Henry W. Weller

REV. JOSEPH A. WELLER, D. D., PH. D.


Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 652

RICHARD WELLS, who has now passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey, receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to one of advanced years, whose life has been honorable and upright in all its relations.  A native of Virginia, he was born in Loudoun county, Aug. 30, 1823, his parents being Troy and Lucinda (Hampton) Wells.  The father was born in Maryland in 1796, but when very young was taken to Virginia, and after he had attained his majority was married in the Old Dominion to Miss Lucinda Hampton, a native of Loudoun county.  In 1825 they came to Ohio and Mr. Wells purchased thirty acres of land from a man by the name of Harpe.  This constitutes a part of the old homstead farm, now owned and occupied by Richard Wells.  After cultivating his first tract for a time Troy Wells extended the boundaries of his land by the additional purchase of a quarter section.  He was a carpenter by trade and for generations representatives of the family have followed mechanical pursuits.  His skill in that direction enabled him to keep everything about his place in excellent condition and he was justly accounted one of the progressive agriculturists of his community.  His political allegiance was given to the whig party and after its dissolution his support upheld republican principles.  He belonged to the Baptist church and was a man who throughout the community in which he lived was esteemed and honored for his genuine worth.  He died in 1837, when his son Richard was only fourteen years of age.  His widow afterward married James Crain and Richard Wells remained with her until he had reached the age of twenty years.  Unto Troy and Lucinda Wells were born six children:  Richard, of his review; Isaac, who died in infancy; Maria, deceased; Anna, the wife of William McCoyd, by whom she has four children; Stephen, who married Elizabeth McCoyd and has three children; and David, who married Mary Buchanan.
     As before indicated Richard Wells left home when a young man of twenty years, going to Cincinnati, Ohio, to work at the carpenter's trade.  Later he removed to Duncan Falls, Ohio, where he was again connected with building operations, but immediately after his marriage he located upon his present farm on section 28, Brush Creek township, purchasing his mother’s share as well as the portions which were inherited by his brothers and sisters.  He thus came into possession of what had once been his lather’s farm.  He still continued to follow carpentering, however, until he was forty years of age and he always gave good attention to his farming interests, developing an excellent property.  He now owns one hundred and ninety-three acres of very rich and productive land and as a general farmer and stockraiser he has met with gratifying success.  He also raised fruit but much of his land was devoted to pasture in order that he might have good feeding ground for his stock.
     When twenty-two years of age Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Ophelia M. Bear, a daughter of John W. Bear, who came to Ohio when quite young.  He was one of General Harrison’s
most ardent supporters and during the campaign of 1840 he made speeches throughout the state.  After the inauguration of the hero of Tippecanoe Mr. Bear was appointed Indian agent.  In his later life he returned to Philadelphia, where his last days were spent, his death occurring when he had reached the venerable age of seventy-eight years.  If Mr. and Mrs. Wells are spared until the 27th of November, 1905, they will have been married sixty years.  Unto them have been born ten children: John, who married Susan Martin, and has two children; James, who is a millwright in Texas; Louisa, the wife of James Pletcher, and the mother of five children; Hampton, deceased; Clara, who married Louis Roheback, who conducted a rooming house in St. Louis during the period of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition; Clinton, who is living in Florida; Emma, the wife of Professor James Boyd, of the State University of Ohio, and the mother of two children; David, who married Emma French, and has three children; Cora, who married Grant Ellmore, of Brush Creek township, and has two children; and William, who is a millwright, living in Louisiana.
