History of Columbiana County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 112

Author: McCord, William B., b. 1844
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 912

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Mrs. Josephine Fisher contracted a second marriage in 1898 with George S. Goodwin, one of the leading pottery manufacturers of East Liverpool, and who was a son of one of the pioneers in this important manufacturing in- dustry in the West with which the Goodwins- father, sons and grandsons-have always been prominently identified. This relation was and continued to be a most happy one to the time of Mrs. Josephine (Fisher) Goodwin's death, February . 19, 1902. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of East Liver- pool and lived a consistent Christian life. She was an ornament in the best social circles in East Liverpool and Wellsville, numbering her warm personal friends by the thousands, and being loved and esteemed by those who knew her best for her many shining virtues, as well as for her unostentatious deeds of charity and beneficence.

Charles B. Fisher spent his boyhood days attending the schools of East Liverpool, passing three years in the High School and the same length of time at Birmingham Seminary, at Birmingham, Pennsylvania. Upon his return, ready to enter upon a business career, he ac- cepted a position in the office of The D. E. McNicol Pottery Company, and remained with that house for five years. In September, 1899, he embarked in business for himself, opening up a store for the sale of men's furnishing goods, on Washington street, and a shoe and trunk store.on Sixth street. The former enter-

prise he continued for five years but finally dis- posed of that stock and since then has devoted his whole attention to his present business. He has an extensive trade, carries a complete and exclusive line of foot-gear and also of trunks and all kinds of satchels and bags, his stock being the largest and his store the best arranged in the city. He makes a specialty of fine win- dow displays which show good taste and attract much favorable comment. He is considered one of the city's most progressive and enter- prising merchants.

Mr. Fisher married Ora Leland Barr, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and is a daugh- ter of William H. Barr. One beautiful child was born. to them, and its untimely death in 1905, at the age of 20 months, was a severe affliction. They occupy one of the most de- lightful homes in the city, where Mrs. Fisher dispenses hospitality in her own charming man- ner. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Both our subject and his wife enjoy social life: he is a popular member of the Phoenix Club and other clubs of the city.

EORGE E. DAVIDSON, attorney-at- law and the present efficient city solicitor of East Liverpool, belongs to a prominent family in this section of the State. He was born at East Liverpool. Ohio. June 12. 1874, and is a son of Abram M. and Jane (Till) Davidson.

The Davidson family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, its founder in the "Buckeye" State being William Davidson, the grand- father of George E., who was an engineer on a river steamboat until within two years of his death.

Abram M. Davidson, the father of our sub- ject. was born at East Liverpool, Ohio, a son of William and Jane ( Robbins) Davidson. His early educational opportunities were limited and.he was little more than a child when he began to accompany his father on the river. Later he followed the river as an occupation and for four years commanded a river trading boat. When river transportation no longer was

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profitable under the same conditions, he went. into the business on land in addition to his water trade and established the first wharf boat in this city, at the same time carrying on a large draying business. He continued in these enterprises alone for some five years and then entered into business with his father-in-law, Caleb Till, in a grocery business, under the firm name of Till & Davidson. This became one of the leading business houses in its lines at East Liverpool, and Mr. Davidson continued to be interested until his death in 1891. He was prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Riddle Lodge, No. 315, F. & A. M., and East Liverpool Chapter, No. 100, R. A. M. He was also an Odd Fellow. He had been reared in the Democratic party and continued his al- legiance to the last.

The mother of our subject was born in England, and is a daughter of the late Caleb Till, also a native of England and one of the early settlers and prominent men of East Liver- pool. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson's family con- sisted of five sons and one daughter, the latter dying in youth. The sons were : William Caleb, formerly mayor of East Liverpool, a capitalist and leading citizen; Joseph M., deceased; George E., the subject of this sketch ; Edgar L .; of East Liverpool; and Heber C., also of this city. The mother of this family still survives, the center of an affectionate family of sons. She is a devoted member of the First Presbyterian "Church, and her late husband also belonged to this religious body. He is recalled as one of the city's men of enterprise. He built the Dav- idson Opera House on Second street, and was the promoter and financial backer of many of the successful business movements here and a hearty encourager of the various city improve- ment enterprises. His life closed at the age of 52 years, but they had been years of usefulness and of personal and business integrity.

