USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 68
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
At Shiloh Colonel Clem had his drum smashed by a piece of shell and this won for him the appellation of Johnny Shiloh, indicating the courageous manner in which he discharged his duties at that bloody battle. He had just reached his twelfth year when the battle of Chickamauga occurred. In the meantime he had been allowed to carry a musket although the fire article had been shortened for his use. There he might have been seen sitting upon a caisson side by side with artillerymen, going to the front to form the line of battle, facing the fire of the enemy's bullets which might mean death. He did duty with the command all through the day and as evening drew on, when the army was retiring towards Chattanooga, the brigade to which he was attached received orders to hold Its position. After a time, however, the rebels surrounded this brigade and a demand for its surrender was made after its charge had been repulsed. At that time a con- federate colonel rode toward little Johnny Clem, who could not fall back as rapidly as the rest of the line. In most ungentlemanly terms he bade him surrender. and rode toward the little soldier with his sword drawn. Suddenly the boy swung up his musket to the position of charge bayonet and fired, and the colonel fell. The surrounding rebels at the same moment fired upon the Union brigade and Johnny Clem dropped to the ground where he lay until darkness closed in and then arose, making his way toward Chattanooga, in which direction the remainder of the army had pursued. This exploit was one of the most heroic chronicled in the Civil war. Men of twice and thrice his years would have hesitated ere doing
Digitized by Google
i
715
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
the deed which he did with the rebels all around and the Confederate colonel almost upon him. It was this which won him the well known title of "The Little Drummer Boy of Chickamauga," and it gained for him also the highest praise from Rosecrans and Thomas and other officers and men in the army of the Cum- berland. When the rebels fired upon the Union forces, after the little drummer boy had discharged his gun at the colonel, the shot fell thick and fast about him and his cap was pierced by three balls.
Colonel Clem won recognition for his undaunted valor and bravery from General Rosecrans, who made him sergeant, placing his name on the roll of honor and attaching him to the headquarters of the army of the Cumberland, while the daughter of Chief Justice Chase presented him with a silver medal inscribed "Sergeant Johnny Clem, Twenty-second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, from N. M. C." This badge he yet proudly wears in connection with his Grand Army badge.
Not long after leaving Chattanooga Colonel Clem and other Union soldiers were captured while he was doing detail service in bringing up the supply trains from Bridgeport, Alabama. For sixty-three days he was held captive by the Confederate forces, during which time the Union soldiers were kept constantly on the move until they reached Tallahassee, Florida, where he was paroled. From that point he was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, for exchange. In the meantime, however, the Confederates had taken from him his cap, thrice pierced with bullets, his jacket and his shoes. Upon reaching the Union lines he found General Thomas in command of the army of the Cumberland and the general, knowing of his previous valor and heroism, attached him to his staff and made him an orderly sergeant. He was on active duty in various important engagements includ- ing the battles of Shiloh, Chickamauga, Perryville, Stone River, Resaca, Kenesaw. Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Nashville and others, in which the troops constituting the army of the Cumberland won lasting fame for themselves.
Colonel Clem was not at all times fortunate in escaping the rebel lead .. At Chickamauga he was hit by a broken shell which knocked him over and twice he was struck by balls. Upon one of these occasions he was in the act of delivering a dispatch from General Thomas to General Logan at Atlanta, when the pony which he rode was killed and the rider was wounded in the right shoulder. His military record was altogether a most brilliant and creditable one and because of his youth and his undaunted bravery he enjoyed the highest respect and honor of both officers and comrades of the army of the Cumberland, while- General Thomas remained his best friend until his death and throughout that time a correspondence was maintained between them.
