Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 64

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 64

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Samuel Harrold, father of Joseph, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, near New Waterford, July 16, 1816. He inherited many of his mother's characteristics and much of her robust build. He was able to shoulder five bushels of wheat, and was always fore- most in feats of strength. He remained on the old farm in Columbiana County until 24 years of age and then located on the Nicholas Fire- stone farm, where he lived for five years. He then removed to the old Crumbacher farm, of which he received thirty acres for caring for his mother-in-law while she lived. Prior to her death she divided the 139 acres, and Mr.

Harrold purchased the rest of the land from the heirs. Samuel Harrold was an excellent farmer and a very intelligent man. His wife, Susan Crumbacher Harrold, who was born on the old Crumbacher farm, was a daughter of John and Esther (Oberholser) Crum- bacher. Her father enlisted from Mahoning County for service in the Mexican War and never returned. As there was no head to the family and no one to provide, little Susan was bound out in her childhood to Nicholas Fire- stone, the understanding being that she should come in for her share when the property was finally divided, but troubles arose and she never secured her just portion. The children of Samuel Harrold and wife were eight sons and four daughters, all of whom reached ma- turity : They were as follows: Simon, who died at Beaver Falls, aged 62 years, was a successful contractor and builder there; . Maria, who married George Detrow, resides in Beaver township; Rebecca, who died in Columbiana, aged 45 years, married Samuel Mellinger, who is also deceased; John is a resident of Columbiana; Anna, who married Valentine Grove, also resides in Columbiana; Samuel resides on a farm adjoining that of his brother Joseph on the north; Jacob is a resident of Warren; Amos resides in Lima ; Joseph is the subject of this article; Susan, who died, aged 29 years, was the wife of Jacob Detwiler ; Albert W. is an elder in the German Baptist Church; Elmer resides in Leetonia. The mother of the above-men- tioned died in 1885, aged 66 years. Samuel Harrold, the father, was a Republican in his political views for some years, but later be- came a Prohibitionist. He was reared a Lutheran, but subsequently united with the Dunkard denomination.

Joseph Harrold was reared on the old home farm, and although in his youth he con- templated leaving it, he was persuaded to stay, and he now feels that he did wisely in remaining at home. His youth was spent in very hard work, and, on account of his early advantages having been so limited, he was. permitted to attend the district school until he was 22 years of age. He owns 113 acres.

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of the 170 which his father left at his death, and has always given careful and industrious attention to farming. He built the first con- crete silo in this part of the country, and in many ways has kept up with modern methods. His land has been well improved. In 1880 he built his comfortable II-room house, in 1881 his substantial barn, 40x70 feet in di- mension, and in 1901 a straw shed 50x49 feet. For five years he had worked for his father for $100 a year, and this $500 was his capital when he started out. Mr. Harrold is one of the directors of the Beaver Township Tele- phone Company and a director and one of the original stockholders of the Columbiana Bank- ing and Savings Company.

On February 26, 1880, Mr. Harrold was married to Melissa C. Miller, who was born in Springfield township, and is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lower) Miller, ex- tended mention of whom will be found in this work in the sketch of W. L. Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Harrold have two children: Elsie, who is a graduate of the Columbiana High School class of 1904, and Vera, who is still a student at the Columbiana High School.

Mr. Harrold supports the prohibition party. He is just the kind of reliable citizen whom his friends would like to see in office, but he has never consented to serve in any position outside of the German Baptist Church, in which he has been very active, be- ing now a member of its board of trustees. He is also a trustee of the cemetery.

P AUL JONES, a retired manufacturer, of Youngstown, Ohio, who has been identified with many of the great industries which have made this city an important business center, was born here in November, 1838, a son of William and Mary (Clark) Jones.

The paternal forefathers of Mr. Jones were natives of Ireland. His grandparents were William and Fanny (Stinson) Jones, both of whom were born in County Tyrone, Ireland.

William Jones, the father, was born also in County Tyrone, Ireland, December 10, 1810, and came to America with his parents when about 20 years of age, landing at Philadelphia, where his mother had relatives. They shortly after came to Ohio and settled at Lisbon, Co- lumbiana County, William Jones coming to Youngstown about 1830. Here he attended school in the academy, which stood on the site of the present Diamond Block, and which afterwards became the Disciple Church. He learned the trade of bricklayer and stone mason and he was one of the builders whose mortar was good and whose corners always plumb, which expression might be applied both actually in regard to his occupation and in a figurative sense as indicative of his char- acter.

