USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 76
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The district schools of this township afforded John C. Neel his preliminary education and subsequently he completed a scientific course at the Fairfield Union Academy, upon being graduated from which he became principal of the Hebron schools, in all having devoted twelve years to the profession. Giving up this early vocation he has since devoted his time and energy to farming. He has two hundred acres of land, all of which is thoroughly underlaid by a system of tile drainage, is under a high state of cultivation and on a portion of which there is a fine growth of timber. The attention to which he has given his farm has won it the reputation of being one of the most desirable in the county, particularly on account of its execellent drainage. Aside from engaging in general agriculture he also takes considerable interest in stock-raising, in which he does a fair shipping business throughout the state. He is also interested in other enterprises and is one of the original stock-holders of the Hebron Bank Company, of which he has been vice president since its organization.
On November 30, 1876, he wedded Susan Witmer, a native of Thorn town- ship, Perry county, where her birth occurred December 7, 1856, and where she resided until the time of her marriage. She was a daughter of Solomon and Ann (Ritter) Witmer, her father being a native of that county, while her mother was born in the Keystone state. To Mr. and Mrs. Neel have been born three children, namely: Elmer D. and Florence L., who reside with their parents: and Nellie
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G., who became the wife of O. O. Rutledge, now residing in Newark, the couple having one child, Lillian F. The principles of the democratic party have always strongly appealed to Mr. Neel as embodying those policies the observance of which will maintain the nation's institutions untarnished by the inhospitable hand of imperialism, and which will perpetuate that full measure of individual liberty to obtain which our forefathers sacrificed their lives in order that they might found a free government, under which personal rights would be respected and ambition sustained by worthy competition, which is the life of trade, the means of distribut- ing wealth and hence, of enabling all to participate in the blessings of prosperity. Consequently, he has always been loyal to his party, and during elections is always ready with his vote and influence to secure the election of its candidates. Being as faithful to the performance of his religious obligations as in the care of his business interests he regularly attends divine services at the church of that denom- ination of Christians known as the Disciples of Christ, with which he has been affiliated for thirty-six years and of which he is a trustee. Mr. Neel is well known throughout the township, not only as an industrious citizen but also as a man of upright character, whose aim has always been to do what he could, not only to better the financial conditions of the community but also to contribute to its moral and spiritual uplift and, therefore, he is a valuable asset to the township and enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors.
WILLIAM C. MONTGOMERY.
William C. Montgomery, residing in Johnstown, owns and operates a good farm in Liberty township. He is also numbered among the veterans of the Civil war that Licking county furnished to the Union. He was born in Liberty town- ship, March 23, 1840, a son of Samuel and Mary (Seymour) Montgomery, who were natives of this county, their ancestors having come from the state of Virginia at an early day. The father followed agricultural pursuits all his life and was a man of acknowledged integrity and sterling qualities of character, who exerted a wide influence for good throughout the county.
On his father's farm William (. Montgomery was reared, assisting in the general farm work during the summer and acquiring his education at the district schools in the winter season. Remaining at home until the outbreak of the Civil war, at the call of President Lincoln for troops, he enlisted in Company B, Seventy- sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on October 31, 1861, and served with his regiment throughout all the engagements in which it participated. He was present at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Chickasaw, Jacksonville, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. During his military career he was advanced to color sergeant, commanded the color guard, and at the battle of Ring- gold, Georgia, on November 27, 1863, while carrying the company's flag, he was shot through the right arm and in that engagement the fire was so turned upon the color guard that seven of the eight men were severely wounded within a few moments after the battle commenced. Mr. Montgomery's wound was so serious that the field surgeons were compelled to amputate his right arm at the shoulder.
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When able to leave the hospital he was furloughed and the government carried him on its payroll until the expiration of his three years' enlistment, when he was mustered out with his regiment and given an honorable discharge. A tribute to his bravery and meritorious service in the shape of a gold medal suitably engraved is very highly prized by Mr. Montgomery and it was presented to him by the surviving officers and members of his regiment at the close of the war.
After leaving the army he engaged in general merchandising at Wharton, Wyandotte county, Ohio, where he remained for one year and then returned to Liberty township, where he engaged in farming. In 1896 he removed to Johns- town, where he makes his residence, at the same time, however, continuing to operate his farm, on which he engages in the production of general crops and pays some attention to stock-raising. In agricultural pursuits he has met with splendid success and from year to year his crops have been such that he is now in com- fortable circumstances.
