Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 65

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 65

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ish. His political views were in accord with the democracy and he did all he could to promote the growth and secure the success of his party. His business affairs, too, were capably managed and his enterprise resulted in the acquirement of a fine farm which at the time of his death com- prised more than three hundred acres. He de- parted this life April 16, 1900, and his wife passed away June 17, 1884.

Frank P. Lane pursued his education in the school upon the old home farm and was trained to the work of tilling the soil and carrying for the stock so that practical experience well quali- fied him for the conduct of the home farm when eventually he assumed its management. Lessons of industry and perseverance were also early in- stilled into his mind and have been salient features in his career. He is to-day the owner of two hun- dred and forty acres of the old homestead farm and in addition to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also raises cattle,sheep and hogs. This branch of his business likewise proves profitable and adds a considerable fund each year to his financial resources. In ad- dition to his home property Mr. Lane owns one hundred and five acres on the Dresden road.

On the 10th of September, 1879, occurred the marriage of Frank P. Lane and Miss Mary A. Evans, a daughter of Julius Evans, who died while serving his country in the Civil war. Her mother, however, is still living and is now a mem- ber of the Lane household. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children : Roy, who died at the age of four months; Fred, who is living in Kansas City; Jessie May and Ralph E., at home; Martha and John W., who are attend- ing school ; and Mary, who is five years old and completes the family.

Fraternally Mr. Lane is a Mason, belonging to Irville lodge, No. 103, A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a democrat and has served as school direc- tor for five years but otherwise has held nor de- sired public office. He finds that his business in- terests claim his time and attention and they have been carefully controlled by him. He is quick to recognize an opportunity and to utilize it to the best advantage and through his exccutive force, kecn discrimination and indefatigable cnergy, prompted by laudable ambition, he has gained a place among the men of affluence in Muskingum county.

JAMES R. ALEXANDER.

James R. Alexander, owner and publisher of The Zanesville Signal, (daily and weekly) was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1869. His father. the Rev. Robert Alexander, D. D., was a native of

Belmont county, Ohio, and became a minister of the Presbyterian church, occupying a pulpit of the organization of his denomination in St. Clairsville for thirty-two years. He afterward removed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he became ed- itor of The Presbyterian and continued to fill that position up to the time of his demise. He was largely instrumental in building up churches in Belmont county and his memory yet remains as an influential force in the lives of many who lis- tened to his teachings. He wedded Miss Mary Elizabeth Eckert, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Rev. Dr. Alexander died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1901, at the age of sixty-four years and his widow is still living in that city. They were the parents of six chil- dren.

James R. Alexander, the fourth in order of birth, pursued his preliminary education in the public schools of his native village and afterward entered Washington & Jefferson College in 1886, therein pursuing a classical course which he com- pleted by graduation in 1889. He afterward en- tered the field of journalism as a member of the reportorial staff of the Wheeling, West Virginia, Register and in 1890, in connection with his brother, Henry E. Alexander, he published a paper at Washington, Pennsylvania. In 1891 he purchased the Woodsfield (Ohio) Spirit of De- mocracy, which he conducted until January I. 1899. In the meantime, on the Ist of October, 1898, he and his brother had purchased The Zanesville Signal. Henry E. Alexander acted as editor and James R. Alexander as publisher. In 1901 the firm was incorporated under the style of The Signal Company. In June 1903, Henry E. Alexander removed to Columbus, Ohio, and be- came part owner of the Columbus Dispatch, while his stock in The Signal was purchased by James R. Alexander, who became president of the com- pany and editor and publisher of the paper. which positions he still retains. It is unnecessary to comment upon the character of this paper to the citizens of Zanesville and the surrounding locality. It is on a par with the best journals published in cities of similar size and constitutes an excellent advertising medium, while its appearance is all that is in keeping with progressive idcas of news- paper publications.

