USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Zanesville > Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio > Part 89
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The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William Pletcher was celebrated in 1851 and they became the parents of the following named : James H .. who married Louisa Wells, is a successful farmer of Brush Creek township. Winfield Scott, also
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a prosperous agriculturist of that township, mar- ried Sarah Dozer and has eleven living children and one deceased. Mary Jane is the wife of Jesse T. Baughman, a substantial farmer, by whom she has six living children and one who has passed away. Alice R. is the wife of Albert Dozer, a farmer and member of one of the old- time families of Brush Creek township, and their children are seven in number. Elzina is the wife of Martin Ice, who is the owner of valuable lands in Ohio and western states. Clara W. is the wife of William Deitrich, an energetic farmer of Muskingum county.
The religious faith of William Pletcher was that of the Lutheran church, of which he was a member up to the time of his death. He voted with the republican party but did not aspire to office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farming interests which were capably managed and brought to him an excellent return. A gentleman of domestic tastes, he was devoted to his family, considering no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the happiness and welfare of his wife and children. On his farm he made splendid improvements, including the erection of good buildings and ev- erything about his place was indicative of his careful supervision. He labored in keeping with modern business ideas and at his death he left to his widow a valuable property of one hun- dred and eighty-seven acres. She still retains possession of one hundred and thirty-seven acres of this farm, which is now devoted to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. Mr. Pletcher passed away January 3, 1898, and his loss was deeply regretted by many friends who had come to know and honor him because of his genuine personal worth. His widow still sur- vives and is a kind, motherly woman who has a cheery word and pleasant smile for all, and the circle of her friends is only limited by the num- ber of her acquaintances. To know her is to ad- mire and respect her. She yet lives in the old homestead where she and her husband spent so many happy years of a long wedded life and reared their family of seven sons who are a credit to their name. Mrs. Pletcher yet enjoys excellent health and bids fair to see many more years of life, a wish which is entertained by all who know her.
OZEM BREWSTER.
Ozem Brewster, who is one of the oldest and best known residents of Salt Creek township, was born within its borders, January 30, 1825, and comes of one of the oldest New England families. The Brewsters came to America on the May- flower and were thus pioneers in the settlement
of the Plymouth colony. The grandfather of our subject lived and died in Vermont. The father, Jonathan Brewster, was born in Connecticut, March 4, 1780, and spent his early life in Rut- land county, Vermont, his home being near Lake Champlain. Later he came to Ohio, settling in this state in 1802. He lived at Chandlersville for a time and was employed at the salt works by John Mathews. Subsequently he conducted a sawmill for Mr. Mathews. As a boy he drove oxen in hauling logs to the sawmill and in that time gained considerable practical knowledge of the workings of such a plant. He also attended to the settlement of accounts for Mr. Mathews, displaying in his boyhood days excellent business ability and sound judgment so that he was trusted with the financial interests of the busi- ness.
Having arrived at years of maturity he was married to Miss Catherine Reise, daughter of Thomas Reise, on the 19th of November, 1812. Immediately afterward they located upon the farm which is now owned and occupied by Ozem Brewster, the father clearing space enough to erect a log cabin for himself and bride. She was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, October 10. 1793, and hopefully and courageously the young couple began their domestic life in the midst of the forest. After purchasing the necessary equipments for their pioneer home Mr. Brewster found that he had no money left but he was not disheartened and with the assistance of his esti- mable wife he began the development of a farm and as the years passed by he prospered. In the early days wild game of various kinds was to be had in abundance and he and his wife largely subsisted on this until they raised their first crop whereby their larder was much increased, in variety at least. The second year brought them still better crops and Mr. Brewster continued his active labors until he had become a successful farmer, owning a valuable property. In connec- tion with his farming operations in early life he also conducted a sawmill with much profit to himself. He was extensively engaged in stock- raising as well as the cultivation of his fields and he owned two hundred and sixty-four acres of fine land in Salt Creek township, which was supplied with all modern accessories and con- veniences. He held membership in the Baptist church and was ordained one of its deacons in 1842, holding that position up to the time of his death. He was a man of kindly. beneficent spirit, generous to those who needed assistance and always extending a helping hand to those less fortunate than himself. He was an invalid in his last few years but never faltered in the re- ligious faith, which was his stay and guide throughout life. His broad humanitarian spirit was indicated by his active and helpful interest in
OZEM BREWSTER.