     For many years Mr. Wells continued his active farming operations but in the early part of 1905 rented his land. He and his wife, however, still occupy a part of the old home.  His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party but he has never sought or desired office, although he served at one time as township trustee.  He is an active and devoted member of the Baptist church and his life has been in consistent harmony with its principles so that he has enjoyed in large measure the trust and respect of his fellowmen.  As the years have gone by he has prospered in his business undertakings and is now the possessor of a handsome competence.  He has long been a resident of the county and is one of the worthy pioneer settlers of this portion of the state.  He can remember when his father came to Ohio, and clearing a little spot upon the farm which Mr. Wells now owns, he built thereon a pioneer cabin, the mother daubing the cracks with mud.  The house had a dirt floor and a quilt was hung up to serve as a door.  It was no uncommon sight to see deer feeding on the grass around this pioneer home and wolves and bears were frequently killed in the forests.  Mr. Wells remembers of his father killing a wild turkey gobbler that was looking in surprise at the new arrivals.  Wild game of this kind was plentiful and thus the tables of the pioneer settlers could always he supplied with meat.  Hardships and privations, however, were endured by the early settlers of that period and Mr. Wells can remember when the modes of living were vastly different from those of to-day.  The houses were principally heated by fireplaces, where the cooking was done and the great kettles hung over the blazing logs.  The farm implements were very crude as compared with those of the present time but Mr. Wells kept pace with the improvement made in the methods of farming and is yet interested in the care of his land, to which he gives general supervision although the active work of the farm is now left to others.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page

HOWARD M. WILLEY, who follows the occupation of farming and is also mail carrier in Wayne township, was born upon his present farm, Apr. 9, 1870, and is a representative of one of the old Virginian families.  His grandfather, John A. Willey, a native of the Old Dominion, came with his father to Muskingum county at an early day, when much of the land was still in possession of the government and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, a part of which is now in possession of Howard M. Willey.  Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement  made upon the place, but soon the plow and the harrow prepared the fields for planting and in due time good harvests were gathered.  The grandfather spent the remainder of his life on that place.
     Upon the old homestead Charles T. Willey, father of our subject, was born and reared and is a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Sarah Haggerty, who was born in Pittsburg and died when Mr. Willey of this review was six years of age.  Unto Charles F. Willey and his wife were born ten children, all natives of Wayne township, and five are yet living, as follows:  John, who is living in Zanesville; Sadie the wife of L. Parker; Mrs. Kate Flanders; Howard M., and Mrs. Janet Leslie.  The father had eighty acres of land and carried on general farming until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-nine years of age.  His business interests were well managed and he became a prosperous farmer.  In his political views he was a staunch republican and for nine years he served as a director of the county infirmary.
     Howard M. Willey was born upon the farm where he now resides and in the district schools of the neighborhood he obtained his education, while in later years reading and observation have broadened his knowledge.  When his father removed to Zanesville he assumed the management of the home farm and soon demonstrated his ability to capably performed this task.  He now owns and operates fifty acres of land, which his grandfather entered from the government, and which is about two and a half miles from the courthouse.  It is a good property with modern improvements and equipments and his labors have made it very productive, so that his business is now profitable.
     Mr. Willey was happily married to Miss Lizzie Parker, a native of Zanesville and a daughter of Washington Parker, who was also born in that city, and yet makes his home there.  Their children are Ruth, Russell, Charles and Ed Willey.  Mr. Willey’s opinions on political questions are in harmony with republican principles and he always votes for the candidates of the party, although he never seeks office as a reward for his fealty.  Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and his salient characteristics are such as make him respected by his brethren of the lodge and by the general public.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 566

CHARLES WILLIAMS.    Charles Williams, a well-to-do farmer of Newton township, is numbered among the native sons of Muskingum county, who. after continuously residing here, finds in its business conditions ample opportunity for the exercise of effort, skill and talents, while at the same time he has enjoyed the many advantages which the county offers its citizens.  His birth occurred in Springfield township, Nov. 27, 1851.  His father, John H. Williams, was also a native of Springfield township, while the grandfather, James Williams, was a native of Delaware, whence he came to Muskingum county at the age of three years with his father, who entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government in Springfield township.  Sixty acres of that property is now in possession of Charles Williams of this review and his brother James.  Five generations of the family have found homes in Muskingum county and from the beginning of their residence here they have been classed with the citizens of worth, active and helpful in promoting public measures for progress and improvement.  John H. Williams lived and died on the old homestead farm, devoting his entire life to agricultural pursuits.  He married Miss Hannah Chapman, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, and they became the parents of nine children, of whom five are yet living, namely: Mary E., Rebecca, Lucy, James and Charles.  The father endorsed republican principles on the organization of the party and continued to follow its tenets until he was called to his final rest at the age of seventy-six years.  He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and was a man of the highest respectability.
