and whatever success he has attained is due entirely to his own labors.
In 1853 Mr. Evans was married to Miss Aradna Davis, who was born in Granville township April 10, 1835, and is a daughter of David and Isabella (Williams) Davis, who were natives of South Wales. The mother died here in January, 1881, at the age of sixty-four years. She had come to Licking county with her parents, William and Isabella (Pugh) Williams, who settled on the Welsh Hills and spent their remaining days here. David Davis arrived in Licking county about 1814, coming from South Wales. He had lost his father in youth and came alone to the new world, making his way direct to Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a tailor and followed that trade in Newark in early manhood, but afterward removed to a farm at Welsh Hills, where his death occurred. He left two daughters and two sons: Mrs. Hannah Price, now deceased ; Mrs. Evans; William, who has also passed away; and Samuel. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Evans have been born four children: Eliza Jane, now the widow of Simeon Hankison of Granville township; William, at home; Thomas, of the same township; and Gertrude, the wife of Benjamin Jones, residing with her father.
Mr. and Mrs. Evans are members of the Welsh Baptist church of which he is serving as a trustee. He is interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the community along moral and other lines of improvement and the influence of his life has always been on the side of justice, truth and right. Greatly respected in the community, he well deserves mention among its representative citizens.
NICHOLAS C. BROWN.
Nicholas C. Brown, a life-long resident of Union township, this county, where he is widely known as a pension attorney and substantial agriculturist, was born here January 21, 1843, and descends from a family the members of which date their history far back in the annals of the country, his great-great-grandfather,
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William Brown, having come to America with Lord Baltimore and settled in Frederick county, Maryland, where he reared a number of children, among whom was Edward, who had a son Nicholas, who served during the Revolutionary war and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and who also was a com- missioned captain in the war of 1812 and had command of a company from Kentucky. Among the children born to Nicholas Brown was Asa, father of the subject of this review, his birth having occurred in Madison county, Kentucky, June 4, 1801. When twelve years of age he removed with his parents to Fairfield county, this state, settling on the south bank of Buckeye lake, where he spent a few years, when his father sold and moved to Harrison township, Licking county. Asa Brown was educated in the subscription schools and by private study. He first taught a subscription school in Missouri; then returned to Licking county, and after two years went again to Missouri for a few months, after which he came back to Licking county and was married. He then bought a farm in Perry county, Ohio, and lived there two years, when he sold. In 1832 he came to what is known as the old Asa Brown farm on the west side of Union township, Licking county, containing two hundred and fifty acres, and here he lived until his death.
Aside from pursuing agriculture Asa Brown was also prominent in church work, serving as a Methodist exhorter in the many churches scattered throughout the county, and among other good works accredited to him was the emancipation of a family of slaves, consisting of a man and wife and their two children. Being a man of earnest Christian zeal, he was for many years a leading factor in the county in establishing churches and reviving moral and spiritual life. He was united in marriage to Hannah Comly, who was born in Circleville, Ohio, May 18, 1807, a daughter of James Comly, who laid out the city of Lexington, Perry county, Ohio. Her grandfather was David Comly, of Mount Pleasant, Jefferson county, this state, and her great-grandfather James Comly, who came to America with William Penn and settled in Philadelphia. To Asa and Hannah Brown were born ten children, five of whom survive, namely: James C., a resident of Outville ; Joshua M., who lives in Hebron ; Eliza Emeline, wife of Captain A. N. Wells, of Johnstown, this county ; Sarah C., widow of Luther Wood, of Johnstown, this county ; and Nicholas C. Both parents died on the old home farm, the father passing away July 27, 1883.
