Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning, Part 68

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 786

USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 68
USA > Ohio > Trumbull County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 68
USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 68

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).

He took np the study of music under com- petent masters in the East, and after some years of close application to study and teach- ing, went to Berlin, Germany, where he studied under Professor Angust Haupt, and at the Kullak Conservatory, subsequently spending a year in the Royal Academy of Music, at London, England.

He established, in 1869, a musical insti- tute at Warren, which he has built up by his fostering care, and by his ardor and. com- petency rendered it one of the best schools in the land. Among the characteristics of the institute is its Military Band Depart- ment, prominent in which is a fine military band, composed of students from all parts of the Union. This is the largest inilitary band school in the United States, and numbers among its graduates band leaders and solo- ists of reputation, who are scattered all over the country. Instruction is also given in voice and piano, as well as on all other mu- sical instruments, and the institution is largely patronized from all sections of North America.

Aside fromn Mr. Dana's high standing as a teacher, he also has an extensive reputation as an author, gained chiefly through his text- books, which are standard works on the vari- ous topics treated. He is the author of Dana's Practical Composition, Practical Har-

555

OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.

mony, Praetieal Thorough Bass, Orchestra- tion, Military Band Instrumentation, Na- tional School for Cornet, ete. He was the American editor of the Encyclopædia of Music and Musicians, published in Glasgow, Scotland, and has assisted in the preparation of other works. He has also done much magazine writing, whiel has proved aceept- able to the public. His writings have had a large sale and have seeured him a standing among his professional brethren correspond- ing to that of liis illustrious relatives in law, science, theology and other departments of culture. He was awarded a diploma at the Universal Exposition of Music, held at Bo- logna, Italy, in 1888, for text-books, recog- nized for their clearness of expression and praetieal usefulness.

Mr. Dana was one of the three who founded the M. T. N. A., an institution which lias been of inealeulable benefit to the music teaeliers of this country. He is a graduate of the American College of Musicians and one of its examiners. He has been the treasurer of the M. T. N. A. for a number of years and also the enstodian of its orchestral fund.

Nor are his talents and culture limited to musie. His general literary tastes and ac- quirements are excellent. He has frequently been invited to address the association, and his essays before its several reunions liave been most highly appreciated for their orig- inality of thought and forceful expression. He is a good and ready speaker and one of the most entertaining platform lecturers in the field, and his lectures and descriptions of travel are as delightful as they are instruct- ive. Ile has traveled over much of Europe and quite extensively in the Arctic regions, and has gained by his own observation the valuable material which he uses in his lec-

tures. In Chautauqua platform work he has made a national reputation as a lecturer. He is a member of the National Education As- sociation of the United States, before whichi body he presented a paper at Naslıville, Ten- nessee, in 1889.

With his enlightened mind, thoughtful disposition and devotion to his country, it is natural that Mr. Dana should take a deep interest in national affairs and that he should be found enrolled under the banner of Pro- hibition. He was that party's candidate for Congress from the nineteenth district in 1890 and polled a large vote for the cause which he espoused.

Mr. Dana was married in Olean, New York, to Emma J. Tuttle, daughter of Rev. William S. and Jane (Pratt) Tuttle, and they have three children: Junius L., a geologist at Golden, Colorado; Lynn B .; Martha L .; and Bess, an adopted daughter. Surronnded by an interesting family and in the enjoy- ment of prosperity and universal esteem, he may justly be said to have gained success in life, which is not measured by sordid acquire- ments alone, but is ganged by those thou- sand amenities which go to satisfy man's kaleidoscopic nature.

P ROF. ELISHA B. WEBSTER, one of the prominent educators of eastern Ohio, now a resident of West Farm- ington, was born August 1, 1845, in Tusearawas county, Ohio.

His father, Norman S. Webster, a native of the Empire State, was born near Roches- ter. He was a business man and manufac- turer, owning and operating a woolen mill. He died some years ago, and his wife, nee Luey H. Bates, a native of Virginia, passed

Luces . C

facturar

557

OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.

receive his hearty endorsement, and no worthy application is ever made to him in vain. Laboring early and late in his Master's cause, Mr. Fulkerson may justly be regarded as one of the most faithful workers in the vineyard.

