Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 52

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 52

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ities several times in excess of the sum exacted. When General Harrison heard of it he remarked that "there must have been a town meeting held in Zanesville for the purpose." In a short time Treasurer Sullivan had the books and vouchers compared and balanced, and the bills and notes of broken and crippled banks replaced by funds of value, and having performed his duty and hav- ing no taste for public office declined re-election and returned to the less strenuous life of a local business man. October 13, 1825, he was ap- pointed postmaster at Zanesville, contrary to his inclinations, an office he relinquished as soon as he could persuade his friends to agree thereto, and July 24, 1828, he retired from public life.

For a few years longer he pursued an active mercantile life but withdrew from all business and moved from his Third street residence to his farm in Falls township, where he spent a quiet and useful life. When reminded that he could not anticipate gathering fruit from orchards planted by so old a man, he remarked, "I do not plant for myself but for others who will reap the benefit of my work."

Although his life had been one of activity and devotion to duty, and his habits economical, it is said "His industry and economy were more mat- ters of conscience than from a desire for the ac- cumulation of wealth." One of his standard max- ims was that parents had better give their children trades than fortunes. Devoted to his family, he was insistent that his children should lead simple. useful lives, and charged them never to forget that "their inheritance was the result of democratic institutions which should be sustained by ballot and bullet."

Judge Sullivan was an eminently just man, self- educated and affable. He was never charged with having wronged any one and died October 15. 1853, mourned by all who were favored with his acquaintance. Two of his sons, John Hamm and Alexander, were also prominent business men of Zanesville.

J. W. SHIRER.

J. W. Shirer, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Adamsville, was born in this city October 15, 1853, and represents one of the old families of the county. His paternal grand- father came from Pennsylvania to Ohio about 1820, and in this county H. C. Shirer, the father, was born and reared. He was a carpenter and cabinent-maker and he and his four brothers were practically the builders of Adamsville, a large ma- jority of its leading structures standing as mon- uments to their skill and ability. He married Miss Elizabeth Bagley, who was born in Loudoun

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county, Virginia, and throughout the period of their married life they resided in Adamsville, be- ing separated by the death of the husband in 1880, while the wife passed away on the IIth of Janu- ary, 1905. They left five sons: Albert, who is living in Zanesville; J. W. ; Howard, who is street commissioner in Zanesville; Milton, who is en- gaged in the butchering business in Adamsville ; and Newton, who resides in New Orleans, where he is financially interested in a coffin factory, of which he is also the superintendent.

J. W. Shirer pursued his education in the schools of Adamsville and afterward learned the cabinet-maker's trade with his father, since which time he has followed that pursuit. He has man- ufactured some fine furniture and his capability has secured him a liberal patronage. He is also an undertaker and funeral director and his stock of undertaking goods is valued at about one thous- and dollars. He owns one of the finest funeral cars to be found in the county and his realty pos- sessions in Adamsville comprises his residence, his business block and a large lot and he also owns four lots in. Zanesville. He has made all of his property himself and has been very successful.

In 1877 Mr. Shirer was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Geller, a native of Adamsville. Her father was a farmer and at the time of the Civil war espoused the Union cause which he de- fended upon southern battle-fields. His death was occassioned by disease contracted in the army. His widow still survives him and is now living in Adamsville, at the age of seventy years. Mr. and Mrs. Shirer have two children; Ollie, who was born in 1879; and Harry, born in 1883. The wife and mother died in 1890, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends who esteemed her for her good qualities of heart and mind. Mr. Shirer is a republican in his political views and he bc- longs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the lodge of the Maccabces. Viewed from a financial standpoint his life must certainly be termed a success for as the years have passed by he has acquired valuable property holdings as well as a paying business, all having been secured through his indefatigable energy and unfaltering (liligence. In community affairs in Adamsville he wields a wide influence and is known as one of the prominent citizens of the town.

AMBROSE B. OSLER.

