Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 115

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W., comp
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1074

USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Youngstown > Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th > Part 115

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).

Mr. Jacobs has always been considered a good citizen, one who has taken an active in- terest in public affairs and one who, on being placed in official position, has faithfully per- formed his duties. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and has belonged to the Youngs- town lodge for thirty-eight years. He is also a member of Tod Post, Grand Army of the Republic.

OSPEH WILLIAMSON, one of the leading citizens of Youngstown, Ohio, who has now retired from business activity, belongs to one of the old and influential families of this part of the county. He was born on the old Williamson farm in Youngstown township in 1827 and is a son of Pyatt Williamson, and a grandson of Joseph Williamson.

Joseph Williamson came to Mahoning County in the spring of 1800, and cleared a tract of hondl. then bringing his family here from Washington County, Pennsylvania. Py- att Williamson, the father, was born in

922

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

Youngstown township, Mahoning County, in 1801 and was one of the most prominent farm- ers and stock raisers in the county. At the time of his death he was the owner of 225 acres of fine farm land.

Joseph Williamson, the subject of this no- tice, was reared on his father's farm and ac- quired his education in the old pioneer school house of Youngstown township. Early in life he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked in connection with farming. He was married in the fifties to Belinda Detchon, a daughter of Elijah Detchon, one of the old settlers of Boardman township, Mahoning County. Three children were born-to Mr. and Mrs. Williamson: Warren P., manager of the Youngstown Carriage and Wagon Works; Martha B., and Mary B., who are twins. Po- litically, Mr. Williamson is a Republican. He is a member of the Central Christian Church.

AHLON KIRKBRIDE, com- mander of the Asher Kirkbride Post, No. 600, Grand Army of the Republic, at Berlin.Center, resides on a farm of 46 acres located on the township line between Berlin and Goshen. He was born in Berlin township, Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1846, and is a son of Robert and Sarah (Shaw) Kirkbride.

Robert Kirkbride, a native of Bucks Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, was married and came to Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1832, and was one of the earliest pioneers in Berlin township. He settled on a farm of 46 acres in Berlin town- ship, which is now owned by John Hoyle. He remained on this farm the remainder of his life, dying in 1878 at the age of 78 years. His wife survived until 1883, dying aged 78 years. There were nine children born to Robert and Sarah Kirkbride: Nancy, Ferdinand, Mary, Frank, Watson, James, Jo- seph, Asher and Mahlon. Nancy married K. Morris. Ferdinand enlisted in Company D. 104th Ohio Volunteeer Infantry, and served from 1862 until the close of the Civil War. Mary married John Morris. James, who en-

listed at Berlin Center August II, 1862, was wounded at the battle of Perryville, but served until the close of the war. Joseph, who en- listed at Berlin Center August II, 1862, in Company H, 105th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was discharged after the battle of Perrysville for disability. Asher, for whom the Grand Army Post at Berlin Center was named, was born in this township and at the age of 18 en- listed in Company H, 105th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at Missionary Ridge.

Mahlon Kirkbride passed his boyhood days on the farm and at the age of 18 enlisted in Company G, 155th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served four months during the Civil War, when he was mustered out at Camp Dennison, and returned to Berlin township. Since then he has been engaged in farming on his present farm of 46 acres, the original pur- chase, having been 30 acres.

Mr. Kirkbride was married in 1867 to Mary E. Botaw, a daughter of Thomas and Elma (Hutton) Botaw, the former of whom was a native of Goshen township, and the lat- ter of Marlborough. Both the parents are de- ceased. Thomas Botaw, the grandfather of Mrs. Kirkbride, came to Goshen early in the 18th century with his future wife, Elizabeth Baum. They walked from Salem to Lisbon, there were married, and walked the distance back the same day. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkbride have had four children: Asher V., who mar- ried Mary Weaver; Chester T., who married Elizabeth Weaver; Sarah E., who died aged 27 years, and one an unnamed infant. Mr. Kirkbride is a Republican in politics, and has held various minor offices in both Goshen and Berlin townships.

