Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio, Part 5

Author: E. M. P. Brister
Publication date: 1909
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 913

USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 5

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Digitized by Google

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

Maryland, and many other states, so that he saw and learned much of the south and middle west. In the meantime, in 1861, following the death of his stepfather, Mr. Irwin returned to his mother's home and there remained for several years, or until he established a home of his own.

In 1887 Mr. Irwin gave up construction work and purchased a stock of general merchandise, locating in Toboso, where for two years he conducted business in a rented building. Subsequently, in 1889, he erected a store building, to which he removed his stock of goods. He has since given his time and attention to this enterprise, being now one of the oldest merchants in this village. Modern methods, push and square dealing have contributed to the success of this concern and Mr. Irwin now enjoys a large and lucrative patronage.

Mr. Irwin has been twice married. He was first married November 1, 1874, the lady of his choice being Miss Amanda Laughman, who was born in Hopewell township, Licking county, in January, 1853, and died March 22, 1888. This union was blessed with seven children but only three of the number now survive, Owen S., George H. and James Franklin. On the 24th of March, 1891, Mr. Irwin was again married, his second union being with Ida O. Shepherd, a daughter of Robert and Nancy Shepherd. There are also three children of this marriage, Nellie, Elizabeth S. and Wilson H. Mrs. Irwin died May 22, 1903. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and her daily conduct exemplified its teachings and doctrines.

A republican in his political views, Mr. Irwin gives zealous and stalwart sup- port to the republican party. In June, 1889, he was appointed postmaster, and thus served until August 1, 1893, when he was succeeded by a democratic candidate. Mr. Irwin was again appointed to the office under the administration of President Mckinley and has served continuously since that time. While not a member of any church he attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church, believing firmly in its principles. He is a member of Durban Lodge, No. 487, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand and he is also a Mason, belonging to New Home Lodge, No. 338, A. F. & A. M. at Hanover. A man of broad and comprehensive views, he looks upon the world as he finds it, and is therefore conservative rather than radical. The people of Toboso look upon him as an exemplary man and are proud to call him their own.

CHARLES WEAVER.

Charles Weaver, who owns and operates a valuable farm of two hundred and fifty-three acres in Newton and Washington townships, was born in Licking county, Ohio, March 11, 1856, his parents being George and Ruth (Waters) Weaver, natives of Virginia. In 1827 the father accompanied his parents on their removal to Licking county, he and his brother walking nearly the entire distance. The region in which they located was practically covered with timber and the grand- father secured land at five dollars per acre. The latter cleared the property and brought the fields under cultivation, his labors proving an important element in the agricultural development of the county during its pioneer period. George Weaver, the father of our subject, made his home on his farm throughout the

Digitized b Google

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

remainder of his life and was successfully engaged in its further cultivation and improvement. In connection with the work of the fields he also engaged in carpentering and was widely recognized as a most prosperous and enterprising resident of his community. By his marriage to Miss Ruth Waters, which was celebrated in 1839, he had eleven children, namely: Martin, Silas, Sarah and Mary, all of whom are deceased; Addison, a resident of St. Louisville; John, deceased ; Philinda, who died in infancy ; W. H., who has also passed away ; Charles, of this review; B. F., living in this county; and Ada, who is the widow of M. Coulter and makes her home in Newark. The father of this family was called to his final rest on the 19th of September, 1895, while the mother passed away September 30, 1892.

Charles Weaver acquired his education in the common schools and after attaining his majority he was engaged in the operation of the old homestead farm as a renter until his father's death. Subsequently he purchased the place, com- prising two hundred and fifty-three acres in Newton and Washington townships, and has since given his time and energies to its cultivation. Energetic, indus- trious and enterprising, he has won a substantial measure of success in his general farming interests and is well known as a progressive and prosperous agriculturist of his native county.

