USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 31
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On the 30th of October, 1895, Mr. Hobart was married to Miss Anna Watkins, who was born in Granville township, July 23, 1875, a daughter of David and Mary Watkins, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. They became parents of four children, but Ernest died at the age of seven months. The others are Ethel, Dorothy and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Hobart are well known and popular not only with their neighbors but with the citizens of Granville, and many through- out the county. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while his fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias at Granville. He is a worthy representative of a prominent pioneer family and his record reflects credit upon the untarnished family name.
RAYMOND O. MARTIN.
Raymond O. Martin, filling the position of deputy auditor in Newark, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, August 27, 1883. His father, Adam L. Martin, was also a native of the same county and in 1897 removed to Licking county, settling in Madison township where he resumed farming, in which work he is still engaged. His wife, Lucinda (Sagle) Martin, was also a native of Muskingum county.
Spending his boyhood and early youth there, Raymond O. Martin supple- mented his district school training by study in Zanesville high school, and holds a teacher's certificate, but has never used it. He sought to follow some professional labor, and when eighteen years of age took up the study of law. He had no parental assistance or financial support of any kind, and was dependent upon his own resources for a living while pursuing his legal education. The hours which other young men usually devote to pleasure were given by him to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence and in June, 1906, he was admitted to the bar, successfully passing the required examinations before the court at Columbus. He then opened an office in Newark, practicing until October of that year, when he was appointed deputy auditor, which position he has since filled. He has like- wise served as clerk of the county board of elections and has been loyal in the discharge of his official duties, prompt and efficient.
On the 21st of June, 1906, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Pearl May Roberts, a native of Newark, and a daughter of William and Mary Roberts. They have now one son, Raymond Wright, born May 1, 1908. Mr. Martin is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen and Council No. 721 of the Knights of
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Columbus. He is a trustee of the Newark city library and is interested in all that pertains to municipal affairs along progressive lines, giving his support to every measure and movement that tends to the upbuilding and development of Newark. He is widely known and his acquaintance among the better class of Newark citizens indicates in him the possession of those qualities which win respect and regard in every land and clime.
JOSEPH H. NEWTON.
Joseph H. Newton was born January 10, 1836, at Smithfield, Jefferson county, Ohio, his parents being George F. and Eliza (Gray) Newton. When two years old his father removed to Holmes county, where the subject of this sketch acquired a common-school and academic education. At the age of eighteen years he left the student's desk for the printer's case. He learned the printing trade in the office of the Holmes County Farmer, of which his father at that time was the owner and proprietor, and when twenty years of age he became the editor of the paper, which was the official organ of the democratic party of Holmes county. On December 16, 1858, Mr. Newton and Miss Anna M. Sproal, a prominent and highly respected young woman of Millersburg, Ohio, went from that place to Mansfield, where they were married. By this marriage three children were born, two of whom, a son and a daughter, died in infancy. The third, Eliza, is the widow of the late Andrew H. Pierson, formerly business manager of the Advocate.
In 1859 Mr. Newton sold his interest in the Holmes County Farmer to Judge J. A. Estill. The following year he was appointed deputy auditor, his father at that time being the auditor. Later he was elected county auditor and the regard and esteem in which he was held by his friends and neighbors was greatly evidenced at that time. He took possession of the office in March, 1870, and served two terms. At that time and afterward he held a number of minor positions of trust and responsibility and was for ten years a member of the board of education of Millersburg.
Mr. Newton actively participated, in 1869, in the extension of what is now the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus Railroad from Millersburg to Mount Vernon and Columbus. The road in those days had its terminus at Millersburg but through his enterprise, coupled with that of prominent citizens of Mount Vernon who were interested in the company, it was extended to the state capital. In 1873 he was one of the prime movers in the Dresden branch of this railroad, the completion of which, however, was delayed some years on account of the financial panic of that year. During the period from 1870 to 1875 he was engaged in the coal and coal land business, the latter portion of which time he had an office in Cleveland. In the spring of 1877 he became occupied with J. A. Caldwell in the publication of local historical works, which engagement continued for nearly three years. During this time Mr. Newton wrote and edited histories of the counties of Clearfield, Jefferson and Venango in Pennsylvania, the four counties of the Pan Handle in West Virginia and the counties of Belmont and Jefferson in Ohio. Some of these works contained an exhaustive history of that interesting
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JOSEPH H. NEWTON
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period in western annals when the Ohio river was the dividing line between the western frontier, settled by whites, and the trackless wilderness which was the abode of powerful tribes of hostile Indians, the preparation and editing of which required extensive and careful research.
