USA > Ohio > Representative citizens of Ohio : memorial-genealogical > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
Mathias Ross, third child of Zebulon Ross, Sr., and wife, died in the British army during the Revolution; Friend Ross moved to Vermont, where he died; Joseph Ross is supposed to have gone to Kentucky; John M. Ross lived and died in Dover, New York; Sally Ross married a Conroy, lived and died in St. John's, Canada.
To Archibald Ross and his wife, Catherine Hugabone, men- tioned above, were born seven children, namely: Milton, lived and died in Cayuga County, New York, as did also Nelson and Zebulon; Elmore P., the fourth child and the fourth generation in America of this family, from which our subject is descended, married Car- oline M. Aiken, lived and died in Cayuga County, New York; Eliza married Henry Graham, lived in Wayne County, New York; Phebe was next in order; Mary Jane married Jacob S. Grey, and lived in Cayuga County, New York.
To Elmore P. Ross and wife, Caroline Aiken, mentioned above, were born four children, namely: Charles who married
150
Elmore Willard Ross
Alice Beardsley; Louisa who married a Mattison; Elmore Willard Ross, our immediate subject, was the representative of the fifth generation of this family in America, and he did as much as any other of the Rosses to perpetuate their fame and keep bright the untarnished escutcheon, long honored. The youngest child of El- more P. Ross and wife, was Cornelia.
Elmore Willard Ross was born in Auburn, New York, June 15, 1851, grew up and was educated in his native town, later at- tending school at Wilton, Connecticut, and still later at Yale Uni- versity, but did not graduate on account of ill health. Early in life he commenced the manufacturing business through his fa- ther, who was a wealthy man, and finally obtained possession of the business, naming the plant the E. W. Ross Manufacturing Company, of Fulton, New York, of which he was the head and principal stockholder. He continued to operate this large and well known plant until 1885, manufacturing agricultural implements of such a superior quality that his products found a very ready and extensive market. He finally came to Springfield, Ohio, and here established a plant for the manufacture of the same line, and this enterprise grew to great proportions through his able man- agement and wise forethought. He continued to conduct this plant for a number of years, and in 1890 incorporated the busi- ness, of which he became president, which office he held until his death, May 21, 1892, having given eminent satisfaction to both stockholders and patrons. Since his death Mrs. Ross has been president of the company, ably carrying out the plans he in- angurated.
Mr. Ross was reared a Presbyterian. Politically he was a strong Democrat. He married Mary Fitch, of Auburn, New York, where she was reared and educated, also attended school in New York City and Brooklyn. She is a daughter of Nelson and Nancy (Muir) Fitch, who were of Scotch parentage, and were married in the State of New York, from which they came to Springfield, Ohio, in 1885, and established the family home near that city. Their daughter Mary and Nelson Fitch had an interest in the Ross manufacturing business. Mr. Fitch was a man of fine character and was well liked by all who knew him. His death occurred at his home in Springfield in April, 1897, his widow surviving many years, dying in Auburn, New York in 1909. She was a member of the Episcopalian Church.
Nelson Fitch was a son of Abijah Fitch who was born in Coop- erstown, New York, in 1799, and he established the family home at
151
Elmore Millard Ross
Auburn, New York, about 1820, and died there when quite old. He was a personal friend of William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
To Mr. and Mrs. Elmore W. Ross were born Elmore Preston Ross, in Fulton, New York, in 1876. He was prepared at Law- renceville, New Jersey, graduating from Williams in 1900. He soon became connected with the manufacturing business of the famous Ross plant at Springfield, and, making rapid progress, giving every evidence of superior business ability from the start, he is now manager of the plant and has greatly increased its out- put and prestige. He and his mother have made the business a phenomenal success and deserve the high esteem in which they are universally held. He was married in Condon, England, to Alice Muir, who was born in Oxford, England, of a fine old Scotch fam- ily. She was educated in London. Two sons have been born to Elmore Preston Ross and wife-Elmore Muir, born March 24, 1910, and Willard Gordon, born July 21, 1911.
