Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 82

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 82

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Silas W. Fickel pursued his education in the graded schools of Fultonham and he, too, re- sponded to the country's call for aid when the south attempted to overthrow the Union. He was but seventeen years of age when he enlisted on the 4th of January, 1864, and joined the boys in blue of Company B, Seventy-eighth Ohio In- fantry. He participated in the battle of Peach Tree Creek and a number of skirmishes and was wounded on the 26th of August, 1864, while in action near Atlanta, Georgia. He was shot above the knee and had his leg amputated, but ampu- tation was again necessary and the member was cut off about five and a half inches from the hip. He was in the hospital at Marietta, Georgia, at Atlanta, Chattanooga and Nashville, also at Louisville, Kentucky, and Madison, Indiana, and

at length was honorably discharged at Madison on the 29th day of May, 1865. He now receives a pension of fifty-five dollars per month, a merited reward from the government for the sacrifice which he made for his country.

Mr. Fickel was married, September 25, 1870, to Almeda Erwine, who was born January 23, 1853, in Wayne township, Muskingum county, and was a daughter of Edward and Mary (Bag- ley) Erwine, both of whom were natives of Vir- ginia. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fickel was born a daughter, Minnie, whos birth occurred June 23, 1871, and is now the wife of Emil Waterstraat, a resident of Portland, Oregon. They have also reared an adopted son and for seven years their granddaughter has lived with them. The former, Edgar Lear, is a nephew of Mr. Fickel, and the granddaughter is Maude Waxler.

Mr. Fickel now has a fine home in Taylorville and another fine residence and he is living retired, being in comfortable financial circumstances. He votes with the republican party, which was the defense of the Union cause at the time of the Civil war and has always been the advocate of progress, reform and improvement. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and both are highly esteemed by a large circle of warm friends.

DAVID BUCHANAN.

David Buchanan, never seeking to figure prominently in public life, but faithfully perform- ing each day's duty as it has come to him, is now living a retired life on his farm on section 15, Brush Creek township, and such a course is made possible through earnest and indefatigable labors in earlier years. "There is nothing more pleas- ing nor profitable than the study of biography" said Carlyle, while George Washington said "Agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation to which a man gives his energies." Thus in a review of the life his- tory of Mr. Buchanan we not only find food for reflection, but also learn of his connection with farming interests, whereby he has worked his way upward to success, and now, leaving the active work of the farm to his sons, he is enjoy- ing a well merited rest.

A native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, he was born July 24, 1825, his parents being Samuel and Martha (Bines) Buchanan. The father, also a native of Washington county, was born April 2, 1786, and on the 28th of February, 1816, in his native state he married Martha Bines. He came to Ohio in 1831, settling in Perry town- ship, becoming one of the early stock-raisers and most successful farmers in Muskingum county.

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He took an active and helpful part in the early development of the county and his labors resulted beneficially to the community. At the same time he managed his business interests so as to win prosperity. They were the parents of nine chil- dren of whom five died in infancy. Those who reached mature years were: Robert, who was born February 22, 1817, and was married Febru- ary 17, 1848, to Margaret Harrison Haynes, by whom he had four children : Elizabeth Ann. who was born January 19, 1822, and was married De- cember 7, 1848, to Mathew Porter; David, of this review ; and Alfred, who was born December 12, 1831, and married Frances M. White, by whom he had one child. For his second wife he chose Caroline Webster, and they had two chil- dren.

David Buchanan was rcared to farm life, working in the fields during the summer months and attending school through the winter seasons. At the age of twenty-three years he left home, starting out on his own account, and for three years he was employed through the neighborhood as a farm hand. He was then married, on the 29th of November, 1849, to Miss Mary Jane Probasco, and in 1853, they removed to Muskingum county. With a little family growing up around him, he had a renewed impetus for close and earnest toil. and he utilized every opportunity to make his farm productive and profitable. By his first mar- riage there were six children: Samuel, who was born September 21, 1850, married Ann Harp and lived in Zanesville but both have passed away, being survived by one daughter, Katie ; Martha Jane, born October 14. 1852. is the wife of Wil- liam Matthews, and they have two children, Julia E., who was born April 7, 1854, is the wife of William Cunningham, who resides near Rose- ville, this county ; Ida M., who was born Decem- ber 18, 1856, married Charles Moeckel and is now deceased ; David O., born August 31, 1859, and living in South Zanesville, married Ella Jones, and they have two children. Arabella died in infancy.

