Zacharia Adams

Zacharia Adams, son of Littleton Adams, was born in Faquier county, Virginia, but was reared to manhood in Madison township, Muskingum county, Ohio. He managed to acquire a good education for those days and when a young man engaged in teaching school. He was one of the early justices of the peace and also served as sheriff of Muskingum county in pioneer times when it required a brave and resolute man to fill that position. He was also prominent and influential in military circles and he served as a colonel in the old militia. He was active in political affairs, possessed much influence and was well known throughout the county. His power was always exercised in behalf of improvement, progress and upbuilding and his efforts therefore proved of much value to his locality. When he was about forty years of age his health failed him and he took a six-months sea voyage to Cuba. He was married late in life to Miss Harriet Williams, who was born in Milford, Clermont county, Ohio, a daughter of Dr. William Williams of that county, who was one of the leading citizens at the early day. Dr. Williams was born in Pennsylvania about 1791 and coming to this state entered upon the practice of medicine in a frontier district, his professional labors demanding that he take long drives through inclement weather and meet hardships and discomforts in practicing the healing art. He died on Clermont county at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Zachariah Adams passed away at the age of sixty-two years. He was a man of marked individuality, constantly broadening his knowledge through reading and study and his love of books was indicated by the extensive library which he accumulated. He always kept informed on all matters of church and state and was thoroughly conversant with the great issues before the country. In early life he gave his political allegiance to the whig party and later was a stanch republican. He was bitterly opposed to slavery, becoming a stanch advocate of abolition principles, and was a firm supporter of the government at the time of the Civil war. He was also regarded as one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal church in his community and he held the offices of steward, trustee and class leader. He died at the age of sixty-two years, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was fearless in conduct, loyal to the right and a recognized champion of everything that he believed would contribute to the general good or to the welfare of the community. As his fame spread abroad his children find that his name was a passport wherever he was known. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Zachariah Adams were born the following named children: Martha and Anna, now deceased; George C.; Euphemia, deceased; Virginia; Howard; Thomas; and William, who is living in Zanesville.

Source: J. Hope Sutor, Past and Present of the City of Zanesville and Muskingum County, Ohio: Together with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Leading and Prominent Citizens and Illustrious Dead (Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1905), pages 324-325; digital images, Google, Google Books.

Littleton Adams

Littleton Adams, was a pioneer settler of Muskingum county, coming from Fauquier county, Virginia, about 1797 or 1798. Few were the settlers who had located here and the district seemed cut off from all the comforts and conveniences of the older east but he concentrated his energies upon the establishment of a home and assisted materially in the early development and upbuilding of the county. He followed the occupation of farming and eventually gained a comfortable competence. He made his journey to Ohio in a wagon drawn by six horses and was accompanied by his family, consisting of his wife and nine children, namely: George, Zachariah, John, Benjamin, Samuel, Littleton, Alfred, Maria and Julia. Maria, who was the second in order of birth in the family, carried her brother Zachariah in her arms, while riding a horse across the Allegheny mountains. Littleton Adams settled in Madison township upon land he secured from the government and which he cleared and converted into a fine farm. There he lived for many years eventually passing away at a ripe old age. He took very active interest in politics, giving his support to the whig party. He served his country in the war of 1812, being a paymaster in the army.

Source: J. Hope Sutor, Past and Present of the City of Zanesville and Muskingum County, Ohio: Together with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Leading and Prominent Citizens and Illustrious Dead (Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1905), page 324; digital images, Google, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/Past_and_Present_of_the_City_of_Zanesvil/LdgyAQAAMAAJ?hl=en

Lightening Strikes Straw Ricks Dresden Paper Mill

Spectacular Blaze Threatens Large Section of City – Aid Sent From Here

DRESDEN, O. June 6 (1923) – Fire which threatened to entirely destroy the Dresden paper mill on South Main street, broke out about 9:30 o’clock Wednesday night when lightning struck the straw ricks near the main building of the plant during a severe electrical storm.

The straw, being very inflammable, was quickly a mass of fire. The flames spread rapidly and for a time it was feared the entire paper mill as well as several residences across the street might be destroyed. Two hose carts of the Dresden fire department were called into service and about half the residents of the city turned out to fight the flames.

An emergency call was sent to Zanesville for aid. The Abington avenue truck and crew, together with Fire Chief Hal Tanner, left this city about 10:30 for Dresden to aid in the efforts to extinguish the fire. Information at a late hour was to the effect that the flames were fairly under control.

It was estimated that the damage would amount to several thousands of dollars as many tons of straw were consumed by the fire. It is understood that loss is partly covered by insurance.

The residence of Thomas Stanley, near the paper mill, was also struck by lightning during the storm. It was ignited, but the flames were extinguished without much damage after a part of the floor had been torn up. So far as could be learned, no other buildings had been struck by lightning, although the storm damage will amount to considerable.

SOURCE: The Times Recorder, 7 Jun 1923