On August 9, 1835, William Jones was married to Mary Clark, who was born June 24, 1818, in Coitsville township, Mahoning County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Brownlee) Clark. Thomas Clark was born in Marshall township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on November 22, 1782. His wife, Jane Brownlee Clark, Mrs. Jones's mother, was a daughter of William and Mar- garet (Leman) Brownlee, and they settled in Coitsville township, Mahoning County, Ohio. William Brownlee was born in Scotland and came to America before the War of the Revo- lution. His wife was a native of Ireland. They settled in Washington County, Pennsyl- vania, where the maternal grandmother of our subject was born.

William Jones and wife had two sons, Nathaniel Mitchell and Paul. The father died at the home of his eldest son, at Memphis, Tennessee, on January 27, 1867, and was buried in the family lot at Oak Hill cemetery, Youngstown, by the side of his wife, who passed away on July 14, 1866.

Paul Jones was reared and educated at Youngstown, and in 1856 he began his busi- ness career as a bookkeeper for Charles How- ard of this city. For ten years Mr. Jones continued in this position, and then, with C. D. Arms, C. B. Wick and N. E. Brown, he entered into an iron business ; but as this ven-

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ture did not prove successful, it was aban- doned and Mr. Jones became manager for William Tod & Company. When the com- pany was incorporated he became its secretary and treasurer. In January, 1905, he resigned his offices with the company and retired from active business life. He is vice-president of the Youngstown Steel Company, of which he is a director, and has had other interests.

February 5, 1868, Mr. Jones was married to Minnie Pollock, who was a daughter of Thomas and Susannah Pollock. Mrs. Jones died on May 20, 1881, leaving one son, Fred- erick Dennis. Mr. Jones owns a fine residence on the corner of Broadway and Millicent avenue.

€ PHRAIM RUHLMAN, one of the highly respected, venerable citizens of Beaver township, who has lived practically retired for some years, re- mains a representative of one of the sturdy old pioneer families that established itself in Ohio seventy-six years ago. He was born in Manheim township, York County, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1821, and is a son of Lewis and Margaret (Hinkel) Ruhl- man.

Lewis Ruhlman was born also in Manheim township, York County, and was a son of George Ruhlman, who was probably of Ger- man ancestry. George Ruhlman was a farmer in Manheim township, and his other occupa- tions were hulling clover and operating a flax- seed oil mill. He married Margaret Riegle, who survived him many years. Lewis Ruhl- man continued his father's enterprises and to these added distilling, doing a large business and making many trips to as distant a point as Baltimore, with his whisky.

Lewis Ruhlman married Margaret Hinkel, a native of York County, Pennsylvania, and daughter of Anthony Hinkel, who was born in England. As a family began to gather about them, Lewis Ruhlman and his wife de- cided to dispose of the old farm in Pennsyl- vania and move to Ohio, where, it was re-

ported, plenty of good land was awaiting set- tlers. On May 1, 1831, the family reached New Franklin, Stark County, where they met with disappointment. The building of the canal had advanced land values to such an ex- tent that Mr. Ruhlman became discouraged at the outlook and decided to make the long journey back to Pennsylvania. In the mean- while he went to Columbiana on a visit, and while there he was informed of an improved farm which was for sale, near North Lima, the same being now known as the Hollibaugh place. After investigation, he found the land desirable and the price, including farm imple- ments, within his means, $2,000, for the 156 acres, and closed the bargain. He then re- turned to North Franklin and settled on the farm after transferring his family and be- longings.

Lewis Ruhlman was a man with excellent business perceptions. He carried on general farming in all its branches, was one of the first to start a horse-power thresher through this section and continued his manufacture of whisky. To his land he added twenty-two acres and made it a very valuable property, and continued to live on it until the death of his wife. He then sold it and moved to the home of a daughter in North Lima, where he died from the effects of a paralytic stroke. In politics he was a Democrat, and in his day he was elected to various township offices. The children of Lewis and Margaret Ruhlman were: Jesse, who died at Goshen, Indiana; Amos, residing southeast of Greenville, Penn- sylvania; Ephraim, whose name begins this sketch; Sarah (deceased), who was the wife of Henry Buzzard, of North Lima; Matilda, who married Solomon Clinker, and resides at North Lima; George, who died in Beaver township; William, residing in Marion Coun- ty, Ohio; Henry, who died at the age of 20 years; Lewis, who died in Springfield town- ship; and Eli, a resident of Poland township.

