USA > Ohio > Licking County > Newark > Centennial History of the City of Newark and Licking County Ohio > Part 87
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JOHN MCNAMARA.
There is always something inspiring and interesting in the life history of a man who has worked his own way upward, who has bravely fought life's battles and come off victor in the strife. Such is the career of John McNamara, now vice president of the Newark Artificial Stone & Plaster Works. He was born in Dresden, Ohio, on the 3d of June, 1858, and is a son of William McNamara, who died, however, prior to the birth of the subject of this review. The mother passed away when he was but two years of age and he was then taken to the home of Mrs. Mary A. Cox, by whom he was reared until he reached his twenty-first year. His education was necessarily limited, for Mrs. Cox was the owner of a large farm and his services were demanded in the improvement and development of this place.
When he attained his majority Mr. McNamara was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Swope, of Trinway, Ohio, the wedding being celebrated on Christmas day of 1879. He then rented a portion of the Cox farm and started out in agri- cultural life on his own account, residing there for three years. In the spring of 1883 he removed westward to Macon county, Illinois, where he remained for four years, following farming as a renter. After suffering the loss of his wife he returned to Ohio and for a year worked as a farm hand on the Cox place, after which he took charge of that farm, which he managed for four years. Later he
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engaged in teaming in Dresden, continuing in that business for four years and in 1899 he formed a partnership with three others and purchased the Dresden Plaster Mills, which they operated for four years. They then sold the plant and the four partners came to Newark and became members of the newly organized com- pany conducting business under the name of the Newark Artificial Stone & Plas- ter Works. The company had been organized on the 11th of February of that year and when Mr. McNamara became one of the owners he was selected vice president and still fills the position, giving his undivided attention to the develop- ment and control of the business, which is now one of the important industries of the city, furnishing employment to a large force of workmen and sending out an extensive output annually.
On the 18th of January, 1888, Mr. McNamara was again married, his second union being with Miss Lucy J. Swope, a cousin of his first wife. His only child, William, a son of the first marriage, is now in the mill with his father.
In his political views Mr. McNamara is a stalwart republican but has never been an office seeker. However he served as a member of the school board while in Dresden. He belongs to Dresden Lodge, No. 464, K. P., and to the Episcopal church and his influence is always found on the side of right, justice, truth, prog- ress and improvement. His own career has been characterized by steady advance- ment without assistance from others, the weight of his own character and ability carrying him into important business relations.
W. L. JACKSON, M. D.
Dr. W. L. Jackson, who for nineteen years has been engaged in the practice of medicine and is now one of the successful representatives of the profession in Newark, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, December 22, 1869, and is a son of Dr. Alpha and Sarah (McCune) Jackson. The father, also a native of Muskingum county, was there reared and after pursuing a literary course took up the study of medicine, being graduated in 1881. He entered upon the active practice of his profession in Otsego, Ohio, but after two years he and his brother, A. L. Jack- son, formed a partnership and removed to Adamsville, Ohio, where Dr. Alpha Jackson continued in active practice until he came to Newark about five years prior to his death. There were few men who had more friends in proportion to the number of their acquaintances. He was widely and favorably known not only in Licking but also in Muskingum county and all had a kind word for him, for he possessed a most genial and loving disposition and always met people with a smile. It is said that he often ministered to the sick when his own health was so poor that he could scarcely stand on his feet and that he never turned unheeding from any call of the poor, giving to them his professional service just as freely as if he had expected a substantial remuneration. His life was indeed a useful, honorable and active one and there are many who yet cherish his memory and remember with gratitude his kindness and assistance. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Alpha Jackson there were born seven children who survive the husband and father: Dr. W. L. Jackson. of this review ; Mrs. Dora Huffman : Dulcie; Clyde; John C .: Ernst ; and Murl.
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To his family Dr. Jackson was most devoted, being largely an ideal husband and father who found his greatest happiness in ministering to the comfort and wel- fare of the members of his own household. He was a believer in the Christian faith and held membership in the Second Methodist Episcopal church. His life, at all times honorable and upright, remains in its influence as an example to all who were associated with him while he was still an active factor in the world's work.
Dr. W. L. Jackson, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the Adamsville schools, passing through consecutive grades until he was grad- uated from the high school with the class of 1887. During that time he took up the study of medicine under the direction of his father and uncle, who were then practicing together in Adamsville. For further training in his chosen life work, in the fall of 1887 he entered the Columbus Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1890. He then located in Jacksontown, Licking county, where he engaged in practice for ten years. He afterward spent a brief period in Zanesville and in 1902 came to Newark, where he has since been located. In the summer of 1908 he pursued a post-graduate course in the Illinois Post Graduate School, taking special work in internal medicine. He has always remained a student of the profession, reading the best medical literature and keeping at all times abreast with the progress that is being made by the members of the medical fraternity. He is accounted one of the skilled practitioners of Newark and enjoys a lucrative practice.
