USA > Ohio > Genealogical and family history of eastern Ohio > Part 47
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WILLIAM P. PRINDLE.
The subject of this review, who is secretary and treasurer of the Union Ice Company of Youngstown, Mahoning county, is known as one of the representative business men of this place, and his career has been one of con- tinuous advancement along the line of honorable and legitimate enterprise, while he has not been denied that measure of success which is due. Com- manding unqualified confidence and esteem, standing as one of the public- spirited citizens of Youngstown and being a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the Buckeye state, of which he is himself a native son, there is unmistakable propriety in here incorporating a brief review of the genealogy and personal history of Mr. Prindle.
William Porter Prindle was born in the village of Girard, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 25th of March, 1858, being a son of Henry L. and Amanda (McFadden) Prindle, the former of whom was born on a farm in Trumbull county, Ohio, where his father, William Prindle, settled in the early pioneer days. Henry L. Prindle was born in the year 1833 and was reared and educated in his native county, where he continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits on the old homestead until 1901, when he relegated the active work to other hands and removed to the village of Girard, where he has since lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil and endeavor and resting secure in the confidence and esteem of all who know him. His wife, who is a native of Venango county, Pennsylvania, is still living, and they became the parents of two children, Anna E., who became the wife of John J. Young and who died in 1882; and William P., the immediate sub- ject of this sketch.
William P. Prindle received his early educational training in the pub- lic schools of Girard and supplemented the same by a course of study in the Poland Union Academy at Poland, Mahoning county. He prosecuted his educational work until he had attained the age of about nineteen years, having in the meanwhile assisted in the work of the home farm. After leaving school he went to Mineral Ridge, Trumbull county, where for several years he was employed in a clerical position, and thereafter was engaged in various
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pursuits, as expediency suggested, until 1882, when he came to Youngstown and took the position of shipping clerk in the rolling mill of the Youngstown Rolling Mill Company, retaining this incumbency one year and resigning the same to enter upon the duties of his office as deputy sheriff, to which he was appointed in the month of September, 1883. He proved so efficient in this capacity that he was continued as deputy during the regimes of three dif- ferent incumbents of the sheriff's office. At the expiration of his term of service, in 1893, he accepted the position of bookkeeper in the office of the Youngstown Stamping Works, later being promoted to the responsible office of manager of the glass works which were then in operation in this city. The business did not prove a financial success, and Mr. Prindle remained with the concern until operations ceased, a period of about one year, and thereafter was employed in various capacities until 1897, when he took his present po- sition, in which he has brought his energies to bear in such a way as to greatly further the success of the company, showing marked executive ability and dis- crimination and gaining prestige in the business circles of his home city.
In politics Mr. Prindle is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order and with both lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1881 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Walker, daughter of J. B. and Ellen Walker, both natives of England. Mrs. Prindle was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1857. To this union two children were born, Henry W. and Ellen A.
JACOB C. BARRETT.
The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its com- mercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and the city of Youngstown, Mahoning county, is the home of a number of the most important industrial enterprises to be found in the Buckeye state, this fact bearing evident significance. In the prosecution of these enterprises, in the various departments, are enlisted the services of many able operatives, offi- cials and managerial factors, and thus the stable prosperity and commercial prestige of the city are assured. Here are located the Ohio works of the National Steel Company, and in the finely equipped plant the subject of this sketch exercises responsible functions, being superintendent of furnaces, and this incumbency indicates that he is thoroughly skilled in the practical details of the great industrial enterprise and also that his ability and fidelity have not fallen short of appreciation.