-
Anthony C. Russell
B ORN on the far-away heights of Scotland, the pictur- esque land, familiar to us principally through her in- teresting ancient history and through the versatile de- scriptions of natural scenery and modes of life in dif- ferent centuries of such immortals as Scott, Burns and Hugh Miller, but spending the major part of his life in the United States, Anthony C. Russell, long since a traveler to the silent land, of which the German poet wrote so touchingly, is deserving of a place in the history of Ohio, for he was for a number of years an hon- ored citizen of the city of Springfield. His life of industry, char- itable acts and loyalty to our institutions won for him the sincere affection of almost every man, woman and child who knew him well. His industry resulted in his possession of a neat competency and while he continued to enjoy the glow of the golden rays of the sun of life that must eventually set for all of us behind the horizon of the inevitable, he shared that enjoyment with no stint in the companionship of the members of his family and his wide circle of friends, won through his wholesome living.
Mr. Russell was born in Creaton, Gallway, Scotland, in 1842. He was a son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Coning) Russell, natives of County Gallway, each of a good old family. Hugh Russell's father was appointed under the King (or Queen) of England at Queen's Ferry, Scotland, as vessel inspector. He became a prominent man in his vicinity, and was active in the Scotch Secession Church, or Seceders, a sect of Presbyterians that left the regular Church in that country in the eighteenth century. He kept a mission box in his office for the vessels' captains to assist in the support of the missions of the Church of which he was an elder.
The parents of our subject were married in Scotland. There the father followed his trade of stone cutter until about 1867, when he and his wife left their native land for America, locating at Xenia, Ohio, later joining their son at Springfield, this State, and they spent the latter years of their lives in the last named city, the son with whom they lived being the subject of this mem- oir. Here father and son engaged successfully as contractors in stone cutting work and as builders. They operated on a large scale and erected many of the substantial buildings still standing in Springfield. They employed large numbers of men and became
152
153
Anthony C. Russell
widely known in this field of work. As above stated the elder Mr. Russell and wife continued to make their home in Springfield until their deaths, dying after both had passed by a few years the four score milepost. They had become very active in the work of the United Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Hugh Russell hav- ing been an elder in the church for many years and a very close friend of the Rev Dr. Kyle, who loved him as a father and paid a most glowing tribute to the life of Mr. Russell after the latter's death, praising the pious Scot for his many good qualities and ex- emplary life.
Anthony C. Russell, subject of this memoir, spent his boyhood in Scotland, emigrating to the United States when sixteen years of age, soon afterwards coming on west to Xenia, Ohio. He was nineteen years old when the war between the states broke out, and he unhesitatingly showed his patriotism to his adopted country by enlisting for service in the Union army, enlisting in 1861 in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He proved to be an excellent and gallant soldier, par- ticipating in many of the great battles of the war, including the Wilderness. At the battle of Monocosey he was shot through the leg by a Minie ball, which passed through the front bone of the limb, seriously injuring him. He spent several months in the hos- pital, the war having been over and peace declared when he was able to leave for his home. He bore all his sufferings and hard- ships without complaint, and he received an honorable discharge.
After his career as a soldier, he returned to Xenia, Ohio, and sent for his parents, and he learned the trade of stone cutter and builder with his father. Desiring a larger field for their business operations they later came to Springfield, and a brother of our subject, Hugh Russell, Jr., also joined Anthony C. and the father in the stone mason business, cutting, building and contracting. The brothers continued the business after the death of the father, until the death of our subject, then Hugh, Jr., retired and is now living at the corner of Limestone and Madison Avenue, Spring- field. He is married and has a family. The Russells engaged in both private and public building, turning out many large and im- portant jobs, both in Springfield and in surrounding cities. They managed well, were honest, and thus prospered.
Anthony C. Russell was known to all as a man of exemplary character, consequently he enjoyed the confidence and good will of all who knew him. He was broad-minded, liked to help those in need, believed in scattering sunshine as he went through life. He was a great lover of his home and family.
154
Anthony C. Russell
Mr. Russell was a member of Mitchell Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he was a Republican, and in religious matters a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and, like the rest of the family, took a great deal of interest in church work.