Dr. Jackson is also examiner for the supreme lodge of the Knights of Pythias, having been appointed in December, 1906. He is one of the examining physicians of the Modern Woodmen of America and is a member of Newark Lodge, No. 13, K. P., Williams Lodge, No. 363, I. O. O. F., of Hebron, and Cedar Camp, No. 4727, M. W. A. In politics he is an earnest democrat and served for several years as a member of the school board while in Jacksontown. He belongs also to the United Brethren church and his salient characteristics are those of substantial and honorable manhood, winning him a place in the regard of friends equal to his position in professional circles.
JOSIAH A. RICE.
Josiah A. Rice, who is largely identified with the agricultural and stock- raising interests of Bennington township, Licking county, is a native of Liberty township, where his birth occurred March 24, 1850, and a son of Enoch G. and Martha (Swan) Rice, his father having been born near Cumberland, Maryland, February 22, 1819, and his mother near Moundsville, West Virginia, May 24. 1821. Both families at an early date removed to Greene county, Pennsylvania. and there Enoch G. Rice and Martha Swan were united in marriage February 22, 1844, and in March. 1847, they settled in Liberty township, Licking county. Mr. Rice purchased a small plot of ground, erected a humble dwelling and at once began tilling the soil. His industry, perseverance and economy brought him success and he added to his holdings until he owned five hundred acres of fine
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farming land, all of which is highly improved. For ten years preceding his death, which occurred January 3, 1880, Mr. Rice engaged to some extent in the farm implement business, at which he was quite successful. His wife departed this life April 29, 1899.
On his father's farm Josiah A. Rice was reared, attending the farm duties in summer months and in the winter acquiring his education at the district schools, and having completed his studies he remained on the home farm, of which he assumed management some years before the death of his father. He inherited the industry, thrift and honesty of his parents and at the same time, being very economical, he laid by the most of his earnings and in 1883 purchased his present farm in this township, where he has since resided. He owns two hundred and ninety-two acres, provided with a modern residence, barns and outbuildings. The fields are well fenced and the land is tiled and his farm is accounted one of the best and most desirable in the county. Everything about the premises bears evi- dence of thrift and intelligent management and leaves upon the onlooker the impress of signal prosperity. To some extent he engages in stock-raising and has a number of head of good horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. In addition to his farm he has laid by a considerable amount of money.
On September 25, 1880, Mr. Rice was united in marriage to Miss Ida Limming, daughter of Alfred and Matilda (Gosnell) Limming, and to this union was born one son, Dennis G., who is in his twenty-fifth year and who, in addition to having attended the district schools, was also given the advantage of a course in the Johnstown high school, from which he graduated in the class of 1905, and a course in the Newark Business College, having completed his studies in that institu- tion in 1906. He remained at home with his parents and assists in the general management of their affairs.
Mr. Rice is a democrat in politics and is always ready to uphold the princi- ples of his party with his vote and influence. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he has belonged since nineteen years of age, while his wife is affiliated with the denomination known as Christians, both being zealous workers in the church and Sunday school. Mr. Rice is always ready to support measures which have in view public improvements and he is partic- ularly interested in good roads and an excellent school system, having done much toward bringing the latter up to its present high standing. He is one of the most aggressive citizens of the township, is a congenial neighbor and his home is one of the most hospitable in the countryside.
MATTHEW T. THARP.
Among those who have always lived in this county and are now known as the most prosperous farmers and successful breeders of fine stock in Liberty town- ship, is Matthew T. Tharp, whose birth occurred in St. Albans township June 21, 1856. He is a son of Edwin and Sarah (Porter) Tharp, both natives of this county, his father having tilled the soil until the fall of the year 1875 when he departed this life, his wife surviving him twenty-three years. He was a man well known throughout the county both for his industry and sterling character.
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Matthew T. Tharp was reared on his father's farm and there was nothing unusual transpired during his boyhood and youth, as he passed through the expe- riences common to the country lad, engaging in agricultural duties during the summer months and attending the district schools during the winter season. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, when he located on a tract of land he now has under cultivation, it being part of the Snider farm upon which he has since resided. He engages in producing general crops and pays some attention to the breeding of cattle, sheep and hogs, handling only graded stock in his buying, feeding and shipping business.
On November 14, 1893, Mr. Tharp wedded Miss Emma E. Snider, daughter of John and Sarah A. (Miller) Snider, her father having come from the state of Virginia when a lad, while her mother was a native of Perry county, this state. Mr. Snider departed this life November 1, 1879, his wife surviving him eighteen years, her death occurring October 21, 1897.
