USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 56
USA > Ohio > Trumbull County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 56
USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 56
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
He was first married in 1843, to Ann Irwin, who died in 1846, leaving one child, James D. Gibson. He was married a second time, June 11, 1847, to Nancy J. Gault, a daugh- ter of Major James Gault of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Major Gault was of Scotch- Irish descent, and was a prominent man in luis community, serving many years as Justice of the Peace. There were eight children born of this second marriage, six of whom lived to mature years: William T., whose name heads this sketelı, Benjamin, Robert A., Harry G., Minnie A. and Ella G. Gibson. In politics Samuel Gibson is an ardent Democrat. He has witnessed the develop- ment of the Buckeye State from a wild wilder- ness into one of the most fertile and popu- lous members of the Union, and is deserving
465
OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.
of that portion of credit due every pioneer who has endured the hardships and priva- tions of the frontier.
William T. Gibson received his literary education in the Rayen school of Youngstown and the Western Reserve College, from which he was graduated in 1876; he began the study of law under the direction of Judge Arrel of Youngstown, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1878. He has since been en- gaged in the practice of his profession, and has met with gratifying success. He is well read in the law, and is a thorough student of the code of his State and the constitution of the United States. He is highly re- spected by his brothers of the bar, and enjoys the confidence of the entire community.
A BRAM VAN WYE, a farmer of Weathersfield township, Trumbull county, was born on the place where lie still resides, November 19, 1845, a son of Charles and Catherine (Draper) Van Wye. The mother was a daughter of Elihu and Ra- chel (Dunlap) Draper, prominent and early settlers of this township. Charles Van Wye was a son of Abram Van Wye, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1797, and his father, Arthur Van Wye, was a native of New Jersey, of Holland Dutch descent. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Arthur came to Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1806, and died in middle life. His widow afterward married and went to Indiana, where she subsequently died. Abram Van Wye was reared in Washington county, Pennsylvania. He was there married to Charity, a daughter of Jolin and Lydia (Wright) Laird, early settlers of that county. In 1834 Mr. and Mrs. Van Wye came to Trumbull county,
Ohio, where the former died in 1854, at the age of fifty-seven years. His widow departed this life several years afterward, dying at the old home farm in Weathersfield township. They had twelve children: Charles, John, Lydia, Mary, Catherine, Nancy, Amanda, Darthula, Elmira, Sabina, William and Joseph. William was a soldier in the Seventh Ohio Infantry during the late war, and was killed at Ringgold, Georgia. The par- ents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Charles and Catherine Van Wye had eight children,-four now living,- Abram, William, George and John. The deccased children were; Elihu, Alice May, Charles and Kittie. The mother died in 1873, and the father in 1886, at the age of sixty-six years. He was a farmer by occupation, having left a good farm of 360 acres at his death; was a Republican in his political views, and was a member of the Disciples Church.
Abram Van Wye, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in this county. February 27, 1864, he enlisted in the late war, entering the Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, and served twenty-one months. He participated in the battles of New Hope Church, Pickett's Mills, Kenesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Frank- lin and Nashville. During his service he contracted catarrh of the throat, from which he has never fully recovered. Mr. Van Wye now owns eighty-seven acres of fine farming land, where he has all the conveniences necessary for a well regulated place,
In 1868 he was united in marriage with Sarah Leach, a daughter of Benjamin Leaclı, a prominent citizen of Trumbull county. Mr. and Mrs. Van Wye have three children: Warren Il., Frank R. and Anna M. In political matters our subject affiliates with
466
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
the Republican. party, and socially is a mem- ber of the G. A. R., McPherson Post, No. 16, of Niles. Both he and his wife are members of the Disciples Church, in which he is a Deacon.
FRANK MERRILL, a farmer of Newton township, Trumbull county, Olio, was born at this place, January 10, 1854. Of his life and ancestry we pre- sent the following sketch:
Luman H. Merrill, the grandfather of L. Frank, was born in Connecticut, and came to Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1830, first set- tling in Braceville township. About four years later he came to Newton township and bought a few acres of wild land. Here he built a log cabin, cleared np a farm, and died in 1863, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife, whose maiden name was Abigail Johnson, was born in Connectient, and died on the old farm in this township in Novem- ber, 1863, aged sixty-nine years. They had two children, Auren B., the father of our sub- ject, and Lauren C. They also had one daughter, who died early in life.
