USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 84
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
DANIEL L. VAN FOSSEN.
Daniel L. Van Fossen, an old resident who is well known as a stock raiser and wool grower of Bennington township, this county, is a native son, born August 16, 1835, his parents having been Jesse and Catherine (Greiner) Van Fossen, both of whom were natives of Augusta county, Virginia, who came to Burlington town- ship in 1811. Upon their arrival they leased a farm which they cultivated for a period of seven years, at the expiration of which time the family removed to this township, where they bought the farm upon which our subject now resides. At that time the country was a dense forest, so covered with small trees and under- brush that it was necessary to cut out a road through which they might convey their wagons laden with their possessions. When they settled here there were but three families in this part of the county and obviously no buildings within many miles, consequently their first work was to put up a small log cabin for which they cut the timber. Little by little they cleared off the land, made it arable, and began cultivating the soil, each year adding to their tillable acreage until the entire plat which constituted their claim was put into condition for farming.
Amidst these surroundings Daniel L. Van Fossen, the youngest of a family of thirteen children, was reared, helping to clear off the land and engaging in the general routine of the farm, and in season acquiring an education by attendance at an old log schoolhouse. The duties of the farm were pressing and the school advantages of a very meager and insignificant sort, and he did not have much of an opportunity to acquire learning but was obliged to be satisfied with the little schooling he obtained. He continued to work on the home farm, saving the greater
Digitized by Google
838
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
portion of his earnings until he was married, when he invested in the farm which he is now cultivating. From time to time he added to his land until he now pos- sesses four hundred acres, keeping the entire tract under cultivation where he engages in stock raising on a large scale. For the past forty-five years he has bought and sold some of the finest cattle ever seen in these parts. He also deals largely in sheep and for twenty-five years has given considerable attention to horse raising. His success has been such as to enable him to accumulate consid- erable means, the fact that he is the largest individual tax-payer in the county being proof of that statement.
On February 18, 1855, Mr. Van Fossen was wedded to Miss Sarah Lake, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth (English) Lake, her parents being representatives of prominent old Virginia families who came to this county at an early day. Unto this union were born five children, namely: Charles, who has extensive farming interests in Bennington township; Olliver Perry, also an agriculturist of this township; Jesse, a practicing physician of Columbus, Ohio; Effie, deceased ; and Truman B., who owns a large farm adjoining the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Van Fossen celebrated their golden wedding on February 18, 1905. Mr. Van Fossen has served as trustec of his township for three terms, then refusing to hold the office longer, for twenty-four years was township treasurer and for a long period an efficient member of the school board. In politics he is a democrat but does not concern himself in party affairs beyond casting his vote for its candidates. His religious convictions are with that Christian denomination known as the Dis- ciples of Christ and he was the chairman of the building committee when the present building in Appleton was erected, was one of the largest contributors toward that work and is a liberal supporter of all departments of the church work. He is a man who has made excellent use of his means, being known throughout the county for his charities and as well for the generous hospitality of his home. He stands high in the esteem of all who know him, both as a business man and a citizen.
ALFRED JOHN HOLT.
Alfred John Holt, who has retired from active business life after having fol- lowed farming and butchering in Etna township for many years, was born in East Hadden, Northamptonshire, England, on January 21, 1831, and located here in the year 1856, where he has since resided. He was a son of John and Hannah Holt, who were the parents of four sons and three daughters, namely: John. Har- riett, Edwin and Martha, all of whom reside in England ; Mary Ann Garlick, who departed this life in Nebraska; Eli, who resides in that state; and Alfred John, our subject.
Alfred John Holt acquired his education in the public schools of his native land, and upon locating in this township he was employed as a laborer until the Civil war broke out when he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-Seventh Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, on July 18, 1861, and served until August 17, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge. He participated in many engagements during
Digitized by Google
839
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
the war, among which were Kenesaw Mountain, Lookout Mountain, Corinth and Iuka, and he also served throughout the Atlanta campaign. While he was in his native land he learned the butchering trade and upon returning to this township after the war he followed that occupation, hauling meat from this place to the Columbus market. Later he gave up this business and bought a farm of one hun- dred acres east of Etna where he remained for twenty years, when he retired and removed to Etna village in 1899 where he has since lived.
