Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 83

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 83

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Mr. Thoman and family belong to the Reformed Church. Politically he is a Repub- lican and was elected a justice of the peace, but refused to serve, being willing to hold no other office than that of school director. He is a member of the Grange and of the Patrons of Husbandry.

AMES H. SHIELDS, formerly sheriff of Mahoning County and one of the representative citizens and capitalists of Youngstown, was born in Canfield township, Mahoning County, Ohio, November 12, 1840, and is a son of Andrew and Jane (Price) Shields.

. . Andrew Shields was born in Boardman township, Mahoning County, Ohio, October 16, 1808, and was a son of Thomas Shields, who was a native of Staunton, Virginia. In 1798, Thomas Shields came to Ohio with a colony of Virginians. He was a miller by trade, and in 1800 he operated what was known as Baird's mill, on the site now oc- cupied by the old Lanterman mill, in Mill Creek park. Although he worked the above mill he lived in Boardman township, and in 1812-14 was the only man exempt from mili- tary duty, on account of his occupation, which was considered one of public necessity. He lived to be 70 years of age, dying suddenly of apoplexy, while assisting a neighbor to cut wheat in the harvest field.

Andrew Shields, father of James H., was a twin brother of Archibald Shields and one of a family of five children, in which there was a second pair of twins. Andrew Shields was

reared in Boardman township and became a large stock dealer and farmer, and in early days drove his own stock to Pittsburg. He was also a member of the firm of Conklin Brothers & Company, large dealers in cattle and drovers, who had business dealings as far east as Albany, New York. Andrew mar- ried Jane Price, who was a daughter of James Price, a pioneer of Youngstown township, a sketch of whom will be found in this work. Four children were born of this marriage, namely : James H., Lois M., deceased, who married O. B. Hopkins, and who is survived by one son, Bert, who lives on the Shields home farm in Boardman township; Louisa M., who married W. S. Anderson, a well-known attorney at Youngstown; and Wallace A., who died aged two and one-half years. An- drew Shields purchased a farm in Canfield township, on which his son, James H. was born, but the family subsequently returned to Boardman township when the latter was five years old, and there Andrew Shields died June 20, 1880, his widow surviving until June, 1901.

James H. Shields was reared in Boardman township and secured a good district school education, and in 1859 he taught through that district. From the time he was 12 years of age until he was 19, he drove cattle during the season, and could make three trips from April to September, to Little Valley, New York. When 13 years of age he went to Illinois to purchase 200 head of cattle, riding on horse- back and carrying $7,000 in his clothes. He drove them back to Columbia County, New York, going down the very street in Youngs- town on which he now lives, safely reaching Hudson, New York, his destination, after be- ing on the road 871/2 days. He continued to follow the business of a drover for nine years, during the summers, up to the age of 19 as above noted, when he settled down on the farm, but still continued to deal in stock, in which he remains largely interested. He owns five farms, one of 65 acres in Youngstown township, which he is platting into town lots ; one of 340 acres in Boardman township which is a combination of three farms: one of 280

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acres in Clay County, Kentucky, and one of 200 acres in Portage County, Ohio.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Shields was one of the first to enlist in the first company raised at Youngstown, but he was rejected on account of his previously hav- ing accidentally broken both arms. Although a fine horseman and accustomed to the saddle from childhood, Mr. Shields has had a number of serious accidents at different times while trying to manage vicious animals. Both arms, one leg, collar bones, and five ribs have been the sufferers on various occasions, but he is still more robust than the average of men, his early out-door life having been very bene- ficial in building up a fine constitution.

On September 16, 1863, Mr. Shields was married to Lois M. Starr, who is a daughter of Russell F. Starr, an old resident of Board- man township. Mr. and Mrs. Shields have had four children, namely : Maud M., who married M. Shively, an attorney residing at Akron; Budd K., who died in 1885, aged 22 years ; Mate, a beautiful little girl of eight years, who was accidentally drowned in Mill Creek, July 9, 1873; and Allora C., who manages his father's farm in Boardman township. The last mentioned was married (first) to a Miss Kelly, who at death left one daughter, Marian C., and he married (second) a Mrs. Wooley, and they have two children, Howard W. and Nellie.

