Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 112

Author: Sutor, J. Hope, 1846-
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 898

USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Zanesville > Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio > Part 112

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Bennett L. Taylor continued his studies in the public schools of Zanesville until he had mastered the high-school course and after putting aside his text-books he entered upon his business career as a clerk for the Graham Drug Company. Later he attended the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy for two years and was graduated with the class of 1888, subsequent to which time he took charge of the retail department of the Graham Drug Company, acting in that capacity for eight years.

His health failing him he spent a year in the west and upon his return home he purchased a half interest in the Muskingum Laundry Company and became secretary and treasurer. In the fall of 1901 the firm was incorporated under its pres- ent name with E. P. Waters as president ; F. M. Hook, secretary and treasurer; and Bennett L. Taylor, general manager. In 1903 Mr. Taylor was chosen president, Mr. Waters retiring, and he now acts as general manager of the business. This company controls the largest laundry trade in Zanesville, employing fifty people, and their plant is located at the corner of Canal and Fourth streets. The business is capitalized for thirty thousand dollars and has become a paying in- vestment.

Mr. Taylor was married May 27, 1889, to Miss Cora E. Bagley, a daughter of Fenton Bagley, now postmaster of Zanesville. She was born in Fultonham, Muskingum county, in 1866, and by her marriage has become the mother of two chil- dren, Henry and Rowena. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor hold membership in the Second Presbyterian church and he is enrolled with the Masons of Amity lodge, while in politics he is a republican. He is regarded as a man of genuine worth in Zanesville, where his entire life has been passed. He has a very wide acquaintance and those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends. In all life's rela- tions he has been found worthy to the trust given him and as a public-spirited citizen is interested in the material upbuilding and moral progress of his native city.

HENRY JENKINS.

Henry Jenkins, who has been owner of his present farm in Newton township since 1869. was born in this township, September 15, 1827, and has therefore passed the seventy-eighth mile- stone on life's journey. His father, John Jen- kins, was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia. born in 1803, and was a son of Alexander Jen- kins, who came to Muskingum county at an carly period in its development. He, too, was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and thinking to have better business opportunities in a new and less thickly settled portion of the country he made his way to Newton township, where he secured wild land, which he transformed into productive fields. The family bore many of the hardships and privations of pioneer life, but these did not discourage them in their attempt to make a home and gain a livelihood on the frontier. Amid the wild scenes of pioneer life John Jenkins was reared and when he had reached man's estate hie wedded Elizabeth Diltz, who was born in New

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OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

Jersey and was a daughter of John Diltz, a pio- neer resident of this county. John Jenkins was a cooper by trade and followed that pursuit to a greater or less extent in connection with his agri- cultural interests in Newton township. Unto him and his wife were born fifteen children, twelve of whom they reared to adult age.

Henry Jenkins spent his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm and pursued his education in the public schools of his native township. The course of study and the methods of instruction were then somewhat imperfect, but he made the most of his opportunities. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager and as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields. He also spent two years in New Or- leans, Louisiana, and in Tennessee with his father. Being reared to habits of industry and persever- ance he has by the exercise of these qualities be- come one of the substantial residents of his native county.

Mr. Jenkins was married in 1851, to Miss Sarah A. Bash, who died leaving one child, James A., now a resident of Perry county, Ohio. For his second wife Mr. Jenkins chose Miss Mary Slack, who is also now deceased. There were seven children of this union, of whom six are yet living: Charles H., Pios V., Agula, Clara, William H., John S., and Ida Z.

Mr. Jenkins has resided upon his present farm in Newton township since 1869, and has insti- tuted many improvements here and made many changes in the appearance of the property. He has one hundred and twelve acres of land six miles south of the courthouse in Zanesville, and the place is devoted to general farming. It pre- sents an excellent appearance because of the care and labor he bestows upon it, which indicates him to be a practical and progressive agriculturist. He votes with the democratic party and is a mem- ber of the Lutheran church and throughout his active business career he has displayed traits of character which mark him as a man worthy of the esteem of his fellow citizens.

FRED M. WOODWARD.