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the anti-slavery movement and he did much to assist the down-trodden negro. His life was characterized by unremitting diligence in his business affairs and yet he always found time to do good, to perform an act of kindness or a deed of charity. His wife came with her parents to Muskingum county about 1800, and her people, like the Brewster family, were among the early settlers in this part of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Brewster were born the follow- ing : Stephen, born in 1813. Mary, in 1815, and Susan, in 1819, all deceased : John, born in 1822 ; Nancy, born in 1825, now deceased ; Ozem, of this review ; W. S., born in 1832, deceased ; and Sarah Jane, born in 1838.
Ozem Brewster is one of the oldest native- born citizens now living in Salt Creek township. He has been interested in farming from early boyhood days when he assisted his father in the cultivation of the fields, beginning to work almost as soon as old enough to reach the plow handles. He has seen many improvements made in farm machinery, the old-fashioned sickle and flail giv- ing place to the reaper, binder and mower of the present time, and in all the work of improve- ment he has kept pace. He has spent his entire life upon the farm homestead, caring for his aged parents in their advanced years, and he is still the owner of the original farm of one hun- dred and sixty-four acres which was cleared and developed by his father. In politics he has al- ways voted the republican ticket but has never had any aspiration for office. He has ever been noted for his frugality and sterling qualities that make him an honored and respected citizen of Muskingum county.
WILLIAM WALKER.
Among the residents of Otsego to whom has been vouchsafed an honorable retirement from labor in recognition of resultant toil in former years is William Walker, who was born in Mon- roe township, November 26, 1847. his parents being Joseph and Margaret ( Emler) Walker. both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in 1799, and his father was born on the ocean while his parents were en route from Ireland to America. The great- grandparents crossed the Atlantic while this country was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain, and the two sons. Alexander and Robert, both became daring and valiant soldiers of the great Revolutionary war when the colonies threw off the yoke of British tyranny. Robert was killed at Fort Meigs by the Indians, who cut out his tongue, but not until he had killed two of the red men. His brave
deeds attracted attention and at the time of his death he was a lieutenant of the army. The other son, Alexander, the grandfather of this subject, is accredited with saving a man's life while with Wayne's army by giving a portion of his parched corn to him, when they were being starved out. In 1803 he built a flour mill in Pennsylvania which is still standing and is yet in operation. Alexander had five children, two girls, Elizabeth and Ann, and three sons, Joseph, the father of this subject, William who was sup- posed to be drowned at Vicksburg, Mississippi ; and John, who died at New Orleans, Louisiana.
Colonel Joseph Walker, father of our subject, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1799, and was married to Margaret Hammond, of that place, on the 9th of August, 1825. Three days afterward he started alone for Muskingum county. Here he established a tannery and soon afterward he brought his wife to the new home which he had prepared. For eighteen years they led a happy and contented life until August 6, 1843, when the wife of Jo- seph Walker passed away. By this marriage there were five children, of whom two daughters and a son are yet living, namely: John, a resi- dent of Caldwell county, Missouri: Julia Ann. the widow of Barton Cone, of Otsego ; and Jane. the wife of H. O. Slater, of Adamsville. On the 6th day of July, 1844, Mr. Walker was married to Margaret Emler, of Monroe township. They had six children, of whom five are now living : Charles, a resident of Monroe township : Robert. who is engaged in the milling business in Barber- ton, . Ohio ; William ; Mrs. Eleanor Langley, of Guernsey county ; and Mrs. Andrew Jackson, of Ottumwa, Iowa. The deceased member of the family was Dr. A. E. Walker, who practiced his profession in Plainfield, Ohio. He left a wife and two daughters. The second wife of Colonel Walker died October 7. 1881. at the age of sev- enty years, and he survived until March 22, 1885. when he departed this life at the age of eighty- five years, nine months and twelve days. He won his title as an officer of the Ohio militia. On the 9th of August, 1838, he was commissioned by Governor Joseph Vance as adjutant of the Fifth Regiment, Second Brigade, Fifteenth Division of the Militia of Ohio, and throughout his remain- ing days he retained possession of the sword and commission. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Muskingum county and took a deep and help- ful interest in all local and political affairs. His political allegiance was given to democracy and he did everything in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. He made his home in Mouroe township, settling first in the midst of the forest, where he conducted a tan- nery as well as operated his farm. As the years passed by he prospered in his undertakings, be-
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coming one of the substantial agriculturists of his community. He owned one hundred and forty-five acres of land, and his labors made it rich and productive so that he annually harvested good crops.