In January, 1880, Mr. Newton became an editorial writer on the Wheeling Register, and manager of the weekly edition of that paper. In March of the same year he severed his connection with the Wheeling Register to become editor of the Newark Advocate, and during his continuous connection with the paper, covering a period of twenty-nine years, he has become well known throughout the state as a prominent editor. The Advocate is in every respect a democratic organ. The principles of Jefferson's party are vigorously supported and its uncompromis- ing stand for democratic doctrine at all times has earned for it a well deserved place among the foremost democratic papers of the state.
Two years after Mr. Newton took charge of the Advocate, the Daily Advocate was started by him and the success that it has achieved is owing, more than any- thing else, to the energy and push of its founder. For a number of years it was considered the largest democratic daily published in any city the size of Newark in the state.
Mr. Newton, aside from his editorial work, has always been a great admirer of Izaak Walton and is an enthusiastic angler. His fondness for this sport and his knowledge of fish culture received recognition from Governor James E. Camp- bell, who in March, 1890, appointed him a member of the state board of fish and game commissioners. He served four years on this board and was then compelled to resign on account of numerous other duties, which made it impossible for him to give the position proper attention.
In July, 1893, Mr. Newton became postmaster of Newark and served until April, 1898, some nine months after the expiration of his term. He served on the state fish and game commission from 1890 to 1893 and was a trustee of the Massillon hospital board for four years under the administration of Governor Nash. For the past five years he has been president of the Ohio Democratic Edi- torial Association.
On December 16, 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Newton celebrated their golden wed- ding anniversary at their home in this city, the event being one of the most notable held here for some time.
SIMON LUTHER HAAS.
Simon Luther Haas, a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Wash- ington township, was born on the farm where he still resides, on the 21st of December, 1842, his parents being John and Mary (Boyd) Haas, both of whom were natives of West Virginia. In 1814 the father accompanied his parents on their removal to Licking county, Ohio, the family home being established upon a farm which the grandfather purchased and on which he erected a log house and barn. The grandparents of our subject spent the remainder of their lives in this county and were numbered among the honored early settlers here. John
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Haas, the father of Simon L. Haas, was called to his final rest in 1874, having for a long period survived his wife, who passed away in 1843. Unto this worthy couple were born five children, namely : J. K., William and J. W., all of whom are deceased; S. L., of this review; and one who died in infancy.
Simon Luther Haas obtained a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-seven years, when he was united in marriage to Miss Delia Harris, a native of Licking county. Sub- sequent to the death of his first wife, who lived but a short time after her mar- riage, he wedded Miss Laura C. English, whose birth occurred in Newark township, November 5, 1847, her parents being Nathaniel and Rachel (Helphrey) English, also natives of this county. Mrs. Haas, who is a graduate of the Gran- ville high school, was one of a family of four children, as follows: Mrs. John Watkins, a resident of Licking county ; Mrs. Haas; and two who died in infancy. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two children: Mamic G., the wife of Samuel Rhyne, of Mount Vernon, Ohio; and John E., who is married and operates a part of his father's farm. Mr. and Mrs. Haas also have five grand- children.
Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Haas rented the old homestead farm until his father's death, at which time he purchased the property and has since been successfully engaged in its cultivation and development. The farm comprises one hundred and ten acres of rich and productive land, and in addition to the work of the fields he has made a specialty of raising Norman horses and sheep, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.
In his political views Mr. Haas is a stanch republican and has taken an active interest in the local work of the party, having served for seven years as super- visor and for twelve years as school director. His wife is a devoted member of the Christian church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Haas have spent their entire lives in this county and are well known and highly esteemed as worthy and respected representatives of honored pioneer families here.
JACOB J. NETHERS.
Jacob J. Nethers is a substantial agriculturist, owning and operating one hundred and sixty-five acres in Hanover township, on which he has made his home for a long period. He was born on his father's farm in this county, May 15, 1868, a son of Henry and Ann (Rector) Nethers, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. The father was a boy when he accompanied his parents from his native state to Muskingum county, Ohio, the family home being established near Frazeysburg. He there remained until about the time of his marriage, when he removed to Licking county and since that time has lived in Hanover and Perry townships, now making his home in the latter.
Jacob J. Nethers, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared on the home farm in Perry township and attended the common schools during the winter sea- sons, therein mastering the common branches of English learning. He was early trained to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father in the fields from the
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time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. This training and knowledge served him well when he started out to make his own way in the world and that he has met with success is indicated by the fine farm property he posesses, his tract comprising one hundred and sixty-five acres, situated in Hanover township. This place is improved with a good country resi- dence, substantial barns and outbuildings and the fields, too, have been placed under a high state of cultivation, so that he annually harvests good crops.
It was in 1892 that Mr. Nethers established a home of his own by his mar- riage to Miss Susanna Huffman, of Virginia township, Coshocton county, and in the fall of the same year he purchased and removed to his present farm where they have since made their home. Their union has been blessed with six children, Otto, William, Alfred, John, Ollie and George, all at home.