In 1897 James R. Alexander was married to Miss Nellie Elizabeth Hunter, a daughter of Judge William Forrest Hunter, dean of the law department of the Ohio State University at Co- Iumbus, Ohio. Mrs. Alexander is a native of Woodsfield, Ohio, and in their family are two children : Robert Hunter, who was born July 4. 1898; and Elizabeth Randolph, born July 6, 1903. The parents are members of the Second Presby- terian church and Mr. Alexander is a Mason. Making a study of the life of Zanesville in its commercial, industrial and social relations he

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gives to the public a newspaper that has furthered the welfare of the city through its championship of progressive measures and at the same time the character of The Signal secures to it a liberal patronage that makes it a profitable investment.

GEORGE L. BRADFORD.

George L. Bradford, who in the Civil war rendered valuable aid to his country in the pres- ervation of the Union and in public life in Mus- kingum county has been a supporter of all that tends to promote progress and improvement, is now living in Monroe township. His ancestral history, traced back through many generations, gives as the progenitor of the family in America, Governor William Bradford, one of the Pilgrim fathers. Later representatives of the name lived in the Virginia colony, and the great-grandfather of George L. Bradford was a sea-captain, who, on leaving the water gave his attention to farm- ing in Loudoun county, Virginia. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war when the colo- nies threw off the yoke of British tyranny and in his locality was recognized as a leading citizen. Five of his sons are yet remembered by Mr. Bradford of this review-John, James, Peter, George and Casper, and four girls: Hannah, Betsey, Nancy and Pollv. Of these children, John and Casper Bradford became residents of Muskingum county, while George resided in Marion county, Indiana, and James moved to Illinois to take up his abode.

John Bradford, having arrived at the years of maturity, was married in Virginia to Miss Mary Davis, whose father was a valiant and dar- ing soldier of the Revolutionary war, and being wounded by a saber, carried the scar throughout his remaining days. Coming to Muskingum county in the year 1813 as the first representa- tive of the name here, John Bradford hewed out a farm of three hundred and thirty acres in the midst of the forest, sharing in all the hardships and privations of pioneer life, as he aided in re- claiming the district for the purposes of civili- zation. His first home was a log cabin, to which he added a frame building,-the first frame structure in Highland township. He was also the owner of the first threshing machine of the township, and was a progressive agriculturist whose labors not only proved of benefit to him- self but were of direct aid in promoting the growth and progress of his community. He had eleven children : Margaret, Hannah, William, John, Jasper, Benjamin, David, Isaac, who died in infancy, Isaac, the second of the name, Sarah, and Mary A. The mother died at an advanced age, and Mr. Bradford afterward married Cassie Wright, a widow.

Jasper Bradford, father of George L. Brad- ford, was born in Highland township, in 1818, was reared amid pioneer environments and knew nothing in his younger days but the hardships and privations which accompany frontier life. He wedded Mary E. Lane, a daughter of Abra- ham and Mary (Baker) Lane, of Highland township. She was then but seventeen years of age and she died three years later, leaving two children, Achsah L. and George L. Her father was of English descent and removed from Pennsyl- vania to Ohio, where his death occurred at the age of eighty-two years. For his second wife, Jasper Bradford chose Elizabeth Davis and they had four children: Harriet, Ellen, John M. and Amanda. The second wife died after their re- moval to Edgar county, Illinois, and subse- quently Mr. Bradford returned to Ohio, settling in Morrow county, where he wedded Mary Miller. His fourth wife bore the maiden name of Lucy Schaffer.

George L. Bradford, a native son of High- land township, was born November 27, 1843, and as his mother died when he was only four weeks old, he was reared by his aunt, Mrs. Achsah Bradford. His boyhood days were spent in the usual manner of farm lads of that period. On the roth day of January, 1867, he won a compan- ion and helpmate for life's journey, Miss Lucinda T. Cone becoming his wife. Her parents were Barton and Julia A. (Walker) Cone, and her paternal grandfather was Jared Cone. The voung couple began their domestic life upon a farm belonging to her father in Muskingum county, making it their home for three years, when in April, 1870, Mr. Bradford purchased a farm. For many years he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits, placing his land under a high state of cultivation and adding all modern improvements. His practical and systematic methods won for him the respect and esteem of all. In recent years, however, he has sold this property and located in the village of Otsego. where he now has a fine residence and other re- alty. He also has on his land numerous gas and oil wells.