William Walker pursued his education in the common schools of his native township and worked in a tannery for several years after his fa- ther had retired from that business. He then mar- ried and moved to a farm owned by his father- in-law, where he made his home until 1902, hav- ing come into possession of the old Wine home- stead after his father-in-law's death. As an agri- culturist, too much can not be said of Mr. Walker, as his practical and systematic methods won for him the esteem and respect of all. The high state of cultivation in which his fields were kept, and the continual adding of modern implements and improvements to his farming utensils, made him one of the foremost agricultural men of the dav. Mr. Walker took a special pride in the raising and cultivation of fruit. And indeed it was a rare treat to visit one of his orchards dur- ing the gathering of the fruit, and taste the sweet and luscious products that only time, patience and careful tillage can bring forth. In 1902 he retired from active life and took up his abode in Otsego, where he now owns a fine residence. He is also in possession of five hundred and twenty- five acres of valuable land, and is to-day one of the representative and most influential residents of Monroe township. He has one farm which adjoins the corporation limits of the village, on which are nine oil wells, one of these being among the most productive of the oil belt of Ot- sego. His farms are well stocked with good grades of cattle, horses and hogs, and also well supplied with the latest improved machinery for carrying on the work.
In 1871 occurred the marriage of William Walker and Miss Nancy Jane Wine, a daughter of George and Susanna (Kinney) Wine, of Highland township, the former a native of Vir- ginia and the latter born in Madison township, Muskingum county. Mr. Wine was one of the most prosperous residents of Highland township and was respected and honored by all who knew him. Mr. and Mrs. Walker became the parents of three daughters: Anna, who married E. B. Castor, of Otsego, and died at a very early and untimely age, leaving two boys, Homer W. and Walter L. These boys have, since their mother's death, made their home with their grandparents. and although they have, by the providence of God, been deprived of a mother's tenderly care and watchfulness, yet they have found in Mr. and Mrs. Walker and their comfortable home all that this loss could mean to them. Emma, the second daughter, became the wife of Charles Vencel, of Monroe township, and they now re-
side on one of the principal farms of that com- munity. They have one son, Paul L. Mr. Ven- cel is an enthusiastic agriculturist and one of the leading business men of Otsego. Mary, the third daughter, is at home. Mr. Walker, his wife and daughters are all members of the Baptist church, in which he has continuously served as deacon since 1871. They contribute generously to the support of the church and take an active and helpful part in its work. Mr. Walker votes with the democracy and while living in Highland township was active as a worker in the ranks of his party, but though he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he now leaves the work of the party more largely to oth- ers. His life has been characterized by activity and industry, by straightforward dealing and commendable purpose, and his position in the pub- lic regard is an enviable onc.
CHARLES J. MURDOCK.