On October 14, 1864, he wedded Elizabeth Hagy, who was born in this county on July 25, 1842, where she has always resided, and is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Miller) Hagy. Mr. and Mrs. Holt are the parents of the fol- lowing children, namely: Charles A., who wedded Estella Ryerson, and resides in Columbus, Ohio; Susie E., who is thirty-eight years of age, was first married to Wishard Parkinson, her second husband being William Nash, and they now reside in St. Louis, Missouri; Laura G., thirty-six years of age, whose first marriage was with Perry Smoke, and her second with Samuel Winn of Newark, Ohio; and James William, who was born February 3, 1875, and wedded Hannah Snider. Mr. Holt has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for over forty years. The success of his enterprise and industry in his days of activity enable him to live comfortably in retirement on the fruits of his long years of honest toil.
JOHN S. GRAHAM.
John S. Graham, who for six years has acceptably filled the office of county commissioner, his reelection in 1908 being the evidence of commendation and trust on the part of the general public, spends much of the year in Granville and a portion of the time upon a farm of three hundred acres which he owns in McKean township. He has always derived his income from agricultural pursuits and stands as a prominent representative of farming interests in Licking county. His birth occurred in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1864, but when three months old he was brought to this county by his widowed mother. His par- ents were John Shannon and Hannah (Hayes) Graham, both natives of Penn- sylvania, the former of Scotch lineage and the latter of Irish descent. The father had enlisted for service in the Union army and was to have joined the regulars but was thrown from a horse and killed. He had up to this time followed the occupation of farming. After being left a widow Mrs. Graham brought her family to Ohio, locating in MeKean township, Licking county, making her home with her brother-in-law, John Barrick. She had four children: Mary M., now the widow of the Rev. F. H. Smiley, of Ohio M. E. Conference; Jennie A., the wife of Rev. C. F. Prior of the Ohio M. E. conference; David F., of New York City ; and John S.
On a farm in Mckean township, John S. Graham was reared and the com. mon schools and a business college afforded him his educational privileges and equipped him for life's practical and responsible duties. In his youthful days he aided in the work of the farm and afterward formed a partnership with his uncle and together they carried on husbandry until Mr. Graham purchased a part of the
Digitized by Google
840 .
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
old home farm that has since continued to be his place of residence. He now owns a farm of three hundred acres in the southwest corner of Mckean township, on the Appleton and Granville road, and carries on general farming and stock- raising. He has many kinds of stock upon his place and well improved farm buildings, while the fields are rich and productive, responding readily to the care and labor bestowed upon them. In 1907 Mr. Graham purchased a dwelling in Granville, where he remains during the scholastic year in order to educate his two sons.
On the 5th of October, 1888, Mr. Graham was married to Miss Minnie T Deardorff, who was born in Springfield, Ohio, a daughter of General J. M. Dear- dorff, who had charge of the state militia during the Morgan raid. He had raised a regiment for the war but the colonel's commission was given to another and he took charge of the state troops. For many years he was numbered among the leading manufacturers of Springfield, Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Graham was blessed with two sons, Paul B. and Hayes D. They have also reared an orphan girl, Bessie Kulp, who has lived with them twelve years.
In his political views Mr. Graham is a republican recognized as one of the leaders of the party. Six years ago he was elected county commissioner and on the expiration of his first term of three years was reelected and is now acting in that capacity. Over the record of his official life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, for his course has been characterized by the utmost devotion to the general good. For twelve years he was a member of the township board of education in Mckean township and the cause of the schools has ever found in him a stalwart champion. For twenty-five years he has been an official member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Granville and his life has at all times been actuated by high and honorable principles and characterized by the utmost devotion to the public good. In his business career he has so directed his efforts and energies that his labors have been crowned with gratifying success and in addition to his farming operations he is interested in the Granville Bank as a stockholder and director. Whatever he undertakes he accomplishes and his resolute spirit, unfalter- ing energy and indefatigable enterprise constitute an example well worthy of emulation.
