Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 61

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 61

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).

PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

occurring soon afterward. Martha and Mary, twins, were born June 15, 1865. The former is now bookkeeper at one of the banks in Zanesville and Mary is the wife of Joseph Dean, probate judge of Zanesville. Sidney A., born June 19, 1867, married Samuel H. Barr, of Washington township, and they have a daughter, Marv A.

Mrs. Gaumer now has a fine home in Adams- ville and is a well preserved woman. She has long been a devoted member of the Lutheran church and Mr. Gaumer was a member of the church from his youth until his death, taking a very active and helpful part in its work and serv- ing on the building committee at the time of the erection of the house of worship. He held the of- fice of township clerk for six years and gave his political allegiance to the whig party until its dis- solution, when he became a democrat. He held the position of postmaster in Adamsville and filled other local offices. He died September 1, 1895, when seventy-three years of age, leaving his fam- ily the priceless heritage of a good name. He was always honorable and upright in everything that he said and did, his entire life being in harmony with manly principles and with motives that would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. His memory is yet cherished by those who knew him and this work would be incomplete without mention of one who was long a worthy citizen of Muskingum county.

WILLIAM DUNCAN ARTER.

William Duncan Arter, who for almost a third of a century has been engineer for the Brown Manufacturing Company at Zanesville, was born in this city in 1842. His paternal grandfather, William H. Arter, came from Pennsylvania to Ohio at a very early day and was married near Irville. He was a cooper by trade and for some time followed that occupation in Irville but later removed to Zanesville, where his death occurred in 1862. His son, John J. Arter, father of our subject, was born in Irville, but pursued his edu- cation in the schools of Zanesville and after arriv- ing at years of maturity he became a miner. Later he learned engineering and occupied a position in that line in the Cox Paper Mill until 1867, when he was elected constable. For four years he served in that capacity and was then elected marshal. Upon the expiration of his two years' term he was re-elected constable but he died the same year. In early manhood he wedded Miss Sarah Jane Underhill, whose father came to Zanesville about 1820. As both were under age at that time they went to Pennsylvania and were married while driving in a carriage. Both Mr. and Mrs. Arter were members of the Baptist

church and were consistent Christian people, en- joying the high regard and good will of all who knew them. Her death occurred in 1904, when she had reached the venerable age of eighty-nine years. Mr. Arter was a republican, active in po- litical affairs, and his labors proved an effective force in advancing the growth and insuring the success of his party. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, all of whom are yet living, namely : William D., Anna, Margaret, Charles, Helen, Lunetta, Alice, Lucy, Jane and John.

William D. Arter was a student in the Zanes- ville school between the ages of six and fifteen years when he began firing for his father at the paper mill. He was employed in a similar capac- ity at other places and when eighteen years of age was an engineer. He was in Illinois at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war and his patriotic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of Company D, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. Later he was transferred to the army of the Potomac, joining that command just after the battle of Bull Run. He participated in the engagements at Har- per's Ferry and Gettysburg and in nearly all of the movements of the army of the Potomac until 1863. He then re-enlisted in the same company and was transferred to New Orleans, after which he was sent into the Red River country under General Banks and General Custer, remaining in that section until he received his discharge at New Orleans in March, 1865. He was a brave, loyal soldier, always faithful to his duty, whether it called him to the firing line or stationed him on the lonely guard lines and he has every reason to be proud of the record he made as a soldier.

In 1863, while home on a furlough, Mr. Arter was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Samuel Rageor, of Zanesville, who was a wagon-maker. Following his return from the war in 1865 Mr. Arter was employed as engineer by the Mathews Paper Company and later was engineer for the Tri-Rock Brick Company for three years. He was also with the Zanesville Coke Company for one year and in 1873 he became engineer for the Brown Manufacturing Company which position he has since filled, covering a period of almost a third of a century. In 1897 he bought fifty-six acres of land in Springfield township and his fam- ily reside upon the farm.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arter have been born nine children, namely: Lunetta, Eleanor, Lizzie (de- ceased). Carrie (deceased). Jessie. Davis, Dorsey, Charles D. and Daisy. Mr. Arter is a member of the Mechanic lodge, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the offices and he maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Zanesville Post, G. A. R. In pol- itics he is a republican and is as true and loyal to

383

PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

his country in times of peace as he was in days of war. Local advancement and national progress are both dear to his heart and he keeps well in- formed on the questions and issues of the day.

