Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 78

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

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Joseph F& Brown

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

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Both sons of the second marriage are engaged in the practice of law in Chicago. Mrs. Lee died in 1886.

Every visitor to Poland notes the Old Lee homestead. It stands in the midst of a five- acre lot and the beautiful lawn and noble elm and maple and a variety of evergreen trees which give generous shade, are prominent features of the landscape.

J OSEPH HENRY BROWN, one of the earliest iron manufacturers in the Mahoning valley, was born of Eng- lish parentage at Glamorganshire, Wales, July 24, 1810. He was cra- dled in the iron business, his father and grandfather having been iron manufac- turers. At the age of four he was brought to this country by his parents, who settled in Maryland. His father, John Brown, erected the Ellicott iron and copper mills near Balti- more. Here, at an early age, Mr. Brown be- gan to learn the iron business with his father. His educational advantages being limited, he thirsted for knowledge. A prominent family gave him access to their extensive library, to the kindness of whom he often after referred as owing much of the success of his life. Dili- gently studying at night, possessed of a bright mind and retentive memory, he acquired a good education. According to an old-time custom, his father claimed his wages until he became of age. On this account when 20 years old, he left home and sought employment in the iron mills at Montalto, Pennsylvania. Here he showed such a knowledge of the busi- ness that when his father came after him, his employer offered the young man such great inducements that his father allowed him to remain. He was soon after made manager of the works. From Montalto he went to super- intend the works at Antietam, which his father had built, and later to superintend the mills at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, conducting them all in a most profitable manner.

In January, 1839. Mr. James D. White of New Castle, Pennsylvania, sent for him to

lay the foundation and superintend the con- struction of the first iron works there. At the death of Mr. White he leased and ran the mill very successfully until it was sold to A. L. Crawford & Company, Mr. Brown purchasing an interest. The practical management of the concern was left with him. The partnership being successful, at the end of four years he erected another mill in company with Joseph Higgs and Edward Thomas. This establish- ment was considered one of the finest plants in the states. Additional capital being neces- sary, three more partners were admitted. Mr. Brown managed the mechanical portion in a profitable manner, but through the dishonesty of one of the new partners, the financial man- agement was a failure. About this time the mill burned down and Mr. Brown found him- self, after sixteen years of unceasing labor, poor and penniless. In desperation he, with his younger brother, Richard, drove over to Youngstown, then a village of 2,800 inhabi- tants, to see if they could not negotiate for the purchase of Wick Brothers' old mill, and move it over to New Castle. This was in 1855. The mill had not been running for years, was rusted and neglected, requiring much labor and money to put in order. The brothers, however, decided to buy it if they could. "We haven't a cent." they said, "but we know how to make iron." Their reputation had gone before them, and they soon came to terms with the owners, who agreed to sell the mill on time if they would let it remain in Youngs- town. This they consented to do. A part- nership was formed, called Brown, Bonnell & Company, consisting of Joseph and his broth- ers Richard, Nathaniel and Thomas Brown and William Bonnell, all of whom had been associated together in the iron business in New Castle, and James Westerman of Youngstown. The purchasers were to pay $100.000, $25,000 each year for four years. Repairs were at once begun and forty men with their families moved over from New Castle by stage and canal to work in the mill. At first the new firm had an exceedingly hard time to keep in business. It was only by in- dlomitable perseverance that the mill was kept

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HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

ging. Youngstown was practically dead then and the people in their joy at having some- thing to do, willingly put up with many in- conveniences. The workmen received no cash, but were paid by the firm's orders on a local store, in which the former owners of the mill were interested. In spite of all these difficulties, the energetic firm succeeded in paying for the plant in the time specified. Their motto was "Good iron and fair deal- ing." Their success was phenomenal, so that these mills soon became the second largest exclusive iron plant in America and the names of its founders will go down to pos- terity as the architects and builders of the city's fortunes. Mr. Brown was the inventor of a number of improvements in the making of iron, which he never patented. One of them was the method of manufacturing nails with the fiber of the iron running lengthwise in- stead of across the nails. This has been the universal way of making cut nails ever since. He also built one of the first two close-top blast furnaces in this country (not knowing the other was under construction), reconvert- ing blast furnace practice in this country. In 1875 Mr. Brown, in company with Mr. Wil- liam Bonnell of Youngstown, and Messrs. Samuel, George W. and Charles B. Hale and Joseph T. Torrence, of Chicago, built the Joseph H. Brown iron and steel works of South Chicago, afterwards sold to the Calu- met Iron and Steel Company.

