Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio, Part 63

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

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Lee S. Lake acquired his preliminary education in the public schools and at the age of fifteen years he was matriculated as a student in Denison University, where he pursued a course of study covering two years but, owing to the limited financial circumstances of his parents, he was compelled to leave the college and secure employment. Upon completing his sophomore year in Denison University he was called to Cromwell, Indiana, to take charge of the schools there but remained only one year when he returned to Ohio where he taught in the district and village schools of this county for eight years, at the expiration of which period he removed to Tazewell county, Illinois, becoming superintendent of the schools in Tremont. After holding that position for three years he again returned to this county and upon purchasing a farm he decided to relinquish the profession of school teaching and follow agriculture for a living. Until the year 1892 he engaged in general farming and stock-raising and during that year the late Hon. William MeKinley. who was then governor of the state, appointed him one of the board of managers of the Ohio State Reformatory, at Mansfield, and when his term of office had ex-

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pired Governor Asa Bushnell assigned him to the position of superintendent of the farm connected with the same institution. He performed the duties of that posi- tion for the succeeding eight years, at the termination of which he returned to this county in 1903, making his residence in Newark, and during the following summer was nominated by the republican party as candidate for justice of the peace, and secured his election by a large majority. For three years he capably served in this office and distinguished himself by doing twice as much business as had been re- corded to any of his predecessors. In 1908 he received the republican nomination for probate judge but the entire democratic ticket was elected in this county.

On May 13, 1872, Mr. Lake was united in marriage to Miss C. Josephine Mil- ler, daughter of Major James H. and Nancy ( Irwin) Miller. They have two sons: Theodore Franklin, who married Julia Garby ; and Stewart Edmunds, who wedded Proxetta Hanks. Mr. Lake is a stanch adherent of the republican party, of the principles of which he has always been a conscientious advocate and his loyalty to the party has merited him the honor of representing those interests on many occa- sions at state conventions, both from Licking and Richland counties. He has always been an active worker and during campaigns has always figured as a leading factor in presenting the principles of the party and in endeavoring to secure the election of its candidates. He has been as faithful to his religious duties as to those devoly- ing upon him in other connections and from boyhood has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a liberal supporter. Mr. Lake's life has always been modest and honorable and he attributes much of his physical health and vigor to the fact that he has never used stimulants or narcotics. Being a man of noble purpose as well as of great industry and energy, his life has been such not only to merit him political preferments but also the confidence and cordial respect of his fellow citizens.

CHRISTOPHER C. WINTER.

Christopher C. Winter, who for many years was associated with the agricul- tural interests of Harrison township, this county, and who is a retired station agent of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1838, a son of Christopher and Katherine (Simmons) Winter, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. His father was one of six children born to Christopher Winter, Sr., who came to the new world from Germany when a lad, settling in the state of Pennsylvania, where he followed farming until the time of his death. Christopher Winter, Sr., came to this county when his son Christopher C. was three months old and settled in Union township on a farm consisting of two hundred acres, where he and his wife spent their remaining days and reared a family of twelve children.

In the district schools Christopher C. Winter acquired his education and re- mained on the farm with his father until 1864, during which year he went to Dela- ware county, where he engaged in agriculture and stock-raising for seven years. At the expiration of that period he removed to Outville, where he was made assist- ant station agent on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which position he held until

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1898, when he was promoted to station agent and performed the duties of that office until June, 1908, when, on account of his advanced years, he retired on a pension and the position was given to his daughter. During the Civil war his business affairs were such that he could not leave them in order to take an active part in defense of the Union, but he hired a substitute who took his place in the one hun- dred days' service.

On April 5, 1864, Mr. Winter wedded Jane Glick, daughter of George Wash- ington and Rosa (Coffman) Glick, natives of this state, who had a family of twelve children. To Mr. and Mrs. Winter have been born : Maude is the widow of Henry Clarke and resides with her son Winter in Columbus, Ohio; Clyde married Charles H. Moore, and they have two children, Charles and Maude, and reside in Columbus, Ohio; Georgia is at home with her parents; Jessie succeeded her father as station agent here; and Chester Caldwell, a recent graduate of Denison University. He expects to enter the theological seminary at Rochester, New York, where he will study for the Christian ministry.

Mr. Winter has always believed that the principles of the democratic party embody those policies best adapted to maintain the original character of the coun- try's institutions and consequently all his life has been loyal to its candidates. With his wife he attends divine services at the Baptist church in Kirkersville, in which both are faithful workers. Mr. Winter was very active during his younger days and has succeeded in laying by much of this world's goods and possesses an elegant nine-room residence. His life has been modest and, having observed a high stand- ard of morals, he is now, although seventy years of age, in possession of a measure of energy which is seldom enjoyed by those who are many years younger. His busi- ness relations have been such as to enable him to gain the confidence of the people and his well spent life merits the respect of all with whom he is acquainted.