     Charles Williams attended the public schools in his early youth, remaining at home with his father until he had attained his majority, after which he spent thirteen years in railroad work and seven years in bridge work in the south.  In 1885 he entered the employ of the government and for two years was thus engaged at Louisville, Kentucky.  In 1887 he returned to Muskingum county, where he has since lived.  He and his brother purchased their present farm thirty years ago and in 1887 Charles Williams became sole possessor, having now sixty-four acres of very rich land, which responds readily to the care and cultivation he bestows upon it.  He also has a half interest in sixty acres of land which his great-grandfather entered from the government.  In connection with his agricultural pursuits he also does general contracting work and carpentering and leads a very busy life.
     In 1890 Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Lula Burton, a native of Springfield township and a daughter of George Burton. They have but two children, Della and Dana.  In the community they are well known, having a constantly growing circle of friends.  Mr. Williams is a republican, always voting for the men and measures of the party, yet without political aspiration for himself.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 837

GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in Salem township, was born Apr. 1, 1863, in the township which is still his home.  His father, Thomas Williams, was born in the city of Zanesville, near where the courthouse now stands, in 1811.  He was a son of JEsse Williams who arrived in the county seat about 1805.  After living in Zanesville for some time he removed to a farm and Thomas Williams was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed as a life work, making his home through a long period in Salem township.  After arriving at years of maturity he was married to
Miss Wise Cower and alter her death, about 1860, he wedded Mrs. Jane Handel, the widow of Nicholas Handel and a daughter of Amos Vernon, who settled hi the southeast part of the county at an early day and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits.  Mr. Williams was the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land and in his farming pursuits won a fair measure of success.  In his early years he bore many of the hardships and trials of pioneer life, but as time passed by his labors were rewarded with a comfortable competence and he also enjoyed in full measure the esteem of his fellow citizens.  His political support was given to the republican party.  He died Feb. 25, 1894, at the advanced age of eighty-three years and is still survived by his widow, who resides in Salem township.  In the family were six children: George, Ruth, Ephraim, Mary, Grant and Flora.
     George W. Williams acquired his education in the common schools of Salem township, while early in life lessons of integrity, industry and perseverance were instilled into his mind and, bearing fruit as the years have gone by, they have constituted the basis of his success.  He continued upon the home farm until twenty-four years of age, when he started out on his own account, renting land for nine years.  When his labor had brought him sufficient capital he made purchase of a farm, becoming owner of the place upon which he now resides and to the further development and improvement of which he has since directed his energies.  Here he owns one hundred and sixty-six acres that is conveniently and pleasantly situated about one and a half miles north of Adamsville.  He carries on general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of cattle, sheep and horses, and everything about his place is kept in excellent condition, the farm being characterized by neatness and thrift in every department.
     On the 22d of November, 1885, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Marrie E. Adams, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, Oct. 2, 1862, her parents being W. W. and Louisa (Bainter) Adams.  Her father was born in Monroe township, Muskingum county, in 1823, and was a son of George and Christina (Wertz) Adams, who removed from Monroe to Salem township.  George Adams was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, Feb. 12, 1788, and was a son of William Adams, who died in the Old Dominion.  In 1807 George Adams removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, and following the outbreak of the second war with England, he put aside his business cares and went to Virginia, enlisting in the army there.  Following the close of hostilities lie was married in Virginia and with his bride returned to Muskingum county, where he permanently settled, residing in Monroe and Salem townships.  He was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1873. and his death occurred two years later.  They held membership in the Lutheran church and in that faith reared their family, numbering nine children, namely: Helen, Susan, William W., George, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Sarah and Margaret.  George Williams devoted his entire life to agricultural interests and won success in his undertakings.  His political support was given the democracy.