On November 29, 1864, Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Rhodeback, a daughter of Joseph S. and Mary Ann (Willard) Rhode- back, both parents having come to Licking county from Pennsylvania in 1836, where the father for many years was a prominent agriculturist. To this union were born three children: Orin E., a well known farmer and stock-raiser of this township; Alberta M., who became the wife of John Crouse; and Louis B., who remains at home and assists his father in the duties of the farm. Mr. Montgomery gives his political support to the republican party to which he has always been loyal. He was assessor of this township for eight successive years and for a long period was an efficient member of the school board. He is not affiliated with any secret societies or fraternal organizations, nor has he allied himself with any church body, but, notwithstanding, he is always willing to lend support to any movement which, to any degree, might promote the public good. He is a zealous advocate of public improvement, especially good roads and superior school sys- tems, and is always ready to further any measure for betterment in this direc- tion. Acknowledged to be one of the most substantial citizens of the township, he is well liked by all who know him and his social qualities have won him the respect and confidence of his many friends.
ANTHONY HUNTER.
Among the well known and progressive citizens of Franklin, who spent long years in the active pursuit of agriculture and after having lived an exemplary life passed into the world of beyond was Anthony Hunter, who departed this life at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. He was one of the oldest and most widely known farmers of this county and moreover possessed many noble traits of character. He, indeed, lived a well spent life and will long be remembered by those who knew him. He was a native of Ireland and when twenty years of age emi- grated to this country, and settled in New York city. There he remained for a period of five years when he came to this county, where he spent his remaining days in industriously pursuing his farm duties.
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Mr. Hunter was one of a family of six children, namely: Angeline, Isaac, Mary Jane and Jonathon, all of whom are deceased; and Sarah Anne. When he was still in babyhood he lost his mother and was reared by an uncle and an aunt. With them he remained until he came to the new world, locating in New York city where, after having spent five years, he returned to Ireland with the intention of remaining there, but finally again longed for the liberty of American shores. Returning to the United States, he located in Licking county, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-nine acres which he held under culti- vation until the time of his death.
On October 13, 1866, Mr. IIunter was united in marriage with Miss Samantha Eddington, a native of this county and daughter of A. and Mary (Oshol) Edding- ton. Her grandfathers were both soldiers in the Colonial army during the Revo- lutionary war and lost their lives during engagements. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter became parents of the following children : Matilda and Ella, deceased; Anthony; James, who is united in marriage to Miss Irene Vernillion and has one child, Evelyn; Mantie; and Frank, who is an agriculturist of Franklin township.
Mr. Hunter left one farm containing one hundred and thirty-nine acres and another embracing one hundred and fourteen acres. The latter is in Franklin township and is under cultivation by his sons, Frank and James, who do a general farming business with special attention given to sheep-raising. Both farms are highly improved and beside having upon them comfortable residences they are equipped with buildings, machinery and every convenience requisite to make farm- ing a paying proposition under modern methods. In politics Mr. Hunter always gave his allegiance to the republican party by reason of the fact that after studi- ously investigating its principles he concluded that they were in every particular best suited to establish and maintain the nation's financial integrity and assure its prosperity. Throughout his life he was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church and, having been a consistent Christian and an exemplary character, his passing out of this life in March, 1902, was to him but the entering through the door way of that higher and grander existence in which he had placed his faith and hope. The memory of his beautiful character, aglow with love, sympathy and kindness, will long be cherished by those who knew him.
HOWARD E. GRIFFITH.
Howard E. Griffith, a farmer of MeKean township whose enterprise is bring- ing him increasing prosperity, is now cultivating a farm which was settled by his ancestors more than a century ago. He was born here October 10, 1845, son of William R. and Margaret (Jones) Griffith. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, located in this county in the year 1810 and resided here until his death in 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. He came to this state in its pioneer days and when he took 'hold of the property which his son is now cultivating, and which is as fine a piece of land for farming purposes as exists in the township, it presented a far different appearance than it wears today. Timber broke the view, and thick undergrowth prevented free passage, and upon the whole the land was
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in an unkempt and rough condition. It was only by hard and incessant labor that he succeeded in converting it into the tillable fields which he left as an inheritance to his son. His wife, a native of Wales, came to this county with her parents at a very early date and lived here until her death, which occurred in 1902. She had three children : Francis, deceased ; Maria, wife of George Hankin- son, of this county; and Howard E.
Until he had attained the age of eighteen years Howard E. Griffith remained under the parental roof, during which time he attended the district schools and assisted his father in the work of the farm. About that time the Civil war broke out and he enlisted in Company D, Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served as a private for one year, under General Steele, and was then honorably discharged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, at which time he returned to this county and settled on a farm. Leaving his duties as an agriculturist for a time he pursued a course of study in Denison College, and after having completed the course he spent four terms teaching school. Upon the death of his father he inher- ited the old homestead to which he returned and to which he has since been devoting his labors. The farm embraces seventy acres of rich soil, which by constant improvement is in the best possible condition for raising various kinds of grain. He has his place equipped with all kinds of machinery and every convenience necessary to make his work a paying proposition.