In 1892 Mr. Weaver was united in marriage to Miss Alice Conrad, whose birth occurred in Licking county in 1861, her parents being Cyrus and Sarah (Kinzie) Conrad, whose family numbered nine children. The father's demise occurred in 1901, but the mother still survives and makes her home in this county, having now attained the age of seventy-seven years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have been born six children : Joseph C., Mary E., Ralph, Walter, Guy and John D.

In his political views Mr. Weaver is a stalwart republican and has served as justice of the peace for six years and also as a member of the school board, discharging his official duties with marked promptness and capability. He holds membership relations with the Grange and both he and his wife support the Methodist Episcopal church. Having spent their entire lives in this county, Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are well and favorably known within its borders and the former has been an interested witness of and active participant in the work of development that has wrought such a wonderful change here during the last half century.

HOWELL RICHARDS.

Howell Richards, deceased, was a representative type of that excellent class of Welsh citizens who have added so much to our nation's prosperity in agricul- tural and commercial lines. For a number of years he successfully pursued agriculture and stock-raising in Newark township, this county. He was born in Carmarthenshire, South Wales, February 20, 1821, locating in the year 1844 in this township, where he resided, leading an active life until he entered into rest, January 20, 1907. His parents were David and Mary (Davis) Richards, who about 1844 left their native land, with their entire family, and after arriving on the shores of the new world, immediately came to this state and bought land

Digitized by Google

HOWELL RICHARDS

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

in Newark township. Here from the outset they labored industriously until they had cleared off that portion of land which they purchased and put it into a condition for cultivation, and upon this farm they spent their remaining days. They reared a family of five children, namely: Thomas, who now resides in Granville township, this county ; Rachael Watkins, deceased; David D., deceased; Howell; and Esther Griffith, of Newark. One child, Richard, departed this life during his infancy.

Until he was ten years of age Howell Richards remained with his parents in their native city, where he was given the advantage of an education in the common schools. He then came with the parents to the United States and during his early life, in company with his brothers, assisted in clearing the land which his father had purchased. Throughout his life he engaged in producing general crops, at the same time dealing in various kinds of stock until death terminated his life's career. His place contained two hundred and seventy-eight acres, upon which every improvement had been made whereby to successfully carry on the occupation of farming. The attention which from time to time he gave his premises made his farm one of the most desirable in the township.

In 1873 Mr. Richards wedded Mary Jones, a native of Pontypridd, South Wales, where she was born March 10, 1846, coming to this country in 1869 with her parents, Thomas M. and Sophia (Davis) Jones. Mrs. Richards has become the mother of the following children: David, at home; Minnie, who entered into rest in her twentieth year; Thomas, who resides at home; Sophia, wife of John H. Richards, the couple residing in Newark; and Annie, who lives with her mother. Mr. Richards always took a deep interest in the paramount issues upon which rest the good of the nation and, believing that the principles of the repub- lican party presented those policies indicative of the wisdom of the best statesmen and in his opinion best suited to subserve the highest interests of the country, he was a stanch supporter of republicanism and always voted for the candidates of his party. His high moral character enabled him to enjoy the respect and confidence of all who knew him and his long life of industry and enterprise, which contributed so much to the benefit of the community, made him one of the most useful and substantial citizens of the township.

HARRY E. HARRIS.

Harry E. Harris is the oldest editor in central Ohio, being now the owner and editor of the Utica Herald. He also has other business interests and is recog- nized as a leader in political circles. Born in St. Louisville, Licking county, in 1859, he is a son of Perry A. and Elizabeth (Myers) Harris. The father's birth occurred in Martinsburg, Ohio, in 1827, and his youthful days were passed on a farm two miles from his birthplace. In 1847 he went to the town to learn the harnessmaker's trade, but owing to the weakness of his eyes was obliged to abandon that work. In 1850 he removed to Newark and entered the employ of L. L. Rambo in the woolen mills, there remaining until 1852, when he established a grocery business at Vanatta, this county. In 1853 he removed to St. Louisville, where