GEORGE E. WELLS.

George E. Wells, who occupies a prominent place in the commercial circles of Pataskala, where he is engaged in the hay, grain and feed business, was born in Union township. November 4. 1859, a son of Reason and Adeline (Cain) Wells, both of whom were natives of this county, the birth of his father having occurred September 20, 1818, and that of his mother on March 11, 1834, his parents having entered into rest on July 4, 1891 and March 31, 1888 respectively. Farming and stock breeding commanded the attention of Reason Wells, who owned about eight hundred acres of valuable land located in this county, and at the time of his death he possessed a handsome competence, most of which he earned in raising sheep and handling wool. He was considered an authority on sheep-raising throughout the larly employing his vote and influence towards securing the election of its candi- county. He manifested deep interest in public affairs and always gave his support to the republican party, whose principles he ably advocated, during campaigns regu- nell, of Harrison township; George Elmer, who is interested in the milling business dates. He reared a family of nine children : Mary Ellen, the wife of J. R. Chan- in Pataskala; Minnie J., the wife of James Jacobs, a resident of Kirkersville;

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Carry May, the wife of James S. White, living on a farm in Etna township; Mattie E., who resides on a farm in Union township with her husband, George Harris; Addie, who was born in 1869, her death occurring in 1893; Laura J., the widow of Joseph Welch, who resides in New Mexico; Reason L., a resident of Columbus, Ohio; and Charles N.

Shortly after his birth George Elmer Wells was brought to Harrison township by his parents, who located on a farm a half mile north of Kirkersville, and there he spent his boyhood days, engaging in the duties of agricultural life and acquiring a knowledge of the art of husbandry under the supervision of his father, while in the winter season he availed himself of the educational opportunities of the district school. Remaining on the home farm until the year 1883, he was then married and began farming independently, continuing the pursuit for three years, at the termination of which period, in 1886, he removed to Outville where he engaged in general merchandizing until the fall of 1891, during which year he returned home, the move being occasioned by the death of his father. He remained in that neigh- borhood, where he purchased a farm, until February, 1902, when he located in Pataskala, where he has since been engaged in the hay, grain and feed business. He has been quite successful in this venture, having a wide knowledge of the enter- prise, and his experience, together with his solicitation to accommodate his patrons, has enabled him to greatly increase his volume of trade until his business at present is one of the most considerable in this part of the township.

In 1883 Mr. Wells wedded Lella R. Hancock, a native of Union township, born April 18, 1867, and a daughter of Captain James and Annie (Outgelt) Han- cock, who spent their entire lives there. Mr. Wells is a republican in politics, firmly believing in the principles of his party and consequently is a live factor during campaigns in advocating the party policy and endeavoring to secure the election of its candidates. Local affairs have always commanded his attention and while a resident of Harrison township he served efficiently as justice of the peace and also as a trustee, and, being a public spirited man, he is always ready to further measures designed for the general improvement of the community. Mr. Wells is a faithful adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church and is also actively affiliated with the religious organization known as the Methodist Brotherhood. Being a man whose daily life is as far as possible in harmony with the teachings of his faith, he is in every sense a desirable citizen whose industry and enterprise have justly entitled him to the place he holds as one of the township's representative business men.

MARTIN SLOUGH.

Martin Slough, who was a highly respected citizen, veteran of the Civil war, and a prosperous farmer, was born in Harrison township, September 24, 1838. on the farm on which he was reared, and on which he passed away June 23, 1905. His parents were John and Mary (Lepart) Slough, natives of Fairfield county. where his birth occurred October 1, 1800, and that of his wife on January 28, 1807, their marriage having taken place there on March 28, 1826. His ancestors, having come from Germany to the new world at an early date, later settled in Fairfield county,

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Ohio, while his wife's ancestors were originally from the Keystone state. In 1831 her parents located on the Harrison township farm, where they remained carrying on a general farming business until they departed this life, on June 1. 1871, and September 28, 1898, respectively. They were among the first settlers of this region, the entire country having been practically covered with forest upon their arrival. Mrs. Slough's first husband had been William Ewing, who passed away, leaving one child, David Ewing, who was a prisoner of war and died in Andersonville prison. By her second husband she had twelve children, namely: Elizabeth, who died in her nineteenth year: Irwin, who was a soldier in the one-hundred-day service during the Civil war; Maria, deceased : Henry, a veteran of the Civil war ; John, Jr., who enlisted in a Kansas Company during the Civil war and lost his life while on duty ; Simon, of Granville: Martin ; Sophia, deceased: William, a veteran of the Civil war, who enlisted in Ohio and was in the one hundred day's service; Samuel, a vet- eran of the Civil war, who served in the same regiment with his brothers, Irwin, William and Samuel ; George, of Kansas; and Thomas, deceased. The family has an excellent war record, six brothers and one half-brother having been in the mili- tary ranks on the Union side. Their mother's life was one of great activity and in- dustry, and few women have ever manifested greater endurance, she having made all the clothing with which to supply the members of her family from wool raised on the home farm, which she would spin at night, and so great was her energy that she would go for long periods without having more than four hours sleep a day. She was a hard worker and active until the last year of her life, her death having occurred when she was past her ninety-first year.