George E. Davidson was reared and edu- cated at East Liverpool, and when his school days ended he became associated with his father and brothers in the grocery business where he continued for 10 years, and then turned his at- tention to the study of the law. After a special course of reading with Col. H. R. Hill, Mr.

Davidson entered the Ohio State University, where he completed his law course in 1899, and was admitted to the bar in the same year. He has continued to practice his profession at East Liverpool ever since, meeting with satisfying success. Politically he is a Republican, and in 1903 he was elected city solicitor of East Liver- pool.

Mr. Davidson married Marian Hill, daugh- ter of Col. H. R. Hill. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church. He belongs to the Masons and the Elks.

0 TTO C. JUERGENS, one of the well- known business men of Salem, whose wholesale and retail tobacco and cigar factory is located on the corner of East Main street and Broadway, is one of the most prosperous men in this industry in the city. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, October 3, 1861, and is a son of Henry E. C. and Elizabeth ( Bloome) Juergens.

The parents of Mr. Juergens were born in Prussia, Germany. Not much is known of the father's ancestry as he was reared in an or- phans' home. Both parents came to America about 1854, were married in Pennsylvania and then settled in Pittsburg, where the father fol- lowed the trade of blacksmith for 32 years. The mother died aged 72 years, but the vener- able father still survives, at the age of 78 years. The five children born to them were : Henry F. ; John S .; Otto C .; Elizabeth M., wife of George Krouse, of Pittsburg; and Louis, deceased at the age of five years.

Otto C. Juergens attended school in Pitts- burg until he was twelve years old when he was considered about the right age to begin to earn his own living. He went into a cigar manufactory and began to learn the business of cigar making by stripping tobacco, and continued until he had become an expert cigarmaker. From 1880 until 1883 he worked in various places at his trade, reaching Salem in the last-named year and working here for one year for James Stewart & Company. Subsequently he went into partnership with

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J. G. Sorg. under the firm name of Sorg & Juergens. This business association lasted for 13 years, during which period our subject made many personal and business friends in Salem. In 1895 they removed to the present commod- ious quarters of our subject, the expansion of their business making necessary better accom- modations. In 1899 Mr. Juergens purchased his partner's interest. He has a large and lu- crative business, dealing both wholesale and retail and employing six hands. His output is a choice 5-cent and 10-cent cigar and stogies. The quality is uniform and of the best and thus he has gained the entire confidence of the public.

Mr. Juergens was married in 1887 to Mary Hutchinson, who was born in Salem. Ohio. and is a daughter of the late W. C. Hutchinson. They have three children, namely: Carl H., Ethel M. and William H.

Until 1885 Mr. Juergens was identified with the Republican party, but since then he has affiliated with the Democratic party and has been something of a local leader, serving on numerous occasions as a delegate to important conventions. Aside from politics, he is looked upon as a reformer along economic lines. He is a man of intelligence and a thinker and has been a strong advocate of the theories of the late Henry George. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks and to the Royal Arcanum.

RED W. HALDI, general merchant at Homeworth, and an enterprising, self-made man, was born February I, 1873, in Knox township, Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Magdalena ( Haldi) Haldi.

The parents of Mr. Haldi were born and reared . in Switzerland, where the paternal grandfather, Jacob Haldi, still resides. They married there, being of the same name but no kindred, and when they sailed for America. in 1871, they left behind their son, John, whc lived with his grandfather until he died at the age of eight years. When our subject was three years old, the parents became homesick

and returned to Switzerland, where the mother died in 1885, aged 36 years. In the meantime a little daughter had been born, Emma, who also died in Switzerland, aged six years.

Fred W. Haldi was educated in excellent French and German schools, thoroughgoing institutions that have a deserved and noted local reputation, the former being located at Pal- ezieux village, Canton of Vaud, and the latter at Saanen, Canton of Bern. When he came to America in 1889, he settled at Cleveland, Ohio, for a while and then went to Canton, Ohio, where he took a full commercial course in a business college. He then became the manager and bookkeeper of a meat market in Cleveland. In that city he next embarked in business for himself, purchasing a well-established milk route. This he made a financial success during his five years' management of it and disposed of it to buy city property, which he later ex- changed for his present store at Homeworth. Since 1903 he has been established here and his prospects for continued prosperity are excellent. He has acquired a wide circle of personal friends and in his business relations his upright methods have earned him the respect and con- fidence of the community.

