Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 93

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 93

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As one of the chief officials of the great Amalgamated Association, Mr. Nutt naturally assumed a very prominent place in the public life of Youngstown. He served for six years as a member of the city council and was men- tioned for postmaster. His greatest work, however, has always been in the interests of labor and he has served in a score of import- ant positions in its various bodies, and has accomplished much in its behalf. He was chosen to represent the iron workers before the Ways and Means committee of Congress. on the question of tariff, for the Amalgamated Association and the Manufacturer's Associa- tion, since 1878, having been identified with different committees that were permitted to appear before Congress in the interest of a protective tariff. Mr. Nutt's uprightness of character, genial manner and frankness of in- tercourse with men of all degree, have at- tracted to him many friends and have won

MR. AND MRS. ALLEN SILVER, DAUGHTER, GRANDSON AND GREAT GRANDCHILD (Four Generations)

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many helpful adherents to the cause of labor. On November 26, 1871, Mr. Nutt was married to Sarah Ward, a daughter of Henry and Susan Ward, of Rome, New York, and they have had eight children, viz: Flora, Harry, Helena, Albert, May, Edith, Ada and George. The family home is one of great hos- pitality and much domestic comfort and is lo- cated at No. 238 Spring street. The family belong to the St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church at Youngstown.

Politically Mr. Nutt is a zealous Republi- can, and he has been one of the leading men of his party in this section for many years. He is a man of powerful personality and he com- mands the respect of all who meet him, whether they are in accord with his theories of life and government or not, by his gentle- manly bearing, his dignity of character and his evident honesty of purpose. Mr. Nutt's office is situated in the Dollar Bank building at Youngstown.

H LLEN SILVER, a retired farmer of Berlin Center, who for many years was one of the most successful and prosperous agriculturists of Berlin township, was born in 1832 on his father's farm one and a half miles south of Berlin Center, his parents being Adna B. and Lydia (Allen) Silver.

Adna Silver was born in Salem County, New Jersey, and was a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Broadway) Silver, who were mar- ried in Pilesgrove township. Salem County, New Jersey, May 5, 1797. Adna was married - in Riles township, that county and state, on February 20, 1823, to Lydia Allen, a daugh- ter of Joseph and Hannah Allen, and in 1825 he and his wife came to Ohio and settled in Salem, Columbiana County, where they re- mained until 1828. They then removed to Berlin township, which was then known as Hart and Mather township. Berlin township was originally purchased by a Mr. Perkins, who named the eastern part of the township Perkins, and the western half Hart and Math-

er, after a son and daughter. Here Adna Silver purchased 119 acres of land at $3.50 per acre, which he immediately began improv- ing, as there were no cabins, roads, or any other improvements. At the time of his death, which occurred when he was in his 80th year, he was the owner of 260 acres of land in this township. His wife, who was born in 1795. on the home place in Salem County, New Jer- sey, also died on this place in her 74th year. They were the parents of five children : Sarah, who was born in New Jersey, married Samuel Davis, and died at the age of 78 years ; Joseph, died when young; Elizabeth became Mrs. So- lon Day; Allen is the subject of this sketch : Mary married Samuel Linton. Adna Silver was for many years treasurer of Berlin town- ship, and was an adherent of the Republican party from the time of its birth.

Allen Silver was reared on the home place in Berlin township and at the age of 22, after his marriage, started in life for himself on a farm of 100 acres in the southeast part of Ber- lin township, which had been presented to him by his father. He remained here for twenty- five years, when he sold the farm and removed to Alliance, Ohio. There he was employed in a warehouse, selling machinery, remaining there for a period of twelve years, when he returned to Berlin township, and has since been living in retirement at Berlin Center. In 1862, on August II, he enlisted in the 105th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Co. H, and served through the entire Civil War, covering a period of thirty-four months. He was never wounded or captured, he accompanied Sher- man on his march to the sea, and was mus- tered out at Washington, after which he re- turned home to Berlin township and resumed farming. He is a member of Kirkbride Post. No. 600, G. A. R., at Berlin Center.

Mr. Silver married Julia A. Gee in 1854. and she died, leaving two children, May and Frank. May married Willis Kirkbride, who is engaged in the furniture business at No. 435 Pearl street, Cleveland, Ohio, and has two sons, Carl and Allen. Frank Silver resides in Youngstown. The publishers take pleas-

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ure in presenting on an adjoining page a group picture of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Silver, their daughter, grandson and great-grandchild.

