History of Columbiana County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 76

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

USA > Ohio > Columbiana County > History of Columbiana County, Ohio and representative citizens > Part 76

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John P. Chisholm, father of our subject, was born after the father moved to Duncannon, the date of his birth being April 17. 1812. He

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was reared on the farm and learned the trade ·of blacksmith at Bloomfield, Pennsylvania. In 1837 he removed to Crawford County, Ohio, and in the same year found work at Lisbon, Columbiana County, then known as New Lis- bon. In January, 1838, he reached Salem. He conducted a shop at Salem from 1840 until his death in 1882, during which time he also operated his farm of 49 acres. He was a man ·of sterling character, one in whom his fellow- citizens placed reliance and one whom they se- lected as a general counselor. He was a mem- ber of the Council from 1846 until 1847. In early political life a Whig, he became closely identified with the Republican party a later date. He was a leading member of the Meth- odist Church and held positions on its official board for years.

The mother of our subject was born at Salem, Ohio, June 10, 1817. and her whole life was spent in this vicinity, her death taking place at the age of 75 years. She came of Revolu- tionary stock and of a distinguished military family. The family was established in this country in 1667, in which year her ancestor, an Englishman, came to America, settling in Connecticut. Her grandfather was Lieut. William Bowker, who was born in 1767 in Burlington County, New Jersey. He was one of the first to join the patriot army and was one of the last to lay down arms. He was a mem- ber of the 35th Battalion of New Jersey militia and served under the immediate command of General Washington and during a part of his service belonged to the General's body guard. He endured the privations of the terrible winter at Valley Forge and he participated in the battles of White Plains. Monmouth, German- town and Bradywine. Before the war he had kept a tavern on the highway between Mount Holly and Mullica Hill. He entered the serv- ice of his country as a private and for, gallant action was commissioned a lieutenant.

Isaiah Bowker, son of Lieut. William Bow- ker, and father of Mrs. Chisholm, also served his country, taking part in the War of 1812. He enlisted from Salem, the company being made up of men from Salem and (New) Lisbon and commanded by Captain Blackburn. This com-

pany spent four weeks at Mansfield and spent the winter of 1812-13 at Fort Meigs. Mr. Bowker was included in the detachment which was sent to the relief of Winchester. During this part of his service an occasion arose on which his promptness in killing an Indian saved the life of Captain Blackburn, an act which was never forgotten by his grateful superior. He returned to Salem in August, 1813.

The children of John and Elsie (Bowker) Chisholm were: Samuel Irwin, of Salem; Mary J., wife of Emmor E. Entrikin, of Salem; and Josephus R., of Salem.

When our subject was about 10 years old, his father bought a farm in Goshen township, Mahoning County, about four miles from Salem and the youth was pretty closely oc- cupied on this tract until October, 1854, when he began to learn the blacksmith's trade with his father and worked at Salem until the Civil War broke out. He had attended school in the meantime and had completed the high school course. On May 12, 1862, he enlisted for service in Company G, 86th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. S. S. Kemble and Col- onel Burns, and was mustered in at Camp Chase and was sent to Clarksburg, West Vir- ginia. In the latter part of July this particular command was sent to Huttonsville, West Vir- ginia, where it was engaged in a great deal of irregular skirmishing, during which time Mr. Chisholm's three-months term of service ex- pired and he was discharged at Camp Delaware on September 25th.

Had Mr. Chisholm not been taken sick with typhoid fever at this time he would likely have immediately reenlisted, but for one year he was totally incapacitated, after which he went to Nashville, Tennessee, and entered the quartermaster's department, in which he re- mained until April, 1864. Again he enlisted in the 100-day service. in Company D. 143rd Reg .. Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. George W. Gibbs and Colonel Vodrey and during this ser- vice he took part in the nine days fighting in front of Petersburg. On September 12, 1864, he was again honorably discharged.

