Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 90

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 90

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CHARLES L. BALLOU.

Charles L. Ballou, a leading merchant of Rose- ville, was born in Harrison township, Muskin- gum county, August 6, 1860, and is a son of Ja- cob and Emily C. (Evans) Ballou, the former also a native of Harrison township, while the latter was born in Guernsey county, Ohio. Ja- cob Ballou was reared to the occupation of farm- ing and followed that calling in Harrison and in Brush Creek townships, becoming the owner of a valuable property which was well developed and supplied with all modern improvements. In its management he displayed marked enterprise. He died January 9, 1905, at the age of eighty years and ten months. He was an official mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church for over fifty years and always took a great interest in church work. He was the founder of the Meth- odist church at Cannelville, Ohio. He was a cousin of James A. Garfield, president of the United States.

Charles L. Ballou, having pursued his educa- tion in the public schools of Brush Creek town- ship, later gave his undivided attention to assist- ing his father in the operation of the home farm and subsequently he began farming on his own account. In addition to the tilling of the soil he also operated a threshing machine and dealt in horses until thirty years of age. He then en- gaged in the development of coal mines at Can- onville, in Brush Creek township, until 1901, when he came to Roseville and purchased the store of J. N. Owens. He has since given his time and attention to general merchandising and has a well equipped establishment, while the pub- lic accords him a liberal patronage. He has the entire confidence of the trading community, ow- ing to his honorable business methods and his desire to please his patrons.

7 .JBARTON MD

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PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

Mr. Ballou was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie McHenry, who was born in Harrison township and is a daughter of John McHenry, a native of Meigs township, Muskingum county. Mr. and Mrs. Ballou are now the parents of two children: Iva L., the wife of Elmer Brown ; and Earl.

Mr. Ballou exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub- lican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he has ever preferred to give his undivided attention to his business interests. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Odd Fellows lodge and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Whatever tends to advance the general wel- fare and to promote the growth and substantial improvement receives his endorsement and sup- port. While possessing the qualities of a suc- cessful business man and a desirable social com- panion he, moreover, possesses as one of his marked characteristics an unswerving fidelity to duty. His private interests are never allowed to stand in the way of public good and thus he has become honored and esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance or who have met him in a business way.

LORENZO D. ABELL.

Lorenzo D. Abell, who as a coal operator is engaged in developing the natural resources of the state and thus while contributing to his indi- vidual success is also promoting the general pros- perity of his community, was born November 4, 1864, in the city of Zanesville. His father. Silas Abell, is a native of Elizabeth, Pennsyl- vania, born March 7, 1838, and came from the Keystone state to Ohio with his parents, Joseph Dill and Anna Marie ( Farrier) Abell, who set- tled in Putnam, Ohio. Joseph D. Abell was born in Pennsylvania, November 10, 1801, and his wife, who was born January 15, 1798, was a daughter of S. Farrier, who came from Pennsyl- vania overland by wagon and settled on the river bank in Putnam, a town just across the river, that has now become part of Zanesville. He was a glass-blower by trade. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Abell were born ten children: Eme- line : Anna M. ; Alice T. and Joseph C., deceased ; Marcus F .; Elizabeth and William G., deceased : Silas; Virginia ; and Ira, who has passed away.

In early life Silas Abell learned the potter's trade and at one time was one of the oldest pot- ters in Ohio. He mastered the business in Put- nam under the direction of Henry Wilber, one of the earliest representatives of pottery manu-

facture in that place. Mr. Abell followed his trade until the inauguration of the Civil war, when he entered the United States navy as a seaman and was on a man-of-war throughout the period of hostilities. Following the close of the struggle he settled in Zanesville and later removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, where he es- tablished a pottery, conducting it for sixteen years. On the expiration of that period he re- moved to Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, and later returned to Zanesville, where he is now living in retirement from further labor, his rest being well earned and richly deserved. He married Miss Maria Miles, and they became the parents of the following children, five daughters and a son, namely : Ida, the wife of George Halın, by whom she has one child, Abell; Emma, the wife of Albert Sly and the mother of two chil- dren, Conrad H. and Grace ; Lorenzo D .; Viola ; and Blanch, the wife of Samuel Price and the mother of two children, Keasley and Virginia.