When the war was over and the country no longer needed his aid Colonel Clem was honorably mustered out and, returning to his old home at Newark, he. resumed his interrupted education and was graduated from the high school in the class of 1870. Later he was graduated from an artillery school in 1875. In the meantime, through appointment of President Grant and upon the recommendation of Generals Thomas and Logan and other officers of the army of the Cumberland, he was appointed a cadet at West Point in recognition of his gallant service. On the 18th of December, 1871, President Grant appointed him second lieutenant of the Twenty-fourth United States Infantry and since that time successive promo-
Digitized by Google
216
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
tions have come to him as he has done active military service for his country on the frontier, or in the various stations to which he has been called. On the 5th of October, 1875, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and on the 4th of May, 1882, became captain and acting quartermaster. Thirteen years later, on the 16th of May, 1895, he became major and quartermaster and on the 2d of February, 1901, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and deputy quartermaster general. On the 15th of August, 1903, his last promotion made him colonel. and as assistant quartermaster general he is engaged in active duty at Fort Worth, Texas.
In 1875 Colonel Clem was married to Miss Anita French, a daughter of William H. French of the United States army. They had but one child who survived, John L. Clem. In 1903 Colonel Clem married the youngest daughter of D. Sullivan, a wealthy banker of San Antonio, Texas. There is one daughter of that marriage, Anne Elizabeth Clem. Colonel Clem served as chief quartermaster in the invasion of the Philippines from 1903 until 1905, during which time he succeeded in reducing the expenses two million five hundred thousand dollars, which was considered a remarkable record. He has attained high rank in Masonry, having become a thirty-second degree Mason in 1908. His history constitutes a brilliant chapter in the annals of Licking county's native sons and well deserves mention in this volume.
CHARLES C. BRICKER.
Prominent among the younger agriculturists of Harrison township, Charles C. Bricker makes a specialty of the dairy business in which he is meeting with splendid success. He was born February 18, 1876, in Morgan township, Knox county, on a farm located two miles cast of Utica, and is the son of Hiram and Melissa M. (Bell) Bricker. His father was born in Morgan township, Knox county, Ohio, in 1827, his mother in Washington township, this county, February 14, 1836, the latter a daughter of Isaac Bell, a native of the Keystone state who in childhood came to Ohio with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Bell, who were among the early settlers of this part of the state, locating near the Knox county boundary line. In this vicinity Hiram Bricker, the father of Charles C., spent most of his life engaged in the occupation of farming. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted from Licking county and served in the Union ranks for one hun- dred days in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, entering the service as first lieutenant and subsequently becoming captain of his company. He was a man noted for his patriotism and during his residence in this community became quite prominent in local affairs and was numbered among the influential residents and worthy citizens. He reared the following children, namely: Katharine, wife of Ray McWilliams, of Newton township; Anna Bell, who resides with her husband, Frank Mercer, in Newark; Elizabeth, who wedded Hugh C. Harrison, of Jennings, Louisiana ; Virginia, wife of James Seward, of Indianapolis, Indiana : James F., who occupies the home farm in Morgan town- ship, Knox county ; Emma, wife of Frank Forey, in Marysville, Ohio; Cary T ..
Digitized by Google
717
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
a druggist of Newark; Laura, wife of J. R. Warner, of that city; Charles, a resi- dent of Kirkersville, this county; and Nellie, who lives with her mother. Their father departed this life February 23, 1901, while his wife still survives and makes her home in Utica.
Charles C. Bricker was reared on his father's farm and there spent his boy- hood days, in the meantime perfecting himself in the art of husbandry and acquiring his education in the district schools. He was associated with the farm- ing interest of Knox county until two years ago, when he came to this county and located on his present farm, which is situated on the Johnstown road between Outville and Kirkersville. He has been following agricultural pursuits all his life with the exception of two years which he spent in the farm implement business in Utica. He has seventy acres, all of which is highly improved property and supplied with every convenience with which to carry on his business by modern methods. He makes a specialty of dairying and has twenty-three head of cows, all of which are of the finest breeds and considered to be the very best for dairy- ing purposes, most of his cattle being of the Ayrshire breed, every animal being a thoroughbred and registered. There are only six herds of this breed of animals in the state of Ohio, and Mr. Bricker has exhibited his stock at the different state fairs and in every instance has succeeded in taking prizes. He has a wide reputa- tion for the quality of his dairy products and carries on a large shipping business in Newark, this state. His buldings are substantial and modern and there was erected a new dwelling house in 1903, at a cost of five thousand dollars, which is among the best in the township, the residence having eight rooms, all of which are large, the entire structure being of modern architecture and equipped with all necessary conveniences. His farm is in every particular indicative of thrift and progress and is known as "Terrace Place."