In 1883, Mr. Shields removed from the farm to Youngstown and resided for a time on Glenwood street. In 1882 he embarked in a meat business at No. 17 Phelps street, which he conducted there until 1885, when he moved to the Andrews block, which was ruined by an explosion of gas, January 7, 1886. He then established himself at No. 129 East Federal street, where he remained until January I, 1897, when he closed out this business and returned to farming and shipping cattle, but retained his residence at No. 1040 Mahoning avenue, Youngstown.

For many years Mr. Shields has been a prominent factor in Democratic politics. He has been a member of the Democratic county committee and has served as chairman and has been active in directing the party's poli-

cies on many occasions. In 1898 he was elec- ted sheriff of Mahoning County and served until 1900, with the greatest efficiency. His election was remarkable, as Mahoning County has a normal majority on the Republican side. As a citizen he is well and widely known all through Mahoning County and as a cattleman all over this section of Ohio. A portrait of this enterprising citizen fittingly completes this sketch.

EORGE M. BASHAW, formerly one of the prominent citizens and highly esteemed men of Goshen township, was born in Perry County, Ohio, October 28, 1838, and died in Goshen township, February 12, 1894. He was a son of Raleigh and Hannah ( Wirt) Bashaw.

The parents of Mr. Bashaw were natives of Georgetown, D. C, For some time after marriage they resided in Culpeper County, Vir- ginia, removing from there to Perry County, Ohio, and some years later to Delaware Coun- ty, where the father died. Rev. Raleigh Bashaw, the grandfather of the late George M., once was a noted preacher in the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, South.

George M. Bashaw was reared in Perry and Licking counties. It was from the latter that he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company I, Second Ohio Heavy Ar- tillery, which operated mainly in Tennessee. Mr. Bashaw was honorably discharged from the service, on account of disability, after be- ing out almost one year. He then returned to Licking County, but subsequently removed with his parents for a short time to Delaware County. He had enjoyed common school ad- vantages and taught for some terms in Lick- ing, Delaware and Columbiana counties, and came to Mahoning County from East Roches- ter in 1872. He settled in section 29, Goshen township, and continued to teach school for a time, but later devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and to performing the duties of the various township offices to which he was fre- quently elected.

On July 14, 1870, Mr. Bashaw was mar- ried to Catherine E. Hole, who was born in

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Carroll County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Lemuel and Unity (Stanley) Hole, the former of whom was born in Carroll and the latter in Columbiana County. On both sides, the an- cestors of Mrs. Bashaw came from Virginia. To the above marriage four sons were born, namely : Lemuel R., residing at Salem ; Otto- well W., residing in Goshen township; J. Hebert, residing at Salem, and Clyde L., re- maining with his mother on the home farm, a tract of more than 50 acres. Mrs. Bashaw was formerly a successful teacher in the public schools in Stark County, having been care- fully educated at the Damascus Academy and Mount Union College. She is a member of the Society of Friends.

In the death of George M. Bashaw, Goshen township lost one of her best citizens. He was public spirited to a large degree and was a stanch friend of the public schools. His po- litical affiliation was with the Republican party and for several years he served as a trustee of the township and on other occasions as clerk. He was a man of hopeful, helpful presence, one who was loyal to his friends and one whose charity was extended to those in need.

ONRAD F. BRENNER, vice-presi- dent and treasurer of the Equity Savings & Loan Association, of Youngstown, Ohio, has been a prom- inent business man here for more than a quarter of a century and has been a resident of Youngstown for forty years. He was born May 23, 1858, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of Conrad Mich- ael and Catherine (Siegel) Brenner.

Conrad Michael Brenner was born in Bad- en, Germany, in 1824 and came to America in 1851, shortly afterward locating in Co- lumbiana County, Ohio. He was an educated man and followed the profession of school teacher in various parts of Ohio, and also in- vented and manufactured the first barometers used in this section of the country. In 1855 he married Catherine Siegel, who was born in Wurtemberg. Germany. In 1872 he came

to Youngstown, where he died in 1875. One of the early Abolitionists in this section, he was a supporter of John Brown and took a prominent part in conducting the Under- ground railway, having headquarters at Salem, Ohio, and personally aided many fugitive slaves to freedom. When the Civil War was precipitated he was anxious to take up arms in the hope of helping to settle the slavery question, but was not accepted as a soldier, on account of physical disability. He then oc- cupied himself in recruiting soldiers, and making Union speeches throughout the North. He recruited several companies, one of which was a company of colored troops, which he took to the Governor of Ohio, who refused to accept them. Thereupon Mr. Brenner shook his fist in the Governor's face and told him the time would come when the state would be glad to accept the services of the colored sol- diers. His words were prophetic, for indeed the time soon came when was called upon to recruit another company of colored sol- diers whose services were gladly accepted. He was a man of more than usual ability and proved a true and loyal citizen of his adopted country.

