USA > Ohio > Representative citizens of Ohio : memorial-genealogical > Part 32
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Politically, Walter O. Johnson was a stanch supporter of the Republican party, though he never took a very active part in polit- ical affairs beyond the casting of his ballot. Fraternally, Mr. Johnson was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while, religiously, he was a member of the Second Presby- terian Church, to which he contributed liberally to its support. Personally, he possessed to a marked degree those qualities which gained friends, and he enjoyed the absolute confidence and the good will of all who came in contact with him in either a business or social way.
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Paul Wallick
OT TOO often can be repeated the life history of one who lived so honorable and useful a life, and who attained to such eminent success as did the late Paul Wick, mine owner, merchant, banker, iron and steel operator, pub- lic servant, and philanthropist, whose death occurred at his home in Youngstown, Ohio, on June 13, 1890. He was easily one of the most eminent men, from several viewpoints, that the great State of Ohio has ever produced. His character was one of signal exal- tation and purity of purpose. Well disciplined in mind, maintain- ing a vantage point from which life presented itself in true propor- tions, judicial in his attitude towards both men and measures, guarded and guided by the most inviolable principles of integrity and honor, simple and unostentatious in his self-respecting, toler- ant individuality, such a man could not prove other than a force for good in whatever relation of life he may have been placed. His character was the positive expression of a strong nature and his strength was as the number of his days. In studying his career interpretation follows fact in a straight line of derivation and there is no need for indirection or puzzling. The record of his life finds a place in the history of this section of the State, and in this com- pilation it is necessary only to note briefly the salient points of his life history. It is useless to add that both his home community and his State were dignified by his noble life and splendid achieve- ments, and that he stood as an honored member of a striking group of noted men whose influence in the civic, commercial, and indus- trial life of his community was of most beneficent order. In every relation of life in which he engaged, he ever ordered his course according to the highest principles and ideals, so that he was found true to himself and to all men. He lived and labored to worthy ends, and as one of the sterling citizens and representative men of his State, his memory merits a tribute of honor on the pages of history.
Paul Wick was born on October 1, 1824, being the youngest of twelve children born to Henry and Hannah (Baldwin) Wick. The Wick family, which is of English origin, is descended through several generations in America, most of them having been worthy residents of Long Island. Henry Wick's father and grandfather were born, reared, and spent their lives at Southampton, Long
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Island, and there Henry was born on March 9, 1771. On December 11, 1794, he married Hannah Baldwin, a daughter of Caleb Bald- win, a prominent citizen of Morristown, New Jersey. Soon after- wards they went to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the mercantile business, remaining there until 1801, when he came to Youngstown, Ohio, his father-in-law, Caleb Bald- win, having preceded him there. Here he re-imbarked in the mer- cantile business and in the following year brought his family here. At that time Youngstown was in its swaddling clothes, with but little to indicate its wonderful growth of later years. But Mr. Wick had faith in the future of the place and united his fortunes with the community. His store, on the southeast corner of Federal and Phelps streets, was for more than forty years a familiar land- mark. Henry Wick died on November 4, 1845, and his widow in 1849. They were the parents of the following children: Caleb Baldwin, who was generally known as Col. Caleb Wick, having been made colonel of the First Regiment, Ohio Militia, in 1822, though he had been an officer since 1817; Thomas Lupton, Betsy, Lemuel, Henry, Jr., Hugh Bryson, Hannah, Matilda, Lucretia, John Dennick, Mary Ann, Thomas Lupton (second), and Paul. The oldest child was born in 1795 and the youngest in 1824, while the last survivor was Henry Wick, Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio, who, in appearance and character closely resembled his father.
