Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 98

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 98

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HIRAM JOHN BEARDSLEY, township trus- tee of Canfield township and manager of the Dean Hill Dairy Farm, was born in Canfield township, Mahoning County, Ohio, August 3, 1878. After completing a prepara- tory course at the Canfield Union School, he attended the Northeastern Ohio Normal Uni- versity at Canfield, and was graduated in the scientific course in 1897. He has lived on the home farm all his life and given intelligent at- tention to the management of its varied inter- ests. The Dean Hill Dairy Farm is known all over this section and its fancy creamery butter finds ready sale, the output being over 10,- 000 pounds annually. There is a record show- ing that 4.368 cows were milked here in four months. The dairy now has a fine herd of choice cows and on the farm there are some 70 head of cattle and 60 head of sheep. The farm raises and sells Jersey cattle, Berkshire hogs, Shetland ponies and Shropshire sheep. Hiram John Beardsley is agent for the Cleve- land Dryer Company's fertilizers and the Per- fection Spring Lock Wire Fencing.

On June 18, 1903, Mr. Beardsley was married to Ellen Zieger, who is a daughter of

ITURE

STORE OF CUNNINGHAM FURNITURE & UNDERTAKING COMPANY, LOWELLVILLE

- - -- -

JESSE CUNNINGHAM

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John and Clara ( Martin) Zieger, and they have one son, Ward Dean. Politically, Mr. Beardsley, like his father, is a Republican, and was first elected township trustee in 1900, and was re-elected in 1905. He is a member of the Canfield Grange.

B ENJAMIN PITNEY BALDWIN, re- siding on a tract of 150 acres in the northeastern part of Milton town- ship, was born in Milton township, Mahoning County, Ohio, within sight of his present farm, in 1842, and is a son of Benjamin Pitney and Martha (Polly) Baldwin, and a grandson of Caleb and Eliz- abeth Baldwin. Caleb Baldwin was born in New Jersey, and was a soldier in the Revo- lutionary War. He was an early settler in Mahoning County and was one of the first justices of the peace at Youngstown. Benja- min P. Baldwin, father of Benjamin Pitney, was born in Ohio and was trained in the State militia, but never participated in mili- tary service. He was one of the first settlers of Milton township, and bought the old John Moore farm of 150 acres, which he improved and lived on until his death, at which time he was the possessor of 450 acres of land. He was the father of 12 children, of whom three sons and one daughter survive.

Benjamin P. Baldwin, the subject of this sketch, has lived in Milton township all his life. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil War, he was a member of the Ohio National Guards and twice enlisted in companies organ- ized for active service, and twice was mus- tered in, but each time was sent home on ac- count of disability. He has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits.

In 1865 Mr. Baldwin was married to Lucy Shivley, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Abraham and Susan Shivley. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have six children, namely: Frank S., residing in Arizona; Alice M., who is teaching school at Warren, Ohio; Marta L. (Mrs. Foulk), residing at Warren, Ohio;

Linus R., a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; Julia L. Bernice, who is teaching school in Chi- cago; and Ruth, who resides with her parents.

Mr. Baldwin is a Republican. For the last 15 years he has been a notary public and was the first justice of the peace appointed in Milton township. Fraternally, he is a mem- ber of Lodge No. 462, F. & A. M., at New- ton Falls.

ESSE CUNNINGHAM, manager of the Cunningham Furniture & Under- taking Company, of Lowellville, was born February 17, 1872, near Hasel- ton, Coitsville township, Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of Arthur Murray and Ellen ( Bentley ) Cunningham.

Arthur M. Cunningham, who is now liv- ing in retirement, after a very active life at his various trades, having been carpenter, wagonmaker, blacksmith, and patternmaker, is the father of twelve children, all of whom are still living. His wife, who in maidenhood was Ellen Bentley, passed out of this life in April, 1890. Their children were John, Lois, Jesse, Lucy, Charlotte, Clarence, William H., Ellen, Frank, Blanche, Arthur M., and Marietta.