Mr. Brown was one of the founders of the merchant iron firm of "Cleveland Brown & Company," of Cleveland, Ohio, also one of the founders and one of the early presidents of the Mahoning National Bank and a direc- tor of the First National Bank of Youngs- town. He was the president of the Brown- Bonnell Company from its beginning until the sale of his interest to Herbert Ayer of Chi- cago in 1879. In political matters he took no important part, but held that it was the duty of every good citizen to always cast his vote. A man of large brain, well informed on political economy, he was asked to a confer- ence of leading statesmen and frequently was called before the ways and means committee

at Washington to give his views. During his residence at Chicago he was president of the "Tariff League of America." After the sale of the Joseph H. Brown Iron and Steel Works at Chicago, Mr. Brown, with his family, re- turned to Youngstown, at the age of 72, much broken in health. The death of his wife in June, 1886, was a severe blow to him, and contributed largely to hasten his demise a few months later, November 17, 1886. He was a member of the Trinity M. E. Church and contributed largely to its support, as he did to all charitable and benevolent institu- tions in the city, doing so as far as possible without publicity, and no worthy suppliant was ever turned away.

In 1832 he was married to Miss Susanna Oellig, a daughter of Dr. John Oellig, a prom- inent physician of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. They had twelve children, four of whom died in infancy. The others are: Mrs. Edwin J. Warner, Mrs. Cyrus E. Felton, J. Oellig Brown, Edmond L. Brown, Ella Brown, Em- ily Brown, Mrs. William Powers and Joseph H. Brown, Jr. The last two are now deceased.

He was a most affectionate husband and indulgent father, to his friends cordial, gen- erous and pleasant. His face glowed with benevolence and good cheer. A man of great business sagacity, high-minded and honorable, of stubborn integrity, his word was his bond. A portrait of this estimable citizen is pub- lished in connection with this article.

IDEON E. SANTEE, president of the board of trustees of Smith township and one of its leading citizens, re- sides on his excellent farm in sec- tion II, which contains almost 80 acres of valuable land, which is well adapted to general farming. Mr. Santee was born July 25, 1855, in Smith township, Mahoning County, Ohio, near where he now resides, and is a son of DeLorma and Hannah (Ellyson) Santee.

The Santee family is an old pioneer one of

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Mahoning County. It was established in Smith township by the great-grandparents of Gideon E. Santee. Thomas Santee, the grand- father, was a young man when he accom- panied his parents to Smith township, where he entered 80 acres of land. The early years of the family were passed in clearing up the wild farm, while they lived in a primitive log cabin. Prosperity came to them and as they won it by their industry, they also gained the esteem of their neighbors by their exemp- lary, orderly lives. De Lorma Santee suc- ceeded to his father's estate and to his fair name, and in the course of years became also a man of substance and local prominence. He served many years as a public official in Smith township, in the offices of trustee and treas- urer, and took the interest of an enterprising and progressive citizen in political matters concerning his own community.

De Lorma Santee married Hannah Elly- son, who was born January 21, 1830, and still survives. She is a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Ellyson, natives of New Jersey, who settled in Goshen township, Mahoning County, prior to her birth, where they became people of high standing in public esteem. Of the five children born to De Lorma Santee and wile, four survive, namely: Dr. Leon B., a physician, residing at Marlborough, Ohio; Gideon E .; Sylvester J., residing at Damas- cus; and Elizabeth S., who married James Morgan, residing in Smith township. De Lorma Santee died July 5, 1905.

Gideon E. Santee was reared on the home farm, where he was trained in agricultural pursuits. He attended the public schools of Smith township and later spent one year as a student in Mt. Union College, after which he settled down to farming, in which he has been interested ever since. His well-cultivated land, prolific orchards and sleek cattle all pro- claim a large measure of prosperity.