JOHN DELFS, senior member of the firm of John Delfs & Sons, at Can- field, dealers in hides, tile and build- ing supplies, resides on his well-im- proved farm of 50 acres which is situ- ated on the edge of the village. Mr. Delfs was born March 26, 1849, near Hamburg, Germany, and is a son of Joachim and Helena (Rippen) Delfs.

At one time the father of Mr. Delfs was a prosperous commission merchant living near the North Sea, where he had a large trade provisioning boats. Later he met with re- verses, which he partly repaired, so that ten years prior to his death he was able to retire from business. At his death his farm was in- herited by a half brother of John Delfs, who subsequently sold the land for building pur- poses, realizing a fortune. The first marriage of Mrs. Delfs was to Henry Selk, and when she married Joachim Delfs, she had two chil- dren, Henry and Mary. Two children were also born to the second marriage: Christina, who married John Johnson, who owned and operated a pottery in Germany ; and John. The parents are both deceased.

The farm of the father of John Delfs was near the village of New Minster, which has grown to be a city of 40,000 inhabitants, but when Mr. Delfs had finished going to school, conditions were different and he was glad to find work in a tannery, this industry being the leading one of the place. He learned the trade and left home when 19 years of age to travel, according to the law, as a journeyman, and spent three vears working through Hun- gary, Italy and Southern Germany, returning to his home just prior. to the German War, of 1870. After passing a physical examination, he was able to postpone entering the army for three and one-half years. In the meantime, with some 700 of his countrymen, he had de- cided to come to America, and the party

landed at the port of New York in 1872, after a voyage of fifteen days. For three months after landing, Mr. Delfs was sick in the strange city, but he found friends and as soon as able, made his way to Holyoke, Massachu- setts, where he worked for eight months as a woolsorter in a factory. From there he went to a factory at Rockwell, Connecticut, and later to Hartford, where he worked three months in a tannery; thence he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked in differ- ent tanneries for three years. During the following year he worked in tanneries at Pitts- burg, and then came to Canfield, landing here March 17. 1877, under contract with John Sancenbacher to finish leather, with whom he remained for eight years. Mr. Delfs then be- came a partner with his employer, to whom he sold out three years later. He then associated himself with G. M. Bouten, in the tanning of sheep skin, but two years later this partner- ship was dissolved and Mr. Delfs went into buying and selling hides. When his son Roy reached manhood, he took him into partner- ship, as he also did his son Herbert, and the firm became John Delfs & Sons. This firm stands for a great deal at Canfield, including business enterprise, integrity and success. They pay cash for what they buy and sell on the same basis. In 1906 they expanded their operation to include dealing in grain and building supplies. Their quarters include four buildings and they occupy over an acre of land west of the Erie Railroad tracks.

Mr. Delfs was married November 28, 1879, to Ida M. Tanner, who is a daughter of Julius and Mary ( Wadsworth) Tanner, the latter of whom died when Mrs. Delfs was young. Julius Tanner married (second) Fi- delia Turner. Both the Tanner and Turner families came from Connecticut to Mahoning County in 1801. The male members came first and prepared homes and then returned and brought their families to this section, trav- eling with oxen.

Mr. and Mrs. Delfs have had nine children, viz .: Roy, who is engaged in business with his father, married Eleanor Watson, and they have had three children, Gilbert, Roy (de-

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ceased), and Edwin; Harry, residing in Beaver Falls, married Adaline Weist; Her- bert, who is associated with his father and brother; Helena, who is a teacher in the Can- field schools: Florence ; Ethel, who is a student in the Northeastern Ohio Normal College; Edna; Fannie and Hazel, who are deceased.

Politically Mr. Delfs is a Republican and has served on the board of trustees, and for the past 18 years has been a member of the board of education. He was one of the in- corporators of the Northeastern Ohio Normal College, is a director of the Farmers' National Bank at Canfield, and for seven years was a member of the Mahoning County Agricultural Association. Fraternally he is a Mason, hav- ing been an official member of Argus Lodge, No. 455, at Canfield, and belongs also to Lodge No. 155, Odd Fellows, in which he has passed the chairs. He was reared in the faith of the Protestant Lutheran Church.