     William W. Adams, whose birth occurred May 11, 1822, spent his boyhood days in Salem township and there he attended the public schools.  In March, 1852, he wedded Louisa Bainter, whose birth occurred in Muskingum county, Oct. 4, 1832, her parents being Frederick and Maria (Crumbaker) Bainter, both natives of Virginia, whence they removed to this county at an early date.  Mr. Adams followed farming throughout his entire life and at the same time he took a helpful part in public matters, giving generous support to every movement which he believed would contribute to the public good.  He was township trustee and school director for a number of years and did all in his power to promote
the educational and moral development of the community.  His political allegiance was given to the democratic party.  As the years passed his business affairs prospered, owing to his capable management and keen discernment, and investing his capital in land he became the owner of six hundred acres, constituting some of the best farms in the county.  The mother of Mrs. Williams died Sept. 7, 1867, and in March, 1869, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Sarah A. Carver, who was born in Muskingum county, May 9, 1827, her parents being Millar D. and Mary A. Hannen, who removed from Bucks county, Pennsylvania, to Muskingum county, where Mr. Hannen passed away in 1861, and his wife in 1863.  In the latter years of his life Mr. Adams lived retired.
     The home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams has been blessed with a son, Guy Lester, whose birth occurred Oct. 22, 1902.  They hold membership in the Lutheran church and are people of the highest respectability, enjoying in unlimited measure the esteem and good will of all who know them.  Mr. Williams votes with the republican party, believing that its principles embody the best ideas of good government, and he is connected with the Grange.  He owes his success in life almost entirely to his own efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been a helpmate to him and now they are in comfortable financial circumstances with a pleasant home and valuable property, while their financial resources justify the enjoyment of all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 809

JUDGE JOHN AMERICUS WILLIAMS, a lawyer of Roseville, is numbered among the native sons of Perry county, Ohio, his birth having occurred at Bristol, in 1852.  His grandfather, William Williams, was a native of Connecticut and there is a tradition in the family that he is a descendant of William Williams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  The grandfather was a New England schoolteacher who removed from Connecticut to Virginia and engaged in teaching near Roanoke and Winchester, that state.  At an early day, about 1835, he came to Ohio and also taught school in this state.
     Our subject’s father, Levi K. Williams, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, in 1813, and removed from the Old Dominion to Zanesville, Ohio, in 1834.  He afterward studied medicine and on leaving Zanesville took up his abode at Oakfield, Perry county, where he engaged in practice for a number of years.  Later he went to Bristol, where he had a very extensive practice, but this made too great demands upon his strength and he removed to Roseville, where he died the year after, passing away in 1860.  In early manhood he married Rachel Jennings, a daughter of Daniel Jennings, who came from Virginia to Ohio about 1834, also settling in Zanesville, but later removing to Mount Sterling.  He was a native of Massachusetts and had gone to Virginia when a young man.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born three children: Columbus L., a member of the Williams, Adair Merchandise Company, at Columbus, Ohio; William Calvin, who died in 1874; and John A.  The father was a whig in early life and upon the dissolution of that party joined the ranks of the new republican party.  His career as a practitioner was a very useful one to his fellowmen, his ability enabling him to do much for those who needed his services.
     John A. Williams was educated in the public schools and afterward engaged in teaching for twenty years, serving as superintendent of the schools of Roseville for a number of years and organizing the graded school system here.  In the meantime he began heading law and was long qualified for the profession before he sought admission to the bar in 1894.  Previous to this time, however, he did a vast amount of legal business and since his admission he has been practicing with success in Roseville.  In his earlier years, however, he was identified for a brief period with journalistic interests.  In 1881 he established the Roseville Times, which he conducted until his removal to Zanesville, the following year.  There he became one of the editors of the Signal, remaining in Zanesville for three years.  He is now giving his undivided attention to his law practice and has always been a close student of the principles of jurisprudence and the correctness of their application to the points in litigation.  Mr. Williams’ logical grasp of facts and of law applicable to them, as well as his untiring industry and principles, have been some of the most potent elements in his success.  In the argument of a case he exhibits a remarkable clearness of expression, an adequate and precise diction, which enables him to make others understand not only the salient points of his argument but also to dearly understand the very fine analytical distinctions which differentiate one legal principle from another.