Lorenzo D. Abell was educated in Bremen but at an early age had to leave school and pro- vide for his own support. He began working for the Encaustic Tile Company, running a press machine for three months, after which he en- tered the employ of the Schultz soap factory. Later he returned to the tile company and again he worked in the soap factory, where he remained for two years. When that time had elapsed he began learning the trade of watch-making and the jewelry business under Charles L. Moore, with whom he remained for five years, when he engaged in business for him- self in the same line in Zanesville in 1889. He was located at No. 146 Main street and was senior member of the firm of Abell & Taylor. In 1891 he purchased his partner's interest and continued in business alone until 1893, when he sold out. Later he was connected with various enterprises and on the 25th of October, 1895, he again purchased his old store and stock and once more engaged in the jewelry business, in which he continued until 1898, when he became inter- ested in coal operations and formed the Muskin- gum Coal and Railroad Company, of which he became president. This company took up leases and began operating in coal lands, mining coal at Buckeye on the Ohio & Little Kanawha and Zanesville & Western Railroads. They made their first shipments on the ist of May, 1902. sending out the first carload at that date, and they have since been very successful, their output constantly increasing.

On the 17th of April, 1889, occurred the mar- riage of Lorenzo D. Abell and Miss Lulu Tan- ner, a daughter of John Wesley and Ada M. ( Marshall) Tanner. In politics Mr. Abell is a democrat and is recognized as one of the most active leaders in the ranks of his party in Ohio.

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He works untiringly for its growth and success and takes an active part in the canvas. He en- joys the excitement of a political contest but has never sought or desired office. He is an able speaker and frequently makes addresses for his party during campaigns. He has been a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity since attaining his majority, holding membership in Lafayette Lodge of Zanesville. He is one of the progres- sive young men of this city, possessing the spirit of enterprise so characteristic of the age. He possesses the energy and strong determination which lead to consecutive advancement and this has enabled him to work his way constantly up- ward.

RANSBOTTOM BROTHERS.

Progress has always centered in the towns and cities and civilization has been advanced not only by the individual but by the concerted effort of many, directed by the minds of those possessing keen sagacity, an appreciative understanding of possibilities and an adaptability that enables them to use the means at hand and to combine force so as to produce new possibilities and great re- sults. With the advancement along commercial lines in Roseville the Ransbottom Brothers have been closely associated in recent years and are now conducting one of the extensive and well- equipped potteries of Muskingum county.

The father, Alfred Ransbottom, was born in Delaware county, Ohio. His father was a na- tive of Virginia and at an early day settled in Delaware county, where he carried on business as a potter and broker, accumulating a large property. He was a gentleman of the old school, a typical Virginian, who loved fine horses and enjoyed bestowing his hospitality with a liberal hand. Alfred Ransbottom became a potter and was superintendent of extensive interests in that line. He learned the trade at Nashport and afterward instructed his sons in the same line of activity. A member of the Methodist Episcopal church he took an active interest in its work and stood for all that was elevating and honorable among his fellowmen, enjoying the unqualified confidence and regard of those with whom he was associated either in business or social life. In his fraternal relations he was a Mason. He was also strong and temperate in his views and habits. His political support was given to the republican party and he never aspired to office although he served as a member of the Rose- ville school board for a number of years. He died in 1805. at the age of sixty-two years, pass- ing away honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of

Ruth Wickham, was born in Licking county, Ohio, and died March 28, 1905, at the age of sixty-four years. Her father, William Wickham, was a native of Kentucky and came to Ohio when a boy with his parents, the family home being es- tablished in Licking county, where he afterward followed the occupation of farming and reared his family. His daughter, Mrs. Ransbottom, was a member of the Baptist church.

Unto Alfred and Ruth Ransbottom were born eight children : William, now deceased; Almeda, the wife of William Watt, a farmer of Crooks- ville, Ohio; Jane, the wife of James Reed, a miner of Roseville; Edward M., the senior mem- ber of the firm of Ransbottom Brothers; Charles W. and Frank M., who are partners in business ; James C., a potter of Roseville; and Morton C., also a member of the firm.