Ambrose B. Osler, proprietor of extensive mon- umental works in Zanesville, is a native son of this county, having been born in Highland town- ship, July 27, 1860. He comes of English ances- try, his forefathers having crossed the Atlantic from England with Lord Baltimore. The grand-

father, Edward Osler, was born in the city of Bal- timore, Maryland, and removing to Muskingum county, Ohio, at an early epoch in its develop- ment, entered land which became the old farm homestead and the birthplace of James and Am- brose B. Osler.

James Osler, father of our subject, was a school teacher and farmer, following the dual occupa- tion for many years. Through his well conducted business affairs he became well-to-do. He held membership in the United Presbyterian church and he exercised his right of franchise in support of the republican party. In early manhood he married Sarah J. Caughey, who was born in High- land township upon a farm adjoining that upon which her husband's birth occurred. She is a daughter of Edward Caughey, who came from Pennsylvania when this was a frontier district and entered government land in Highland township. thus securing land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made but in course of time he transformed it into a productive farm. James Osler died in 1900, at the age of seventy-three years, and is still survived by his wife, who is living on the old homestead at the age of seventy-one years. They are the parents of four children : John, who is with the Santa Fe Railroad Company and lives in Wichita, Kansas ; Edward E., residing on the old homestead; Am- brose B .; and Margaret, at home.

Ambrose B. Osler is indebted to the common schools of Highland township for the early educa- tional privileges he enjoyed and later he continued his studies in Muskingum College, at Concord. Ohio. For ten years he was engaged in teaching school and later served as deputy auditor under James L. Starkey for a term of six years, during which time he was also secretary of the repub- lican county executive committee. After leaving the auditor's office he spent two and a half years in the postoffice department at Washington, D. C., and on the expiration of that period resigned and returned to Zanesville. where for a short time he was advertising mana- ger of the Times-Recorder. In February, 1904. he purchased the Mitchell Monumental Works in partnership with Frank B. Fell. This is the oldest establishment of the kind in southeastern Ohio and the new firm succeeded to a large business which they have since increased, having gained many new patrons. The house now enjoys a very extensive patronage, which is well merited for the partners are enterprising, persevering and diligent business men, thoroughly reliable in all trade transactions.

On the 5th of November, 1901. Mr. Osler was married to Mildred Weber, whose birth occurred in Zanesville, Ohio, January 25, 1876. Her father was an iron worker. Mrs. Osler belongs to the German Lutheran church, while Mr. Osler

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has membership relations with the Elks and in his political views has always been a republican. There has been no exciting chapter in his life history but his career has been marked by steady advancement which has resulted from the faith- ful performance of every duty that has devolved upon him and by his utilization and mastery of the opportunities that have come to him.

MOSES NOTESTINE.

Moses Notestine, now practically living retired upon his farm of one hundred and fourteen acres, is a prominent and highly respected citizen of Brush Creek township. He was born in this township. September 5. 1829. his parents being Peter and Mary Ann ( Bartholomew ) Notestine. The father was a native of Virginia, born Janu- ary 9, 1794, and when a lad of twelve years he removed to Pennsylvania, settling in Washington county, where he made his home until he became a resident of Jefferson county, Ohio. There he learned the blacksmith's trade and in 1865 he came to Muskingum county, purchasing a farm that is now owned by his son Moses. Thereupon he spent his remaining days, giving his time and energies to its cultivation and improvement until his life's labors were ended. He was drafted for service in the war of 1812, but by lot was assigned to a company that was just returning home so that he was never in active service. He worked for several years at his trade in his earlier manhood, but believing that farm labor would prove more profitable he entered eighty acres of land in Ohio. Thereupon he built a cabin and gave his energies to the cultivation of his land until 1847, when he sold out and removed to Athens county, Ohio, locating in that district which afterward became a part of Vinton county. As before stated he took up his abode upon what is now the Notestine homestead, in 1865, and became well known as a successful farmer and stockraiser of his lo- cality. In his family were seven children : Samuel, of Roseville, who married Barbara M. Sharp, and has three children; Moses, of this review : David, who died in infancy; Elizabeth, who died at the age of sixty-seven years : Sarah Jane, who died at the age of forty years: Amos, a soldier who died in the army in 1864; and Adaline E., also deceased.