Mr. Tharp gives his political support to the democratic party and, although he does not take an active interest in party affairs, he keeps abreast with the times as to the paramount issues of the day and regularly casts his vote for the candi- dates of his party. He is a very useful man in the township and has served as supervisor of roads and is now performing the duties of township constable. He is a member and liberal supporter of the Congregational church, is one of the most active church workers in the vicinity, has been a Sunday school teacher for a number of years and also organist of the church.
J. B. ANDERSON.
J. B. Anderson is the owner of eighty-three acres of land in Perry township and his entire time and attention are given to the cultivation of this tract. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Coshocton county, .July 12, 1841, he being the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children born of the marriage of William and Maria (Riley) Anderson, who were likewise natives of Ohio. Both died in Coshocton county. The record of their family is as follows: George, who resides in Muskingum county, Ohio; Mary J., deceased : Isaac, who makes his home in Coshocton ; John, who has departed this life; William, also a resident of Coshocton county ; J. B., of this review; and Sarah, the wife of John Crawford.
J. B. Anderson spent the period of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of his associates of that period. He assisted his father in the work of the home farm in the spring and summer months, while a few months in the winter were devoted to the acquirement of an education in the district schools. He re- mained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, which was about the time of the Civil war, and in 186? he enlisted for service, becoming a member of Company A, Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of hostilities. During this interim he took part in many of the most important and hard fought battles of the war, including Vicksburg, Ringgold and Arkansas Post and he was also with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea.
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During his long service he was fortunate in that he was never wounded. He was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, after which he returned to his home in Co- shocton county and worked for his father on the farm during the succeeding two years.
On the expiration of that period Mr. Anderson established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Margaret E. Philips, who was born in Coshocton county, in 1852, one of eight children, whose parents were Isaac and Charlotta (Moore) Philips, both of whom are now deceased.
Following his marriage Mr. Anderson located on a rented farm, which he operated for four years, subsequent to which time he purchased a tract of land in Coshocton county, on which he made his home for a similar period. He then dis- posed of that property and invested his money in his present tract, comprising eighty-three acres in Perry township, Licking county. He has made some im- provements on the place, thereby making it a valuable farm property, while the . fields annually yield rich harvests, owing to the care and labor he gives to the soil.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has been blessed with a daughter and son : Cora, the wife of R. Rhyme, a resident of Coshocton county, this state; and William, who makes his home in Newark. Mr. Anderson advocates the prin- ciples of the republican party and has served as township trustee and as a member of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Disciples church, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Both are people of the highest respectability and worth in their home locality, where they have many friends.
R. S. WYETH.
R. S. Wyeth who, in his business career has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained a most satisfactory reward, is numbered among the leading manufacturers of Newark, being now general manager of an extensive wagon-manufacturing enterprise. Newark numbers him among her native sons who have won success. His birth occurred in this city, October 5, 1877, his par- ents being A. G. and Emma P. (Stranghan) Wyeth. The father was born in McKean township, this county, and was the son of David Wyeth. The ancestral history of the family shows that there were two branches founded in America in pioneer times, one being established in Virginia and the other in Massachusetts. George Wyeth, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, belonged to the Virginia branch while A. G. Wyeth was descended from the Massa- chusetts branch. His father was born in Massachusetts and having arrived to years of maturity wedded Sallie Kellogg, also a native of the old Bay state. In 1838 they came to Licking county, traveling by stage to Albany, thence by the Erie Canal to Buffalo, by scow to Cleveland and to Newark by canal packet, the boat tying up at Warner's warehouse on the 12th of June. The city was at that time a small village of little commercial or industrial importance, and the county was but sparsely settled. David Wyeth and his family located in McKean township where he joined his two brothers, Parker J. and Nathan Wyeth, who had arrived here
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the previous year. Turning his attention to farming, David Wyeth continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits for a long period, living in the county until his death which occurred when he was eighty-two years of age. His wife survived until June, 1892.
Their son, A. G. Wyeth, was born and reared on the old home farm and on leaving the district schools continued his education in Oberlin College after the war. In 1861 he had responded to the country's call for aid, joining the Seventy- sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for a year and a half. He was with the regiment in all of its engagements during that time, and with a creditable military record returned to his home. Following the completion of his college course he remained on the farm for some time, and in 1870 came to Newark. believing that he would find business conditions in the city more favorable for the attainment of success. Here he began the manufacture of wagons in 1884. and has continued the business to the present time, its growth being the result of his keen administration and careful management. It is today an important indus- trial concern of the city and aside from his connection therewith Mr. Wyeth has been president of the Park National Bank since 1907. He belongs to Lemert Post, G. A. R., and is prominent and progressive in all matters of citizenship. In 1876 he married Emma P. Stranghan, a native of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and they became parents of two sons, the younger being Harvey Wyeth who died April 13, 1907, at the age of twenty-four years.