Ephraim Ruhlman remained with his father, giving him very valuable help until he was 21 years and 6 months old, when he start- ed out for himself. He had the reputation of being one of the best teamsters in his locality,

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when a mere lad being able to conduct a six- horse team with a loaded wagon, over the mountains to Pittsburg. For seven years he hauled whisky for his father to that point and never had a serious accident. Those were the days when really good horsemanship was re- quired, for such work, and nerve, good judge ment and physical strength were necessary equipments. There are those who still recall Mr. Ruhlman's feats of horsemanship. When he had unloaded the whisky at Pittsburg, he brought goods back, teaming at all times with from four to six horses. He has always been interested in horses and has been able to man- age them, keeping stallions on his farm even up to some six years ago. He started out with two fine animals and at one time kept five. Mr. Ruhlman began threshing while working with his father, who owned an outfit, and then went into partnership with Valentine Wentz, with whom he worked for fourteen years. After that he was associated for two years in the threshing business with Snyder & Fos- nacht, to which firm he later sold out. Later he worked at threshing for one season with Solomon Paulin, but in this enterprise he lost heavily, and that was the last threshing he did with horse-power. Subsequently he oper- ated a steam thresher for about fourteen years.

Like his father, Ephraim Ruhlman de- veloped into a good business man, one who was able to see opportunities and take advan- tage of them. In 1846 he bought a hotel at North Lima, paying for it the sum of $600, and this he operated until 1870, when he traded it for 160 acres of prairie land in Marshall County, Iowa, getting $750 to boot. Mr. Ruhlman went to Iowa to inspect the property, but on account of the invalidism of his wife, he never settled on it. Subsequently he sold it and bought fifty-five acres in Beaver township, on which his eldest son, Jacob, settled and remained on it until after the death of the latter's mother. Mr. Ruhlman kept the property, renting it, until some two years ago, when he sold it at a good figure.

In October, 1842, Ephraim Ruhlman was married to Rebecca Buzzard, who was born in Manheim township, York County, Pennsyl-

vania, in March, 1821, and died in Beaver township on her birthday anniversary in 1886. She had been a patient sufferer for some time previously, having experienced three strokes of paralysis. Her parents were well-known York County people, Jacob S. and Catherine (Thoman) Buzzard. The children born to Ephraim Ruhlman and wife were the follow- ing: Jacob, who died at North Lima, mar- ried (first) Elizabeth Ritter, and (second) Angeline Burkey; William H., biographical mention of whom will be found in this work; Dr. Lewis B., late a prominent physician, whose sudden death occurred some years since at Youngstown; Margaret Samantha, who died aged 5 years; and John H., residing at Youngstown.

After the death of his wife, the eldest son of Mr. Ruhlman came to North Lima and made his home with his father. Later he opened a boarding house and still later took charge of a hotel, which he operated for three years, and died while its proprietor. His widow continued the management of the hotel for six months longer and then moved to Mr. Ruhlman's farm and has kept house for him ever since. Mr. Ruhlman is getting to be an old man, but gives no indication either in mind or body that 86 years have passed over his silvered head. The clearness with which he remembers the events of long ago, and the pleasant way in which he relates concerning them, makes a friendly visit with this octogen- arian very enjoyable. Since 1856 he has been a stanch Republican and has served four terms as township assessor, elected first on the Democratic ticket, but later on the Republican.

OLOMON ELSER, up to the time of his death on June 3. 1907, one of Beaver township's most prominent and respected citizens, was a resident of North Lima from 1899, and had been identified with the township's official life for a great many years. Mr. Elser was born in Springfield township, two and one- half miles south of Poland, June 24, 1832, and

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is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Greenamyer ) Elser.