JOHN W. WILLIAMS.
The fine farm, comprising one hundred acres, situated in Burlington town- ship, now owned by John W. Williams, has been in possession of the family through several generations. It was the birthplace of our subject, who was born September 29, 1867, a son of Jonas J. and Mary E. (Wilson) Williams, the former also born on this farm, while the latter was a native of Eden township, Licking county. The son was reared on the home place and was early trained to the duties necessary to the cultivation of the fields, his time being fully occupied from the planting in early spring until the gathering of the crops in the late autumn. For a short period during the winter months he attended the district school of the neighborhood but his advantages in this direction were somewhat limited. When
Digitized by Google
841
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
a young man of twenty-four or twenty-five, he and a brother purchased that por- tion of the farm on which stood the buildings and after a few years Mr. Williams bought his brother's interest, so that he is now operating it independently. He has here one hundred acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, while his farm buildings are considered among the finest in Licking county. The tract is located on an elevation and thus commands a prominent view for miles around. In his farm work Mr. Williams follows the most modern methods and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate his work. He manifests much skill in his labors and this combined with his thrift and industry has been the means of his forging to the front in agricultural circles, so that today he is numbered among the county's foremost citizens.
Mr. Williams was married in 1895, the lady of his choice being Miss Allie Bash, a daughter of Frank Bash, of Mckean township, now deceased. A little daughter and son, Helen Fay and Carl C., grace the home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams.
In his political views Mr. Williams is a republican, strong in his support of its measures. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church, of which he is now serving on the board of trustees. He possesses a firm and determined character, one that recognizes and utilizes oppor- tunity and no citizen of Burlington township is held in higher regard and esteem than is John W. Williams.
ANDREW J. SMITH.
Andrew J. Smith, owning and cultivating a well improved farm of eighty acres in Mckean township, was born in Licking county, Ohio, November 1, 1843, his parents being George W. and Lida (Piles) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and West Virginia respectively. The father, who was sixteen years of age when he came to this county, continued to reside here until called to his final rest on the 11th of September, 1891, the community thus losing one of its most respected and worthy pioneer settlers. His wife, who survived him but a very brief time, was laid to rest one month later. Unto this worthy couple were born thirteen children, namely : William H., a resident of Texas ; Bennett T., of Licking county ; Andrew J., of this review ; Mary E., the wife of Samuel Wagner, of Nebraska; Martha J., the wife of William Howell; John W. and George W., who have passed away ; Richard G .; Sevilia, the wife of Mitchell Willard, of Mckean township; Urilla, the deceased wife of Frank Lock; Henry F .; Charles L., living in Mckean town- ship; and Asa, who is also deceased.
Andrew J. Smith acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he rented a farm and was actively engaged in its cultivation for eight years. On the expiration of that period he bought a tract of fifty acres in Burlington township, which he sold at the end of two years and then bought a farm of forty acres in Mckean town- ship, making his home thereon for twelve years. After disposing of that prop- erty he purchased a tract of eighty acres in Mckean township, in the improve-
Digitized by Google
842
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
ment and development of which he has been successfully engaged to the present time. The farm presents a well kept appearance and everything about the place is indicative of the careful supervision of the owner, whose methods are at once practical and progressive. His industry has ever been one of his salient charac- teristics and has been the measure of his prosperity.
