Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 84

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 84

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On October 9, 1856, Andrew Knesal was married to Sarah E. Moore, who was born near Enon Valley, Lawrence County, Penn- sylvania, about three miles from Petersburg. Mrs. Knesal's parents were David and Jane (Smith) Moore, belonging to old families of that region. Her paternal grandparents were Andrew and Margaret (Banks) Moore, and her maternal grandparents were Thomas and Mary Smith. The Smiths came originally from Ireland and settled first in Westmore- land County, Pennsylvania, removing subse- quently to Lawrence County. Grandfather

Smith had an exciting adventure with a bear in his young days which cost him the loss of a toe. The brute attacked him in a small clearing and to escape it he climbed a sapling but was not able to draw his feet high enough to keep them out of the way of the animal, who chewed off the toe before assistance ar- rived.

To Andrew Knesal and wife were born II children, namely: Mary Jennie, residing in Springfield township, who married J. W. Robinson, and has five children, Emma, An- drew, James, Tyrell Moore and Helen Dunlap; Stanley, who died aged 26 years; James A., residing at Petersburg engaged in farming, who married Marcia Koch, and has two chil- dren, Emeline and Edith Leora; Icephena, who died at the age of seven years; Emma Leora, who died aged four years; Charles Edward, who died aged one week; Alberta Viola, who died at the age of three months; Frank Edwin, who died aged two years ; Willis Herbert, who died aged seven years; and John and George Evelyn, who are members of the prominent hardware firm of Knesal Brothers, at Petersburg.

On October 9, 1906, the surviving chil- dren and many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Knesal gathered at their hospitable home to assist them in celebrating the anniversary of their Golden Wedding. It was a most enjoyable occasion which will long be remembered by all who were permitted to be present.

R EV. JOHN KLUTE, pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Youngs- town, has been in charge here since August 11, 1883, a term of nearly 24 years. Father Klute was born October 17, 1847. in Westphalia, Germany, and he is a son of Henry and Gertrude Klute. He is the only one of his parents' family of seven children to reside in America.

Father Klute completed his collegiate course at Cologne before coming to America. He reached Cleveland, Ohio. in June. 1870, and entered St. Mary's Seminary, where for

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HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

four years he pursued the studies which fitted him for the priesthood, being ordained Au- gust 8, 1874, by Bishop R. Gilmore. For the following six years his duties were confined to various missions in Paulding, Defiance, Ot- tawa and Sandusky counties. In May, 1880, he was placed in charge of the churches at Hub- bard and Vienna, Trumbull County, where he continued in parochial work until August II, 1883, when he was transferred to Youngs- town.

Since Father Klute took charge of St. Joseph's parish, many remarkable changes have come about. The beautiful church on the corner of Wick and Rayen avenues has been built, a fine school edifice has been constructed, and in material as well as in spiritual matters St. Joseph's has kept pace with churches of the same size in other cities, and is a credit to pastor, people and town. The parish is made up of 240 families. In June, 1900, Father Klute bought Dr. Mathew's residence for a parsonage. His former parsonage on Wick avenue was given to the Sisters of Notre Dame, who in September, 1903, took charge of St. Joseph's Parochial School, which now has 280 pupils.

Personally Father Klute is known to almost every resident of Youngstown, a large num- ber of whom belong to his congregation. He . is held in the highest esteem by Catholics and Protestants alike. A portrait of Father Klute is published in connection with this sketch.

E LSON P. BOYLE, whose carefully cultivated and well improved farm of 100 acres is situated one and one- quarter miles west of Poland, in Boardman township, is a prosperous farmer of this section and a man who owes his success to his own efforts. He was born in the province of Munster, Ireland, November 10, 1846, and is a son of Robert and Kather- ine ( Berry) Boyle.

The parents of Mr. Boyle spent their lives in Ireland, where the father was a small farm- er. They had five children, namely: Lena,

who came to America, but afterwards returned to her native land where she now resides; Robert, who is engaged in farming the old home place in Ireland; Elson P., whose name heads this sketch, and Margaret and Cather- ine, both of whom remained in the old country.