Mr. Elser's ancestors on the paternal side were German Huguenots, who were driven from their native land in the troublesome times of religious persecution. On the mater- nal side his forefathers were Scotch. In 1806 George Elser, the grandfather, founded the family in Springfield township, which was then in Columbiana County. The great-grand- father, Peter Elser, who was of German par- entage, came from Alsace-Lorraine with other Huguenots, and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The family records tell that the grandmother of George Elser came to America in 1749, with three sons and two daughters. George Elser, born at Hanover, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, married Catherine Summers, and when they came to Springfield township they had three children, the youngest of whom was the father of Solo- mon Elser of North Lima. Great-grandfather John Summers was married twice and had twenty-three children, sixteen of whom were married, and each were given 100 acres of land, with the exception of the youngest, who, in lieu of land, received $300 in cash. He came to Springfield township in 1802, from Maryland, and took up half a section where the town of Leetonia now stands. His son ran the first grist and saw mill at Leetonia, the only one in this part of the country at the time, which was built for him by George Elser, his brother-in-law.

The children of George Elser and wife were: John, George, Jacob, Peter and Sam- uel. The last named died young, but the others all reached the age of 80 years, with the exception of Peter, who almost reached it.

Jacob Elser, father of Solomon, was born at Hanover, Pennsylvania, and had not reached manhood when his father came to Springfield township. Not long after his marriage he removed to Beaver township, lo- cating in the southern part, where he engaged in farming. He sold that farm at a later period and purchased a smaller one near Co- lumbiana, where he and his wife lived some years. They then went to the home of their

eldest daughter, in the village, where both died. Jacob Elser married Margaret Greena- myer, who was born in Unity township, Co- lumbiana County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Jacob Greenamyer, whose father was an early settler and ran a mill, coming to Ohio from the neighborhood of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The children of Jacob and Margaret Elser were: Samuel, whose death at the age of four years was the result of an acci- dent; Sarah, who married Henry Werner, re- siding south of Columbiana; Solomon, whose name begins this sketch; Tobias, residing at North Lawrence; George, who died aged 21 years; Catherine, who married Jacob Keller, residing south of North Lima; Jacob, a resi- dent of North Lima; and Elizabeth, who died unmarried at the age of 21 years. Jacob Elser was a stanch Jacksonian Democrat. He served as superviser and as trustee of Beaver township.

Solomon Elser passed his boyhood on the home farm in Springfield township and ac- companied his father to Beaver township in 1849. He considered it his duty to remain with his parents until he was 21 years old, and then worked for neighboring farmers and for several years hired out by the year. In 1859 he began to farm for himself, but the season was even more backward that year than that of 1907, the time of the present writing. He recorded the fact that wheat, grass and corn were frozen solid on June 5, 1859, and the promise of an abundant crop was thus dissi- pated.

In 1862 Mr. Elser bought a farm in the southern part of Beaver township, through which the railroad now runs, known as the David Whipple farm, and he resided on that place for three years and then lived on his father-in-law's place for three years, in the meantime selling his own farm and buying a place located one and one-half miles north- west. Mr. Elser continued to operate that farm until the spring of 1899, when he moved to North Lima, selling the farm and purchas- ing a comfortable home in the village.

On October 14, 1858, Mr. Elser was mar- ried to Margaret Witter, who was born in

B. t. It

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Springfield township, and who is a daughter of David Witter. This marriage was blessed with four children, namely: Louisa, Enos Walker, Laura and Alice. The eldest daugh- ter, Louisa, married C. A. Snyder, and resides in Pittsburg. She has four children, namely : Volney, who took a course with the Interna- tional Correspondence School and is now em- ployed in the Westinghouse plant at Pitts- burg: Goldie, of whom there is no special mention; Claude, who is also employed at Pittsburg; and Mernie. The second daughter, Laura, is the wife of Isaac Yoder, residing south of East Lewistown. The third daugh- ter, Alice, married John Pfau, residing at North Lima, and they have one son, Kenneth Solomon. Enos W. left home for the west in 1880, and was last heard from at LeMars, Kansas; it is not known if he is living.