Auren B. Merrill was a Whig until the birth of the Republican party, and after that he was identified with it. He was a man of local prominence, tilling many of the township offices, such as Justice of the Peace, Trustee, and County Commissioner. His brother, Lauren C., also took a commend- able interest in public affairs, and was prom- inently identified with the history of this county. They were associated together in their business undertakings, making a spe- cialty of stock-raising and also carrying on farming extensively. During the war Auren B. was largely instrumental in securing the
location of the railroad at Newton Falls, this road being then known as the Lake Erie & Alliance Railroad. He was one of the first directors of the road. Of him, the subject of our sketch says: "My father would always put his shoulder to the wheel of any enter- prise that was for the good of the county;" and all who knew Mr. Merrill will verify the statement. Auren B. Merrill was married May 26, 1846, to Clara Tribby, who was born in Brookfield township, this county. Her parents, George and Lydia Tribby, were natives respectively of New Jersey and Rhode Island. Her father died at the age of thirty- six years, and her mother lived to be eighty- four. They were among the earliest settlers of Brookfield township.
L. Frank Merrill was reared on his father's farm, and was educated in the best schools the county afforded. He was married De- cember 20, 1881, to Miss Amanda Erwin, who was born in Newton township, this county, daughter of Henry and Eliza Jane Erwin. She is one of a family of three children. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill have two children: Manta, born October 11, 1883, and Auren B., September 11, 1887. They also lost one child. Mr. Merrill's mother makes her home with her son, his father having passed away some years ago.
After his marriage Mr. Merrill brought his bride to the old farm which his grandfather had bought at an early day, and which has already been referred to. At his grand- father's death this land passed into the hands of his two sons and was held in com- mon by them all their lives. At the death of his father and uncle, L. Frank, being the only heir, came into possession of the estate, a fine tract of land, comprising about 800 acres. Six hundred and seventy acres of this land are in Newton township, and the rest is
467
OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.
located near Windham. Auren B. Merrill began the erection of a fine residence on the home farm, but died before its completion. The house was subsequently burned down and the subject of our sketch rebuilt it, and now has a comfortable and attractive home. He carries on farming on a large scale and gives special attention to the breeding and raising of fine horses. He also buys and sells a large amount of stock.
Mr. Merrill has been a Republican ever since he has been a voter, and he has served as Trustee of Newton township.
G. BUTLER, JR .- One of the names which is destined to go down to pos- terity connected with the industrial iron world is that of J. G. Butler, whose energy and enterprise have greatly aided in the upbuilding of Youngstown and the entire Mahoning valley. It is to such men as he that the great corporations which are now in so prosperous a condition here owe their suc- cess, and it is proper that a record, however short, be preserved of the life of so impor- tant a factor in the city's history.
Mr. Butler is a native of the Keystone State, having been born in Mercer county, that State, December 21, 1840, a son of J. G. and Temperance (Orwig) Butler, both natives of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Prior to leaving Pennsylvania in 1842, the father of our subject was connected with the iron works in Mercer county, and pursued the same business in Trumbull county, but re- tired from active business several years ago, having attained the advanced age of eighty years, his wife being seventy-seven years old. After coming to Ohio Mr. Butler was elected
Sheriff of Trumbull county, from 1861 to 1865, in which capacity he served his con- stituents most acceptably.
Coming to Illinois with his parents in 1842, our subject has remained here ever since, gradually rising from the bottom of the ladder to the topmost rung, from which prond eminence he can now look back with pride upon the weary ascent. In 1863 he removed to Youngstown and engaged in the iron works of Brown, Bonnell & Co., repre- senting Hale & Ayer, large owners in the enterprise, with whom he remained until 1866, when he became partner in the Girard Iron Company, of Girard, Ohio, with Governor David Tod, William Ward and William Richards, and continned this associ- ation until 1878, when he became the general manager of the Briar Hill Iron and Coal Company, in which capacity he has continued ever since. He is also interested in the Ohio Steel Company, of which he is vice-presi- dent, which will employ more than 1,000 operatives, and is president of the Bessemer Limestone Company, which company was in- corporated April 26, 1888, with a capital stock of $60,000, the following officers being elected: J. G. Butler, President; Charles M. Crook, Secretary and Treasurer; and J. D. Shilling, Superintendent. The company at present operates three distinct quarries, which now have an annual output of 250,000 tons, which could be increased to nearly double that amount if necessary, and at pres- ent 150 operatives are employed. He is also president of the Mahoning and Shenango Valley Iron Manufacturers' Association and a member of the British Iron and Steel In- stitnte.
