Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio, Part 60

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 60

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).

BYRON S. BUCKLAND.

Byron S. Buckland, who now lives in retirement at Hebron after a long life spent in general agricultural pursuits in Union township, was born here about two miles west of Licking church on November 14, 1835. His grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Buckland, the latter a native of England. Having come to this township at an early date Thomas Buckland located a tract of land then covered with forest, upon which he erected a log cabin and subsequently cleared the land and put it under cultivation. Among his children was Nelson Buckland, who was twelve years of age when his parents came to Ohio. For a number of years he engaged in the operation of a sawmill, subsequently devoting his attention to farm- ing. and was one of the few in this part of the country who owned and operated a carding machine. His first wife was Honor Wells, a native of this county. by whom he had three children, namely: Miche, deceased, who was the wife of William Banatta : Byron S. : and William Richard. Their mother having departed this life, in 1839 Nelson Buckland wedded Miss Eliza Winters, who passed away in 1900, and by whom he had five children, namely: Sarah, who became the wife of William Palmer, residing near Wagram, this county: Clara, who resides with her husband.

Digitized by Google

---

647

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

Richard Van Dorn, in Newark, Ohio; John, who wedded Anna McMillan, residing in Granville; Sanford, who lives with his wife, formerly May Henderson, on the home farm ; and Laura, the wife of Charles Burner, of Baltimore, Maryland. The father died in the year 1888.

Byron S. Buckland was reared on his father's farm, which contained one thou- sand acres, and here during his boyhood days he obtained his knowledge of the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. During the winter season he acquired his education in the neighboring schools, and after completing his studies he remained upon the home farm until 1865, when he purchased an adjoining tract of land, containing one hundred and forty acres, where he pursued general farming, subsequently adding to his land seventy-one acres which he received upon the divi- sion of his father's estate. He made a specialty of raising sheep and dealing in wool, at which he was quite successful until he gave up active life in 1905, retiring to Hebron, where he purchased a fine home in which he now resides.

In November, 1889, Mr. Buckland wedded Mary Wells, a daughter of William and Esther (Moore) Wells, both natives of this county, and to this union has been born one child, Leila, who is a pupil at school. For the past thirty-five years Mr. Buckland has been affiliated with the republican party, of the principles of which he has always been a strong advocate, and since casting his first vote he has never found cause to induce him to waive his opinion as to the wisdom of the policies of his party. His enterprise has not only surrounded him with prosperity but has been deeply felt in the life of the community of which he is a worthy and substantial citizen.

J. B. SINSABAUGH.

J. B. Sinsabaugh, who for several years has been identified with the business interests of St. Louisville as a dealer in grain and coal, is a native son of Ohio, born in Franklin county, March 21, 1841. His parents, George and Elizabeth (McCreary) Sinsabaugh, who were both natives of Greene county, Pennsylvania, located in Franklin county at an early date. They reared a family of four chil- dren, namely : Margaret J., the wife of E. Seitz, of St. Louisville; J. B. of this review ; D. A., a resident of Utica; and J. L., also of Utica. Both parents are now deceased.

J. B. Sinsabaugh acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when, the Civil war having been inaugurated, he enlisted as a member of Company G, Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years' service. He took part in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Missionary Ridge, and many others of lesser importance, while he also went on the march to Atlanta. He was wounded in the right hand and arm in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, after which he was discharged November 29, 1864.

Returning to Ohio Mr. Sinsabaugh worked as engineer in a mill in Knox county one year and subsequently took up his abode in Licking county, where he has since made his home, the year 1866 witnessing his arrival here. For two

Digitized by Google

648

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

years he engaged in the patent-right business and in 1868 was married to Miss Lucinda McDaniel, who was born in Licking county, a daughter of John and Nancy McDaniel, whose family numbered five children. Both parents are now deceased.