Mr. Russell was married in Xenia, Ohio, January 19, 1867, to Elizabeth R. W. McGarey, a native of Scotland, born in Kakuber- shire, January 23, 1849. She was three years old when her par- ents John and Elizabeth (Russell) McGarey, brought her to Amer- ica. The family located at Xenia, Ohio, in 1851, the year they came over and they continued to reside there the rest of their lives, the death of Mr. McGarey occurring on February 2, 1873, at an advanced age, his birth having occurred on June 12, 1794. His wife was born on January 10, 1814, and she lived to be seventy- three years old. These parents grew to maturity in Scotland, there received their education and were married in 1840. They were honest and highly respected people, were stanch members of the United Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of five children. Besides Elizabeth, widow of Anthony C. Russell of this review, two others are living, John McGarey, of Xenia, and Mrs. Ellen Mckay, of Gibson, Illinois, both of whom have families of their own.
Mrs. Elizabeth Russell grew to womanhood in Xenia, Ohio, and there received a good education. She proved to be a very faithful helpmeet and is a woman of many praiseworthy traits.
Six children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Russell, namely: Hugh C. died when nineteen years of age; William is a part owner of the White Star Pearl Laundry, of Springfield; he married Lou Shaw and they have one daughter, Louise, eight- een years old, now attending Wittenberg College; James M., a machinist by trade, is single and lives at home; Anthony C., Jr., who married Augusta James, and they have one child, Elizabeth J., and they live in Springfield; J. Kyle, a nursery and tree doctor, lives in Canton, is married and has two children, Edith and James; Lillie J. married Chester C. Wolfe, and they have one son, An- thony B. Wolfe.
Mrs. Russell and family are all faithful members of the Unit- ed Presbyterian Church, William J. Russell being an elder in the lo- cal congregation. He is also superintendent of the Sunday school.
The death of Anthony J. Russell, of this memoir, occurred in July, 1889. He set a worthy example, being a sincere, honest and large-hearted gentleman, and the excellent training he gave his children has been reflected in their lives.
James TUI. Ross
HE success of men in any vocation depends upon charac- ter as well as upon knowledge. Business demands con- fidence and where that is lacking, business ends. In every community some men are known for their up- right lives, strong common sense and moral worth rather than for their wealth or political standing. Their neighbors and acquaint- ances respect them, the younger generations heed their example, and when they "wrap the drapery of their couches about them and lie down to pleasant dreams" posterity listens with rever- ence to the story of their useful lives. Among such men of the last generation in Ohio, was the late James W. Ross, who was not only in his day an active man of affairs, but a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, well educated, largely through his own efforts, a fine type of the reliable, self-made American, a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors and who always stood ready to unite with them in every good work and active in the support of laudable public enterprises. He was proud of Youngstown and of the grand State of Ohio and zealous of their progress and prosperity. He was a man who in every respect merited the esteem in which he was universally held, for he was a man of public spirit and exemplary character.
James W. Ross was born at Reading, Pennsylvania, on March 1, 1839, and his death occurred at his home in Youngstown, Ohio on August 20, 1912. His parents were William H. and Harriet (Martin) Ross. William Ross brought his family to Youngstown in 1850, and here engaged in the hotel business. For six years he ran the old Union House, situated on the public square, where the Stambaugh building now stands, and for two years following that period he managed the old Mansion House at Spring Common. At the outbreak of the Civil War, William H. Ross enlisted in the defense of his country, and was killed on the field of battle, as was also one son, Joseph. He was survived a number of years by his widow, who died at Youngstown. They were the parents of the following children: James W., the immediate subject of this sketch; Joseph, referred to above; Albert, of Columbus, Ohio; Mary, the wife of Henry Woodrow, of Warren, Ohio; Martha, Mrs. Jones, of Youngstown; Millie, deceased, who married a Mr. McCormick.
155
156
James W. Ross
James W. Ross was indebted to the public schools for what educational training he received, though this was liberally supple- mented during the later years by extensive reading. In young manhood he became interested in the hotel business with his fa- ther, but at the age of about twenty years he went to Chicago, where he remained about two years. Returning then to Youngs- town he again entered the hotel business, in which he was inter- ested until about twenty years before his death, after which time he lived practically retired from active life. However, he never permitted his interest in his home city to lag and he was ever keenly observant of everything that affected the welfare of the community. Annually Mr. and Mrs. Ross took a pleasure trip to Michigan, where the fishing was enjoyed during the summer months.