After the close of his army service, Mr. Chisholm resumed work at his trade in which

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he had become an expert. He took as his specialty work on high-grade steel tools and did some delicate tempering which had previously been done only by foreign experts. From Salem he went to Mount Vernon but in April, 1870, he returned to Salem after four years of absence and here he continued to work at his trade until February, 1874, when he re- turned to Mount Vernon, where he remained until October, 1879. On his return to Salem this time he was employed at the Buckeye En- gine Works until the spring of 1882 and then worked for Silver & Deming until August, 1884, when he gave up work at his trade and took up his residence on a small farm in order to gratify a love for horticulture which he had cherished since he was 10 years old. ' His little fruit farm yields him a fine income and enough pleasure to compensate for all the hard work incurred. He has set out with his own hands some 1,800 trees and vines and has fine speci -. mens from a number of European countries ; among them he has apples from five European countries, including 13 varieties from Austria- Hungary; plums and pears from four Euro- pean countries; and cherries, mulberries and grapes also from Austria-Hungary, all of which under his intelligent care and cultivation produce abundantly of the best of their kind. He has devoted much study to the subject and for the past eight years has served as judge of agricultural products and fruits at the annual county fairs. Probably no one in this section is better equip- ped for the position.

Mr. Chisholm was married February 23, 1868, to Nettie L. Ball, who was born at Mount Vernon, Ohio, February 20, 1849, and is a daughter of Henry W. and Elizabeth (Deems) Ball, natives of Cumberland, Maryland. They have two children, viz: John H., who assists his father and carries on an insurance business at Salem; and Elsie A., who resides at home;

Mr. Chisholm has been a member of the Republican party since 1856, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. The only office he has ever held has been that of member of the School Board. He belongs to Trescott Post, No. 10, G. A. R., of Salem, and to Amity

Lodge, No. 124, I. O. O. F., of Salem. In closing this record of the life of one of Perry township's most estimable citizens, it may not be out of place to call attention to the fact that the lines he has followed have been along the path of duty.

- RA E. EELLS general manager of The King & Eells Hardware Company, of East Liverpool, which is the oldest es- tablished business in this line in the city and also the most important, was born at West Point, Columbiana County, Ohio, March 1, 1869, and is a son of G. Frank and Margaret (Williams) Eells.

Nathaniel Eells, the great-grandfather of I. E. Eells, was made a freeman of the State of Connecticut in 1812; his certificate of ad- mission, issued at New Canaan and bearing the date of September 16, 1812, is now in the pos- session of our subject. Among other import- ant family papers which are personally inter- esting to the descendants, there are a number which are also of interest to the public as cast- " ing light on a historic past. Among these is a sort of diary in which has been recorded a thrilling and no doubt trustworthy account of the capture and imprisonment of a number of patriots, on March 14, 1777, among whom was one J. Beard Eells, a Revolutionary ancestor . of our subject. The British captors placed the prisoners on board the "Speedwell," confining them in the hold of the vessel, in which they were taken to Flushing, Long Island. There they were landed and were given victuals and wine at the house of Governor Brown, and were kindly cared for until taken to New York, where on March 2Ist they were sent under guard to the sugar house, which is described as a very objectionable place. There are many items in the book of historical value. Mr. Eells also owns his ancestor's old wallet and his account book which shows that Nathaniel Eells was a shoemaker and was doing a good busi- ness as early as 1779.

George Eells, son of Nathaniel, and grand- father of our subject, was born in the vicinity of New Canaan, Connecticut, and was one of

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the first settlers in Columbiana County. By trade he was a blacksmith and he combined worked at his trade with farming, after settling in Ohio.

G. Frank Eells, son of George Eells, and father of our subject, was born in Elkrun township. Columbiana County. Ohio, and learned the blacksmith's trade with his father. This he followed until he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering the 143rd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. He married a daughter of Solomon Williams, who was born on the farm in Madison township where the family still re- sicle, Mr. Eells being a prominent farmer and valued citizen. He has served his township in many offices, being elected to these by the Re- publican party with which he has long been identified. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Presbyterian Church in which he has been both trustee and treasurer. Their four children were: Ira E., of this sketch; George M., of Youngstown, Ohio: William L., of Elkrun township; and Frederick, who died in 1883.