Martin Slough was reared upon the home farm, where he worked in the fields, and during the winter acquired his education in the district schools. He remained at home until the outbreak of the Civil war and then, on April 19, 1861, enlisted at the first call for troops, the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was dis- charged from the three months' service at Zanesville, Ohio, in August, 1861. He reenlisted at Alexandria, September 3, 1861. in Company D. Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with his regiment participated in much hard fighting. Two guns were shot out of his grasp in the battle of Shiloh and he had several other thrilling experiences. During the service he was overtaken with illness and con- fined in a hospital in Cincinnati from May 10 to May 25, 1862, and after his re- lease was furloughed until July 10, at which time he was detached for six months with the mounted infantry at Trenton, Tennessee, and was discharged at Camp Denison, November 18, 1864, after having served with the three and eight months troops and three-years men.

Returning home, in 1865 Mr. Slough went to Granville, where he engaged in operating a sawmill with his brother, Simon Slough, for seven years, the firm being known as Slough Brothers. While in this business he lost an eye while working at an emery wheel, upon which he gave up the enterprise and returned to his farm in 1877, there spending his remaining days in the pursuit of agriculture. At the time of Martin Slough's boyhood this farm was the scene of great activity. It was pro- vided with a sawmill. cider mill, horning mill, a threshing machine, a cooper shop and cheese factory, and in addition to these enterprises an extensive dairy business was conducted. With the numerous buildings required by the various enterprises the farm wore the appearance of a small village, until all the buildings, with the exception of the dwelling house, were destroyed by fire in 1903. With so many in-

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terests there was ample work for all the members of the family and all the sons were employed on the home farm. During his latter years, however, Mr. Slough did not engage in so many enterprises and devoted his time principally to raising general crops and stock.

On August 14, 1867, Mr. Slough wedded Melissa Bancroft, whose birth occurred in Jersey township, this county, on May 17, 1841, and who with her parents removed to Granville while she was in her infancy and resided there until she came to Har- rison township in 1877. She was the daughter of Lyman and Emeline ( Hobart) Bancroft, her father having been a native of Granville township, where his birth occurred January 4, 1809, and her mother of Vermont, where she was born January 21, 1811. Mrs. Bancroft was taken by her parents, Noah and Abigail ( Hazelton) Hobart, to Granville in the summer of 1816, and departed this life in Gambier, Ohio, August 28, 1891. Her husband left Granville for California in 1849 in search for gold, and passed away during the following year. In the family were five chil- dren, namely : Lucy, widow of Daniel Hunt, of Gambier, this state; Alvah, who departed this life in Columbus, Ohio, in 1906; Ethan, who passed away in that city in 1891; Leroy, whose death occurred here in 1898; and Melissa. To Mr. and Mrs. Slough were born: Mary, who passed away in 1894; Fannie and Ida, at home; Charles, who was born in 1875 and died in 1900; Clara, who is the wife of Arling- ton Nessley of Kirkersville, Ohio, and has three children, Mary Leone, Georgie Pauline, and Stephen Slough ; and Abigail, widow of Harvey Wells.

Since her husband's death Mrs. Slough has remained on the old homestead which originally contained two hundred and ten acres and now comprises one hun- dred and seventy-six acres. Mr. Slough was a member of Myrtle Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Granville, and also a member of Baird Post, G. A. R., of Pataskala. He was well known throughout the county, not only for his enterprising spirit, but also for his upright and useful life, and in his death the county lost one of its most highly respected citizens and a man whose energy and example has contributed much toward the welfare of the community.

JAMES MCKINNEY.

James McKinney, who for many years was actively and successfully connected with the farming and stock-raising interests of Licking county, is now living re- tired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He was born in a log house in Newton township, this county, April 14, 1831, his parents being Joseph and Elizabeth (Hopper) Mckinney, who are mentioned on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Josiah Mckinney, a brother of our subject.

James McKinney obtained his education in the common schools and remained at home until the time of his marriage, October 6, 1868, subsequent to which im- portant event in his life he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, culti- vating a portion of the old homestead. Afterward he and his brother John pur- chased a tract of two hundred acres of land in this county and later divided it. He also has a fine residence in St. Louisville and now owns two hundred acres in his home farm. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he

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made a specialty of raising and feeding stock and his business interests were so carefully managed that annually his sales of grain and stock brought to him a good financial return. When his carefully-directed and untiring labor had netted him a comfortable competence he put aside the active work of the fields and is now spend- ing his remaining days in richly merited ease, being well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a prosperous, progressive and representative citizen.

