USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Zanesville > Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio > Part 79
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Mr. Smith was married November 10, 1880, to Miss Lina Tanner, who was born in Hopewell township and is a daughter of James
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E. Tanner. Her father was born in Licking town- ship, a son of William Tanner, now deceased, who was a most prominent and influential man of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children : Ethel T., Lillian W., Amelia and Gladys. Mr. Smith votes with the republican party and was treasurer of Falls township for two terms but has never been active as an office seeker for the extent and volume of his business de- mands his time and energies. He has made ju- dicious investment in real estate and his property interests are to-day represented by a large figure. He possesses strong determination, clear judg- ment and a decisive will, and whatever he under- takes he carries forward to successful completion.
NORMAN S. CHANDLER.
Norman S. Chandler, who was a member of the Zanesville bar, was born in this county in 1857, and died on the 8th of August, 1901, re- spected by all who knew him. His parents were Wesley J. and Eleanor ( Finney) Chandler, who are still living on Putnam Hill, in Zanesville. He pursued his education in Wooster University and when his literary course was completed, giv- ing him general knowledge to serve as the foun- dation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of law with Frank Southard and following his ad- mission to the bar he practiced successfully in Zanesville up to the time of his death, having a large and distinctively representative clientage. He always prepared his cases with thoroughness and presented them with force, being strong in argument, logical in his deductions and cogent in reasoning.
On the 14th of October, 1885, Mr. Chandler was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Alice Glessner, a native of Zanesville and a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Laughlin) Glessner. Her grandfather, Jacob Glessner, lived to the ad- vanced age of ninety-one years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mariette Young. lived to the age of eighty-six years and was the mother of twelve children. Jacob Glessner was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and after his marriage in 1837 came to Ohio, settling in Zanesville. He afterward went to Newark but later returned to this city and is still living in the old homestead on Greenwood avenue, where he has now resided for fifty-five years. In an early day he published a newspaper in this city, which he continued for some time and he after- ward became one of the founders of the Glessner Paper Company. He was very prominent in the affairs of the city during the period of the Civil war and he also served as a member of the state
legislature at that time. . His capability well fit- ted him for leadership in public thought and ac- tion and he wielded a wide influence. He is now living at the very venerable age of ninety- six years, the patriarch of the community. His labors proved effective, beneficial and far-reach- ing in connection with public affairs for many years and at all times he commanded the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Glessner were born six children, of whom four are yet living : John J., the eldest, born in Zanesville, married Frances Macbeth, of Springfield, Ohio, and they had two children: John George, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, and married Miss Alice Ham- blin, of Springfield, Ohio, by whom he had four children, Elizabeth, Frances, John Jacob and Emily ; and Frances, who was born in Chi- cago and married Blemeth Lee, a distant relative of General Lee, of the Confederate army, by whom she had two children, John Glessner and Frances. George B., the second member of the family, was born in Newark, Ohio, and married Nellie Reeder, of Muscatine, Iowa, now deceased. William L., born in Newark, Ohio, married Ellen B. Taylor, of Wheeling, West Virginia, and they had one child, Mary, who was born in that city. After losing his first wife he married Martha Wright. The other member of the Glessner family is Mrs. Chandler.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Chandler were born two children : George N., now deceased; and Anna, whose birth occurred in Zanesville, August 24. 1891. Mr. Chandler was a republican in his political views and took an active interest in fra- ternal organizations as a member of the Elks and Masonic lodges, having attained the thirtv-sec- ond degree of the Scottish rite in Masonry. His entire life was passed in Zanesville and in a pro- fession where advancement depends upon indi- vidual merit he made for himself an honorable place.
JOHN ALER.
John Aler, who carries on general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of the raising of sheep, resides on section 15, Adams township, where he owns a valuable tract of land of three hundred and sixty acres. His birth occurred in Salem township, Muskingum county, January 5, 1855, his parents being Christopher and Chris- tiana (Schalpp) Aler. The father's birth occur- red in Germany, October 4, 1829, and his educa- tion was acquired in the land of his nativity. He came to America in 1854, settling first at Adams- ville, where he remained for a year, when he re- moved to a farm a mile west of the town. There
NORMAN S. CHANDLER.