The marriage of Mr. Butler occurred in 1866, when he was united with Miss Harriet V. Ingersoll, a daughter of Jonathan Inger-
468
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
soll, a Lieutenant in the United States Navy and a resident of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Three children have been born of this mar- riage, namely: Blanche, wife of E. L. Ford, superintendent of the Youngstown Steel Company, a resident of the city; Grace, wife of Arthur MeGraw, cashier of Park, Davis & Co., a resident of Detroit; and Henry A., a graduate of the Rayen public school, now at- tending Harvard University. Mrs. Butler and her children are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, in which body they are esteemed and valued factors.
Having devoted his entire life to the pur- snit of this particular line of business, Mr. Butler is an authority upon all matters per- taining to iron, and the honorable methods upon which he has always conducted all his transactions have commended him to the favor and patronage of a large circle of friends, while to his energy and foresight is due much of the prosperity of the mammoth concerns with which he is connected. Possess- ing the qualifications necessary to success, combined with the strictest sense of honor, Mr. Butler has won for himself the confi- dence of all with whom he has had busi- ness relations, and he is most justly regarded as a leading and representative exponent of the great iron interests of Youngstown and tlie Mahoning valley. Although not active in political matters, he is a strong Repub- lican, and embraces every opportunity to further the interests of that organization. His home, which is a model of elegance and refinement, contains the finest private collec- tion of paintings in the State, Mr. Butler being an authority on the fine arts, and the exquisite taste displayed in its furnishings and appointments render it one of the finest residences in the entire city. Mr. Butler
is a man of whom it would be difficult to say too much in praise, as he possesses all the qualities which make a noble and perfect man, while his pleasant, genial manner and address have gained for him friends wher- ever he is known. To such men as Mr. Butler is due the prosperity of a community, and Youngstown has reason to congratulate itself upon its good fortune in possessing so public-spirited and enterprising a citizen within its limits as J. G. Butler.
RA SMITH, one of the successful busi- I
ness men of New Springfield, Mahoning county, Ohio, was born here in the year 1858, son of Jesse and Sophia Smith, both natives of this township. His father was born in 1818, and is a carpenter and joiner by trade. He gives his vote and influence with the Prohibition party, and is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had a family of six children. Of them we make the following brief record: Ephraim, the oldest, served three years in the Civil war; Molly is the wife of Simon Runnel; Man- nassa married M. May, and is a resident of New Springfield, Ohio; Myra resides with her uncle; Sadie is the wife of D. S. Pfau; and Ira, the youngest, is the subject of this sketelı.
Ira Smith learned the trade of tinner in early life, which trade he followed for seven- teen years. In 1889, he engaged in the mercantile business, has since been dealing groceries, medicine and hardware, and holds a prominent place among the business men of the town.
Mr. Smith was married in 1885, to Miss Ida May Jamison, of New Waterford, Ohio. She is one of a family of six children of T. E.
469
OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.
Jamison, a well-to-do farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: Jessie, born in 1886; Nora M., in 1889; and Forest, in 1893. He and his wife are members of the Evan- gelical Church.
Politically, Mr. Smith affiliates with the Republican party; fraternally, with the Jr. O. U. A. M.
In connection with the history of Mr. Smith's parents, it should be further stated that his mother died in 1874, aged fifty-four years.
OHN F. EICHHORN, of Boardman township, Mahoning county, Ohio, was one of the first Germans to settle in this part of the county. He landed here with- ont means, and to-day he is in well-to-do cir- cumstances. Of his life we make the follow- ing brief record :
John F. Eichhorn was born in Germany, June 17, 1830, and came to America in 1853, first settling in Youngstown, Ohio. He worked at his trade there, that of shoemaker, for one and one half years, and in 1861 moved to Coitsville. In 1871 he came to Boardman township, and bought the Elliott farm, seventy acres, upon which he lived four years. He then sold that property and bought his present farm, 120 acres, all avail- able farming land. He raises a diversity of crops, and also runs a dairy.
