USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 34
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was head counselor of the king's bench, an office equivalent to that of chief justice of the United States. The death of Thomas Philipps, the founder of the family in America, occurred May 20, 1813, when he was seventy-two years of age.
Samuel J. Philipps, the grandfather of him whose name introduces this record, was born in South Wales and died at Newark, March 2, 1854, at the age of seventy-six years and six months. He and one of his brothers were seized on board a ship by the English press gang to put them in the engineer service, but they were not compelled to go, owing to the fact that their mother was a sister of Erasmus Philipps, who had much influence in England. Samuel J. Philipps reared a large family, namely: Thomas; John, who died of cholera in 1832; Mary; Samuel G., the father of our subject; Erasmus, well known as a school teacher many years ago; Ann; Ben; Lydia; Washington ; Lucretia; and Sallie.
Samuel Griffith Philipps, father of Samuel Jones Philipps, was born in Beulah, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1806, and in 1809 was brought by his family to Licking county. After reaching years of maturity he purchased a farm in Mckean township, near the original Philipps purchase, and lived on the place until some years after his wife's death, when he moved to the farm now owned by his son, Samuel J., where his death occurred December 26, 1899. In his younger days he was a teacher, and in 1855 went to Kansas, where he helped make government surveys. About 1830 he married Susannah Reily, who was born in Tilton Fort, Jefferson county, Ohio, May 23, 1807, and in 1808 came with her parents to Newark. Her death occurred here September 22, 1893. She was a daughter of Jacob and Sallie (Tilton) Reily, the former a native of Delaware, while the latter was the first white child born in the state of Ohio. She was born in Tilton Fort, April 2, 1790, and died in Newark. Her brother, John Tilton, was killed and scalped by the Indians. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Griffith Philipps were born eight children: Sarah, the wife of David D. Jones, of Morrow county, Ohio; Lydia, who died at the age of twelve years; Priscilla, the deceased wife of E. L. Rose; Martha, the wife of S. J. White, of Newark; Victoria, the deceased wife of Absalom Harris; Nellie, the wife of J. G. Frederick; Samuel J .: and Thomas W., who was prosecuting attor- ney of Licking county at the time of his death in 1902.
Samuel Jones Philipps was born in a little log house in MeKean township, December 28, 1845, on the farm before referred to, which his father purchased near the boundary line between MeKean and Granville townships. While a small lad he attended school at the "old stone schoolhouse," walking over two miles night and morning. This old structure is still standing-a silent witness of a past generation. It was erected by the Rev. Thomas Hughes in 1825, on his farm, about two miles northeast of Granville. The farm is now owned by D. E. Chism, and the old stone building is used as a sheep house. His dwelling is now in Gran- ville township, while his barn is in MeKean township. Mr. Philipps was reared on the old farm homestead and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He was busily engaged in plowing, planting and harvesting when not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom, and thus his youthful years were passed. He was not yet nineteen years of age when, on the 6th of September, 1864, he offered his services to his country, enlist- ing as a member of Company D, Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being mustered out August 28. 1865, after almost a year spent at the front. He com-
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pleted the work of the sophomore year at Denison University and for a number of years engaged successfully in teaching the country schools. For eight years he was agent for the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Company in Licking county. In partnership with his brother-in-law, S. J. White, he has done contract work for the county in bridge building and constructed many of the principal bridges in this part of the state. He is now concentrating his energies upon his agricultural pursuits, having ninety-five acres of rich and productive land, of which fourteen acres lie in Granville township, and are a part of the original Philipps purchase made by his great-grandfather in 1796.
On the 15th of June, 1876, Mr. Philipps was married to Miss Wilhelmina Williams, who was born in Granville township, March 2, 1857, and died June 23, 1898. She was a daughter of John and Esther (Jones) Williams, natives of Wales. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is living in Granville. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Philipps were born ten children: Mamie O., the wife of Samuel Wheeler, of Montclair, New Jersey, and who is a graduate of Wellesley College, near Boston; Victoria B., the wife of Daniel Jones, of Cincinnati; Philip, who married Elsie Hankinson; Pearl, who married George Hottinger; Bertha; Susie, the wife of G. P. Barber, of Newark; Thomas W., attending law school in New Jersey : Samuel J., Jr .; Winifred; and Edith.