On January 21, 1873, Mr. Griffith wedded Miss Malinda J. Carris, a native of New York, who went to Lorain county, Ohio, at an early date. Her parents. who are both deceased, reared a family of four children besides Mrs. Griffith. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith are the parents of the following children: Paul, Maud. Gertrude, Herbert, Guy Leona and Stella. Leona is a graduate of the Granville high school and now a school teacher. Mr. Griffith is a supporter of the republican party, to the principles of which he has given careful study. He has rendered valuable services to the township as school director, in which office he officiated for several terms. Mr. Griffith is a Master Mason, a man of high moral character and is known throughout the county for his honesty and straightforwardness. as well as for his enterprise and industry. While his wife is an adherent of the Bap- tist church he is not allied with any particular religious body, but molding his life on the principles of Free Masonry, his is rather a religion of conduct.
F. WALTER SMITH.
F. Walter Smith, a prominent and prosperous farmer of Monroe township. who has rendered many useful public services and whose industry and perseverance have made him one of the substantial men of the community. is a native of Jersey township, Lieking county, where his birth occurred January 23, 1856. Here he has spent the greater part of his life actively engaged in tilling the soil and raising stock in which, owing to his diligence and good management, he has met with splendid success and has accumulated sufficient means with which not only to assure his own comfort but also to be a beneficial factor in the general worth of the community. His parents are Joseph and Mary (Gregory) Smith, his father
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being a son of Captain John B. Smith, a man of considerable wealth and influ- ence and who came to this county from the state of Virginia at a very early day. Joseph Smith is a carpenter by trade and this occupation he followed for some time after locating here but eventually gave up his trade and turned his attention to agriculture. For many years he has followed this pursuit in connection with stock-raising and is well known throughout the township as an enterprising farmer and a man of strict honesty and character worth.
On his father's farm F. Walter Smith spent his boyhood and youth, in the meantime acquiring his education in the district schools of his native township, where he remained until he was twenty-three years of age, when he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Miller, daughter of Washington and Catherine (Cramer) Miller, of Monroe township. After his marriage he continued farming in Jersey township for twelve years, thence removing to Franklin county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for three years, at the expiration of which time he removed to Monroe township and settled on the farm he is now cultivating. His land is in excellent condition and since he took possession he has added many improve- ments including fences, barns and outbuildings, which have greatly enhanced the value of the property. His soil is very productive and Mr. Smith cultivates it by the most modern methods, so that from year to year he harvests large crops of hay, grain and other products. In addition to carrying on general farming he pays some attention to stock-raising and has a number of head of fine horses, sheep and cattle. He is a progressive farmer and through his industry and per- severance he keeps his tract of land, which consists of one hundred and twenty aeres, in a high state of cultivation and endeavors through modern methods to make it produce its maximum yield, in which he has thus far been successful and throughout the township is recognized as among those who thoroughly understand the various phases of the enterprise.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have eight children: Cecil, deceased, born January 13, 1882; Floyd, whose birth occurred on January 7, 1884; Roxie, who was born July 11, 1886, and became the wife of Lester Piper; Pearl, born January 4, 1888: Gale, who entered this life November 12, 1890; Dean, born February 12, 1895; Virgil, born June 5, two years later; and Arthur, the youngest child, whose birth occurred January 26, 1899. Mr. Smith is prominent in the affairs of Jersey town- ship and served several years as a member of the school board and also as road supervisor. He gives his support to the republican party and is active during campaigns in order to secure the election of its candidates. Fraternally he is connected with Johnstown Lodge, K. P.
GILBERT A. CLIFTON.
Gilbert A. Clifton, who in his younger days was one of the most extensive stock breeders and dealers in Licking county, and who is at present engaged in that enterprise in connection with general farming in Etna township, was a native of Thornville, Perry county, Ohio, where he was born December 15, 1846, a son of James and Mary (Foster) Clifton, his father being a native of Cleveland, Ohio,
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and his mother of Thornville, both of whom passed away in Etna township, where they spent their declining years with their son, Gilbert A. The father was a sad- dler by trade and followed that occupation for many years in Thornville. They had two sons: Oliver P. and Gilbert A.
Gilbert A. Clifton remained under the parental roof, in the meantime acquir- ing his education at the district school, until fifteen years of age, when he enlisted, in the year 1862, in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but after three months his parents had him recalled because of his youth. He gave up ambition for military honors for a while but later during the same year he again enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was a second time taken out of the ranks at Camp Mingo, after having been a soldier but one month. However, his ardor to carry the musket and assist in sustaining the honor of his country was by no means cooled by these reverses and a third time he enlisted during the same year in Company A, of the Ninth Ohio Cavalry, under Captain James Sims, and served until the close of the war. In addition to taking part in the siege of Nashville, Rousan's raid and the Atlanta campaign, he was detailed as a scout under General Kilpatrick, with whom he served in Georgia, the Carolinas and at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He participated in the grand review at Washington, D. C., and was honorably dis- charged at Camp Chase, in Columbus, in September, 1865.
