USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 54
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years past he has been regarded as one of the city's foremost residents, and a busi- ness man whose cooperation can always be counted upon to further any movement for the public good. His ideas are practical, and when his theories are utilized it is found that they contain elements of substantial benefit to the community at large. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He makes his home in Park Addition, west of Idlewilde Park, and is yet counted one of the valued and rep- resentative citizens of Newark, although at the present time he is engaged in no active business pursuits save the superintendence of his own interests.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Wells were seven children, of whom six are yet living, namely : Charles H., of this review; William C., Jr., residing in Cincinnati, Ohio ; George B., a tailor of Newark ; Sidney E., a carpenter of Newark ; Richard E. and Henry E., both attending school in Newark.
In taking up the personal history of Charles H. Wells we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known. He was reared at home, acquiring his education in the Newark schools and, passing through consecutive grades, completing the course of the Newark high school by graduation in 1899. He was honored with the presidency of his class, and was very popular with his fellow students. During the following year he began his business career as first assistant in the location of the Columbus Buckeye Lake and Newark Interurban line. After acting in that capacity for a year he went to Zanesville and secured a position in the designing department of the Mosaic Tile Works, with the intention of learning the business. He remained but a short time, however, when he decided that civil engineering was more suited to his abilities, and took up the active work of the profession. He was elected to the office of county surveyor of Licking county and he therefore returned to assume the duties of that office. He had acted in that capacity for only six months when he was appointed to the important office of city engineer of Newark, and his resignation as county surveyor was accordingly ten- dered. He is now serving his sixth year in the office of city engineer. During his term of service there has been done extensive sewer work and street paving, and the condition of the city's streets speaks volumes in favor of his capabilities. He is a gentleman of genial and pleasing personality, and his friends are legion. He belongs to Newark Lodge No. 391, B. P. O. E., and the Young Men's Christian Association of Newark. He is known as one of the popular young professional men of the city, and is proving his worth in every relation of life in which he is found.
JOHN K. MCKELVY.
Dr. John K. MeKelvy, who since 1881 has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Chatham, was born in Utica, Licking county, August 14. 1857. a son of John N. and Margaret J. (Darrah) MeKelvy. The father was born in Trumbull county, Ohio. August 17, 1827, came to Licking county in 1848 and established a tin and hardware shop in Utica. He conducted this establishment until 1883, when he disposed of his store and removed to Washington county. Iowa, where he is now living retired, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The mother, who was a native of Ireland, came to Licking county at an early day and her death occurred in Utica in 1869. Their union was blessed with five
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children, namely: James W., who is employed by the Farmers Bank at Utica; Clark, deceased; John K. of this review; Boyd, who has also departed this life; and Anna J., the wife of John D. Atherton, a resident of Cleveland. More extended mention is made of the parents on another page of this work.
Dr. John K. McKelvy was reared in the place of his nativity and acquired his literary education in the schools of that place. Deciding upon the practice of medicine as a life work, to this end he matriculated in the Normal high school, at Utica, graduating from that institution in 1877. He then attended the Ohio Medical College one year and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Balti- more, from which he graduated in 1880. He began the practice of medicine at Utica, there remaining one year. In 1881 he located in Chatham, where he has remained in practice to the present time. He has built up a good patronage, covers a large area of country and thus has become well and favorably known.
Dr. McKelvy was married in 1880 to Miss Mary Florence Koontz, who was born in Licking county November 18, 1858, a daughter of H. B. and Mary (Coad) Koontz, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. McKelvy has been blessed with one daughter, Mamie Dean, who was born February 16, 1881, and is now the wife of Harry A. Stream, who operates his father-in-law's farm in Newton township, the property comprising one hundred acres of well improved land. Mrs. Stream was graduated from the Chatham high school.
