USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 49
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J. M. WRIGHT
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They made the journey on horseback and endured many hardships while on the trip, which was practically through an unbroken wilderness. In the midst of the forest they established their new home, becoming farming people of this locality. They prospered on the frontier, for they possessed a courageous spirit and willing hands, and bravely met the hardships and difficulties incident to frontier life.
J. Milton Wright in his youthful days assisted in clearing the land and in the general work of the farm, while his early education was acquired in one of the old-time log schoolhouses of the county. Later, however, he had the benefit of instruction in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. He then resumed farm- ing and as the years passed met with success and made further investment in prop- erty. He now owns a fine farm in Liberty and one in St. Albans township and engaged extensively in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. In more recent years he has largely put aside the work of the farm and makes his home in Johnstown, although he still supervises his farming interests and from the rental of his properties derives a substantial income each year.
On the 8th of May, 1890, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Rose Green, a daughter of Andrew C. and Matilda (Smart) Green, whose grandfather, George Green, came from Virginia and settled in what is now Monroe township, Licking county, in 1806. He built the first frame dwelling in this county at a time when Newark constituted only a few log cabins. One daughter has been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Eva L. The family home is a center in the social life of Johnstown and its hospitality is one of its most attractive features. Mr. Wright is a member of the school board. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while socially he is connected with the Masons and with the Knights of Pythias and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, while its teachings have proved the guiding force in his life and the basic element in all of his honorable relations with his fellowmen. He is today one of the oldest native sons of the county, having for more than three score years and ten been a witness of the progress and development of this part of the state, rejoic- ing in what has been accomplished, while in his own business career he has won success that results from close application and persistent effort.
C. B. WILSON.
C. B. Wilson, well known as a successful and energetic agriculturist of New- ton township, was born in Newark township, Licking county, Ohio, April 10, 1865, his parents being David D., who was born February 14, 1825, and Catherine (Dinsmore) Wilson, born May 24, 1825, both natives of this state. The father, who carried on farming as a life work, passed away in July, 1907, but the mother is still living in Newark township, having attained the age of eighty-three years. Unto them were born two children: one who died in infancy; and C. B., of this review. The last named obtained a good practical education in the public schools and after attaining his majority rented a part of the home farm, in the operation of which he was engaged for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he bought the farm of ninety-six and three-fourths acres in Newton township, on
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which he has since resided, having brought the fields under a high state of culti- vation and development. He is practical in his methods and as the result of his well directed labor he yearly harvests good crops, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. April 29, 1890, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. English, whose birth occurred in Newark township March 1, 1867, her parents being Nathaniel and Margaret English, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Wilson was one of a family of six children and by her marriage has become the mother of two, namely: Ray, born September 9, 1892; and Delta Grace, who was born March 5, 1897, and passed away June 25, 1903.
Mr. Wilson is a stalwart democrat in his political views and has capably served as trustee. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons in Mary Ann township, being now junior deacon of the lodge. He also belongs to Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 4727, at Newark, and is serving as elder in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is likewise a devoted member. Throughout their entire lives, or for more than four decades, they have been residents of this county and the regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded them is but a merited tribute to their genuine personal worth.
David D. Wilson was twice married. ITis first wife was a Miss Stewart. They had three children, two girls who died in infancy, and Isaac W., who resides on the old homestead in Newark township.
ISAAC R. THARP.
Isaac R. Tharp, a prominent and prosperous farmer of Lima township, has under cultivation a tract of land which his grandfather, who bore the same name, settled in the year 1820. His grandsire was a native of Hardy county, Virginia, born in the year 1796 and it was under peculiar circumstances that he came into possession of this tract of land, which contains one hundred and sixty acres and is located two and one-half miles north of Summit Station, on Summit road. This farm was considered a valuable portion of the district and among others, who wished to obtain it, was Leonard Lonis, who, knowing that Mr. Tharp was anxious to settle upon the tract, determined if possible to reach the land office at Chillicothe first and secure possession of the section and to this end, as soon as he had heard of the intentions of his competitor, he started out on horseback to accomplish his purpose. In the meantime Mr. Tharp was not slumbering and, upon learning that Mr. Lonis was about to make the trip to the land office, he too started out at the same time for that place on foot and, owing to the nature of the country, he was able to facilitate the journey by short cuts and succeeded in reaching the land office first and had just passed through the doorway when Mr. Lonis rode up. Mr. Tharp secured the tract of land and Mr. Lonis acquiesced and good naturedly located on the farm adjoining him. Mr. Tharp's first work on the new land was the building of a small log cabin, eight by twelve feet, in 1819, in the construction of which he was assisted by Andrew Beem, who owned an adjoining piece of property, and in May. 1820, he took up his abode on the farm. One year later Mr. Tharp returned to his native state, where he was married, and in the following spring he and his wife,