H. KENNEDY, cashier of the Commercial National Bank, at Youngstown, was born on a farm in Coitsville township. Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1866, and is a son of H. G. and Esther E. (Stewart) Kennedy. The father, H. G. Kennedy, was born in 1836, in Coitsville township. Mahoning County, and was a son of James Kennedy, who was a very early settler in this county. H. G. Kennedy went out with the first volunteers in 1861, and remained in the army until 1864, dying after- ward of fever contracted in the army. He married Esther E. Stewart, who had been reared on an adjoining farm in Coitsville township. She belonged to one of the old pioneer families of the county. Mr. Kennedy has one brother. C. E. Kennedy, of Chicago, Illinois.

C. H. Kennedy was six years old when he accompanied his mother to Youngstown, where he obtained his education. He was only 16 years old when he entered the Com- mercial National Bank as a collector, later be- came bookkeeper, then teller and assistant

cashier and finally cashier, having been identi- fied with this institution since 1882.

In 1888, Mr. Kennedy was married to Edith M. Orr, who is a daughter of John S. Orr, and they have two children, Margaret M. and Kathryn. The family belongs to the Tabernacle United Presbyterian Church at Youngstown.

Mr. Kennedy is an active member of the Youngstown Chamber of Commerce, and he belongs to the Elks Club.

A DDISON M. CLARK, M. D., physi- cian and surgeon, at Youngstown, has been in active practice in this city since March, 1881. Dr. Clark was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

In 1877 Dr. Clark was graduated a Bach- elor of Science, from Washington and Jeffer- son College, and then entered the medical de- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated and received his med- ical degree in March, 1880. After one year of practical work in the Western Pennsylva- nia Hospital, at Pittsburg, Dr. Clark came to Youngstown, where he practiced alone until 1890, when he was associated for one year with Dr. H. A. Zimmerman. Since 1900. Dr. Clark has been in partnership with his nephew, Dr. C. R. Clark, who is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and since 1904 Dr. J. A. Sherbondy has been a mem- ber of the firm. The latter graduated in 1902, at the Western Reserve University, at Cleve- land. The firm are physicians and surgeons to the Pittsburg & Lake Erie Railroad. and Dr. Addison M. Clark is one of the surgeons of the Pennsylvania and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroads. In October, 1887. Dr. Clark was married to Reinette Ford, of Albany. New York, and they have two children. Margery and Edward Ford, the latter of whom is a student at Hotchkiss, Connecticut.

Dr. Clark is a 32nd degree Mason and an Elk. He belongs to the Youngstown and the Mahoning Golf Clubs, to the Raven Club and

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to the Youngstown Chamber of Commerce. He was one of the prime movers in establish- ing the Youngstown City Hospital, having spent a great deal of valuable time in soliciting funds for the same, with the result that this city can now boast of one of the finest equipped hospitals in the state.

OSEPH KING, whose home in Berlin township is on the site of the old log house in which he was born 78 years ago, July 13, 1829, owns 170 acres of well-improved farming land and is one of the substantial men of this section. His parents were Jonathan and Lydia (Kecke) King.

Jonathan King was an early settler in Ma- honing County, locating here in 1820. He was born January 5, 1804, in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. In 1826 he settled in Berlin township, where he resided until his death in 1896, passing away at the age of 92 years, being then the oldest resident of the township. His energy and industry were re- warded by the acquisition of a large property. For many years he operated a six-horse team over the route from Pittsburg and Cleveland to the mouth of the Huron River, which was largely patronized in his day. In 1825 he married Lydia Kecke, who was born in 1806. in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, accompanied her parents to Mahoning County in 1808, and died in 1875. They had ten children, five of whom reached maturity.

Joseph King passed his boyhood on the home farm and continued to carry on agricul- tural operations here until he entered the ser- vice of his country. May 8, 1864. At that time he was 34 years of age and had a be- loved wife and three children, but the call of duty was not to be ignored, and with as brave a heart as possible he marched away, a mem- ber of Company G. 155th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Although 43 years have passed away since that memorable year of the great Civil War, no surviving participant can forget its duties, experiences, hardships