THOMAS J. MAGINNIS.

Thomas J. Maginnis was a practitioner at the bar of Zanesville, prominent both professionally and socially because of his thorough understand- ing of the principles of jurisprudence and because of a genial, kindly nature that gained him the friendship and regard of all with whom he was associated. He was born in Ireland and with his parents came to the United States in childhood, the family home being established in Pittsburg. His father. Hugh Maginnis, secured contracts for the building operations of the National pike. Shortly afterward he removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he executed contracts for the constructive operations of the National and Maysville pikes. Eventually he removed to a farm in Perry county. His wife bore the maiden name of Margaret McGraw and was also a native of the Emerald Isle. In their family are four children.

Thomas J. Maginnis accompanied his father on the various removals and remained upon the home farm in Perry county until he had attained his majority. His education was acquired in the pub- lic schools and in early manhood he engaged in teaching but regarded this merely as an initial step toward other professional labor, it being his desire to become a member of the bar. Accord- ingly he made arrangements to read law at Som- erset, Ohio, in the office of Josiah Lovell and, following his admission to the bar, he practiced at that place until 1861, in which year he removed to Zanesville, where he engaged in active prac- tice until his death, securing a large clientage that connected him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of his district. Na- ture bountifully endowed him with the peculiar qualifications that combine to make a successful lawyer. Patiently perservering, possessed of an analytical mind and one that was readily receptive and retentive of the fundamental principles and intricacies of the law, he was quick to compre- hend the most subtle problems and was logi- cal in his conclusions. In addition to his profes- sion he developed coal fields in Perry county, hav- ing large financial investments there.

Mr. Maginnis was a recognized leader in dem- ocratic circles. He gave to the questions and is- sues of the day close attention and study and was thus enabled to support his position by intelligent and forceful argument. Well fitted for leadership lie did much to mold thought and action in the

ranks of the democracy and while living in Perry county he served for several terms as prosecuting attorney, while in 1865 he was elected to repre- sent Muskingum county in the state senate. He proved there an able member of the law-making body of the commonwealth and was fearless in his defense of or opposition to any measure which he deemed would promote the welfare of the state or prove detrimental to its best interests.

In 1848 Mr. Maginnis was married to Miss Mary Jackson, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1832, a daughter of John and Mary (Grate) Jackson, and to them were born ten children, of whom eight are living : Florence, the widow of Thomas Lynn, who was a merchant, by whom she had one son ; Lizette, the wife of Allen Miller, of Ogden, Utah ; Caroline, the wife of Na- thaniel Babcock, of New York city ; William, who was chief justice of the supreme court of Wyom- ing and is now practicing law at Ogden, Utah, and who married Lita Abbott, a daughter of Ephraim Abbott of Zanesville; Mary the wife of William Krebs, a newspaper man at Lake Charles, Louisiana ; Daisy, the wife of Dr. H. T. Sutton, a successful physician of Zanesville: and Mary and Helen who are members of the community in Ursaline Convent near Cincinnati.

Mr. Maginnis held membership in the Catholic church, of which his wife and children are still communicants. He was a man of fine personal appearance and possessed a jovial disposition. He was always interested in anything that tended to promote the sum of human happiness and was one who did much to shed round him the sunshine of life. He passed away in 1881. Viewed from a financial standpoint his career could be called a successful one. Looked at from a social stand- point he was one who was given high regard and warm friendship, but his best traits of character were reserved for his home and family and it is there that his loss is most deeply felt.

JOHN YINGLING.

