Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 63

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 63

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Charles T. Agnew, our subject, was reared in Boardman township and attended the dis- triet schools. He has always devoted his time more to stock-raising and shipping than to farming, although he owns his farm in this township. He has been married twice, first on

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December 10, 1885, to Nannie Cowden, who died in August, 1897, leaving two children- Bessie and Irma. He was married the second time on January 6, 1899, to Nettie Hart, by which marriage also there were two children- Thelma and Dan. Mr. Agnew served two. terms as trustee of Boardman township. In the fall of 1895 he was elected county com- missioner, on the Republican ticket, and as- suming the duties of that office in the fall of 1896, served for three years. In the fall of 1906 he was elected to fill the unexpired term of Thomas B. Jones, who was commissioner at the time of his death. Mr. Agnew is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias Lodge.

OL. CALEB B. WICK, whose long, eventful and useful life was almost entirely spent in Youngstown, may well be classed with that band of no- table men, whose patriotism, energy, ability and integrity ushered in the con- ditions which have resulted in the won- derful development of this city along every line. Caleb B. Wick was born October I, 1795, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was the eldest son of Henry and Hannah (Baldwin) Wick.

Henry Wick came, through several gener- ations of Americans, and most worthy resi- dents of Long Island, from an English ances- tor. His father and his grandfather were born and reared at Southampton, Long Island, where his birth took place March 19, 1771. On December II, 1794, he married Hannah Baldwin, who was a daughter of Caleb Bald- win, a prominent resident of Morristown, New Jersey. In Washington County, Pennsylva- nia, Henry Wick went into business and car- ried on merchandising until 1801, when he fol- lowed his father-in-law to Youngstown, Ohio, then in its infancy. Here Henry Wick estab- lished a home and re-embarked in business and in the following year brought his family here, Caleb B. being then in his seventh year. A successful and honorable business career fol-

lowed, Mr. Wick's store on the southeast cor- ner of the Diamond, on the corner of Federal and Phelps streets, being a landmark for over forty years. He died November 4, 1845, and was survived by his wife until 1849.

Henry Wick and wife were the parents of twelve children, all of whom have passed away. One of the sons, the late Henry Wick, a capitalist of Cleveland, resembled in char- acter, as well as in name, Youngstown's hon- ored pioneer citizen.

Caleb Baldwin Wick was given the best educational advantages that the little town of Youngstown afforded, and received an excel- lent business training under his father, one which equipped him for a mercantile business of his own. In 1815, in association with Dr. Henry Manning, he embarked in a general mercantile business at Youngstown, his stock including drugs, and from this beginning grew the city's large drug business, it being the first departure in this line in all this section of the Western Reserve. When Mr. Wick re- tired from mercantile pursuits, in 1848, he was the oldest merchant in this city. He was interested in the various industries which gave employment to his fellow-citizens, encouraged the influx of capital and proved his public spirit by investing much of his own. In 1846, in association with other men of means, he erected the first of the great rolling-mills. which formed the nucleus of the extensive plant of Brown, Bonnell & Company, one of the main industries of the Mahoning Valley.

For many years of his life, the late Caleb Baldwin Wick was known as Colonel Wick, a title given him in 1822, as colonel of the First Regiment of Ohio State Militia, with which he had been connected as an officer since 1817. He served as township clerk and trus- tee, and as postmaster of Youngstown under the administration of President William Henry Harrison. To the developing of the educa- tional and religious influences of his city, Col- onel Wick was a large contributor, not only of his means but of his time, which was always a valuable asset. Many of the present well- developed charities of the city had their in-

WILLIAM H. MCGINNIS

MRS. MARY M. MCGINNIS

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ception under his fostering care, and many a struggling enterprise was placed upon a sound basis through his helpfulness. This honored and beloved citizen passed from this life June 30, 1865, being survived by a number of his children and by his second wife, whose death occurred in 1887.

Colonel Wick was first married January I. 1816, to Rachel Kirtland, who was a daughter of Jared Kirtland, of Poland, Ohio. Two children of this marriage are deceased, and Mrs. Wick died in 1820. On November 3. 1828, Colonel Wick married, second, Maria Adelia Griffith, who was born at Caledonia, New York. Of this marriage ten children were born, seven of whom reached maturity. Two of his sons, Caleb B. and Henry K., rank with the leading business men of Youngs- town. The former is largely interested in real estate, coal and iron, and has offices, as has his brother, Henry K., at Nos. 404-405 Dol- lar Bank building, Youngstown. Henry K. Wick is president of the great coal firm of H. K. Wick & Company. Both brothers have handsome residences on Wick avenue.