The Ransbottom Brothers were educated in the public schools and were instructed by their father in the art of pottery-making. The plant which they now own and operate was es- tablished by John Beem about 1890. In the meantime F. M. Ransbottom had built up a good trade in stoneware as a traveling salesman, while the other brothers had become familiar with the practical workings of a pottery. In 1901, put- ting together the money that they had haved by working at the business, they formed the present company of Ransbottom Brothers and purchased the Beem plant. Since then its capacity has been enlarged three times and the plant which they purchased for a few thousand dollars is now worth many thousand dollars. Their business has steadily increased until in order to meet the demand of the trade it is necessary to employ more than one hundred operatives. The main building is three hundred and two by fifty feet, a brick structure, a part of which is two stories in height. There is another brick building thirty- five by one hundred and eighty feet and the next building is forty by seventy feet. They have five twenty-four foot kilns and a brick warehouse. sixty by two hundred and thirty-eight feet. They manufacture flower pots, cuspidors, jardinieres, umbrella stands and stoneware of all kinds. They are prepared to make anything in the stoneware line or clay specialties. The plant has just been equipped with the latest modern machinery and is the best equipped pottery of the kind in Mus- kingum county and they employ more high-priced potters than any company in this part of the state. For the past four years the brothers have been operating the Buckeye Stoneware concern at Buckeye Cottage, where they emplov thirty- five men and manufacture stoneware. They also have a contract to take the output of the Pace Brothers Pottery of Roseville.

All of the brothers are married. Edward W. was married in 1888 to Miss Phoebe Bash, who

F. M. RANSBOTTOM.

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was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1868, and they now have two children, Edna and John, aged respectively sixteen and five years. F. M. Ransbottom wedded Miss Lizzie Kackley and they have two children, Ruth and Clair. C. W. Ransbottom married Miss Ida Smith and has three children, Charles, Lawton and Fay. James married Miss Sadie Scheedles. Morton C. mar- ried Miss Rose Cunningham and has two chil- dren, William and Paul.

Edward Ransbottom is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and Modern Wood- men camp, while F. M. Ransbottom belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the de- grees of the commandery and the shrine, and he is also connected with the United Commercial Travelers. Morton C. Ransbottom is a Mason and also a Knight of Pythias, and James R. is affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. All are stanch advocates of republican principles and F. M. Ransbottom is chairman of the county ex- ecutive committee. They are men of good busi- ness ability, executive force and keen discrimi- nation and the enterprise of which they are now the head is a growing concern, which has already reached profitable proportions and is regarded as one of the valued additions to the industrial life of the county.

SOLOMON DOZER.

Solomon Dozer, deceased, was a man whom to know was to respect and honor. A native son of Ohio, he spent his entire life in this state, commanding the esteem and confidence of all who knew him by a life that was in entire har- mony with honorable, manly principles. He never sought to win public notoriety that comes through high political office but was content to do his duty day by day and rear his family accord- ing to the precepts of the Christian religion, and to-day eight sons, all worthy citizens of Muskin- gum county, do honor to his name.

Mr. Dozer was born March 23, 1823, in Cham- paign county, Ohio, and comes of a family of German lineage. His parents were Henry and Mary (Zerkle) Dozer, who removed to Ohio from the Shenandoah valley of Virginia. The father's birth occurred August 10, 1783. upon the Atlantic coast and at an early age was left an orphan. He lived at Massanutton, on the south fork of the Shenandoah river, in Virginia, and when about twenty years of age wedded Mary Zerkle, who was two years his junior. With their son, then three weeks old, they came alone to the west, reached the west bank of the Muskingum river, September 20, 1805. Their first residence was formed with linen sheets, fas-