Jesse Cunningham lived in Coitsville town- ship until 18 years of age. He obtained his education in the River school and later attend- ed the High School at Coitsville Center for one year. He learned the carpenter's trade with his father and worked at it after his mother's death at Freedom, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, for several months. He then entered the employ of the Craig Manufactur- ing Company, casket manufacturers, now known as the Freedom Casket Company. He remained in the employ of this company for six years and was advanced to the position of foreman of the factory. Coming to Lowell- ville in 1896, he engaged in the furniture busi- ness in a small building on the lot now occu- pied by the John Frech building. He subse- quently moved into the building where An-

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HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

drew Kroeck is now located and while there formed a partnership with A. A. Headland, which continued for one year. He then bought out Mr. Headland's interest in the business and continued to manage it alone for two years. He then entered into a partnership with D. A. Davidson, which lasted until the fall of 1904, when a stock company was or- ganized, and Mr. Davidson's interest in the concern was bought. In 1903 Mr. Cunning- ham and his partner, Mr. Davidson, purchased the old Watson homestead, and after moving the building, erected the large three-story building ( 32x100 feet ) where Mr. Cunning- ham is now located, and where he carries on an extensive furniture business. The under- taking establishment is located on Wood street, the property having been purchased in 1901. Besides his other business interests Mr. Cunningham is also a director of the Lowellville Savings and Banking Company.

June 13, 1894, Mr. Cunningham was mar- ried in Belleview. Allegheny County, Penn- sylvania, to Mary E. Groah. He and his wife have two children: Jesse Lawrence, who was born May 3, 1895: and Virginia Marie, who was born October 7, 1898. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge and is past chancellor of Lowellville Lodge No. 537. He belongs to the Protective Home Circle, of which he is past president, and also the present president, and has been a delegate at the last three state meetings of the order, which occur every two years. He is a member of Eureka Home, Home Guards of America, of Lowellville, of which he is past chancellor and present counselor. Mr. Cunningham takes an active interest in all affairs which tend toward the advancement of Lowellville. He has been a member of the school board for the past eight years, and was chiefly instru- mental in erecting the new school building which was completed in 1905 at the cost of be- tween $35.000 and $40,000. He was a mem- ber of the committee of three who installed the clectric light plant of Lowellville. His portrait may be seen on an adjoining page, a view of his store being also published.

J ACOB W. RUPPERT, who has been identified with the mercantile inter- ests of New Springfield since 1887, is numbered with the reliable, public- spirited and valuable citizens of this place, and he is also an honored survivor of the great Civil War. Mr. Rupert was born August 13, 1840, in Beaver township, Mahon- ing County, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin and Catherine (Wonsetler) Ruppert.

Benjamin Ruppert, father of Jacob W., was also born in Beaver township and was a son of Jacob Ruppert, who came from Lan- caster, Pennsylvania, and settled first just north of North Lima, removing from there to a farm of 200 acres, northeast of Canfield, on which he lived for the rest of his life. Ben- jamin Ruppert married Catherine Wonsetler, who was a daughter of Jacob Wonsetler, of Youngstown township, a member of one of the oldest families in the county. They had eight children, namely: Jacob W., whose name appears at the head of this sketch; Sam- uel, residing near Canfield, who served in the Civil War; Susanna, now deceased; Salinda, who married Charles Fiefield, residing at Youngstown; David, residing in Indiana : Isaiah, also a resident of that State ; Elizabeth, who married John Bensing, residing at Roan- oke, Indiana ; and Louisa, who died in infancy.

Jacob W. Ruppert was reared in Beaver township and attended school there and at Steamtown, in Boardman township. His peo- ple owned a small farm, the old Whittenberg place, near Woodworth. Before the Civil War opened. Mr. Ruppert worked in his home neighborhood, mainly on the farm of Henry Beard, and also followed the carpenter trade. On August 13, 1862, Mr. Ruppert took upon himself heavy responsibilities, enlisting in the Federal army, in Company .1. 125th Regi- ment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at North Lima, and was honorably discharged from the service. June 2, 1865. During a part of this long period he served under General Thomas in the Army of the Tennessee. He partici- pated in the battle of Franklin, in the daily skirmishes before and around Chattanooga.

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and at the battle of Chickamauga he was cap- tured and held by the enemy for 36 hours, and also wounded severely in the hand. Al- though this injured member was bleeding pro- fusely, not having been cared for, Mr. Rupert kept on the alert and when he found the sen- try sleeping at his post, he quietly rolled out of camp and thus escaped. At Overton Hills, Ten- nessee. he subsequently was wounded in the hip and his injuries sent him to hospitals at Nash- ville and Louisville, and later were the cause of his discharge from the service. Formerly Mr. Ruppert was a member of Tod Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Youngstown. but now keeps up only his connection with Encampment No. 3. Union Veteran League. at Youngstown.