Fred M. Woodward is one of the younger busi- ness men of Zanesville, whose life is typical of the spirit of the age, being characterized by that business alertness and ready recognition and mastery of it that have been the dominant ele- ments in producing the commercial enterprise and success which have attracted to this country the whole world. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1877. His grandfather, Joseph Wood- ward, was a native of New Jersey and with his father came to Ohio when Morgan county was

first being opened up to civilization. There the family home was established and for many years the grandfather resided there, carrying on agri- cultural pursuits. He married Phoebe Stanberry, a representative of one of the old families of Mor- gan county, and his death occurred in 1874, when he was sixty-five years of age. In his family were nine children, five sons and four daughters, but only three are now living : A. G., Miles N., and C. J., the last named being county commis- sioner of Morgan county, Ohio. Three brothers of this family were soldiers of the Civil war, Miles N., and C. J. being members of Company H, Seventeenth Ohio Regiment, while Samuel served with the Seventy-second Ohio Regiment, and thus the family made a most creditable mili- tary record as defenders of the Union cause.

Miles N. Woodward, father of our subject, was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1844, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth. When still quite young he secured a farm there and his early life was a period of earnest and unremit- ting toil. He was only sixteen years of age when, the fires of patriotism burning brightly in his breast, he enlisted as a member of Company H. Seventeenth Ohio Regiment, in 1861, thus re- sponding to the first call for volunteers. By re- enlistment he continued with the army and was with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. He also participated in the battle of Chat- tanooga and in many other important engage- ments. He was ever a loyal soldier, never faltering in the performance of any duty. When the war was over he returned to Morgan county and gave his attention to farming and stock-raising. He bought, sold and shipped stock for many years, carrying on an extensive and successful business in this way and thus he accumulated a handsome competency that now enables him to rest from further business cares. He and his wife are now living retired in McConnelsville, Ohio. His political views have been in accord with re- publican principles since the organization of the party. He married Hannah Parsons, a native of Morgan county, Ohio, whose grandmother came to America with William Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Woodward became the parents of six children, all of whom were born in Morgan county and are yet living, the family circle being unbroken by the hand of death. They are: Mrs. Eva Wil- helm; Mrs. Ella Dwees; George C., who resides in Columbus ; Charles M., also living in that city ; Fred M .; and Rose.

Fred M. Woodward was born in 1877 and was reared in Morgan county until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he went to Columbus, Ohio. Later he accepted a position as salesman with a produce house with which he was con- nected for eight years and in 1901 he came to Zanesville, where he entered into partnership

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PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

with Charles J. Murdock, under the firm name of Murdock & Woodward. This is to-day one of the leading business houses in their line in central Ohio. They are wholesale dealers and shippers of fruit and produce and since the es- tablishment of their business in December, 1900, it has been characterized by speedy extension and solid, substantial development in every phase of its affairs. Three traveling men represent this house upon the road and the business has con- stantly grown. The partners are men of enter- prise, keen discernment and ready recognition of opportunities and in the control of their inter- ests here have built up a trade of enviable mag- nitude. Their business has been characterized by a high sense of honor and they have followed methods which might well serve as a guide to many an older firm.

In October, 1902, Mr. Woodward was mar- ried to Miss Ada Frankenberg, of Columbus, a daughter of C. O. Frankenberg, a representative of one of the old families of that city. Mr. Wood- ward belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Commercial Travelers' Union of Zanesville and votes with the republican party. He owes his success entirely to his own efforts and as the architect of his fortunes has builded wisely and well. He also has a pleasing personality which has gained him the friendship of many, while in business circles he enjoys the confidence and trust of all with whom trade re- lations have brought him into contact.

GEORGE W. WILLIAMS.