Mr. Buchanan was married a second time, April 16, 1868, Miss E. Anderson becoming his wife. She was born January 28, 1845, and is now deceased. By this union there were two children, Charley A., who was born November 28, 1869. married Myrtie B. Mast, and they live with his father on the old homestead, but they lost their two chldren in infancy. Walter B., born Decem- ber 26, 1871, is at home. Mr. Buchanan's second wife was a danghter of James Anderson and a granddaughter of John Anderson, both of whom were natives of Ireland, whence they came to Ohio and here engaged in general farming.

Throughout his business career Mr. Buchanan has followed the occupation of farming and stock-raising and industriously and carefully managing his interests he gained a competence

very desirable and sufficient to enable him now to live a retired life while his sons execute the work of the farm. His word is as good as his bond, his integrity standing as an unquestioned fact in his career. The family property comprises three hundred and seven acres of land. Mr. Buchanan is a member of the Presbyterian church and in his political views is a democrat. He has a host of warm friends and is most highly respected by all who know him.

GEORGE B. HIBBS.

George B. Hibbs, who carries on general farm- ing in Springfield township and is also well known to the citizens of Muskingum county be- cause of his capable services in public office, was born August 14, 1857, in the township where he yet resides. He represents one of the oldest families of the county, founded in this part of the state by his grandfather, William Hibbs, a na- tive of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. William Hibbs came to Ohio when the work of improve- ment and development was scarcely begun in this scction of the state and entered land from the government in Springfield township, after which he devoted his energies untiringly to the develop- ment of a farm. His son, William J. Hibbs, was born in Springfield township in 1826 and in his youth was a district school student. His time was devoted to his studies through the winter months and during the remainder of the year he assisted in the arduous task of developing the home farm. In early manhood he wedded Miss Jane Burtch, a daughter of William Burtch, and they became the parents of five children : Charles, who is living in Wyoming : George B. : Mary, the wife of C. Bush : Alice, the wife of W. P. Bell ; and Elizabeth, who is living on the home place.

William J. Hibbs devoted his life to farming and always remained a resident of Springfield township, where he owned and operated one hundred and ten acres of rich land. In 1888 he built a fine home two stories in height, con- taining six rooms. Hc also erected a large barn and outbuildings and developed a splendid prop- erty, his farm being situated on the Cooper Mill road about five miles west of Zanesville. In his fraternal relations he was an Odd Fellow and his religious faith was indicated by his member- ship in the Methodist Protestant church, in which he served as an officer and in the work of which he was deeply and helpfully interested. HIe voted with the whig party in early manhood and later became a republican. He was quite active in local politics, served as trustee and township surveyor and was also a member of the school board. Viewed from a financial stand-

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point his life was prosperous and it was equally successful when judged by the standard whereby we measure character, for in all his relations with his fellowmen he was upright and honor- able. He died January 12, 1899, while his wife passed away in 1897.

Like the other members of the family George B. Hibbs was reared upon the old homestead farm. The children were provided with good educational privileges, all attending the district schools, while some were students in the schools of Zanesville. George B. Hibbs yet remains on the old home farm, where he is living with his sister Elizabeth, and under his guidance the place is kept in excellent condition, being supplied with all modern equipments and accessories. Every- thing about the place is neat and thrifty in ap- pearance and he is regarded as one of the sub- stantial agriculturists of his community. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have also called him to public office. In 1890 he was elected township clerk, in which capacity he served for two and a half years, after which he was elected township treasurer. From 1896 until 1900 he served as deputy sheriff of the county and in 1890 he was deputy in the of- fice of the county auditor, while in 1902 he was appointed county auditor to fill out an unexpired term. He has ever been a stanch republican. inflexible in his advocacy of the principles of the party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. In his social relations he is a Modern Woodman.