On May 6, 1903, Mr. Haldi was married to Mary Heldebrand, who is a daughter of David Heldebrand, a substantial farmer of Canton, Ohio. Mr. Haldi is an active member of the First Baptist Church, of Canton, Ohio. Polit- ically he is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a Mason.

R ALPH K. STOKESBERRY, pro- prietor of the two large greenhouses at Leetonia, was born June 28, 1875, near Elkton, Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of Warren W. and Lucy (Creps) Stokesberry. Mr. Stokesberry has been a life-long resident of the county, and is known and esteemed by almost every one for his genial disposition and the many sterling qualities he possesses.

John Stokesberry, the great-grandfather, was the first of the name to settle in Ohio, locat-

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ing near Elkton; the house he first built is still standing. Henry Stokesberry, the grandfather, was among the early residents of this county and it was here that Warren Stokesberry was born, March 16, 1846. The latter was a car- penter and worked at his trade until some eight years ago when he erected a greenhouse and turned his attention to the raising of fruits and flowers. He has lived at Rogers for many years. He was married July 9, 1874, to Lucy Creps who died February 16, 1881. In the great internal conflict which shook our nation . to its center in 1861, he was among those who took up arms in defense of his country, as did, also, his uncle, John McConnell.

Ralph K. Stokesberry worked with his father, learning the trade and when the green- house was built assisted in the work of building and later in caring for the plants. He con- tinued in business with his father until 1900, then worked in a greenhouse at Calla, Ohio, un- til 1901, when he came to Leetonia, and, in partnership with Mr. Wolfgang, built two fine greenhouses, which they conducted together about a year. He then disposed of his interest to his partner and for the following two years was employed as carpenter by the Cherry Valley Iron Company. However, having experienced the pleasures attendant upon taking charge of a greenhouse, he was dissatisfied in other pur- suits and turned his attention again in that di- rection. He now has two large greenhouses in Leetonia where he raises all kinds of flowers and a great many vegetables, making a specialty of lettuce. which he produces in great quanti- ties and in a state of perfection that finds it a ready market. Mr. Stokesberry is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

On December 25, 1901, he was joined in marriage with Rozella B. Lesher, a popular young lady of Leetonia. Mrs. Stokesberry is of Swiss origin and traces her genealogy to John Lesher, her great-great-grandfather, who was born in Switzerland in 1757, whence he came to America where he founded the Lesher family and died in 1839. Joseph Lesher, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Stokesberry, was born in 1784 and her grandfather, also named Joseph, was born November 28, 1816. When

he came to this county, the whole effects of his family had to be brought in wagons, as there. were no other means of transportation. Menno Lesher, the father, was born September 29, 1845, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania; his wife, who was formerly Rebecca Bixler, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. They have long been among the prominent residents: of Leetonia. Mr. and Mrs. Stokesberry are. members of the English Lutheran Church.

C. ALEXANDER, who resides on his fine farm in section 2, Fairfield township, was born in Unity town- ship, this county. September 10, 1826, and is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Colson) Alexander.

About 1822 Andrew Alexander came to Columbiana County. Ohio, from Baltimore, Maryland, driving a two-horse wagon with all his household possessions. A brother, John Alexander, had preceded him and was settled at Lisbon, where the newcomers remained some years. Andrew Alexander lived to the age of 94 years and seven months and is the oldest resident buried in the Columbiana Cemetery .. He was one of the hardy pioneers of this sec- tion. In these days of rapid transportation, we read, 'almost with incredulity, that in his day. it was no unusual matter for the farmers to take- a load of produce into old Virginia and dispose of it, bringing back household necessities. Mr. Alexander made a number of these trips and on one memorable occasion stopped over to see the wonders of the city of Washington. He mar- ried Elizabeth Colson and they had seven children.