Upon Mr. Ross's return to Youngstown from Chicago, he suggested the idea of a volunteer fire department, which through his efforts was organized in 1868, the company being known as the Governor Tod Hose Company. In 1871 Mr. Ross's services were recognized and he was made chief of the volunteers, holding the position two years, and declining a third term. Later, after the volunteer fire department had served its day, being replaced by the paid department, the old volunteers formed an association, of which Mr. Ross was made the first president. He served two terms, and then, declining another term, he was unanimously made chief for life. Shortly before his death the members had their pictures taken at a banquet, which Mr. Ross was unable to attend, but the picture shows the vacant chair reserved for their beloved chief.
About 1896 Mr. Ross bought the present home at No. 363 Lincoln Avenue, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was in the broadest sense of the term, a self-made man. Though he was denied large educational advantages in his youth, he amply made up for that in later years. He was passionately fond of books and acquired a splendid library of well selected standard works. His reading was diversified, touching on many subjects, though history and biography were his favorite branches. He had a retentive mind and was a splendid conversationalist on many themes. He was fond of argument, or rather, the opportunity for an exchange of ideas, and his talks were always characterized by a never-failing vein of optimism and good cheer. He never turned a deaf ear to a plea for help if it was within his power to give as- sistance and the best things in life always claimed his attention. Though not formally identified with any church, he attended the
157
James WUI. Ross
Presbyterian, and there were none who questioned his real prac- tical Christianity, for his life was one of deeds, not words.
On October 17, 1872, Mr. Ross married Mrs. Lois Medbury, the widow of Charles D. Medbury and daughter of John and Anna (Kimmel) Sheehy. John Sheehy was born on a farm near Youngstown, Ohio, in 1805, became a carriage maker by vocation, and his death occurred in May, 1844, at the age of thirty-nine years, when Mrs. Ross was a girl of but eight years. Anna Kimmel was born at Brier Hill, near Youngstown, in 1809, and was mar- ried to Mr. Sheehy in 1828. Upon his death she was left a widow with five children, namely: Robert, who died in April, 1900, leav- ing two children, John Y. and William W .; Ellen, who became Mrs. Wilson; Lois, Mrs. Ross; Annie, who became the wife of T. J. Lewis, now deceased; Daniel R., of Youngstown, who is married and has two children, Daniel C., and George W. The mother of these children subsequently married a second time to Joseph Ken- nedy, and after his death she became the wife of Alexander Trues- dale, Truesdale Avenue being named in her honor. Her death occurred on January 26, 1892, at the ripe age of eighty-two years. Lois Sheehy was the first wife of Charles D. Medbury, whose death occurred about three years after their marriage. To them was born a son, Frank B. Medbury, who is at this time one of Youngstown's best known and most successful real estate and in- surance men, his success being the legitimate result of the hard and persistent work and close application that he has given his business. He married Dollie Brothers, a daughter of Dr. Isaiah and Rhoda Brothers, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Medbury have two children, Rhoda Bell and Frank B., Jr., both of whom have received excellent educational advantages, Frank B. being at this time a student in Culver Military Academy.
Reverting to the phase of Mr. Ross's life in connection with his public service, the following well-written lines are quoted from the Youngstown Vindicator: "In 1857 Mr. Ross went to Chicago, where he resided for two years. It was in that city that the young man became imbued with the idea of forming a volunteer fire de- partment in Youngstown, and after his return to his home here he was not content until such an organization had been estab- lished. This volunteer organization was started in 1868. It was known as the old Governor Tod Hose Company, or the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, and in those days the firemen ran with the machine. In 1871 James W. Ross became chief of the vol- unteers, filling the position for two terms. He was urged to serve a third term, but he declined the honor, saying that he wanted
158
James W. Ross
some other man to have a chance. It was on his retiring from that office, that his fellow firemen and friends presented him with a beautiful silver trumpet, of which he was ever afterwards very proud. He was later given a handsome gold-headed cane, which, was another of his most choice possessions, representing as it did the esteem and honor in which he was held.