tened to the trees as posts. Those at all familiar with the history of Muskingum county know of the pioneer conditions which then existed. Henry Dozer killed wild game within what is now the corporate limits of Zanesville and aided in clear- ing the land now within the boundary limits of the city, planting an orchard about a mile south of the courthouse. Later he located with his family on Jonathan creek, where he entered and improved land and not only gave his attention to his own farm but also worked for other pio- neers of the locality and supplied venison and other game to Crooks Hotel, his family and his neighbors. When the war of 1812 came on he and his only brother enlisted in the service, tak- ing part in several skirmishes in the western part of Ohio. The brother was killed and Henry Dozer lost a thumb. In midwinter of 1812-13 he removed his family to a new home in Brush Creek township, and while he was absent to get a load of his goods a pack of wolves came howl- ing round his cabin, which had only sheets for doors. The mother was there alone with her four little sons, the eldest but seven years of age, and taking an old musket she discharged it at the pack, driving the animals away. About October I, 1822, Henry Dozer removed to the Mad river country, about ten miles south of Urbana, enter- ing a tract of land on Chapman creek and it was on that claim that Solomon Dozer was born. In 1826, however, the family returned to Muskin- gum county and the following year Henry Dozer entered a farm a mile and a half southeast of Cannelville, but in February, 1827. estab- lished his permanent home on what was after- ward known as Dozer ridge. About the year 1828 Mr. Dozer received from Mr. Buckingham a fine apple from an orchard which had formerly been planted by Mr. Dozer. This apple contained nine seeds, which were planted by one of Mr. Dozer's daughters and pro- duced nine thrifty trees, each differing in variety and only one resembling the original. From these trees they ultimately developed an excellent orchard. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dozer became members of the Lutheran church but afterward in connection with their sons George and Samuel and their wives they organized a so- ciety of the United Brethren church, the Dozer home being used as the house of worship. Henry Dozer continued to engage in farming until his death, on the 20th of March, 1843, and was sur- vived by his wife until August 7. 1855. when her remains were laid by the side of her deceased husband. They were the parents of twelve chil- dren, but the first born died in infancy and an- other at the age of six years, that interment being one of the first in the cemetery cast of Cannel- ville. Ten of the children were married and had large families and the representatives of the name

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PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

have ever been noted for patriotism, honor and fidelity in all life's relations.

Solomon Dozer largely devoted his attention in youth to the work of the old homestead farm. His education was obtained in a pioneer school conducted on the subscription plan, the little "temple of learning" being a log building. He underwent all of the hardships and privations incident to the establishment of a home upon the frontier and continued the work instituted by his father of promoting public progress through the reclamation of wild land for the purposes of civilization and through active support of all measures for the general good.

On the 24th of December, 1846, he was mar- ried to Mary M. Swingle, a daughter of George Swingle (first), and purchased an eighty-acre farm a half mile west of his father's home, on which he erected a hewed log house of two sto- ries. This was later replaced by a comfortable and commodious frame dwelling and he also built a large barn. In all his farming methods he was practical and progressive and his labors were characterized by industry and economy. He be- came interested in choice varieties of fruits and did much for the improvement of orchards in the neighborhood, probably having the best vari- eties of peaches, pears, grapes and cherries ever grown in the southern part of the county. He supplied his orchard and also others from a nur- sery of his own. He also raised high grades of cattle and hogs. In the latter part of the '6os he purchased eighty acres of land adjoining his original tract and in November, 1872, bought a farm on the west bank of the Muskingum river, a mile above Gaysport, locating thereon in 1875. It remained his home until his death. He planted three orchards there and made many other sub- stantial improvements.

Mr. Dozer was always deeply interested in the cause of education and while he had but meager advantages himself he desired that his children should have excellent opportunities in this direc- tion. He was prominent in organizing the Anti- och school district, also the Black Diamond and Fairview schools, and ever advocated the em- ployment of good teachers and the improvement of the course of instruction. His political alle- giance was given to the democratic party and his sons always followed in his footsteps in this re- gard. He filled the office of justice of the peace for twelve years, arriving at decisions that were strictly fair and impartial, and he served on the grand jury at Zanesville and on the federal grand jury at Columbus. He and his family were all devoted members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Dozer was an advocate of every movement that tended to uplift mankind and ameliorate the conditions of life. He was a man whose word was as good as his bond, his integrity standing

as an unquestioned fact in his career. He pos- sessed much firmness and decision of character and yet withal had a most kindly and considerate spirit that prompted him to give aid to the poor and needy and sympathy to the distressed. His example is indeed worthy of emulation and to his family he left the priceless heritage of an un- tarnished name. His memory is yet enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him and his death, which occurred on February 7, 1904, was the occasion of very deep and widespread regret. He was indeed one of the most prominent of the pioneer settlers of Muskingum county, a man whose upright character endeared him to all with whom he came in contact.

