Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 72

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 72

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everything in the drug business, including patent medicines, drugs and candies, and also has a fine soda fountain.

Mr. Burke was married in 1898, at Edin- burg, to Mary Catherine Saltzman, a daugh- ter of John Saltzman. She was reared at Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsyl- vania. Mr. and Mrs. Burke have four chil- dren: Sylvia Leone, Mary Margaret, Joseph Edgar, and Thomas Francis. Mr. Burke is a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Lowellville, and is fraternally connected with the Knights of Columbus.

J EREMIAH RICHARD WOOLLEY, vice president of the Home Savings and Loan Company, at Youngstown, and secretary of the David Tod estate, was born March 18, 1847, in Arm- strong County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Wool- ley's parents were Richard and Rachael (Williams) Woolley, the father born in 1802, in Montgomeryshire, Wales, and the mother in 1810, in Monmouthshire, that coun- try. After their marriage, in 1840, they emi- grated to America, locating for a few years at Pittsburg, and then removing to Great West- ern, or Brady's Bend, Armstrong County. There Richard Woolley was employed in the coal industry until 1847, in which year he came to Youngstown, spending the rest of his life in this vicinity. From 1856 until 1867, he resided on a small farm situated between Brier Hill and Girard, and it was while oper- ating this farm that he became a partner with John Stambaugh in coal mining, which they carried on quite extensively ; he was also en- gaged in looking after the coal mining inter- ests of the late Governor Tod. Richard Wool- ley died November 9, 1874, at the age of 72 years; he was survived by his widow until November 1, 1885. They were members of the Welsh Baptist Church. They had a fam- ily of ten children, Jeremiah R. being the seventh in the order of birth.

The boyhood of Jeremiah R. Woolley. up to the age of 14, was mainly occupied with

CHARLES NEWTON KIRTLAND

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school duties, and the ordinary enjoyments of his age. He then entered upon his business career by becoming evening clerk for the firm of David Johns & Company, in which house his father had an interest, and later was em- ployed in the same capacity for the firm of John Jehu & Company. This latter position he left to enter a private military school at University Heights, Cleveland. As he had indicated a strong desire to enter the army, in spite of his youth, it is possible that his ju- dicious father thought a military school would satisfy his ambition, and it is probable that it did, for his record shows that office positions of a commercial character claimed his atten- tion for some subsequent years. So reliable was he found in the work assigned to him, that on February 4, 1867, he was engaged by the late Governor David Tod to take charge of the office at Tod Furnace, where he was retained until 1873.

In 1874 Mr. Woolley became night found- er at Grace Furnace, for Julian Kennedy, the great furnace and steel mill builder. Later he went to the Kline coal mines as superintend- ent, and still later became paymaster of the Brier Hill Iron & Coal Company. In 1881 he became assistant bookkeeper for Nelson Crandall, the treasurer of the Brier Hill Iron & Coal Company, and was then sent to the Kline mines as superintendent, where he re- mained until their closing in 1883. Mr. Wool- ley's business capacity was still further recog- nized by the executors and trustees of the late Governor Tod, who selected him as private secretary, and this position he has continued to fill for the past 24 years. In addition to con- ducting the affairs of this responsible office, Mr. Woolley is vice-president of the Home Savings and Loan Company, which is an im- portant business enterprise of Youngstown.

On December 24, 1877, Mr. Woolley was married to Marian Kane, who was born in Wisconsin, July 4, 1858, but who was mainly reared and educated at Brier Hill and Villa Maria Girls' Academy, Bedford, Pennsyl- vania. They have two daughters, namely : Rachael Edna, who married John R. Perkins, a hardware merchant, residing at Youngs-

town, and has one son, Jeremiah R. ; and Jane Elizabeth, residing at home. The family be- long to the First Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Woolley has been prominently identi- fied with the Republican party in Ohio for many years. He served as postmaster at Brier Hill, this appointment being the first Republican one made in Mahoning County, Ohio, by the late President Harrison, on the recommendation of William Mckinley, at that time congressman; and he has been an important factor in city and county politics for a long period. He has served the city as councilman for two terms, during the last year being president of the body; has been a member of the Board of Health, a water- works, trustee, and a member of the board of public safety, besides having filled other of- fices.

Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and an Elk. Socially he is a member of St. David's Society, and is president of the Welsh Pioneer Association of the Western Reserve.

Mr. and Mrs. Woolley have a pleasant home at No. 1713 West Federal street, Youngstown.