L'pon his return to Beaver township, Mr. Ruppert had a long and wearying period of convalescence. He had been too badly injured to permit him to undertake any hard labor. but after he had gradually regained his health, he opened a store at Coal Mines, which he continued to operate for the next 14 years. In 1887 he came to New Springfield and for five years conducted a store on the Square, and

then came to his present site, where he built his store building and purchased his residence. In addition to the usual commodities carried in a first-class grocery. Mr. Ruppert handles flour and tobacco, carries a stock of jewelry and several other outside lines to oblige his patrons.

In December, 1865, Mr. Ruppert was mar- ried to Susan Rothgeb, who was born in Beaver township, on the farm now occupied by George Rothgeb, and is a daughter of Ra- phael and Frances ( Shank ) Rothgeb, the lat- ter of whom resides with her daughter, and is a venerable lady of 87 years. Mr. and Mrs. Ruppert have had the following children : Della, who married Francis Paulin, resides in Green township. and they have three sons. Seth, Ralph and Earl: Lefaire, who died in the spring of 1906, married Jonathan Haller, residing at Coal Banks, in Springfield town- ship, and left two children, Myrle and Maite : Clark, residing at New Springfield, married Alice Wetzel. and they have three children,

Bessie, Edith and Oscar; May, who married Josiah Hick, a merchant at East Palestine, has one child. Kenneth; and Bertha, residing at home. Mr. Ruppert and family are mem- bers of the English Lutheran Church at New Springfield. In politics, he is a Republican.

h ON. RANDALL MONTGOMERY, who, as general manager, is con- nected with a number of important business enterprises at Youngstown. Ohio, was born on Federal street, Youngstown, in 1851, and has been a citizen of prominence here for many years, serving as mayor from 1888 until 1892, and for four years as member of the Legislature from Ma- honing County.

After completing the public school course at Youngstown, Mr. Montgomery worked for some four years in the grocery store of A. J. Morgan, and was then in the hardware line with Fowler, Stambaugh & Company. Later he embarked in a plumbing business under the firm name of Montgomery, Thompson & Company, which was the foundation of the immense business of Stambaugh, Thompson & Company. Mr. Montgomery was in the plumbing business for nine years, but prior to this he had worked several years in the oil fields. He was elected mayor of Youngs- town while in the plumbing business, from which he then retired. After completing a very popular administration as mayor, Mr. Montgomery was then elected to the State Legislature and served with distinction, for four years. Subsequently he was appointed city commissioner and on the death of Mr. Holmes, he became general manager of the Youngstown Consolidated Gas and Electric Company. the Youngstown & Sharon Street Railway, the Valley Street Railway, the Sharen & New Castle Street Railway, the Wheatland Street Railway. the Shenango Val- ley Electric Light Company, and the Sharon Gas & Water Company.

Mr. Montgomery is also a member of the board of directors of the Chamber of Com-

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merce and is a trustee and president of the Youngstown Hospital Association. Fratern- ally he is an Elk, a Knight of Pythias, an Odd Fellow and a 32nd degree Mason.

OHN D. MORRISON, one of New Springfield's leading business men who, since June 18, 1897, has been manager of the C. Y. Shearer general store at this point, and since June I, 1905, has also been manager of the Springfield Butter Manufacturing Company, of which he is a director. is a native of Columbiana Coun- ty, Ohio, having been born in Unity township, March 20, 1872. His parents were John and Lucinda ( Reesh) Morrison.

Until he was 15 years of age, John D. Morrison remained on the home place, obtain- ing his education in the local schools. When he came to New Springfield he worked for his uncle, Andrew Reesh, in his basket factory, remaining with him until his marriage, when he removed to Columbiana and followed the butchering business there for three years. In the meantime, his father-in-law, Samuel J. Shearer, urged him to come to New Spring- field and become the manager of the C. Y. Shearer general store. Mrs. Shearer having been appointed postmistress by the late Presi- dent Mckinley, July 27, 1897. He disposed of his meat business at Columbiana, to Charles Geiger, and then came to New Springfield, be- ing appointed assistant postmaster. His busi- ness interests have been increased since lo- cating here and through his public spirit and good citizenship, he has become one of the leading men of the town.

On January 1, 1892, Mr. Morrison was married to Edna I. Shearer, who was born March 31. 1875, at New Springfield and is a daughter of Samuel J. and Caroline Y. ( Zeig- ler ) Shearer. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have two sons: Burdell S., who was born June 18. 1893: and Trall E., who was born Septem- ber 6. 1899. The family belongs to the Evan- gelical Church Association.