and dangers. Mr. King's record is one full of interest. Immediately after the regiment was mustered in, it was ordered to New Creek, West Virginia, and on its arrival was sent to Martinsburg, where it performed garrison and escort duty until June 3, 1864. From there the Regiment was ordered to Washington City and from there to White House Landing, thence to Bermuda Landing and then to City Point, remaining at the latter place until the 29th of June, when it was ordered to Norfolk, Virginia, and placed on duty in an entrenched camp. Company G was also sent to Cape Henry to guard a light-house. On July 26, 500 men of the 155th Regiment, with other troops, made an expedition to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, subsequently returning to Norfolk, where they remained until August 19, when the whole command was ordered to Ohio and Mr. King was mustered out of the service, August 27, 1864. Exposure caused him to contract kidney trouble, and as his hearing was also impaired, he remained in the Hospital at Camp Dennison for ten days after his discharge. He was bass drummer of his regiment and carried the best drum. By an act of the legislature passed April 2, 1866, the regiment was honorably discharged from ser- vice in the Ohio National Guards. Mr. King prizes a card of thanks which he received from President Lincoln, for his performance of duty during his term of service.

In 1852. Mr. King had commenced to pur- chase his farm and after he returned to it he resumed farming, stock-raising and dairying, in the latter industry operating but lightly. He resides in a part of what was the old house built by his father, to which he has added and improved into a comfortable, commodious, modern residence. All of the old buildings on the farm he has moved, with the exception of the frame of the barn, which shows the stanch kind of building done almost a century ago.

On May 6, 1852, in Milton township, Mr. King was married to Lucinda Greenamyer, who was born May 29, 1830, and died May 29, 1902. She was a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Monasmith:) Greenamyer. 3 Mrs.

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King was born in Milton township, Mahoning County, Ohio, where her parents then lived, but they subsequently removed to the vicinity of East Lewistown. Mr. and Mrs. King had five children, namely: Warren H., residing at Warren, Ohio, a machinist, has a family that includes three daughters; Samantha, who is her father's companion on the old farm; Orvie T., residing near North Jackson, a sta- tionary engineer and farmer, had two daugh- ters and two sons ; Luella E., who is a talented musician, who graduated in music at the Lima Lutheran College in 1897. has been a teacher of music since she was 18 years old; and S. Alberta, residing at Youngstown, who is a stenographer in the general office of the Youngstown Engineering Company. She also is an accomplished musician.

The death of the beloved mother of this family was a severe blow to every member of it. Mr. King recalls her courage in time of war when he was called from the hearth- stone, how she bravely cared for their little ones and kept the home while he was facing sickness and danger. Hers was a beautiful character, one which attracted esteem and won affection. From early life she had been united with the Lutheran Church, to which Mr. King and his children also belong.

Politically Mr. King has always been iden- tified with the Republican party and has con- sistently supported its candidates and furth- ered its principles, although he has not desired political office for himself.

IV. GRANT, secretary and treasurer of the Youngstown Savings and Banking Company, at Youngstown, Ohio, was born at Youngstown in 1870, and is a son of Arthur and Mary (Brown) Grant. Arthur Grant was born at Belfast, Ireland, and located at Youngstown in 1865, where he has resided ever since. He married Mary Brown, who was born at Painesville, Ohio, and they have reared a family of eight children.

After completing his education, H. W.

Grant became bookkeeper for G. M. McKelvey & Company, remaining with that firm for 13 years, and for seven years was with the Youngstown Dry Goods Company. When the Youngstown Savings and Banking Company was organized and incorporated, Mr. Grant became secretary and treasurer and has re- tained official position until the present, giving to the bank all his services.

The Youngstown Savings and Banking Company is not an old organization, but it is backed by large capital, and the names of its officers carry the weight of large experience and sterling integrity. It began business on March 18, 1905, after being organized by H. WV. Grant, its object being the carrying on of a general banking business. Its capital stock is $100,000, and its officers are: W. T. Gib- son, president ; W. R. Leonard, vice-president ; and H. W. Grant, secretary and treasurer. The confidence of the public in this institution has been shown in marked degree, and busi- ness has prospered from the first.

On May 1, 1900, Mr. Grant was married to Mary Mullane, of Youngstown, Ohio, and they have four children. Mr. Grant and fam- ily belong to the St. Columba's Catholic Church. He is a member of the Elks and of the Knights of Columbus.

A NDREW KALE, one of the represen- tative farmers and highly respected citizens of Berlin township, was born in a log cabin, in Columbiana Coun- ty, Ohio, in 1837, and is the only child of Andrew and Susan ( Berkey ) Kale, the former of whom was a native of Ohio, and died in Iowa. The latter died in Mahoning County, Ohio.