Our subject was reared amidst pioneer sur- roundings and his education was obtained in the little log schoolhouse, which has always markeď the settlements of American pioneers. Althoughi the instruction was not very complete it was sufficient for an intelligent youth to absorb enough to fit himself for teaching district school and Mr. Alexander served as teacher during several winter sessions. In 1845 he came to his present farm, of which 20 acres

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were cleared, but the rest was prepared for cul- tivation through his own efforts. He is the oldest resident of the township, who has lived continuously on his own land. He no longer is actively engaged, having a tenant, but still resides in his comfortable home to which he came 60 years ago.

Mr. Alexander was married to Salutha Long, who was a daughter of Israel Long. She died in January, 1885, the mother of three chil- dren, viz: William, Elizabeth and Ida Maud. At the age of 20 years, the eldest son started out to seek his fortune, going first to Iowa. He has had many experiences and has visited many parts of the world, including China and Aus- tralia, and is now a resident of Tacoma, Wash- ington, and is secretary of the company which is building a magnificent new hospital in that city. He married and has two children. Eliza- beth is the wife of P. O. Raley and has one son. The youngest daughter is bookkeeper for the Victor Soap Company at Salem.

Mr. Alexander has witnessed wonderful changes since he came to Fairfield township and his interesting reminiscences of pioneer days, as he hospitably entertains his visitors, are very instructive and enjoyable. Mr. Alex- ander has a curiosity on his farm, this being an apple tree which has apparently forgotten its age, and is still bearing, although 80 years old.

OHN E. GAMBLE, senior member of the firm of Gamble & Surles, contrac- tors and builders and brick manufac- turers, at East Liverpool. Ohio, is one of the city's representative business men. He was born in Upper Canada, March 16. 1855.

When Mr. Gamble was 12 years old his pa- rents removed to New Philadelphia, Tuscara- was County, Ohio, and there he learned the trade of brick-laying and worked for some five years as a journeyman. When about 19 years old he went into business for himself. In 1873 he came to East Liverpool and in 1874 formed a partnership with Harry H. Surls. under the

firm name of Surls & Gamble. This partner- ship continued four years, during which time the firm erected a large number of brick build- ings and did a large amount of brick work in connection with the potteries. Mr .. Gamble then became a partner with William H. Surles and that business combination existed some 12 years, when C. Edward Surles, a younger brother, assumed -his brother's interest in the business and the firm became Gamble & Surles, as it is constituted to-day. Their brick-yard has a capacity of 15,000 fire-brick per day.

Among the many buildings erected by this reliable firm may be mentioned the Davidson Opera House, which contains more brick than any other building in town. They are now building the Wasbutsky and Crook buildings, and nearly all the large pottery companies have used their brick and contracted with them for construction work. Mr. Gamble was one of the promoters and is president of the American Hydraulic Stone Company, which was incor- porated in 1903. It manufactures artificial stone, the sale of which has already reached large proportions.

Mr. Gamble married Mary Ellen Manley, who is a daughter of Holland Manley, of East Liverpool,, and they have five children: Will- iam H., Bessie Ellen, Edward Luther, Gladys Mary and Grace Darling. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gamble belongs to several fraternal organiza- tions among which are the Mystic Circle and the Home Guards of America. He is a man of business enterprise and public spirit and stands very high in public estimation, both in his personal character and as an honorable man of business.

USTAF F. ZELLE, one of the sub- stantial citizens of Salem, a large property owner here, is the well- known representative of the great brewing concern of L. Schlather, of Cleveland, Ohio. He was born in Germany. June 14, 1855. and is a son of August and Augusta ( Benchus ) Zelle.

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The parents of Mr. Zelle were natives of Germany. The father was an iron manufac- turer and a blacksmith. The mother's death took place November 18, 1874. There were four children in the family. '

While still a youth the subject of this sketch learned a self-sustaining trade, that of slater, at which he worked until he came to America, in April, 1878, landing in New York. For the first six months he followed the life of a sea- man, during which period he improved his ac- quaintance with the English language, and then went into business at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1889, he came to Salem, embarking in his- present business, that of a wholesale dealer in beer. This business, through his energy and good management, has grown to large propor- tions. He has a fine plant, including a modern cold storage house, in the rear of his residence at No. 79 Franklin avenue. Three men are given constant employment and his bottled goods have a wide sale.