HARLES NEWTON KIRTLAND, formerly one of the leading citi- zens of Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio, was born in that township, on the farm on which his widow still re- sides, October 22, 1839. He was a son of Henry T. Kirtland, and a grandson of Tur- hand Kirtland, the noted pioneer and land agent for the Connecticut Land Company, who came to Poland in 1797.

Charles N. Kirtland was reared to man- hood on the home farm and was educated in the Poland schools and at Poland Academy. but when 14 years of age his health became delicate and he was obliged to lay aside his books. The active out-door work of the farm subsequently restored him to health, and he became an active business man and useful citi- zen. He acquired a large amout of valuable land and-at the time of death owned 350 acres

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in Poland township and 250 acres in Colum- biana County. He was vice-president of the Farmers' Deposit and Savings Bank at Po- land.

Mr. Kirtland was married (first) to Julia Ellen Fitch, who was a half-sister to Dr. Jus- tice of Poland, who came to live with Mr. and Mrs. Kirtland when a boy. At death, Mrs. Kirtland left two children, Elmour F. and May Julia. Elmour F. Kirtland, residing at Beaver, Pennsylvania, is a civil engineer, a graduate of the Troy Polytechnic School. He married Susan McMillan Heasley, who is a daughter of Henry Heasley, of Poland, and they have one child, Henry Heasley. May Julia, Mr. Kirtland's only daughter, married Harry G. Gibson, son of Samuel Gibson, of Youngstown. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have one child, Martha Ellen. Harry G. Gibson is a member of the firm of Milligan & Gibson, Youngstown. Mr. Kirtland was married (second) to Martha Fawcett, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Test) Fawcett. Mrs. Kirtland was reared at Salem, Ohio, her fa- ther's birthplace. Two sons were born of the second marriage, one of whom, William, died in infancy. The second son, Louis Augustus, is a student in the Rayen High School, at Youngstown.

Charles N. Kirtland devoted the latter years of his life to looking after the interests of his many investments. His death occurred May 27, 1901. A portrait of this worthy citi- zen may be found on a neighboring page of this volume.

SAIAH DUSTMAN, a prominent farm- er, livestock raiser and dairyman, re- siding on his well-improved farm of 240 acres, situated in section 2, Goshen township, has been established here since 1893. Mr. Dustman was born in Ells- worth township, Mahoning County, Ohio, June 16, 1860, and is a son of John and Mary Dustman.

Solomon Dustman, the grandfather of

Isaiah, settled in Ellsworth township at an early date. There John Dustman, father of Isaiah, was born and lived out his life, dying in December, 1905. He married Mary Dust- man and she still survives and resides with her son Frank, in the state of Washington. Of the children of John and Mary Dustman, the following are living: Annie, residing at San Francisco, California; Isaiah, whose name be- gins this sketch; John, residing in the city of Philadelphia ; and Frank, a resident of Wash- ington. John Dustman was a stanch Demo- crat. He was one of the leading members of the Lutheran Church.

Isaiah Dustman was reared until the age of 17 years in Ellsworth township, and then left home and began life for himself. His indus- trial efforts have always been along agricult- ural lines, and with the exception of six months spent in Franklin County, Kansas, have been confined to Mahoning and Portage counties. In the spring of 1885 he moved to Deerfield township, Portage County, and re- mained there, following farming for nine sea- sons, but in the fall of 1893 he returned to Mahoning County and settled on his present farm. His industries here include, with the tillage of his land, the raising of fine livestock and dairying.

In February, 1885, Mr. Dustman was mar- ried to Lucy Hively, who was born in Green township, Mahoning County, a daughter of George Hively. Seven children have been born of this marriage, as follows: Harvey E., Ada E., James H., Carl L., Mabel M., Rachel A., and Hazel M. These children have been given good educational advantages, and the family is an unusually interesting and intel- ligent one. Mr. Dustman is a trustee and member of the Concord Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Democrat and he has served as director of School District No. I. Regard- ing his success in life, it may be said that it has been achieved wholly by himself, with the assistance of an estimable wife, as he started out in life practically empty-handed. Prud- ence, resolution and industry have brought about the change.

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YRON I. WEHR, a prosperous farmer and dairyman of Youngs- town township, residing on a well improved farm of 200 acres lo- cated in Section 10, was born in this township, January 7, 1866. His parents, Perry and Margaret J. ( Price ) Wehr, were well known and highly respected residents of the township.