At the time of the Civil war Mr. Bradford responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting on the 6th of October, 1862, with the boys in blue of Company F, Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for nine months, and during that period he participated in the en- gagements at Raymond, Champion Hills and Jackson, Mississippi, and also the siege of Vicks- burg. In February, 1863, he was stationed on the night watch at Nashville, Tennessee, and re- mained in the quartermaster's department for six months. At the battle of Champion Hills, he was wounded by a gunshot in the right hand while his gunstock was shattered by a minie-ball. At

MR. AND MRS. C. L. BRADFORD.

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the battle of Raymond a spent ball pierced the rolled blanket that was thrown round his shoul- ders, passing through about two inches of the rolled cloth. Had it not been for this, undoubt- edly it would have pierced his breast. On the 13th of July, 1863, Mr. Bradford was honorably discharged at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and re- turned to his home. Not being satisfied, how- ever, with his achievements, he, on the 2d day of February, 1865, again joined the army at Zanesville, re-enlisting in Company E, One Hun- dred and Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Bradford took a special pride in drilling and military tactics, and to show his proficiency in the art he was selected from one thousand sol- diers as the best drilled and neatest man in the regiment. During the latter part of the war, Mr. Bradford served as a staff officer for General W. H. Banning. He was honorably discharged at Alexandria, Virginia, December 18, 1865. When the was was over he returned to his home, on a farm, and for many years was actively identified with agricultural pursuits but is now living re- tired.

The father of Mrs. Bradford, a son of Jared Cone, was born in Monroe township, Mus- kingum county, and during the Civil war served for one hundred days in defense of the Union cause. His death occurred in December, 1887, when he was sixty-five years of age. In his family were ten children: Lu- cinda, Celia, Eliza, Newel, Ozias, William, Han- nah, James, Joseph and Edmond. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bradford has been blessed with five sons: Barton I., born October 1, 1867, re- sides upon the old farm. He married Ellah Case. and they had one daughter, Hazel Fern, who was born March 12, 1899. He lost his wife July 20. 1903, and has since married Sadie Baird, of Ot- sego. He is an enthusiastic agriculturist and will soon receive the reward that only resultant toil merits. Wilmer Lane, the second son, was born October 10, 1869. For quite a number of years he was an employe of the Pittsburg, Cincin- nati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway. He married Anna James and is now a farmer residing at Col- fax, Illinois. Howard L., the third son, was born September II, 1871, and is now engaged in teaching school. He is one of the finest pen art- ists in the county and his drawings are excep- tionally creditable. Many beautiful specimens of his work adorn his father's home. O. Ephraim, the fourth son, was born July 29, 1873. He married Alta Walters, of Otsego. He has for several years been the rural free delivery car- rier of route No. 39, Muskingum county. He has built for his home, an elegant residence in Otsego and is one of the leading business men of that place. Philander S., the fifth son, was born February 26, 1885, and is now engaged in

the study of law at Zanesville, under the direc- tion of Attorney Howard E. Buker. He also oc- cupies a responsible position, assistant secretary, in the Equitable Bank. He began teaching school when but seventeen years of age, and has since been in active business life. He is a leading popular and influential young man, being presi- dent of a young men's club and prominent in church and Sunday-school work.

In his political views, George L. Bradford has ever been a stanch republican since age gave him the right of franchise, but he has never been an aspirant for public office. He is a val- ued member of John Trimble post, No. 628, G. A. R., of Otsego, in which he has served as com- mander and chaplain. His entire life has been passed at Muskingum county and thus for more than six decades he has been a witness of the changes which have occurred here. His mem- ory goes back to the time when many pioneer conditions were found and when here and there over the country were seen the little log cabins of the early settlers. He has now in his possess- ion, a picture of the old schoolhouse. in which he was a student in his boyhood days. It is a hexagon, and stands about three miles south of Otsego. His father and mother both attended school there nearly one hundred years ago, and later, Mr. Bradford pursued his studies in the same building. It was constructed entirely of logs, about the year 1818, and is now in a good state of preservation. The picture was taken in 1904, and shows Mr. Bradford, standing with hat in hand. in front of the house, his head bowed in seeming recollection of the days when he at- tended school there with many others who are now gone from life. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Baptist church, and Mr. Bradford has long served as one of its deacons. He has ever been accounted a progressive farmer, a reliable citizen and a faithful friend, and the sterling traits of his character have been such as endeared him to those with whom he has been associated.