Conrad F. Brenner remained at home un- til he was ten years of age and then started out to take care of himself. He had an aunt who was then living in Youngstown and the barefooted boy walked the distance to her home. He soon found employment with John Manning, who conducted a greenhouse, and remained with him for four years, during which time he attended night-school and also took a course in Hall's Commercial College. Fol- lowing this, Mr. Brenner worked for three years in a milk and cream depot and then was in the grocery business for a year.

In 1881 Mr. Brenner entered into partner- ship with Fred C. Weller in a mercantile ven- ture at Brier Hill. which proved successful, and which was continued until 1885. when Mr. Weller retired. Mr. Brenner continued the business alone for five years longer. In 1890 he disposed of it there and entered into a real estate and insurance business. In 1900 he organized the Equity Savings & Loan As-

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sociation, of which he became the first sec- retary and, after the first year, vice-president and treasurer. The little barefooted boy of 40 years since, is one of the city's capitalists and important men.

Mr. Brenner has always taken an active part in politics and has been identified with public affairs in Mahoning County to a large degree. He has been chairman of both the city and county Democratic executive com- mittees, and in 1890 he was made his party's nominee for the office of county commissioner. He was defeated by only 96 votes in a county usually giving a Republican majority from I200 to 2000. In 1892, he was elected audi- tor of Mahoning County by a majority of 1,008 votes and was further honored by a re- election in 1895. Mr. Brenner has always kept local interests in view and in 1882 he secured the establishment of a post-office at Brier Hill, four years later being appointed postmaster there, by President Cleveland.

In 1880, Mr. Brenner was married to Re- becca M. Bayer, daughter of Capt. John Bay- er, of Youngstown. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Fraternally, Mr. Brenner belongs to the Odd Fellows, the Elks, the Knights of Pyth- ias and the Tribe of Ben Hur.

ILMAN WEAVER, whose farm of 75 acres of fertile land, comprising the old Weaver homestead, is finely lo -. cated in Beaver township, along the Youngstown and Southern Railway, is one of the modern, progressive and suc- cessful agriculturists of this part of Mahoning County, and a representative of a family which was founded here in 1834. Mr. Weaver was born on what is now known as the David Good farm, in Beaver township, Mahoning County, Ohio, October 21, 1855, and is a son of Henry and Anna ( Metzler) Weaver.

The Weaver family in early days emi- grated from Switzerland to Pennsylvania. Samuel Weaver, grandfather of Tilman, was

born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, July 10, 1788, and there married Annie Bauman, whose ancestors came from Holland. In 1834 he came to Mahoning County and settled on what has since been known as the Weaver homestead. Here he died February 8, 1852. His wife died September 1I, 1843.

Their son, Henry Weaver, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, June 24, 1821. By trade a shoemaker, he combined this oc- cupation with farming, spending his life on the present farm, where he died February 3, 1900. His wife, Anna, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1819, a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Witmer) Metzler. Her family had come to Ohio before the Weavers, locating south of North Lima. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Weaver had three children-Menno, Tilman and Lydia M. Lydia has never mar- ried, but has remained in the old home and keeps house for her brother. She is an ad- mirable woman and is highly esteemed by all throughout the neighborhood.

Mr. Weaver has always devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, directing his efforts along modern lines. The land was mainly cleared by his grandfather and his sons, and he has made many improvements. One of the original buildings, the barn, was erected some 80 years ago, by Adam Wealand and 'its old logs and timbers are still strong and in good condition. Mr. Weaver has repaired it at var- ious times and has added to its compass, but the old foundations still remain. Modern con- veniences have been introduced into the home and Mr. Weaver and sister keep in touch with their friends through a telephone. The Youngstown & Southern Railway runs along the east boundary of his farm and a stopping point has been arranged, which is called Coal Mines station. With such easily available con- nections with other points, Mr. and Miss Weaver are able to enjoy the advantages of- fered by the city and still retain the rural pleasures of the country.