Following his marriage Mr. Sinsabaugh worked on the railroad section for six years and for four years did any labor that would yield him an honest living. He then spent two years as clerk in a store, from 1884 until 1886, and in the latter year was appointed a guard at the penitentiary. After two years' service he was promoted to the position of captain, in which capacity he served two years. At the end of that time he purchased the elevator at St. Louisville and has since been engaged in the grain and coal business. Since 1890 he has also had charge of the Baltimore & Ohio depot at this place. He is now doing a good business, furnish- ing a market for the grain raised in the country surrounding this village, and has become a successful man. Besides the elevator he also owns a comfortable residence.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sinsabaugh was blessed with two children but the elder, G. B., is now deceased, while the younger, F. B., lives in St. Louisville. The wife and mother is also deceased, her death occurring August 24, 1896. Mr. Sinsabaugh, while giving loyal support to the republican party, has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his business affairs. His success is not the result of any fortunate circumstances but is the outcome of his own energy and determination to do things. He is quiet in his manner of living and is highly esteemed in both business and social circles.

SAMUEL E. HAGY.

Samuel E. Hagy, who for many years has been following tile manufacturing and agriculture in Etna township, and whose ancestors as far back as his grand- father have been affiliated with farming interests here, was born in this place, March 31, 1834, and was a son of Samuel and Mary ( Miller) Hagy, who were natives of Nederbipp, in the canton of Berne, Switzerland. Soon after their mar- riage they came to the new world in company with his parents, Samuel and Marian (Magley) Hagy, and settled in Etna township. They located on eighty acres of land, most of which was forest and thickly covered with undergrowth. That section of the township was then commonly known as Germany, because of the number of German and Swiss settlers. In a short time after locating here the ax was heard amid the forest and underbrush and soon, after hard and persevering work, the land was cleared off and put in condition for cultivation. Here the family remained reaping the harvests of the fields which their energy had made productive, until they departed this life. Samuel and Mary Hagy reared the following children : William, deceased, who served three years during the Civil war in the same regiment with his brother, Samuel E .; Jacob, who served two years in the same regiment; Mary Selbert, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Alfred Holt, who served three years in the Union army; Sarah, wife of Frederick Rickley, a veteran of the Civil war; Henry, deceased; Amanda, wife of S. Y. Hill of Galena, Oklahoma; Mrs. Susan Seigler; and Samuel E.

Digitized by Google

MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL E. HAGY.

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by y Google

.... ... .

651

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

Samuel E. Hagy had few educational advantages and remained with his parents on the home farm, laboring arduously, until he was twenty-one years of age, when he went to Illinois, and secured employment at the monthly wage of twenty-five dollars. Remaining there for four years he went to Ottawa, that state, in the year 1859, and after working on a farm for a while he engaged in cultivating land on shares, which course he pursued for three years. He then returned to Etna, where he purchased a number of horses which he took to Kentucky to sell. The venture proved unprofitable as the rebels, questioning his politics and senti- ments, confiscated his property and left him penniless. He then returned to Etna, and in January, 1864, enlisted in company D, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Parker, doing service in Ohio. After a military career of six months he received an honorable discharge, returned to this place and in the year 1866 began the manufacture of bricks, continuing the enterprise for a period of thirty-five years. In connection with this business he manufactured a high grade of tile-an industry in which he became noted throughout the state. He also paid considerable attention to agriculture and farmed a tract of land consisting of two hundred and three acres, on which he raised various kinds of grain and also made a specialty of producing fruits. He is one of the most highly respected men of the township, and through hard work and patient effort has accumulated considerable wealth. Besides the farm he owns three elegant dwell- ings and also considerable town property.