Jacob Crow Barrett claims the old Keystone state as the place of his
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nativity, as do many others who are prominently concerned with the industrial activities of Youngstown. He was born on a farm in Fayette county, Penn- sylvania, on the 21st of August, 1866, being the son of Douglas C. Bar- rett, who was born in Dutchess county, New York, in the year 1835, and who died in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1884. The greater portion of his mature life was passed in Uniontown and its vicinity, where he was promi- nently and successfully engaged in the lumber business, being one of the honored and influential citizens of that place. He was a son of Caleb Bacon Barrett, who was born in Dutchess county, New York, and who devoted the greater portion of his life to agricultural pursuits, his death occurring in 1865. The Barrett family is of English lineage and has been long identified with the annals of American history, having been established in the new world in the colonial epoch. Douglas C. Barrett was married to Eliza A. Crow, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and who survives him. She came with her son to Youngstown, Ohio. Of their union eight chil- dren were born, and of the number the four surviving are as follows: Jacob C., Emily, Caroline and Mary.
In his native county Jacob C. Barrett passed his early years, receiving his preliminary educational discipline in the district schools of Fayette county. He continued his studies in the public schools of Uniontown, where he pre- pared himself for college. In 1881 he matriculated in the Pennsylvania State College, near Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, where he completed the scientific course and was graduated as a member of the class of 1885, receiving the degree of B. S. After his graduation Mr. Barrett taught in the public schools of his native county for one winter, after which he entered the employ of the Columbia Iron & Steel Company at Uniontown in the capacity of chemist, retaining this incumbency about two years, within which time he thoroughly demonstrated both his technical and practical ability. At the expiration of the period noted he went to Duquesne, Pennsylvania, where he entered upon the duties of first assistant chemist in the works of the Carnegie Steel Com- pany. He continued to be thus engaged for a period of three and one-half years and then, in December, 1894, came to Youngstown, Ohio, where he took the responsible position of chemist in the works of the Ohio Steel Company, being thus employed at the time when the concern was merged into the National Steel Company, and having since continued in the employ of this great corporation. In 1901 Mr. Barrett was advanced to his present respon- sible office as superintendent of blast furnaces, the duties being exacting and demanding thorough scientific ability and readiness of practical application, so that the best of results may be insured from the operation of the great
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plant. He has gained marked prestige in his chosen field of endeavor and is known as one of the able young men of Youngstown, where he enjoys the esteem of all who know him.
In so far as national issues are involved Mr. Barrett is stanchly arrayed in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, but in local affairs he does not hold to strict partisan lines, preferring to give his sup- port to those whom he considers most eligible for the respective offices, with- out undue regard for strict partisan affiliations. He is one of the prominent members of the First Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder and in whose affairs he takes a deep and abiding interest, lending his influence at all times in the furtherance of its spiritual and material interests and the sup- port of its collateral benevolences, while Mrs. Barrett is also a devoted mem- ber of the church and active in its work.
On the Ioth of October, 1899, Mr. Barrett was united in marriage at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to Miss Lydia G. Peterson, who was born in Wash- ington county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of William C. and Elizabeth C. (Ketcham) Peterson, who were honored residents of Washington county. Mrs. Barrett comes of Revolutionary stock, her great-grandfather in the paternal line having been Gabriel Peterson, who served as captain in the continental army during the war which gained independence to our repub- lic. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett have two children: Harry Clark Barrett, who was born on the 8th of August, 1900, and Kathrina, born August 10, 1902. The family home is a center of refined hospitality, and our subject and his wife take part in the best social activities of Youngstown, where they have a wide circle of friends.
GEORGE M. HUNTER.
The above named gentleman is a sample of the young man in business who shows how rapid rises are possible to those who bring to bear good habits and steady application in the affairs entrusted to their charge. His experience also indicates the opportunities for young men in this country of boundless resources, and how they are always in demand for the thousand and one places in connection with the various industrial establishments. Mr. Hunter started life early and rose from one grade to another until he now occupies a position of responsibility, as manager of the American Bridge Company at Youngstown. He is of Scotch parentage and Scottish birth. His father, Robert Hunter, was born in Scotland in 1840 and twenty-one years later was on a ship bound for the great republic across the ocean. He landed at New York harbor in 1861, made his way to the west without delay
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and found a location at Youngstown. Engaging in the coal business at that point, he has continued the same with a fair amount of success up to the present time. An industrious, hard-working man, attentive to his duties and courteous to customers, he has gained a foothold as one of the useful citizens of Youngstown. Robert Hunter married Helen Miller, and to this union were born ten children, of whom the seven survivors are as follows: John; Robert M .; George M .; Agnes, wife of Edward Garrigan; Nellie; James and Mary.