The elder son, Ralph S. Wyeth, whose name introduces this review, attained his education in the Newark schools until he had completed the high school course, and then joined his father in the manufacturing business at the age of sixteen years. Parental influence was not executed to make business life easy for him. On the contrary he resolutely set to work to learn the business in principle and detail and has advanced by reason of his own merit and capability, his duties and respon- sibilities being increased from time to time until he is now the general manager of the business. His previous thorough training and experience well qualify him for the onerous work that now devolves upon him. He has gained recognition as one of the representative young business men of the city, enjoying the full confi- dence of his colleagues and associates.
R. S. Wyeth was married in March, 1906, to Miss Alice McCune, the daugh- ter of J. P. McCune, a hardware merchant now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wyeth hold membership in the Presbyterian church, are prominent in the social circles of the city, while the hospitality of the best homes of Newark is cordially extended to them.
ROBERT L. PATTON.
On the list of well known and representative business men in Johnstown appears the name of Robert L. Patton, who is now conducting a real-estate and insurance agency, in which connection he has secured a good clientage. He was born May 27, 1868, in Bennington township, and is a son of Robert E. and Cor- nelia D. (Crysler) Patton, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of the
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state of New York. The father came to Ohio with his parents, John and Eliza- beth Patton, in 1833 and settled in Bennington township. The grandfather was a cooper by trade but on coming to Ohio established his home in Licking county and gave the greater part of his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His son, Robert E. Patton, also followed the occupation as a life work, prospered in his undertakings and became a prominent farmer. He was also a man of influ- ence in Bennington township, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest. In community affairs he took an active and helpful interest and was a life- long democrat in his political belief. He died February 28, 1896, while his wife survived until the 2d of October, 1905. In their family were six children. The eldest, John S. Patton, enlisted for service in the Civil war at the first call for troops in 1861, becoming a member of Company H, Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On the expiration of his first term he reenlisted and was killed in the battle of Resaca, Georgia, May 12, 1864, when only twenty years of age. Joseph T., the second of the family, is deceased. Mary is now the wife of Peter Dum- baule. Parker E. is the next of the family. Fanny E. is deceased.
Robert L. Patton, who completes the family, was reared to early manhood on his father's farm, assisting in the general work of tilling the soil and cultivating the fields. He was educated in the common country schools and worked at the plow when not busy with his text-books. He early learned the force and value of unremitting industry and energy and as the years passed carried forward his labors until they wrought for him gratifying success.
About the time that he started out in life on his own account Mr. Patton was married, the wedding being celebrated on the 20th of February, 1889, when Miss Jessie MeClintock became his wife. She is a daughter of William W. and Mar- garet (Larue) McClintock, residents of Burlington township, her father being one of the prominent farmers of that locality. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Patton have been born two daughters and a son, Gladys M., Ford L. and Esther M.
Following his marriage Mr. Patton began farming and carried on general agricultural pursuits for five years in Bennington and Liberty townships. At length, however, he determined to withdraw from general agricultural lines and in 1894 removed to Johnstown, where he has since been engaged in the general insurance and real-estate business, writing most of the insurance placed in Johns- town and the surrounding country. He also has a large business in buying and selling real-estate, has handled much valuable property and has thoroughly informed himself concerning the realty which is on the market.' He is also active in pub- lic matters and is a persistent and effective advocate of good roads and other public improvements. As a member of the school board his efforts have always been put forth to secure the best teachers and to raise the standard of public instruction and through his labors much good has been accomplished in this direction. Today the schools of Johnstown are equal to any in the state. Mr. Patton believes that the school system is the foundation of our civilization and should have the best service of the best minds. In politics he has always been an enthusiastic and earnest democrat and has been urged several times to become the party candidate for various high offices. Only recently was he assured of the nomination for sheriff of the county, which would have been equivalent to election, but private business so demanded his time and energies that he could not decide
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to make the sacrifice of his interests to accept public office. He is popular with all classes and could undoubtedly have been elected had he accepted the nomina- tion. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, belonging to Johnstown Lodge, No. 326, A. F. & A. M., and to the Royal Arch Chapter at Newark. He is also a member of the Newark lodge of Elks, Johnstown Lodge, No. 308, K. P., and Johnstown Lodge, I. O. O. F. He is likewise a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. An active, wide-awake citizen, standing high in the estimation of the community in which he lives, he well deserves representation in this volume. He has a forty-acre farm and beautiful home just at the edge of Johnstown, where he indulges his taste for fine horses, keeping a number of good specimens of the noble steed. There he also enjoys an ideal home life with an interesting family.
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