Elson P. Boyle was about 18 years of age when he decided to leave home and try his fortunes across the Atlantic, in America. Those who know the Irish character well, need not be told that it was a wrench to leave behind the old parents and brother and sisters. The youth landed in the city of New York with little capital in money, but he was ro- bust and industrious and felt sure that if op- portunity was given him he could prove his usefulness to any farmer. For a number of years he remained in the state of New York, working on many farms, but after his mar- riage, desiring to acquire land for himself, he turned his attention to the west. For a short time he was employed on a farm near Cleve- land, Ohio, from which he came to Mahoning County. Assisted by his frugal wife he suc- ceeded in saving enough to purchase enough to purchase a small farm of 25 acres, in Can- field township, and in a short time, purchased another parcel of land, both of which he sub- sequently sold to advantage. During a resi- dence of six years in Canfield village, he made many friends. He later invested in land in. Boardman township, which he sold, and in 1896 he bought his present farm of 100 acres from the Heasley heirs. This is a good prop- erty and when he came into possession was improved with house and barn. He takes a great deal of interest and successfully carries on general farming, and with the assistance of his capable wife, operates a first-class dairy. The milk of II cows is all disposed of at Youngstown.

While living in the State of New York, Mr. Boyle was married to Mary Flarity; a native of Ireland, and daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Dolen) Flarity. The father of Mrs. Boyle was a small farmer in Ireland, where he died when she was a child. Later she accompanied her mother to America, the latter dying in New York, in 1901, aged 75

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years. There were seven children in the Flarity family, as follows: Edward; Margaret, who married Thomas Galliger; John; Catherine, deceased, who married John Horigon; Nora, who died young; Mary ; and Delia, who mar- ried John Cohen.

Mr. and Mrs. Boyle have had five children, namely : Lena who married John Kane, the well-known detective of Youngstown, and has six children-William, Mary, Margaret, John, Madeline and Helen; Edward, who is en- gaged in railroad work; Margaret, who died young; Mary Florence, who died on Christ- mas Day, 1905, aged 22 years ; and Ethel, who graduated from the Boardman High School, in 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Boyle and family be- long to St. Columba's Catholic Church at Youngstown. He has never taken any active interest in politics and votes independently. He is a fine type of the self-made man, one who has made his own way in the world and has won what he owns by hard and honest toil.

ADISON J. POWERS, a promi- nent farmer and stock-raiser of Austintown township, residing on his father's estate, four miles southwest of Youngstown, is a large shipper and buyer of cattle and is en- gaged also in a wholesale butchering business. Mr. Powers was born on his father's farm in Vienna township, Trumbull County, Ohio, December 20, 1867, and is a son of Wilson and Catherine (Stewart) Powers.

Abraham Powers, the great-grandfather of Madison J., was the founder of the family in Ohio. He was of Scotch-Irish extraction. At a very early day he settled in the deep woods that then covered the site of Youngs- town, where he cleared up a farm and spent the remainder of his life. His children were : Isaac, Abraham, Madison, Milton, Nancy and Mary.

Madison Powers, grandfather of Madison J., was born on the farm his father had wrest- ed from the forest, which he assisted to de-

velop. With his brother Milton he became a stock dealer, and on many occasions they drove their cattle over the mountains and sold them in eastern markets. Later he moved to Trumbull County, where he acquired so much property that at the time of his death, when aged 85 years, he was the largest land-owner in that county. He married Elizabeth Wilson and they had four children, namely: Wash- ington, deceased; Wilson, father of Madison J .; Albert, residing at Warren, Ohio; and Mary Jane, deceased, who was the wife of John Hults.

Wilson Powers, father of Madison J., was born in Hubbard township, Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1844, and now lives retired, on his wife's farm, in Fowler township, Trumbull County. Like his father he became a success- ful dealer in live stock and in his early man- hood often drove his herds over the mountains to sell. After the death of his father, he pur- chased the old home place of 417 acres, which he subsequently sold to M. C. Wick. Later he bought the farm of 175 acres, in Austin- town township, on which his sons now reside, its former owner having been Jefferson Mo- herman. He also purchased 250 acres of land in Enon Valley. Wilson Powers married Cath- erine Stewart, a daughter of Armstrong and Isabel Stewart, who were pioneer settlers of Vienna and Liberty townships, Trumbull County. Seven children were born to Wilson Powers and wife; Madison J., whose name be- gins this sketch; Emma, who married W. Shoaff; Floyd, who resides on a part of his brother Madison's farm; and Clinton, Etta, Walter and Mary, all of whom are deceased.