Mr. Philipps is a member of Lemert Post, No. 71, G. A. R., of Newark. The Philipps cemetery is on the farm of Samuel J. Philipps and in the north- east corner of the Philipps purchase. There the father, grandfather and great- grandfather of our subject lie buried. It is historic ground, inasmuch as they were all active factors in the development of the county, contributing in substan- tial measure to its growth and improvement from the days when settlement by the white race followed closely upon Indian occupancy. As the years passed the old wigwams ceased to be seen and the little log cabins foretold future develop- ment. The arduous task of the early pioneers was that of clearing away the for- ests and preparing the land for cultivation, and as the years went by others tilled the fields which they had cleared, and today the rich farming land of Licking county produces abundantly. Mr. Philipps still lives upon a portion of the old property which has been in possession of the family for one hundred and thirteen years, and continues today to till the soil which has been owned successively by his great-grandfather, his grandfather and his father.
ROBERT ZERGIEBEL.
Robert Zergiebel has for twelve years been connected with the police force of Newark, and is now occupying the responsible position of chief of police, in which connection he is rendering valuable service to the city in quelling lawless- ness and crime. He is prompt, conscientious and efficient in the discharge of his duties, and his promotion to his present position was a well merited one. He displays many of the sterling characteristics of the German race, of which he is a representative. His birth occurred in Saxony, on the 10th of March, 1853, his parents being Michael and Christina (Seiler) Zergiebel, who were both natives of the Fatherland.
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Robert Zergiebel pursued his education in the schools of his native country, and in 1869, at the age of sixteen years, came to the United States, making his way to Zanesville, Ohio, where he lived for more than a year, and then came to Newark, in June, 1871. Limited financial resources made it imperative that he at once secure employment, and for many years he was a sheepskin tanner. In 1880 he went to Colorado, where he resided for three years, and then returned to this city. With the exception of that period, he has resided continuously in Newark since 1871, and his life record is therefore a familiar one to his fellow townsmen, who recognize in him many qualities that are commendable. In 1896 he joined the police force and acted as a patrolman until January, 1908, when he was appointed chief of police, and is now at the head of the department, which is well organized and is doing efficient work in bringing law-breakers to justice and in preventing crime. In 1887 Mr. Zergiebel returned to his home in Ger- many for a visit with old friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Zergiebel is a member of the German Beneficial Society and has many friends among people of his own nationality, but his friends are by no means lim- ited to those who had their birth in or trace their ancestry to the Fatherland. He is popular throughout the city and is proving an efficient chief, his course winning him the commendation of all law-abiding citizens.
WILLIAM L. WHITEHEAD.
On the farm in Lima township, where he departed this life March 17, 1906, William L. Whitehead was born. His natal day was September 15, 1848, so that his life record covered more than fifty-seven years. ITis parents were George and Rebecca (Green) Whitehead and the former, a native of New Jersey, came with his parents, when a young man, to Jersey township, Licking county, Ohio. Here he devoted his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits. His wife was a native of this county and a daughter of Richard Green, who for many years was prominently connected with farming interests in this part of the country and was also a leading church worker. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. George W. White- head were six children : Rev. Henry Whitehead, who became a clergyman of the Methodist church but is now deceased ; Mrs. Cynthia Trone, a resident of Indiana; Rhoda, who is the widow of Dr. Hoskins and resides in Jersey township; Aurilla, living in Lima township; Mella, a resident of Corning, California ; and William L. .
The last named was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After acquiring his education in the district schools he continued to work in the fields and all his life was devoted to general farming, which he carried on quite suc- cessfully. He also made a specialty of dairying and his capable management and close application constituted the foundation of his prosperity. He lived con- tinuously in this county with the exception of five years which he spent in Franklin township, Franklin county, Ohio. His farm in Lima township comprises one hundred acres of rich and highly improved land and is now the property of his widow, his sons carrying on the active work of the fields.