JAMES B. TANNER.

James B. Tanner, filling the position of county commissioner and also successfully following the occupation of farming in Falls township, was born in that township within a mile and a half of his present home, his natal day being June 7. 1841. His parents were Ed and Elizabeth (Ramey) Tanner, both natives of this county, while the latter was a daughter of Alexander Ramey. His paternal grandfather was Edward Tanner, who married Sarah Brown. He was born in Virginia of English parentage and when about fifteen years of age was captured by the In- dians and taken to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, where he remained for three and a half years. At the end of that time he was ransomed by the gov- ernment and returned to his home in Virginia. In the intervening years he had learned the In- dian language and had become thoroughly famil- iar with the ways and traditions of the red men while in captivity. He was married in Virginia and afterward emigrated from that state to Ohio, becoming one of the pioneer residents of that

state. The trip was made on the river in a keel boat and afterward residing for a year near Co- shocton he came with his family to this country. settling in Falls township, where he cultivated and improved land and thus opened up a good farm. Before leaving Virginia he had purchased land warrants sufficient to cover five hundred acres of land and at the time of his death in 1831 he had fine farms. Indians and wild game were very plentiful here at the time of his settlement and there were only two or three houses between his home and Zanesville. It was five miles to the home of the nearest neighbor and he had to go to Coshocton to mill and to do his trading. When death claimed him his remains were interred upon the old homestead farm. His wife, who was born in Virginia and was of Irish lineage, died in 1855.

Edward Tanner, father of James B. Tanner, also became a prominent farmer of Falls town- ship. He was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church and his political allegiance was given to the republican party.

Upon his father's farm james B. Tanner was reared, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He married Miss Priscilla Haines, a na- tive of Falls township and a daughter of George Haines. They have five children : Flora M., who is now the wife of George McCan; Minnie, the wife of Charles Marshall, of Falls township ; Mary E. : Clara ; and Ira F.

Throughout his entire life James. B. Tanner has resided in Falls township with the exception of the period which he spent in the Civil war. He enlisted in 1862, when about twenty-one years of age, becoming a member of Company G. Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was commanded by his uncle, Captain William C. Tanner. A year later he re-enlisted in the Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry with which he contin- ued until honorably discharged at Columbus at the close of the war. He participated in the bat- tles of White House Landing, Charles City Court House, siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Ream's Station, Poplar Grove Church, Pegram's Farm, Boydtown Plankroad and Hatchie's Run. He was a brave and loyal soldier and in days of peace he has been equally loyal to his country and her welfare.

When the war was over Mr. Tanner returned to his home and has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of a good farm of two hundred and sixty acres and has property in Zanesville which he rents. In his political views he is a republican and has held the offices of township trustee and school director. He has served for five years as county commissioner and is now filling the position for second term, proving a most capable incumbent

James 8 Jannes

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in that office. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp. Mr. Tanner is a large man of fine physique, gifted with much common sense and good busi- ness ability and in his business career and politi- cal service he has displayed traits of character which commend him to the confidence and es- teem of all who know him.

ALFRED L. KINKADE.

Alfred L. Kinkade, a veteran of the Civil war. who, since 1887 has occupied the position of lock tender on lock 9, on the Muskingum river, and makes his home in Taylorville, was born in Har- rison township, Muskingum county, August 19. 1843. His father, Charles Kinkade, was a native of the same county, while the grandfather, Joseph Kinkade, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia. The latter came to Ohio in 1810. Only a few years before that the state had been admitted to the Union and there were large tracts of unbroken land and large forests which stood in their pri- meval strength. Muskingum county. too, pre- sented the appearance of a frontier settlement when Joseph Kinkade took up his abode in Har- rison township. There he aided in the early work of improvement and development. Charles Kin- kade was reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life and for many years followed farming. He also followed the river for a long period and his death occurred when he was sixty-five years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Adaline Neff, and at the time of her marriage resided in Brush Creek township. She was a daughter of John Neff, a native of Virginia, who became one of the first settlers of that township. In their family were three children, Alfred, Noah and Elizabeth, the last named the wife of Captain Morton.