6 RANT S. WHITSLAR, one of the leading real estate men of Youngs- town, was born in that city in 1864 and is the son of Dr. F. S. Whitslar, a pioneer dentist of Youngstown, who is now in his 82nd year. Mr. Whitslar was reared and educated in his native town, receiving a common school education. After

----

923

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

leaving school he did considerable reportorial work on the Telegram and I'indicator, after which he was in the railroad mail service for four years, being the youngest clerk in charge on the Pennsylvania Railroad. For six years he was general passenger agent of the Graham & Morton Transportation Company, of Chi- cago, Illinois, was manager of the Whaleback Steamship Company, of Chicago, for two years. After this he located in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was connected with the Times-Democrat, after which he returned to Youngstown, Ohio, and has since been en- gaged in the real estate business on an exten- sive scale. For the past five years he has been identified with the W. H. Park Land Com- pany, and is also identified with various other enterprises of the city. In 1901 Mr. Whitslar was united in marriage with Minnie B. Welsh. He is a member of the Youngstown Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order.

G. HANEY, of the firm of Rice, Haney & Medbury, general insurance, at Youngstown, is one of the representa- tive business men of this city and is connected with a number of its im- portant enterprises. Mr. Haney was born at Youngstown, Ohio, in 1857, and is a son of the late Joseph G. Haney. When Youngs- town was but a straggling village, with en- tirely undeveloped resources, Joseph G. Haney came here and embarked in a shoe business, which he continued during the active years of his life. He became a man of local promi- nence and for years was a justice of the peace in the growing city.

In 1871, J. G. Haney accompanied the family to Cleveland and there he completed his education, but in 1882 he came back to Youngstown. While in Cleveland he had been interested in the telephone business to some ex- tent and was cashier for a time of the Cleve- land Telephone Company. After returning to Youngstown, Mr. Haney embarked in the in- surance business, in which he has continued

until the present. In 1891 the firm of Rice, Haney & Medbury was established and it has become the leading insurance firm of this sec- tion. The companies represented by this firm include these standard corporations: Insur- ance Company of North America; Home In- surance Company, of New York; Phoenix, of Hartford; Continental, of New York; Germa- nia, of New York; Phoenix and Sun, of Eng- land; North British and Mercantile and Com- mercial Union, of England; Fidelity and Cas- ualty Company, of New York; Fidelity and Deposit Company, of Maryland; and the Northwestern Life, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On September 18, 1895, Mr. Haney was mar- ried to Grace Mervin. Mr. Haney is a mem- ber of the Youngstown Chamber of Com- merce. He belongs to the Elks and to the Youngstown and Rayen clubs. His business location is at No. 509 Dollar Bank Building, Youngstown.

P AUL WICK was the youngest son of the family of twelve children born to Henry and Hannah (Baldwin) Wick. He was educated in the old Youngstown Academy, which stood on the site of the present public square. His first business enterprise was in the joint opera- tion of a coal mine with his brother, John D. Wick. Later he was associated with other members of the family in the management of a mercantile establishment at Cleveland and still later devoted his attention to the develop- ing of the resources and extending the trade of Youngstown. He was one of those who laid the foundation for the great iron industry; which has spread the fame of Youngstown throughout the world. Until 1866 he was con- cerned in a mercantile business at Youngs- town as senior member of the firm of Wick & Goble. He then turned his attention to pri- vate banking, organizing the firm of Wick Brothers & Company, a banking house which has continued to the present time, having safely passed through every commercial crisis and gaining strength with each succeeding year.

924

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

Mr. Wick continued to be the head of this busi- ness until his death, which occurred June 13, 1890. He was also interested in the Ohio Iron & Steel Company, the Youngstown Rolling Mill Company and the Paul Wick Real Estate Company. In 1846 he was married to Susan A. Bull, a native of Vermont, who died in Youngstown in 1852, aged 56 years. To this marriage six children were born, among whom may be mentioned Myron C., George D. and Fred Wick, prominent business men of the city of Youngstown, and Harriet, the widow of John S. Ford. In 1885 he was married second to Mrs. Margaret L. Haney, of Youngstown. In his political sentiments Mr. Wick was al- ways a stanch adherent of the Republican party, and as a man of high standing, known public spirit and large business interests, was more or less influential in shaping public move- ments in Youngstown. He served for some years as a member of the city council and for nineteen years was a member of the board of education. In church membership he was a Presbyterian, but his religion was wide enough and broad enough to cover other denomina- tions, and in the dispensing of his charities he knew neither creed, color nor condition. Like most men of affairs, he was a man of prac- tical views, but he was also keely alive to all that is beautiful and elevating in life.