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WILLIAM L. WHITEHEAD
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On the 24th of November, 1873, Mr. Whitehead was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Condit, a native of Jersey township, Licking county, born November 5, 1854. Her parents were John Henry II. and Martha (Pierson) Condit, who were natives of New Jersey and with their respective parents came to Ohio in childhood days. The mother was a daughter of Elijah Baldwin and Sarah Will- iams (Mingus) Pierson, who were originally from New Jersey, where they were reared and married, removing thence to Ohio and casting in their lot with the early settlers of Jersey township, Licking county. Mr. Pierson was for many years engaged in merchandising and also carried on a wool buying business in connection with Joseph Atkinson, of Pataskala. Forming a partnership, they engaged in the purchase of wool in the days when it was worth a dollar per pound and had to be paid for in gold. Mr. and Mrs. Pierson remained residents of Jersey township until called to their final rest. Their family numbered two daughters, Mrs. Martha Condit and Mrs. Mary Harland Barr. The former, the mother of Mrs. Whitehead, departed this life in Columbus, Ohio, where she had been living for twenty-five years. Mr. Condit spent the last two years of his life in the Masonic Home in Springfield, Ohio. They were the parents of three children : Mrs. Clara Louise Yardley, now deceased; Mrs. Whitehead; and Remington, who resides in Columbus, Ohio.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead has been blessed with five children, namely : Henry Harrison, who wedded Martha Chapin and now resides in Los Angeles, California ; Mary Harland, who is the wife of William Henderson, of Harrison county, Ohio, and has two children, Bertram and Stewart; Moses Stewart, who operates the home farm ; and Sarah Minzie and Luella, who are also at home.
Mr. Whitehead was always loyal to the republican party and while he did not seek or desire office for himself he did all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. In early life he was a Methodist but after- ward transferred his membership to the Presbyterian church and served as one of its trustees. In all departments of church work he was deeply interested and also took an active and helpful part in promoting public progress in temperance lines, laboring earnestly to secure the abolition of the liquor traffic. He was par- ticularly happy in his home relations, finding his greatest pleasure at his own fireside. His entire life was dominated with the purpose of doing good to all men and he closely followed the golden rule while his labors and his influence constituted a potent factor for good in the community.
ELIAS EVANS.
Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose. A feeling of deep and uniform regret spread throughout the community when it was learned that Elias Evans had passed away, for he had long figured as one of the valued and respected farmers of Granville township. He was born upon what is known as the old Evans homestead, in the township, April 6, 1834, and his death there occurred March 18, 1902. He had spent his entire life, covering a period of nearly sixty-eight years, upon that farm, and in early life had become familiar with general agricultural pursuits, working in the fields from the time
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that he was old enough to handle the plow. His education was acquired in the district schools, although the opportunities at that time were not equal to those of the present day. In the period of his youth there were many log houses in the county and the land was just being brought under cultivation by a class of energetic, enterprising settlers. Mr. Evans bore his part in the work of promoting agricultural interests here, and continued as a representative farmer for many years.
On January 1, 1861, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Martha Will- iams, who was born in Granville township, October 13, 1836, and has always resided here. She is a daughter of William P. and Mary (Hughes) Williams, natives of South Wales. The father was seven years of age and the mother three years old when brought to the United States. She was a daughter of the Rev. Thomas Hughes, a Baptist clergyman, who occupied the pulpit of the Welsh Hills church for a number of years, and proved a forceful factor in the moral development of the community. William P. Williams came to Ohio with his parents when seven years of age, the family home being established in Delaware county, while later he removed to Licking county and was identified with its farming interests. He lost his wife when their daughter, Mrs. Evans, the eldest of their four children, was but thirteen years of age. The others of the family are: Henry, now living in Mckean township; Amelia, deceased; and Emma, the wife of Cyrus Evans, a brother of Elias Evans. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Elias Evans there were born a son and two daughters: Carey, who married Esther Palmer, and is living on the home farm, cultivating the tract of one hundred and fifty-seven acres belonging to himself and his mother; Ella, the wife of Oburst Burbank, engaged in the insurance business in Cincinnati, Ohio; and Ina, the wife of the Rev. W. G. Hoover, Baptist clergyman.
