USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 81
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WILLIAM F. WILSON.
William F. Wilson, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Licking county, was born in Newton township, this county, February 14, 1839, his parents being William B. and Margaret (Stadden) Wilson. The father, whose birth occurred in Virginia, March 14, 1800, was brought by his parents to Licking county, Ohio, in 1803, the family home being established in Newark township, where they purchased land. The mother of our subject was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1803, and thus it will be seen that in both the paternal and mater- nal lines William F. Wilson is descended from early pioneer settlers here. Unto William B. and Margaret (Stadden) Wilson were born ten children, of whom four still survive, namely: R. S., a resident of Tennessee; David H., who is living in California; William F., of this review; and Thomas N., who makes his home in Arkansas. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in 1853, while the father passed away in 1863.
William F. Wilson acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-two years. He was then married to Miss Martha A. Seymour, whose birth occurred in Madison township, Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1840, her parents being Adam and Mary (O'Bannon) Seymour, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Virginia. Their family numbered seven children, four of whom yet survive: William, a resident of New- ark, Ohio; Mrs. Wilson; Ellen, the wife of George W. Mathews, of Licking county ; and Elizabeth, the wife of William Drury, of this county. The death of Adam Seymour, the father, occurred in 1846, while his wife passed away in her eighty-fourth year. Unto William F. and Martha A. (Seymour) Wilson have been born five children, as follows: Edwin B., who is a college professor residing in Tennessee; Fred S., letter carrier, living in Newark; Maud S., who is deceased ; Sadie L., the wife of John Gregg, of Licking county; and Nattella M., the wife of William Philbrick, of this county.
Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Wilson operated his father's farm as a renter until the latter's death and then removed to Illinois, where he purchased a farm on which he made his home for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the land and, returning to Licking county, purchased his present place of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Newton township, in the cultivation of which he has since been successfully engaged. As the years have passed he has ever kept
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pace with the progress that has been manifest in agricultural lines and his per- sistent and well-directed labor has brought him a gratifying measure of prosperity.
In his political views Mr. Wilson is a stanch republican and has served as school director and trustee. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is acting as steward and trustee, while his wife is identified with the Lutheran denomination. He has spent, prac- tically, his entire life in this county and has witnessed much of its growth and development, especially in the changes that have brought about the modern civiliza- tion of the present day.
ALVEY SWISHER.
Alvey Swisher, a retired agriculturist of Newark township, was born in Lick- ing township, December 26, 1826, and has therefore passed the eighty-second mile- stone on life's journey. His ancestors came here in the early days while the country was densely covered with forests and were among that excellent class of sturdy citizens who assisted in developing the natural resources of the county. His great-grandfather, Nicholas Swisher, was twice united in marriage and reared a family of twenty children, one of whom was Jacob Swisher, the grandfather, a native of Virginia, who came to this state about the year 1802 and carried on general farming, marketing eggs, chickens and butter which he took on horseback to the town, the nearest place at that time where he could dispose of his products being Zanesville in Muskingum county. He labored on his farm all his days until he entered into rest, his remains being interred in Green cemetery, Licking town- ship. His son, Abram Swisher, was a native of Licking township, this county, and resided there several years after his marriage but subsequently removed to the farm in Newark township now under cultivation by his son, where he resided until the year 1830, when he accidentally lost his life while engaged in loading logs. His remains were interred in the Lutheran cemetery which is located on his farm. His wife, Hannah Wilkin, a native of Virginia, passed away here and was laid to rest in the same cemetery in which lie the remains of her husband. In their family were three children: Alvey; David, a retired cigar dealer living in Columbus, Ohio; and Mary Ann, deceased. Upon the death of Mr. Swisher his wife was united in marriage to John Emory, by whom she had three children : Catherine, wife of Sylvester Reasoner, of Newark, Ohio; Martha J., who became the wife of W. B. Rutledge, residing on a farm in Franklin township; and Elize- beth, deceased.