George M. Hunter, third in age of the living children, was born at Airdrie, Scotland, in 1873, though his parents at that time were American citizens on a visit to their native land. He was brought up at Youngstown, and received his education in the schools of that city. Determining at an early age to "strike out for himself," to use the American colloquialism, he left school when seventeen years old and obtained employment as a stenog- rapher with the Youngstown Bridge Company. During the following ten years he rose steadily from one grade to another until he was entrusted with the responsible position of manager of the company's business. In 1900 he went to Pittsburg as assistant division manager of the American Bridge Com- pany, and after remaining there a year he was made manager of that com- pany at Youngstown, a position which he has since held. He has exhibited excellent business qualities and an aptitude for the work entrusted to his care that has commended him highly to his employers. In fact, he is re- garded as one of the rising young men in the business of bridge construc- tion, and gives promise of a bright and prosperous career in that important line of the mechanical arts.
In February, 1901, Mr. Hunter was united in marriage with Miss Grace G., daughter of James A. Brownlee, a well known citizen of Youngstown. He is not a member of any church or secret society, but a man of upright life who lends his support to every cause that promises an improvement in the public or social conditions of the community. Though not an aspirant for office, and wasting no time in the intrigues of politics, he is a Republican by conviction and lends his support to the principles of that organizaton.
EUBIUS E. HANNA.
Eubius E. Hanna, who is an extensive dealer in real estate at Salem, Ohio, is one of the most substantial and prominent citizens of Columbiana county. He was born in Hanover township, in this county, in 1855, and is a son of John and Mary (Farmer) Hanna. The family is a well established one in Ohio, and many of its members have become distinguished. John
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Hanna, the grandfather of our subject, was prominent in the affairs of Han- over township and was the first clerk of the first court of the county, which was convened in his house. He married Hannah Randell, who also belonged to an old family which had been pioneers from Pennsylvania. John Hanna, the father of our subject, was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser and was known both in business and public life throughout the county. He was a zealous Republican and boldly advocated the principles of that party. His death took place in 1877, at the age of sixty-three years. He and the father of Senator Mark Hanna were first cousins in relationship.
Eubius E. Hanna was educated in the schools of Lisbon and graduated at the high school in 1874. For several years he engaged in teaching through Columbiana county and Wisconsin and Iowa, and then was engaged, in asso- ciation with his brother E. F. Hanna, in a wholesale business until 1888. In the same year he located in Salem and in 1898 formed a partnership with R. C. Kidler, in the real estate and insurance business, which has extended until it includes all of this and Mahoning county. This firm does a business of several hundred thousand dollars in a single year. Mr. Hanna is a pro- gressive and public-spirited man, is financially interested in a number of leading enterprises, is ex-president of the Salem Oil and Gas Company, and is a member of the Salem board of trade.
He is very active in the Republican party and is fraternally associated with the Masonic bodies, the Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum, and also takes part in the social organizations of the city. For three years he has served as justice of the peace, and his rulings have met with very general satisfaction. The lady who became his wife was Miss Naomi E. Coffee, who is a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Friend) Coffee, a pioneer family of Belmont county, Ohio. The son born to this union bears the name of Delos J. Hanna, and is employed as cashier in the office of Hanna and Kid- ler, who do a savings bank business, in connection with the real estate and loan business, at 34 East Main street, Salem, Ohio.
EDWARD R. THOMPSON.