Mr. Santee has two sons, Curtis A., who was born June 21, 1894, and William M., who was born December 31, 1896. The mo- ther of these sons died April 6, 1903, leaving behind her many sorrowing friends. She was a woman of lovely character and had been a

consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Santee was reared in the Society of Friends and is a member of the East Goshen Church, of which he is a trustee.

In politics, he has been a life-long Repub- lican. He is serving as chairman of the board of education of Smith township, having been connected with this body for some seven years, and is also president of the board of trustees of the township, in both offices proving him- self an efficient and conscientious officer.

ILLIAM B. JONES, a prominent resident of Youngstown, and au- ditor of Mahoning County, was. born in Allegany County, Mary- land, in 1859, and is a type of the successful self-made man.

Mr. Jones enjoyed but common school ad- vantages in his native place, but after coming to Youngstown, Ohio, in 1880, he completed his education in the night schools. At first he secured work as a teamster and while so em- ployed during the day time, pursued his stud- ies faithfully in the evenings, thus preparing himself for a business career. Later he se- cured a position as a clerk in a mercantile establishment in this city, still later, entering Wick's bank as bookkeeper and real estate agent, where he continued for sixteen years. In 1901 Mr. Jones engaged in the real estate business for himself at Youngstown and con- tinued in that line of work subsequently until he assumed the duties of his present office on October 16, 1905. he having been elected thereto in 1904. Prior to this he had held other political positions in Mahoning County. having been for years an active supporter of the Republican party. He is connected also with various business enterprises and is a citi- zen who, in every way, is representative of the city's best interests.

On February 10, 1887, Mr. Jones was mar- ried to Laura W. Thrasher, formerly a teacher in a Maryland High School. They have two sons. L. Calvin and W. Bruce. Both are bright boys, and the elder, a lad of 12 years,

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HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

has shown remarkable adaptability in a me- chanical line and is much interested in the study of electricity.

Mr. Jones is a Mason, an Elk, an Odd Fel- low and a member of the National Union.

E LMER ELLETT, a representative ag- riculturist and dairyman of Smith township, residing on his finely im- proved farm of 60 acres, situated in section 36, was born in Portage County, Ohio, April 6, 1862, and is a son of John H. and Almira (Card) Ellett.

The Elletts came to Ohio from New Jer-

sey. John H. Ellett, father of Elmer, who now lives retired at Struthers, aged 75 years, was born in New Jersey and was about nine months old when his parents brought him to their pioneer farm in Goshen township, Ma- honing County. He was reared near the Bunker Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, and on that farm his father, David Ellett, died. In 1869 John H. Ellett settled on the farm in Smith township which Elmer now owns, and here he lived for a long period. For a quarter of a century he has been a minister in the Wes- leyan Methodist Church. He married Almira Card, who was born in Smith township, which was named for her maternal grandfather, who was the first permanent settler in the township. She died November 17, 1903. Both she and husband were educated in Mt. Union College and in his early manhood he taught many terms of school.

Elmer Ellett was seven years of age when his parents settled on the farm he now owns, and here he has lived ever since. He was edu- cated in the public schools of Smith township and at Damascus Academy. In addition to general farming, which Mr. Ellett carries on in a scientific way, he is largely interested in dairying, for this purpose keeping a fine herd of Holstein cattle, a number of which are registered animals. Mr. Ellett has made many substantial improvements on his place in the way of commodious buildings, and his resi- dence is one of the finest rural homes to be

found in this section of the county. Its sur- rounding's are all in keeping and the entire place makes a beautiful picture, whether in the bloom of summer or the snow of winter.

On August 4, 1883, Mr. Ellett was mar- ried to Irena M. Butler, who was born in Knox township, Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John and Ann ( Coppock) Butler, later of Butler township, Columbiana County. Mr. and Mrs. Ellett have two chil- dren : Effie B., who married Clyde Pettit, residing in Goshen township, has one daugh- ter, Mildred E .; and Curtis A., residing at home.

Mr. Ellett is one of the wide-awake, pro- gressive agriculturist of this section and has . always shown his interest in developing the land and improving the stock. He has long been a member of the Damascus Farmers' In- stitute, and prior to being elected its president, in which office he served three years, he was a valued member of the executive committee. Politically he is a Republican.