     In 1872 Mr. Williams was married to Miss Alice Dunn, who was born in Roseville in 1857, a daughter of William Dunn, an attorney, who practiced for a number of years at the Roseville bar and for more than forty years held the office of justice of the peace.  Mr. and Mrs. Williams had five children: Herman C., who is editor and proprietor of the Roseville Review; Arthur O., the eastern representative of the J. W. McCoy Pottery Company of Roseville; John, an attorney of Oklahoma; Myrll, who is directress of the musical department at Shepherds College, at Shepherdstown, West Virginia; and Nellie, at home.  The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Williams belongs to the Masonic fraternity.  Prominent locally in political circles, he is a stanch advocate of democratic principles and has several times served as both village and township clerk.  He has also been justice of the peace and a member of the board of education for several years.  He was a member of the first county board of elections, served as postmaster under Grover Cleveland and in educational and church affairs he takes a deep and helpful interest.
     Mr. Williams would doubtless have succeeded in politics, but he has been too busy as a lawyer to take an active part in public affairs.  His views upon questions of public policy are very pronounced, however, and his influence may always be counted upon in behalf of good government and the advancement of the interests of the whole people.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 581

HERMAN C. WILLIAMS, publisher and proprietor of the Roseville Review, was born in Zanesville in 1874 and is a son of John A. Williams, a well known attorney of Roseville.  His education was pursued in the public schools of the latter place and after putting aside his text books he entered upon his business career as a clerk in the general mercantile store of J. W. McCoy.  There he continued for about eight years, after which he went upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing a tobacco house for two years.  On the 18th of March, 1896, he founded the Roseville Review, which is an eight-page folio weekly paper, published in the interests of the democratic party and with a circulation of fifteen hundred.  It is the best advertising medium in the county outside of the papers published in Zanesville and Mr. Williams is now publisher and proprietor.  He also has one of the finest job departments that can be found in a country town of Ohio, having a stereotyping outfit, and he does all the job printing for the large pottery concerns of J. W. McCoy and Ransbottom Brothers  In connection with the printing establishment he also conducts a book and art store.  He is also a director in the Premium Merchandise Company, of Roseville, and his business affairs thus closely connect him with the commercial progress of his town.
     In 1896 Mr. Williams was married to Miss Ida Emerine, a daughter of Henry Emerine, who was a farmer by occupation.  Mrs. Williams was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1874, and by this marriage there are four children, namely:  Mignon, Mildred, Margaret and Frederick.  Mr. Williams is a member of the Presbyterian church, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal society.  In his fraternal relations he is a Knight of Pythias and Mason and in his political views is a democrat.  He has been clerk of the corporation of Roseville and has always been actively identified with his party work, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and insure its success.  He is now serving as a member of the county democratic committee and has been secretary of the county executive committee.  His interest is that of a public-spirited citizen, alive to the issues of the day, to the needs of the county and the possibilities of accomplishment and to every movement which he deems of public benefit he gives tangible support.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 838

JOHN S. WILSON, who is engaged in breeding fine stock and also carries on general agricultural pursuits in Meigs township, was born Dec. 15, 1850, on the farm adjoining the one where he now resides.  His father, William Wilson, was born May 20, 1812, in Ireland and was of Scotch-Irish lineage.  He became a resident of Pennsylvania at a very early age and acquired his education in one of the old-time log schoolhouse there.  At an early period in the development of Ohio he removed from Pennsylvania to the Buckeye state and afterward he made several trips from Ohio to Baltimore on foot, driving a herd of cattle from this locality to market.  On reaching Muskingum county he entered land from the government, as did his brother Samuel, who likewise secured a tract of one hundred and sixty acres.  These quarter sections adjoined and they erected a common cabin on the division line, in which they lived for several years together.  The Wilsons are an old family of Meigs township and their descendants to-day are among the most prominent and influential people of the community.  For many years William Wilson carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-dealing, conducting a successful business.  He passed away Apr. 4, 1892, when he had almost reached the age of eighty years, and his remains were interred in Blue Rock cemetery.  He married Jennie Starret, a daughter of James Starrett, and her death occurred Nov. 14, 1896.  They were the parents of the following children: Sarah J., William G. and William, all of whom died in infancy; Elizabeth J.; Mary A.; Samuel; David A.; Willis; and John S.