L UCIUS E. COCHRAN, of Youngs- town, Ohio, is one of the leading busi- ness men of that city; he is president and treasurer of the Andrews Brothers Com- pany, president of the Youngstown Car Manufacturing Company, president of the Youngstown Bridge Company, vice-president of the G. M. McKelvey Company, vice-presi- dent of the Mahoning and Shenango Dock Company, director of the Commercial Na- tional Bank, director of the Morris Hardware Company, director of the Youngstown Car- riage and Wagon Company, director of the Mahoning Ore Company, director of the Ohio Steel Company, and director of the Pittsburg, Cleveland & Toledo Railroad Company; and, representing so many business interests, it is fitting that a sketch of his life be here re- corded. He was born in Delaware county, Ohio, June 12, 1842, a son of Robert and Nancy (Hummason) Cochran: the father was a farmer by occupation, and tilled the soil in Logan county for more than forty years; he and his wife were worthy members of the Disciples' Church; they shared the joys and sorrows of life for sixty-five years, and passed to their reward in February, 1892, the spirits winging their flight within an hour of eaclı other. Having sowed, during their lives, the seeds of kindness, they reaped a fruitful har- vest of loving gratitude. The paternal grand- father of our subject was George II. Cochran; he was engaged in mercantile trade in Pitts- burg until 1816, wlien lie emigrated to Vi-

enna, Ohio, with his family of six children, all of whom lived to a good old age, Robert Cochran being the last surviving one. The maternal grandfather was Joel Hummason, of Trumbull county, Ohio; he reared a family of four daughters and one son: Lucia, wife of Norman Andrews; Nancy, mother of our subject; Permelia, wife of David C. Math- ews; and Phidelia, wife of George Patterson. Lucius E. Cochran is one of a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are living excepting one brother. He received his earliest lessons in the common schools, and afterward was a student in the Mercan- tile College of Pittsburg.

When he started out to make his own way in life he secured a position as clerk in a store; later he became bookkeeper for An- drews & Hitchcock at Youngstown, and held the position from 1862 until 1867. He then embarked in the mercantile trade, under the firm name of Andrews Brothers & Co., at Haselton, Ohio, and took charge of the books and finances of the manufacturing firm of Andrews Brothers. In 1880 the firms of Andrews Brothers, Andrews Brothers & Co. and the Niles Iron Company (the latter a corporation under the laws of the State of Ohio, and doing business at Niles, Trumbull county, Ohio) were consolidated, forming one of the most powerful business corporations in this part of the State. Mr. Cochran was elected president and treasurer, a position he fills with marked ability.

He has been Postmaster of Haselton for twenty years; he was appointed in 1872 by President Grant, and has been reappointed by each succeeding president, and is the present incumbent.

In 1868 Mr. Cochran was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Isabella Brownlee, a daugliter of John and Leah (Powers) Brown-

558

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

lee, of Youngstown, Ohio. Two children have been born to them: Robert Bruce, who is rendering valuable service to his father in his many business relations; and Chauncey A. Mr. Cochran and wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown. He is a member of the Masonic order, be- longing to Western Star Lodge, No. 21, A. F. & A. M .; Youngstown Chapter, No. 93, R. A. M., and St. John's Commandry, No. 20, K. T. He is also a member of the Grand Consistory of Northern Ohio, O. S. P. R. S., thirty-second degree, and Akron Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party. Possessing superior business qualifications, he has been called to fill many positions of importance, and has exhibited an executive ability that justifies the confidence reposed in him.

D R. JOHN S. CUNNINGHAM, late of Youngstown, Ohio, was born Feb- ruary, 4, 1833, on his father's farm in Lawrence county,. Pennsylvania, where has since sprung up the town of Ellwood. His parents, Hon. Joseph and Jeannette (McGreg- or) Cunningham, were both natives of the Keystone State, his grandparents having come to America from Scotland. Dr. Cun- ningham was the oldest of six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom he was the first to pass away. The other five are as follows: Mary, now Mrs. H. Rogers, of Plain Grove, Pennsylvania; Eunice, wife of Edward Allen, of Kansas: Judge W. B., a well-known lawyer, of Chicago; James W., a wealthy citizen of Lawrence county, Penn- sylvania; and P. M., a farmer and stock- raiser, living near Wampum, the same State.