LEXANDER KENNEDY. The death of Alexander Kennedy, which occurred on his farm in Green town- ship, November 27, 1903, removed from this community a man of ster- ling worth, one whose exemplary life and kind and generous nature had brought him the esteem and confidence of all with whom he had become associated. Mr. Kennedy was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, February 2, 1827, and was a son of John and Sarah (Rankin) Kennedy, both of whom were na- tives of that country.

In his own land Alexander Kennedy learned to be a stationary engineer, a trade he fol- lowed for half a century. On June 15, 1861, he was married to Janet Love, who was born in the same shire as himself, and who is a daughter of John and Janet (McFarland) Love, the former of whom died in Scotland and the latter in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy reared a large family, and the survivors are the following :

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Sarah, who married James Notman, residing at Beloit, Ohio; David, residing at Washing- tonville; James, residing in Green township; Agnes, who married James McFee, of Austin- town township; Janet, who married Ernest Allen, residing at Salem; William, residing in Green township; and George, residing at Washingtonville.

In 1887 Alexander Kennedy came to Ma- honing County, and for two years resided west of and near Youngstown, removing then to Green township, near Washingtonville, where he purchased a farm of fifty acres, on which his widow still resides. For a number of years he was employed as a stationary engi- neer in connection with coal mining opera- tions, and he also engaged in farming. Until within three years of his death, Mr. Kennedy was a robust man. The family is well and favorably known all through this section. Mrs. Kennedy is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church at Washingtonville. In earlier years Mr. Kennedy had been identified with the order of Odd Fellows.

AMIES BUTLER, who has been a member of the Board of Public Safety of Youngstown, Ohio, since February, 1906, was born in this city, July 17, 1856, and is the son of James and Catherine (Nugent) Butler. James Butler, the father, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1828, and emigrated to America in 1847. He settled first in Canada, but soon found his way to the states, and resided in the city of Boston for several years before coming to Ohio. In early manhood he worked at the carpenter's trade, but his latter years were spent on a farm. During the Civil War he was with the "Squirrel Hunters" in their chase after General John H. Morgan. the raider. He married Catherine Nugent and they became the parents of six children : John N .; Hannah, who married Edward Flanni- gen : James, subject of this sketch; Margaret, wife of Patrick O'Brien; Mary, and Thomas.

James Butler was reared on a farm near

Mineral Ridge, Trumbull County, Ohio, where his parents located when he was a child. Here he was given a good common school educa- tion, remaining on the farm until 1880. when he was engaged by the Erie Railroad as yard brakeman in their yards at Youngstown, Ohio. After spending fourteen months .in this trying and dangerous occupation, Mr. Butler went to the Lake Shore road, running a local freight out of Youngstown for six months. Then for a number of years he was with the Pennsyl- vania road, first as brakeman, and in 1885 being promoted to the position of conductor. In 1887 he accepted a position as brakeman on the Pittsburg & Western Railroad, and a number of years later was made yard con- ductor. In the following year he was ad- vanced to yardmaster, which position he held until he retired from railroading in 1901 to accept that of city commissioner, which he held for four years. Among railroad men he is deservedly popular, and has served as sec- retary of the James Harvey Lodge, No. 21, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. He is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Butler was married February, 1881, to Miss Mary A. Stotler, a daughter of Michael and Mary Stotler. They have six children : Edward T., Frank L., Raymond M., William J., Catherine Irene, Elizabeth M.

RED MATTIX. a popular citizen and successful business man at Green- ford, proprietor of a grist mill, where he manufactures flour and feed and dleals in all kinds of grain, was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, August 13. 1867, and is a son of Elijah W. and Lorna (Ferguson ) Mattix, who are natives of Penn- sylvania and reside at Sharon, in that state.

Fred Mattix was aged about 12 years when his parents moved to Orangeville, Trumbull County, Ohio, having attended the public schools of Mercer County prior to this re- moval. For a considerable period he worked in the stave manufacturing department of the

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Standard Oil Company, but since July 1, 1899, he has been engaged in his present enterprise at Greenford. His mill is equipped with the roller process and he has a big custom trade among farmers in the neighborhood of Green- ford, and also sells and ships to Youngstown and other points. He is a good business man, honest, accommodating and capable, and has a genial manner, which makes him popular with his fellow citizens.