Andrew Kale grew to manhood in Mahon- ing County and followed farming in Berlin township until the outbreak of the Civil War. when he enlisted in Company G. 155th Regi- ment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on his 27th birthday. He followed the fortunes of his reg- iment from Camp Dennison to Virginia, and served for over four months, having enlisted

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for 90 days, and was mustered out at Fortress Monroe, being discharged on account of dis- ability. He then returned to the farm which he had purchased before going into the army, which was located one mile west of his pres- ent farm, and continued to reside on it for sev- eral years. After selling that property he bought his present place of 48 acres, which is situated two miles north and one mile east of Berlin Center. Here he has engaged in gen- eral farming, and in 1875 he built the pretty little house in which he and his family reside. reside.

Mr. Kale was married in February, 1859, to Lydia Ann Baum, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Philip and Margaret ( Wilson) Baum, both of whom died when she was eight years old. Mr. and Mrs. Kale have two children: Warren H., who is county commissioner of Mahoning County ; and Mary J., who married W. I. Felnogle, of Berlin township.

Mr. Kale is quarter-master of the Asher Kirkbride Post, No. 600, Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he is a liberal-minded Republican. He has served several terms both as assessor and trustee of Berlin township.

ILLIAM S. ANDERSON, a well- known attorney at Youngstown, senior member of the law firm of Anderson, McNab & Anderson, is identified with numerous business enterprises of this section, and owns a valua- able farm of 750 acres. Mr. Anderson was born December 31, 1848, and is a son of Da- vid and Hannah ( Shaw) Anderson.

David Anderson, father of William S., came from Ireland when he was about 16 years of age, and through energy and industry became a successful business man, engaged in merchandising, farming and cattle-raising. He died in 1890. He married Hannah Shaw, who was a daughter of Dr. William Shaw, of New Castle, Pennsylvania.

William S. Anderson was reared through boyhood on his father's farm, but was afforded

educational opportunities at Canfield, Poland, Salem, Jackson and other points, and read law with the firm of Hutchins & Glidden, at War- ren, Ohio. In 1870, he was admitted to the bar and practiced at Canfield until the county seat was removed to Youngstown, when he came to this city. His first partner was Judge L. W. King, and the firm of Anderson & King continued until Judge King was called to the bench. Then Mr. Anderson entered into asso- ciation with A. J. Woolf, under the firm name of Anderson & Woolf, which continued for five years, when the name became Jones & An- derson, which continued until 1903. Subse- quently Mr. Anderson admitted his son to partnership and since January 1, 1906, the firm has been Anderson, McNab & Anderson. Mr. Anderson is a prominent member of the Mahoning County Bar Association. In early life he took an active part in politics but has never consented to be a candidate for office.

In 1866, Mr. Anderson was married to Louise M. Shields, who is a daughter of An- drew Shields, one of the pioneer families of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have four children, viz: Blanche, William N., Randall H., and Anna. William N. Anderson gradu- ated at the Rayen High School and also stud- ied at Hudson Academy, then read law with his father and was admitted to the bar in 1894. Randall H. Anderson is a member of the pres- ent state legislature from Mahoning County and is engaged in running his father's stock- farm, making a specialty of fine cattle. Mr. Anderson is an Elk.

OHN ROBISON, trustee of Milton township and one of the leading citi- zens of his community, resides on a valuable farm of 150 acres which fronts on the Mahoning river, across which lay the former large possessions of his ancestors, who were the first settlers in this section. Mr. Robison was born in Milton township, Mahoning County, Ohio, August 31, 1846, and is a son of Edward and Ar- minda (Cole) Robison.

PATRICK M. KENNEDY

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Edward Robison was of Irish parentage. The family came to America at the time of the land seizure troubles, settling in Ohio, where the father of John Robison was born. He resided for a time on the farm now owned by his son, then moved to Palmyra, later to Al- liance and then returned to Palmyra, where he died in 1873, aged 45 years. He married Arminda Cole, who was born in Ohio, and still survives, having reached her 91st birth- day. She is a daughter of Jacob W. and Han- nah (Elsner) Cole, and a granddaughter of Jacob V. Cole, a native of Holland, who set- tled in New Jersey, and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Jacob WV. Cole was born in Orange County, New Jersey. In 1804 he came to Milton township, following Indian trails, on horseback, and was the first school teacher in this section. He purchased 640 acres of land along the Mahoning River, lying opposite the farm of his grandson, John Robison.

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Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 93

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