On December 20, 1905, Mr. Bricker was united in marriage to Grace M. Moore, a native of this county and a daughter of William Moore, who resides in Homer, this county. In politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party and, although he is not active in public affairs, yet he keeps abreast with the times regarding the paramount issues of the day and is always ready with his vote and influence to secure the election of the candidates of his party. He belongs to Lodge No. 295, F. & A. M., meeting in Utica, and the Modern Wood- men of America. He is one of the most aggressive and enterprising men of the community, who is possessed of noble traits and qualities and whose life is such as to merit him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.
SMITH L. REDMAN.
Licking county has been signally favored in the class of men who have filled her public offices. They have usually been actuated by a spirit of untiring devo- tion to the general good and in the discharge of public duties have displayed ability as well as fidelity. The record of Smith L. Redman as sheriff of the county is a most creditable one and that he has the endorsement of the general public is indi- cated by the fact that he was elected for a second term. One of Ohio's native
Digitized by Google
718
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
sons, his birth occurred in Hopewell, Muskingum county, October 27, 1859, his parents being Samuel and Susan (Rutledge) Redman who were also natives of Muskingum county. The father, who throughout his entire life followed the occu- pation of farming in support of his family, died November 4, 1861, and is still survived by his widow who in the eighty-third year of her age is yet enjoying good health.
The public schools of his native county afforded Smith L. Redman his educa- tional privileges and when not busy with his text books he worked upon the home farm and in a coal mine through the period of his youth. Later he entered a retail grocery store in the capacity of clerk. He early learned the value of industry and energy as necessary factors in a business career and those qualities have ever been numbered among his sterling characteristics. In June, 1876, he moved with his mother to Newark and in April, 1877, entered into the employ of Ashbrook & Company, wholesale grocers. That he was loyal to their best interests and proved a competent, efficient, and faithful representative of the house, is indicated by the fact that he remained with that firm for twenty-seven years or until they sold out in January, 1904. He was then retained by the succeeding firm, the Tenney & Morgan Company, as manager, until December, 1904, when he entered upon the duties of the office of sheriff to which he was elected in November. Discharging his duties without fear or favor and standing as one of the bulwarks of law and order in this county, his course won him the confidence of the public as manifested in his reelection in 1906. He has proved a good officer, giving entire satisfaction in the discharge of his duties.
Mr. Redman has always taken an active interest in politics and is one of the best known men in the county. He was elected a member of the city council from the old Fifth ward in 1892, serving for two years and in 1896 was reelected for a second term. Over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil for his course has been actuated by a public spirited citizenship. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word for at an early age he was obliged to start out in life on his own account and not only provided for his own support but has also taken a pride in providing and caring for his mother with whom he yet resides. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen, the Eagles and the United Commercial Travelers and in all of these organizations is popular, being highly esteemed by his fellow townsmen ..
ALBERT BEEM.
Albert Beem, a retired merchant and farmer of Lima township, now living at Summit Station, after having for many years conducted a general store and dealt in drain tile, was born in Lima township, December 16, 1848, a son of George W. and Margaret (Myer) Beem, natives of Jersey township, this county, the former born November 17, 1820, and the latter July 25, 1825. There they resided until they were united in marriage November 17, 1842, when they came to Lima town- ship, where they purchased a farm on which they remained until they departed this life on November 14, 1895, and June 25, 1854, respectively. They reared a
Digitized by Google
719
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
family of five children : Alonzo; Minerva, who departed this life in her twentieth year; George W., who passed away in infancy ; Albeit; and John N. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Beem on July 1, 1855, was united in marriage to Julia Ann, a sister of his former wife and to this union was born one child, Alice D., the wife of Daniel H. Whitehead, of Wichita, Kansas. Mr. Beem's second wife having entered into eternity, he wedded Elizabeth Tharp, on March 18, 1858, by whom he had three children : Mrs. Sarah A. Headly, of Franklin county, Ohio; Mrs. Rose L. Prior, deceased; and Mrs. Ida E. Foster, a resident of Summit Station. George W. Beem was a well known stock dealer, who handled cattle and sheep on a large scale, his farm containing three hundred acres, provided with every convenience for carrying on his business.