Though less than twenty-nine years of age, the above mentioned gen- tleman has long enjoyed a high reputation as an architect, and has designed and built scores of the finest residences and public structures in Youngstown and neighboring cities. Both as a partner of his father and individually he has stamped his impress upon much of the finest architectural work of eastern Ohio, and is recognized as the undisputed leader of his profession in Youngs- town. Aside from this, however, he has figured conspicuously and influentially
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in the political, educational and social life of the city, and no one of his age has done more to advance the cause of progress. His father, R. F. Thompson, was born in Cleveland in 1840, and in 1866 was married to Marie De Anta- gan, by whom he had six children, the three survivors being as follows: John J .; Anna M., wife of M. J. McGowan ; and Edward R. R. F. Thompson was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in 1862 in Company G, Ninety-fifth Regiment of Illinois. After the war he was prominent in fraternal and po- litical circles at Cleveland, and since his residence at Youngstown has served two terms on the health board and is now chairman of the board of city com- missioners.
Edward R. Thompson, youngest of his father's living children, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, April 25, 1873, and seven years later came with the family to Youngstown. He completed his academical education in 1887 and entered his father's office, but six years later took a special course in the east as a preparation for his future profession. In 1898 he formed a part- nership with his father, under the firm name of R. F. & E. R. Thompson, which became conspicuous for the amount and quality of building subsequently done by them. A sample of their best work is found in the residence of the late Chauncey H. Andrews, which was designed and built by the Thomp- son firm of architects. Other structures of note put up by them are the Na- tional Bank building, the Second United Presbyterian church, the Wilkins- Leonard block, the Hamilton apartments, Greek Catholic church and W. W. McDowell and James Hiney residences, while many other fine structures in Youngstown and adjacent cities attest their skill and workmanship. They designed the Richard Brown residence, Loftus Hotel, Plymouth Congrega- tional church, W. E. Harris' residence at Niles, and the property of Frank Fertig and the Elks Club at Warren. Mr. Thompson has spent twelve years as an architect, and his skill is also represented in most of the large iron plants at Youngstown, while the quality as well as the quantity of his work reflects the highest credit upon his energy and talents. In addition to his other interests he is also a stockholder and secretary and director of the Wil- kins-Leonard Hardware Company, and an honorary member of the Youngs- town Builders' Exchange.
Mr. Thompson is now serving his third term as a member of the board of education, and in the spring of 1902 was elected president of the board : is president of the Oak School Alumni Association; a member of the Young Men's Christian Association : a member of the Foraker and Montgomery Republican Clubs ; on six occasions has served as secretary of the Mahoning county Republican conventions ; was secretary of the senatorial convention
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which nominated Hon. J. J. Sullivan, of Warren, Ohio; and was secretary of one congressional convention. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and is connected with the following societies: Youngstown Lodge No. 154, K. of P .; Fleur De Lis Commandery No. 31, K. P .; Youngstown Lodge No. 403, I. O. O. F .; C. H. Andrews Castle, K. G. E .; Baldwin Camp, S. of V .; and is adjutant of the Eighth Ohio Regiment. For six years Mr. Thompson served in the Ohio National Guard, Fifth Regiment, of which John A. Logan, Jr., was captain. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Thompson's activities have extended over a wide scope, and his individuality as well as decided talent for practical affairs is recognized by all his associates.
WILLIAM G. LEEDY.
The record of an honorable, upright life is always read with interest, as it better perpetuates the name and fame of the subject than does, a monu- ment seen by a few and soon crumbling into dust beneath the relentless hand of time. Those who have fought and suffered for the state and country in which their lot is cast are especially deserving of an honored place in all its annals, and their posterity will turn with just pride to these records of the founders and preservers of a prosperous, united nation.