ILLIAM H. MCGINNIS, whose achievements in the field of scien- tific investigation have made his name familiar all over the country wherever interest is fostered in such studies, is a prominent resident of Youngstown and is now serving in his second term as recorder of Mahoning County. He was born at New Middletown, Ohio, Decem- ber 21, 1847, and is a son of William and Lydia ( Welk) McGinnis.

The McGinnis family in America was founded by William McGinnis (1), who was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1750, came to America in 1782, and died in Pennsyl- vania, prior to 1817. He left a son, William (2) and a grandson, William (3), the latter of whom was born at Staunton, Virginia, September 12, 1796, and died at Mt. Jackson, Pennsylvania, in 1873, leaving a son, Wil-

liam (4). This William McGinnis, father of William H. McGinnis of Youngstown, was born at Mt. Jackson, Lawrence County, Penn- sylvania, July 4, 1824. On March 4, 1847, he married Lydia Welk, who was born at New Middletown, Ohio, and died August 29, 1848. In 1857, William McGinnis went to Kansas, where he took part in the border troubles prior to the opening of the Civil War, and his death took place March 6, 1899, at Valley Falls, in that state.

William H. McGinnis attended school at New Middletown up to the age of 13 years. He then came to Youngstown, finding em- ployment in the iron mills of this city, first as a practical workman and later as a skilled mechanic. For 25 years prior to 1896, he- traveled extensively in the interest of various business houses. In the last named year he was elected clerk of Youngstown township and through re-election, served four years in that office. His political affiliations have al- ways been with the Republican party to which he has always shown his fealty and by which he has been many times honored by appoint- ment as delegate to important councils and conventions. On November 5, 1901, Mr. Mc- Ginnis was elected recorder of Mahoning County, and he has since conducted the affairs of his office with the promptness, efficiency and courtesy which have insured him the con- fidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.

Almost from boyhood and on through the years when his opportunities for study and in- vestigation were limited, Mr. McGinnis has been deeply interested in scientific discoveries, particularly in geology and mineralogy. Con- sidering the few advantages he had and the

erudite learning necessary to establish scien- tific facts, Mr. McGinnis' achievements must be considered very remarkable. All of his lei- sure time was taken up in study on his favorite subjects and for years his careful conclusions were accepted by scientific bodies to which they were submitted. When, in April, 1809. he was elected a member of the American As- sociation for the Advancement of Science, those competent to judge, felt that this honor

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was well bestowed. It was a pleasant but un- expected recognition of worth. to Mr. Mc- Ginnis, doubly valued, as he was the first Eastern Ohio scientist to be so recognized. He has continued to contribute much of value to the scientific institutions of Ohio and also to the Smithsonian Institute, at Washington.

While Mr. McGinnis has devoted so much careful study to geology and mineralogy, he has not confined his attention to these sub- jects, his mind and activities taking in all scientific knowledge. He has exhibited many most interesting specimens at various exposi- tions and a remarkable collection was dis- played at the World's Fair at Chicago. His discoveries have settled many scientific points and he has been recognized as an authority in the highest scientific circles. Perhaps his most notable discovery was the specimen of fossil head of the musk ox, which is now on exhibition in the State University at Colum- bus. in reference to which we are permitted to append portions of a letter received by Mr. McGinnis from Professor Edward Orton, State Geologist of Ohio, under date of Feb- ruary 26, 1899. After friendly congratula- tions upon this discovery, Professor Orton continues :

"This is the third specimen of this kind ever discovered in the United States and the only one ever found in Ohio. This species has been extinct now for over four thousand years. You have the honor of having discovered one of the rarest and most valuable fossils ever found in Ohio, and by and through you, this Institute is greatly enriched. You have the sincere thanks of the board of managers of this institution for your valuable gift."

At various times, Mr. McGinnis has con- sented to address gatherings on scientific top- ics, and an interesting occasion was the meet- ing of the State Horticultural Society, at Ravenna. April 19, 1902, when Mr. McGinnis. as the principal speaker, delivered a scholarly address on Mineralogy as a Moral Science. In this address he set forth with clear reason- ing and scientific demonstration the value of this branch of science, including. as it does.

the study of all inorganic substances in or on the earth, to the sum total of human knowl- edge, and dwelt especially upon its connection with the advancement of agriculture and the development of useful arts.