George W. Williams, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in Salem township, was born April 1, 1863, in the township which is still his home. His father, Thomas Williams, was born in the city of Zanesville, near where the courthouse now stands, in 1811. He was a son of Jesse Williams, who arrived in the county seat about 1805. After living in Zanesville for some time he removed to a farm and Thomas Williams was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed as a life work, making his home through a long period in Salem township. After arriving at years of maturity he was married to Miss Wise Cower and atter her death, about 1860, he wedded Mrs. Jane Handel, the widow of Nicholas Handel and a daughter of Amos Vernon, who settled in the southeast part of the county at an early day and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Williams was the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land and in his farming pursuits won a fair measure of success. In his early years he bore many of the hardships and trials of pioneer life, but as time

passed by his labors were rewarded with a com- fortable competence and he also enjoyed in full measure the esteem of his fellow citizens. His political support was given to the republican party. He died February 25, 1894, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-three years and is still sur- vived by his widow, who resides in Salem town- ship. In the family were six children: George, Ruth, Ephraim, Mary, Grant and Flora.

George W. Williams acquired his education in the common schools of Salem township, while early in life lessons of integrity, industry and perseverance were instilled into his mind and, bearing fruit as the years have gone by, they have constituted the basis of his success. He continued upon the home farm until twenty-four years of age, when he started out on his own ac- count, renting land for nine years. When his labor had brought him sufficient capital he made purchase of a farm, becoming owner of the place upon which he now resides and to the further development and improvement of which he has since directed his energies. Here he owns one hundred and sixty-six acres that is conveniently and pleasantly situated about one and a half miles north of Adamsville. He carries on gen- eral farming and stock-raising, making a spe- cialty of cattle, sheep and horses, and everything about his place is kept in excellent condition, the farm being characterized by neatness and thrift in every department.

On the 22d of November, 1885, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Marrie E. Adams, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, Octo- ber 2, 1862, her parents being W. W. and Louisa ( Bainter) Adams. Her father was born in Mon- roe township, Muskingum county, in 1823, and was a son of George and Christina ( Wertz) Adams, who removed from Monroe to Salem township. George Adams was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, February 12, 1788, and was a son of William Adams, who died in the Old Do- minion. In 1807 George Adams removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, and following the outbreak of the second war with England, he put aside his business cares and went to Virginia. enlisting in the army there. Following the close of hostilities he was married in Virginia and with his bride returned to Muskingum county, where he permanently settled, residing in Monroe and Salem townships. He was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1873, and his death oc- curred two years later. They held membership in the Lutheran church and in that faith reared their family, numbering nine children, namely : Helen, Susan, William W., George, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Sarah and Margaret. George Wil- liams devoted his entire life to agricultural in- terests and won success in his undertakings. His political support was given the democracy.

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William W. Adams, whose birth occurred May II, 1822, spent his boyhood days in Salem town- ship and there he attended the public schools. In March, 1852, he wedded Louisa Bainter, whose birth occurred in Muskingum county, October 4, 1832, her parents being Frederick and Maria (Crumbaker) Bainter, both natives of Virginia, whence they removed to this county at an early date. Mr. Adams followed farming throughout his entire life and at the same time he took a helpful part in public matters, giving generous support to every movement which he believed would contribute to the public good. He was township trustee and school director for a num- ber of years and did all in his power to promote the educational and moral development of the community. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party. As the years passed his business affairs prospered, owing to his capable management and keen discernment, and investing his capital in land he became the owner of six hundred acres, constituting some of the best farms in the county. The mother of Mrs. Wil- liams died September 7, 1867, and in March, 1869, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Sarah A. Carver, who was born in Muskingum county, May 9, 1827, her parents being Millar D. and Mary A. Hannen, who removed from Bucks county, Pennsylvania, to Muskingum county, where Mr. Hannen passed away in 1861, and his wife in 1863. In the latter years of his life Mr. Adams lived retired.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams has been blessed with a son, Guy Lester, whose birth oc- curred October 22, 1902. They hold membership in the Lutheran church and are people of the highest respectability, enjoying in unlimited measure the esteem and good will of all who know them. Mr. Williams votes with the republican party, believing that its principles embody the best ideas of good government, and he is con- nected with the Grange. He owes his success in life almost entirely to his own efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been a helpinate to him and now they are in com- fortable financial circumstances with a pleasant home and valuable property, while their financial resources justify the enjoyment of all of the com- forts and many of the luxuries of life.

JOHN RICHARDS.