A native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, born on the 2d of October, 1843, Mr. Leedy is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Gillespie) Leedy, the former of whom was a native of York, Pennsylvania, and followed the tobacco business throughout his active business career. When the Civil war was inaugurated Jacob Leedy entered the service as a musical instructor, but after thirteen months' service was mustered out by the special act of Congress which dis- pensed with that part of the service. After the close of the struggle he re- sumed his tobacco business, and subsequently came to Youngstown, Ohio, where he continued in active business until 1902, since which time he has lived in quiet retirement, and has now reached the age of eighty-four years. His wife, who claims Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as the place of her nativity, also survives, being now in her eight-second year, and for sixty-two years this worthy couple have traveled life's journey together. They became the parents of twelve children, ten of whom still survive, and all are married and have families of their own.
William G. Leedy, whose name introduces this review, enlisted for service in the Civil war on the 13th of September, 1861, entering Company G, Pur- nell Legion of Maryland Volunteers, under Captain George S. Merrill, and his services continued until the 24th of October, 1864, when he was honorably discharged at Yellow Tavern, near Petersburg, Virginia. His two brothers,
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Walter F. and Joseph S., served in the same regiment, but in different com- panies, and both remained in the defense of their country for over three years. The Leedy brothers took part in all the leading battles in which their regiment participated, and each received a medal awarded by the state of Maryland for their participation in the great battle of Antietam, on the 17th of September, 1862. With the exception of about four weeks, during which time he was confined in the field hospital with typhoid fever, our subject was able to report for duty every day of those long three years of service, and after the expiration of his term of service he returned to Baltimore and engaged with his father in the tobacco business, thus continuing until 1868. In that year he came to the Buckeye state, being first engaged in business in Bryan, but in 1880 he came to Youngstown. In 1902, in company with his brother Joseph S., he organized the firm of Leedy Brothers, they suc- ceeding the old firm of Jacob Leedy & Sons, and they are extensively engaged in the manufacture of cigars.
On June 3, 1873, Mr. Leedy was married in Maryland to Miss Sally J. Miller, a native of Annapolis, Maryland. Seven children were born to this union, as follows: Olive L., W. Edgar, David A., Julia M., Charles F., Sallie and George F. Mr. Leedy is a charter member of the Union Veterans' League, and his brothers are also members. He is a past commander of this order, and was also a member of Tod Post No. 29, G. A. R. He has always been actively interested in all the old soldier organizations, and is very popular among his old comrades. He has been a member of the Ma- sonic order for twenty years. Nearly all the family are members of the Lutheran church, and they occupy such a prominent place in the social and business life of Youngstown that they may well be given a leading place in this historical volume.
THOMAS B. VAN ALSTINE.
The Dominion of Canada has furnished to this country many an able son in times past, and not the least worthy of these was Mr. Van Alstine. Many come from across the seas in search of better conditions and a greater degree of liberty, locating in Canada, only to find that their ideals have not yet been attained and that this broad land offers greater opportunities of thought and action.
Of good old Dutch ancestry, Mr. Van Alstine had the advantage by birth of natural qualities of body and mind which later distinguished him. Beginning the struggle of life in Canada, near Kingston, in the year 1843, Mr. Van Alstine was there reared and educated, coming to Connecticut when
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twenty years of age and two years later removing to Franklin, Pennsylvania, and finally to Youngstown in 1867, where he continued at his trade of carpen- tering, becoming a few years later a contractor, and in 1875 he opened up his present lumber business.
In 1901 he was made vice president of the Youngstown Steel Castings Company, in which position he has rendered efficient service to the company, which is rapidly growing and enlarging its business in all departments. As proprietor of the Youngstown Lumber Company, he has developed it from a small enterprise in the beginning to one of the prominent ones of Youngs- town. In 1868 he was united in marriage to Susannah Wehr, and to them came three children, Blanche, Jessie and Ruth.
His father, Lambert Van Alstine, also claimed Canada as his birthplace, dying there about 1848, and his father, the grandfather of our subject, is believed to have been born in Holland and to have emigrated to Canada in the early days, in search of more perfect liberty of thought and religious belief. The mother of Mr. Van Alstine was Rachel Knapp, and he was one of four children, of whom one is now living besides himself, Sidney K., a resident of Iowa.
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