Charles J. Murdock is the senior member of a firm that at a comparatively recent date began business in Zanesville but the enterprise and busi- ness capacity of its members have won for them rank with the foremost representatives of com- mercial interests here. Mr. Murdock was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1871, and traces his ancestry back to Virginia, where occurred the birth of his grandfather Elias Murdock, who on leaving the Old Dominion established his home in Washington township, Morgan county, Ohio. near what was known as Wolf Creek. He was one of the first settlers there and saw many hard- ships incident to life on the frontier. There were wild animals and wild game could be had in abundance. The forests were uncut, the streams unbridged and the fields uncultivated. He as- sisted materially in reclaiming the district for the purposes of civilization and as the years passed developed a good farm. He married and had seven children, but only two are living, Mrs. Mary Breckenridge and Mrs. Virginia Water- man. His son, George W. Murdock, was born in Washington county, Ohio, in 1831, and was reared to the occupation of farming. As the
years advanced he saw no reason to change his mode of life and always continued to engage in the tilling of the soil. He was prominent in community affairs, enjoying in full the respect and good will of his fellowmen. In religious faith he was a Methodist, while his political affili- ation was with the republican party. He mar- ried Miss Sarah Shinn, a native of Noble county, Ohio, who died in 1898, at the age of sixty-nine years, while his death occurred in 1899. . They were the parents of four children: Mrs. John
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Lightner; B. F., who resides in Columbus ; M. S., who is living in Morgan county, Ohio; and Charles J.
Charles J. Murdock was reared upon his fa- ther's farm and early assisted in the work of the fields, to which he gave his attention when not busy with the duties of the schoolroom. After completing his own education he taught school for several terms and later he engaged as buyer for a commission house in Columbus, Ohio, the firm dealing in fruits and produce. Mr. Mur- dock acted in that capacity for five years and in 1896 he came to Zanesville, as representative or manager of a store in Zanesville which is owned by the Columbus firm of Murdock & Co. Mr. Murdock of this review became financially inter- ested in the business, the senior partner being his brother. At length, selling out his business, he engaged in the oil business in Washington county, Ohio, for a year and upon withdrawing from that line of trade he returned to Zanes- ville. On the 2d of December, 1901, he formed his present partnership under the firm style of Murdock & Woodward, wholesale dealers in produce and fruit. They ship their goods throughout the surrounding counties and also enjoy an enviable city patronage. Their storc is located at the corner of Third and South streets and they are represented upon the road by three traveling salesmen. Their business has mct with gratifying increase as time has passed and the house sustains an excellent reputation for fair dealing and progressive methods.
Mr. Murdock is a member of Amity lodge, A. F. and A. M., and the Commercial Travelers' Union of Zanesville. His political views accord with republican principles. Hc married Bertha Atkinson, of Noble county, Ohio. By a former marriage he had one child, Doris. There is cver a degree of satisfaction and profit in scanning the life history of one who has attained a high degree of success as a direct result of his own ef- forts, who has had the mentality to direct his endeavors toward the desired end, prompted by honest principles which have given due valuc to cach consecutive detail of effort-such has been the record of Mr. Murdock.
JAMES E. TANNER.
James E. Tanner, who is a prosperous farmer of Hopewell township, where he is extensively cn- gagcd in carrying on agricultural pursuits, was born in Licking township on the 24th of Novem- ber, 1836, and in April, 1848, accompanied his parents on their removal to Falls township. In his youth he pursued.his studies in a log building where school was conducted on the subscription
plan. The boys had to cut cord wood during the winter months in order to have a fire and the teacher "boarded around" among the pupils. The methods of instruction too were as primitive as the building, but Mr. Tanner gained a fair knowl- edge of the common English branches of learn- ing, to which he has since added through prac- tical experience and observation.