Mr. and Mrs. Dozer were the parents of eight sons and three daughters and at this writing seven sons and one daughter are yet living. The eldest, Mrs. Jerusha Bailey, was accidentally drowned when crossing the Muskingum river on the ice while returning from church, during her honeymoon, January 28, 1877. Mrs. Elizabeth M. Dickes died in February, 1880, leaving a hus- band and two daughters, Nora and Ida. She had been a teacher of instrumental music and also a teacher in the public schools.

David E. Dozer, who for five years engaged in teaching in Brush Creek township, acquired a commercial education in Zanesville and was graduated from the law department of the Uni- versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in 1875. He practiced law in that state for sixteen years and is now a prominent attorney of Defiance, Ohio. Both he and his wife completed the four years' course of the Chautauqua Literary and Scien- tific Circle in 1889. He married Miss M. Fran- ces Baughman in 1872 and they had a daughter, Vida E., who died in February, 1897.

Erastus N. Dozer, who was a student in the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and taught. school for four years, was married in 1876 to Rachel Patterson. They have two sons and two daughters : Shelby E., Clara B .. Beatrice E. and Jesse C. He follows the occupation of farming and lives at Gaysport.

Albert P. Dozer married Alice Pletcher and has since followed the occupation of farming, living at the old home in Brush Creek township. He has served as justice of the peace for two terms. They have five sons and two daughters, Homer E., Ethel G., Herbert R., Alwilda, Orville D., Harlan S. and Elmer.

Henry G. Dozer became a law student in the . office of his brother in Michigan and later at- tended the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and after teaching for several terms in the public schools he was admit- ted to the bar in 1881. He married Ida Briggs and located at Cheboygan, Michigan. March 4, 1885, he received the appointment of city attor-

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PAST AND PRESENT OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

ney and was twice elected county attorney and once circuit court commissioner. He died in Cheboygan, in 1897. Two sons preceded him to the spirit land.

William J. Dozer, who completed his education at Theil College, in Pennsylvania, is now en- gaged in the insurance business at Cleveland, Ohio. He married Susie D. Rundell and has one son and one daughter, Velma and Harold D. Mrs. Frances C. France is living at home and has two sons and a daughter living, namely, H. Roy. Elma V. and Carl M. Those deceased are Solo- mon R. and Mary.

Rev. C. L. V. Dozer completed a course of study in Fultonham Academy, afterward pursued a full course in Theil College, from which he was graduated, and then entered upon the study of theology at Mount Airy Seminary, in Phila- delphia, where he remained for three years and was then graduated. He was ordained a minis- ter of the Lutheran church in June, 1895, and is now pastor at Northeast, Pennsylvania. He was married to Miss Mary E. Bowman, in April, 1900, at Anderson, Indiana, but his wife died in New Mexico, in 1905, leaving one son living. Theodore.

Rev. Charles E. Dozer was educated at Greens- burg Seminary, Pennsylvania, in Theil College and in the Theological School at Philadelphia and engaged in preaching in that city for seven years, but is now located at Freeport, Pennsylvania. He married Miss Corinne E. Worest, of Philadel- phia, in April, 1903, and has one child. Reginald E.

Cyrus S. Dozer resides upon the old homestead farm, giving his time and energies to its im- provement. To him we are indebted for the ma- terial for this history. The family own one hundred and seventy-two acres of fine land, well improved and situated about three and a half miles south of Taylorville on the Muskingum river. The place is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. The family have contributed in so large a measure to the material improve- ment, the intellectual progress and the moral ad- vancement of Muskingum county that no history would be complete without the record of their career.

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Past and present of the city of Zanesville and Muskingham County, Ohio, Part 90

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