Politically Mr. Morrison is affiliated with

the Republican party. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Allen Lodge, No. 276, F. & A. M., Colum- biana; Salem Chapter, No. 94, R. A. M .; Omega Council, No. 44, R. & S. M .; and Salem Commandery, No. 42, K. T. Formerly he was in active connection with the Junior Order of American Mechanics.

AMES ALLAN, one of Poland town- ship's most substantial agriculturists and highly respected citizens, who re- sides on a fine farm of 139 acres lo- cated in section 28, was born on a farm in Scotland, November 5, 1849, and is a son of John and Margaret (Duncan) Allan, who were prosperous farmers of that country.

James Allan was reared on his father's farm, and at maturity he married Jennie Fer- guson, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Doick) Ferguson, after which he engaged in farming in his native country until 1882, when he brought his family to America and settled at Struthers, Ohio. He soon found employ- ment in the agricultural regions and spent the first seven years in Mahoning County, working for Walker Kennedy, after which he worked an adjoining farm belonging to Mrs. Goodhue, for two years on shares. He next located on the James Pence farm in Poland Center, for eight years, after which he took charge of a farm in Boardman township. for Mrs. Samuel Hines. This farm was about one mile west of Poland and was in a very poor condition, yielding a very small crop the first year, but through his excellent management it was placed in a good state of cultivation, and he remained there for eight years. In 1903, Mr. Allan purchased his pres- ent farm from James McCollough, which was originally the old Hugh Dobbins farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Allan have six children, three of whom were born in Scotland, and three in this country; John; Jeanette, who married Alfred Flowers of Poland township, has two children. Burt and Marjory : Maggie, who lives at home: James. Jr .: Rachel, who

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lives at home : and Peter, who is a student in the Poland Union School. Mr. Allan's two sons, John and James, make a specialty of raising Shropshire sheep. Mr. Allan is a member of the U. P. Church at Struthers.

HOMAS MEAD, a prominent and highly esteemed resident of Goshen township, who engages in general farming on his well cultivated estate of 50 acres, located in section 14, was born March 15, 1844, in Goshen township, Mahoning County, Ohio. His parents were John and Caroline (Wright) Mead.

John Mead, father of Thomas, was born in England and was a son of John Mead, who came from England to America, when his son John was about 15 years of age. Grandfather Mead brought his family to Goshen township, in what is now Mahoning County, settling in the woods, which was then but the primeval forest. inhabited by wild animals. There John Mead the second grew to manhood and subsequently married the daughter of another old settler. Joseph Wright, who was one of the early treasurers of Goshen township.

Thomas Mead grew to man's estate on the homestead farm and as opportunity presented itself, through boyhood and youth, attended the district schools. For almost a quarter of a century he followed the threshing business, owning a complete outfit for the same, and in filling threshing contracts, worked through Mahoning, Portage and Columbiana counties. Since 1903, however, he has confined his atten- tion to general farming. His property is care- fully managed and his improvements excellent.

On December 6. 1866. Mr. Mead was mar- ried to Elizabeth S. Davis, who was born in Goshen township, January 10, 1848, and is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah A. (Silvers) Davis. the former of whom was born at Salem and the latter in New Jersey. They resided for many years in Goshen township. The ma- ternal grandfather of Mrs. Mead. Adna Silv- ers, was an early settler in Berlin township,

Mahoning County. Mr. and Mrs. Mead have had three children, the one survivor being, Emma C., who married Elmer K. Minser. Mr. and Mrs. Minser have two children, Earl H. and Edna M.

Politically Mr. Mead is a Republican and he has been active in township affairs, serv- ing three terms as trustee of Goshen township. Both he and wife belong to Goshen Grange, Patrons of Husbandry and take an interest in the matters for which this organization was formed. They take pleasure in entertaining their friends at their hospitable home and their presence is always welcomed in social circles.

HASE T. TRUESDALE, of Youngs- town, and a business man of long standing, was born in 1855, at Aus- tintown, Mahoning County, Ohio. He is a son of the late John R. Truesdale, who was one of the pioneers of Mahoning County, which he served two terms as treasurer. In 1858 he was elected infirm- ary director. He was a man of prominence. in this locality all his active life. He mar- ried Mary Thomson, who was born in this county in 1822.