Mr. Evans continuously attended and supported the Welsh Hills Baptist church, of which he was a lifelong member. This church is situated on the old home farm, the lot having been deeded to the congregation by his father, Thomas Evans. Elias Evans served as a deacon of the church for about twenty-five years and gave his earnest support to its work. He was also equally stanch in his advocacy of the temperance cause, and for some years prior to his death voted with the prohibition party. He always believed in reform and progress, and his influence was on the side of justice, truth and right. His life was at all times in consistent harmony with his professions, and he was a splendid representative of the sterling class of Welsh citizens whose industry and enterprise have been the factors in the substantial upbuilding of this part of Licking county. To his family he was a devoted husband and father, and his friends found him a genial gentleman who could be relied upon under any circumstances.
WILLIAM HANKINSON.
William Hankinson figured for many years as a representative farmer of Licking county. Almost his entire life was spent within its borders, and while his attention was largely given to agricultural pursuits, he also found time for cooperation in movements for the public good. His friends found him genial
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and courteous, and as the years passed his ability carried him into important rela- tions with the agricultural development of the community. He was born in Perry county, Ohio, on the 30th of January, 1843, and during his early boyhood became a resident of Newton township, Licking county, to which place his parents, Simeon and Susannah (Collingham) Hankinson, removed. They were natives of New Jersey, were there reared, and in Perry county, Ohio, were married. Their last years were spent in Licking county, and they were numbered among its respected and worthy residents. They had a family of nine sons and two daugh- ters. Four of the sons, William, Samuel, Joseph and George, served in the Civil war, all enlisting from Licking county. The last named was with General Sher- man through his campaign. Joseph, who was not yet eighteen years of age when he enlisted, was taken prisoner, and suffered all the hardships of southern prison life. Three of the brothers still reside in this county.
William Hankinson, the third in order of birth, remained a resident of this county from his boyhood days. His youth was passed in the usual manner of farm lads of the period, and he was trained to habits of industry, economy and integ- rity on the home farm. He resided with his parents in Newton township until the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war. In 1864 he offered his services to the government and joined Company F of the First Regiment of United States Veteran Engineers, with which command he continued until mus- tered out at the close of the war. He made a creditable military record, never faltering in the performance of any duty that devolved upon him, and when the war was over returned to his home. He then again lived upon the old homestead farm with his parents until his marriage.
It was on the 28th of November, 1868, that Mr. Hankinson wedded Miss Rebecca A. Cramer, who was born in Granville township, near her present home, a mile and a half north of the village of Granville, September 30, 1850. She has always lived in this county, and is a daughter of William and Adaline (Knight) Cramer, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Maine. The father was born June 10, 1803, and when he was six months old his parents, Thomas and Rebecca (Johnson) Cramer, came to this county. His mother swam the Ohio river with the babe on her back, and then, leaving her infant on the bank, swam back again to assist her husband in bringing over their effects. After locating here in 1803, the family remained residents of this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer had eleven children, eight daughters and three sons. William was the eldest and the others were born in this county. He spent the remainder of his life here from the age of six months, and died on the farm which is now the home of Mrs. Hankinson, his demise occurring March 15, 1888. In the early days he made eleven trips from Licking county, Ohio, driving hogs to market, to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, having to go over the mountains, and being six weeks on the road. On one occasion, while returning, he walked eighty miles in one day. He also drove hogs to the Baltimore market. His wife was one of a family of fifteen children that lived to marry, and she died August 12, 1891, when more than eighty-two years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William Cramer were born five children, but Mrs. Hankinson is the only one who survives.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hankinson was blessed with twelve children, but six died in youth. The others are as follows: Mary A. is the wife of Thomas D. Evans, one of the township trustees, and a carpenter by trade. They make
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their home with her mother, and have two children, Grace and Eugene. Hayes follows farming in this neighborhood, and has two children, Wilbur R. and Lucy M. Dora V. is the wife of Samuel Sipe, of Alexandria, Ohio, and they have one child, Adeline. Elsie D. is the wife of Philip Philipps. Albert C. and Archie F. are at home.