Alvey Swisher was but two years of age when his parents removed from the place of his birth to the farm upon which he now resides and which is situated three miles east of the old home. He was reared amid the wild scenes and environ- ments of pioneer life and his memory forms a connecting link between the primi- tive past and the progressive present. He pursued his education in one of the old- time log schoolhouses, such as were common at that day. Its furnishings were primitive and the methods of instruction were very crude compared to the teaching of the present time. Mr. Swisher, when not occupied with the duties of the
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schoolroom, assisted in the work of the home farm and thereon remained until his marriage in 1846. In the following year he located on the farm on which he now resides and where for many years he pursued general farming and also engaged in breeding and raising stock. He owns two hundred and twenty acres of land upon which he has made many improvements. His commodious residence which is of modern type of architecture, is one of the finest in the township and all of his other buildings are of substantial character and in excellent condition. Although he has retired from active life he still superintends his land and manages his busi- ness affairs.
On March 18, 1846, Mr. Swisher wedded Miss Sarah Franks, who departed this life fifty-eight years later. They had eight children, namely: Mary Margaret, deceased ; Jonathan A., an agriculturist of Franklin township; Hannah Catherine, deceased ; Elizabeth S., who keeps house for her father; Nervina, deceased ; Eima L., at home; Louisa V., who is the wife of M. Martin, residing in Newark, Oho; and Perry F., deceased. Mr. Swisher has always been affiliated with the demo- cratic party and has never found cause to waive his loyalty to his party, in the suc- cess of which he has always been interested. For many years he served as town- ship treasurer and, being a public-spirited man, has always been ready to further all measures purposed for the general welfare of the community. He belongs to the Lutheran church, in which he has held office and to which he is a liberal con- tributor.
LEWIS A. MARTIN.
Lewis A. Martin, who operates one of the finest farms in Union township, this county, his tract of land covering over three hundred and forty-seven acres, and thirty-one acres adjoining, and known as the Dewees farm, was born near Fredericktown, Knox county, this state, January 23, 1853, a son of Avery D. and Emeline (Lewis) Martin, natives of Oneida county, New York, where his father was born April 9, 1826, and his mother July 11, 1824. They were united in mar- riage in the Empire state, where they had one son, and came to this state in 1850, settling in Perry county. She departed this life in Hardin county in 1855 and the elder Mr. Martin wedded Tabitha Peck. He departed this life in Knox county in 1896. The children of his first marriage were: Edwin, who resides in Kansas ; Lewis A., of this sketch ; and Charles B., who lives in Perry county. By his second marriage he had two children, namely : Effie, wife of Elmer Jacobs, of Mount Ver- non, Knox county; and Allen, who also resides there.
When about two years of age Lewis A. Martin was taken by his parents to Hardin county, where about one year after their arrival, he lost his mother. The family then removed to this county with the elder Martin and here for a period of three years they resided with Lewis A.'s mother's relatives until after his father remarried when he returned with the family to Knox county and there acquired his education in the district schools, at the same time working with his father on the farm. Leaving the home place when twenty-one years of age young Martin hired out as a farm hand and for four years worked for Wright Brothers
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for twenty dollars a month, which was about five dollars a month more than was generally paid for that class of labor. He then came to this county, where he spent two years working at ditching which, not being as lucrative as he desired, he returned to Knox county and again entered the employ of Wright Brothers, with whom he remained about three years. At the expiration of this time he returned to Licking county and with his brother farmed for his grandfather on half shares until the death of the latter. From his grandsire Mr. Martin inherited about four thousand dollars which, with about the same amount he had saved, he invested in the farm he now owns in this township, in the spring of 1885, and has since resided here. A part of the farm had been purchased from the government by William Dewees' father and Mr. Martin now has the deed which bears the signature of George Washington. The place is excellently drained and is in every particular adapted to the production of general crops and Mr. Martin, together with general farming, makes a