Alfred L. Kinkade was a public school student in Philo and spent his boyhood days upon the home farm, where he early became familiar with the work that falls to the lot of the agriculturist as he transforms his land into productive fields.

He was a young man of nineteen years when, on the 6th of October, 1862, he and his father joined the Union army for service in the Civil war, his father becoming a member of Com- pany A and the son of Company F. One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio Infantry. The father served for three years and lost his health on the battlefields of the south. Mr. Kinkade of this review remained with the army until the close of hostilities when the Union flag was victoriously planted in the capital of the Southern Confed- cracy. He was with the eastern division and par- ticipated in twenty-two engagements, being three

times wounded. On the Ist of May, 1862, in the battle of the Wilderness he was wounded by a minie-ball, which struck his left thigh. He never faltered in the performance of any military duty but was always true and loyal to his country and at the end of the war was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. He then returned to his home and followed the river until 1886. In the succeeding year he was appointed lock tender on lock No. 9, and has since filled this position.

Mr. Kinkade was married to Miss Caroline Sullivan, a native of Philo and a daughter of Wil- liam Sullivan, who was born in this county. They now have two children, Orville A. and Mary A. The son served three years as a member of Com- pany D, Nineteenth United States Infantry dur- ing the Spanish-American war and is still a mem- ber of the regular army, belonging to Company C, Fifth United States Infantry.

Mr. Kinkade is a republican in his political views, socially is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and in religious faith is a Cath- olic. His life is characterized by industry and he is always found faithful in the performance of any duty which devolves upon him, a fact which is indicated by his long continuance in the posi- tion which he now fills, having for nineteen years served in the capacity of lock tender. In matters of citizenship he is as loyal to-day as when he fol- lowed the stars and stripes upon the battle-fields of the south.

JACOB H. METZGER.

Jacob H. Metzger, sexton of the Woodlawn cemetery of Zanesville, was born in this city Oc- tober 23. 1850. He is a son of Jacob Metzger. who was a native of Germany and came to the United States when eighteen years of age. In 1830 he arrived at Zanesville, spending his re- maining days in this city, where he passed away at the age of seventy-eight years. He married Miss Sophia Roedy, who was born in Germany and was brought to the new world when a little maiden of four summers. They became the par- ents of six children, of whom but four are living : Mrs. Sophia McCadden, of Zanesville : Mrs. Catherine Moody ; Jacob H. and George. All vet reside in this city.

Jacob H. Metzger was educated in the public schools of Zanesville and here learned the cab- inet-maker's trade, which he followed for a num- ber of years. Later different business interests claimed his time and attention. He was inspector of work shops in this city and also deputy oil in- spector of the Zanesville district. At this writing, in 1905. he is sexton of the Woodlawn cemetery and in this position he is giving excellent satis-

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faction. keeping the cemetery in fine condi- tion. He is continually studying to beautify and improve it and his methods are practical, re- sulting in the attainment of the improvement which he desires.

In his political affiliation Mr. Metzger is a re- publican. He married Miss Matilda Rapp and they have two children, Len and Cora. The fam- ily residence is in Zanesville and Mr. Metzger has the respect and confidence of business men and all with whom he has come in contract.

HENRY F. ROHRMAN.

Henry F. Rohrman, whose intense and well directed activity has made him one of the suc- cessful business men of Zanesville, closely con- nected with its commercial and manufacturing interests, was born in Germany, July 19, 1865, and pursued his education in the schools of that land, attending an academy at Herbon, Germany. He came to the United States when a young man of twenty years that he might find scope for his ambition and industry-his dominant qualities- for he had heard favorable reports of the excel- lent business opportunities afforded in America. He made his way direct ot Chicago and there at- tended the College of Pharmacy, which he left in 1887.