October 6, 1868, Mr. Mckinney was joined in wedlock to Miss Nancy E. Mc- Mullen, who was born in Illinois in 1818 and in early life accompanied her parents on their removal to Licking county. She was one of a family of five children, namely: Malissa, who is deceased ; Andrew, a resident of this county; Mrs. Mc- Kinney ; and Zula A. and Alcinda, both of whom have also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. MeMullen have likewise been called to their final rest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mckinney have been born five children, as follows: Clara B., at home : George J., deceased ; Sarah E., the wife of Joseph Hall, who resides on his father-in-law's farm; Gertrude, at home; and William, who has passed away. There are likewise two grandchildren, Evart M. and Joseph L.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Mckinney has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and has served his fellow townsmen in the position of supervisor. His wife and daughters are devoted members of the Lutheran church at Vanatta, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. He has made his home in Licking county throughout his entire life, or for more than three-quarters of a century, and there- fore enjoys a large acquaintance, and during that period has witnessed the many changes that have been wrought, as wild and unimproved land has been cultivated and developed, fine homes have been erected and thriving towns and villages have sprung into existence, until this is now one of the most prosperous sections in the great state of Ohio.

HARRY C. GIBSON.

Harry C. Gibson, who is successfully engaged in the cultivation and improve- ment of his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Newton township, was born in Ilancock, Houghton county, Michigan, on the 14th of August, 1878, his par- ents being John and Jerusha (Vanguyshing) Gibson. The father, whose birth occurred in Darlington, Durham county, England, March 5, 1831, learned the tailor's trade in early manhood and in 1856 crossed the Atlantic to the new world. After landing on American shores he followed his trade in many of the principal cities of the United States and Canada for several years and in 1861 took up his abode in Hancock, Michigan, where he was engaged in tailoring until the time of his demise. On the 25th of September, 1865. in Newton township, he wedded Miss Jerusha Vanguyshing, whose acquaintance he had formed while she was visiting friends in Hancock. She was a daughter of Jacob Vanguyshing. of Newton town- ship, and a member of a prominent Dutch family widely and favorably known throughout the community in which they resided. Her birth occurred at Clifton Park, New York. June 10. 1811, and in 1850 she accompanied her parents on their

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removal to Licking county. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gibson estab- lished their home in Hancock, Michigan, where, as before stated, the father con- tinued to reside until called to his final rest on the 20th of January, 1879. His death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret throughout the community, for he was not only a man of splendid business qualifications, excellent executive ability and public-spirited citizenship but also a loving husband, father and friend. HIe took a lively interest in the questions and issues of the day and was ever a stalwart advocate of the republican party, believing its principles most conducive to good government. Unto him and his wife were born three children, two of whom still survive, namely : Frank B .; and Harry C., of this review. Subsequent to the death of the father Mrs. Gibson and her children continued to reside in Hancock until 1886, which year witnessed their arrival in Newton township, the family home being established on the farm which is now owned and occupied by our subject.

Since attaining his majority Harry C. Gibson has operated the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he now owns and in the cultivation of which he has met with a gratifying and well-merited measure of prosperity. The fields indicate his careful supervision and practical methods, bringing forth rich crops as a reward for his labor.

In November, 1903, Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Elsie M. Mc- Kee, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1881, her parents being Hendricks and Lydia (Carpenter) McKee, natives of Coshocton county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. McKee, whose family numbers five children, still survive and are residents of Knox county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gibson has been born one son, John McKee.

Mr. Gibson gives stanch allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his private interests. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the English Lutheran church and he contributes liberally to various benevolent and religious enterprises, while all his deeds are actuated by the senti- ment so beautifully expressed in the Golden Rule. He has won the favorable regard and friendship of all with whom he has come in contact throughout the long period of his residence here and, though still a young man, has already attained a degree of success that augurs well for a bright future.

EDWIN M. LARASON.

On the roster of county officials appears the name of Edwin M. Larason, who is now serving as deputy clerk of the courts at Newark. He was born in Bladens- burg, Knox county, Ohio, July 24, 1823, his parents being Oliver C. and Willametta (Mercer) Larason, who were likewise natives of Ohio. The father has made an excellent record as public official, serving as clerk of the court of Licking county for two terms of three years each, from 1898 until 1904, after which he retired from office as he had entered it-with the confidence and good will of all con- cerned. He is now a candidate for clerk of the supreme court of Ohio.

Edwin M. Larason prepared for life's practical duties as a pupil in the graded and high school of Kirkersville, this county, where he graduated, and in the summer months he remained upon the home farm, assisting in the labors of field and

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Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio, Part 63

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