specialty of stock-raising, particularly of cattle and horses. He is greatly benefited by the Licking feeder, which runs through his farm to the state reservoir. The state keeps the reservoir supplied with carp and during the high water the fish swim up to the Dewees pond and when the water goes down they are left behind and Mr. Martin catches all he can use. Upon one occasion he and a farm-hand within two hours captured more carp, their weight running from two and a half to sixteen pounds, than could be hauled in a two-horse lumber wagon bed. A portion of the catch he presented to friends, sold a part and salted the remainder for future use. The pond covers something over twenty acres during high water periods, at other times covering considerably less space and affords an excellent means with which to water his stock. He deals extensively in cattle and feeds from two to three carloads annually and in addition produces a number of the finest grade of draft horses, selling these locally. His farm is one of the most productive in the county and is equipped with a water supply which is unequaled in the state. There are at present six streams of water forcing their way out of the ground. Two hundred acres of his farm is planted in the richest quality of blue grass, which affords his stock the most nutritious kind of fodder and, in large measure, contributes to the excellent quality and sleekness of his cattle. Until recently Mr. Martin engaged very extensively in farming, to which he devoted his activities exclusively and employed large numbers of men clearing his premises and installing his present system of excellent drainage, in which he has spent several thousand dollars. Part of the farm, including about seventy- five acres known as the old pigeon roost, was a bog, and in putting it into condition for cultivation it was found that four feet beneath its surface there was a thick layer of leaves, among which vegetation was preserved and it required much money and hard labor to make the land tillable. On the premises was a brick house, which was erected over seventy-five years ago and which was burned out at one time, but the walls being left in substantial condition the building was repaired and is now one of the finest residences in the township. Mr. Martin takes pride not only in the age of the structure, but also in the fact of its being one of the most comfortable dwelling houses in the community.
On September 9, 1885, Lewis A. Martin was united in marriage to Susan Wise, a native of Licking township, where her birth occurred October 7, 1862, and a daughter of John and Sarah (Ross) Wise, both of whom were natives of
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this county, her father having lost his life on the Union side during the Civil war. He also had four brothers who served in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry during that conflict. Her mother, who was a daughter of James and Susan Ross, natives of Virginia and pioneers of this county, still resides in Licking township at the age of seventy-three years. She had two children, namely: Susan ; and John, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin were born: Helen E., wife of Harley Keller, who has one child, Charlotta Helen, the family residing in Fairfield county; Hazel L., a student in Denison University ; Harold Wise, also in Denison College, and Avery Joseph, who attends school at Kirkersville. Mr. Martin has always been of the opinion that the principles of the republican party represent the results of the best political wisdom and that they have proven their worth as is shown under the several republican administrations, by the impetus which they have given to com- merce and industry and by the part they have played in developing the natural resources of the country, both to the pecuniary advantage of the individual and the nation at large and consequently, he has been a loyal supporter of his party and has always used his vote and influence in an endeavor to secure the election of its candidates. Although he has never held public office nor desires political prefer- ment he takes quite an interest in local affairs, particularly along educational lines. and for nine years has served as a member of the township school board. His religious obligations appeal to him as of the highest import and he is regular in attendance upon the services of the Baptist church at Kirkersville, to which he is a large contributor, being also active in its several departments of work. He is a man whose life has always been lived on a high plane of thought and action and consequently he has been attended by a measure of prosperity which has enabled him to do much toward developing the resources of the community and as well, to afford an example of industry and uprightness to all with whom he has come in contact, thereby doing much to maintain the moral and spiritual standing of the community.
CHARLES AUSTIN WAGY.