The same year he located in Zanesville and se- cured a position in Johnson's drug store, where he remained for two years. He was afterward with the Graham Drug Company but in 1891 he abandoned pharmacy to engage in other business interests, entering the employ of David Schmid, importer of and dealer in slate, as a traveling salesman. He was with him in that capacity until Mr. Schmid sold the business to the Ver- mont Slate Company in the fall of 1902, the part- ners of this company being John G. Williams and Henry F. Rohrman, the former acting as presi- dent, while the latter is vice president and treasurer. The main office is at Gran- ville, New York, Mr. Williams being a well- known and prominent man of that place, where his ancestors were in business before him. They are manufacturers, shippers and exporters of superior sea green, unfading green, red and pur- ple roofing slate and are wholesale dealers in all kinds of black roofing as well as roofing mater- ials and tools. The superior sea green quarries are located at West Pawlett, Vermont. The com- pany also has an office at 53 Victoria street, Lon- don, for they enjoy a large export trade, ship- ping their celebrated superior sea green roofing slate extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and other countries. Their plant is equipped with the latest machinery and

in connection with the slate business the company has become well known as manufacturers of im- portant and useful devices. Their specialty in this department is the Vermont safety oil can which is especially adapted for the use of rail- road companies and for machinery of all kinds. By a mechanical contrivance on the can pressed by the thumb the flow of the oil is regulated. They also manufacture the Vermont free rural delivery mail-boxes, railway tinware, torches for shops and railroad purposes and many other use- ful articles and the output of the factory is ex- tensive, finding a ready sale upon the market be- cause of the utility of its products. The Ver- mont Slate Company's roofing slates were given the highest honor and gold medal by the jury of awards at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis because of their superior excellence.

Mr. Rohrman was united in marriage in 1888 to Miss Emma M. Weber, a daughter of Henry Weber, who was born in Germany and came to Zanesville at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Rohr- man hold membership in the German Lutheran church and they have one son, Henry F., Jr. Mr. Rohrman belongs to the United Commercial Travelers and in his political views is a repub- lican. He has gained and retained the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and is distinctively one of the leading residents of the thriving city of Zanesville, with whose interests he has been identified almost continuously since his arrival in the new world twenty years ago.

WILLIAM H. SHIRER.

William H. Shirer is the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred acres, most of which is bottom land and very productive, and in the con- trol of his agricultural interests he displays ex- cellent business ability, executive force and keen sagacity. He was born July 12, 1847. in Adams- ville, Ohio, and is a son of G. W. Shirer, who is mentioned in connection with the history of Allen Doughty on another page of this work. His ed- tication was acquired in the public schools of his native town and he was reared to the occupation of farming, which he has always followed as a life work. He early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and his practical experience enabled him to win success from the very beginning of his active business career. He purchased his present farm in 1873 and as the years have gone by has devoted his attention to its cultivation and improvement until it is now a splendid property. It comprises three hundred acres of very rich and arable land situated a mile and a half northeast of Dresden. It is splendidly adapted to the raising of corn and

HENRY F. ROHRMAN.

QUARRIES OF THE VERMONT SLATE COMPANY.

ـيييد كفرقر عع ديهـ

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he also produces other crops in his fields, the soil being very alluvial. Annually he harvests good crops which find a ready sale on the market and add each year to the success which is making him one of the prosperous citizens of Muskingum county.

Mr. Shirer was married, in September, 1871, to Miss Anna E. Doughty, a native of Madison township and a daughter of Allen Doughty, who is represented elsewhere in this volume. Four children grace their marriage: John C., the eldest born in September, 1873, married Miss Mary Hickey and lives in Columbus, Ohio. They have two children, Gertrude, born in 1895 ; and Fran- cis, born in 1903. Arva J. Shirer, born September 8, 1877, is a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan Col- lege at Delaware, Ohio, and has become a min- ister of the gospel, being at the present time a stu- dent in the theological school in Madison, New Jersey. He was married in November, 1904, to Miss Grace E. Wottring. Mary L., born Sep- tember 4, 1882, is also a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware, Ohio, and is now at home. Rose M., born October 22, 1886, is pursuing her studies in Delaware.

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Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 82

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