John Richards, one of the most prominent and successful farmers of Wayne township, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, near St. Clairs- ville, May 1, 1826, and has therefore passed the seventy-ninth milestone on life's journey and yet he is actively associated with business interests,

managing his farm and controlling his invest- ments in a manner that should put to shame many a man of much younger years, who, hav- ing grown weary of the struggles and trials of a business career, would lay aside the burdens that he should bear or force others to carry them for him. The life record of Mr. Richards certainly is an exemplification of the term "the dignity of labor." His father, John Richards, was born in Pennsylvania and when young came to Ohio, settling in St. Clairsville, where he afterward en- gaged in farming until his death. He wedded Mary C. Dunlap, a native of this state, and died in early manhood. His widow with her five chil- dren afterward came to Taylorsville, Muskingum county, with her uncle, Joseph Watson, who was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. They resided there three years, during which time John Richards of this review attended school. They then removed to Chandlersville, in Salt Creek township, where they spent two years and later they took up their abode upon the Samuel Brown farm, which is now a part of Zanesville. The mother carefully reared her chil- dren and departed this life at the age of seventy- two years. The members of the family were James, who never married and died at the age of eighty-seven years ; William, who died at the age of eighty-two years; John; and Robert, seventy-six years of age. The family is noted for longevity and the sons have been capable and successful business men.

John Richards remembers well the falling of the stars in 1832-an event memorable in the his- tory of the country when the night was ablaze with falling meteors. He was then but six years old but it made a vivid impression upon his mind. His education was largely acquired in the district schools and he also attended a Catholic school in Zanesville for six months. His first work was on the river when he was thirteen years of age, serving as second cook on the G. L. Newman. Later he was on the steamer Ohio under Captain Davis and he followed the river for four years, winning advancement from time to time in recog- nition of his capability until he became pilot. He afterward drove a peddler's wagon for six months but did not find that occupation congenial and secured a situation in the paper mill at Zanesville. Subsequent to his marriage he engaged in the grocery business on Wood street in Zanesville, conducting the store for nine years with a grati- fying measure of success. In 1867 he removed to his present farm which formerly comprised one hundred and sixty-eight acres of land but in 1904 he sold eighty-eight acres so that his present hold- ing covers eighty acres. Upon this farm are val- uable coal deposits and also molding and build- ing sand. He also has land in Washington town- ship and property in Zanesville, which he rents

JOHN RICHARDS.

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and he was a stockholder in the Ohio Iron Com- pany.

In early manhood Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Miss Jane Gorley, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Robert Gorley, who removed to Iowa in 1852. Mrs. Richards was long a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband and February 21, 1901, she departed this life amid the deep re- gret of many friends as well as her immediate family. There were three children: Mary C., the wife of John Allen ; Francis A .. now deceased ; and John H., who is a farmer and horse dealer of Wayne township.

Mr. Richards votes with the republican party and is an Odd Fellow in his fraternal relations. In 1872 he built his home which is a substantial two-story brick residence and here he expects to spend his remaining days. Although he has reached the evening of life he is still active and enterprising and his history should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others for he started out in life empty-handed and is to-day one of the heaviest tax-payers in his township. Not only has he won success but also an honored name for his methods have ever been such as would bear the closest investigation and scutiny.

CHARLES A. KELLY.

Charles A. Kelly is one of the men of influence and prominence in Falls township, holding a position of prestige in the regard of his fellow townsmen because of his business ability, his loyalty and progressiveness in citizenship and his devotion to duty. He resides about five miles north of Zanesville upon the farm on which he was born July 15, 1855. He is a son of Nathan Kelly, a native of Muskingum township and a grandson of Isaac Kelly, who was born in Vir- ginia and when a young man came to this county, casting in his lot with the early settlers whose labors proved the foundation for the present de- velopment of this part of the state. He became a prominent farmer of Muskingum county, suc- cessfully carrying on agricultural pursuits and also laboring for general progress and improve- ment. He married a Miss Gadd and their son Nathan was reared upon the home farm in Mus- kingum township in the usual manner of farm lads of that period. Having reached adult age lie married Miss Mary Crabtree, a native of Falls township and a daughter of William Crabtree. a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly ho- came the parents of five children, of whom three are living: Alfred, of Zanesville: Charles A. ; and Benjamin, who is an undertaker of Zanes-

ville. In 1865 the father purchased one hundred and sixty-six acres of land-the farm upon which his son Charles now resides-and at once began the development of his property, making it his home until within two years of his death, when he returned to Muskingum township, where his last days were passed. He had prospered in his business undertakings, having become well-to-do. In politics he was a democrat, exerting consid- erably influence in the local ranks of his party, and he served as a director of the county infirmary for two terms and also as township trustee. His wife is still living and is a resident of Zanesville.

