Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 65

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 65

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After the death of her husband, Mrs. Jane Matthews moved to Sheakleyville, Pennsyl- vania, where she died in advanced age. Their daughter, Ann Jane, who had been born in Ireland, married in America John Wishard. Five more children were born in the United States, the eldest of these being Thomas, father of Bruce S., whose birth occurred Au- gust 17, 1813, at Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, six weeks after the family reached there, the site being that of the old garrison. He ac- companied his parents when they made the overland journey to Poland, and when his father died he went to live with Richard Hall. Mr. Hall found in him a youth he could trust and his reliability was proved when he was sent alone, with a six-horse team and a load of clover seed, from Poland to Buffalo, New York, where he transacted his business and returned within the specified time, bringing back a load of salt. He remained with Mr. Hall until he attained his majority.

On December 29, 1841, Thomas Mat- thews was married to Cynthia Shannon, who was born in Youngstown township, Mahoning County, Ohio, April 18, 1824. Her father, Major John Shannon, an officer in the war of 1812, was born in Ireland, came to America and settled first at Chambersburg, Pennsyl- vania, but later moved to Youngstown. After his marriage, Thomas Matthews resided for a short time in Poland township, where he rented farming land, and then bought, in 1844, the farm now owned by his sons, from Dr. Wick. At that time all this surrounding coun- try was heavily timbered, but a two-story hewn log cabin stood on the place, which had been built in 1811. This remained the family home until the winter of 1863, when the pres- ent commodious ten-room frame dwelling was erected. In this home Thomas Matthews died,

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June 2, 1883. He was survived a number of years by his widow, her death occurring No- vember 21, 1896. They were people of real worth and their lives were connected closely with the growth of the section in which they lived for so many years. They reared a fam- ily of six children, the two survivors being Bruce Shannon and Charles Wick. Those de- ceased were: William S .; Ellen Jane, who died April 1, 1855; Ella Day, who died De- cember 16, 1863; and Cora Cynthia, who died at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 29, I866.

Dr. William S. Matthews, the eldest broth- er of Bruce S. Matthews, was born October 30, 1843, practiced medicine at Youngstown, and died May 9. 1888. When but 17 years of age he entered the Federal service as a mem- ber of Company I, 60th Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, was made orderly sergeant and for un- usual bravery was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and then to that of captain. The particular occasion which brought promotion so rapidly was told at the time in the public press, but will well bear repeating. In a charge on a fort one of the members of his company, of which he was then lieutenant, was wounded so that he could not escape with his comrades. When Lieutenant Matthews realized the danger of his companion, he quickly called for volunteers to assist him to carry the wounded soldier from in front of the enemy's fire to a place of safety. One man, Andy Barger, a private, was the brave com- rade who, with Lieutenant Matthews, faced the bullets whistling around their ears, and safely conveyed the helpless soldier to the breastworks of the Union lines. It was so valorous a deed that the Confederates could not restrain their admiration and set up a great cheer which united with that of all who witnessed this act of devotion. Both parti- cipants received well-deserved promotion.

Bruce Shannon Matthews was reared in his native township and went to school in an old log log house which stood in the woods. Its furnishings were rough-hewn logs with wooden pins driven in for seats, while the desks were built along the walls, a slanting

plank resting on more wooden pegs. At first a fireplace gave heat to the loosely built build- ing, but later a hugh cannon stove was in- stalled. Nevertheless Mr. Matthews can re- member when the children would frequently find the floor covered with ice and no winter passed without many hapless little ones getting frozen feet. As far as he was concerned, he was given little time to attend school, work always pressing on the farm, and before he reached man's estate he had done a large amount of clearing. His father was a large sheep grower also, and from his boyhood he has been having experience in this line. For 17 years he has stood in sheep pens at county fairs, exhibiting fine specimens. He makes a specialty of raising the Delaine strain, keep- ing about 200 head.

In 1871, Mr. Matthews went out with a paty of surveyors who were working in the interest of a railroad. His idea was to spend a few days with the party, more for experience than anything else, but he remained out for two years, working between the lake and the Ohio River. He was recalled to the farm by his father's failing health, and has remained in Boardman township ever since. Few men are better or more favorably known. He has done business with the larger number of farm- ers all over Mahoning County, and they are ready to affirm their respect for him as an honest, fair-dealing man.