Digitized by Google

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

he opened a general mercantile store and for almost forty years was identified with the commercial interests of the town, continuing as a prominent and worthy repre- sentative of the business circles there until a short time prior to his death, which occurred in 1892. In politics he was a stalwart republican, recognized as one of the leaders of the party in his neighborhood and for nineteen years he served as post- master of St. Louisville. In 1854 he married Elizabeth Myers, a native of Richland county, Ohio, and they went to the state fair at Newark on their wedding trip. Their children were: Ellen, who became the wife of Frank M. Smith, an architect, and died in Fostoria; Harry E .; Addie M., the wife of John C. Jones, a lawyer practicing in Toledo and at one time a member of the state senate; and Harriet, a cashier and stenographer for the B. R. Baker Company of Toledo. The mother, who was born in 1833, still resides at the old home in St. Louisville, having occupied the one house since 1859.

Harry E. Harris in his youthful days remained at home and assisted his father. in the store until 1875. He attended school there and on leaving home came to Utica, where he spent two terms as a student in the normal school. He then went to Newark and was employed in the Newark Banner office for one winter. In 1880 he removed to Bangor, Michigan, and became foreman in the Bangor Reflector printing office, his employer being postmaster of the town, while Mr. Harris served as his deputy. While living there he attained his majority and cast his first vote for J. C. Burrows, who was then candidate for congress and is now senator.

On the 28th of July, 1881, Mr. Harris was married, and later in the same year came to Utica, where he purchased the Utica Herald, which he has published continuously since, save in the year 1896, when he leased it, but after six months again resumed charge. During that period he acted as manager of the Evening Press at 'Zanesville, in which he owned a fourth interest. He is today the oldest editor in years of continuous connection with the work in central Ohio. He has always stood for that which is progressive in newspaper publication and yet is strongly opposed to anything that partakes of the sensational character of the yellow journal. His paper is devoted to the interests of the community and to the dissemination of general news and now has a large subscription list and good advertising patronage. At the time of the boom caused by the opening of the factories and the development of the oil fields here, Mr. Harris added the real-estate business to his other interests and had the exclusive handling of four Harrison Bell additions and the Hickey addition to the city. He is also representative for the United States Fidelity & Guarantee Company and for the Wilbur Mercantile Agency. In his business affairs he has displayed capable management and his judgment is rarely, if ever, at fault in determining the value of a business situation.

As stated, Mr. Harris was married on the 28th of July, 1881, when Miss Bertha McMillan, a native of Michigan and a daughter of Stephen McMillan, became his wife. Unto them have been born two daughters: Beatrice, the wife of Boyd C. Holderman, manager of the Utica branch of the National Supply Company; and Marguerite, who graduated from Utica high school in 1909.

Mr. Harris is a stalwart republican and has done effective work in the interests of the party. He has been secretary of all the republican clubs of Utica during the past quarter of a century and has been a delegate to a number of judicial, congressional and state conventions. He served as postmaster of Utica from 1889 until 1893, under the administration of Benjamin Harrison, and has also been

Digitized by Google.

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

village clerk and councilman, while in 1904 the council elected him to fill out an unexpired term as mayor. He has ever exercised his official prerogative in support of general progress and improvement and over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil. He is a valued and faithful member of the Presbyterian church and was elected an honorary member of the County Pioneer Association. He stands at all times for that which is helpful in the public life, while in social circles he is found as a loyal friend and one who well merits the confidence that is universally accorded him.