Mr. Zelle was married April 5, 1883, to Anna Bergman, who is a daughter of John Bergman, of Bavaria, Germany. To John Bergman and his first wife, Mary Wunderlich, were born nine children, of whom six are liv- ing. Of these, only two, Mr. Bergman and the wife of our subject, came to America. Those in Bavaria are Christian, George Margaret, Wilhelmina. The mother of these children died in 1875. The father was married, second, to Margaret Wunderlich, a sister of his first wife. Mr. Bergman and his second wife came to America in 1902 but returned, after a visit of three months with his daughter, as they pre- ferred the scenes and associations of their Ba- varian home. Mr. Bergman died October 4, 1903. Mrs. Zelle has made two visits to her old home in Bavaria, spending three months there in 1888 and also three months in 1896, her son accompanying her each time. Mr. and Mrs. Zelle have had three children, one of whom, Christian, still survives. . The family belong to the Lutheran Church. Politically Mr. Zelle is a Republican and fraternally he is con- nected with German organizations. He is one of the heavy taxpayers of Columbiana County and owns both city property and farming land.

P HILIP H. WHITE, one of the leading business men of Wellsville, in the line: of general hardware, builders' and household supplies, was 'born at Zanesville, Ohio, June 10, 1854, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Isleib) White. The parents of Mr. White were both born in Germany, the father in Westphalia, where: he learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed after settling 'at Paterson, New Jer -- sey, where he married, shortly afterward re- moving to Zanesville, Ohio. There he entered the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad shops and fol -- lowed his trade until 1873, when he removed to Edgar County, Illinois, where he farmed until his death. He was made a Mason at Zanesville and also belonged to the Druids; after locating in Illinois he became an Odd Fellow. Mr. White married a daughter, of Ja- cob Isleib, of Paterson, New Jersey. She died in 1881 aged 51 years, but her mother still sur -- vives. The children of this union were: Philip H., of this sketch; Henry, deceased; Charles, who lives on the homestead; and George W., of Wellsville.

Our subject was educated in the schools: at Zanesville and learned the trade of tinner- and coppersmith, in the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- road shops. He was 18 years old when he came to Wellsville and entered the shops of the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad, where he was employed 10 years, leaving in 1882 in order to start into business for himself. He first opened a tin-shop in the west end of Wellsville, and the venture proved successful from the- start. From time to time the business was ex- panded until it has become one of the leading- houses in its line in the city. Although at var- ious times he has had partners, he has always been the leading spirit of the concern.

In 1883 William L. Smith, a brother-in- law of Mr. White, became his partner under the firm name of White & Smith, but in September of that year Mr. Smith died, and later his brother, John S. Smith, became a partner and the firm name therefore continued unchanged .. In November, 1886, the present place of busi- ness was built and occupied. The partnership, continued until the death of Mr. Smith in 1896,.

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when William Perkins entered the partnership, the firm becoming White & Perkins for the next three years. In 1900 Mr. White admitted his son, G. F. White, into the firm and since that time the style has been P. H. White & Son. The business location is No. 1325 Main street, Wellsville.

Mr. White was united in marriage with Margaret B. Smith, a daughter of William and Isabel Smith, of Wellsville, and they have two children,-George F. and Mary S. The family belong to the Second Presbyterian Church of Wellsville, in which Mr. White is president of the board of deacons and very active in the Sunday-school.

Politically Mr. White is identified with the Republican party, but outside of membership on the School Board he has never, accepted office. For the past 10 years he has been a member of this organization. Fraternally he belongs to the Pathfinders and he is past grand in Iris Lodge, I. O. O. F.

Mr. White is a man universally respected by his business associates for his business fair- ness and integrity and personally he is esteemed for the qualities which make him a good neigh- bor, firm friend and a first-class citizen.

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History of Columbiana County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 112

Author: McCord, William B., b. 1844 Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 912

Author: McCord, William B., b. 1844
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 912