DAVID ZIMMER.

David Zimmer, engaged in the manufacture of cigars in Zanesville, was born in Adams town- ship, Muskingum county, in 1840. His father, Michael Zimmer, was a native of Alsace, France. and came to the United States with his mother and three brothers-Martin, Jacob and Valentine. Martin and Jacob Zimmer served in the French army under Napoleon and were in the disastrous march from Moscow back to Paris and to the day of his death Martin carried in his throat a bullet which was imbedded there while on that march. On emigrating to the new world the brothers

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settled in Adams township, Muskingum county. They were all married, reared families and were closely identified with the cultivation and progress of the country.

Michael Zimmer had learned the trade of a locksmith in Paris and after residing in Ohio for about twenty years he took up his abode in Zanes- ville in 1840 and worked as a machinist for Mr. Blandy for four years. He was afterward em- ployed in a canning foundry in Pittsburg but in 1850 returned to Zanesville and once more re- sumed farming in Adams township, where he purchased land, devoting his time and energies to its further development and improvement until old age, when he lived a retired life. He passed away in 1880, at the venerable age of eighty-five years. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church and his political belief that of the democratic party. He married Magdalena Getzman, who was born in Ritterhofer, Alsace, France, and came to the United States in 1820, becoming a resident of Taylorsville, Ohio. She was first married to a Mr. Yaeger and they had three children, of whom one is living, John, a resident of Wisconsin. Following the death of her first husband Mrs. Yaeger became the wife of Michael Zimmer. He, too, was a member of the Lutheran church. By her second marriage there were eight children of whom three are liv- ing: Michael. a farmer of Iowa: David: and Fred.

In the public schools of Pittsburg. Pennsyl- vania, and the district schools of Adams town- ship, Muskingum county, David Zimmer acquired his education and when not busy with his text- books he assisted in the work of the home farm. He was afterward a book agent for two years but in 1861 he put aside all business and personal con- siderations in order to respond to his country's call for aid, enlisting in Company E of the Sec- ond Ohio Volunteer Infantry of Zanesville. With that command he served for two years and eight months, participating in the following important battles of Stone River, Perryville and Chicka- mauga. At the last named he lost a leg by a gunshot wound and after being in a field hospital for six weeks he spent two months in a hospital at Nashville and was finally transferred to the hospital at Camp Vinson, where he was honorably discharged, holding the rank of corporal.

When he could no longer aid his country Mr. Zimmer returned to Adamsville, where he en- gaged in general merchandising, following that pursuit for twelve years. In the fall of 1876 he was elected county recorder and held that position for four terms, covering twelve consecutive years. His re-election was a testimonial of his capability and fidelity and he left the office as he had entered it-with the full confidence and trust of his con- stituents. He then began contracting and build-

ing, which he followed for four years, and in 1894 he turned his attention to the manufacture of cigars, a business which he still conducts with constantly growing success.

In 1864 Mr. Zimmer was married to Miss Joanna Jones, who was born in 1839 and is a daughter of William Jones, who was a millwright and removed from Maine to Muskingum county about 1830, settling in Washington township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Zimmer have been born six children: May, the wife of W. H. Webster, a stone dealer of Zanesville; Alice, the wife of Albert Chrisman, a merchant tailor of Zanesville ; Grant, a member of the firm of Lindsay & Zim- mer, tobacconists of Zanesville; Wilber, who is with his father in business; Percy, who is with the Werner saddlery and harness house ; and Charles, deceased.

Mr. Zimmer gives his political support to the republican party and served as mayor of Adams- ville. He belongs to Amity lodge, A. F. & A. M., Hazlett post, No. 81, G. A. R., and to the South Street Methodist Episcopal church. His fra- ternal and church relations indicate his character and give proof of the principles which guide his conduct and shape his policy in life. In his busi- ness career desire has led to effort and effort to accomplishment and he is now conducting a successful enterprise.

JAMES R. VERNON.