Politically, Mr. Weaver is a Republican, but has never consented to hold office. He is a director in the Gilt Edge Creamery at North

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Lima, and is vice-president of the company, and is also a stockholder in the local telephone company.

ONROE BEARD, general merch- ant at New Buffalo, carrying a well assorted line of dry goods, groceries, hardware, boots, shoes, and a few drugs, is one of the leading citizens of Beaver township, and a member of a fine old Mahoning County fam- ily. Mr. Beard was born on the old Beard home place, May 8, 1853, and is a son of Ja- cob and Sophia (Leitsey ) Beard.

Jacob Beard, grandfather of Monroe, came to America from Wittenberg, Germany, in 1817, settling first in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1818 he moved with his family to Ohio, locating in Spring- field township, Mahoning County, where he purchased a tract of 40 acres of timberland, to which he subsequently added 160 more. In 1839 he sold his possessions in that town- ship and bought section 5, Beaver township, which is still known as the Beard section, about all of it being still owned by his descend- ants. The Lutheran Church to which Mon- roe belongs, and of which he is a liberal sup- porter, stands on an acre of the Beard sec- tion which was donated to it by Franklin Beard. When the time came for Jacob Beard and wife to retire from business activity, they removed to Canfield, where they passed the remainder of their worthy lives. Their chil- dren were: John, Jacob, Susanna, Frederika, Henry, David, Lydia, and Hannah.

Jacob Beard resided on his father's farm until his death, at the age of 43 years. His portion of his father's large estate was 250 acres, and he built the house now occupied by G. S. Beard. He married Sophia Leitsey and they had the following children : Cather- ine, who married Henry Flickinger, and, now with her husband is deceased; Franklin V., also deceased; George Sylvanus; Mary Ann, who married Byron Hendricks, residing at New Buffalo: Jefferson, who died aged 21 years ; Monroe and Cyrus F.

Until he was 17 years of age, Mr. Beard attended school and assisted on the home farm. He then went to Allegheny, where he worked for six months at the butcher's trade, being afterwards engaged for three years in a meat business at Youngstown. For the fol- lowing two years he was associated with a brother in the stock business, after which he took a trip through Woodson and Allen Coun- ties, Kansas. He then returned to Ohio with the intention, however, of going back, but ill- ness preventing, he became again associated in the stock and farming business with his brother, with whom he continued to be asso- ciated for 22 years. Both owned much land of their own and had no difficulty in renting more, and during this long period they oper- ated largely. Mr. Beard owns a farm of 190 acres in Beaver township and one of 64 acres east of Paradise Church. With his brother he purchased 325 acres in Green township, and when the fraternal partnership was dissolved, the brother took this latter purchase as his portion and Monroe Beard selected his present farm, coming here in the spring following his second marriage. On this farm he carried on general farming and dairying until No- vember 19, 1903, when he settled at New Buf- falo, having purchased the store property in the month of June previous.

On September 12, 1883, Mr. Beard was married (first) to Alice Starr, who died in Green township, November 23, 1885, she had a son Ai, who died three months previous to her death. Mr. Beard was married (second ) December 9, 1886, to Ella R. Heintzelman, who was born in Canfield township, Mahoning County, Ohio, and who is a daughter of George and Hannah ( Kaercher ) Heintzelman. They have had four children, namely: Olive M., born November 19, 1887, who is engaged in teaching in Boardman township; Clement J .. born November 24, 1888, who died September 3. 1889; Hazel M., born August 28, 1890, who is a student at Dana College, at Warren ; and Bertha H., born March 4, 1892.

Mr. Beard and family attend the services of the Lutheran Church at New Buffalo. Po- litically he supports Democratic nominees in

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National campaigns, but in local affairs he votes as his judgment dictates. He is a mem- ber of the order of Patrons of Husbandry.