Aloses Notestine was reared to the occupation of farming and continued to assist his father until the latter's death. He has ever been numbered among the enterprising and practical agricultur- ists of his community and he yet gives careful supervision to his farm although he leaves the active management of the fields to others, having rented the land in 1904. In his youth his edu-

cational privileges were meager and he had to walk two and a half miles to school each day. He attended only through the winter months for his services were needed on the home farm through- out the remainder of the year. He, however, has read extensively throughout his entire life and spends many of his most pleasant hours with his books and magazines. In this way he has become a very well informed man.

In 1877 Mr. Notestine was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Ellen Baughman, a daughter of Joseph Baughman, who was the fourth member of the family of Christian Baughman, one of the early pioneer residents of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Notestine had no children and in 1896 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. In politics he is a republican, thus following in the political footsteps of his father, who in early life gave his political allegiance to the democratic party but at the time when war problems were being discussed joined the republican party and from 1860 until his death was one of its stanch advocates. He served as supervisor of his town- ship but neither the father nor son have ever been active as office seekers, and Moses Notestine has always preferred to give his undivided atten- tion to his business affairs. He still owns one hundred and fourteen acres of rich land, which constitutes a valuable farming property. In his religious belief he is a Lutheran and is a devoted church member. His life has ever been honorable, his actions manly and sincere, and during his long residence in the county he has enjoyed to the full- est extent the trust and good will of those with whom he has been associated.

ALFRED MERRICK, M. D.

For many years Dr. Alfred Merrick. now de- ceased, figured prominently in the public life of Zanesville in connection with its business interests and as an influential factor in many measures for general good. He was a man of intense activity, keen business foresight and unfaltering energy and in his life largely exemplified the progressive spirit of the age which has led to the rapid and substantial upbuilding of the middle west. He was born in Kingston, England, near London, in 1812, and came to America when seventeen years of age. He belonged to one of the old aristocratic families of the mother country and had acquired a thorough and comprehensive education in pri- vate schools of that land. He arrived in Philadel- phia in 1829 and soon afterward entered upon the study of medicine, being graduated from Jeffer- son Medical College of that city. About 1835 he came to Zanesville and for six months engaged in teaching school on the west pike, after which he

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turned his attention to the drug business. Later he removed his drug store to Delaware, Ohio, but again came to Zanesville about 1837 and it was at this time that he analyzed the Lucifer match and began the manufacture of matches in Zanes- ville, being the pioneer in this industry in the United States. He was associated in the enter- prise with George A. Jones and they used an Eng- lish label upon their manufactured product.

Dr. Merrick was a man of wonderful resourceful ability, with an optimistic tem- perament that enabled him to throw off discouragement and press steadily forward when conditions seemed to be against him. He has at different times engaged in business as a dealer in confectionery, patent medicines and to- bacco, conducting a large cigar factory. He was also proprietor of a notion store and in 1868 he embarked in business as a wholesale dealer in queensware and wall paper, conducting that en- terprise up to the time of his death, which oc- cured in 1873. . He was also one of the pioneers in the glass manufacturing industry in this part of the state, having at one time two factories in Zanesville. He readily recognized a business op- portunity, took advantage of it and molded condi- tions to meet his own ends. In 1849 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Spring- field township, two miles south of the postoffice and a part of this tract is now included within the city limits. He built thereon a home and at the time of his death he also owned farms in Kansas, Missouri and in various parts of Ohio, having made judicious investment in real estate, whereby his income was largely increased annually. He was also an expert chemist and prepared a book on chemistry but the manuscript was burned by a servant who in cleaning the room saw the pa- pers lying in the office and thinking them of no value destroyed them.

In 1861 Dr. Merrick erected what is now the Merrick block at the corner of Third and Main streets. He was one of the founders of the Athe- neum, was it president for many years and through his management and direction funds were accumulated whereby the present building was erected. He was also interested in the building of railways and in fact his activity touched many lines of progress that have contributed to the sub- stantial improvement and upbuilding of the city. He was interested in the Brown Manufacturing Company and he was instrumental in abolishing toll gates. He also raised the funds necessary to start a street railway.