Mr. Eichhorn was married 1852, to Barbara Bartline, and they have two children: Eliza- beth, wife of M. Burrows; and Mary, wife of John Kistoler. Mr. Eichhorn has two grandsons living with them, John B. Kistoler and Robert Kistoler. Mr. Eichhorn's parents came to America in 1871, and his mother died here December 15, 1891, aged eighty-
six years. His father is also a shoemaker by trade. John F. is their only child.
Ever since he located here Mr. Eichhorn has affiliated with the Democratic party. He served as Supervisor four years. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in which they are earnest and active workers.
N ELSON CRANDALL, a most worthy and highly respected citizen of Youngs- town, Ohio, has resided in this city for fifty years and more, and is en- titled to the space accorded him in this his- tory. He was born in Chenango county, New York, January 4, 1826, a son of Israel and Permelia (Cook) Crandall, also natives of the Empire State. His father was a wagon- maker by trade, and also followed agricultur- al pursuits. He emigrated to Ohio in 1856, and here passed the remainder of his days; he was an old soldier in the war of 1812, and at the time of his death was the oldest mem- ber of the Masonic order in the State of Ohio. He died in 1871 at the age of ninety- five years; his wife died at the age of seventy years. There were born to them a family of nine children, three of whom are now living: Mrs. Abigail Percival, died August 16, 1893; Joseph C., Mary and Nelson, the sub- ject of this sketch.
When a lad of eleven years Nelson Cran- dall came to Youngstown, Ohio; he attended school and during his leisure hours clerked in the store of his brother-in-law, Francis Barclay; he was employed as clerk for a num- ber of years, and then went to Girard, Ohio, where he embarked in the dry-goods trade under the firm name of William S. Crawford & Crandall; this business was carried on suc- cessfully for four years, and then came a fire
470
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
which destroyed their stock, causing heavy loss. Mr. Crandall then entered the office of Governor Tod as bookkeeper and weigh- master, remaining until the coal vein was ex- hausted. He then went to Briar Hill, and for twenty-eight years was bookkeeper for one of the large furnace companies; he re- tired in 1883, and since that time has not been actively engaged in business; he owns an interest in the furnaces at Briar Hill, which he acquired some years ago.
Mr. Crandall was united in marriage, Feb- ruary 18, 1851, to Miss Saralı Stainbaugh, a daughter of John Stambangh, whose history appears on another page of this volume. Of this union four children were born: Julia died at the age of two and a half years; J. Ford; Arabella is a teacher in the Art School of Cleveland, Ohio; Charles N. is engaged in business at Briar Hill. The mother died at the age of forty-eight years, June 1, 1877. She was a most estimable woman, greatly be- loved for her many admirable qualities.
The political issues of the day claim but little attention from Mr. Crandall, but he never neglects his duty as an American citi- zen, depositing his vote with faithful regular- ity; he affiliates with the Republican party. He has witnessed the growth and progress of Youngstown from the time it was a strag- gling hamlet until now, and is well-known throughout the thriving city as a man of sterling worth and unquestioned integrity.
H OWARD B. HILLS, M. D., Yonngs- town, Ohio, is one of the leading specialists of the State, and is held in high esteem by his medical brethren. He is a native of the State, born at Cincin- nati, June 29, 1849, a son of Townsend and
Eliza (Cochran) Hills; the father was born in Hartford, Connecticut, March 6, 1808, and the mother in Abington, Virginia, Novem- ber 8, 1822; they were united in marriage in 1839. Townsend Hills was a man of excel- lent business qualifications, and accumulated a handsome competence; he was at the head of the firm of Eckstein, Hills & Company, manufacturers of white lead, Cincinnati, Ohio; they were the oldest and most impor- tant dealers in this line west of the Alleghany mountains. Mr. Hills was a member of the New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian) Churchi, and an abolitionist; he was an active worker on the underground railway, and favored a vigorous prosecution of the war. He died in September, 1891; his wife survives him, an honored resident of Mount Auburn, Cincin- nati, Ohio. The maternal grandparents of our subject were John and Mary J. Cochran. Mr. Cochiran was the proprietor of the largest flouring mill in the State of Virginia, but was compelled to leave there as early as 1830 on account of his avowed abolition principles; he removed to Cincinnati, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was the father of four children, all of whom are living. Howard B. Hills is the third of a family of fivechildren : Mary J., wife of Joseph H. Har- mony of the United States Navy; Rebecca J., wife of H. G. Hunnewell of Cincinnati; Henry M .; and Rhoda H., wife of E. H. Booth of Plainfield, New Jersey.