On his father's farm Nicholas C. Brown was reared, learning the art of hus- bandry during the summer months of his boyhood days and in the winter season attending the neighboring schools, where he acquired his early education. During four years of this time he attended at intervals the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He was in the sophomore year in the Ohio Wesleyan University and reading law while the Civil war was in progress, and he answered the call to arms in the spring of 1864, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from this county, and was taken prisoner at North Mountain, Virginia, on July 3 of the same year, and held for several months, being confined most of the time in Andersonville. The battle of North Mountain was the only one in which he had engaged, and he was paroled at Savannah, Georgia, November 24, 1864, and taken to Annapolis until physically able to come home, his prison experience having brought his weight, which was originally two hundred and twelve pounds, down to ninety-seven pounds. After the war his eyesight had been so affected as a result of his prison life that he was
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unable to resume his studies, so that he returned to the farm, where in the course of time he regained his health and weight. Remaining on the home farm until 1870, he then purchased the farm he now cultivates and which embraces one hun- dred and twenty-six acres of land, which at the time Mr. Brown settled upon it was all forest with the exception of nine acres, but by hard work and perseverance he soon cleared off the land, making it arable, and has since erected an elegant dwelling and other buildings and secured the conveniences necessary to facilitate the occupation of farming. He purchased this tract of land from his father-in-law and selected the highest point on the premises upon which to erect his home. Choosing a knoll which was thickly overgrown with large trees, he cut away a sufficient number to enable him to erect his residence, leaving the remainder, which afford protection from the wintry winds and during the summer season offer pleasant shade. While Mr. Brown engages in stock raising and the production of various crops, he makes a specialty of wheat, raising as fine a quality of that cereal as is derived from the soil of this region. In connection with attending to the duties of his farm, Mr. Brown taught school from the fall of 1860 until the spring of 1893, barring the time spent in military service, and for thirty-three years has regularly served during the winter months as a preceptor of the township school of his district.
On November 26, 1868, Mr. Brown wedded Rachel E. Park, a native of this township, where she was born August 1, 1846. She lost her life by being struck by a car while crossing the railroad tracks near home on September 11, 1908. She was a daughter of Asa and Eleanor (Belt) Park, natives of this township, who spent their entire lives here, their parents having been among the early settlers. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born: James P., a foreman in the railroad shops at Columbus, Ohio; Asa H., who departed this life in 1898, leaving his widow, who was .Jessie Laramore, and one child, Bernice Irene; Nicholas C., Jr., an agricul- turist of this place, who is also in the employ of the Columbus Natural Gas Com- pany; Arthur E., professor of English history and literature in the William Penn Charter School, of Philadelphia; Katie M., wife of Presley C. Grove, of Union township; Rachel E., wife of Carl Foster, living on the farm with her father ; Emma G., who became the wife of Dr. Frederick B. Laramore, M. D., of Port Washington, Ohio; and Frederick C. and Linnie E., who departed this life in childhood.
Mr. Brown has been a lifelong supporter of the republican party, the prin- ciples of which he has thoroughly studied, and, deeming them the embodiment of the wisdom of the highest statesmanship, he has always endeavored by his vote and influence to place the candidates who stand for them in office. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, but did not have the opportunity of voting for him the second time, since during his candidacy he was a prisoner of war at Milan Junction. In local affairs he has always been quite prominent and in the fall of 1894 was elected a director of the county infirmary, being the first republican can- didate elected to fill the duties of that position in this county. He belongs to William Lodge, No. 363, I. O. O. F., meeting in Hebron, and of the Star Encamp- ment. He is also a member of Lemert Post, No. 71, G. A. R., of Newark, and is a thirty-second degree Mason. He belongs to Hebron Lodge, No. 116, of that order, to the chapter and council meeting at Newark, and also to Mount Vernon Commandery, No. 1, meeting in Columbus. Mr. Brown has been as faithful to
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his religious obligations as to other interests in life and for the past fifty years has held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Granville, with which he united when sixteen years of age and in which he has since been an active worker. Mrs. Brown was also a member of this church. He is well known throughout the county for his integrity, and his life being in every respect harmo- nious with a high standard of morals, he has always merited the confidence and respect of his neighbors and is accounted among the worthy citizens of the township.