On February 28, 1888, Mr. Matthews was married to Myrtle Harris, who was born on her father's farm in Boardman township, and is a daughter of Hamilton and Candace (Mc- Farlin) Harris. Hamilton Harris, now liv- ing retired in Youngstown, was born in Coits- ville township, Mahoning County, Ohio, July II, 1833, and was married in April, 1857, to Candace McFarlin, who was born in Coits- ville township, May 23, 1831, and died Au- gust 8, 1874. They had six children, three of whom died young. Those living are : Myrtle (Mrs. Matthews), William, and Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews have one child. Jessie Harris, who is attending the Boardman High School.

Mr. Matthews, like his father, has always

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been a strong supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He has served three terms as township trustee. His father served as second lieutenant of the old home militia company. Mr. Matthews and family belong to Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church at Youngstown.

SAEL E. ADAMS president of the Dollar Savings & Trust Company, of Youngstown, Ohio, is one of the rep- resentative business men of this city and has been identified with this financial institution since 1895. Mr. Adams was born at Cleveland, Ohio, October 25, 1867, son of Comfort and Catherine ( Peti- colas) Adams.

The father of Mr. Adams was a native of Connecticut, and for a number of years was a large manufacturer there, but subsequently re- moved to Cleveland, where he died. He had four children.

Asael E. Adams was reared and educated at Cleveland and received his collegiate train- ing in the Case School of Applied Science. For a large part of his business life he was en- gaged in an abstract business in Cleveland, and after coming to Youngstown, in 1893, he con- tinued thus engaged until called to the presi- dency of The Dollar Savings & Trust Com- pany. This institution has a capital of $1,- 500,000. Its officers are. Asael E. Adams, president; John C. Wick, vice-president ; Henry M. Garlick, vice-president; Rolla P. Hartshorn, treasurer; E. Mason Wick, sec- retary ; Paul H. McElevey, assistant treasur- er; Charles J. Wick, cashier ; and E. H. Hos- mer, assistant cashier. The large amount of capital represented and the prominence of its "officers have done much to sustain confidence in this bank, while its honorable methods and prompt business dealings have made it justly popular.

Mr. Adams was married to one of the fair daughters of Youngstown, Anna J. Shook, whose father, Silas Shook, is one of this city's most prominent citizens. They have two chil-

dren, Asael E., Jr., and Comfort A. Mr. Adams and wife belong to the Westminster Presbyterian Church. They have a beautiful home on the corner of Fifth avenue and Broadway, Youngstown.

In political opinions Mr. Adams is a Re- publican. Fraternally he is identified with the Elks.

J AMES A. BROWNLEE, one of Boardman township's most venerable and highly respected citizens, resides on his valuable farm of 172 acres and owns also 60 acres situated just across the highway, but in Poland township. Mr. Brownlee has been an American citizen for many years, but this is not the land of his birth, that having taken place on Turfoot Farm, near the village of Strethhaven, 12 miles from the city of Glasgow, Scotland, Feb- ruary 4, 1825.

His parents, John and Margaret (Wilson) Brownlee, were natives of Scotland, quiet, vir- tuous people whose main object in life became a wise provision for their five children. It was this desire that caused John Brownlee to make arrangements to follow the example of his two brothers, Alexander and David, who had emigrated to America previously, and who had both become possessed of valuable farms, Alexander owning 400 acres in Mahon- ing County, and David an equally large tract. Still another brother, William, had emigrated and settled in New York, as early as 1812, and subsequently become a minister in the Re- formed Church. In 1832, John Brownlee had about completed his arrangements to sail for America with his family, when he was stricken with illness and died before the time arrived.

The mother of James Brownlee was a wo- man of great resolution and of admirable char- acter. When left a widow, with the future welfare of her children subject to her sole guidance, she resolved to carry out the plans of their late father and when the appointed time came, took passage with them on the sail- ing vessel which landed them all safely in the

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port of New York after a voyage of some eight weeks. By canal and lake they reached Ashtabula County, and, thence came in wagons to Mahoning County, finally reaching the farm now owned by Mr. Brownlee, which had prob- ably been selected by one of his uncles. The land had been partially cleared and a six-room stone house was standing and thus immediate shelter was found. The surrounding coun- try was better settled than in some other local- ities although considerable small game still re- mained. In spite of the many pioneer hard- ships to which Mrs. Brownlee was necessarily subjected, she lived a widow for thirty-three years after coming to America, dying on this farm in 1865 at the age of 84. Her children were: Alexander, Thomas, William, David and James Archibald.