From early manhood Mr. Elser was great- ly interested in politics and was credited by his neighbors with most excellent judgment. Thus, on many occasions, he was called on to accept positions of honor and responsibility, and after coming to North Lima was continu- ously in office. In 1863 he was elected a trus- tee of Beaver township, on the Democratic ticket, and served as treasurer, clerk, assessor, land appraiser and during one year of the Civil War was register of deeds; he served also for one year as district commissioner. In 1867 he was elected justice of the peace and has held that responsible office up to the time of his death, with the exception of four years, when he declined to serve. After his resigna- tion another justice was appointed, but he was so unfamiliar with the details of the office that not many cases were placed in his charge. It was then that Mr. Elser took out notarial papers and transacted much business in that line. Through careful study he prepared him- self for official duties and rarely had a decis- ion rendered against him in this long period. He acted in the capacity of assignee, executor and administrator, and satisfactorily settled up numerous estates. His official life covered more than forty years; he was familiar with law and its proper conception and administra- tion as fully and completely as many a gradu-

ated attorney. In the performance of his many duties, he handled many affairs in so just, yet so diplomatic a manner, that each party to the contention has been satisfied, on many occasions, without any prolonged liti- gation, and this quality gained for him the respect, confidence and esteem of people all over the township. He was one of the leading members of the Reformed Church at North Lima.

ON. BENJAMIN F. WIRT, one of Youngstown's most prominent and respected citizens, formerly a member of the state senate, who has been identified with the Youngstown bar for many years, was born March 26, 1852, at West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William and Eliza J. (Sankey) Wirt.

His great-grandfather, Peter Wirt, served in the War of Independence, enlisting from Pennsylvania. Peter Wirt, son of Peter and grandfather of Benjamin F., was born at Car- lisle, Pennsylvania, served in the war of 1812, and was the founder of the family in Mahon- ing County, Ohio. William Wirt, his son, and the father of Benjamin F., was born in 1826, at Youngstown, and was here engaged in business as a contractor and builder for many years. In 1849 he married Eliza J. Sankey, who died September 23, 1881, leav- ing but one child, Benjamin F.

As his tastes led rather toward a profes- sional life than the one in which his father had achieved a competency, Benjamin Wirt prepared for the law with Hon. L. D. Wood- worth, was admitted to the bar in 1873, and practiced in partnership with Judge Wood- worth until 1880. In 1896 he entered into partnership with M. A. Norris, but since 1900 he has been practicing alone. His legal abil- ity is generally recognized throughout eastern Ohio, and he has successfully handled some of the most important litigation ever brought before the courts of this section. His office is located in the Second National Bank Build- ing.

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Since early manhood Mr. Wirt has been active politically, and is accorded the honors of Republican leadership. In 1889 he was elected to represent the 23rd senatorial dis- trict in the state senate and was returned for a second term in 1901. For fifty-three years he has been a resident of Youngstown, and he is personally popular all over Mahoning Coun- ty. His portrait, which accompanies this article, will be quickly recognized by his num- erous friends.

In 1881 Mr. Wirt was married to Mary M. McGeehen, a daughter of Daniel Mc- Geehen, who is a resident of New Bedford, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wirt have a pleasant home at No. 31 West Rayen avenue, Youngstown.

B RUCE S. MATTHEWS, a successful farmer and extensive breeder of De- laine sheep, with which industry he has been identified almost since boy- hood, owns 165 acres of fine land, which is situated in Boardman township, about five miles measuring south from the Diamond in Youngstown. He was born in a log house then standing on his present farm in Boardman township, Mahoning County, Ohio, May 1, 1846, his parents being Thomas and Cynthia (Shannon) Matthews.

The Matthews family has an interesting history and is one of the old and substantial families of this part of Ohio. The grandpar- ents of Bruce S. Matthews were Thomas and Jane (McClurg) Matthews, well-known names in County Down, Ireland, where they were born. Thomas Matthews followed the trade of stone mason in Ireland until after his marriage and the birth of one child, when he decided to emigrate to America, where he hoped to better his condition. In 1813, ac- companied by his family, he took passage on a sailing vessel, which safely landed its voy- agers at Castle Garden, New York, in July, after a passage of six weeks. Mr. Matthews proceeded to Pittsburg, where he worked at his trade for about a year, and afterwards at

other points up to 1822, when he came to Poland, Mahoning County, where there was much work in his line to be done at that time. Thomas Matthews built the abutments of the old Poland bridge, which stood until within three years ago. He died at Poland, aged 80 years, and was buried in the old burying- ground here.

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Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 64

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