Dr. McKelvy gives his political support to the republican party, while both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active part. The Doctor was a trustee of the church for sev- eral years and both he and his wife have served as teachers in the Sunday school for the past fifteen years. Mrs. McKelvy has been church organist sixteen years. The Doctor has been examiner for various insurance companies a number of years. He owns a nice residence in Chatham which he occupies. He is highly esteemed in this vicinity, not only as a professional man but also as a citizen and friend of humanity, who lives for the good he can do to others.
BYRON G. HOOVER.
The name of Byron G. Hoover is found on the list of Licking county's hon- ored dead. Though his life record covered little more than a half century, in every relation he stood as a man among men, reliable in business, and progressive and patriotic in his citizenship. He was born March 24, 1843, and was called to his final rest on the 13th of March, 1904. His birth occurred in Monroe town- ship, this county, his parents being Mahlon and Mary C. (Ashbrook) Hoover. On his father's farm he was reared to manhood, engaging more and more largely in the work of field and meadow as his years and strength increased. His educa- tional opportunities were those offered in the district schools and early in life he manifested a desire for and adaptation to mercantile life. Following his mar- riage, however, he engaged in farming in Monroe township for five years but later turned his attention to general merchandising, establishing a store at Appleton,
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BYRON G. HOOVER
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which at that time was an important business center. There he built up an extensive trade, which he successfully conducted until 1893, when he was elected treasurer of Licking county. He served two terms, or four years, and proved an excellent official, popular with all the people and a most faithful custodian of the public funds. He retired from office as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all concerned, and when he put aside political cares he assumed the management of his farming interests adjacent to Appleton. There the family home has since been maintained.
It was on the 25th of October, 1866, that Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Susie McInturf, a daughter of James and Alice Ann (Gregg) McInturf. Her mother's people came from Virginia. Her father, however, was born in Lick- ing county, his ancestors having come to this state from Pennsylvania in pioneer times. Both the Hoovers and the McInturfs were large and influential families, active in farming interests and commercial life of the county. Nine children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hoover, as follows: Harry G .; Burt N .; Mary, now the wife of Homer Rice; Don C .; and five who died in infancy.
Mr. Hoover was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Knights of Pythias lodges at Johnstown. He believed in an active support of all public movements for the benefit of the community, advocated civic improve- ment and through his example and influence did much to promote public prog- ress along that line. He was a democrat in his political allegiance and always took an active interest in party affairs. He was enterprising in business, resolute in his spirit of what he believed to be right and was everywhere recognized as a man of high character and sterling integrity, whose influence was always on the side of justice, truth and substantial development. His personal worth, his business suc- cess and his faithful and capable service in public office all combined to make him a citizen whom the community honored and respected. The Hoover home at Appleton has always been among the most hospitable in the county-a favorite resort for the many friends of the family.
CHARLES SLIFE.
General farming and stock-raising have commanded the attention of Charles Slife, of Liberty township, where for a number of years he has been identified in an influential way with its agricultural interests. Being energetic and enterprising and possessed of an aggressive spirit, which neither discovers nor halts before difficulties, he has lent his hand to the plow perseveringly and with a patience worthy of emulation, until now in his declining years, owing to the success he has achieved in the annual production of bountiful harvests, he is surrounded by prosperity and can afford, if he desires, to lay aside the implements with which he has long efficiently worked and in leisure participate somewhat in the comforts and fruits of his long years of earnest and honest toil. In Liberty township in which he has spent practically all his life he was born October 26, 1840, a son of Henry and Catherine (Dunbauld) Slife, natives of Pennsylvania. His father, who came to this county from Westmoreland county, in that state, devoted his
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life to the various departments of agriculture until his death, which occurred in August, 1894, while his wife, originally from Fayette county, Pennsylvania. passed away here in October, 1886. Both were hard workers, known throughout the community for their industry and careful management, and as well for the uprightness of their lives.