Until he had reached his legal majority, our subject remained on the home farm as- sisting his father and obtaining his education in the local schools. In 1890 he removed to East Liverpool and entered the employ of the Milligan Hardware & Supply Company, with which house he remained for the succeeding 10 years and then started into business for himself. Two years later he returned to his former posi- tion and continued with that firm until 1894, when it was reorganized and succeeded by the firm of Shive & Eells. They purchased the hardware business of George Gaston & Sons, which had been established in 1865 on Second street. About 1880 it was removed to its present location, on the east side of the "Dia- mond." In 1897 Mr. Eells sold his interest to his partner, who continued the business alone until 1902, when the firm of Otterman & Fow- ler purchased it and carried it on until October, 1903. In this year our subject and Andrew W. King succeeded to the business, and in the following year it was incorporated under the title of The King & Eells Hardware Company. This is not only the oldest established hardware

house in the city, but, under its new manage- ment. is doing by far the largest business. This house handles everything in hardware. includ- ing hardware. mantels, tile, chandeliers, etc., their great stock of goods requiring the four floors and basement of the building to accom- modate it. Mr. Eells is general manager and has five men in his employ.

Mr. Eells married Maude M. Fife, who was born at West Point, Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Isaac Fife. They have two children : Helen Marie and Donald Vin- cent. Mr. and Mrs. Eells are members of the First Presbyterian Church of East Liverpool. Mr. Eells has many business connections, is interested in numerous civic movements of a public-spirited nature, and is fraternally asso- ciated with the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World.

E NOCH BRADSHAW. This name is one held in the highest esteem in East Liverpool. The venerable founder of the family here has passed away, his beloved wife sleeps by his side, but they are recalled by worthy descendants and by those ever-widening influences which germ- inate in useful, nobly-lived, unselfish lives.

Enoch Bradshaw was born at Hanley, Staffordshire, England, in 1818, and as he was bereft of his parents in early youth, he was reared in the home of relatives. When but eight years old the burden of his own support fell upon his shoulders and he became a worker in a local pottery. When older he moved to Tunstall, in the same district, and continued to work as a potter in his native land until 24 years of age, becoming an expert artisan. While living at Tunstall, he studied for the ministry and preached at intervals. He con- tinued the good work after coming to this country, officiating at funerals and marriages but never having any permanent charge. In 1843 he came to America and made his way to the potteries of East Liverpool, Ohio, work- ing during the first year for John Goodwin with whom, with short interruptions, he continued until 1853. He then practically abandoned

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pottery work, buying a tract of land with a view to engaging in farming. Very soon after beginning its cultivation, he discovered that it was underlaid with a deposit of fine potters' clay and he then opened up a clay bank, which supplied all the local potteries with material for some time. Although this was a very pro- fitable venture, he was led to see that on ac- count of the rapid growth of the city the land would be more valuable for building purposes, hence the farm was later placed in condition for sale.

Mr. Bradshaw was a man of exceptional business talent, and was also enterprising and progressive. In 1859 he established a news- paper, the Democrat, a weekly journal, which he ably edited for some seven years. It was mainly devoted to local interests and did much to bring attention to East Liverpool and the contiguous section. In 1866 he sold the paper to his son Theodore and J. H. Simms. His political sentiments made him a Democrat but he was opposed to slavery and even was closely allied with the promoters of the "Underground Railroad," a scheme he assisted by money and influence. A man of his sterling character naturally comes to the front in any community and he was called upon to serve in local office, on many occasions. Old settlers recall his ses- sions of court, while he was justice of the peace which were held in Bradshaw Hall, which is one of the historic landmarks of the city. Dur- ing the Civil War it was the meeting place for the Unionists, Mr. Bradshaw being a very loyal man. He served three months in the Ohio Na- tional Guard and did guard duty at Fort Dela- ware. After the war Bradshaw Hali, as the old building is still called, was turned into a printing establishment and from it were issued the Mercury, the Local and the Democrat. About 1878 the old hall was transformed into an opera house, the first in the town, and then it became a dancing hall, being let for miscel- laneous meetings. From this poor estate it was rescued by a religious body, the Free Methodists, who leased it to hold their mission Sunday-schools, and subsequently it was bought by the Christian Church, by which or- ganization it is now owned.