After his marriage Mr. Hankinson and his bride lived upon her father's farm for fourteen years, at the end of which time they removed to the farm in Granville township upon which the widow now resides. In 1882 Mr. Hankinson purchased two hundred and thirty-three acres of land and bent his energies to its development and improvement, continuing its cultivation for almost twenty-five years. He accomplished good results, as seen in the fine appearance of his place, and as mani- fest also in the excellent crops which he annually gathered and marketed. His life was a busy, active and useful one, and though he had no financial assistance at the outset of his career, he worked his way upward and became one of the pros- perous farmers of the community. All through his life he gave his political alle- giance to the republican party and believed firmly in its principles, but never sought office as a reward for party fealty. Socially he was connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. He died January 25, 1907, on the home farm in Granville township. Wife and children were left to mourn the loss of a loving and devoted husband and father, who was devoted to the welfare of his family and was equally loyal in his friendships. In all of his business interests he was straightforward and reliable, and thus he left to his family not only a good prop- erty but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
GEORGE R. GREEN.
When an individual passes from life it is common to review his history, taking note of his salient characteristics and of the work that he has accomplished. In the record of George R. Green there was much commendable and little to condemn. He was always actuated by honorable principles and manly purposes, and ever endeavored to do unto others as he would have them do to him. Thus closely following the Golden Rule, his life history is one well worthy of emulation. He was born in Rappahannock county, Virginia, June 11, 1836, a son of George W. and Louisa (Selix) Green, who were also natives of the Old Dominion. Their family numbered seven children, who were reared on the home farm and like the other sons of the household, George R. Green early became familiar with: the task of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His entire life was given to general agricultural pursuits. Born and reared in the south, he served for four years in the Confederate army, during the Civil war, under General Lee, and was also with General Early's black horse cavalry during the historical raid up the Shenandoah valley in Virginia in 1864.
In the year 1865 Mr. Green came to Ohio. settling at Cherry Valley, near Newark, where he resided for about four years. He then purchased the Martindale farm on York street and made it his home for more than thirty years, or until his demise. This is a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, constituting one of the attractive features of the landscape, for it is well improved with good buildings
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GEORGE R. GREEN
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furnishing ample shelter to grain and stock, while the fields give evidence of the careful supervision bestowed upon them by the owner. As the years passed Mr. Green prospered in his undertakings and became one of the successful agriculturists of the community. About five years prior to his death he turned the management of the farm over to his son William and his remaining days were passed in well earned rest.
On the 28th of August, 1862, at Amesville, Virginia, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Taylor, who was born in Rappahannock, Virginia, November 18, 1843, a daughter of George and Elmira (Green) Taylor, who spent their entire lives on a Virginia farm. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Green was blessed with nine children, but they lost their first-born, Alice, at the age of a year and a half. Anna Virginia and Anna Lee were twins. The former became the wife of Charles Langle, of Harrison township, while the latter is the deceased wife of Rufus Buxton. Amanda C. is the wife of William Hanna of Pataskala. Armitta Frances is the wife of Charles Lenington, living near Jersey, this county. William F. wedded Gettie Roby and resides on the home farm in Harrison township. He is one of the enterprising agriculturists of the community and has erected a substantial residence on his father's farm and has also purchased sixty-five acres adjoining the home place. He operates both farms and is conducting an extensive dairy business, keeping Holstein cows for this purpose. Ella A. Green, the seventh member of the family, became the wife of Theopholus Langle and was killed by lightning, leaving a son and daughter. Jessie, a graduate from Bliss College of Columbus, was appointed the first teacher of the Bliss Commercial College of Newark when the home school at Columbus established a branch in Licking county. She is now office manager for the Clinchfield Coal Mining Company at Dante, Russell county, Virginia. Pearl is the wife of Ross Wilson, telegraph operator at Outville, Ohio.
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