On his father's farm, indulging the usual experiences of a farmer boy and engaging in the general routine incident to the occupation, Charles Slife was reared to manhood, in the meantime attending the district school, where he obtained his rudimental training, after which he was given the educational advan- tage of a course of study in the Johnstown high school. He then turned to the farm and, after working for several months, became discontent with its appar- ently meager opportunities and decided to seek his fortune in another vocation. At about that time the news of quickly-earned riches in the gold fields of C'ali- fornia was being spread abroad and Mr. Slife, becoming enthused over the situa- tion, made up his mind to take his chances with others who were becoming wealthy in the Golden state. Therefore in 186? he repaired to the gold fields of the far west, where for three years he applied himself arduously to the search for the valuable metal. On the expiration of that period, having been successful in acquiring a snug fortune and after a long journey across the plains he finally reached his present faim and settled down to the pursuit of agriculture. He owns and cultivates a splendid farm containing two hundred acres and equipped with every convenience necessary to carry on the occupation by progressive methods and from year to year his harvests of hay and grain are bountiful and the returns of his stock satisfactory.
On May 25, 1876, Mr. Slife was united in marriage to Mrs. Ella MeNela, daughter of Casper and Maria (Reamy) Myers, of this county. They have two children : Maud M., wife of I. J. Miller, a prominent agriculturist of Geauga county, Ohio; and Mabel, who resides with her parents. Mr. Slife is a democrat and while he does not take an active interest in politics he devotes a great deal of study to public affairs and is well informed on the issues of the day. He is a man of high aims and noble character, which have won him the confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen, and is in every sense a man whose many admirable qualities have made him a general favorite and have won him a host of warm friends. His dwelling is large and elegant, built on modern lines, and his is an ideal country home where he lives in happiness and contentment and in which he extends his hospitality to his many friends.
ELLIOTT A. COCHLAN.
Elliott A. Cochlan, who operates an extensive planing mill and is prominent in the lumber business of Newark, Ohio, was born in Litchfield, Illinois, in 1861. Martin E. Cochlan, his father, was born in Ireland, coming to the United States in the early '50s. Immediately upon reaching the shores of the new world he located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon arriving in this city he secured employment in the service of the railroad where he remained for several years. Giving up this position he became a member of the Cincinnati police force. He served in
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this capacity until the time of his death in 1865, his son, Elliott A., being then but four years of age. Mr. Cochlan was a member of the Roman Catholic church and a supporter of the republican party. The mother of the subject, Hannah A. (Schooley) Cochlan, was a native of Ross county, Ohio, having been born near Chillicothe. Schooley Station bears the name of her father, who was a pioneer farmer of that section of the country. Mrs. Cochlan is still living in Newark, Ohio, at the advanced age of ninety-one years, and still maintains her mental and physical vigor. She had four children of whom the subject is the youngest.
Elliott A. Cochlan received his education in the public schools of Marietta, Ohio. Immediately upon leaving school when but a boy he went to work in a planing mill and has ever since followed that business. In 1903 he came from Marietta, Ohio, to Newark, and bought out the Garber & Vance planing mill, which is now known as the Cochlan planing mill. This is a well known concern and draws an extensive trade from many miles of the surrounding country. He engages in the manufacture of all kinds of lumber with special attention to turn- ing out products for fine finishing work. His plant is equipped with the most modern machinery and his business is gradually increasing. In his mills and lum- ber yards he employs a number of men.
In 1881 Mr. Cochlan was united in marriage with Miss Alma Phillips, who was born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1859. She was a daughter of Lyman W. and Eunice Phillips, the former a brick manufacturer. The following children were born : Lyman P., Hazel, Audrey, Alma and Fern. Mr. Cochlan gives his support to the republican party. He does not take an active interest in politics as an aspirant to public office. However, he served most capably as a member of the Marietta city council. He is familiar with the political issues of the day but confines his political activity to casting his vote and using his influence toward the election of candidates whom he thinks fitted to serve the public. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and also of the Knights of Pythias.
JOHN F. WEISS.