In early life Mr. Bradshaw was a member

of the Church of England and a close follower of its observances, but in his later years his- views on many subjects changed. As his out- look broadened he came to depend less upon form and ceremony and more upon the literal following of the Golden Rule. Few men, in this regard, lived more closely to. what he pro- fessed, although a somewhat gruff and for- bidding manner deceived many as to the warm, kind heart beneath, the honest intention and the sincere regard. He was not charitable as- the world views charity, with great flourish of sounding drum and oratory, but truly so, in providing silently an'd unostentatiously for the widow and orphan, the sick, weary, and dis- couraged. From the close of the war until his death, many years later, on January 21, 1891, 'he was not actively engaged in business, al- though his many investments continued to re- quire and claim his attention during the re- mainder of his life. In his passing, East Liver- pool lost a man of many virtues, one of great business abilities and executive capacity and one, who, through life, stood for commercial integrity and honest manhood.

Mr. Bradshaw was married in 1846 to Mrs. Synthia (Riley) Logan, and they became the parents of these children: Priscilla J., Am- brose C., Theodore R., Laura M., wife of Louis Barth, a capitalist of East Liverpool; Eugene B., Ida O. and Lillie M.

Mrs. Bradshaw was born September 23, 1818, on what is known as the McPherson farm, which is situated about three miles north- west of East Liverpool. She was a daughter of the late well-known Matthew and Nancy Riley, the latter of whom lived to the age of 102 and all of whose IO children, of whom Mrs. Brad- shaw was the youngest, lived to be more than 75 years of age. The ancestors of Mrs. Brad- shaw emigrated from Ireland to America about the middle of the 17th century. Her pa- rents came as pioneers to this section of Ohio early in the 19th century .. Her father served as a soldier in the War of 1812 and her ma- ternal grandfather, Joseph Mckinnon, served as a scout under the Revolutionary patriot, "Mad" Anthony Wayne. He was present at the killing of Big Foot, the Indian warrior.

In 1834 Mrs. Bradshaw, then a blooming

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young girl of but 16 years, was united in marriage with James Logan, and they went West, locating at Jefferson City, Missouri. They resided there until 1838 and then re- turned to Ohio, where Mr. Logan died soon after. In 1845 she married Enoch Bradshaw. For over 50 years they resided in the old home- stead on the corner of Fourth street and Broad- way, where the Carnegie Library now stands. This was a portion of the original farm owned by Mrs. Bradshaw's father.

After a life of more than usual usefulness, domestic happiness and social prominence, Mrs. Bradshaw passed away on February 22, 1897, a woman beloved and admired by all who had ever been admitted to close acquaintance. She was a woman of strong character, one who impressed all with her individuality. For many years she had been a believer in the Uni- versalist doctrine and all her life had been a Christian in all that the term implies. On the sad occasion when all had gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to one who deserved re- spect and esteem, a most touching funeral ser- mon was preached, or, as it was termed, an address . was given, by Hon. George P. Ikirt, M. D., who, for more than 20 years had been her physician. It was by her request that he presided and no one was better fitted for the task. . In the course of these remarks, Dr. Ikirt said, in part :

"None knew Mrs. Bradshaw but to respect and honor her. Her intellect was above the average. Her mind was broad and liberal and her friendship true, warm and elevating. * *

* While a firm believer in Divinity, she never joined any church, giving as a reason that there was something in each creed or discipline. to which she felt she could not conscientiously subscribe. * Her liberal mind and lov- ing nature could see nothing in religion but the universal salvation of the whole human race.

"Mother Bradshaw is gone, but not so the good influence of her life's work. That is left behind as a fragrant memory to her friends and a valued legacy to her children and as a monument more abiding than granite shaft -- yes, more enduring than tempered bronze or

the pyramid of Cheops, for the reason that chords set in motion by a good and ambitious mother will not only transmit good influences through the lives of several generations of her descendants, but will, as I believe, set in motion chords that will vibrate for good throughout ceaseless ages of eternity."

ANIEL THOMAS LAWSON. It would be impossible to tell the story of Wellsville without inter- weaving with it the histories of a few- earnest, public-spirited men, who,. from its early years of advancement to the . present have been intimately associated with. its growth. One of these we find in Daniel Thomas Lawson, who also has claims to dis- tinction in connection with his successful dis- coveries in the field of science.