"In 1882 the old volunteer fire department was abandoned and the present paid city department was organized. The older men, however, could not forget the old days, and in 1895 the sur- viving members formed into a brotherhood and it has continued up to the present day as the Old Volunteer Firemen's Association. James Ross, or 'Roxy,' as he was familiarly and affectionately called by his friends, was made the first president of the associa- tion, and he served in that office two terms, but again declined to accept the honor of a third term. His brother firemen, however, not to be outdone, made him chief for life.
"As may be concluded from his intense enthusiasm as a vol- unteer fireman, James Ross was always an admirer of all things military, and it was one of the keenest disappointments of his life that he could not join the regular army during the Civil War be- cause of poor eyesight. He was wonderfully interested, however, and eagerly grasped the opportunity when it offered and joined the 'Squirrel Hunters,' so that he might get a little taste of war at least. Later on in life it was one of his joys to take part in the pa- rade on Decoration Day and never did he miss this obligation until this year when his health was so far impaired that he had to fore- go it.
"Liberal and charitable in disposition and always ready to help along any good cause, he was highly respected by all who knew him and was adored by the old volunteer firemen and was not known only in this city but throughout the State by firemen every- where. It was his dying request that his oil portrait which hangs in the city department should be given to the old volunteer asso- ciation."
Daniel Moper
O WRITE the personal record of men who have raised themselves from humble circumstances to a position of honor and respect in a community is no ordinary pleas- ure. Self-made men, men who have achieved success by reason of their personal qualities and left the impress of their individuality upon the business and growth of their places of resi- dence and affect for good such institutions as are embraced within the sphere of their usefulness, unwittingly, perhaps, build monu- ments more enduring than marble obelisk or granite shaft. Of such we have the unquestioned right to say belongs the name of the late Daniel Moyer, one of Youngstown's early business men, whose name was for more than forty years well and favorably known throughout this community, and, although he is now numbered among those who are sleeping in "God's acre," his influence is still potent for good, for he was a broad-minded, obliging, kindly, whole-souled gentleman who used his influence in every manner possible to advance the prosperity and general good of Youngs- town and Mahoning County. A public-spirited citizen, he was ready at all times to use his means and influence for the promotion of such public improvements as were conducive to the comfort and happiness of his fellow men, and there was probably not another man in the community so long honored by his residence who was held in higher esteem by the population, regardless of sects, poli- tics or professions. He was especially distinguished by his hon- esty, firmness of character, piety and intelligence. He was one of the most unostentatious of men, open hearted and candid in man- ner, always retaining in his demeanor the simplicity and candor of the old-time gentleman, and his record stands as an enduring monument, although his labors have ended and his name is be- come but a memory.
Daniel Moyer was born in Southington Township, Trumbull County, Ohio, on October 15, 1838, and he was a son of Gideon and Susan (Murberger) Moyer, both of whom were descended from sterling old German stock. These parents were both born and reared at Reading, Pennsylvania, their respective parents being farmers. A short time after their marriage, which occurred at Reading, Gideon and Susan Moyer came to Trumbull County, Ohio, where, near Braceville, he bought a farm. Later he sold that place and bought another farm about one mile from Warren, the county seat. Here Gideon Moyer met an untimely death, being
159
160
Daniel Moper
killed in a runaway accident. He left a widow with nine children, the eldest of whom was about fifteen years of age. Though her situation was disheartening, the brave mother courageously took upon herself the task of rearing and caring for her children, being encouraged in her heroic struggle by the noble efforts of the older children, who faithfully gave her every assistance possible. She not only reared her children to lives of respectability and honor, but she paid off a heavy debt on the home farm. She spent the re- mainder of her life on that farm, dying there at the advanced age of eighty-five years, honored and beloved by all who knew her. The children born to Gideon and Susan Moyer were as follows: Wil- liam, deceased; Daniel, the immediate subject of this sketch; Pre- cilla became the wife of Robert Swift, and both are now deceased; Hettie is the wife of Milton Logan, of Warren, this State; Susan became the wife of D. B. Gillmore, both being now deceased; Ma- tilda, the wife of Austin Foulk, of Warren; Gideon died at the age of twenty-three years; Mary became the wife of Joseph Hart- man, and both are now deceased; Catharine, the wife of Jefferson Foulk, of Warren; nearly all of the sons here mentioned became successful farmers.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.