In July, 1888, Mr. Mattix was married to Minnie Wreichtadt, who was born at Green- ford, Ohio, and is a daughter of Andrew Wreichtadt. Mr. and Mrs. Mattix are mem- bers of the Greenford Lutheran Church and they have many pleasant social connections in the village.

D AVID BECK, a leading citizen of Springfield township, owns 282 acres of very valuable farming land, situated in sections 25 and 26, but resides, with his sister, on the old homestead farm of 197 acres, which belongs to his father's heirs. Mr. Beck was born on this beautiful old home place, October 12, 1857, and is a son of Christian and Mary (Horning) Beck.

Christian Beck was born in Germany and accompanied his parents to America in his boyhood. His father settled in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, where he remained for some years, but later returned to die in his native land. Christian Beck was reared in Lawrence County, where he lived until after his marriage, when he came to Mahoning County and settled on the farm on which his son lives, purchasing first, 85 acres in section 23, to which he subsequently added until he had 197 acres. This land he improved by put- ting up substantial buildings, and it is a very valuable property at the present time. He resided here until his death on March 20, 1903. He was a lifelong Democrat and held some local offices. For many years he was one of the pillars of the Lutheran Church. He married Mary Horning, who was born in

Springfield township, on a farm north of this homestead, and was a daughter of John and Hannah (Sipe) Horning. She died in May, 1905. They had nine children, as follows : Harriet, who married O. F. Ilgenfritz ; George F., residing at East Palestine; Hannah, who resides with her brother on the homestead; Anna, who died in 1896; David; Clara, who married J. S. Allen, residing at Wampum, Pennsylvania; Seymour, residing in Spring- field township; Ida, who married S. D. Grein- er, residing at Petersburg; Elsie, who died aged one year; and William, who died aged 21 years.

David Beck was reared on the present farm and was educated in the district schools. He has always devoted himself, more or less to agricultural pursuits, carrying on general farming and stock raising. In addition to managing the old homestead property, he locks after his farm of 100 acres, which is situated in section 25, south of this place, and a second farm of 182 acres, situated in section 26, which was the old Gottleib Bonnett farm. He is president of the Home Telephone Com- pany, one of the township's most useful utilities.

In politics Mr. Beck always supports the candidates of the Democratic party in Na- tional affairs, but uses his judgment in local matters. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Beck has never married.

H. MIDDLETON, county clerk of Mahoning County, Ohio, is one of Youngstown's energetic and progress- ive young men, and one who is an important factor in Republican politi- cal councils. He was born in this city, a son of the late John Middleton, who was an early settler at Youngstown and a well-known citi- zen. John Middleton married Mary E. Irwin and they had two sons, the subject of this sketch, and Harry I., the latter of whom is in the employ of the Republic Iron and Steel Company. The father died when J. H. was but one year old, but the mother still survives.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

J. H. Middleton was educated at Youngs- town and was still a boy when he entered the employ of the Lake Shore Railroad, for whom he was engaged in clerking in different depart- ments of the service. Subsequently he went to the Republic Iron and Steel Company, where he remained two years. He was then cashier at Youngstown for the Iron Sheet and Tube Company, for one and a half years. Then he went into the office of probate judge as deputy probate judge, and remained for four years. Mr. Middleton was elected coun- cilman from the Second ward and served in this office until he was elected county clerk in the fall of 1905. He has long been a zeal- ous worker in the Republican party, and was chairman of the Republican county executive committee during the campaign that resulted in the election of President Roosevelt. He has membership in the Odd Fellows, the Elks, and the Knights of Pythias.

6 EORGE M. McKELVEY for a num- ber of years stood at the head of a score of the most successful business enterprises of Youngstown, Ohio. and, until ill health caused a partial retirement, was a notable example of the result of perseverance and enterprise. Mr. McKelvey was born at the village of Armagh, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, on August 17, 1849, and his death occurred at the family home, "Torfoot," Youngstown, December 24, 1905.

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Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 78

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