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set out for Ohio on horseback, bringing with them all their effects. The journey was long, rough and arduous but, both being young and vigorous, they bravely met the hardships of the trip and of the nights when they were forced to camp out under the blue canopy, regardless of the variable weather, and finally reached their new home in safety. His wife was Mary Magdalen Swisher, whose birth occurred in. Hardy county, Virginia, in 1798, and who departed this life on their farm in Lima township in the year 1865. The cabin which Mr. Tharp constructed was made out of pole logs, and in the year 1827 he replaced his first cabin by one made of sawed logs and in this building the couple lived comfortably until the year 1856, when he supplanted the old log cabin by the present more convenient and modern building. It is almost needless to mention that when Mr. Tharp settled on this tract of land it was in a wild state and that it required incessant application and hard work to clear off the timber and undergrowth and make the land fit for cultivation, but he finally succeeded and for many years conducted a general farming. He was a popular man in those days and noted not only for his progressiveness as a farmer but for his high moral character and his solicitation to contribute to the moral and spir- itual uplift of the community. To this end he was always a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which for many years he was an enthusiastic class leader, the church he attended being located near his farm. A man of ad- ministrative ability and excellent executive judgment, he was chosen to serve as township trustee, in which capacity he officiated for several terms. He served throughout the War of 1812, having enlisted in a company from his native state. His family consisted of the following children: Katharine, who in her sixtieth year was united in marriage to James Banner; John, who was a blacksmith; Eliza- beth, who wedded Washington Beem ; Philip; Annie, who passed away when seven- teen years of age; and Joseph, the father of Isaac R. Tharp.
Joseph Tharp was born on the old homestead in the year 1832 and, after hav- ing spent his entire life there in the pursuit of agriculture, he passed away in the year 1883. His wife was Mary E. Beem, to whom he was united in marriage, Janu- ary 20, 1857, and whose birth occurred on December 16, 1832, in Jersey township, this county, her parents being William and Katharine (Rhoades) Beem. Mr. and Mrs. Tharp were the parents of the following children: William P., who resides in this township, four miles north of Pataskala, where he cultivates a fifty-acre farm ; Margaret, widow of Adolphus Knoelke, of .Jay county, Indiana; George, who cultivates a part of a tract of land originally settled by his grandfather ; Anna, de- ceased, wife of Willard Schultz; John, of Summit Station; Ella, whose death occurred at the age of eighteen years; Richard, an engineer on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, residing in Newark; and Isaac R. Two members of the family died in infancy. Mr. Tharp was a member of the Methodist church, gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and for two years served as township trustee.
Isaac R. Tharp, of this review, was born December 23, 1859. After acquiring his education in the district schools here he remained on the home farm, engaged in its various duties, until he was twenty-one years of age, when he was married and started in business for himself. He first dealt in horses, which business he followed almost exclusively for a period of three years, when he began to devote more attention to general farming, in connection with which he made a specialty of breeding horses. For a while he rented the land which he cultivated and finally his success enabled him to buy two small farms, one containing twenty acres and
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the other, forty-five acres, and these tracts of land he tilled until his father's death, when at administrator's sale he purchased the farm he now occupies and which was owned and cleared by his grandfather, Isaac Tharp, in 1820. Here he resided until the spring of 1906, when he left the farm and took up his residence at Sum- mit Station and has practically retired from active life. Ilis farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres of highly improved land and is provided with a comfortable dwelling house, barns, outbuildings and machinery requisite to successfully carry- ing on the work of the fields. Aside from this large tract of land he also owns fifty acres cultivated by his brother William and a number of valuable building lots in the town.
In 1881 Mr. Tharp wedded Martha J. Wolcott, a native of Lima township, where she was born March 11, 1859, and where she departed this life August 3, 1906. Her parents were Richard and Elizabeth (Smith) Wolcott. The father was born and died in Lima township. He was a son of Peter Wolcott, who in com- pany with his brother came from New Jersey in the year 1816 and settled here. Mrs. Wolcott, the mother of Mrs. Tharp, was born in Jefferson township, Franklin county. Mr. and Mrs. Tharp have one daughter, Mary L., who is the widow of Ross Beals, and has one son, George M. In politics Mr. Tharp follows in the foot- steps of his ancestors and gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He is a man whose excellent traits of character and progressiveness, have not only won him the respect of his fellow citizens but have largely enabled him to attain his present prosperity. The farm to which he has devoted his energy and out of which he has carned his comfortable circumstances, has never been out of the Tharp family since it was settled by his grandfather in the year 1820.
JOIN GLYNN.