John S. Ford is survived by his widow and one daughter, Helen, who reside in a beautiful home at No. 509 Wick avenue. Mrs. Ford is a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which Mr. Ford also belonged and in which his Christian character was most highly ap- preciated.

ICHOLAS KNAUF, who resides on his well-improved farm of 55 acres. which is situated in one of the best sections of Ellsworth township. has long been considered one of the lead- ing men of his community. Mr. Knauf was born July 14, 1854, on a farm in Ellsworth township, some miles west of his present home, in Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Goodman) Knauf.

Joseph Knauf, father of Nicholas, was born in Green township, Mahoning County, and was a son of Nicholas Knauf, who came to this section of the country with Henry Beard, when pioneer conditions still prevailed. Nicholas Knauf married a member of the Sea- christ family and they became well-known resi- dents of Green township. Among their chil- dren were: Joseph, Samuel, Jacob, Eli, John, Elizabeth, Lydia and Sarah, and of these Mrs. Elizabeth Bair, Mrs. Lydia Ewing, Mrs. Sarah Unger and Eli Knauf are living at the present time.

Joseph Knauf settled on the farm of which his son Nicholas now owns a part when the latter was small. In early manhood he mar- ried Hannah Goodman, who was a daughter of William and Julia Goodman, residents of Green township, and they had children, namely : Isaac, residing in Geauga County, married Tillie Webb; Nicholas; Frank, farm- ing and operating a nursery and greenhouse, married Mary Winans; Martin, residing in the state of Washington, married Mary Kenreich; Elizabeth, who was married (first) to a Mr. Hively, and (second) to Jacob Toot; Lydia, who married John H. Lower, residing in Ells- worth township; and Alice, who died aged 20 years. The mother survives, but the father died in 1882.

Nicholas Knauf was educated in the dis- trict schools and the Union School at Canfield, attended an institution at Washington, Ohio, and completed his studies at Mt. Union Col- lege. For some years after attaining manhood he alternated farming and school teaching, ac- cording to the seasons, but after his marriage devoted himself entirely to agricultural pur- suits. In addition to carrying on general farm- ing, he is much interested in raising strawber- ries, peaches and apples. He has made many improvements on his property, building a sub- stantial barn and later his comfortable and at- tractive nine-room residence.

In 1896 Mr. Knauf was married to Lulu Esterly, who is a daughter of Eli and Clara Esterly, formerly of Green township, Mahon- ing County, and they have had five children, namely : Ethel M., a little miss of nine years ;

925

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

Laura, deceased; Dorothy Alice, aged 4 years ; William Nicholas, a sturdy boy of 2 years ; and an infant.

Mr. Knauf has been active in township pol- itics for a number of years and has served for a considerable period as trustee, being elected on the Republican ticket. He is a valuable member of the township school board and takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the advancement of education in his community. He is a member of the F. & A. M. at Can- field.

B. GILMORE, whose extensive op- erations in real estate at Youngstown have covered some fifteen years, has been identified with the interests of this city for almost a half century. He was born at Gustavus, Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1846, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Detchon) Gilmore.

The mother of Mr. Gilmore was of English ancestry. Her family settled in Boardman township. Mahoning County, prior to 1803. She died when her son was but four years old. and was survived by Mr. Gilmore for but little more than a year.

The subject of his sketch was thus left an orphan at a tender age. He was taken into the home of an uncle, Elijah Detchon, of Board- man township, where he remained until the marriage of one of his cousins, now Mrs. Joseph Williamson, when he went to live with her in Youngstown. There he was reared and educated and was a pupil in the High School at Youngstown. As soon as he was old enough he made himself useful in many ways, working at the kinds of employment then open to indus- trious youths and thus providing for his own support. He then made his way to Kansas, where he was employed for two years in a res- taurant and bakery business. Upon his return to Youngstown, he embarked in a grocery business for some three years. Mr. Gilmore then began to deal in stock and for about 20 years was a large buyer and seller. Since clos- ing out his stock business he has given his ex-

clusive attention to real estate and for the past 15 years has been one of the largest dealers in this locality. He has platted a number of streets in this city, and one place of 28 lots on which he built seven houses, and has dis- posed of the larger number of the lots. He handles only his own property and superin- tends its improvement.