SIDNEY SMITH. 1

The name of Sidney Smith is a familiar one in almost every household through- out Licking county, as well as in various other sections of the state, for he was engaged in buying and selling stock for many years, but is now living retired at his farm home in Madison township. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, born near Albany, in Franklin county, one of eleven children, whose parents were William E. and Rumahah (Boyd) Smith. Both parents were natives of Newark, New Jersey, whence immediately following their marriage they made their way to Franklin county, this state, where the father operated a sawmill. In 1839 they removed to Licking county and the father purchased a farm in Mary Ann town- ship. Later he secured land in Iowa and in 1856 made a trip to that state. He was making his way on foot from Webster City to Fort Dodge to pay his taxes and being caught in a severe snow storm was frozen to death. The mother sur- vived for a long period and passed away in 1896 at an advanced age. Of their family of eleven children, eight of the number now survive, namely: Daniel, a resident of Newark, Ohio; Julia F., who makes her home with our subject ; Sidney, of this review; Sarah Jane, who is also with her brother of this review ; Margaret, the wife of Harvey Lawyers, a resident of Newark township, Licking county; James and William, twins, the former a resident of Newark township, and the latter of Perry county, Ohio; and Ella, who is also with Mr. Smith of this review.

Sidney Smith was born January 6, 1839, and was but three months old when brought by his parents to Licking county, so that he has practically been reared here. He pursued his studies in the district schools and remained under the parental roof through the period of his boyhood and youth. At a very early age he engaged in buying and selling stock, to which he devoted his entire time and attention for thirty years. He was the largest stock buyer in this section of Ohio and for many years bought all the stock in this and two adjoining counties, becom- ing one of the best known men and most successful stock dealers in Licking county. In 1870 he purchased his present home farm, situated in Madison township, whereon he has since made his home. His property is well improved and constitutes one of the most valuable farms of this locality.

Mr. Smith was married April 24, 1872, the lady of his choice being Miss Isabelle Pigg, of Madison township. Her death occurred January 4, 1884, and since that time Mr. Smith has lived retired, renting his land, although he still retains his residence on his farm and makes a home for his sisters.

Digitized by Google

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

Mr. Smith's business affairs were interrupted at the time of the Civil War, when, in 1861, he became a member of the Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer infantry. He took part in many of the important engagements of the war, including Arkansas Post, Haines Bluff, Chickasaw Bayou, Jackson, Mississippi, and many others of minor importance. He was also in the siege of Vicksburg and was mustered out at Black River, Mississippi, after which he returned home and resumed his business interests. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Lemert Post, G. A. R.

Mr. Smith is a republican in politics but has never been active in public life. Throughout his career of continued and far-reaching usefulness his duties were performed with the greatest care, and business interests were so managed as to win him the confidence of the public, while the competency which he acquired was such as to now enable him to spend the evening of his days in well earned ease, surrounded with friends and all the comforts that go to make life worth living.

JESSE A. FLORY.

Jesse A. Flory, since 1874 an attorney at law of the Ohio bar, accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage, was born in the city of Newark, September 4, 1853. His paternal grandfather, George Flory, was a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte, and was a great admirer of the hero who perhaps has had more extended influence upon the world's history than any other one man. His son, Abram Flory, was born in Alsace, then a province of France, and when about nine years of age was brought by his parents to the new world. He became a resident of Licking county in 1840 and was one of the earliest business men of Newark, dealing in hogs and cattle, conducting also a packing business and con- tinuing an active factor in those lines of business until 1872, when he turned his attention to real-estate dealing. In this connection he contributed in large and substantial measure to the growth and upbuilding of the city, laying out all that section of Newark between Columbia street on the north, Raccoon creek on the south and west of Eighth street. He did not plat the entire district at one time but made more than one subdivision, known as Flory's additions. He possessed a spirit of progressive and public-spirited citizenship and his efforts in behalf of general improvement were of a most beneficial and far-reaching character. For several years he was called to represent his ward in the city council. He married Nancy Wollard, a native of the Shenandoah valley in Virginia, and a representative of the Wollard family who came to Licking county at a very early day and estab- lished their home on a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Flory resided in the same house from 1848 until their demise. The father passed away in December, 1901, while the mother's death occurred in January, 1908.