Chase T. Truesdale resided at Austintown until 1868, when his father was elected county treasurer and removal was made to Canfield, which was then the county seat. The family lived there during his term as county treas- urer and then located at Austintown. In 1880 Mr. Truesdale came to Youngstown and entered the employ of Homer Baldwin at the city mills, where he has continued ever since. Mr. Truesdale has always been a zealous Re- publican. He was elected in 1900 a member of the city council from the 4th Ward, was re-elected in 1902, and in 1903, when the new code went into effect, he was elected one of the three councilmen at large. for the whole city. He was elected county treasurer at the fall election of 1906. In every way he is qualified for the office and he enjoys the con- fidence of both parties as an honorable. up- right and able man.

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HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

In 1883. Mr. Truesdale was married to Maria Wooldridge, of Youngstown, and they have one daughter, Bessie. Mr. Truesdale and family belong to Trinity Methodist Epis- copal Church and he belongs to the official board. He is an active member of the For- aker club of this city.

AMUEL J. SHEARER, formerly a prominent citizen of New Springfield, who was identified with its business interests and public affairs, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsyl- vania. in 1836, and died at New Springfield, Ohio, June 18, 1897.

Mr. Shearer was born on a farm and re- mained at home until he was 18 years of age. His was not a nature to be satisfied with the quiet of an agricultural life, and in seeking ad- venture, he found it in accompanying a Gov- ernment expedition to Utah, guarding mili- tary stores. He welcomed the dangers from Indians and the wild character of the country, having a personal bravery that was later shown when he faced almost certain death on many a battlefield during the Civil War. Time and circumstances landed him in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and at the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Battery G, First West Vir- ginia Light Artillery, with the rank of ser- geant. In the spring of 1862 he won promo- tion as a second lieutenant. He is described as one of the nervy men of his regiment, ex- citing the admiration of his comrades as he controlled a spirited black horse that none of the others dared to ride. Fear of any kind was unknown to him, but good fortune at- tended him in his reckless exposure to danger and he survived to return from the war un- harmed. He participated in these spirited en- gagements : Camp Allegheny, December 13, 1861: McDowell, May 8, 1862; Cross Keys, June 8, 1862; Rappahannock Station, August 22. 1862; Kelly's Ford, August 22, 1862; Waterloo Bridge, August 24, 1862; Bull Run, August 28 and 29, 1862; Beverly, July 2,

1863: Rocky Gap. August 26, 1863: and Droop Mountain. November 5 and 6, 1863.

In 1867 Mr. Shearer was married to Caro- line Zeigler, of Harmony, Butler County, Pennsylvania, and for one year he carried on a distilling business at New Castle. Soon after coming to New Springfield, he engaged in a dry goods and grocery business, the same which has been conducted under the firm name of C. Y. Shearer for many years, Mrs. Shearer being its proprietor. Mr. Shearer had been a very active Republican and was a popular citizen with all classes. He died just as he was about to be appointed postmaster at New Springfield, and out of respect to him, com- bined with the fact that Mrs. Shearer was an unusually capable business woman, she was appointed postmistress. She appointed her son-in-law, John D. Morrison, as her assist- ant. Mr. Shearer left a good farm of 66 acres, situated in Springfield township.

Mr. and Mrs. Shearer had five children, namely: Mrs. Mary Sitler, residing at Co- lumbiana: Wesley, residing at Youngstown; Edna I., who married John D. Morrison ; and Maud and Margaret, both residing with their mother.

Mr. Shearer was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and during his active years took pleasure in attending the meetings of his post, recalling, with his comrades, the achievements and heroism of those present and of those who had passed away.

AMES E. VOGAN, M. D., physician and surgeon at Lowellville, where he has been engaged in practice for the past sixteen years, was born May 22, 1861. in Worth township. Butler County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William P. and Keziah ( Trevitt ) Vogan.

William P. Vogan, father of Dr. Vogan, was born in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. In 1835, a son of Jonathan and Julia ( Emery) Vogan, and died in Butler County. Pennsyl- vania, February 22. 1878. He endured a long service in the Federal army during the

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Civil War, being a member of the famous "walking regiment." the 78th Regiment. Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and until the close of his life suffered from the effects of the hardships then entailed. In 1859 he married Keziah Trevitt, who had accompanied her parents. Rev. John and Emma ( Bevan ) Trevitt, of Birmingham. England, to America, in her childhood. Rev. John Trevitt served the South Pittsburg Baptist Church, the Zion Baptist Church of Butler County, Pennsylva- nia, and later the Baptist Church at North Sewickly, Pennsylvania. In 1866, Mrs. Tre- vitt died and subsequently Mr. Trevitt re- moved to Lee County, Iowa, where he died in 1872.

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Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th, Part 98

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