In 1872, Mr. Gilmore was married to Mary J. McKinnie, of Youngstown, who is a daugh- ter of James and Hannah McKinnie, who were among the early settlers of this section. They have two children, Ellen D., and Nettie H., young ladies residing at home, who are prominent in the city's social life.

For the past 20 years Mr. Gilmore and family have been members of the First Chris- tian Church, in which he is an elder, having at various times been trustee and treasurer. He has fraternal connections with the United Workmen and the Heptasophs.

About 1798, the Detchon family came to America.

OHN S. FORD, who for a number of years was prominently identified with many of the leading business interests of Youngstown, was born September 5, 1856, at Omaha, Nebraska, and died April 8, 1893, in Florida, whitcher he had gone in the hope of regaining his health. His parents were Gen. James H. and Arabella ( Stambaugh) Ford, and his grandparents on the maternal side were John and Sarah ( Bower) Stambaugh, early pioneers of Ma- honing County.

After completing his education in the pub- lic schools of Youngstown, where he acquitted himself creditably, John S. Ford learned busi- ness methods with his uncle, the late John Stambaugh. He possessed the natural ability to successfully apply these business methods in his own business life. In the course of events he became interested in the commercial life of Youngstown, where he was one of the original promoters of what is now the Youngstown Dry Goods Company, formerly the firm of

926

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

Stitt & Schmidt. He became a prominent fac- tor of this company and was president of the Opera House Company. He was also largely interested as a stockholder in the Union Iron and Steel Company and the Falcon Nail & Iron Company, both of Youngstown, and in various mining enterprises of the far West. He was unusually successful in business and had a particularly bright future before him, but was removed from the scene of his labors in the prime of life.

Mr. Ford was deeply interested in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association and was always ready to contribute time, money and effort for the purpose of advancing the usefulness of this organization. It was mainly due to his efforts and assistance that the pres- ent beautiful building of the association was erected at Youngstown. There are other mon- uments to his memory, not less enduring though not built of stone or marble, but they are enshrined in the hearts of hundreds to whom, quietly and unostentatiously he gave encouragement, sympathy and material bene- fits, as the occasion demanded. Personally he was beloved, respected and admired, for he possessed the engaging qualities which inspire affection and regard. Although primarily a business man, travel in his own and foreign lands had broadened his outlook and brought about an appreciation of art, literature and music. To intimate friends and those who en- joyed the hospitality of his home he was known as a man of refined culture and engag- ing personality.

On June 8, 1887, Mr. Ford was married to Harriet Wick, a daughter of the late Paul and Susan A. (Bull) Wick, of Youngstown. Her father was born October 1, 1824, in Ma- honing County, Ohio. He was a son of Henry and Hannah ( Baldwin) Wick, who were mar- ried December II, 1794, and soon thereafter took up their residence in Washington County, Pennsylvania, where Henry Wick engaged in mercantile business until 1801, when he re- moved to Youngstown, Ohio, his father-in- law, Caleb Baldwin, having preceded him. He re-embarked in business here and in the follow-

ing year brought his family. His store on the southeast corner of the Diamond on the corner of Federal and Phelps streets, was a land-mark for over 40 years. Henry Wick died Novem- ber 4, 1845, and was survived by his wife until 1.849.

ENRY J. LEEWORTHY, general contractor, who is located at No. 16, Marion street, Youngstown, was born in England, February, 1867, and was five years old when he accompanied his parents to America. They located in Trum- bull County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated.

Mr. Leeworthy was engaged in mill work until about 22 years of age and then learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until he took up contracting, for a time being con- nected with the Valley Lumber Company. He has been in business at Youngstown for the past seven years, and has been interested in a large amount of the important building oper- ations going on in the city, working as a gen- eral contractor. In 1889, Mr. Leeworthy was married to Susie E. Swift, of Warren, Ohio, and they have one child, Mabel E. Mr. Lee- worthy belongs to the order of Foresters and the American Insurance Union. He is a prom- inent member of the Third Christian Church, being chairman and secretary of its official board. Both as a business man and a private citizen, he stands very high in the community.

J ACOB WARREN, JR., a well-known citizen and representative farmer of Goshen township, who also conducts a modern dairy business on his fine farm of 901/2 acres, which is situated in section 4, has been established on his pres- ent place since the spring of 1896. He was born May 5, 1870, in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, and is a son of Jacob and Magda- lena Warren.