The story of his energetic and useful carcer is faithfully told in his auto- biography as follows :

"My parents were poor and I remained with them and worked for them until I was twenty-one years of age. In the spring of 1855 my entire wealth was eleven dollars. With this I went to Illinois, where I engaged to work for a Mr. Dunavan for eight months for twenty-five dollars per month, saving my wages, with which I purchased a span of horses. With my team I engaged in farming on the shares, on the farm of Samuel Millikin, four miles east of Ottawa, Illinois. At the end of three years I converted all that I had in property into money-fourteen hundred and eighty dollars in gold-and returned to Etna, Ohio, where I purchased sixteen horses, which was at the beginning of the late Civil war. I took the horses to. Kentucky-then and there I lost all I had. They said that they believed I was a democrat, but belonged to the tail of the abolition kite. But by setting up the applejack and cigars twice they let me skip out with my head on, which they threatened to take. Soon after I was married to Miss Amanda M. Leonard. We were poor but we went to work in earnest. My coat was off summer and winter and my hands held a plow, shovel, hoe, ax or some kind of a tool, most of the time. I did no loafing. I have been a manufacturer of hand-made brick for twenty-five years. When I began making drain tile, fourteen years ago, my neighbors thought I was making a mistake, that it would bankrupt me, that two kilns of tile would supply the demand in this part of the country for the next twenty-five years. Ha! Ha! The first. second and third years I put in six thousand rods of tile on my own farm. Then I had a yield of forty bushels of wheat, seventy-five and eighty bushels of corn, and two and two and a half tons of hay per acre, on land where nothing had grown before. It changed the opinions of many as to the benefits of tile drainage. In my case the benefits of drainage are

Digitized by Google

652

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

too numerous to mention. It put me out of debt; it added more land to my home- stead, and other good property. My cattle are not the long-legged, razor-backed, slab-sided, long-horned kind. They are uniform in color, hornless, polled Aberdeen Angus, having black, glossy skins, grand shoulders, deep loins and massive quarters. The other stock can run with them. The school children like and handle the "doddies" without fear.

"In the winter, for the past thirty-five years, I have repaired watches, clocks and jewelry and bought and sold land. I have served as justice of the peace for twenty-four years, and township treasurer about thirty years. There has not been a criminal suit in Etna township for ten years and no civil suit for three years, and no suit pending in the court of common pleas from this township, which speaks well for the good citizens of this portion of Ohio. And there is no whisky sold in this township. In the history of the township only two persons have been sent to the state prison : one was sent up for counterfeiting and one for robbery.

"We are members of the Reformed church. I have been an Odd Fellow for twenty-seven years, and four of my sons are also Odd Fellows; I am a member of Baird's Post, No. 653, G. A. R. And last, though not least, I am a member in good and regular standing of the Ohio Tile Manufacturers' Association. Printers" ink has helped me up the hill. For several years I took from fifty to one hundred copies of the Drainage Journal, and handed them out to men of good judgment. I have distributed thousands of copies of "Joe Byers' Story About Dreanen Land and Other Things." They not only help to sell drain tile but, in addition, they have had an uplifting influence-they make me and other people better. It is not only the selling of tile that I prize this story for, but it is the 'other things that please me. I cultivated a friendly feeling for the poor, because I once begged bread to appease hunger. If Moses could afford to leave a royal court and cast his lot with a multitude of uncultured slaves forty years in the wilderness, I could afford to give a poor tramp something to cat."

On December 5, 1861, Mr. Hagy was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Leonard, a native of Etna, born July 12, 1842, and a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Faber) Leonard, who in the '30s came from Virginia to this locality, where they spent their lives and reared their family of twelve children, of whom Mrs. Hagy is the only survivor. Mr. and Mrs. Hagy have four children, namely: Charles M., a stonemason and bricklayer of Decatur, Illinois, where he and his wife own a large farm; Samuel L., a jeweler of Vernon, Texas; William T., who is an agriculturist and manages the home farm ; and Allen M., a musician.

In politics Mr. Hagy is a democrat in principle, but does not bind himself exclusively to any particular party, as he reserves the right to use his own personal judgment as to the qualifications of candidates for office, irrespective of party ties. His worth as a man of superior ability and administrative faculties is apparent upon mention of the fact that for twenty-four consecutive years he has served as justice of the peace. Nor has this been the only honor conferred upon him by his fellow citizens, as he has been treasurer of the township since 1882, in which capacity he officiates with great credit. He has belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1866, and is also a comrade of Baird Post, G. A. R., of Pataskala. Being a man of high moral and spiritual character he has always put his religious duties foremost and is a member of the English Reformed church. In every sense

Digitized by Google

653

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

of the term Mr. Hagy is a self-educated and self-made man, and it has been through his natural ability, coupled with the industry and economy common to his kinsmen, that he has been successful in life and attained his present prosperity.