Mr. Wehr passed his boyhood days on his father's farm remaining at home until one year previous to his marriage, in 1891, when he was transferred to Warren, Ohio, by the Youngstown Ice Company, with whom he had been associated for some time. He remained with this company for a period of eight years. after which he was assistant engineer for the Warren Water and Electrice Light Company for two years. His father's health beginning to fail about this time, he returned home and assumed the duties connected with the man- agement of the farm, which he has since car- ried on, being also engaged in the dairy busi- ness with his brother Paul H. Wehr. Polit- ically Mr. Wehr is a Democrat, and is the only Democratic member of the Youngstown township school board, on which he is now serving his second term.

Mr. Wehr was married in 1891 to Mar- garet E. Stambaugh. a daughter of Jacob and Lydia Stambaugh. Six children have blessed this union: Perry N. and Pearl M., twins; Ward S., who died at the age of two years ; Olive E., Helen M., and Wade N.

OHN C. COOK, formerly one of the best-known and most highly esteemed citizens of Green township, whose death occurred October 24, 1897, was born in Green township, Mahoning County, Ohio, March 23, 1830. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth ( Cool) Cook. They were very early settlers in Green township, where both died.

John C. Cook obtained a district school education and grew to manhood in his native township, from boyhood being acccustomed

to farm work. After his marriage he resided for a short time in Beaver township and then settled on the farm of 91 acres, in Green town- ship, on which his widow still resides, own- ing it with several other parcels, all aggregat- ing 181 acres. He was an industrious, ca- pable man, possessed of excellent judgment, and was generally recognized as one of the most successful farmers of this section.

On March 25. 1856, Mr. Cook was mar- ried to Caroline Keck, who was born March 31, 1839. in Beaver township, Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Michael and Margaret ( Hummon) Keck, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Sandusky County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cook had three children born to them, namely : Margaret A., who is the wife of M. B. Templin, a leading citizen of Calla, Ohio; Semilda K., who married George H. Paulin, residing near Calla; and Warren L., residing in Green township.

Mrs. Cook is a member of the United Ev- angelical Church at Calla, but Mr. Cook has never united with any religious body, although he was a man of high moral standing, and was liberal in his support of religion and attended services with his wife.

Politically, Mr. Cook was a Republican, but was never willing to accept any office, his interest being entirely in his business and family. He was a kind husband and father and an obliging neighbor and was never known to turn a needy person from his door.

ILLIAM HENRY RUHLM. IN, one of Mahoning County's most prominent citizens, whose energy and enterprise have made him a leader in various movements tend- ing to the material advancement of public in- terests, was born at North Lima, Ohio. Aut- gust 8, 1844. and is a son of Ephraim and Rebecca ( Buzzard ) Ruhlman.

Mr. Ruhlman was reared at North Lima and attended school until he was 18 years of age, when he became connected with the mer-

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cantile firm of Hahn, Fell & Company. When the business was reorganized as Hahn & Com- pany, he gained an interest and for 26 years was a member of the firm under that style. The firm name then became Ruhlman Brothers & Hahn, which continued for ten years, when Mr. Ruhlman sold out and turned his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits, at the time in- vesting in 75 acres of finely improved land, known as the Henry Flickinger farm, in Beaver township. Later he added 15 acres to his former purchase and still later acquired another farm of 52 acres. The latter property he sold, but retains the former and gives his leisure time to its superintendance, not be- ing a practical farmer himself, and having many other interests to engage his attention.

Together with his brother, John Ruhlman, William H. Ruhlman started the agitation which resulted in the construction of the Youngstown and Southern Electric Railway, and with J. R. Long, of Youngstown, se- cured the right of way through to East Liver- pool. Mr. Ruhlman was right-of-way man and a director at the organization of this success- ful enterprise. He was one of the main mov- ers and organizers of the Beaver Township Telephone Company, of which he has been president, manager and director. Work on this utility was commenced in 1903 and its exchange at North Lima cevers all of Beaver and Springfield townships, with 360 tele- phone. There is a free exchange with Colum- biana and a five cent rate to Youngstown, a free service also being given to all small towns. He has also been active in political circles, and on three different occasions has been elected, on the Republican ticket, treasurer of Beaver township. Mr. Ruhlman was appointed one of the commissioners, by the court of common pleas, in regard to the erection of the new Mahoning court house.