Madison J. Powers was educated in the district schools, and was thoroughly trained by his father in the stock business. He was 17 years old when the family moved to Enon Valley, and he resided there until after his marriage. He then took charge of his grand- father's farm of 1000 acres, in Trumbull County, remaining there until the tragic death of the latter, which resulted from an attack made on him by a vicious member of one of the herds. Mr. Powers still continued to raise stock on this place for some five more years,

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coming to his present farm after it was pur- chased by his father. He buys his cattle in Chicago, and ships a car load about every three weeks, doing a large amount of busi- ness.

On February 28, 1887, Mr. Powers was married to Emma E. Swisher, who was born August 27, 1868, in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. 'Mrs. Powers is a daughter of Philip and Martha (Sampson) Swisher, whose children were as follows: Herbert, de- ceased; John and Ira, of whom there is no special mention; Bird, who married William Patterson; Harriet, who married Frank Bush; Mary, who married Wiley Kennedy; Laura, who married Ralph White; Frederick, de- ceased, and Emma, who is the eldest.

Mr. and Mrs. Powers have nine children, namely : John, deceased; Anna, Grace, Pearl, Jean, Walter, Mary; Mabel, deceased; and Clara.

Mr. Powers is one of the representative Democrats of this section and has served in various local offices, for three years being trustee of Hubbard township, Trumbull Coun- ty, and also assessor. He is a member of Lodge No. 112, Knights of Pythias, at Coal- berg, and of the Eagles, at Youngstown.

E DWARD MILLER, who owns a valu- able farm in Springfield township, de- votes about 135 acres to general farming, under the best conditions, having a well cultivated and finely improved property. Mr. Miller was born February 22, 1857, in Poland township, Ha- honing County, Ohio, and is a son of James D. and Susan (Kriner) Miller.

James D. Miller, father of Edward, was born at Downingtown, Chester County, Penn- sylvania, August 24, 1820, and died October 2, 1890, aged 70 years, one month and eight days. He had reached his majority when he accompanied his father, James Miller, to Po- land township, where the latter purchased the

100-acre farm now owned by Cyrus Detcheon, who bought it when Mr. Miller was ready to move to Youngstown, where he died. After coming to America, James Miller located at Philadelphia and for a time drove a four-horse stage over the route between Philadelphia and Pittsburg. James Miller had the following children: Alexander, who died in Youngs- town; Mrs. Margaret McGee, who also died in Youngstown; Mrs. Mary Holton, who died in Niles; Mrs. Jane Knott, the only survivor, who resides at Rock Island, Illinois; and James D.

James D. Miller had but few educational opportunities in his youth, but through reading and observation, he became a well informed man, having a specially good knowlege of history. He lived in different sections, on var- ious farms, leading an agricultural life. After serving in the 100-day service in the Civil War, as a member of Company D, 155th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he returned to his farm in Poland township, where he remained until 1867, removing then to Lowellville, where he lived until 1870. Thence he moved to Hills- ville, Pennsylvania, afterwards to a farm near Lowellville, and thence to a farm near Mt. Jackson, Pennsylvania. In 1890 he moved to a farm near New Springfield on which he lived until his death. He was twice married, (first) to Elizabeth McGowan, by whom he had three children, name- ly : Alexander, who died at the age of three years; Jennie, deceased, who married Horace Brown; and Elizabeth, who married Barna- bas Reed, residing two miles south of Lowell- ville. Mr. Miller married '(second) Susan Kriner, who was born October 14, 1827, and who died April 2, 1893, aged 65 years, five months and 19 days. The children of this marriage were: Clara, deceased, who resided at Fayette, Ohio; Charles G., an instructor in the High School, at Archibald, Ohio, and owner of a fine farm and home in Fulton Couty, Ohio; Edward, whose name begins this sketch; Sophia, who married Cyrus Martin, residing at Hillsville, Pennsylvania; Freder- ick, who died aged three years; George W.,

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residing at Penn Station, Pennsylvania; and Fannie, who married J. S. White, residing in Columbiana.

Edward Miller was about ten years of age when his parents moved from Poland town- ship, where he had already made a good rec- ord at school. Later he attended the Normal School at Worthington. He remained at home until he was 31 years of age, assisting his fa- ther in the management and operation of the farm. Prior to purchasing land of his own, he rented for three years near Lowellville and one year near Mt. Jackson, and then bought 80 acres in Springfield township. To this he added a piece of over eight acres and subse- quently 47 acres more. In 1896, before com- ing to his present farm, he removed to New Springfield, and later spent three months in Florida, settling on his present place in the following year. He made many improvements in what was previously a good property, with a comfortable residence and a barn 32 by 56 feet in dimensions. The latter he enlarged, making the dimensions 86 by 70 feet, and it is now one of the handsomest and most sub- stantial structures of its kind in Springfield township.