John F. Weiss, an enterprising and successful agriculturist of Newton town- ship, was born in Licking county, July 2, 1872, his parents being Lewis and Samantha (Barrick) Weiss. In early manhood the paternal grandfather jour- neved from Pennsylvania t> Licking county, and for one year resided on a farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres, which he had purchased here. He then returned to the Keystone state, was married and brought his bride to this county. making his home here until called to his final rest. Lewis Weiss, the father of our subject, was born in Newton township, Licking county, and was long num- bered among the most worthy and public-spirited citizens of his community. He took an active interest in politics as a supporter of the democracy and held town- ship offices. His demise occurred in February, 1880, and was deeply mourned by many friends as well as his immediate family. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Samantha Barrick and is a native of Pennsylvania, was only three years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Licking county in 1838. She was one of a family of eleven children and by her marriage to Lewis
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Wass became the mother of five, namely: L. A., a resident of Mount Vernon, Ohio; Ada, the wife of Charles Rouse, of Newark; Ella, the wife of Alford Lee, of Granville; John F., of this review, who is living with his mother; and Mary, the wife of Clyde Bline, of Newark.
John F. Weiss acquired a common-school education and has always resided on the home farm, to which he was taken by his parents when a babe of six months. The place comprises one hundred and two and a half acres in Newton township and one hundred and five and a half acres in Mckean township. Throughout his active business career Mr. Weiss has been engaged in farming and stock-raising and his carefully directed and untiring labors have gained him the prosperity which entitles him to recognition among the progressive and representative farmers of the community.
In his political views Mr. Weiss is a stalwart democrat and is now serving as township trustee, which position he has held for three years. He has also acted as constable and has ever discharged his public duties in a prompt and efficient manner. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and all who know him entertain for him respect and regard in recognition of his fidelity to lofty princi- ples and an upright, honorable manhood.
Mr. Weiss' father was a member of the Masonic order and also of the Meth- odist church. His widow and all the children also belong to that church.
MELVILLE G. BEEM.
Melville G. Beem, who is now living retired at Summit Station after many years of activity in agricultural lines, was born in Lima township, Licking county, March 20, 1845. The family name is well known in this part of the state for his great-grandfather, Michael Beem, came here at an early date with his children, Benjamin, Andrew, John, William, Michael, Daniel, Jacob and Betsy. William Beem, grandfather of the subject of the review, was born in Allegany county, Maryland, and was among those who accompanied his parents to this part of the county in pioneer times. Here he was united in marriage to Catherine Rhodes, a native of Virginia, whose people came to this place about the same time the Beem family located here, and among their children were John R., George W., Richard, Josiah, David, Jefferson, William P., Ardillis, Sarah, Rachel, Marietta, Almeda, and two who died in childhood.
Richard Beem, the father of Melville G. Beem, was born in Jersey township, July 19, 1822, where he resided until he was united in marriage and then went to Lima township, where he secured one hundred and twenty acres of land in trade for forty acres which he owned in Jersey township, but before he had been here long he became discouraged and offered for sale his farm, a yoke of oxen and everything else he had, except his personal effects, for six hundred dollars but, not being able to get a buyer, he was compelled to retain his possessions and finally he improved his property, his farm becoming one of the most highly cultivated in the region. Thereafter he became quite prosperous and from time to time added to his land until at his death he owned two hundred and sixty-five acres of excel-
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lent farm land, drained with over thirty miles of tile and provided van excel- lent residence and other substantial buildings. He was united in marriage to Chrislera Myer, who was a native of Jersey township, born May 11, 1826, and departed this life April 29, 1888.