On February 23, 1865, Mr. McGinnis was married to Mary Morgan, who accompanied her father, Morgan Morgan, from their native land of Wales, when a child of eight years. Morgan Morgan was born at Ebbew, Wales, and with his family came to the United States, in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis had chil- dren, as follows: Charles E., who was ac- cidentally killed, at the age of 22 years, while engaged in his duty as assistant miller at the City Flouring Mills, at Youngstown; Grace May, who married Jesse E. Woods : Ford B., who married Annabel Kennedy: William Wade, residing at home; and two children who died in infancy. Mr. McGinnis and fam- ily reside in an attractive home to which the pleasant name of Violet Banks, has been given, which is situated at No. 1018 Orange street, Youngstown. Among the many attrac- tions of this home, not the least is the com- prehensive museum which Mr. McGinnis has collected, a visit to which and study of the same, is a liberal education along scientific lines, and, to the ordinary student, is a lesson which may be of encouragement to those who, like Mr. McGinnis, find it necessary to meet and overcome many obstacles in order to grasp success.

Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis are both members of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a member of the official board. He is principal of the junior department of the Sun- day-school, in which he has always taken a deep interest. Mrs. McGinnis is also active in church work and is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society. His fraternal connections in- clude membership in Robert E. Johnson Lodge, No. 614, Knights of Pythias : the Jun- ior Order of United American Mechanics ; and the Maccabees. With interest he has watched and taken part in the growth and development of Youngstown and in all that represents its solid worth he is a representative citizen. It

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is with pleasure that the publishers present the protraits of Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis in con- nection with this biographical outline.

REEMAN H. BEARD, one of Beaver township's best known residents, who has served as township trustee, was born on his present farm in Mahon- ing County, Ohio, January 22, 1856, and is a son of John and Hannah ( Ertzinger ) Beard, biographical mention of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume.

Freeman Beard was reared on the home farm and has always lived, with the exception of one year spent on an adjoining farm, in his present residence. He was educated in the schools of Beaver township, and everything concerning its public management and mater- ial advancement has been of interest to him. In 1893 he accepted the office of township trustee, to which he was elected on the Demo- cratic ticket, and has served continuously ever since, with the exception of one term, from 1896 until 1899. It is conceded by both par- ties that Mr. Beard has made an efficient and conscientious public officer and he enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens. He has al- ways devoted himself to general farming and dairying. as an occupation, and owns 157 acres of as valuable land for agricultural purposes as lies in Mahoning County.

On January 30. 1877, Mr. Beard was mar- ried to Wilhelmina Moff, who was born in Knox township, Columbiana County, Ohio, May 3. 1856, and is a daughter of Philip and Catherine ( Perren) Moff. Her father was born in Germany and her mother in Switzer- land. The grandfather. George Philip Moff, emigrated to America and located at North Georgetown. Columbiana County, Ohio, where his family was reared. The mother of Mrs. Beard accompanied her parents to Amer- ica when she was young. They were Jacob and Susanna ( Swartz) Perren, natives of Switzerland, and they too located at North Georgetown. The father of Mrs. Beard died in 1872. but the mother still survives and re-

sides upon her valuable farm of 145 acres, situated in section 6, Beaver township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Moff were: Wil- liam, residing at Atwater, Ohio; Wilhelmina; Albert, who died young: Rosa Louisa ( de- ceased), who married Frank Rinkenberger ; Edwin, residing at New Buffalo; and Charles, also a resident of New Buffalo.

Mr. and Mrs. Beard have had children as follows: Eldora, born September 14. 1878, who married Elmer Ramsey, and resides with her husband at Struthers: Cora, born July 21. 1881, who became the wife of Daniel Mellin- ger, residing at Youngstown, and has one son -Herbert Daniel, born May 21, 1906; Clin- ton, born January 25, 1883: Herbert, born March 29, 1890; and Lester, born January 25. 1897. all residing at home. One babe died unnamed.

Politically Mr. Beard is identified with the Democratic party, with which his father was also connected until within recent years. He belongs to the fraternal order known as the Patrons of Husbandry. Both he and wife are members of the Paradise Reformed Church.