John Yingling is a self-made man of Jackson township, who in his busy life has manifested many of the sterling characteristics of his Ger- man ancestry. His paternal grandfather. Hiram Yingling, was a native of Germany and became the founder of the name in America, establishing his home in Ohio, where his son Samuel Yingling was born. The latter became a farmer, engaging in the tilling of the soil throughout the period of his manhood. He married Miss Sarah Huffman. a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Ja- cob Huffman. Samuel Yingling departed this life in 1856 but is still survived by his wife, who, al- though she has reached the age of seventy-eight

384

PAST

AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

years, is yet very hale and hearty. In the family were six children as follows: John ; Louisa, who is the wife of George Rector, a resident of Han- over, Licking county ; Maggie, the wife of George C. Fairall, of Jackson township; Alfred, who is living in Coshocton county; Kate, the wife of Hern Guest, of Newark, Ohio; and Abbie, the wife of Scott Blunt, a resident of Licking county, Ohio.

John Yingling, whose name introduces this rec- ord, was born near Port Washington, Ohio, No- vember 27, 1846, and although quite young when his father died he had to start out in life on his own account, since which time he has been de- pendent upon his own resources so that whatever success he has achieved is attributable to his in- dustry, perseverance and capable management. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade which he followed up to the time of his marriage, when he turned his attention to farming. He has since carried on agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of eighty acres of land in Jackson town- ship, forty of which he purchased in 1893. He has since given his attention to its further devel- opment and improvement and the land is now un- der a high state of cultivation, the rich fields re- turning golden harvests.

On the 29th of December, 1870, Mr. Yingling was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ellen Dove, a daughter of William Dove, a farmer of Jackson township. Their home has been blessed with three children : Alice Lorene, the wife of Walter McCann; Ora, the wife of Trumber Anderson ; and Charles, who is living at home.

In his political views Mr. Yingling is a demo- crat and in 1904 served as supervisor of his town- ship. He is interested in local progress and his aid and co-operation may be counted upon to fur- ther progressive measures. He has known what it is to work hard and while gaining a living for his family and establishing a home he has at the same time developed thereby a character that is commendable, embracing many excellent traits that command respect and confidence.

PRESLEY Q. FISHER, M. D.

Presley Q. Fisher, engaged in the practice of medicine in Muskingum county, his home being in Licking township, was born in Madison town- ship, on the 17th of November, 1837. His par- ents were Joseph and Beulah (Rogers) Fisher. The father came from Virginia and by profes- sion was a civil engineer. He served as county surveyor for nine years, beginning in 1850 and was also a member of the state legislature, his fitness for leadership being recognized by those who called him to public office. He was distinc-

tively a man of affairs and one who wielded a wide influence. His power was always exer- cised for the benefit of the community, for his life was actuated by the spirit of public progress and devotion to duty. He was considered one of the best of the county educators, having taught in the county for some years, soon after coming to Ohio. He continued to reside upon his farm in Madison township until 1867, when he re- moved to Zanesville. He was the owner of two hundred and twenty-two acres of land which re- turned him golden harvests and the success which he achieved was attributable entirely to his own efforts. He died in the year 1891, having for more than a half century survived his wife, who passed away in 1840. They were the par- ents of nine children: Charles, a druggist of Peoria, Illinois ; Dunlap, who died at the age of twenty-five years ; Elizabeth N., the wife of Ed- mund Ross: Martha, who was the widow of Paul W. Richardson, and died about the year 1900; Mary, the wife of William S. Dennison, who resides near Adamsville, Ohio; Harriet B., who is living with Mrs. Dennison near Adams- ville; Joseph, a minister of the Baptist church in Zanesville: Elias, who is engaged in a groc- ery business in the county seat ; and Presley Q.

The early educational privileges of Presley Q. Fisher, acquired in the district schools of Madi- son township, were supplemented by study in Denison University and thus with a broad liter- ary knowledge to serve as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning he entered Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1865. He then prac- ticed in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a few months but owing to ill health he returned to Muskingum county and in September, 1865, located at Nash- port. His life has been devoted to the alleviation of human suffering through the agencies known to the medical fraternity and he has kept in touch with the progress that has been continually made in the profession as research and investigation have broadened their knowledge and promoted their efficiency. He is now the family physician in many a household and his cheery presence and kindly disposition bring hope and comfort while the remedial agencies which he uses check the ravages of disease. He was formerly identified with the Muskingum County Medical Society and now belongs to the Ohio State Medical So- ciety.