Melville G. Beem was an only child and on his father's farm was reared. There during his boyhood days he learned to plow and plant the fields and harvest the crops, while his education was obtained in the district schools. Remaining upon the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age, he was then married and located in Jefferson township, Franklin county, on a farm a short distance from that upon which his parents lived. There he pursued general farming for about twelve years and then returned to the home farm, remaining there until the year 1890 when he removed to Summit Station and built a magnificent home on the north side of that city. There he lived for about eleven years when he re- turned to his farm and in the fall of 1907 purchased his present home on the south side of Summit Station, where he now resides. He likewise retains posses- sion of the home farm which consists of two hundred and sixty-five acres, also owns one hundred and fifteen acres in partnership with his son-in-law and fifty- five acres at Summit Station, together with two houses, besides his own residence.
On September 13, 1866, Mr. Beem wedded Isabella Morrison, a native of County Down, Ireland, born July 15, 1844. She came to America in 1850 with her parents, John and Jane (McCauley) Morrison, who settled in Knox county near Columbus, later removing to Franklin county, where they both departed this life. In their family were six children: Andrew, Samuel, Isabella, William, Ann and Jane. One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Beem, Jennie, the wife of Charles Wagy, and they have four children, Roxana, Jonathan, Grace Evelyn and Melville. Mr. Beem supports the democratic party in national and state affairs, but in municipal matters he takes an independent stand, casting his vote for the candidate rather than for the party, and thus assists in putting such men into office as in his opinion are best qualified to serve the county's interests. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1874, is also a member of Derthick Grange, No. 1621, of Summit Station, and has been a mem- ber of the Grange bodies in Jefferson township since 1873, being a leading factor in all farmers' organizations. He attends the Universalist church, of which he is a liberal supporter. His industry and enterprise have had a wide influence in developing the natural resources of the township and he justly merits the position in which he stands as a representative and substantial citizen.
MRS. JOSEPH DAVIS.
Keziah Hellen (Sutton) Davis, wife of Joseph Davis, was born in Licking county, Ohio, on March 23, 1840. Joseph Sutton, her grandfather, came from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1801 and put into cultivation a hilly piece of ground now included in the farm owned by James Richardson of Licking township, this county. His excursion from Pennsylvania to this then far western territory was made on foot and through a trackless forest. The small crop of corn raised was stored in a rudely constructed crib on the cleared ground and late in
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the fall the pioneer returned to his old home in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, to make the necessary preparations for bringing his family, consisting of a wife and child, to the new home in the forest. His description of the locality so recently visited was such as to induce his father to return with him to Ohio in the follow- ing spring, bringing with them their families. The party of emigrants returning to the newly prepared Ohio home included the following: Isaac Sutton, the father ; Elizabeth Carr Sutton, the mother; and the sons and daughters, Elizabeth, Jehu, Rhoda and Eliza,-all led by the adventurous Joseph with his wife and child. Two married daughters, Ruth and Naomi, remained at the old Pennsylvania home, but their descendants later followed along the old trail to the new settlement.
A permanent settlement was not established by the emigrants till the spring of 1805, when the combined family entered a piece of land of four hundred acres two and a half miles south of the present site of Newark. This land is now the property of the late Jessie R. Moore heirs and Mr. Charles Bader. Joseph Sutton was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Keziah Gaskill of Maryland. To this union were born the following children: Benjamin, born in Fayette county, Pennsyl- vania; Naomi; Amanda; Joseph Bentley; Elmer Gaskill; Keziah Ann; Ema- line; Alva Rigdon; Electa Fidellia; and William Henry. In 1812 Joseph Sut- ton enlisted a troop of cavalry and served as captain throughout the war. His command embraced the Third Regiment, under orders from General Tupper. He saw much service and at the close of the war was mustered out with honors. The war ended, he returned to his farm and continued in its improvement. He built a brick house, burning his own brick and laying them with his own hands. The house still stands in a good state of preservation. Later he purchased prop- erty in the village of Granville, Licking county, and conducted a tannery at that place. His children enjoyed the education offered by the Granville schools-then as well as now the educational center for central Ohio. Joseph Sutton died on his farm south of Newark at the age of seventy-nine years.
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