On the 8th of December, 1864, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Johnson, a native of MeKean township, Licking county, and a daughter of John L. and Mary A. (Bowers) Johnson, whose family numbered ten children. The father is deceased but the mother is still living, having now attained the age of eighty-three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born four children. Eva May, who is the wife of Felix Nutter, of Newton township, has six children : Grace E., Ray, Blanche, Annie, and Avia and Trevia, twins. Alice N., who is the wife of Elmer Sillen, of Mckean township, has three children, as follows: Zora, Hugh and Fred. William A., who also makes his home in Mckean township, is married and has one daughter, Vernie. George L., the youngest member of the Smith family, is likewise a resident of Mckean township.
Mr. Smith gives stalwart allegiance to the men and measures of the democ- racy and has served in the position of constable. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelist church, with which his wife is also identified. Having spent their entire lives in this county, they have been interested witnesses of its substantial growth and development and, owing to their many excellent traits of character, enjoy the warm regard and esteem of many friends throughout the community.
MORGAN J. WILLIAMS.
Morgan J. Williams is remembered by many who knew him as an honest, industrious, frugal man, reliable in his business and loyal in matters of citizen- ship. His life was at all times guided by honorable purposes and his many good traits endeared him to those who knew him. He was born October 14, 1833, in Utica, New York, and was a son of Thomas D. and Hannah Williams, both of whom were natives of Wales. The father was a cooper by trade and followed that pursuit in order to provide a living for his family of seven children, namely : Thomas, Morgan, William, Eva, Cyrus, Ruth and Mark.
Morgan J. Williams was but a lad at the time of his mother's death and he then went to live with a man by the name of John J. Hughes. When a young man he left the state of New York and removed westward to Ohio. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade which he followed for a number of years, after which he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. On the 15th of February, 1869, he was married to Mrs. Henrietta J. (Twining) Jones, a daugh- ter of Merrick and Corintha (Clark) Twining. Her father was a native of Massachusetts while her mother was born in Granville, Ohio. Throughout his entire life Mr. Twining followed the occupation of farming and was well known as a leading representative of agricultural interests in this county. Unto him and his wife were born nine children: Henrietta, Lewis S., Edward, deceased,
Digitized by Google
843
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
Harriet, Almira, Nelson, Charles, Henry and Gratia. The last named is also deceased. Having arrived at womanhood Henrietta J. Twining first gave her hand in marriage to Lewis Jones on September 14, 1848, and unto them were born three children: De'Esting W., who is engaged in the hardware business and makes his home with his mother; Otto S., who married Georgiana Williams, a liveryman; and Alma M., the wife of Edward E. Tight, a farmer living near Alexandria, Ohio. The birth of Henrietta J. Twining occurred in 1830 and she has long been a resident of this county. Following the death of her first husband she became the wife of Morgan J. Williams and they went to live on her farm about a mile from Granville on the Alexandria road. The place comprises one hundred and four acres of land which responds readily to the care and cultivation bestowed upon it. Here Mr. Williams not only conducted the farm but also worked at the carpenter's trade, living a useful and active life. Unto this mar- riage there were born, in 1871, twin sons: Dr. Howard L., a graduate of Ontario Veterinary College, who practices in Newark, and Dr. George L. Williams, a graduate of the Ohio Medical University, and practices in Columbus. The death of the husband and father occurred December 23, 1893, and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret to many friends as well as his immediate family. In politics he was a stanch republican, giving unswerving support to the principles of the party. He was strictly temperate, never indulging in the use of intoxi- cants in any form and his entire life was characterized by the highest moral principles. He held membership in the Granville Presbyterian church in which he served as an elder. Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world through us is the measure of our success and, judging in this way, Mr. Williams was an eminently successful man. Mrs. Williams now resides on her farm west of Granville, having taken up her abode here April 1, 1909. She still owns the farm property on which there are three gas wells, and from these she derives a very substantial and gratifying annual income.
LEVI M. FARNSWORTH.