BENJAMIN F. NICHOLS.

Benjamin F. Nichols, who during his entire life followed agricultural pursuits in Harrison township, was born on the farm situated at the corner of Columbus road and York street, May 25, 1832, and there resided until his death August 11, 1895. Isaiah and Sarah Nichols, his parents, were natives of New Jersey, where they were married. Several children were born to them before they came to Licking county and settled on the tract of land now under cultivation by the widow of Benjamin F. Nichols. When they came to this region it was in a comparatively primitive condition, being overgrown with timber and having but few residences. By hard and persevering labor Mr. Nichols cleared off his land, making it arable, and constructed a comfortable dwelling which is now occupied by his son's widow. The building is an old landmark of the vicinity and for many years was known as the Nichols Tavern, having been used in the early days as an inn, while the road on which it was located was known to travelers as the old mud pike. In those times there was considerable travel along this thoroughfare and the Nichols Tavern was a customary stopping place, where people lodged and changed their teams. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were the parents of: Obediah, Mary, Cynthia, Ann, Tirzah, George, Isaiah (who died in California) and Benjamin F. Nichols. They also reared a grandson, Zephaniah Alward.

During his boyhood days Benjamin F. Nichols worked on his father's farm and in the meantime attended the district schools. After acquiring his education he remained on the old homestead, where he was actively engaged in general farm- ing. IIe spent his entire life in this township and most of it on the farm until his demise. At his father's death he inherited two hundred acres of excellent land which, from year to year, he planted in general crops and reaped bountiful harvests. The farm was originally purchased from the government by his father who, asso- ciated with his son, for many years engaged in general agriculture, making a spe- cialty of stock-raising and particularly of breeding sheep, but after his father departed this life, Mr. Nichols somewhat curtailed his farm interests and while he cultivated the entire acreage he had considerably limited his attention to stock breeding.

In 1856 Mr. Nichols wedded Violet MeVay, who was born in Alexandria, Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1839, and was brought here by her parents, Nathan and Mary (Stoolfire) McVay, when ten years of age. Her father and mother were also natives of the Keystone state but departed this life in Harri- son township. He was a blacksmith and worked at the trade for several years, after which he bought and cultivated a sixty-five acre farm on York street but sub- sequently returned to his original occupation and conducted a blacksmith shop until his death. Mr. and Mrs. McVay reared the following children: Katharine, a graduate of Pleasant Hill Seminary, West Virginia, who taught in that institution, and wedded John Bigger, a professor of music, the couple removing to Towa, where

Digitized by Google

654

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

they taught in the school for the blind and departed this life, leaving two sons: Elizabeth, deceased, wife of George Alward, who lost his life during the Civil war : Joseph B., of Columbus ; and Violet. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are the parents of the following children : Alline, wife of Benjamin M. Jones, of Harrison township, the couple having eight children ; Carl, who owns part of the old home place. where he resides with his wife and three children ; Rel H., who has one son and who for four years was superintendent of the Hanover schools, and is now a senior in the Ohio State University ; and Clair, who resides at home. Mr. Nichols was a man who made good use of his time and talents during his years of youthful energy and in his declining days could afford to lay by his farming implements and enjoy the fruits of his toil. IIe also had the respect of the entire community before which he has always walked in honesty and uprightness.

HOMER JURY DAVIS, B. S., M. D.