James R. Vernon, deceased, was for many vears a representative and respected farmer of Muskingum county. He was born June 30, 1828, on the old family homestead, a son of Joseph and Margaret (Yering) Vernon. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812. He came to Ohio about 1816 and settled in Muskin- gum county, where for many years he made his home, departing this life about 1862, when eighty-three years of age. In his family were nine children but all are now deceased with the exception of two sons.

James R. Vernon is indebted to the public- school system of the county for the educational privileges enjoyed in his youth. He was largely reared amid frontier surroundings, for the work of progress and improvement was yet in its ini- tial stage during the period of his boyhood. He early learned the best methods of caring for the farm and of tilling the soil and always remained upon the old homestead, following farming as a means of livelihood, thereby providing for his wife and children.

On the 27th of February, 1873, Mr. Vernon was married to Miss Mariba E. Funk, who was

J. R. VERNON.

MRS. MARIVA E. VERNON.

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born in Salem township, January 22, 1845, on the old Denison farm. Her parents were John and Margaret (Lull) Funk. Her father, who de- voted his active business life to agricultural pur- suits, is now living with Mrs. Vernon and al- though eighty-nine years of age is still a hale and hearty man and quite active. His wife died January 9, 1892. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Vernon were born two children: James Milton, who was born May 11, 1874, wedded Georgia Darner and is living with his mother, operating the farm for her ; John N., born December 16, 1877, married Anna Boal and lives near the old home. Mrs. Vernon now owns eight hundred acres of land four miles from Adamsville and rents a part of this, while her son cultivates the remainder. Mr. Vernon was a republican in his political views but cared nothing for office, preferring to devote his attention to his business affairs in which he won very gratifying success. Mrs. Vernon has long been a devoted member of the Baptist church at Adamsville and is actively interested in its work and growth.

ADAM C. STURTZ.

The attractiveness of Muskingum county as a place of residence is indicated by the fact that many of its native sons remain here to enjoy its advantages, to improve its business conditions and to utilize the advantages that are here af- forded. Such a one is Mr. Sturtz, who now re- sides on section 4, Salem township, where he is carrying on general agricultural pursuits. He was born March 25, 1839, upon this farm, his par- ents being Charles and Rachel ( Bainter) Sturtz. The father was born November 22, 1811, near Gilbert, Ohio, and was a son of Jacob Sturtz, who came from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, to Muskingum county in 1808. In those early days he frequently went hunting and one day his dog chased a bear up a tree and Mr. Sturtz killed it with an axe. This occurred near where Adams- ville now stands and the subject of this review killed the last wildcat that has been seen in this section, it being a very large animal. In the pio- neer days, before the era of railroad travel and when western Pennsylvania and Ohio were but sparsely settled, the Sturtz family decided to cast in their lot with the citizens of Muskingum county and therefore made preparations for the journey. They took two long poles and made a sled on which their household effects were loaded and Mr. Sturtz walked the entire distance from Pennsylvania, traveling on the pike to Zanesville and up the river to Gilbert. On account of the swampy district and the unhealthful condition occasioned thereby Mr. Sturtz removed to the vicinity of Otsego.

Under the paternal roof Charles Sturtz spent his boyhood days and eventually he located in Adams township, where his son, Adam C., now resides. He was also a great hunter and trapper and he followed agricultural pursuits. As the years passed by he prospered in his undertakings until he owned four hundred and twenty acres of rich land. This farm of eighty-two acres upon which Adam C. Sturtz now resides was paid for with deer hides and a saddle. He was familiar with the entire history of pioneer experiences and events and assisted materially in the early improvement and later progress of this part of the state. He became quite prominent and in- fluential in county affairs, and served as road su- pervisor of his township and also as township trustee and gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He married Rachel Bainter, who was born December 14. 1809, in Adams township, her people having come to Muskingum county from Pennsylvania about 1806. Charles Sturtz departed this life August 22, 1897, and his wife passed away on the 22d of October of the same year. It would not be uninteresting in this connection to narrate a story told in rhyme by E. Spencer, relating an event as given by Charles Sturtz. It explains an experience which he had with two neighbors one night while going home from Adamsville and the author headed it

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Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 65

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