     Upon the old family homestead where his birth occurred John S. Wilson spent the days of his boyhood and youth.  He was early trained to the work of the farm and he followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life, being now the owner of two hundred acres of very fine and valuable fanning land in Meigs township.  Here he carries on the raising of grain and stock and each department of his business is proving profitable owing to his careful management, executive ability and unfailing enterprise.  He has become one of the wealthy men of his township, having a valuable property and in the midst of his farm stands a fine residence. In the rear of this are commodious and substantial barns and outbuildings and he gives much attention to the breeding of fine stock, the sale of which adds materially to his income.  His business affairs are capably managed and he is regarded as a man thoroughly reliable, so that his name has become a synonym for integrity in business circles.
     On the 15th of March, 1883, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Philena Brothers, of Blue Rock township, a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Smith) Brothers, who were prominent farming people of that locality.  Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have become the parents of three sons and a daughter: William A., Charles S., Owen N. and Bessie J.
     Mr. Wilson is a republican in his political views, interested in the growth and success of his party, yet never seeking or desiring office, as he prefers to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with signal prosperity.  He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family and his personal worth alike entitles him to representation in this volume.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 689

THOMAS HARVEY WILSON, a representative of agricultural interests of Highland township, was born on the place which is yet his home, July 11, 1845.  His father, Hugh Wilson, was born in Allegheny county Pennsylvania, June 11 1800, and in that state was married, on the 25th of January, 1827, to Miss Mary Nichols, whose birth occurred in Allegheny county, on the 19th of MArch, 1809.  They removed from the Keystone state to Ohio in 1836, and took up their abode on a farm which is now owned and occupied by Thomas H. Wilson.  They purchased the place from Casper Fell and John Hart, the farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres.  At the time it came into possession of Hugh Wilson the taxes, both real and personal, amounted  to less than five dollars.  The farm had been entered by John Hart and the patent granted May 20, 1828...  Mr. Wilson of this review now has in his possession the old original patent granted by the government and also his first tax receipts of 1846, representing an amount of six dollars and twenty cents upon both real and personal property.
     Hugh Wilson was a pioneer farmer of the county, assisting very materially in the early development and progress, and for many years his labors proved of direct benefit in the upbuilding and advancement of his part of the state.  His farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres of land and he carried on agricultural pursuits and also did carpentering.  He voted with the whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party and was well known as one of its local leaders.  He served both as justice of the peace and school director and he was a member of the Associate Reform church, while his wife held membership in the Presbyterian church.  His death occurred Sept. 11, 1880, and Mrs. Wilson passed away in Illinois, on the 14th of July, 1887.  They were the parents of ten children, of whom five are yet living, namely:  Rebecca Spicer, a resident of Colorado; Mrs. Sarah J. McBride, of Illinois; Mrs. Elizabeth R. Pyles, who is living in that state; Mrs. Lucinda Bennett, of New Concord, Ohio; and Thomas H.  Two brothers are now deceased: Samuel N., who died while serving with the Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, was for three years a member of the Union Army and then re-enlisted.  James G. served for three years with the Eighty-third Illinois infantry and died after the close of the war.
     Thomas Harvey Wilson attended the common schools in his boyhood days and always assisted his father in the operation of the home farm during his youth.  At the time of the Civil war, however, he responded to the country’s call for aid, enlisting on the 2d of May, 1864, when in his eighteenth year.  He became a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment of Ohio Infantry, with which he remained for three months, participating in several skirmishes and in the movements of the Army of the Potomac there.  He then returned to his old home and resumed agricultural pursuits and has always resided upon the old homestead farm.  Here he now owns one hundred and sixty acres of very rich and arable land, well improved with modern buildings and all accessories.  The place is devoted to general farming and stock-raising, his specialty being cattle and sheep, and in the control of his interests he displays excellent business ability and executive force.