Charles Austin Wagy, who is now assisting his father-in-law, Melville G. Beem, in the cultivation of a farm of three hundred and fifteen acres, is a native of Lima township, this county, born June 6, 1866, and has always resided here with the exception of two years he spent teaching school. Mr. Wagy's family his- tory runs far back in the annals of the country, being particularly associated with the state of Virginia, where Philip Wagy, a native of Amsterdam, Holland, located in the year 1706, residing in Rockingham county, where he was united in mar- riage. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and reared a family of eleven children, among whom was Philip Wagy, Jr., who wedded Margaret Peck, of Vir- ginia, and in 1806 settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he lived for many years. Subsequently removing to Licking county, he settled on a farm in Harrison town- ship about the year 1826. There were fifteen children in his family, among them being Jacob Wagy, grandfather of the subject of this review, who was born in Rockingham county. Virginia, November 9, 1801, and was one of the early settlers
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of Lima township, this county. He married Catherine Swisher and they reared a family of eight children, John Wesley being the only son. He was born in this county, February 20, 1844, and spent his entire life here engaged in the operation of a sawmill and in farming, residing on the old homestead. On June 8, 1865, he wedded Lucinda Conrad, who was born near Logan, Hocking county, this state, January 14, 1839, a daughter of George W. and Amelia (Reynolds) Conrad, who spent their entire lives in that county. In the family of J. W. and Lucinda Wagy were four children : Charles Austin; Ada C., the wife of Frank M. Morrison, of Franklin county; and two children who died in infancy. The father died May 10, 1886.
Charles Austin Wagy during his boyhood days received his first lessons in gen- eral agriculture on his grandfather's farm. He acquired his preliminary educa- tion in the district schools, subsequently completing a course of study at the high school and after being graduated he taught school for two years, at the termination of which period he resumed his occupation as an agriculturist, locating on the farm which had been owned by his grandfather, Jacob Wagy, remaining there until he was united in marriage, when he settled on the farm operated by his father-in-law, whom he is now assisting. On this farm he engages in cultivating three hundred and fifteen acres and at the same time tills one hundred and fifteen acres of his own, both farms being in excellent condition and very productive.
On February 27, 1890, Mr. Wagy wedded Jennie Beem, who was born in Jefferson township, Franklin county, Ohio, July 6, 1867, and later moved with her parents to Lima township, Licking county, where she was married. She was a daughter of Melville G. Beem, and to this union have been born four children : Roxana Belle, Jonathan B., Grace and Melville G. Mr. Wagy is an aggressive farmer, well versed in the nature of soils and also in the various phases of stock- raising and is numbered among the progressive agriculturists as well as worthy citizens of the township. He served as a member of the board of education for a number of years and was one of the first and foremost advocates of centralization in Lima township.
LEE TIPPETT.
Lee Tippett, a highly respected citizen of Johnstown, is one of the extensive landowners and progressive farmers of Licking county, and, in an analyza- tion of his life record, it will be found that his success is attributable to qualities which all may cultivate, for he has based his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and unfaltering industry in addition to his estimable habits. His birth occurred in Monroe township, this county, November 27, 1845, his parents being Thomas and Caroline (Green) Tip- pett, who were representatives of two of the earliest pioneer families. The father came to Ohio with his parents, William and Nancy Tippett, who left the state of Maryland to establish their home on the frontier when Thomas Tippett was but thirteen years of age. Here he was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life. Thomas Tippett became a large landowner and extensive farmer
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for that time, and both he and his father were prominent in the business circles of the community and also active in promoting the progress and upbuilding of the county. Thomas Tippett and his wife have now passed away, the former hav- ing died December 11, 1897, while the latter lived to the 21st of April, 1900, and then passed to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.
The youthful days of Lee Tippett were quietly passed on his father's farm, where he engaged in such work as was common in the development of the fields. The district schools afforded him his educational privileges and when not busy with his text-books he assisted in the task of plowing, planting and harvesting. The years brought him success and for a long period he was closely associated with general agricultural pursuits. One of the important steps which he took in early manhood was his marriage to Miss Delilah Miller, the wedding being celebrated on the 24th of February, 1867, when Mr. Tippett was but twenty-one years of age. The lady of his choice was a daughter of Washington and Hannah (Cramer) Miller. Both the Miller and Cramer families came from Pennsylvania during the pioneer epoch in the history of this county and settled in Monroe township. where Washington Miller became a very prominent and prosperous citizen. At one time he was the owner of fully eight hundred acres of land and was widely known as an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. He was likewise recognized as an influential citizen of the community and his own success caused his opinions to be regarded as of notable worth concerning business transactions. His judgment was at all times sound and far-seeing and his investments were most judiciously placed. Both he and his wife are now deceased. The father, Washington Miller, died on the 7th of February, 1900, having for a number of years survived his wife, whose death occurred May 20, 1887. He was very active in church circles. He built the Mon- roe Chapel (first called Miller Chapel), a United Brethren church, which was named for him.