On October 18, 1888, Mr. Miller was mar- ried to Permilla Jane Martin, who was born near Middlesex, Mercer County, Pennsyl- vania, February 25, 1859. Her parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Robinson) Martin, moved to Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, in 1861, and both died near Hillsville, on a farm now owned by their son. Hugh Martin, the grandfather of Mrs. Miller, came from Ire- land, settling at Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, from which point he moved to North Beaver township, near Mount Jackson, about 1829. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Miller were James and Jennie (Lusk) Robinson, who were married in 1808 and settled on a farm near Mount Jackson, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, where they died. The parents of Mrs. Miller had six children, she being the 'youngest. The others were: John S., residing at New Castle, Pennsylvania ; James R., resid- ing at New Castle; Mary S., deceased, who married John W. Gailey; Cyrus L., residing on the old homestead at Hillsville; Anna E.,

deceased, who was the wife of William T. Gilmore.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller take an inter- est in old and historic objects, particularly when connected with their own family history. They possess several valuable relics which would be gladly accepted by any museum. One of these is a sugar bowl, of old design, which was a part of grandmother Robinson's wedding outfit, and the granddaughter values it very highly. Another relic in the family is an old dish, shaped in the form of a duck, which is of an age difficult to compute. It was purchased of some Swedish emigrants on the docks at that far-away date when the great city of Philadelphia had but three houses on her water front. Another very interesting ob- ject in the Miller home is a mounted snow- white owl, measuring 63 inches from tip to tip of wings which was captured by Mr. Mil- ler about a year ago. This magnificent spec- imen, now almost extinct in this section, Mr. Miller has preserved under glass, and it is a beautiful and very interesting ornament.

In politics, Mr. Miller is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Baptist Church at Hillsville, Pennsylvania.

R. THOMAS SONS, proprietors of an immense wholesale flour and dairy products business, occupy spacious quarters on the corner of Holmes and Commerce streets, Youngstown. The firm is made up of the two sons of the late J. R. Thomas, B. Frank and Arnold D.

B. FRANK THOMAS was born in Portage County, Ohio, and was educated in the com- mon schools, and at Mount Union College, where he took a commercial course. After three years spent in teaching he went into his father's business, in 1887. The business had been established by the elder Thomas in 1865, in Paris township, Portage County, and was confined exclusively to cheese. On June 13, 1887, the founder moved his business to Youngstown, at the same time enlarging his facilities and including other commodities, mainly flour. The business was carefully man-

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aged by Mr. J. R. Thomas, and has been as carefully conducted by the two sons, and stands now at the head of its line in Youngs- town. Until the death of J. R. Thomas, in 1891, it was conducted under his name, but was then changed to J. R. Thomas Sons which style is still continued.

B. Frank Thomas is a member of the Board of Health of Youngstown, although he takes no active interest in politics. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Credit Men's Association. His frater- nal relations are with the Free Masons.

ARNOLD D. THOMAS, the other member of the wholesale firm of J. R. Thomas Sons, was born also in Portage County, and was gradu- ated from Mount Union College in 1891, im- mediately afterward entering the firm. He has done more in the organization of the Youngs- town Chamber of Commerce than any other citizen, is a member of its insurance commit- tee, and formerly served as president of the Credit Men's Association. He is treasurer of the Good Roads Association and he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. Both mem- bers of the firm of J. R. Thomas Sons are en- terprising, progressive men, public spirited to a large degree and most excellent citizens.

OHN A. SHANK, a well known resi- dent of Beaver township, Mahoning County, Ohio, was born February 24, 1860, in this township and is a son of John and Maria (Barb) Shank.

John Shank, also a native of Beaver town- ship, was a son of John Shank, who came from Rockingham County, Virginia, at an early period and settled on a farm of 50 acres in section 16, Beaver township, residing there until his death. John Shank, father of John A. resided on that farm all his life. He married Maria Barb, a daughter of Abraham Barb, a resident of Trumbull County. He died over forty years ago at the age of 37 years. His widow still resides at East Lewistown. They reared a family of three children-John A., the subject of this sketch; William, a resident

of Geauga County, Ohio; and Margaret, who married William Sahli and resides in Pennsylvania.