MOREY C. HENTHORN.
Morey C. Henthorn, who devotes his time to agricultural pursuits in Alex- andria, St. Albans township, was born in Newark, Ohio, November 9, 1854, a son of John and Olive Martissa (Brooks) Henthorn, and a grandson of John and Nancy Jane (Garverson) Henthorn. The latter attained the ripe age of ninety-six years. His father was born in Indiana in 1814 and in his boyhood was brought by his parents to Newark, where he lived until 1855. He then engaged in farming and upon the death of his wife, made his home with his son, Morey C., in St. Albans township, where he departed this life September 1, 1890. He was an active democrat, and a member of the Christian church. His wife was a native of Mckean township, where she passed away in 1887, at the age of fifty- four years. Her father was Martin Brooks, one of the early settlers of that place. John and Olive Henthorn had the following children: Albert, of Newark; Lucy M., wife of Samuel Watson, of Newark; Mrs. Nancy Jane Jones, deceased ; Mrs. Mary E. McLean, deceased; Morey C .; Frank M., who was killed by a falling tree in 1882; Frederick B., a wealthy farmer of South Dakota; Mrs. Clara A. Cooley, deceased ; Mrs. Emma J. Halter, of Florence, Wisconsin; and Ina A., who departed this life when fourteen years of age.
When but a year old Morey C. Henthorn was taken by his parents to MeKean township, where he received his education in the district schools. He there remained until he was twenty years of age. At the age of seventeen years he began working as a farm hand and was thus employed for six years. After his marriage in 1879 he rented a farm in Hartford township, where he remained for nine years and then followed farming in Jersey township for three years, at the expira- tion of which time he located on the tract of land he now has under cultivation and which he bought in 1902. The farm consists of one hundred and eighty-five acres of arable land, located on the Jersey road, less than a mile southwest of Alexandria, and is equipped with all of the necessary buildings and machinery for prosecuting farm work. Aside from raising crops of various kinds he also engaged to some extent in stock-raising.
On May 29, 1879, Mr. Henthorn was united in marriage to Anna Watson, who was born in Queens county, Ireland, January 16, 1856, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Crampton) Watson, who emigrated to the new world, where they departed this life. Their daughter was left in the care of relatives and came in 1871 to Newark. She was one of six children, the others being Bessie, Joyce and Michael, all of whom are deceased ; and Samuel and John. Mr. and Mrs. Hen-
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MR. AND MRS. M. C. HENTHORN
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thorn have six children. Mary E., born March 3, 1881, is the wife of Rev. W. V. Harter, a United Brethren clergyman, of Guysville, Ohio, and they have three children : Velma, Paul and Harold. Francis W., born February 23, 1883, died November 30, 1890; Earl J., born January 28, 1885, is a farmer of St. Albans township and wedded Cora Miller, by whom he has one son Kenneth. Ernest, born February 15, 1886, is a resident of Columbus, Ohio. Bessie Olive died in infancy. Clarence Ray, the youngest, was born July 28, 1891.
Mr. Henthorn belongs to the Baptist church of Alexandria and is a member of its board of trustees. Being strongly opposed to the liquor traffic, he is an ardent devotee of the temperance movement and, believing that the evil of intem- perance in this country should be abolished and that the only means to effect its abolition is through politics, he always votes on that side of the question. In addi- tion to being a member of the Knights of Pythias, he belongs to the Modern Wood- men of America and in both orders has served in all of the chairs. Mr. Henthorn is an industrious and persevering man, whose labors have brought him prosperity and his excellent qualities have won him uniform respect.
THOMAS F. HILLBRANT.