Albert Beem spent his boyhood on the farm on which he was born, engaging in its daily routine during the summer season and acquiring his education at the neighboring school in the winter time. Remaining upon the home place until he was twenty-two years of age, he then went to Benton county, Iowa, where he spent six years, returning to this place after the lapse of that time and engaging in the general merchandise business at Summit Station, which enterprise he conducted in connection with handling the various kinds of drain tile until two years ago when he retired from active life. He still owns the store building in which he transacted his business, the structure being a two-story frame one, twenty-four by seventy feet, and also owns two fine dwelling houses aside from the elegant brick residence, which he built for himself in 1904. In addition to these holdings he also possesses a farm in Kansas and considerable real estate in the city of Denver, Colorado. Mr. Beem has been remarkably successful in his business ventures and his industry and careful management have enabled him to amass a handsome for- tune and he is numbered among the influential citizens of the county.
In February, 1871, Mr. Beem wedded Fidelia Beals, a native of Lima town- ship, born March 20, 1849, and a daughter of Enoch HI. and Katharine (Beem) Beals. To this union two children were born: Carrie M. is the widow of Lewis G. Evans and resides with her father. George H., born February 10, 1875, died August 3, 1905. His widow, Ninniota Pickering and their children, Hazel M. and Lula, reside with her father-in-law. Mr. Beem has had a long, useful business career in this community and one which has been marked by a degree of enterprise and industry which not only furthered his own prosperity but also greatly con- tributed to the financial worth of this part of the county. His business relations having always been in accord with a high standard of morals, his influence in commercial circles has been of much worth and he is entitled to the high place he now occupies as a retired business man and representative citizen of the township.
WILLIAM LARIMORE.
William Larimore, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Kirkersville, was born on his father's farm in Union township, July 12, 1851, and is a son of Daniel and Samantha C. (Essex) Larimore. The father, one of a family of seven children, is a native of Virginia and the mother, who is of English
Digitized by Google
720
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
and French extraction, was born in Etna township, this county. Among their chil- dren were: William ; Frank, who wedded Miss Elizabeth Sherman and resides in Columbus, Ohio: Belle, who resides at home with her mother in Outville; Louis, deceased; and Etta, who became the wife of Dr. F. P. Leatherman, a practicing physician in Outville.
William Larimore, the firstborn of the family, was reared amid the experiences of farm life, acquiring his preliminary education in the village schools, and in 1869 removed to Granville, where he attended high school, subsequently being given the advantage of a four years' course of study in Denison University. Upon graduating from this institution he returned to his father's farm, where he engaged in the pur- suit of agriculture until 1893, during which year he located in Kirkersville, where he established himself in the furniture and undertaking business, in which he has since been engaged. Through his energy and enterprise his has become one of the leading business concerns in the township.
On February 27, 1890, Mr. Larimore wedded Miss Sarah J. Taylor, a daughter of James and Lydia (Bolby) Taylor, the former born February 27, 1822. Mrs. Larimore is one of a family of seven children, namely: Samuel W .; George W .; John, deceased; Lydia, who became the wife of O. N. Penny, of Carthage, Missouri ; Ella, the wife of Thomas Clumus, of Hebron, Ohio; Elizabeth, who resides with her husband, T. M. Rugg, in Newark, Ohio; and Sarah J.