In September, 1860, James E. Tanner was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A. Sidle, a na- tive of Muskingum county and the oldest living child of David Sidle, who came to Ohio in 1805 and who is mentioned on another page of this volume. Mr. Tanner resided with his father up to the time of his marriage in 1860 and then removed to Hopewell township, where he has since lived. He first purchased one hundred and fifty-seven acres of land here, to which he has added from time to time until he now has a valu- able farm of three hundred and seventy-one acres. In the midst of this stands a fine country residence and there are good barns and out- buildings for the shelter of grain and stock, while all around are well tilled fields giving promise of golden harvests. He raises corn, hay and wheat and in addition to. the cultivation of these cereals he is also extensively and success- fully engaged in the raising of stock, having three hundred sheep, thirty cows and a large number of hogs. His father assisted him in early manhood by giving him a tract of land to which he has since added until he is now one of the prosperous farmers of his community. For fourteen years he was a member of the agricul- tural society of the county and for seven years acted as its treasurer, and he has always been interested in every movement or measure that calculates to advance the welfare of the farming class. He is to-day numbered with the progres- sive agriculturists of his community and in all that he does is also cminently practical. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tanner have been born four chil- dren : Linnie, the wife of A. W. Smith; Zela. who married Ed Koss; Hillis E., of Falls town- ship ; and Hattie O., the wife of W. H. Tanner who is chief of the fire department of Zanes- ville.
Mr. Tanner is a democrat and for six terms has served as trustee of Hopewell township. In his fraternal relations he is a Mason. Hc reprc- sents old and honored pioncer families of the county, his paternal grandfather having come to Ohio in 1806, while his maternal grandfather ar- rived in 1807. His wife's father came in 1805 and her grandfather Thrapp arrived in 1808. Coming here they located in pioneer districts and aided in reclaiming this region for the pur- poses of civilization. This work has been car- ried on by their descendants and Mr. Tanner is a zealous and progressive citizen doing what he
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can for the general good. At the same time he is devoted to his family, the welfare of his wife and children being very dear to him. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance in the county and the warm regard which is extended to him by those who have known him from his boyhood days is an indication that his life has been well spent.
THOMAS J. BARTON, M. D.
Loyal to his friends and devoted to his pro- fession, Dr. Thomas J. Barton was one of the prominent and popular physicians of Zanesville, whose position in the city was none the less the result of an irreproachable private life than of superior capability as a practitioner. He was born in Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 16th of April, 1849, and with his parents re- moved to Ashland county, this state. His pre- liminary education was supplemented by study in Vermillion College in Ashland county. In 1868 he continued his studies in Washington & Jef- ferson College, where he completed the regular three years' course in two years, winning the de- gree of Master of Arts. He then became su- perintendent of schools in Ashland, Ohio, and while engaged in teaching he took up the study of medicine. Having acquired a broad literary education, he entered upon the acquirement of professional learning by matriculation in Bellevue Medical College of New York city in 1874. He completed his course by graduation there in 1876 and with his well earned degree of M. D. he returned to Ohio, locating in Zanesville in June, 1876.
Here he practiced continuously until his death, covering a period of almost twenty years. He exerted his efforts along modern scientific lines and his labors were attended with a high measure of success. He was very careful in the diagnosis of a case and his judgment was seldom, if ever, at fault in anticipating the outcome of disease or the complications that might arise. He main- tained, too, a high standard of professional ethics which gained him the unqualified regard of his fellow members of the profession. In addition to his private practice, which was large and of an important character, he acted as secretary of the board of pension examiners under President Cleveland, and was surgeon for all the railroads entering Zanesville and also for the street rail- way. He held membership with the local, the State and the American Medical Associations.
On the 9th of September, 1875, Dr. Barton was married to Miss Katharine Beer, of Ashland, Ohio, and their married life was marked by the utmost congeniality, Dr. Barton always reserving
his best traits of character for his own home. He was a prominent Mason, attaining the Knight Templar degree of the York rite, the thirty- second degree of the Scottish rite and was also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He held mem- bership in the Second Presbyterian church and took a helpful interest in its various activities. His political allegiance was given to the democ- racy and he ever stood fearless in defense of his honest convictions. He was known as a cham- pion of justice, truth and right and was a rep- resentative of a high type of American manhood. He held friendship inviolable and the duties of the profession sacred, and the qualities of an up- right manhood which he continually manifested have caused his memory to be enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him.
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