J OSEPH FEARNLEY BONNELL. The name of Bonnell is so closely identified with the leading industries of the Mahoning Valley, and it has been one so long connected with hon- orable achievement in and about Youngstown, that interest centers in every one fortunate enough to be of kindred. Joseph Fearnley Bonnell was born at Bradford, Yorkshire. England, a scion of a family which could trace its ancestry back for many generations.

For Youngstown the name of Joseph Fearnley Bonnell possesses interest because of his personal relationship to one who for thirty years was connected with the great iron and coal interests of this section, the late John Meek Bonnell, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume, and to another no less distinguished in the same field. Henry Bonnell, of whom also biographical mention is herein made.

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For some 300 years at Bradford, England, grew and flourished a harness and saddlery business, one which had descended from fa- ther to son. This business came, in the course of human events, to Joseph Fearnley Bonnell and in it he remained interested until the close of his life, dying December 1, 1875. He married Alice Elizabeth Duffill, also of Yorkshire, and they reared a family of seven children, namely: John Meek (deceased ), who in life was a prominent citizen of Youngstown ; Elizabeth, Jane Ellen and Mary, residing in England; Alice, wife of T. J. Storey, general manager of the International Salvage Company, of London; Harry, a well known citizen of Youngstown, extensively in- terested in the iron industry; and William Fearnley, one of the partners in the firm of Otis, Bonnell & Company, iron agents, Cleve- land, Ohio.

Mr. Bonnell is recalled as one of the lead- ing members of the Lister Hills Congrega- tional Church, in which, on account of his ex- emplary life, he was chosen to the office of senior deacon.

ON. GEORGE FRANCIS ARREL, formerly judge of the court of com- mon pleas, and for many years a prominent member of the Mahoning County bar, has been in active practice at Youngstown for over thirty-five years. Mr. Arrel was born October 1, 1840, on his father's farm in Poland township, Ma- honing County, Ohio, and is a son of David and Martha (Moore) Arrel.

John Arrel, the grandfather of Judge Arrel, was born in Franklin County, Penn- sylvania, of Irish parentage and came to Ohio in 1800. He participated in the war of 1812.

David Arrel, the eldest son of John and Martha ( Stewart) Arrel, was born in Poland township, Mahoning County, Ohio, May 6, 1803, and his whole life was devoted to agri- cultural pursuits in that locality. In 1830 he married Martha Moore, who died in June, 1872, Mr. Arrel surviving until 1888. They

had these children: William, Margaret (wife of James Pence), John and George Francis.

George Francis Arrel spent his boyhood and early youth on his father's farm and pre- pared in the local schools for Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, to which institution his father sent him when he was 18 years of age. There he was graduated in general literature, science, and mathematics, in June, 1865. He then engaged in the study of the law at Warren, Ohio, until the fall of 1866, when he entered the law department of the Albany University, where he was gradu- ated in 1867. In August of the same year he was admitted to the bar, and in May follow- ing located for practice at Youngstown. In 1870 he was elected city solicitor and served in that office for four successive terms; in 1880 he was elected to the common pleas bench, in the second sub-division of the ninth judicial district, on which he served until February 9, 1887. Since retiring from judicial life he has continued his private practice, which includes a large amount of railroad and corporation work. Since January 1, 1906, he has been senior member of the law firm of Arrel, Wil- son & Harrington. The firm has convenient offices in the Dollar Bank Building, Youngs- town.

On October 18, 1876, Judge Arrel was married to Grace Tod, who is a daughter of that beloved and honored son of Ohio, the late Governor David Tod, of whom a sketch will be found in this work. Judge and Mrs. Arrel have two children, David and Frances Maria. They have a beautiful home situated at No. 124 Lincoln avenue, Youngstown.

ILLIAM CHAMBERS, residing on a well improved farm of 116 acres in Boardman township, was born on his present farm, July 13, 1871. son of John and Louisa. M. (Andrews) Chambers.