James Archibald Brownlee, the youngest member of the above family, is also its only survivor. He was but seven years of age when he accompanied his mother from his na- tive land, but is able to recall many events of that long journey. He grew to manhood on the present farm and obtained his education in a little log school house which stood near his home. He remembers the rough slab benches and the big fireplace in which it was the duty of the boys to take turns in lighting a fire and also in procuring fuel from the near- by forest. He grew up industrious and obedi- ent to his mother, and remained on the farm with her after the other boys went out into the world to shift for themselves.

On March 16, 1855. Mr. Brownlee was married to Rebecca Gilchrist, who was born November 16, 1832, at Allegheny, Pennsyl- vania, and was a daughter of James and Grace (McGraw) Gilchrist. Her father was a well known carpenter and contractor. Her mother was the widow of a Mr. McGraw, her maiden name being McClelland. Eight children were born to this marriage, as follows: Mary and James H., who both reside at home; John and Edward, twins, the former residing at home, the lat- ter a physician practicing at Struthers, a graduate of Poland Union College and of Dartmouth College, who married Ella Geddes ;

Eva, who married David Blunt, and resides on Loveland Hill; Irvin, residing near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who married Minnie Lormer, of Detroit, and has four children-Lormer, Ruth, Irvin and Robert; Ralph, of whom there is no special mention; and Grace, the wife of George Hunter, residing near Pittsburg, who has two children-Margaret and Wallace. Mr. Brownlee and family belong to the Presbyte- rian Church.

Mr. Brownlee has always followed farm- ing and stock-raising as his occupations, and at one time he supplied almost all the meat used in Youngstown. He obtained a part of his land from his mother's estate (it having been purchased from the heirs of John Zedeger), and 53 acres from Peter Webber, on which tract stands his comfortable II-room house. Coal has been found on Mr. Brownlee's prop- erty, two veins having been developed from which many tons of fine fuel have been secured and doubtless many more will be mined.

Politically, Mr. Brownlee is a Republican ; he has held a number of township offices, serv- ing as township trustee, assessor and for two terms as land appraiser. Both he and his wife are widely known, and have long been noted for their hospitality. Mrs. Brownlee, like her husband, is the youngest member and only sur- vivor of a large family. Her parents died at Coitsville. Her brothers and sisters were : Isabella, who married Robert Morris; Jane. who married Samuel Shaffer; Nancy, who married William Cooper ; Margaret, who mar- ried James Harvey; Ellen, who married Thomas Kirk; Mary, who married James D. Shields; James, Alexander, and Elizabeth.

J OHN BEARD, a highly esteemed and one of the most venerable residents of Mahoning County, who has resided on his present farm since 1848. was born in Westmoreland County, Penn- sylvania, July 2, 1818. and is a son of Jacob and Frederika (Unkauf) Beard.

The parents of Mr. Beard came to America from Wittenberg, Germany, in 1817, locating

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first in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. In the fall following the birth of Mr. Beard, they moved to Springfield township, Mahon- ing County, Ohio, where Jacob Beard pur- ,chased a 40-acre tract of timber, to which he subsequently added two 80-tracts, all of which he cleared up. He was a typical German pio- neer, possessing all the sturdy characteristics of his race, and he reared a family which has reflected credit upon their parentage and the country in which they were reared. In 1839, Jacob Beard sold his possessions in Springfield township and purchased section 5, Beaver township, which is still known as the Beard section and is largely owned by his descend- ants. He built a home on the part now owned by Alvin Thoman and later built where G. S. Beard lives. When his days of activity were over he moved with his wife to Canfield, where they resided to the end of their lives, passing away honored and respected by all who knew them.

The children born to Jacob Beard and wife were: John, whose name appears at the head of this sketch; Jacob, extended mention of whom will be found in the sketch of Monroe Beard, printed on another page of this volume ; Susanna (deceased), who married Dr. Louis Zeigler; Frederika, who married Joseph B. Miller, of Boardman township and is now de- ceased: Henry and Jacob, both deceased; Ly- dia, who married Gabriel Klyne, residing at Youngstown ; Hannah (deceased), who mar- ried Peter Klyne, and David, who resides in Newton Falls, Mahoning County.