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MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
he spent eleven years and in 1866 he bought forty acres of land in Adams township, residing thereon until his death, which occurred in 1867. His wife, who was born in 1833, is also a native of Germany. They were the parents of nine chil- dren, namely : Caroline, John, Sophia, George, deceased; C. C., Albert, Mary, William and Emma.
John Aler acquired his education in the com- mon schools of Adams township and remained at home until sixteen years of age, after which he was employed as a farm hand for four years. He afterward located on a farm owned by his wife and he made his first purchase of property in 1887, while in 1903 he became the owner of the place upon which he now resides. His farm is pleasantly and conveniently situated about six miles from Adamsville and comprises three hun- dred and sixty acres of rich and arable land. He now carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and he has upon his place a flock of one hundred and seventy-five sheep. He has made a close study of the best methods of tilling the soil, cultivating his crops and raising stock and in all his work he is practical, methodical and progressive.
Mr. Aler was married in 1875 to Miss Matilda C. Hanks, who was born in August, 1856, in Adams township, and is a daughter of J. J. and Theresa (Swank) Hanks, who were natives of Virginia and came to Muskingum county at an early day. The father was a close relative of Nancy Hanks, mother of Abraham Lincoln. They had eight children, seven of whom are liv- ing: Martha; Ellen; Samuel T .; George L .; Sarah R .; William H. and Jeremiah J. Mrs. Aler is the only one living in Muskingum county. Mr. and Mrs. Aler are now the parents of three children : Charles H., who was born January 9, 1876; Oris T., November 18, 1887 ; and Iona, Oc- tober 2, 1890. The parents hold membership in the Methodist church and contributed liberally to its support. Mr. Aler's study of the political ques- tions and issues of the day has led him to give his allegiance to the republican party. He has served as school director and is an advocate of schools of high efficiency and of public progress along lines relating to the material, intellectual and moral development of the community.
CHRISTIAN S. EPPLEY.
Christian S. Eppley, an enterprising farmer of Wayne township, is numbered among the native sons of Muskingum county, for his birth occurred in Harrison township, June 17, 1859. His pa- ternal grandfather, Jacob Eppley, was born in Wittenburg, Germany, and was there married to
Catherine Keller. They became the parents of the following children, all of whom lived in the United States, and those who still survive are: Mary, the wife of Louis Beal, of Michigan; Frederick, of Warren county, Ohio; Gottlieb, a resident of Morgan county, this state ; Louis, also of Morgan county ; Christian, of Brush Creek, Muskingum county ; and William F. Those de- ceased are: Jacob, George, Michael and Cather- ine.
William F. Eppley, now a prominent farmer of Wayne township, living just south of the farm belonging to Christian S. Eppley. was born in Germany, March 29, 1831, and was named after King William of Germany, who in his will left him ten dollars because of the fact that he was named in his honor. William Eppley was but nine months old when brought to America by his par- ents and seventy-five days were required in com- pleting the voyage to the port of New York. The journey was then made by wagon across the country to Marietta, Ohio, and up the Muskin- gum river to this county. The family home was established in Brush Creek township in 1832 and there the grandfather entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, on which he built a log cabin and began clearing the land. This property is now in possession of Christian Eppley. Upon the home farm Jacob Eppley remained for a number of years and then removed to Morgan county, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-four years, while his wife lived to be seventy-three years of age.