Dr. Fisher was married in 1865 to Miss Fran- ces J. Wolfe, a daughter of J. C. Wolfe, who was sheriff of Muskingum county at the time of his death in 1864. Dr. and Mrs. Fisher have five children : Beulah M., who became the wife of Dr. C. F. Wilkin and died in 1884: Charles, who died at the age of nine years ; Presley, who

DR. AND MRS. P. Q. FISHER.

387

PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

died when only a year old; J. C., who died at the age of seventeen years; and Frances J., the wife of C. C. Lemert, an attorney of Zanesville and prosecuting attorney of Muskingum county.

The family home is in Licking township, where Dr. Fisher owns two hundred acres of land that is valuable and productive. His farm is now a well improved property and gives him a very desirable annual income. He belongs to the Bap- tist church and in his political views is indepen- dent. Having spent his entire life in Muskin- gum county he is well known to its citizens and his personal worth and his professional skill have gained him prominence.

HORACE WILLIAM BLOCKSOM.

Horace William Blocksom, now deceased, rep- resent a prominent family of Muskingum county, and his life was ever in harmony with the family record, being distinguished by principles of hon- orable manhood such as win respect in every land and clime. He was born in Zanesville, Septem- ber 30, 1838, and passed away August 16, 1882, at the comparatively early age of forty-four years. He was a son of William Blocksom, a native of Milton, Delaware, who with a companion came to Ohio at a very early period in the development of this section of the state, walking almost the entire distance. He first made a settlement in Zanesville but soon afterward went to Fairfield county, where he remained for a year. He then returned to Zanesville and during an early epoch in the his- tory of this county was identified with building operations, first as a carpenter and later as a con- tractor. When business conditions made possible the manufacturing industry here he established a foundry and was thus identified with business affairs in Zanesville for a long period. He ac- quired a good patronage in this connection and in- vested his surplus earnings in real estate, becom- ing the owner of valuable property, which at his death was inherited by his family, who thus re- ceived a considerable estate. He figured in pub- lic life as postmaster of Zanesville, to which posi- tion he was appointed by President Jackson, and he was also one of the three judges of the district court. His political views were those of the de- mocracy and he was a man of influence and prom- inence in his community. He was married to Miss Fulkerson, of Zanesville, and of their twelve children three are now living. His death occurred in 1860, when he was seventy-five years of age.

Under the paternal roof Horace William Block- som spent his boyhood days and after arriving at years of maturity he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey, being united in mar- riage in Zanesville, on the 20th of December, 1859.

to Miss Alice Margaret Smith, who was born in West Virginia, October 2, 1839. Her father, James Smith, was born in Pennsylvania, January 31, 18II, and died in Zanesville, April 22, 1892. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy Laugh- lin and was born in West Virginia, October 10, 1818, while her death occurred January 12, 1887. She was a daughter of John Laughlin, of the same state. James Smith learned the saddler's trade in early manhood and followed that pursuit for a long period. Both he and his wife spent their last years in Zanesville. They were the parents of four children and by her marriage Mrs. Block- som became the mother of four children, all born in Zanesville, namely : George W., who married Stella Wilson of this city and has three children, George W., William H. and Augustus Perry; Alice M., the wife of Harvey Widney, of Zanes- ville, by whom she has two daughters, Alice May and Margaret Louisa; James S .; and Horace William, who married Athala Geiger, of Zanes- ville, and has one son, Horace

Mr. Blocksom was for some time associated in business with his brother G. W. Blocksom, a druggist. He engaged in working for him for a time and later he entered upon an independent business venture, purchasing a lot and building a store at the corner of Seventh and Center streets. There he continued up to the time of his death, and the business is now conducted by his son, who owns it jointly with Mrs. Blocksom. He was very careful and thorough in all his business deal- ings, systematic and methodical and yet enter- prising and progressive, and he sustained an unas- sailable reputation, being very straightforward and honest in all trade transactions. He was re- garded as one of the leading business men of his day and Zanesville numbered him among her prominent and valuable citizens.