Dr. Homer Jury Davis, a practitioner of the regular school with thorough mastery of the science of medicine in its relation to the needs of suffering human- ity, is accorded a liberal patronage by those who recognize that his ability enables him to successfully cope with the intricate problems that continually confront the physician. He has a large practice in Newark and the surrounding country. .. native of Licking county he was born in Licking township, the family being founded in this locality by the great-grandparents of Dr. Davis, who arrived from Virginia in pioneer times. They were accompanied by their son James Davis, the grand- father, who was then a boy and was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of the frontier. He eventually became one of the enterprising agriculturists of Licking township and on the old homestead there his son Joseph Davis was born and reared. Throughout his entire life he has been connected with agricultural pursuits and is still farming in Licking township. On the 9th of September, 1858. he married Miss Helen Sutton, a native of this county, and fifty years later they celebrated their golden wedding, having for a half century traveled life's journey together, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years have gone by. Dr. Davis was educated in the district schools and in Doane Academy and Denison University at Granville, Ohio. He is a graduate of the last two, completing his University course in 1897 when the degree of Bachelor of Science was conferred upon him. He had made good use of his opportunities for mental development and through the four years succeeding his graduation he filled the position of professor of chemistry and physics in Williamsburg College of Kentucky but believing that the practice of medicine would prove more congenial and profitable he prepared for that work as a student in the Rush Medical College of Chicago, the medical department of the University of Chicago, being graduated therefrom in 1904. ITis high scholarship is indicated by the fact that he secured as a result of a competitive examination the interneship in Cook County Hospital, his service there continuing for eighteen months. In 1907 he came to Newark where he has since engaged in practicing medicine, doing good work in both medical and surgical lines. In addi- tion to his private practice he is now a member of the staff of the City Hospital and is surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Newark.

Digitized by Google

655

HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.

Dr. Davis is popular in various social and fraternal organizations with which he is connected. He belongs to the Alpha Omega Alpha, and the Phi Rho Sigma, both medical fraternities, and to the Beta Theta Pi, a literary society. He has taken the degrees in Masonry up to and including that of Knight Templar, belongs to Newark Lodge, No. 391, B. P. O. E., is an honored member of the alumni associa- tion of Rush Medical College and has membership relations with the Licking County and Ohio State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. Ile is actuated by high ideals in his professional service and for this reason is con- tinually studying in order to promote his efficiency and attain still greater capabil- ity in his work of checking disease. His substantial qualities of manhood and citi- zenship combined with his professional skill have rendered him popular and have gained for him a circle of friends that is continually increasing as the circle of his acquaintance broadens.

THE PEOPLES BANK COMPANY.

The Peoples Bank Company of Pataskala was organized under the Ohio state laws and incorporated for twenty-five thousand dollars, opening its doors for busi- ness on the 4th of March, 1904. The present officers are Joseph Atkinson, presi- dent ; James L. Moore, vice president ; H. H. Baird, cashier ; and Thomas S. Besse, assistant cashier, while the board of directors in addition to the officers includes Thomas Evans, G. S. Smith, S. B. Elliott, and II. C. Miller. From the beginning the patronage of the bank has been very flattering. Indeed it is one of the most prosperous financial institutions of the county, enjoying rapid and substantial growth. At its head are well known, substantial business men. Mr. Atkinson was for fourteen years president of the Pataskala Banking Company and in connection with Mr. Baird organized the present concern. He is one of the oldest residents of the county and most highly respected for his integrity and ability as a business man and private citizen. Under his guidance the bank has made steady progress and has been paying large sums in interest to its patrons since its organization. It draws its patronage from the best business men of Pataskala and the leading land holders of the surrounding country, and a general banking business is carried on, the institution being well equipped to give every advantage and accommodation that a city bank can give.

THOMAS M. JONES.

Though a quarter of a century has passed since Thomas M. Jones was called to his final rest. there are many who yet remember him as a valued and representa- tive farmer and citizen of St. Albans township and as he contributed to the devel- opment and agricultural progress of this community it is meet that mention be made of him in this volume. He was born in Flintshire in the north of Wales, October 29, 1822. and lost his mother when but seven years of age, while at the age of twelve years he was left an orphan by his father's death. He then made his

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 60

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