William F. Eppley was reared under the par- ental roof and in his boyhood days pursued his education in a log schoolhouse. He was with his father until twenty-five years of age, when he started out in life on his own account. In 1875 he bought one hundred and seven acres of land in Wayne township, and now owns eighty-seven acres of this property and also tract of eighty-three acres in Harrison township which he rents. He paid fourteen thousand dollars for his home property, which is even more valuable at the present time because of the excellent improvements which he has placed upon it. He follows progressive ideas of agricul- ture and is to-day classed with the substantial farmers of this part of the state. His study of the political issues and questions of the day has led him to give his support to the republican party, while his religious views are in accord with the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has long held membership. He was married in 1855 to Miss Catherine Beal, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1836, and is the daughter of Philip and Eva (Smith) Beal, who were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Eppley became the parents of ten children. all born in this county and all yet living as follows: Anna, the wife of Bert Gilbert : Christian : Emanuel ; Sin-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
eon ; Louis ; Mrs. Sarah Foss; Mrs. Katie Stab- ler, of Michigan ; Mrs. Nettie Heinley ; Edward ; and Roland.
Christian S. Eppley is indebted to the public school system of Muskingum county for the ed- ucational privileges he enjoyed. He attended school throughout the winter months and in the summer seasons worked upon the farm, contin- uing to assist his father in the operation of the land until he had attained his majority when he started out in life on his own account. He is now the owner of twenty acres of good bottom land on the river about four miles south of the courthouse and this land is devoted to gardening. It is worth from two to five hundred dollars per acre and is a very productive tract, so that he annually mar- kets a large amount of garden products. He fol- lows the most improved methods in cultivating the vegetables and because of their size and ex- cellent quality he has no trouble in disposing of his products at the highest market prices in the city.
Mr. Eppley was married to Miss Phoebe Bletcher, who was born in Clay township and is a daughter of Andrew Bletcher, a native of Mor- gan county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Eppley are now the parents of four children : Cleason A., Ralph L., Stella M., and Alice B. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and politically Mr. Eppley is a republican. He was elected on that ticket to the office of justice of the peace, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and equity. In all matters of citizen- ship he is interested and warmly supports every movement for the public good, at the same time conducting his business interests so that they win him success and also gain for him an untarnished name.
L. J. HESSIN.
L. J. Hessin is owner of a general mercantile establishment in the little village of Black Run and has been identified with other business inter- ests which have brought him a gratifying finan- cial return. He is numbered among the native sons of Muskingum county, his birth having oc- curred in Licking county in 18.16. He is a son of James Hessin, who was born in Ireland in 1813 and came to America with his father, John Hessin. His parents died in Maryland only two weeks after their arrival in this country and James Hessin was thus largely thrown upon his own resources. He came to Ohio about 1833 and secured a position as engineer in the old Granville furnace, while later he was employed in a similar capacity at the Mary Ann furnace and also acted as stationary engineer at Zanesville,
being thus employed until 1839. In that year with the capital which he had saved from his earnings he purchased a farm in Harrison town- ship, Licking county, but afterward sold that property and bought eighty acres in Union town- ship, Licking county, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1881. He was a very industrious man, who led a busy, useful and ac- tive life, and his example is well worthy of emu- lation, for it shows what can be accomplished when one has determination, energy and persist- ency of purpose. He was married to Miss Sta- cey Belt, who was born and reared in Maryland but was living in Licking county, Ohio, at the time of her marriage. She still survives her hus- band and at the age of eighty-six years is living with her son Albert in Granville, Ohio. In their family were five children: Elizabeth, who be- came the wife of Horace D. Wilcox and died. leaving a daughter -- Jessie; Caroline, who be- came the wife of Edward Beecher and died at the age of twenty-three years, leaving one son, W. W. Beecher, of Columbus, Ohio ; Elihu, who died in Columbus, Ohio, about 1885; L. J., of this review ; and Albert L., who is living in Gran- ville, Ohio. The father of this family was a dem- ocrat in his political views but he had neither time nor inclination to seek office for his undi- vided attention was given to his business affairs, and his life of activity and honesty won him the respect of all with whom he came in contact.