John Beard was reared in a very practical manner and from childhood was taught that industry is the price of success. As he was the eldest of the sons, he became his father's chief assistant. He remained at home until 1848, when he purchased 50 acres of partly cleared land, on which then stood an old log cabin. Later he bought 18 acres and still later 24 acres, both of which he subsequently traded in a bargain for a 100-acre farm adjoining his original purchase. He then built the comfort- able home in which he has lived ever since, having also erected other substantial buildings

in connection therewith. During his active years he was a successful agriculturist and was considered one of the township's most useful and substantial men. Although he has passed his 89th birthday, he retains his vital powers in a wonderful degree.

In January, 1844, Mr. Beard was married to Hannah Ertzinger, who was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1823, a daughter of John Ertzinger. Mr. and Mrs. Beard had two children, Lydia and Freeman H. The former, born April 15, 1845, mar- ried Andrew Lynn, of Beaver township, and died in 1897. Freeman H. Beard resides in section 7. Beaver township, where he has a valuable farm of 157 acres. Politically, Mr. John Beard is a Republican. He is a member of the Paradise Lutheran Church.

Mr. Beard's memory being excellent he can recall many interesting events and condi- tions pertaining to this section. He remem- bers when Youngstown had but one store, and but a few cabins, and when the location now occupied by the Diamond was nothing but a rank pond. At that time Poland was a more thriving place, having three stores and a larger population. Wages paid for labor during his early manhood and the price of commodities furnish food for reflection. In his day, work began as the sun peeped over the hills at dawn and continued, with a brief "nooning" until the stars shone at night, when a choice was given the laborer of a bushel of wheat or the sum of 25 cents in money, this scale being only operative, however, during harvest days, at other times the pay being but 18 cents. Mr. Beard recalls the time when a barrel of salt cost 48 bushels of shelled corn, eggs were worth from two cents to but one and one-half per dozen, butter was three cents per pound, chickens were three cents each and for coffee 65 cents a pound was demanded. It is a long distance to look back over 89 years and won- derful events have happened within the span of his life. He still keeps himself well in- formed concerning public affairs and takes an interest in local happenings and the welfare of his neighbors and kindred.

HON. ROBERT MACKEY

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h ON. ROBERT MACKEY, whose por- trait accompanies this article, was one of the prominent men produced by Youngstown township, where the greater part of his long and use- ful life was spent. ] He belonged to a prominent pioneer family of this section and was born in the historic old Mackey homestead in Mahoning County, Ohio, in October, 1832, and was a son of James and Margaret ( Early) Mackey. The Mackey family history will be found in this work in the sketch of James Mackey, brother of Robert Mackey.

After completing his education Robert Mackey became interested in developing the coal land on his own farm, but subsequently gave his main attention to farming and stock- raising. Following in the footsteps of his father, he became a factor in political life, and in 1877 he was elected a member of the state legislature and served one term, after which he resumed his agricultural pursuits and also gave attention to affairs of a public-spirited nature.

In association with his brothers, James and David Mackey, he projected the first street railroad at Youngstown, it being constructed in 1875. It was operated by horses until the installation of electricity, and it marked the beginning of a large amount of Youngstown's prosperity. In many ways his intelligence, judgment and capital were used to benefit his fellow citizens, and he is recalled by them with consideration and esteem.

On December 10, 1868, Robert Mackey was married to Kate M. Martin, daughter of Hugh R. and Dorcas (Blackburn) Martin, who were natives of Lancaster County, Penn- sylvania. Mrs. Mackey's parents came to Ohio and settlers in Springfield township, Ma- honing County, just across the line from Po- land township, and there Mrs. Mackey was reared. Immediately following their mar- riage. Robert Mackey and wife settled on the old Mackey homestead, where Mrs. Mackey still resides. The residence was built several years prior to 1816, when the father of the late Mr. Mackey bought the farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Mackey had four children,

namely: Frank, who resides with his mother and manages the farm; Emma, who also re- sides with her mother, and who is the widow of Fred C. McCombs, who was assistant su- perintendent of the Lowell furnace, and was accidentally killed six months after his mar- riage; Robert and George, both of whom died while their father was serving in the legisla- ture, their deaths occurring from diphtheria, but three days apart. The death of Robert Mackey occurred November 11, 1893.