John A. Shank was reared in Beaver town- ship on his father's farm and attended the township schools. He now owns and operates a small farm at East Lewistown. He was united in marriage to Diana Cum- mings, who was a daughter of Noah and Sarah (Holdreed) Cummings, and a native of Beaver township. Mrs. Shank is now de- ceased. Her parents resided at East Lewis- town. Two children, Edna and Essler, both residing at home, were born of this marriage. Politically Mr. Shank is a Republican and has served his township as supervisor and con- stable. He is a member of the Reformed Church.

H. KALE, president of the Board of County Commissioners, of Ma- honing County, Ohio, resides on his fine farm of III acres in the vicinity of Berlin Center. Berlin township. Mr. Kale was born in 1860, in Berlin township, Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew Kale.

The father of Mr. Kale was born in 1839, in Springfield township, Mahoning County, and is a son of Andrew Kale, who was one of the earliest settlers in this county and his fa- ther, Martin Kale, was one of the pioneers of Berlin township. Andrew Kale, father of W. H. Kale, entered the army during the Civil War, in answer to the last call of President Lincoln, becoming a member of Company G, 155th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service until the close of the war. Although he returned alive, he is still suffering from the effects of his exposure.

W. H. Kale was reared on his father's farm in Berlin township, and was educated in the district schools. After his marriage he purchased a small farm of 29 acres to which he subsequently added until now he OWNS III acres of the best land in Mahoning County. It is well improved and here Mr.

· il!

A. Neilson

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Kale has carried on general farming and stock-raising and has been also an extensive dealer, manufacturer and shipper of lumber. He has always taken an active interest in po- litical matters and is identified with the Repub- lican party. He has served on different occasions as a member of the county central committee and other organiza- tions. In the fall of 1902 he was elec- ted a member of the board of county commis- sioners and was re-elected in the fall of 1905, with a handsome majority of 3,466 votes, this being 2,266 more than at his first election. In many capacities he has served Berlin township for four years was constable, for six years a member of the school board and for six years trustee. For a like period he has served as a delegate to state conventions of his party, and is an indefatigable worker for it.

For the past 23 years Mr. Kale has been a member of Canfield Lodge, No. 155, of the order of Odd Fellows, this lodge being the second in financial standing in the state, and he is past chancellor in the order of Knights of Pythias, and belongs also to a number of purely social organizations.

In 1886, Mr. Kale was married to Ella Harman, who is a daughter of David Harman, a prosperous farmer of Berlin township, who was born on the banks of the Mahoning river, in 1841, and is a son of one of the earliest settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Kale have one child, Addie M.

AMES NEILSON. In the varied in- dustries which have served to make Youngstown the great business center of this part of the state, no one man had more to do with their firm found- ing than had the late James Neilson. He was born in December, 1842, at Glasgow, Scot- land.

The mother of James Neilson died when he was an infant and this possibly weakened home ties and he grew to young manhood cherishing the desire to come to America. When 24 years old he joined his uncle in the

vicinity of Columbus, Ohio, and his subse- quent life was passed in this state, to which he became as closely allied as if he had been native born. The first position held by him in the state of his adoption was that of book- keeper at the Powers coal mine. Later he secured a position in one of the furnaces oper- ated in connection with the coal mines and in 1866, he entered the employ of Andrews Brothers, remaining with them as bookkeeper and manager of the blast furnace at Haselton. for some ten years. His faithful services were recognized in 1880 when he was taken in as a member of this important firm. Seven years later, upon the incorporation of the Andrews Brothers Company, he was elected vice-presi- dent and general manager of their mines and great iron plant, a position he continued to fill until his death in 1893.

Mr. Neilson from the beginning of his career had displayed those rare business qual- ities which could not fail to inspire confidence and possessed the foresight which made his opinions and plans of the greatest value. In 1889 he organized the Youngstown Bridge Company and became its president ; he was al- so president of the Mahoning Ore Company, which operated mines in Minnesota ; he was a stockholder and director in the Youngstown Car Manufacturing Company; a stockholder in the Morris Hardware Company, the G. M. McKelvey Company, the Dollar Savings & Trust Company, the Commercial National Bank and the Ohio Steel Company.

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Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 84

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