Mr. Nethers gives his political support to the democratic party and he is identified with the Masons, belonging to New Home lodge, No. 338, at Hanover, He and his estimable wife have a large circle of friends and the hospitality of their pleasant home is freely extended to all.
ROBERT S. McMILLEN.
General farming and stock-raising command the attention of Robert S. McMillen, in Newark township, where his birth occurred December 2, 1858, on a farm adjoining the one he now cultivates. His father, John McMillen, was born in Madison township November 15, 1820, and departed this life in Newark township on June 28, 1906. He dealt extensively in stock in connection with general farming and was not only a feeder but also a buyer and shipper and on an average kept on hand two hundred head of cattle. In this line of business he was considered one of the most successful men in the county and was acknowl- edged to be without a peer in judging the quality of horses, sheep and cattle. When he commenced life for himself he possessed but little, but, being ambitious, he applied himself industriously until he acquired seven hundred acres of high- priced land located near the city. He was a son of Andrew and Elizabeth McMillen, who were natives of Scotland, and was twice married, his first wife being Mary E. Fulton, a native of this county, who passed away on January 3, 1859. They had three children: Martha Jane, wife of W. C. Hall; Mary Eliza- beth; and Robert S. His second marriage was with Mrs. Nancy (Fulton) Showman, a widow, and a sister of his first wife, who passed away in August, 1904, leaving her husband and two children: John W. and Benjamin F., both of this township.
Robert S. McMillen was educated in the district schools of this township and after completing his studies remained on the farm and engaged with his father in stock-raising and general agricultural pursuits. He learned the various phases of stock breeding from his father, who was commonly conceded to be an expert, and as a consequence he is looked upon as an authority in this department of the business. Stock-raising demands most of his attention and while he produces considerable hay and other grains he uses most of such produce in feeding cattle,
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which he makes ready for market and ships to various portions of the state. He cultivates two farms, one consisting of one hundred and three and one-half acres, on which he raises hay and grain and the other containing one hundred and one and one-half acres in Union township, which he uses for grazing purposes. Both farms are in fine condition and thoroughly equipped with all modern conveniences, with which to successfully pursue his work.
In 1900 Mr. McMillen wedded Lida Marple, a native of Chatham, Ohio, and a daughter of Miles and Dollie (McMillen) Marple, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Marple was born January 24, 1827, in Newton township, this county, near . Chatham, where he cultivated a farm, containing two hundred acres, until his death, which occurred May 24, 1886. He was a son of David and Margaret (Armstrong) Marple, who were among the early settlers of Newton township, and departed this life on their farm in 1857 and 1862, respectively, after having reared fourteen children, one of whom was Miles Marple, who wedded Dollie McMillen, who was born in Newark township, this county, January 19, 1824, and who passed away November 19, 1868, on the home farm where she had resided since her mar- riage. She was a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Wilson) MeMillen, the latter born December 28, 1793, while the former was a native of Ireland. Mrs. Robert S. McMillen is one of four children, namely: James D., of Columbus, Ohio; Belle W., wife of Albert M. Smoots, of Washington township; and Henrietta, deceased.
With respect to national issues Mr. McMillen is a republican in politics, but in municipal and state affairs he is non-partisan and reserves the right to cast his vote for the candidates whom he deems best qualified to serve in the offices they seek, irrespective of party ties. Mr. McMillen is among the substantial men of the community, is aggressive and industrious and a representative citizen, who has done much in contributing toward the financial worth of the township.
THE NEWARK TRUST COMPANY.
The Newark Trust Company was incorporated April 22, 1903, and began business July 23, 1903. In the short time that has elapsed since its establishment so remarkable has been its career as to attract widespread attention to its manage- ment. Making the showing that it has in its infancy-a showing that is at once the wonder, admiration and envy of its coworkers in this field-one is tempted to predict unlimited developments in the future. The past year, which taxed to the utmost almost every financial institution in the country, only served to empha- size the solidity of this bank. The panic did not affect this house or interfere with its operations in any way. All demands were met with cash, there was plenty of money to loan on good securities and the tellers were instructed to cash everything. As a matter of fact, deposits have shown an increase of better than five per cent during the last few months.
The operations of this company cover a general banking business. The statement of condition made in response to the call of the auditor of the state of Ohio, dated August 18, 1908, shows a capital of two hundred thousand dollars,
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NEWARK TRUST BUILDING.
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surplus of one hundred thousand dollars, deposits of one million, one hundred eighty-two thousand, seven hundred and sixty-eight dollars and total resources of one million, four hundred ninety-four thousand, three hundred and twenty dollars. The following comparative statement of deposits and resources on the same date of each year since it began business makes very interesting reading.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF DEPOSITS.
August 18, 1903
$ 60,226.81
August 18, 1904
429,497.06
Auugst 18, 1905 645,235.14
August 18, 1906
941,468.65
August 18, 1907
1,028,892.71
August 18, 1908.