Levi M. Farnsworth was a retired farmer living in Croton, Ohio, who owned three hundred and twenty-eight acres of valuable land in this county at the time of his death, from which he derived a substantial annual income. For many years he gave his undivided attention to the work of the fields and through his close application and unremitting diligence won the success that was his in his latter years. ITis birth occurred March 13, 1844, in Marion township, Licking county, his parents being Mahlon and Lydia (Miller) Farnsworth, who came to Licking county from Virginia. The father was a machinist and followed that trade for some time, while later he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits.
Levi M. Farnsworth was reared on the old home place and was educated in the district schools, dividing his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the duties that were assigned him in connection with the development of the fields. When a young man he entered the employ
Digitized by Google
1
844
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and for fourteen years remained in the employ of that and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company at the Centerville pumping station. He removed from Centerville to Monroe township in 1898 and then to Croton, where he passed away. He was a large landowner, his farms comprising about three hundred and twenty-eight acres of productive and well improved land. After taking up his abode in Monroe township he bent every energy toward the cultivation and development of his place but a few years before his death gave up active work and lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. His life was one of continuous and well directed activity and his tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose brought him the prosperity which he latterly enjoyed.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Farnsworth was married on the 14th of October, 1893, to Miss Emma Evans, a daughter of Lewis and Margaret Jane (Conard) Evans, the former a farmer of Bennington township. Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth had two children, Roy E. and Margaret Jane, who are pupils in the village school. The home of the Farnsworths is an attractive center of cul- ture and refinement and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by many friends. Mr. Farnsworth was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a repub- lican in politics but aside from voting took no active part therein. He was, how- ever, never remiss in the duties of citizenship but gave loyal allegiance to many movements and measures for the public good. He was a man of many sterling traits of character, and in his death the town and county have lost one who will long be remembered and admired.
EDWARD YOUNG.
Among the prosperous and progressive young farmers of Mckean township is Edward Young, who was born in Newton, this county, January 20, 1870, son of Daniel and Rachael A. (Fry) Young, his mother being a native of Newton township and his father of the state of New Jersey. Daniel Young departed this life March 22, 1884, and his wife survived him twenty-one years. They reared a family of nine children, namely: James U., a resident of Licking county; Mon- roe, who makes his home in Newark; George C. and Clara E., both of whom are deceased ; Edward, of this review; Fourth and Dora, who have also passed away; one who died in infancy; and Frank A., residing in the state of Washington.
In the district schools Edward Young received his education and when he had completed his studies he still remained at his father's home, where he engaged in general farm work until he was twenty-one years of age, when being ambitious to engage in business on his own account he rented part of the old home farm which he kept under cultivation until the year 1904. During this time he was untiring in his application to business and by his industry he succeeded in pro- ducing excellent crops, for which he found a ready market, and finally saved sufficient means with which to purchase the tract of land on which he now resides. His farm contains sixty-four acres to which he has since given his attention. He has tilled the fields so that rich crops have been harvested and he has also improved
Digitized by Google
845
HISTORY OF LICKING COUNTY.
the buildings on his place, repairing and remodeling the house and outbuildings and keeping everything in good condition. He uses the latest improved machinery to develop the fields and his work is being attended with gratifying success.
On July 20, 1893, Mr. Young wedded Miss Hattie M. Bevard, a native of MeKean township and a daughter of Adam and Mary (Rhodes) Bevard. Her parents, also natives of this county, are now residing in Newark. Mrs. Young has one brother, who lives with his parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Young were born five children, namely : Frank, Viva G., Asa M., Harley E. and May Alta. Mr. Young and his wife hold membership with the Disciples of Christ and are loyal to the church and its teachings, contributing to its support and aiding in its various activities. In politics Mr. Young is a democrat and to this party he gives his allegiance because upon thorough investigation he believes its principles to contain the secret of the nation's prosperity. He is a member of the Grangers and is interested in all pertaining to the agricultural development of the com- munity and to its progress in political, intellectual and moral lines. His own character worth commends him to the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and Licking county numbers him among her valued residents.
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.