Jesse A. Flory was educated in the public schools of Newark and through the periods of vacation worked with his father. Determining upon a professional career and thinking the law would prove more congenial than other lines, he began reading in the office and under the direction of the Hon. Gibson Atherton, of Newark, and was admitted to the bar in 1874. The favorable regard of his

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

ABRAM FLORY

Digitized by

Google

JESSE A. FLORY

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

Google

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

preceptor was indicated in the fact that he was then admitted to a partnership under the firm style of Atherton & Flory, and continued as junior member of the firm until the death of Mr. Atherton in 1887. He then practiced alone until his eldest son, Charles L. Flory, was admitted to the bar in 1898, becom- ing a member of the firm of Flory & Flory in 1899. Another son, Walter L. Flory, after graduation from Denison College and Yale College, pursued the study of law in the Western Reserve Law School and is now practicing in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Flory has given strict attention to his professional duties and has secured a large and representative clientage. While, undoubtedly, he is not without that honorable ambition which is so powerful and useful as an incentive to activity in public affairs, he regards the pursuits of private life as being in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts. In the presentation of his cause, persuasive eloquence forms a forceful factor, while his arguments, based upon the facts in the case and the law applicable to them, display, moreover, a profound knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence. As his financial resources have permitted Mr. Flory has invested largely in real estate and has laid out several additions to the city, thus materially promoting its substantial development and progress.

On the 23d of September, 1875, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Flory and Phoebe H. Smith, of Newark. Their two sons are Charles L. and Walter L., the former a graduate of the law department of the Ohio State University. The parents are members of the Congregational church and the two sons hold member- ship in the Presbyterian church. The family is one of prominence here, its members enjoying the good will and confidence of the large majority of Newark's citizens. Mr. Flory has taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter and com- mandery in Masonry, has also become a Scottish Rite Mason and a noble of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs, too, to the Royal Arcanum, and is a member of the State Bar and Licking County Bar Associations and president of the Licking County Law Library Association. He is interested in all that pertains to the welfare of his city, state and nation, while his influence is always given on the side of progress, truth, justice and improvement. However, the practice of law has been his real life work, and the zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession, the careful regard evinced for the interests of his clients and the assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct.

HON. JOHN DAVID JONES.

For half a century the lawyer has been a preeminent factor in all affairs of private concern and national importance. The man versed in the laws of the country, as distinguished from business men or politicians, has been a recognized power. He has been depended upon to conserve the best and most permanent interests of the whole people and without him and the approval of his practical judgment the effort of the statesman and the industry of the business man would have proved futile. The reason is not far to seek. The professional lawyer is. never the creature of circumstances. The profession is open to talent and eminence

Digitized by Google

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

or success cannot be obtained except by indomitable energy, perseverance, patience and strong mentality. He must also possess analytical ability and the power to see relations between comparatively detached facts. These same qualities are necessary to the statesman and are recognized attributes of the Hon. John David Jones, both in his practice and in his official career.

Mr. Jones is one of Licking county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Granville March 2, 1845, his parents being Roderick and Mary (Jones) Jones, both of whom were natives of Wales, born in Montgomeryshire and Cardiganshire respectively. The father came to America in 1842 and settling in Licking county was for many years identified with the progress and upbuilding of this part of the state. The mother came to America in 1829 with her parents, who located at Remsen, near Utica, New York, where they remained for about twelve years, after which a removal was made to Licking county, Ohio.

Roderick Jones had been a resident of this county for about seven years when he was attracted to the far west by the discovery of gold. He crossed the plains to the Pacific coast, making the long journey over the hot stretches of sand and through the mountain passes. He spent several years in the gold fields of that state and in 1855 returned to Licking county, where he purchased a farm. About 1858 he purchased the site of Denison University. Thereon he continued to make his home for about twenty years, devoting his time and attention to general agricultural pursuits. He died on a farm he later bought in Granville township, his life's labors being ended in 1886. His widow survived him for about eleven years and passed away in 1897.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio, Part 5

Author: E. M. P. Brister Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Number of Pages: 913

Author: E. M. P. Brister
Publication date: 1909
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 913