        On the 23d of January, 1868, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Matilda G. Thompson, who was born Feb. 12, 1847, in Highland township, and is a daughter of Robert and Nancy (Guthrie) Thompson, who came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio, about 1838.  Her father was a farmer and stonemason and owned one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cleared and cultivated, transforming it into a productive farm.  He had two sons and ten daughters and all of the daughters resided near the home of Mr. Wilson until 1895, while seven of the number are yet living.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born nine children: Samuel T., who was born Dec. 4, 1868, is a carpenter living at Wood River, Nebraska; Frank, born Dec. 12, 1870, is engaged in the dairy business in Mercer county, Illinois.  Cary E., born Feb. 1, 1873, wedded Mary Miller and lives in Phelps county, Nebraska, where he follows farming; Charles B., born Apr. 8, 1875, is a farmer at Wood River, Nebraska; Hugh E., born Mar. 6, 1877, follows farming in the same locality.  Clyde E., born Apr. 21, 1882, Jane B., born Nov. 7, 1883, Lillie P., born Sept. 12, 1886, and James Harvey, born Sept. 18, 1888, are all at home.
     Mr. Wilson is a republican and has served as township trustee for several years, while for twoyears he was also assessor.  He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian church at Bloomfield, and he is interested in the political material, intellectual and moral improvement of the county giving his support and co-operation to many movements for advancement along those lines.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 570

WILLIAM C. WILSON, now well advanced in years, having passed the eight-first milestone on life's journey, is one of the oldest native sons of Muskingum county still living within its borders, his birth having occurred here Oct. 25, 1823.  His parents were Mathew and Nancy (Courtney) Wilson. The father came from Pennsylvania to Muskingum county and was married in Zanesville about 1820.  He was a farmer by occupation and purchased a tract of land on Irish ridge, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, to the development and improvement of which he directed his energies up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1862.  His wife died about 1860.
     William C. Wilson, the eldest in their family of nine chidren, pursued his education in one of the old-time log schools which were common at that day upon the frontier and although his educational privileges were somewhat limited his training at farm labor was not meagre and through experience, reading and observation in later years he added largely to his knowledge.  He worked upon the home farm until he was twenty-five years of age, when he purchased a tract of land of one hundred acres in Coshocton county, Ohio, living thereon for forty years.  During all that period he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits, tilling the soil and cultivating the fields until annually he gathered good crops as a reward of his labors.  In 1888, however, lie sold the old home farm and bought sixty-two and a half acres of land in Jackson township, one mile north of Frazeysburg.  Upon this farm he yet resides.
     In 1844 occurred the marriage of William C. Wilson and Miss Mary Prior, who was born in July, 1824, and is a daughter of Frederick Prior, of Muskingum county.  They became the parents of three children of whom one died in infancy.  Nancy is the widow of Homer Stanmates and resides in Frazeysburg.  She has three sons, all married.  Mathew Wilson, who was born in 1850, married Miss Beck McCain, of Coshocton county, Ohio, by whom he has two sons, and he is now proprietor of a hotel in Newark, this state.
     Mr. Wilson votes with the democracy, having long given his political support to the party as he deems the planks of its platform to be most in harmony with the principles of good government. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his life work has been in harmony with its teachings so that his career has been honorable and straightforward and in all his dealings with his fellow men there has been nothing that has reflected discredit upon his character.  He is to-day one of the oldest native sons of the county, having for more than eight decades witnessed the changes that have occurred here as the log cabins have been replaced with substantial farm residences, the hamlets have grown into thriving towns and cities and the work of improvement has been carried forward along all lines of benefit to man.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 503

SIMEON McDOWELL WINN.  Ohio has always been distinguished by its high rank of bench and bar and even in smaller towns of the state there may always be found one or more representatives of the profession who are capable of crossing swords with leading representatives of the fraternity.  Zanesville has reason to be proud of a number of her lawyers, prominent among whom is Simeon McDowell Winn, whose careful preparation for practice, strong mentality and devotion to his client's interests have gained him prominence as one of the skilled lawyers of the central section of the state.  He was born near Adamsville, in Muskingum county, Jan. 27, 1862.  The Winn family is of Welsh lineage and was established in Virginia at an early age.