When fifteen years of age Dr. Cunningham

became a student at Poland Academy, and afterward taught a country school. When nineteen years of age, he entered Allegheny College, at Meadville, Pennsylvania, and re- inained there three years. He then began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. J. W. Wallace of New Castle, Pennsylvania, and, in 1860, graduated at Jefferson Medical College. Previous to his graduation at that institution, he attended lectures at Cleveland and Cincinnati. He entered on his profes- sional career at Plain Grove, Pennsylvania, whence, two years later, he removed to Youngstown, Ohio, where, with the excep- tion of two years spent in Marietta, this State, he continued in the active practice of inedicine until his death.

During the thirty years that Dr. Cunning- ham lived in Youngstown he was prominently identified with its best interests. Not only in a professional way did he take a deep in- terest in this place but also in every way in which he could he used his time, his influ- ence and his money, to bring about the best results to its people, socially, educationally, religiously, politically and otherwise. He was well known by every man, woman and child in the town, and by all respected and beloved. He was, for six years, a member of the Board of Health, and was, for sixteen years, on the School Board, being twice elected its president. It is a fact worthy of record that during these sixteen years he never missed but three of its meetings. He also served efficiently as a member of the City Council. In politics he was a Republican from the time of the organization of that party, and the election on April 3, 1893, the day of his death, was the only one which he had ever missed since he was old enough to vote. This fact he referred to on the day before his de- mise. He filled the office of County Coroner

559

OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.

in a manner highly acceptable to both parties, and for years the County Commissioners have seen fit to appoint him as jail physician, and in this capacity he followed the commend- able plan of giving the more unfortunate equally as skillful attention as those in the more elevated walks of life. As a charter member of the Mahoning County Medical Society, he was frequently called upon to dis- cuss and dilate on matters of vast importance to the medical profession, and his learning, thus expounded, was considered so valuable and scientific that it was often promulgated by the newspapers for the edification of the younger practitioners and others. Since his residence in Youngstown began, he has been identified with the First Presbyterian Church, and always, when called upon, responded with a liberal hand, and in most cases ont of pro- portion to his means, to the various funds.

From the Telegram we copy the following tribute to Dr. Cunningham's memory, by Mr. Truedely, Superintendent of Schools: "I feel a personal unwillingness to permit the oc- casion of the death of Dr. Cunningham to pass without expressing my appreciation of his services while a member of the Board of Education, and testifying to the worth of his life. I believe this is a duty all the more proper, for it is true, as Mr. Connell said of David Warran, that ' they who serve the most effectually and disinterestedly seem often to receive the least recognition.' It is not a little thing that Dr. Cunningham sat in the Board of Education for sixteen years ; for services such as he rendered, with the interest that he took in the schools, made that service mean much. I can bear personal testimony to the time he gave during the four years he was on the Board since I came. I can testify to his sincerity, to his single- mindedness, and to a depth of interest in the

public schools and their work that I have never seen surpassed. Serving as he did on the committee on teachers, I had need to make demands on much of his time. He was as free with it as if he had nothing to do. He was always courteous, always ready to consider every proposition that was presented on its merits. Dr. Cunningham sought to serve nothing but the public schools. More than that, one could easily ascertain where he stood. He was frank in his views and had nothing to conceal. He knew people and reasoned well on their qualifications. Under- lying his nature was a strong element of com- mon sense. Though somewhat conservative, he was in no sense unduly so. He was open to suggestion and was always desirous of doing what was for the best. He was concil- iatory in his temperanient, and understood that people cannot all arrive at the same con- clusion. He earnestly strove to do what was right, but if he did not get it he cheerfully acceded to the decision of the majority. The time and strength that he gave was given to the public without charge and with absolute cheerfalness .? '

The nine days' illness of Dr. Cunningham terminated in death at 7:43 o'clock on July 3, 1893, while surrounded by his devoted family, but he was unconscious of their pre -- ence. His condition, that of unconscious- ness, into which he sank the middle of the previous night, remained to the end of his life. Contrary to expectations, his death was not accompanied by paroxysms of pain, and his departure to that bourne whence no trav- eler returns was like a peaceful sleep.

Pleuro-pneumonia was the direct canse of his demise. Before being stricken down with it nine days before he was, to all appearances, in the prime of health, and he himself quite frequently remarked upon that fact.