His grandfather, Thomas Chambers, a native of Ireland, came to America at a very early period, and the vessel in which he made

SIDNEY DE LAMAR JACKSON

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the voyage was followed for nearly a week by pirates, but finally managed to reach New York in safety. He first settled in Washing- ton County, Pennsylvania, and later near Pittsburg, in a block house just across the creek. They, with his family and other set- tlers, were often attacked by the Indians. On one occasion after standing a siege by the latter, he volunteered to go on a hunt for deer. He saw a strange and unfamiliar object in the water and shot what proved to be a cat- fish weighing 115 pounds. His wife was in maidenhood a Miss McCollough. They reared a large family of children, namely : Thomas, Samuel, James, John, and several daughters.

John Chambers, son of Thomas and father of William, was reared in Washington Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, and when about 15 years old started out in life for himself, working on different farms for his relatives. While still quite young he engaged in the cattle business, in which he was very successful, and which he followed during the greater part of his life. He was married in Crawford County, Ohio, to Louisa M. Andrews, after which he re- moved to Mahoning County, settling on the present farm of his son William. He first purchased a tract of 80 acres, to which he later added more land and spent the remainder of his life in Boardman township, his death occurring in 1894 at the age of 78 years. His widow survived him until 1906, dying when 72 years of age. They had five children : Mary (Mrs. William McClaron, residing in New Castle, Pennsylvania) ; Anna, who is un- married; James B., John and William An- drew.

William A. Chambers spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, with the exception of a short period during which he worked in the Lloyd Booth & Company pattern shop at Youngstown. After attending the district schools and also the Northeastern Ohio Nor- mal Institute at Canfield, he worked for some time for his brother J. B. Chambers, in the cement business. He bought his farm from his father's estate in 1901, and makes a spe- cialty of dairying, keeping from fifteen to

twenty milk cows. He was married April 21, 1896, to Glendora McCullough, who was born in Poland township, and is a daughter of Josiah and Rosanna Mary (Dobbins ) McCul- lough. Mrs. Chambers has a brother James, who is connected with the Poland Hardware Company. Her father died in 1888, and her mother makes her home with her. Mr. Chambers is agent for the Sharples Tubular Cream Separator and also for all kinds of farm machinery. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers are both members of the Presbyterian Church.

S IDNEY DE LAMAR JACKSON, formerly prosecuting attorney of Ma- honing County, and a member of the prominent law firm of Norris, Jack- son & Rose, at Youngstown, was born April 9, 1855, at Hubbard, Trumbull County, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph M. and Rebecca L. Jackson.

The parents of Mr. Jackson came to Ma- honing County during his childhood, settling on a farm in Coitsville township, where he later was educated and where he still retains his home.

On leaving the public schools Mr. Jack- son entered upon the study of the law, under D. M. Wilson, at Youngstown, and was ad- mitted to the bar when 22 years of age. He has continued to practice until the present time, becoming a member of the strong firm of Norris, Jackson & Rose, in November, 1900. The offices of the firm are at Nos. 608-613 Dollar Bank Building.

In 1896 Mr. Jackson was elected prosecut- ing attorney of Mahoning County, and served one term; his administration of this import- ant office proving him to be an able lawyer, and a faithful, conscientious public officer. He retired from the position with honor attaching to his incumbency and with the continued con- fidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. While in office he labored indefatigably in the interest of Youngstown, and it was largely clue to his efforts that favorable action was taken in regard to the city's bridges, espe-

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cially the viaduct bridge. He is very promi- nent among the members of the bar.

In 1890 Mr. Jackson was united in mar- riage to Miss Lelia G. McBurney, a daughter of the late Henderson McBurney. Mrs. Jack- son for many years was a teacher in the Youngstown public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have three children-Joseph H., Mary Lorain, and Sidney De Lamar, Jr.

Fraternally Mr. Jackson is an Elk and an Odd Fellow. The old family homestead of 160 acres in Coitsville township, is owned by him and here he has a fine summer home. The publishers present Mr. Jackson's portrait in connection with this sketch.

J OSEPH HARROLD, a prominent and influential citizen of Beaver township, residing on his finely improved farm of 113 acres, was born on this same farm, in Mahoning County, Ohio, July 18, 1856, and is a son of Samuel and Susan ( Crumbacher ) Harrold.

David Harrold, the paternal grandfather, came to Ohio over the mountains from Penn. sylvania, with the early pioneers of Ohio, and settled in Columbiana County, where he was greatly assisted in his clearing of the forest by his wife, who was a woman of unusual strength and endurance. It is told of her that she could shoulder three bushels of wheat, standing in a half-bushel measure, a feat few men were able to accomplish.

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Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 63

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