Mr. Lawson was born in Pennsylvania and comes of Revolutionary stock and honorable lineage. His parents were Thomas and Es- ther ( Moore) Lawson. On the father's side the grandfather, James Lawson, was born. in Ireland, and emigrated to the United States. soon after the Revolutionary War, settling in: Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, where, he lived to the age of 91 years. The maternal grandfather, Daniel Moore, was born in New Jersey and served in the Revolutionary War. In 1876 he settled in Somerset County, Penn- sylvania, where he lived, a man of affairs, until the age of 86 years. Thomas Lawson- was born in Westmoreland County, and his wife in New Jersey.

Daniel Thomas Lawson was afforded but few educational opportunities in his boyhood, not because of his parents' lack of interest in his welfare, but more on account of the few schools and the indifferent teachers of his day. When he had reached the age of 16 years, he went to work for Daniel Weyand, proprietor of the Somerset Whig, who also did a general job printing business. For the first two years he worked for his board and clothes, but his employer was a kind. just man and afforded him a good home. By the end of two years

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he had become expert in all branches of the business and then was given journeyman wages, according to the rule prevailing at that time.

When he had reached the age of 19 years, he secured his mother's consent to go to Pitts- burg, in search of fame and fortune, and he reached that city in August, 1836. Ile soon secured a position in the office of the Democrat and Workingmen's Advocate, and showed such superior skill in setting type, making up the forms and in press work, that in the space of three weeks he was made foreman of the office by the editor and proprietor, Wilson F. Stew- art. He had been reared to habits of strict frugality and during his position here. with a foreman's wages. he soon accumulated enough capital to enable him to indulge the long cherished desire of improving his education. He spent the following summer at Allegheny. College 'and became interested in geology. chemistry and physics, which he continued to study under Prof. N. R. Smith in the Pennsyl- vania Lyceum.

This was a turning point in his life, for it was during one of the demonstrations of Pro- fessor Smith before his class, as to the boiling point of water, it being 72 degrees in a vacuum and 212 degrees under atmospheric pressure. that Mr. Lawson developed the ideas which ultimately led him to the discovery that hot water is explosive, although at that time he knew nothing concerning boiler explosions. In 1838 several merchants in Allegheny. with public-spirited intent, communicated with him. They had learned of his newspaper proficiency, both in a mechanical and literary way, for by this time interesting articles from his pen had found their way into print, and they judged that in him they had found just the right man to start a newspaper in Allegheny. Sufficient pressure was brought to bear, support and as- sistance were proffered him and he consented to put aside his scientific studies for a time and accede to their wishes. Thus the Western Em- porium came into being. a weekly publication and the first newspaper published in the city of Allegheny. This venture was a success from the start and to make it prosper, Mr. Lawson

worked early and late. to such an extent that his eyes gave out and he was obliged to close out his interests there. Hence five months from its initial number, he sold the property, clearing $550.

Acting upon the advice of his physician, he joined his brother who was a contractor on the old Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, at Cumber- land. Maryland, where the out-door life and re- lief from eye strain greatly benefited his health. After about a year of this life, he went to Somerset County to visit his mother and later arrived in Pittsburg. AAmong' the old friends he met there was A. G. Catlett. who prevailed upon him to undertake to dispose of a six-horse wagen load of Ohio butter and as this was out- door work he consented and made a good deal. In the following spring he left Pittsburg and started down the river with the intention of visiting several points, but upon arriving at Wellsville. he entered the employ of Hampton. 'Aten & Company, with whom he continued as bookkeeper, collector and general assistant until 1840, when he embarked in the cash retail grocery business. Three months later he en- tered into partnership with Rev. Mahlon Mar- tin under the firm name of Martin & Lawson, and in the summer of 1841. when they took ac- count of stock, they found they had cleared 15412 per cent on their investment. Shortly afterward. Jacob Covode, a brother-in-law of Mr. Lawson, purchased Martin's interest. the firm became Lawson & Covode and during the next nine years the firm did an immense whole- sale grocery, storage and forwarding business. Then Mr. Lawson bought his partner's interest and after a short time sold out to Applegate & Company, for whom he became manager, with a fine salary.

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History of Columbiana County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 76

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