Charles A. Kelly, reared upon the home farm, attended the district schools for the requirement of an education that would equip him for the cares and responsibilities of life and received prac- tical training in the farm work under the direc- tion of his father. His choice of a companion and helpmate for life's journey fell upon Miss Julia Lunder and that he was successful in his suit is indicated by the fact that they were mar- ried. She was born in Zanesville, a daughter of Thomas Lunder, a native of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have become the parents of five chil- dren : Alice Fay, Clarence A., Lillian S., Bessie and Beatrice.

In order to provide for his family Mr. Kelly has always carried on farming and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, pleasantly and conveniently situated about five miles north of Zanesville, on the Dresden road. His place is well equipped and is neat and thrifty in appearance. He carries on general farming and also engages in the dairy business, keeping from fifteen to twenty cows for that pur- pose. He also raises hogs and sheep and his sales of stock add a considerable fund to his financial resources each year. His political affiliation is with the democracy and his fraternal relations with the Masons, belonging to Lafayette lodge. During a lifelong residence in Muskingum county he has become widely known and as a represen- tative of an old pioneer family, as a business man of enterprise and reliability and a citizen of ad- vanced ideas he deserves mention in this volume.

DAVID LEE.

The name of David Lee is so impressed upon the inception, construction and operation of the railroad in Ohio that it can never be effaced and his long connection with the development of this greatest of civilizing agencies makes him a very distinguished character in the history of Mus- kingum county. Born in Baltimore, Maryland. December 11, 1830, his assistance in supporting a mother and three sisters was demanded at the

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early age of eight years by reason of the death of his father. In early life he attended the public schools and learned the carpenter's trade. At the age of twenty-one years he came to Zanes- ville through the influence of his uncle, Colonel Grace, who was then living in this city and owned a farm in Muskingum county.

In 1851 Mr. Lee entered the services of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company at the Mount Clare shops, but was soon sent upon the line which was then in course of construction to the Ohio river. He was employed in the erection of depots, platforms, water-stations, bridges and similar structures between Piedmont and Grafton and later between Grafton and Wheeling, and his natural talent for mechanics and an original mind pointed him out for a leader in the new business. The Central Ohio Railroad was begun after he had obtained two years' experience on the Bal- timore & Ohio Railroad and he came to Ohio and was placed in charge of the work upon which he had been employed in Virginia. Upon the completion of the road and its opening for traf- fic he was placed in charge as roadmaster and filled the position until the lease of the property to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in December, 1866, when his merit was recognized by the more dignified title of assistant master of road. In July, 1869, another line was leased and Mr. Lee was placed in charge of both as master of road. In May, 1872, an additional road was placed in his care and in 1873 he began the construction of two hundred and sixty-two miles of road from Chicago to connection with the Ohio lines and completed the work in sixteen months. The en- tire mileage was in his care until January 1, 1885, when he was taken to Baltimore as the general superintendent of the lines east of the Ohio river, but a general re-organization of the official staff was made in 1887 and he was re-assigned to the more agreeable position of superintendent of maintenance of way of the lines west of the Ohio. In 1902, with more than fifty years of ser- vice, he was relieved from operating duties and made consulting engineer of the entire Baltimore & Ohio system. Physically large and strong, he had exerted all his strength during his days of vigor and when age grappled him his vitality was exhausted and June 29, 1905, he passed to the great beyond, full of years and rich in honors honestly earned.

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Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 112

Author: Sutor, J. Hope, 1846- Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 898

Author: Sutor, J. Hope, 1846-
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 898