John Glynn, who for many years practiced veterinary surgery in connection with following general agriculture in Liberty township, is also one of the most widely known men within the radius of many miles of his home because of his service as an auctioneer. His birth occurred upon the farm upon which he now resides on October 2, 1838. His parents were Edward and Elizabeth (Price) Glynn, both of whom were natives of Wales, from which country they came to the United States with their parents when children. His paternal grandparents were Edward and Sarah ( Evans) Glynn. The former followed farming and stock-rais- ing after coming to this country, and on departing this life left considerable prop- erty, the fruit of his many years of economy and labor.
The carly days of John Glynn were spent on his father's farm where, during the summer seasons. he actively engaged in the work of the fields, attending the district school in winter. After completing his studies he remained at home, where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In addi- tion to producing the general farm crops, including hay and the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he is also well known throughout the country as a buyer and shipper of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. In connection with his farm- ing interests he has also practiced as a veterinary surgeon, and while he is not a graduate of any medical institution, he has a liberal practice and has acknowledged
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skill and success in the practice of his profession. As an auctioneer and sales crier he is one of the most efficient men in this part of the country and, this occupation having brought him in touch with almost every citizen in this and adjoining counties, he is perhaps one of the most widely known men in this part of the state.
On October 30, 1862, Mr. Glynn wedded Miss Elizabeth Ann Brown, a daugh- ter of John and Eliza (Tiffany) Brown. They have one son and daughter: Price E., who was united in marriage to Miss Tillie M. Province, a daughter of Benja- min and Eunice (Cline) Province, resides with his father, where he is now actively managing the farm; and Eliza became the wife of Burt E. Shaub, a pros- perous young farmer of this township. Mr. Glynn has always voted with the demo- cratic party, in the affairs of which he has been very active, and has frequently been elected a delegate to the party conventions, while his son, who is also loyal to the same party, has been a member of the county executive committee for sev- eral years. Mr. Glynn has served as an efficient member of the school board and has been many times urged to become a candidate for higher political honors, but has refeatedly refused, owing to the pressure of his private business affairs. While he is not affiliated with any secret or fraternal societies, or with any religious denomination, yet he is a man of high character and noble principles, and is esteemed throughout the community.
PHILIP T. JONES.
Philip T. Jones, an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Liberty township, this county, and also well known in business circles, was born April 14, 1864, on the farm on which he now resides, and is a son of David and Eliza (Foster) Jones, his father having come to this county from Wales when a young man, settling in Granville. His mother came from England with her parents when she was but nine years of age, settling in this township. David Jones followed farming for a living and upon arriving in this county rented land near Granville. While at that time he had very little capital, by his industry and practical economy he soon prospered, from year to year producing profitable crops and gradually adding to his possessions until he became one of the largest land owners in the county. He lived on this farm, actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising, for forty-five years and departed this life October 13, 1889, his wife surviving him fifteen years.
Philip T. Jones was reared on his father's farm, engaging in the daily work of the fields and acquired his education in the district schools. After completing his studies there he pursued a course in the Johnstown high school, from which institution he was graduated in the year 1881. After he was united in marriage he left the farm and became a clerk in a general store of which his brother, Charles B. Jones, was proprietor, and in this position he remained for five years. He then accepted the position of general collector for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, in which he continued for two years, having his headquarters at Lima, Ohio, at the expiration of which time he returned to Alexandria, this county, and clerked in a general store of which the proprietors were Buxton & Vaness, with
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whom he remained for five years, when the death of his father made it necessary for him to give up the position and take charge of the home farm, upon which he has since resided. He follows general farming and stock-raising and is a breeder of fine shorthorn cattle. His farm is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the county, all of its buildings being modern and in excellent condition, the fields being surrounded by first class fences and the entire premises at once suggested thrift and prosperity.
Mr. Jones, on April 15, 1885, was united in marriage to Miss Leah B. Mouser, a daughter of George W. and Emma (Shaub) Mouser. They have one son, Frederick T., who resides at home. Mr. Jones' political views are on the side of the democratic party to which he is loyal during national elections but reserves the right, in connection with minor elections, to cast his vote for the candidates whom he thinks best qualified to conserve public interests, regardless of party ties. For a number of years he served the township as a member of the school board and is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Jones is a man of high moral prin- ciple, of pleasant and genial nature and is held in high esteem throughout the community.
JOHN W. MYERS.
The Keystone state has furnished many excellent citizens to Ohio, among them being John W. Myers, who was born in Franklin county, that state, Septem- ber 25, 1841, and for many years has been following farming in Etna township, Licking county, having been brought to Ohio in 1847, by his parents, Abraham and Maria (Wingerd) Myers, the family settling in Franklin county. His father and mother were also natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and passed away in Franklin county, Ohio, the former in his eighty-eighth year and the latter in her sixty-eighth year. They had reared ten children, namely: Nancy, deceased ; John W .; Levi and Barbara, deceased; Abraham; Margaret; David, who has passed away; Mary; Daniel; Lizzie, deceased. Nancy, Levi and David, who were married, passed away within a few weeks of each other, dying of typhoid fever.