Mr. Mackey was one of the pioneer mov- ers in having the county seat moved from Canfield to Youngstown. He was also a mem- ber of the Mill Creek Park Commission and gave much of his time and attention to bring- ing the Park into public favor.

EORGE J. RENNER. JR., proprietor of the City Brewery, at Youngstown, is one of the city's capitalists and in- fluential citizens. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February II, 1856, and is a son of George J. and Seraphina (Ap- pleman) Renner.

The parents of Mr. Renner came to Amer- ica from Germany in 1848 and settled at Cin- cinnati, Ohio, removing to Akron in 1888. The father of our subject, who was born in 1834 and still survives, has been a brewer all his business life and has been interested in plants at Cincinnati, Akron and Mansfield, Ohio. His wife was born in 1835 and died in 1893. She was a most worthy woman, a devoted wife and mother and a consistent member of the Catholic Church. She was the mother of 12 children, of whom the survivors are George J., Lizzie, Rosa, Nora, Emma and William.

George J. Renner, Jr., was reared and edu- cated at Covington, Kentucky, across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. He has been identi- fied with the brewing business since he was a youth, and has been in the business on his own account for the last quarter of a century. His first location was at Wooster, Ohio, whence he removed in 1884 to Youngstown, where he established his present business. Six years

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later Mr. Renner erected his present modern plant. equipping it with the best machinery. It stands on Pike street, enjoys excellent rail- road facilities and is the largest plant of its kind in the city, having a capacity of 100,000 barrels of beer, and porter, per annum. There are 60 people employed in the brewery.

In 1880 Mr. Renner was married to Em- ma Weaver, who is a daughter of the late John Weaver, of Covington, Kentucky. Mrs. Ren- ner was the eldest in a family of 10 children, the others being: John, Robert, George (who died aged 26 years), Mary, Pauline, August, Frank, Harry and William.

Mr. and Mrs. Renner have had eight chil- dren, George, Emil A., Edna, Irene, Viola, Florence, Ruth and Earl. George, Irene and Earl are now deceased. The family home is sit- uated at No. 209 Pike street. Mr. and Mrs. Renner are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Renner also belongs to a number of social organizations and is a well-known and popular man.

ALEB B. WICK, one of the leading citizens of Youngstown, who for years has been closely identified with its most important commercial interests, belongs to one of the most honored pioneer families of the Mahoning Valley. He was born April 24, 1836, at Youngstown, and is a son of the late Colonel Caleb B. and Maria Adelia (Griffith) Wick. The early history of the Wick family may be found in the sketches of Colonel Caleb B. Wick and his brother, Hugh Bryson Wick, appearing elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Wick completed his education in the schools at Youngstown and began his long and successful business career as a clerk in the Mahoning County Bank, when he was 17 years of age. By the time he was 23 years old he had risen to the position of cashier of this institution and served as such until 1862. His association as a member of the banking firm of Wick Brothers & Company, at Youngs- town, gave him an acknowledged standing and

he soon became interested in other financial enterprises, these including the founding of the first bank at Sharon, Pennsylvania, under the name of Wick, Porter & Company. In connection with his large financial operations, Mr. Wick early became interested in the build- ing of railroads and was a very important factor in the organization and completion of what is now the Pittsburg, Youngstown & Ashtabula Railroad, having been one of the incorporators of the company. He still re- tains his position on the directing board of this road and is the only surviving member of the original board. He was the first president of the Youngstown & Sharon Steel Railroad Company.

For the past half century Mr. Wick has been largely interested in real estate in this section, being a large holder and the owner of iron and coal properties. His commodious of- fices are located at Nos. 404-405 Dollar Bank Building, Youngstown. His beautiful home is situated at No. 524 Wick avenue.

ACKSON TRUESDALE, M. D., a re- tired physician and merchant, resid- ing at Canfield, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest male resident of the village. Dr. Truesdale was born on his father's farm in Austintown township, Mahoning County, Ohio, in the fall of 1820, and is a son of John and Mary (Reed) Trues- dale.

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Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 65

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