On September 24, 1884. Mr. Ruhlman was married to Maude Ellen Morford, who was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Hon. Nathan and Mary (Smith ) Morford, both of whom are deceased. Her father was a member of the Pennsyl-

vania legislature, 1872-1873. Mr. and Mrs. Ruhlman have one daughter, Fern Anita, an accomplished young lady who is completing her education at Wooster University, Woos- ter, Ohio.

Fraternally, Mr. Ruhlman is a prominent Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 176, F. & A. M., at Columbiana, and the Chapter, at Youngstown.

ORATIO RIBLET, who conducts a blacksmith shop at what is known as Bear's Den, Youngstown town- ship, was born December 16, 1859, in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William W. and Theressa (Bell) Riblet, a further biographical men- tion of whom may be found elsewhere in this work.

When about eight years of age Mr. Riblet came to Mahoning County, Ohio, with his parents from Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where they owned 100 acres of farm land. They had previously moved to that place from Lawrence County, when he was a child of two years. His father bought a farm of 150 acres which corners in four townships and lies in two counties, Trumbull and Mahoning. On this farm he was reared and grew to manhood. He learned the trade of blacksmithing and did a considerable amount of work in that line, as well as tool dressing, in the neighborhood of his home. Remaining on the farm until 21 years old he then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked for one winter at his trade. He then returned to Youngstown and lived on the home farm a few years, after which he married and came to live on the farm where he now resides, which was owned by his wife's father. He continued here for about 21 months, when he moved to Youngstown, pur- chasing a residence at No. 1029 Mahoning av- enue. For the first two seasons he was en- gaged in teaming sand. after which he opened a blacksmith shop on Mill street and followed the occupation of horseshoeing and general

HON. FRANK L. BALDWIN

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blacksmithing. Later he moved his shop to Mahoning avenue. In the spring of 1903 he moved back to his present place, and built his present shop, where he does general black- smithing, horseshoeing, carriage repairing, and other similar work.

Mr. Riblet was married December 24, 1884, to Orra Bell DeCamp, a daughter of J. W. DeCamp, and they have one child, Pearl E. Riblet.

Mr. Riblet is a member of the Maccabees; religiously he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

5 ON. FRANK L. BALDWIN, mayor of Youngstown, Ohio, is a leading citizen and well-known lawyer, with offices situated at Nos. 704 and 705 Dollar Bank Building. Mayor Bald- win was born at Youngstown, Ohio, June 29, 1863, and is a son of the late Timothy Dwight and Lucretia (Manning) Baldwin.

His paternal family is one of the oldest in Connecticut. The ancestor of the branch to which Hon. Frank L. Baldwin belongs was Joseph Baldwin, who came to America from Aylesbury, England. He was survived by a son of Ezra, and he, in turn, by a son of Curtis. The latter was born at Durham, Connecticut, June 21, 1766, married, among other children having a son named Samuel.

Samuel Baldwin, the grandfather of Frank L., was born at Durham, New York, in 1793, and in 1816 or 1818, settled at Atwater, Port- age County, Ohio, where for many years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, was a justice of the peace, and a responsible and sub- stantial citizen. By his wife Sallie, he had nine children. He died at Ravenna, Ohio, in 1874, aged 81 years.

Timothy D. Baldwin, father of Hon. 1 Frank L., was born at Atwater, Portage : County. Ohio, in 1827, son of Samuel and Sallie (Dunn) (Spencer) Baldwin. In 1848 he came to Youngstown, an intelligent young

school teacher, and accepted a position as book keeper. With few interruptions, he contin- ued in clerical work until 1859, when he was made auditor of Mahoning County. He was honored with a second election, and subse- quently served as assistant auditor of Cuya- hoga County. For a time he was connected with a New York business house and for some six years was manager for a large firm in that city. He then returned to Youngstown, re- suming his relations with business houses here, and passed the rest of an honest, worthy, up- right life among his old associations.

In 1849 Mr. Baldwin was married to Lu- cretia Manning, who was a daughter of Dr. Harry Manning, at that time one of the most prominent citizens of Youngstown. They had ten children, our subject, Frank L .. being one of the few survivors.

Frank L. Baldwin was educated at Youngstown and Cleveland. He read law with Hine & Clarke, and was admitted to the bar in 1889. He has long been a prominent factor in city politics and in 1905 he was elected mayor. His administration has been an effective one and his course in dealing with some important issues has met with general approval.