Upon returning to Perry county, he pursued a course of study in Pleasant- ville Academy and in the academy at Lebanon, Ohio, and then completed a scientific course in Granville College, after which he spent two years teaching school at Pickerington, Ohio, and five years in the schools of Etna. He then gave up this vocation and bought a farm, on which he began stock-raising, and in this enter- prise became known throughout every state in the Union. He engaged in breeding and raising all kinds of cattle and at one time bought two thousand Texas ponies, which he sold in various parts of the country. He engaged in stock-raising on a large scale until two years ago when, upon losing his son, he curtailed his business and is now carrying on general farming, dealing but little in livestock. At one time he owned and cultivated over four hundred acres but, meeting with adversity, he was forced to sell off all but that which he now has under cultivation.
Mr. Clifton was united in marriage to Almeda Grable, a native of Etna town- ship and daughter of Jonathan and Nancy Essex Grable. They had one child, Allen Benton, who passed away in 1906, at the age of thirty-two years, leaving his widow, Mrs. Lula (Egolf) Clifton, and two children, Charles and Margaret. On January 11, 1908, Mr. Clifton wedded Mary S. Parks, a native of this county and a daughter of James and Elizabeth Parks, natives of this county. Mrs. Parks departed this life in Indianapolis, Indiana, while her husband still survives and resides at Clifton, that state. Of their family of eight children, all are living but one.
As to his political convictions Mr. Clifton is a democrat, the only time he withdrew his vote from that party being to vote for the late William Mckinley. For nine years he was school examiner of the county, for six years county com- missioner, and has also served as township clerk, assessor and trustee. He belongs to Lodge No. 404, A. F. & A. M., at Pataskala, being also a member of the chapter and commandery at Newark and the Scottish Rite, at Columbus, Ohio. He is
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likewise a member of the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Clifton, beside being an enterprising business man, of keen foresight and judgment, is also possessed of those high qualities of character which uphold religious thought and make for righteousness and is a stanch sup- porter of the Methodist Episcopal church, at the services of which he is a faithful worshiper. His career has in every respect been successful and, having made excellent use of his youthful energy and ability, he can now peacefully enjoy the fruits of his many years of activity.
JOHN KLINCK.
John Klinck, a progressive farmer and extensive land owner of Union town- ship, this county, was born in Buffalo, New York, September 13, 1843, having come to the state of Ohio with his parents during the fall of that year, locating in Carroll, Fairfield county. His parents were John G. and Julianne Dorothy (Ulmer) Klinck, natives of Wittenberg, Germany, who left their native land shortly after they had been married and came to Buffalo, New York, where they remained but a brief period when they pursued their journey by canal to Millers- port and thence to Carroll, Fairfield county, where Mr. Klinck was employed as lock tender until the death of his wife, which occurred October 9, 1846. He was again united in marriage and with his wife located in this township, where he pursued agriculture and stock-raising until he departed this life.
John Klinck was but seven years of age when he was brought by his father and stepmother to this place, prior to his father's second marriage having been bound out, here and in the district schools he acquired his education, in the mean- time learning the art of husbandry on his father's farm, upon which he has since remained. He owns one hundred and fifty-one acres of land, eighty acres of which is part of his father's original estate, and here he engages in general farming and stock-raising, and during his career as an agriculturist he has met with such success as to have enabled him to amass considerable means and property. He is an extensive landed proprietor in the city of Columbus, where he owns a number of valuable lots. While he has not made a specialty of any particular line he deals to some extent in stock-raising, in which he has been quite a buyer and shipper. He is of a mechanical turn-of-mind and this has greatly benefited him in his farm work, as his adroitness has enabled him to repair his own machinery and keep it in excellent condition, and as well to make many articles which have been useful about the farm.
On March 9, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Olive Alvernon Rick- etts, a native of Fairfield county, whose birth occurred near Pickerington on March 15, 1854, and a daughter of William S. and Eliza (Harmon) Ricketts. In their family were six children, namely: James II., who resides in Millersport, Fairfield county ; Emma T., wife of Dallas Jeffries, the couple living in Mercer county ; Olive Alverson; Bruce, who departed this life in his thirty-first year ; Ida, who became the wife of Perry Klinck, a half brother of John Klinck; and Mabel E., wife of L. H. Soliday, of Franklin county. To Mr. and Mrs. Klinck
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