     Dolphin Winn, the father, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1810, and was brought to Muskingum county in 1823 by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Winn.  His mother in her maidenhood was Miss Russell.  The family was established in Perry township, and there Dolphin Winn was reared, assisting in his boyhood days in the arduous task of developing a new farm.  The occupation with which he became familiar in his youth he made his life work and as the years advanced developed a tract of land into a very productive and valuable farm.  He voted with the democratic party and filled the office of justice of the peace.  His church relationship was with the Baptists.  He married Catherine Jordan, who was born near Steubenville, Ohio, Mar. 20, 1817, and was a daughter of Caleb Jordan, a farmer, who came to Muskingum county in 1817 from Steubenville, although he had originally lived in Baltimore.  Mrs. Winn was of English lineage and like her husband a member of the Baptist church, having joined that denomination when fourteen years of age.  Mr. Winn passed away in September, 1885, and his wife died Dec. 31, 1902.  They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom nine reached adult age; Robert J., of Judsonia, Arkansas, who was a member of the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry with which he served for four years, and three months, taking part in a number of important engagements, while for some time he was in Andersonville prison; Martha, deceased; Fairman S., an attorney at Perry, Oklahoma; Elizabeth A., the wife of S. A. Conway, of Troy, Kansas; Margaret, twin sister of Elizabeth now deceased; John A., deceased, who ran away from home and enlisted in the Union army during the last year of the war, after which he fought the Indians on the plains of the west as a member of the regular army and died in 1889; Hattie A., the widow of George Z. T. Walters and a resident of Washington township, this county; Harvey M., a farmer living near Wathena, Kansas; and Harman R. a butcher and stock buyer of  Zanesville.
     Simeon M. Winn pursued his education in the Milligan school in his native township and in Adamsville school, after which he engaged in teaching for three years.  During the last year he also pursued the study of law under the direction of Frank H. Southard, with whom he continued his reading for three years.  He was admitted to the bar at Columbus on the 5th of October, 1886, and began practice at Zanesville.  On the 1st of July 1892, he formed a partnership with William S. O'Neal, which relation was maintained for three years, and later he became a partner of Charles C. Lamert, with whom he continued until Mr. Lemert was chosen to the office of prosecuting attorney on the 1st of January, 1899.  Mr. Winn has since been alone in practice.  He, too, has served as prosecuting attorney, having been elected to that office in 1887 and re-elected in 1890.  He has been very successful at the bar and among the prominent cases which he tried was the telephone case which was taken to the supreme court.  Mr. Winn gaining a favorable verdict for his clients in all his contentions.  His case was first lost in the supreme court but on the motion for a re-argument he won.  He has always been a hard student and his ability as a lawyer is recognized as of the highest order.  His successful defense and acquittal of Elizabeth Honnold for murder, early gained him fame.  He was admitted to practice in the united States court in 1891, and the circuit court of appeals and in the United States supreme court in 1895.  He has tried cases in twenty-six states of the Union.  His success as a practitioner came soon because his equipment was unusually good.  Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer - a keen, rapid, logical mind plus the business sense, and a ready capacity for hard work - he brought to the starting point of his legal career rare gifts, eloquent language and a strong personality.  An excellent presence, and earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law, and the ability to accurately apply its principles are factors in Mr. Winn's effectiveness as an advocate.
     Aside from his law practice Mr. Winn figures prominently in business circles, being financially interested in a number of important enterprises.  He is a stockholder in the J. B. Owens Pottery Company, and an extensive stockholder in the Granville Natural Gas, Fuel & Light Company, acting as its president until about a year ago, while he is now vice president and general counsel.  He is also a stockholder in the Zanesville Telephone & Telegraph Company and the New Concord Telephone Company, and a stockholder, director and general counsel for the Adamsville Telephone Company.  He has similar connections with the Gilbert Telephone Company and with the Crooksville Telephone Company.
     Fraternally Mr. Winn is connected with Mechanics lodge, No. 114, I. O. O. F., in which he is past exalted ruler, and has filled all of the Ohio Bar Association, having served on its executive committee for eight years.  He is likewise a member of the Baptist church, and his political support is given to the democracy.  He keeps well informed on all the questions and issues of the day, whether political or other wise, and is a man of broad mind and wide outlook, who recognizes possibilities and at the same time has so utilized his opportunities in the business world as to win success, while in no manner neglectful of his professional duties he has continually advanced to a position prominent in the ranks of the legal fraternity of Muskingum county.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 404