560

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

During the coldest weather of the winter, and the siege of dampness that followed, he never failed to respond to the call of his pa- tients. night or day, although he was one of the oldest practitioners in the city, both in respect to age and practice. To this, more than any- thing else, is attributed his illness with the fatal ending. The news of his death spread rapidly, and in every quarter of the city, withont exception, expressions of sorrow were to be heard and sympathy volunteered to the afflicted family. Many citizens told anecdotes which brought out forcibly the good traits of character that had always stamped him as a man of the old school of honesty and integrity.

Dr. Cunningham's second wife was former- ly Mrs. William Kerr, to whom he was mar- ried in June, 1889. She and two children, Lulu W. and Frank C., survive him. Mrs. Cnnningham and Miss Lnln are useful mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church, at Youngs- town. Both are amiable, highly cultured ladies and earnest, devout Christians.

Of Mrs. Cunningham we further record that she is a daughter of Lucins M. and Julia A. (Bedell) Sheeby. Her father was born at the place where Youngstown is now located, and her mother is a native of Pennsylvania. The former was one of nine children: Cathe- rine, who married Neal Campbell, both now deceased; Robert; Mary, now Mrs. William Woods; John; Daniel; Margaret, wife of Daniel McAllister; Lucius McClain, father of Mrs. Cunningham; James; and Jane, wife of John Lett. Lucius M. was born May 17, 1813, and died February 4, 1892, being the last of the family to die. He lived to see the little village of Youngstown spread out over what was a wilderness in his boyhood and also to see his farm become a part of this beautiful city. He had four children and

fourteen grandchildren, and was the first of the immediate family to pass away. His children are: Emma, wife of George C. Rigby, Youngstown; Mrs. Cunningham; Lucius M., a farmer in Boardman township, this county; and Mary, wife of P. M. Hew- itt, Youngstown. Mrs. Cunningham's mother is still (1893) living. She was born October 11, 1820, and is remarkably preserved both physically and mentally. She is a devont member of the Presbyterian Church, and all her life has been an earnest worker for humanity.

ACOB WOOLF, deceased, was born near Martinsburg, Virginia, July 25, 1819, but his home was principally near Hagerstown, Maryland, until he reached man's estate. He was of German descent, and his ancestors wrote their name Wolt, but about 1850 the present orthography was adopted, principally from the spirit of origin- ality rather than any other cause. His rela- tives still practice the old way of spelling the name. Mr. Woolf was married December 9, 1847, to Christina Reichard, whose parents were of German descent. She was born near Mount Alto, Guilford township, Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Soon after their mar- riage they came by covered wagon to Ohio, and in May, 1848, settled in Berlin town- ship, on the east bank of Mahoning river, al- most opposite the village of Frederick, where they remained until 1861. In that year they removed into the adjoining township of Mil- ton, where Mr. Woolf died, January 14, 1874. His widow still resides at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Woolf had the following children: Annie E., Ellen M. (deceased), Albert J., John F., George R., Oliver P. Charlotte C., William H., Hattie A. and Jennie M.

561

OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.

Jacob Woolf came to Ohio a poor man, and his entire life was devoted to farming and stock-raising, having been successful in both occupations. He amassed a large estate, but throughout his long, useful and active career lie never had a lawsuit. He was a man of remarkable executive ability, excellent judgment and foresight. Although not an educated man, Mr. Woolf was a close observer, and consequently a well informed man. He was a Whig until the death of that political party, after which he became a Democrat, and as such remained stannch and firm. His father was a slave owner by in- heritance, but being opposed to slavery he liberated them as soon as they reached their majority. Mr. Woolf believed in gradual emancipation, or in paying the South for their slaves; in doing this he urged that the general Government would be at less expense than the cost of a civil war, which he pre- dicted long before it came. He looked upon the struggle as a result of enthusiasts in both North and South, and regarded the manner of prosecuting the war as partisan. The course of events have proven the wisdom of his predictions. Mr. Woolf was regarded as a man of great influence among his neigh- bore. He was reared a Dunkard, but united with no church. He will long be held in affectionate remembrance.