Thomas F. Hillbrant, who has played an active part in developing the farming interests of Union township, this county, and whose ancestors were also pioneers of this section of the state, was born on the farm he now has under cultivation, April 20, 1854. His paternal grandfather, Henry, who was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1762, came here at a time when there were but two or three families in this part of the township and settled near the present home of his grand- son, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in his ninety-fourth year. He took up a claim covering something over sixteen hundred acres of wood- land, a portion of which he cleared and put under cultivation. In his family were six sons and four daughters, some of whom were born in Virginia, and a number of whom were united in marriage and reared families, among them having been Aaron Hillbrant, whose birth occurred here on October 7, 1808, where he spent his entire life in the pursuit of agriculture, entering into rest November 3, 1879. He was an extensive land owner, having possessed five hundred acres in this township, together with one farm in Illinois, his first purchase here having been one hundred acres of timber land which he cleared off and put under cultivation and provided with substantial buildings. Before owning the farm for five years he was employed on the Ohio canal, receiving seven dollars a month for the first three years; eight dollars per month for the fourth year; and nine dollars a month for the fifth year. Giving up this occupation he commenced farming and was so successful in tilling the soil as to have been able not only to increase his acreages ten times over his original purchase, but also to amass considerable means. He wedded Isabella Hud- dleston, a native of Hampshire county, Virginia (now West Virginia), in Novem- ber, 1811, a daughter of Henry and Mary Huddleston, who were early settlers of this place, and to this union were born eleven children, four of whom survive, namely: Lucy, who became the wife of George C. Wilcox, the couple living in
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Kansas; Henry, a resident of Granville township; Aaron Park, who resides here ; and Thomas F. His wife having passed away in 1864, Mr. Hillbrant was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Kagy Walton, by whom he had one son, W. H., who resides in Kansas.
Thomas F. Hillbrant's entire life has been spent upon the farm here, where during his boyhood days under the instruction of his father he became familiar with the various phases of agriculture, taking advantage of the district schools during the winter terms to obtain an education, and after completing his studies remained upon the home place where he has since been engaged in general agriculture and stock raising. His farm embraces two hundred acres of land which has had the attention of years of cultivation and care, and Mr. Hillbrant being a man who conducts farm- ing upon modern principles has made sufficient study of the soil to conserve its productive properties, and by attention to the rotation and adaptation of crops, from year to year he has been able to derive from his land excellent crops of the finest quality. His farm is provided with a comfortable dwelling house, barn, and outbuildings, all modern and substantial, and in fact on the premises may be found every convenience with which to pursue the occupation and conduct it on a paying basis.
On April 18, 1882, Mr. Hillbrant wedded Ella E. Walton, a native of this township, born June 23, 1858, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Kagy) Walton, and to this union have been born three children : Josephine C., who became the wife of Walter Norris, a resident of this place; James W., a resident of Spokane, Wash- ington, where he attends the high school; and Philip Clayton, who lives with his parents. Mr. Hillbrant's political affiliations have always been with the democratic party, because he believes in the wisdom of its principles, considering the policies they set forth as necessary to maintain the institutions of the land in their original freedom, and also to so distribute the wealth of the nation as to bring prosperity within the reach of all in the industrial and commercial worlds. While he is not an active politician, he keeps well informed with respect to the affairs of the nation, taking a deep interest in all public questions, and during campaigns his influence is strongly felt in his endeavor to secure the election of the candidates of his party. He is favorably known throughout the township, and being a man who observes honesty and straightforwardness in his transactions, he deserves the confidence of his neighbors and stands high among the citizens of the township.
JAMES T. OSBORN.
Surmounting the difficulties which beset him in early life, James T. Osborn has gradually worked his way upward until today he is in possession of a well improved farm property comprising forty-two acres in Madison township, on which he has made his home since 1902. He was born in Franklin township, Lick- ing county, August 19, 1849, a son of Richard and Mary (Humphrey) Osborn, both of whom were natives of Loudoun county, Virginia. They were married in Muskingum county, Ohio, and soon afterward came to Licking county, establishing their home in Franklin township. In 1849, however, they took up their abode in Madison township, while in 1874 the father removed to Newton township and
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there spent his remaining days, his death occurring in May, 1875, when he was sixty-three years of age. The mother, however, died during their residence in Madison township, her death occurring September 24, 1868, when she was fifty- eight years of age. The father was a democrat in political views and affiliations and was a man highly respected in the various communities in which he lived.