1,182,768.74
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF RESOURCES.
August 18, 1903
$ 160,322.08
August 18, 1904
543,392.62
August 18, 1905.
772,184.33
August 18, 1906
1,087,010.99
August 18, 1907
1,342,051.56
August 18, 1908
1,494,320.13
This wonderful growth shows that careful depositors appreciate the strength and conservatism of the Newark Trust Company. In this connection we might mention, as indicative of the many safeguards woven round their depositors, that the company employs one of the best known and most famous firms of certified public accountants in the state of Ohio to examine the books and affairs of the company at times not made known in advance to the officers of the bank.
The officers and directors are: F. P. Kennedy, president; vice presidents, C. C. Metz and W. C. Christian ; secretary and treasurer, W. C. Metz. Directors : William C. Christian, of William Christian & Sons; F. A. Crane, secretary Newark Ice and Cold Storage Company; J. R. Davies, attorney at law; Roe Emerson, wholesale and retail clothing; H. S. Fleek, Fleek & Neal, wholesale grocers; J. S. Fulton, of J. E. Fulton & Company; A. H. Heisey, president the A. H. Heisey Company ; F. P. Kennedy, president of the Newark Trust Company; C. C. Metz, of Charles C. Metz & Brother; William H. Smith, president of the P. Smith Sons Lumber Company; A. B. Schauweker, of Clouse & Schauweker; Edward Thomas, treasurer of the James E. Thomas Company; S. F. Van Voorhis, capitalist; A. J. Wilson, president First National Bank, Utica, Ohio; E. C. Wright, cashier First National Bank, Newark.
The Commercial and Financial World, of New York, speaking of the new building erected by the Newark Trust Company, said: "In point of elegance and completeness it strides far and away from anything of the kind possessed by a city of similar size in the United States. The new steel constructed office building of ten floors is indicative of the pinnacle of perfection which has been reached in modern building construction. It is absolutely fireproof throughout, with hardwood finish, polished floors, corridors and toilet rooms fitted in imported marble, and every improvement and convenience that go to make up the costly modern office buildings of today, and would be a credit to any city priding itself on its elaborate architecture and massive structures.
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"The Newark Trust Company occupies the entire first floor of this building, into which it moved September 2, 1907, from its original location in the Doty House block. New York bankers might well look with envy upon the quarters fitted throughout in imported Italian marble, bronze and mahogany, now occupied by this company, so commodious, elegant, complete and harmonious are they in every particular. Not one facility is lacking that is necessary to the proper conduct of their business today or could be required in its ultimate development. No expense or pains has been spared that would add to its advantages in point of comfort or beauty. In all the United States cannot be found a more thoroughly or a more splendidly equipped bank. In every place where it has been possible or practicable, metal is utilized in the place of wood, but so cleverly has this feature been carried out, even in the building of the desks, that the eye of the uninitiated is unable to detect it. The details of the interior decoration have been carried out with an elaborateness and consistency that not only bespeaks the possession of great ability and skill on the part of the originator, but an unlimited expenditure of time, pains and money. The color scheme is perfect and carefully followed and a characteristic and very pleasing feature is the recurrence of the company's monogram, a beautifully artistic design, on the walls, in the rugs, on the furniture and utilized in many ways in the general office, the directors' room and the president's private office. The rugs have been especially woven by hand in Austria for the company's use and are in perfect accord, both in color and decoration, with the rest of the furnishings. The whole effect cannot fail to meet the immediate appreciation and commendation of all who have the pleasure of visiting or dealing with this bank. The directors' room and the president's private office are models of appropriateness, convenience and quiet elegance. The company maintains its own private telephone exchange, connecting with the city line, and facilitating speedy communication between departments. In installing their vaults all the work has been utilized to the best advantage and every effort made, known to science, to guard against attacks of fire or burglars. The same might be said of the safe deposit vaults, which constitute a separate department. Here is offered to customers every convenience that can be found in the banks of our large cities.
"Of the Newark Trust Company Mr. F. P. Kennedy, the president, is the moving spirit. That he has given to the management of its affairs the benefit of his large ability, knowledge of financial matters and wise discrimination, is largely due its remarkable success. A man of deliberate and careful judgment, he has displayed in his business career bold initiative, indomitable courage and ceaseless energy combined with absolute integrity. The people of Newark owe him much, for he is mainly responsible for the erection of the new office building of which they are so justly proud, while the patrons of the bank must look to its president as the originator of the exclusive and elegant ideas carried out so success- fully in the company's new quarters. Mr. Kennedy is held in unquestioned and high esteem in social and business circles alike.
"As will be seen, the board of directors and officers of this bank are well known and representative business men whose character and ability insure safe and conservative management. The history of the five short years of this bank's existence shows steady and continuous advancement ; and its conservative methods,
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