OUIS W. KING, who holds an ap- propriate rank at the Youngstown bar, was born at Unity, Columbiana county, Ohio, November 24, 1854, a son of Eleazer and Margaret (Mollenkoff) King. The parents were also born in Unity township, Colum- biana county, Ohio, where they have spent their entire lives, and still reside. The

father is a son of Thomas King, who was born in the north of Ireland, but came to America wlien a youth. He came to Ohio from Maryland in 1804 or 1805, settling in Unity township, where he subsequently died. The mother of our subject is a daughter of John Mollenkoff, a native of Bavaria, Ger- many, but also came to America in early life. He located in Columbiana county, Ohio, about 1815. Eleazer King is a rep- presentative citizen and a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of his county. He reared a family of eight children, all of whom are well known and respected.

Louis W. King, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the select schools at Unity, and also attended the high school of New Lisbon. In 1873 he went to Canfield, then the county seat of Mahoning county, where he was employed as clerk in the office of the Probate Judge until in January, 1875. From that time until in February, 1877, he was an assistant clerk in the Court of Com- mon Pleas. In September, 1873, Mr. King began the study of law, was admitted to the bar in 1877, and in the following year came to Youngstown and entered into partnership with W. S. Anderson, in the practice of his chosen profession. In October, 1881, he was elected to the position of Probate Judge, and entered that office in February, 1882, was re-elected, and went out of office in Feb- rnary, 1888. Mr. King then formed a law partnership with Mr. McVey, his present partner.

In political matters our subject is an active Republican. During the years of 1890-'91 he was chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Ohio. He does not hesitate to denounce what he believes is contrary to the best interests of the people at large, and with zeal and enthusiasm advocates whatever men

562

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

and measures he believes best calculated to subserve the public welfare. Mr. King is a pronounced friend of the laboring class. By his firmness and high sense of right, together with his faithfulness to honor and justice, he has gained popularity, so much so that he made a very creditable, yet unsuccessful, race for the nomination of his party for Congress in 1892. His defeat in this race was probably due to a combination of circumstances for which he was not responsible, and which the popularity of no one could have overcome. As a citizen he is no less respected as a man of merit than as a lawyer and politician. Mr. King is of a genial and progressive spirit, a man of keen intellect, a shrewd calculator, and an excellent judge of the public pulse,-in fact a man calculated to gain and hold as he does a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

W ADE R. DEEMER, an attorney of Girard, was born at Fowler, Trum- bull county, Ohio, February 5, 1865, a son of John and Mary A. (Hole- ton) Deemer, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The father was engaged at the blacksmith's trade for a time at Fow- ler, abont 1870, embarked in the sawmill business at Bristol, and four years later re- turned to Fowler. He next moved to Mer- cer county, Pennsylvania, later to Ashtabula county, Ohio, and in 1891, went to Mexico, where he now lives. He is now engaged in mining at Sera Majada. Mr. and Mrs. Deemer have had seven children, viz .: Emma, of Ashtabula; Frank, a machinist of that place; John, a railroad engineer of Aslıta- bula; Jesse, United States Consul to Mex- ico, stationed at Sera Majada, also terminal

agent for the Mexican Northern Railroad Company; Wade R., our subject; Scott, a railroad fireman at Ashtabula; and Clara, de- ceased in infancy.

Wade R. Deemer began work in the ma- chine shops of Ashtabula county at the age of eighteen years, and, after earning sufficient money, entered the New Lyme College at New Lyme, Ohio, where he completed the course in June, 1886. He then resumed his position in the machine shop. In September, 1887, he became assistant to his brother, Jesse, agent for the railroad at Alma, Kan- sas, but about one month later entered the law office of Cornell & Peffer, where he read law until November, 1888. On account of the sickness of his father Mr. Deemer was called home, but in the following spring again returned to the machine shop, spend- ing about six months there. He next en- tered the office of C. H. Strock, of Niles, with whom he remained until admitted to the bar, December 3, 1891. During Mr. Strock's terin in the Legislature, Mr. Deemer took charge of his practice. Since May 1, 1892, he has been actively engaged in the practice of law in Girard, and is one of the rising young men of his profession.

He was married October 21, 1892, to Miss Myrtle C. Baldwin, of Austinburgh, a daughter of W. W. and Charlotte (Jeffers) Baldwin. In political matters, Mr. Deemer affiliates with the Republican party.

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.

Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning, Part 68

Author: Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 786

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 786