Mr. Larimore's business interests have been attended with prosperity and in 1906 he erected a magnificent cement residence of nine rooms and of modern style of architecture. He has provided it with every convenience with which to make domestic life comfortable and happy and here it is his pleasure to spend his even- ings amid the delights of the home circle. Politically he is a democrat and while he is not an aspirant for public office he is a firm believer in the wisdom of the principles of his party and is invariably in evidence during campaigns, using his influence to the best advantage in order to secure the election of his candidates. Although his business affairs demand much of his time and attention yet he does not forget his religious obligations which he deems of greater import than the ordi- nary affairs of human life and attends divine services at the Baptist church, of which he is a liberal supporter. He takes an active part in the affairs of the Masonic order, being a member of Lodge No. 537, at Millersport, Ohio, and belongs to Lodge No. 587, I. O. O. F., of this place. Mr. Larimore is a man whose enterprising spirit has contributed much toward the commercial standing of the community and, his business relations being conducted on the basis of honesty, he is looked upon as one of the most reliable men in the vicinity, justly meriting the respect in which he is held as a representative citizen of the county.
JESSE W. HURSEY.
Jesse W. Hursey, clerk of the courts at Newark to which position he was elected in 1906 for a second term, was born in Gratiot, Licking county, Ohio, April 20, 1862, his parents being Abram and Mary (Gordon) Hursey, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. The father was a farmer by occupation and
Digitized by Google
721
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
for many years was a resident of this county, becoming prominent in this locality. He served as justice of the peace in his township and filled other official positions, the duties of which he discharged in prompt and capable manner.
The environment of Jesse W. Hursey in his boyhood days was that of the home farm and of the district school. In the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields and in the winter seasons pursued his education. Later he had the opportunity of attending the Hanover graded school while subsequently he became a student in the Normal College at Zanesville. For eleven years he engaged in teaching school and proved a capable educator, imparting concisely and readily to others the knowledge that he had obtained. In September, 1898, he came to Newark to fill the position of deputy clerk under O. C. Larason, which position he filled for three years and in the fall of 1903 he was elected to his present position, assuming the duties in August, 1904. In the fall of 1906 he was reelected, being the only democrat on the county ticket elected at that time. However he was given a majority of nine hundred and eighty votes, a fact which is unmistakable evidence of his popularity and an equally strong endorsement of his service during his first term. He held the office of assessor of Hopewell town- ship for two terms and his official record has always been creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents.
On the 27th of May, 1888, Mr. Hursey was married to Miss Laura Duncan, a native of Licking county, who died May 7, 1889. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Masons, the Modern Woodmen, the Eagles, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks, and he also belongs to the Rebekah lodge of Odd Fellows. He enjoys the respect of even his political oppo- nents for they know that he is sincere and is loyal to his honest convictions. He exemplifies the fact expressed by Grover Cleveland that "a public office is a public trust" and it is well known that no trust reposed in Mr. Hursey has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree.
HARRY H. BAIRD.
Harry H. Baird, prominent in the financial and commercial circles of Patas- kala, as cashier of the People's Banking Company and also as secretary of the Brooke Lumber Company, was born in Harrison township February 7, 1857, a son of Joseph and Margery (Fenell) Baird, his father having been a native of a town near Wheeling, West Virginia, and his mother of St. Clairsville, this state. They were united in marriage in Wheeling, West Virginia, and, having made the trip to this county in wagons, settled in Harrison township on a farm which was then woodland. Later Mr. Baird cleared this and spent his remaining days in the pursuit of agriculture, the farm containing three hundred and twenty acres situated a half mile from Pataskala. Prominent in religious circles, Joseph Baird was a deacon in the Presbyterian church and, being well known for his vocal attainments, was instructor and leader of the church choir and was also influential in the moral and spiritual life of the community. In his family were: Jane D., widow of C. H. Elliott, of Pataskala; Frank, a resident of Irving, Kansas; Colonel
Digitized by Google
722
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
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.