Mr. Blocksom held membership in the Second Presbyterian church, his life being in consistent harmony with his profession. He was also an exemplary Mason, belonging to Zanesville lodge, A. F. & A. M., and in his political views he was a democrat. Every movement that tended to bene- fit the community received his endorsement and oftentimes his financial support. He was faith- ful in friendship and most loyal to the ties of home, and his loss, therefore, was the occasion of deep regret throughout the community.

JACOB BROCK.

Jacob Brock, who is engaged in general farm- ing in Perry township, was born May 26, 1841. on the opposite side of the road from his present home. His parents were John and Anna Maria (Conrod) Brock. The father, a native of Mor-

388

PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

gan county, Ohio, was born about 1819, but the family is of Swiss lineage and the paternal grand- father. Casper Brock, was a native of Switzerland, whence he emigrated to the new world, arriving in Zanesville about 1800. He and his family lived in the county seat for a time, afterward removed to Morgan county, Ohio, and later returned to Muskingum county, settling in Perry township. There were few. settlers here, the county being largely wild and unimproved. Indians still lived in the state and various kind of wild animals were to be seen, the grandfather having more than one encounter with a bear. He married twice and had two sons by each wife. Those of the first mar- riage were named John and Jacob and those of the second were Jacob and John.

John Brock, of the second marriage, was the father of our subject. He was brought by his parents from Morgan to Muskingum county and here spent his remaining days, devoting his at- tention to farm work. He died at the early age of twenty-six years when his son Jacob was only four years old. He had married Miss Anna Ma- ria Conrod, who was a native of Switzerland. Af- ter the death of her first husband she went to Perry county and there married a Mr. Johnson, who entered the Union Army at the time of the Civil war and was killed in the service. Mrs. Johnson then returned to Perry township, where she remained until called to her final rest, in March, 1894, when seventy-four years of age.

Jacob Brock, of this review, obtained a public- school education and after putting aside his text- books worked on the home farm until after the inauguration of hostilities between the north and the south, when his patriotic spirit aroused, he re- sponded to the call for troops, enlisting, in Sep- tember, 1861, as a member of Company C, Ninth Ohio Cavalry, with which he served until the war ended and he was honorably discharged August 4, 1865. He was with Sherman on the memora- ble march to the sea and during the first year he followed Morgan's troops in Kentucky and then went to Tennessee. He participated in the siege of Knoxville and afterward went to Nashville and Decatur, and with his command was sent to tear up the Atlanta and Georgia Railroad, so that Sherman would not be hindered in his attempt to take Atlanta. Following the march to the sea he participated in the North Carolina campaign and was in that state when hostilities ceased.

After the close of the war Mr. Brock returned to his home with a most creditable military record and settling in Perry township worked in a saw- mill for three years. He then sold his interest in that business and began the cultivation of rented land, thus carrying on farming until 1900, when he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. He owns altogether one hundred and thirty-one acres of land in two tracts and operates

the home place and rents the other. He carries on general farming, having his fields under a high state of cultivation, and in the work of the farm he uses the latest improved machinery. His home is situated on the East pike about seven miles from Zanesville.

In March, 1870. Mr. Brock was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary E. Handshy, who was born in Muskingum county, May 28, 1851, a daughter of David Handshy. Four sons and four daugh- ters have been born of this union : David E., who married Stella Huffman and lives in Perry town- ship; Calvin L., who married Jennie Smith and lives in the seventh ward in Zanesville ; Norris E., who married Grace Mock and makes his home in Norwich; Frank W., who is teaching school ; Emma, the wife of John Russell, of Noble county, Ohio: Alice Jennie, Dorie M. and Jennie R., all at home.

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.

Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 61

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