In 1890 Mayor Baldwin was married to Bessy Graham of Indianapolis. They were the parents of one child, Imogen Baldwin, born at Leadville, Colorado, September 18. 1893. Mrs. Baldwin died at Indianapolis, Indiana, March 28. 1894.

Mr. Baldwin is a member of Hillman Lodge, No. 481, F. & A. M., Youngstown; Chapter, No. 93, R. A. M .; St. Johns Com- mandery, No. 20, Knights Templar; Warren Council, and Al Koran Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cleveland. He also belongs to Youngstown Lodge, No. 55, B. P. O. E .; Youngstown Lodge, No. 403, I. O. O. F .; Robert E. Johnson Lodge, No. 614, K. P .; Campbell Tent, No. 1173, K. O. T. M. M .; the National Union and the Youngstown Club.

Mr. Baldwin has a beautiful home at No. 519 Wick avenue. A portrait of Mr. Baldwin is presented in connection with this article.

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HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

OHN E. BARBER, formerly trustee of Smith township for six years, and a prominent farmer and stockraiser, re- siding on his valuable farm of 80 acres, was born in Knox township, Columbiana County. Ohio. November II, 1854, and is a son of Ezekiel and Ann ( Ma- ther ) Barber.

Abraham Barber, the grandfather of John E., was one of the earliest settlers in the vi- cinity of Salem, Columbiana County, where he spent the rest of his life. There Ezekiel Bar- ber, his son, and the father of John E., was born and was reared. He lived for a time in Goshen township, but the main part of his life was passed in Knox township, where he died in April. 1877.

John E. Barber was educated in Knox township in what was known as the Union Grove school. He has always given his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits and is largely a self-made man. He has been a resident of Smith township since 1885, when he purchased his present farm, which land ranks with the best in all this section. He has made many improvements and, carries on careful, system- atic farming.

Mr. Barber married Jane E. Taylor, who was born in Smith township, Mahoning Coun- ty, and is a daughter of David and Elizabeth Taylor, the former of whom is a native of Smith and the latter of Goshen townships. Mr. and Mrs. Barber have had 10 children, as fol- lows : Willis L., deceased ; Omar H., residing in Smith township; Estella M., residing in Smith township; Laura J., who married Charles Pinkerton, residing in Smith town- ship; Iva A., who married William Jones, residing in Smith township; and Iona, Vera, Hazel, Alton W. and Grace H., all at home. Mr. Baker is fortunate in having his married children comfortably settled near him. They are all socially prominent, and with their parents, are con- nected with the Society of Friends.

In politics, Mr. Barber is a stanch Republi- can and on that ticket he was twice elected township trustee, serving six years in all, and «luring a part of the time was president of the

board. He has always been a strong supporter of the schools in his district and has served as a member of the township board of education.

OSEPH C. SCHNURRENBERGER, formerly county treasurer of Mahon- UCG ing County, and one of its prominent citizens, resides on the farm in Green township, Mahoning County, Ohio, on which he was born, November 15, 1842, and is a son of Conrad and Elizabeth ( Baker) Schnurrenberger.

Conrad Schnurrenberger was born in Ger- many, and died in Green township, April 10, 1885, on the farm on which he had settled in 1832. He was one of the pioneers of this sec- tion, having come to what is now Mahoning County, in 1825, in company with his parents, who were among the first settlers of Beaver township. He married Elizabeth Baker, who was born in Kentucky, and four of their chil- dren survive, namely : Mary B. and Lyman, with Joseph C., all residing in Green township ; and Elizabeth A., residing at Springfield, Mis- souri.

Joseph C. Schnurrenberger was educated in the district schools of Green township and during the greater part of his life has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, in late years being interested in dairying. He owns an excellent farm of 256 acres, which he has under a fine state of cultivation, and he has carried on general farming and stock dealing.

On November 27, 1873, Mr. Schnurren- berger was married to Sarah J. Stoffer, who was also born in Green township, and is a daughter of Christian Stoffer, was an early settler here. Mr. and Mrs. Schnur- renberger had nine children, four of whom are deceased. The survivors are as fol- lows: Estella Z., who married P. R. Messer- lv. residing in Beaver township; and Ada P., Osta M .. Grover C. and Royal J., all at home.

In political sentiment. Mr. Schnurren- berger is a stanch Democrat and an active worker for the success of his party. In 1873 he was elected infirmary director and served i

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Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 72

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