John W. Myers was a lad of but seven years when he went with his parents to Franklin county, Ohio, the trip, made with three two-horse wagons, covering fifteen days. The family settled on a farm located about two and a half miles south of Reynoldsburg and, after acquiring his education in the neighboring schools, he resided on the home place, assisting in the duties of the farm until he was married, when he purchased his present farm in Etna township, to which he removed in April, 1863, and has since resided here. His farm contains one hun- dred and three acres, situated about one and a half miles west of Etna on the National pike, and when he located upon it three-fourths of the land was thickly covered with forests and the remainder was in a swampy condition, no buildings having been erected nor improvements made. During the year of his arrival he built a small house in which he lived for a number of years and then erected the excellent residence which he now occupies. Morcover he has provided a substan-
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tial and roomy barn and a number of other outbuildings and in addition has underlaid his land with a thorough system of drainage. The farm, being thor- oughly cleared of all timber, is at present one of the most productive pieces of land in this section of the county. His property has greatly increased in value since he assumed occupancy, thus being enhanced by the fact that the Ohio Elec- tric Railroad runs near by and one of the company's shops is also located in the vicinity of his land. General farming and stock-raising have commanded his attention all his life, and for many years he made a specialty of the dairy business, which proved to be lucrative but which he gave up several years ago. He has now practically retired from active life, his farm at present being under the man- agement of his son-in-law.
In January, 1882, Mr. Myers wedded Anna Blouser, a native of Etna town- ship, where her birth occurred in July, 1841, and a daughter of Daniel and Phoebe (Grimes) Blouser. They became the parents of a son and four daughters: Rev. L. B. Myers, pastor of an Evangelical church at Columbus, Ohio; Sarah Jane, the wife of Clarence Palmer, residing on her father's farm; Mary, who was united in marriage with Rev. G. F. Spring, an evangelist of the Evangelical church, whose present residence is in Fremont; Aquila, the first wife of Clarence Palmer ; and Etta, who became the wife of Levi Stephenson, of Lima township. The mother died in her fifty-seventh year, and Mr. Myers, on April 7, 1900, was united in marriage to Eliza A. Smith, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel and Esther (Connrad) Smith.
Mr. Myers has been a life-long supporter of the democratic party, with the principles of which he is heartily in sympathy, and since he cast his first vote he has been loyal to the party candidates and during campaigns has always been in evidence with his influence to secure their election. Local affairs have also elicited his attention and for eleven years he served as trustee of the township, also officiating as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Etna Grange and is also a member of the Brethren in Christ church, to which he is a liberal contributor. A man whose conduct has always been in harmony with high stand- ards, his life has been useful in its influence and its activity.
CLARENCE W. WRIGHT.
Clarence W. Wright, prominent in the commercial circles of Utica, where he is largely interested in the furniture and undertaking business, is a native son, his birth having occurred in Utica, Licking county, March 19, 1854. His father, Samuel C. Wright, was born in Canada, and came to this county with his parents at an early date and, finally settling in Washington township, he followed the occupation of cabinet-making for a time and eventually established himself in the furniture and undertaking business, in which venture he was quite successful, continuing its conduct until he departed this life on May 5, 1906. He left a widow, Mrs. Roena (Fuller) Wright, a native of Utica, where she still resides at the age of eighty-three years, and two children : A. D., widow of M. McClel- land of this place; and Clarence W.
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At the usual age Clarence W. Wright was enrolled as a pupil in the public schools, where he acquired his education, remaining at home with his parents until he was married, at which period of his life he became associated with his father in the undertaking business and remained with him until 1882, when he removed to Michigan, where for a period of ten years he operated a large fruit farm which he still owns. Prior to becoming associated with the fruit-growing business he served three years as a drug clerk and after leaving his fruit farm he returned to T'tica, where he purchased a half interest in the furniture and under- taking enterprise of his father, with which business he is still identified. This is one of the most prominent commercial concerns in the country and through the energy and careful management of Mr. Wright its volume of trade has been grad- ually increased, making it one of the most prosperous and influential business enterprises in the county.
In 1878 Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Bell McClain, a native of Knox county, Ohio, where her birth occurred in 1853, a daughter of Elijah and Catherine McClain, both of whom are deceased. They had six children, one of whom was Mrs. Wright, who departed this life March 8, 1889, and was laid to rest in Granville cemetery. Politically Mr. Wright is affiliated with the republican party, to which he has always been loyal, and at present he holds the responsible office of city treasurer. Among the fraternal organizations with which he is asso- ciated are Lodge No. 496, A. F. & A. M., Lodge No. 777, I. O. O. F., and Lodge No. 555, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Wright has always been influentially asso- ciated with the business interests of Utica and, being a man who is straightforward in all his dealings and whose enterprise has contributed much to the financial standing of the city, he is accounted one of its most substantial and representative citizens.
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