R EV. EDWARD MEARS, rector of St. Columba's Catholic Church, at Youngstown, Ohio, has been an honored and esteemed resident of this city for more than a quarter of a century. Rev. Father Mears was born in Ireland, July 18, 1844, a son of Patrick and Hannah (Earley) Mears.

His parents, natives of Ireland, emigrated to America in 1853, settling in Toledo, Ohio, where the father died in 1862. The family in all numbered 12 children.

Rev. Edward Mears was primarily edu- cated in the parish schools of Toledo. In 1857 he entered St. Mary's College, at Cleveland, and in 1859 he became a student at Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, where he was : graduated in the class of 1862, and in that year entered the Seminary at Cleveland, to pursue his theological studies. Father Mears was ordained in March, 1869, by the Right Reverend Bishop Rappe, following which he became the Bishop's assistant at the Cathedral, where he served until 1872. He was then placed in charge of the church at Bellevue, in Huron County, Ohio, and also attended to the needs of the people at Clyde. In 1874 he was transferred to Crestline and later was sent to St. Augustine's Church at Cleveland. Two years after he became secretary to the bishop, retaining that position until July, 1877, when he was placed in charge of his present parish.

The new St. Columba's Church, which stands on the corner of Wood and Elm streets, Youngstown, is one of the most imposing and beautiful structures in this city. Its congrega- tion is made up of about 900 families, many of these being the most intelligent, cultured, and wealthy in the city. The school attached to St. Columba has 900 pupils and the teach- ers are 14 sisters of the Ursuline order. Rev- verend Father Mears has two assistants, Father

A. A. Crehan and Father James Higgin- botham.

While Father Mears has devoted himself with Catholic zeal to the best interests of his own people, in his long residence here he has taken a leading part in public movements when the issue meant the advancement and pros- perity of the people at large.

A NDREW KNESAL, one of Spring- field's old and honored citizen's re- siding on his valuable farm of 136 acres, which he purchased as far back as 1855, was born May 6, 1828, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and is a son of An- drew and Catherine ( Schwartz) Knesal.

The parents of Mr. Knesal left their na- tive land in 1832, taking passage on a sailing vessel for America. For 81 days the vessel struggled with the rough waters of the At- lantic, but finally landed the weary voyagers at the port of Philadelphia. The captain of the ship had died after leaving the German port and his successor lost his bearings, and it was only by great good fortune that the colonists ever reached the United States. The first winter after their arrival, was spent by the Knesal family at Urey, Pennsylvania, from which point they started, in the spring of 1833, for Springfield township, stopping first at New Springfield. The father had but little capital and was not prepared to purchase land, but rented the farm now owned by A. Haller, on which he died in 1838, his wife hav- ing passed away in the previous fall. They had brought four children with them to Springfield township and one was born after settling here.

Andrew Knesal still recalls the long wagon journey from Urey, Pennsylvania, to Spring- field township. He was only about five years old but the various unusual experiences made a lasting impression on his childish mind. He remembers. wearily tramping behind the wa- gon, over the rough roads, through the wild country, and doubtless was well pleased when

REV. JOHN KLUTE

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the journey came to an end. The surrounding country was but partially cleared and he re- members seeing a huge bear cross the farm, during his father's life-time, the latter pur- suing but not succeeding in killing it. The death of both father and mother within five years after settling in Springfield township, broke up the family and each member was obliged to look more or less after his own in- terests. Andrew secured work in a distillery which was operated just over the Pennsyl- vania line, where he remained for two and one-half years, and he is justly proud of the fact that he never learned to drink liquor, al- though coming into daily contact with it. As soon as he was able he left the distillery and learned the trade of shoemaker, at Peters- burg. For 17 years he worked at this trade, a part of the time at Pittsburg, where he was considered an expert maker of fine shoes, which he made a specialty. That was before the days of shoe factories.

In August, 1855, Mr. Knesal purchased his present farm of 136 acres, which was not improved. Two years later he built the resi- dence which he still occupies, one of the sub- stantial old buildings, fashioned of seasoned timber which withstand the stress of wind and storm for many years. It is a comfortable, attractive old home, no change ever having been made in its original plan except as to the windows and veranda. The land had all been cleared when he took possession and he soon had it under a fine state of cultivation. It was formerly the property of Judge James Wal- lace.

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Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 83

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