927

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

The mother of Mr. Warren died in Switz- erland when he was an infant, but his father still survives, having passed his 60th year, and resides in Smith township, Mahoning County. He brought his children to America, when Jacob was 14 years of age, and settled in Stark County, Ohio. There the youth grew up to manhood, and obtained his English education. He has always carried on agricultural pursuits and has given much attention to dairying. His farm is well stocked and his Holstein cattle are of the best blood. He gives them much care and takes a justifiable pride in them.

In March, 1896, Mr. Warren was married to Mary Warren, who was born near his old home in Switzerland. This estimable lady is a great help to her husband in carrying on his large business, she having been reared by a careful mother to be a good housekeeper. Mr. Warren takes no active interest in politics, but he may always be counted on to support meas- ures in his township looking to the improve- ment of the public schools, the establishing of churches and the building of good roads. He believes in the growing of the best cattle and the use of good machinery and his example is followed by a number of his fellow farmers and dairymen. From his dairy many residents of Salem are supplied.

J. SCHOLL, president of The W. J. Scholl Company, at Youngs- town, plumbers and gas fitters, was born at Youngstown, West- moreland County, Pennsylvania, and was seven years of age when he accom- panied his parents, by way of the canal, to Youngstown, Ohio.

Until he was 13 years old, Mr. Scholl at- tended school, but then he was deemed old enough to earn his own living and he began work for John Manning, in a nursery. Later he worked for a year in the nail mill and then operated an engine in the Turner Spike Works for 18 months. In 1873, he first entered into the plumbing business in which he has been

interested ever since. After one year alone, he admitted Jack Semple to a partnership and later William Semple took the latter's place. In 1906, the latter sold his interest to Mr. Scholl. In 1900, the business had been incor- porated as the Scholl-Semple Company and capitalized at $60,000. W. J. Scholl became president ; T. A. Harris, vice-president ; and E. G. Cronick, secretary and treasurer. In the current year the name of the firm was changed to The W. J. Scholl Company. This company does a large business, having a plant at No. 116 Market street. It operates a machine shop and makes a specialty of high pressure heavy pipe fitting.

In 1885, Mr. Scholl was married to Della Davis, a daughter of Abraham Davis, of Sharon, Pennsylvania. They have one daughter, Mary, who is the wife of Morgan Whitehead, who is a grandson of Owen Evans, one of the Welsh pioneers of Mahon- ing County. Mr. Scholl is connected with the Masonic fraternity and is also an Elk.

S AMUEL W. ROLLER, formerly an extensive farmer and successful fruit- grower, of Green township, was one of the most highly esteemed residents of this section, in which his long and useful life of 77 years was passed. Mr. Roller was born in Green township, Mahoning County, Ohio, April 30, 1825, and died in the same place, March 30, 1902. His parents were Michael and Isabel (Calvin) Roller. the former of whom was born in Tennessee and the latter in Virginia. Michael Roller, father of Samuel W., probably accompanied his par- ents to Green township as family records say that his brother Isaac was the first white male child born here.

Samuel W. Roller was reared in Green township and obtained a district school edu- cation, after which he devoted himself exclu- sively to agricultural pursuits. In addition to farming and stock-raising, he was much in- terested in the growing of fruits and was one

928

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

of the best informed horticulturists in this sec- tion. On November 3, 1855, Mr. Roller was married to Sarah E. Hole, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 29, 1832, and is a daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Arm- strong) Hole. Her father was born in Vir- ginia and her mother in Delaware. In their youth they had accompanied their respective parents to Columbiana County, where the Holes and Armstrongs are listed with the earliest settlers and most respected pioneers.

There were nine children born to Samuel W. Roller and wife, the seven surviving being as follows: Elvira J., who married Oliver S. Walter, residing at Greenford; Melissa M., who is the widow of Dr. J. H. Calvin, who was a prominent physician of Salem; Arthur C., residing in Columbiana County; Anna L., who married Jacob Cook, of Salem; Ida I., residing with her mother at Greenford; and Charles J. and Ernest I., both residing in Green township.

In political views, Mr. Roller was a Repub- lican, and was elected to the office of township trustee on several occasions. Mrs. Roller re- sides with her daughter, at Greenford, where she has a wide social acquaintance and many friends. She is a member of the Disciples Church.

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.

Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 115

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W., comp Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1074

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W., comp
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1074