L. J. Hessin was a student in the schools of Licking county in his early boyhood and after- ward continued his studies at Denison Univer- sity. During the period of vacation he worked upon the home farm until eighteen years of age and afterward he engaged in teaching school for three terms. At the time of his marriage he lo- cated on the farm and gave his attention to agri- cultural pursuits in Licking county until 1880, when he removed to Muskingum county and purchased a farm of two hundred acres east of Frazeysburg. To the cultivation and improve- ment of that property he devoted his energies until 1897. when he sold his farm and removed to Black Run, becoming station agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1898 he established a general mercantile store there and has since built up a fine business, drawing a large trade from the surrounding country. He also engages in furnishing ties to the railroad and from 1897 until 1901 he conducted a livery stable at Black Run. He has also served as postmaster there. When he took up his abode at his present home his was the only building in the town, but now there are more than thirty buildings there.
In 1870 he was united in marriage to Sarah Alward, a native of Licking county and a daugh- ter of James Alward. They have become the parents of nine children : J. Herbert, who is liv-
MR. AND MRS. L. J. HESSIN.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
ing in Hanover, Ohio; Albert, a resident farmer of Jackson township; Iona, at home; Lena, who occupies a good position with the Howell Pro- vision Company, of Newark; Fern, at home ; Guy, who is a conductor on the railroad running from Columbus to Zanesville ; Catherine and Al- ward, both in school; and L. J., Jr., living in Newark. With his son Albert Mr. Hessin is en- gaged in general farming.
The parents hold membership in the Presby- terian church and in his political views Mr. Hes- sin is a democrat. While in Licking county he served as trustee and assessor in his township and in Cass county he. served as a member of the school board. He now has varied business interests which are capably managed and have thereby become profitable and he is regarded as one of the leading, influential citizens of his part of the county, interested in all that pertains to the general welfare to the extent that he gives active aid and co-operation to every movement for the public good.
.
JOSEPH NORMAN.
The attractiveness of Muskingum county as a place of residence and the many advantages which it offers to its citizens are indicated by the fact that many of its native sons remain as citizens here throughout the period of manhood, enjoying its privileges and opportunities and benefiting by the utilization of the natural resources of the county. Joseph Norman is among this class and after many years active connection with agricul- tural interests is now living retired in Falls town- ship.
He was born in Hopewell township, May 2, 1825, and represents one of the pioneer families of the state. His paternal grandfather, Oliver Norman, was born in New Jersey and in 1816 came to Ohio with his family and settled in Hope- well township, Muskingum county, when it was largely a wild and unimproved region. He was an iron worker in New Jersey but here turned his attention to agricultural interests. His son, Wil- liam Norman, who was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, in 1791, accompanied his grand- father to the west and became a farmer of Mus- kingum county. He aided in the arduous task of developing new land but his resolute spirit and unconquerable determination enabled him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in his path, and to work his way steadily upward to success. He was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Allen, also a native of New Jersey and a daughter of Noah Allen, who came to Muskingum county in 1807 and here followed the occupation of farming. William Norman
reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years, passing away in 1878. He therefore witnessed much of the growth and progress of this section of the state and at all times bore his full share in the work of improvement. In his family were six children, namely : Joseph ; William, who died in 1861 ; David, a resident of Hopewell town- ship ; Athelia A .; and Jane and Elizabeth, both deceased.
Joseph Norman was reared under the parental roof, remaining at home until twenty-four years of age, when he came to his present place of res- idence in Falls township. He taught school for twenty-seven years, being one of the early edu- cators of this part of the state, and in his work in the schoolroom he was quite successful, having the ability to impart clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He entered the army in 1865 as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Ohio Regiment, in which he was commissioned second lientenant. His brother David served in the Seventy-eighth and the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Regiments of Ohio Infantry. Mr. Norman continued with his command until the close of the war in 1865 and was then honorably discharged in Virginia.
Mr. Norman has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Ann Williams and they became the parents of five children : Elsie ; Adeline ; Mil- lard ; William ; and Edwin, deceased. While for his second wife he chose Miss Jane Headley and she, too, is now deceased. There were two chil- dren by this marriage: Charles, who is living ; and Elizabeth, deceased.