T11 1837 Dr. Merrick was united in marriage to Miss Miranda T. Heskett, a daughter of Spicer and Nancy Heskett, both of whom were natives of Virginia and the father was a soldier of the war of 1812. Dr. and Mrs. Merrick became the parents of nine children : Alfred M., who died

in 1877 : Mary Ann, the wife of W. S. Ayers ; Is- adore C., living at home; Clarence J., who died in 1896; Charles E .; William N., who has been leader of Sells Brothers' band since 1878 and is now traveling with the circus in Europe ; and Ed- ward, Hildreth and Emma, all deceased. The wife and mother died in January, 1902, at the age of eighty-four years, having for almost thirty years survived Dr. Merrick, who passed away in 1873. He held membership in St. Thomas Catho- lic church with which his family is still connected. He was prominent in the Masonic and Odd Fel- lows lodges and was also a Son of Malta. He voted with the whig party until its dissolution and afterward with the republican party but was never active in political work. He was numbered among the pioneers of Zanesville, progressive and enter- prising, and his force of character, influence and. well directed activity made him a citizen of value. His name is inseparably interwoven with the pro- gress and improvement of the community and now finds place on the roll of Zanesville's hon- ored dead.

ARLEY CLYDE REASONER.

Among the energetic and reliable business men of Zanesville is numbered Arley Clyde Reasoner. one of the native sons of Muskingum county. born at Rix Mills in Rich Hill township, in 1872. His father. Matthew M. Reasoner, is a native of Indiana and is now living in Zanesville. He came to Muskingum county with his parents in his boyhood days, the family home being estab- lished in Union township, and there he was reared to manhood in the usual manner of farmer lads. For some time he has been engaged in business as a traveling salesman. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church, in which he has served as an elder, and for thirty years he has been a member of the Odd Fellows society. He affiliates with New Concord lodge and also with the en- campment at Cambridge. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Cornelia Henderson, was born in Rich Hill township and is now fifty-six years of age. She is a daughter of Walter G. Henderson. a farmer of Muskingum county and a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Reasoner had but two children, the daughter Lola being the wife of R. S. Hadesty, of Newark, Ohio.

Mr. Reasoner obtained his education in the country schools and the New Concord high school. from which he was graduated with the class of 1890. He afterward continued his studies in Muskingum College and for two years he en- gaged in teaching school. He afterward engaged in the real-estate business at Zanesville. in 1802. and for the past nine years has been alone in a

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similar enterprise. He has negotiated many. im- portant realty transfers and has a thorough knowl- edge of property values and resources in this part of the state. He also represents a number of fire insurance companies and the policies which he writes represents a large annual figure.

On the 27th of June, 1902, Mr. Reasoner was married to Margaret Sidle, who was born in Pleasant Valley, Ohio, in 1872, her parents being Frank and Hannah Sidle. Mr. and Mrs. Rea- soner are members of the Second Presbyterian church and he belongs to the Masonic bodies of Zanesville, Woodland lodge, I. O. O. F., the Zanesville Grove of Druids and is a past exalted ruler of the Elks lodge. Politically a democrat, he is now serving for the second term as a mem- ber of the city board of review. Possessing a fine voice he has more than a local reputation as a singer and this renders him popular in social cir- cles. Mr. Reasoner is a young man who has already attained a creditable position in the busi- ness life of his native county and is to-day widely and favorably known in the county seat.

JOHN WILLIAM MELICK, M. D.

Dr. John William Melick, whose capability justly entitles him to the large practice which is accorded him in Frazeysburg and throughout the surrounding locality, was born in Brownsville, Licking county, Ohio, October 9, 1870, his par- ents being Isaac L. and Mary ( Bowling) Melick, both of whom were natives of Muskingum county. The grandfather, James Melick, was a farmer and was numbered among the pioneer agricultur- ists of this county. Isaac L. Melick, determining to engage in the practice of medicine and surgery as a life work, completed a course of study in the Cincinnati Medical College by graduation and later followed his profession in Brownsville, Ohio, and subsequently in Glenford, Perry county, Ohio, where he died September 14. 1883, while his wife passed away in the spring of 1895. They were the parents of nine children.