After his marriage Lee Tippett and his bride established their home on a farm in Monroe township near Johnstown, and there he continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits for five years. In 1872 he bought a farm in Franklin county, Ohio, to which he removed, making it his home about thirty years, during which time he was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. About five years of this time he also carried on a large business in buying and shipping stock to the Pittsburg and other eastern markets, but in 1900 he left the farm in Frank- lin county and removed to Johnstown, where he has since resided. As the years passed he met with gratifying success in his undertakings and is now the owner of about seven hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Monroe and Liberty town- ships in Licking county, and in Plain township, Franklin county. All are well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Tippett is numbered among the wide-awake, progressive farmers and every department of the farm work is given his careful and intelligent attention. The family home in Johnstown is one of the most modern and commodious there. It is built in an attractive style of architecture, is tastefully and richly furnished and, moreover, an air of refinement and hospitality pervades the place and makes it a favorite resort with their many friends. Here Mr. Tippett is now, practically, living retired, although he still keeps a general supervision over his large farming interests. Throughout the entire period of his manhood he had given his attention to farming and the raising.
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buying and shipping of stock, and his sound judgment was manifest in the excel- lent success which attended him. His farms are now all well improved and stocked and it is his purpose to have everything upon the farms in good condition, in keeping with the progressive spirit of modern agriculture.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Tippett was blessed with three children: Lenn, who is married and resides in Johnstown; and Lena, at home. They lost one child, Rilla. The family are prominent socially and their home is the scene of many delightful functions. Mr. Tippett is a public-spirited citizen, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the good of the community. He has never been an office-seeker nor an office-holder, save that he has in his efforts to secure good schools and good roads acted as school director and as road supervisor. He is a man whose character is above reproach. He has ever stood four-square to all the winds that blow, has been fearless in support of his honest convictions, loyal in his advocacy of what he believes to be right and at all times considerate of the privileges of others and giving ready recognition of his obligations to mankind.
BARTON E. TAVENNER.
The most independent of all callings in life is that of the farmer and while it entails the utilization of one's entire time and energy, one in this occupation is certainly enjoying the blessings of freedom and at the same time may entertain a measure of satisfaction in the truth that the soil he tills is the parent of all wealth. Barton E. Tavenner, who for many years has been following agricultural pursuits in Newark township, was born April 8, 1849, in Franklin township and was a son of George W. and Leah (Ewerts) Tavenner. His father, a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, settled in this county shortly after he was married. When he emigrated to this locality there were no railroads, so that it was necessary for him to make the journey overland by means of wagons and the trip, which covered sev- eral weeks, was accompanied by considerable inconvenience before he finally reached his destination. He resided in Franklin township until a year before he departed this life, that brief period being spent in Licking township, following the carpen- ter's trade and at the same time cultivating his farm. He was numbered among the substantial agriculturists and representative men of the community, being widely known throughout the county as a thoroughgoing, upright and industrious man. His political support was always on the side of the republican party and while he was not ambitious for political preferment himself he was always ready with his vote and influence to assist the candidates of his party in securing public office. He departed this life at the age of forty years. His wife was also a native of Virginia, where they were united in marriage, but later removed with her hus- band to this county, where she passed away. They had the following children : Mary, wife of David Venner, of Franklin township: Jonathan, an agriculturist of the same township; Catherine, who wedded Peter Mcknight Fanes and resides in Madison township: Sarah, wife of William Thompson, of Newark: Josephine, widow of Henry Parr, who for many years followed agricultural pursuits in Frank-
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