Dr. Hills received a thorough literary edu- cation, and in the mental discipline neces- sarily acquired laid the foundation for a scientific training; he was graduated from the Pulte Medical College (Homoeopathic) with the class of 1888, and began the practice of his profession in Cincinnati; he remained there three years, first as a partner of Dr. William Owens and later associated with Dr.
471
OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.
McDermott. It was during this time that he was adjunct professor and surgeon in charge of the eye, nose, ear and throat clinic of Pulte Medical College. He made a spe- cialty of these diseases in his private practice, and since coming to Youngstown in 1891 he has continued this work; he has met with very great success, and established a fine reputation. He writes for several medical journals the results of his own observations and experience. He is a close student of the science of medicine and all that pertains thereto; and while he is a graduate of a homoeopathic school he recognizes no lines separating the systemns, but appropriates from all the discoveries that will in any de- gree alleviate the sufferings of mankind and reduce the ills to which human flesh is heir.
Dr. Hills was married February 17, 1881, to Miss Alice D. Smith, a daughter of George A. Smith of Mount Auburn, Ohio. Two children have been born to them: George Townsend and Henry Clark. Mrs. Hills is a graduate of Wesleyan Female Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, also a member of St. John's Episcopal Church of this city. The Doctor gives little thought to politics, but supports the Republican ticket in elections.
A B. CORNELL .- Among the promin- ent and enterprising business men whose names are connected with the wonderful progress and growth of Youngstown is A. B. Cornell, who was born in Albany county, New York, January 24, 1830, a son of Gideon and Julia Ann (Backus) Cornell, both natives of New York. For many years the father was engaged in a foundry plant and a wagon manufactory at Rensselaerville, New York, spending almost
his entire life in that village. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church for many years, while his wife was an Episcopalian. His death occurred in 1877, at the age of seventy-eight, his wife having died in 1871, aged sixty-five. Our subject is the second in a family of four, namely: S. Parsons, who died in 1857, aged twenty-eight years; our subject; Dr. George, who was assistant sur- geon for several years during the war, died in 1885, aged fifty-three years; and Julia, wife of P. T. Caldwell, of whom a lengthy biog- raphy is given elsewhere in this volume.
Our subject was educated at the Rensselaer- ville Academy'in New York, and after gradu- ating from that institution of learning he taught school for twelve years, beginning before he had completed his seventeenth year in the distriet schools and later was an instructor in a boarding school at Sing Sing. Upon his being offered the principalship of the Rensselaerville Academy he taught there for some time, but later came to Ohio and accepted the position of principal of the Monroeville union schools, and after- ward of the union schools of Putnam, now a part of Zanesville, Ohio. His next removal was to Youngstown, where for two years he served as superintendent of schools, but then engaged with the Himrod Furnace Company, as bookkeeper; and so capable was he that later he was made treasurer and manager of the concern, remaining in that position for twenty-five years; but in 1885 he accepted a position as manager of the Youngstown Gas & Electric Company, with whom he remained two years, and then became the manager of the Ohio Gas & Fuel Company, and the Home Gas & Fuel Company. A Republican in politics he takes an active part in all party measures, and has been a delegate to State conventions upon several occasions. So pop-
472
BIOGRAPHIICAL HISTORY
ular is he with his fellow citizens that he has served for eight or ten years in the City Council, and has also been a member of the Board of Education, and has served as presi- dent of it for eight years. A member of the Rayen School Board, he has been its president for over twelve years.
Mr. Cornell was married in 1855, to Miss Roselia M. Prentiss of Monroeville, a daugh- ter of John S. and Margaret (Fulton) Pren- tiss, both of whom are now deceased. Five children have been born to this union, namely : Amy A .; Clara P., wife of Reed Carpenter of Mansfield, to whom she has borne two chil- dren, Helen and Jeannette: Mary N., a teacher in the Poland Union Seminary, is a graduate of the Wooster University; Helen R., a teacher in the Mansfield high school, is also a graduate of Wooster University; and Alice, at Smith College at Northampton, Massachusetts. Both the parents and their children are faithful inein bers of the Presby- terian Church, in which the father is an Elder and has held the position of Clerk in the session since 1865.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.