Dr. John W. Melick, the fifth in order of birth in that family, was reared and educated in Brownsville and when seventeen years of age be- gan teaching school, which profession he followed for four years. He regarded this, however, merely as an initial step to other professional labor, for he desired to follow in his father's foot- steps regarding a choice of a life work and entered the Ohio Medical College, at Columbus, where he remained for two years. He then left college and again he taught school for a year, at the end of which time he resumed his profes- sional studies and was graduated with the class of 1896. In 1892 he spent some time in hospital

work in Chicago, thus adding to his theoretical knowledge broad and varied practical experience which has proved of much value to him in his later work. Following his graduation he prac- ticed for two years in Licking county, Ohio. He then went west to Indiana and later he returned to Union Station, Ohio, where he practiced until February 14, 1899, when he located in Frazeys- burg, where he has established a large practice. He soon demonstrated his ability to cope with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician, and excellent results have followed his efforts. He keeps informed concerning the ad- vanced thought and improved methods of the profession and is accorded a creditable position both by the members of the medical fraternity and by the general public. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, the Muskingum County Medical Society and is a registered phy- sician of both Indiana and Illinois.

On the 25th of September, 1895, Dr. Melick was united in marriage to Miss Helen Harris, of Brownville, Ohio, a daughter of Elias and Eliza- beth Harris. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge and the Modern Woodmen camp and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Protestant church. In politics he is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him as he prefers to give his undivided attention to his professional duties which make heavy demands upon his time and energies. He is equally prominent and popu- lar socially, for his sterling characteristics are those which awaken warm regard and strong friendships.

CHARLES A. BARTON.

Charles A. Barton is a self-made man whose rise in the business world is due entirely to his own efforts. He has been a coal operator and dealer for a number of years but is now giving the greater part of his time to city affairs, being a member of the board of public service. Mr. Bar- ton was born in Zanesville, August 14, 1856. His father, Samuel T. Barton, was a native of New Jersey but came to Zanesville in early youth. Mr. Barton died when his son Charles A. was only twelve years of age and the oldest of a family of four children. Owing to the father's death, which left the family in straightened financial circum- stances, he was obliged to leave the public school, of which he had been a student, and start out in life on his own account, but afterward, realizing the value of educational training, he took a course in a commercial college.

Mr. Barton has for a number of years been prominent in local political circles and in 1887

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was elected to the city council from the fourth ward and although the ward was a strongly democratic one and Mr. Barton a stanch repub- lican he was given a large and very flattering majority, a fact which indicates his personal popu- larity among those who know him best and the confidence reposed in his official integrity by his many friends. In the spring of 1900 he was elected to the office of street commissioner and al- though the only republican elected on the city ticket received the handsome majority of five hun- dred and at the conclusion of his term of office he was re-elected with an increased majority. When a new municipal code was enacted in the winter of 1902-3, the office of street commissioner was abolished and in the spring of 1903 Mr. Barton having received the nomination for the office of director of public service was elected with a handsome majority and is still serving in that office.

In August, 1882, Mr. Barton was married to Miss M. Jennie Reed, who was born in Zanes- ville, the daughter of Abner Reed. They have one child, Bessie M. Barton. Mr. Barton is a prominent member of several secret societies ; is a past president of camp No. 43. P. O. S. of A., and has been state treasurer of the state camp of Ohio, P. O. S. of A .; for the last eight years has also been past noble grand of Mechanics lodge, No. 230, I. O. O. F, ; a member of Howard Encamp- ment, I. O. O. F .; past commandant of Canton Nova, I. O. O. F. ; past venerable consul of Buck- eye camp, No. 3224, M. W. A. ; past sachem of Natchez tribe, I. O. R. M. ; and in all these orders he is prominent and popular. Mr. Barton pos- sesses a genial and courteous disposition which wins him friends wherever he goes. The people are not unmindful of his services in their behalf. which have always been actuated by unselfish mo- tives and prompted by patriotism and he to-day enjoys the unqualified regard of a large majority of Zanesville citizens.

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Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 52

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