James T. Osborn was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, his time during the spring and summer months being given to work on the home farm, while in the winter season he pursued his education in the public schools. He continued to assist his father in the operation of the homestead property until 1874, when he and his brother Landon, who is now deceased, rented the home farm, which they operated until 1882. Mr. Osborn then operated for one year the farm now owned by Curtis Neibarger, after which he took up his abode on the farm which he now owns but which he then rented. After four years, in 1887, he removed to the farm which is now owned by Mrs. Wilson, but in 1902, having carefully saved his earnings, he felt justified in making purchase of the property he now owns and to which he removed in 1902. This tract comprises forty-two acres and is located in Madison township. Mr. Osborn has placed the land under a high state of cultivation and each year harvests abundant crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. In all his business affairs he follows only the most honorable and straightforward methods and the success which he has achieved is richly deserved.
Mr. Osborn has been married twice. He was first married in December, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Mckinney, a daughter of Samuel B. Mckinney, of Madison township. This union was blessed with one daughter, Helen M., now the wife of George Anderson, a resident of Madison township. The wife and mother departed this life in June, 1900, and in October, 1904, Mr. Osborn was again married, his second union being with Eliza Cochran, of Newark, Ohio.
Active and interested in the political situation of the country, Mr. Osborn gives stalwart support to the republican party and is now serving his second term as trustee of Madison township. Mr. Osborn is well qualified to fill the office to the satisfaction of the people, as was demonstrated in his re-election for a second term. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Epis- copal church, of which he is a trustee. His success is the result of his own energy, labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business principles, so today he finds a place among the substantial agriculturists of Madison township and Licking county.
JOSEPH W. HORNER.
Joseph W. Horner is actively connected with the profession which has im- portant bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or community, and one which has long been considered as conserving public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He has been identified with the interests of Licking county since 1900, and since 1903 has practiced at the bar here, being now junior partner of the firm of Russell & Horner, who are recognized as leading attorneys with a large and important clientage.
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Mr. Horner was born at Frazeysburg, Muskingum county, Ohio, May 22, 1871, his parents being John and Margaret (Riley) Horner, who were also natives of that county. The father was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for the support of his family, but at the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations, joining the army as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Joseph W. Horner pursued his education in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, completing a course in the literary department in 1899, when the degree of B. M. was conferred upon him. In 1902 he was graduated from the law department of the same college and the following year was admitted to the bar. In the meantime, however, he resorted to the profession of teaching that he might be enabled to pre- pare for the practice of law. In 1900 he came to Licking county and was superin- tendent of schools at St. Louisville for two years. He had previously taught school for eight years, spending two terms in a country school and four years at Roscoe, Coshocton county, Ohio. In 1903 he began the practice of law in Newark, where he has since followed his profession with gratifying success. He is now a member of the firm of Russell & Horner, in which connection he is engaged in general practice. He has secured an extensive clientele that is connecting him with much important litigation tried in the courts of his district, and has directed his ability and efforts so as to gain recognition as one of the representative lawyers of the Newark bar. The success he has gained has come as the direct result of his efforts and methods. The possession of advantages is no guarantee whatever of professional success. This comes not of itself nor can it be secured without integrity, ability and industry. These qualities Mr. Horner possesses in an eminent degree and, moreover, he is faithful to every interest committed to his charge. At present he is a candidate for prosecuting attorney on the republican ticket. In 1906 he was elected a member of the board of review and is still incumbent in that office. He is well known in musical and social circles, belonging to the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen Camp. He is also a member of the Aeolian male quartette, in which he sings first tenor, this being recognized as one of the best inusical organizations in this section of the state. His talents in this direction, as well as his social qualities, make him a favorite in social circles, so throughout Newark and Licking county he has many warm friends.
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