Mr. Norman now owns eighty-seven acres of land, having sold much of what he formerly pos- sessed. This farm was located by Mark T. Dar- rah and the stone house upon it was erected in 1830. This is one of the old developed properties of this portion of the state and under the care and guidance of Mr. Norman has been brought to a state of rich fertility. As the years passed his carefully managed business affairs brought to him success and he invested in more land until he was the owner of two hundred and thirty acres but he has since disposed of much of this to his children and is now living retired, not wish- ing in his declining years that he should have the care of so extensive a property.
His political views were in early life in har- mony with the whig principles and later he be- came a stanch republican. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office and he was justice of the peace for twenty-one years. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon a knowledge of the law and the equity of the case. He was also assessor for four years, treas- urer for two terms and trustee for one term, and his official duties were ever discharged with
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promptness and fidelity. Mr. Norman has now reached the age of eighty years and his has been a useful, active and honorable career so that he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to those who travel far on life's journey.
JOSEPH C. SPENCER.
Joseph C. Spencer was born in Licking town- ship, Muskingum county, February 15, 1813. When three years old he came with his father, Elder William Spencer, to Salem township, and settled on a farm about one and a half miles east of what afterwards became the village of Adams- ville. During a part of the winters of his boy- hood and youth he attended such schools as were then provided, and afterwards became a teacher. On the 15th of October, 1835, he was married to Jane Fitz, youngest daughter of Deacon John Fitz, of Madison township, and to them, in the course of years, were born ten children. In March, 1839, Joseph C. Spencer removed his family to Franklin township, Coshocton county, where he resided until the spring of 1867, when he purchased and returned to the farm adjoining the village of Adamsville. Having interests in Iowa, in the spring of 1882 he removed to Web- ster City, in that state. His eyesight failing him, in the fall of 1884 he returned to this village, and soon after became totally blind. To him this was a great affliction, for he had always led an active life and was a great reader. He deeply regretted his fate, yet he submissively bowed to the will of God.
Moral from his youth, he gave his heart to God and his name to the Baptist church in early man- hood. As a neighbor he was generous and oblig- ing. As a husband and father he was affection- ate and devoted. On the day on which he died he opened wide his sightless eyes and turning them toward heaven, he ejaculated : "Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!" These were his last audible words. For nearly forty years he had living neither father nor mother, brother nor sister. At the age of seventy-six years, two months and twenty-one days he died on May 6, 1889.
JANE FITZ SPENCER.
Jane Fitz Spencer, wife of Joseph C. Spencer, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Dunn) Fitz, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, October 8. 1816. She was the sixth child in a family of twelve children, all of whom were together at home about four years after the birth of the youngest. All of these grew to manhood or womanhood, married and had children. Jane Fitz was married to Joseph C. Spencer, oldest son
of Rev. William Spencer, October 15, 1835. To them were born ten children. John, the oldest son, and Mary, the fifth daughter, died in early childhood. William, the second son, was a mem- ber of Company F, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died from the effects of a wound received at Kenesaw, Georgia. Melinda Littick, the third daughter, died leaving four chlidren. Six children of Joseph C. and Jane Spencer are still living: Mrs. Elizabeth Amore, who resides in Coshocton county; Mrs. Catherine White, of Webster City, Iowa; Mrs. Margaret Mears, Johnstown, Ohio ; Edward Spencer, of North Da- kota ; Rev. Bunyan Spencer, of Granville, Ohio; Mrs. Martha Saffle, of Adamsville, Ohio. Joseph C. and Jane Spencer had seventy-nine descend- ants at the time of their death, sixty-three still living-six children, thirty grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. Among their descendants are several teachers, editors, bankers, a preacher of the Gospel and a soldier who laid down his life for his country. Jane, wife of Joseph C. Spencer, spent nearly all her life in Ohio, more than half of it in Muskingum county. She was very strong and active for her years, until December 19, 1898, when she had a fall that made her helpless ever afterward.
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