Paul Wick, after securing his elementary education in the common schools, attended the old Youngstown Academy, which then stood where the public square now is. His first introduction into active business affairs was when, with his brother, John D., he engaged in the operation of a coal mine. His success in this, his first enterprise, encouraged him to branch out in business and, with other members of the family, he opened a large mercantile es- tablishment in Cleveland, Ohio. He also became similarly engaged at Youngstown, as senior member of the firm of Wick & Goble, remaining identified with this business until 1866. Mr. Wick then turned his attention to an entirely different field of effort, and together with his brother, Hugh B., organized the banking firm of Wick Brothers & Company, and devoted most of his life to the banking business. The reputation Mr. Wick had already won in the commercial field as a careful, conservative. and shrewd busi- ness man, was enhanced as a banker and he was soon numbered among the leading financiers of this section of the State. The in- stitution which bore his name was well founded and has been in continuous existence to the present time, safely passing through a number of panics and crises in the financial world with unim-
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paired credit, until to-day it is numbered among the solid and in- fluential banks of the Mahoning Valley. Paul Wick was at the head of this bank until his death and its success was due very largely to his wise and discriminating direction of its affairs.
Paul Wick devoted a large part of his time and capital to the development of the resources and extending the trade of Youngs- town. He had unlimited faith in his city, a faith that was abund- antly rewarded during the years of his business connection with it. He was one of those who laid the foundations for the great iron and steel industry for which Youngstown has become famous the world over. In 1846, with his brothers, Caleb B., and Hugh B., and Henry Heasley, Dr. Henry Manning, William Rice and other cap- italists, Mr. Wick built a rolling mill and opened a store, the latter being managed by himself, the concern being continued under the management of Paul and Hugh B. Wick until 1855. This rolling- mill enterprise was the nucleus around which developed the im- mense works of Brown, Bonnell & Company. Mr. Wick later be- came heavily interested in the Ohio Iron and Steel Company, the Youngstown Rolling Mill Company, and the Paul Wick Real Estate Company, all of which enterprises had much to do with the later-day growth and development of that city. Energetic and public-spirited, he took an active part in all enterprises for the common good, gave countenance and support to every laudable undertaking for the advancement of both city and county, and in many matters his judgment was consulted and his opinions ever carried weight in the councils of his fellow citizens. He was essentially a business man and as such achieved a high standing in the community for the best interests of which the greater part of his life was devoted. Unflagging industry, discriminating judg- ment and wise foresight were among his chief characteristics, and during the years of his prime his strength and vitality as well as those clearer mental qualities which enabled their possessor to take advantage of opportunities, stood him well, in pushing to the largest success the important undertakings in which he was en- gaged.
Personally, Paul Wick was pleasant in address, easy in man- ner, firm in his convictions and of extraordinary force of character, and his death was felt generally to be an irreparable loss to the entire community. He was lovable, kind, and courteous and was never known to slight a friend. His practical knowledge of all the details of his business affairs, as well as his thorough acquaintance with all the leading questions of the day, made him an interesting and entertaining conversationalist and competent adviser, his
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opinions being sought by many on business matters. Like most men of affairs, he was a man of sound, practical views, but he was also keenly alive to all that was beautiful and elevating in life, being fond of flowers, music, and literature.
As to Mr. Wick's religious life, the following testimonial is quoted from an article by his pastor, Rev. D. H. Evans, D.D., which appeared in "Our Quarterly Statement," a publication is- sued by the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown: "Mr. Paul Wick, on June 13, 1890, at his residence in this city, closed a life which has long been identified with our church and with our city. Born here sixty-five years ago, and long and actively engaged in business, he was widely known and highly respected as a citizen. For twenty-eight years a member of this church, in various ways he has labored and largely given to its enterprises. His general manners did much to sustain the social life of this organization until recently it might safely be said that he knew every member of the flock of nearly eight hundred. Knowledge with him was acquaintance, and acquaintance meant to be on friendly terms with the poorest and obscurest. In his death we lose a link that bound us to the honored toilers of the past-a generous friend, whose deliberate and careful, yet kind and liberal, benevolence did much for the good work of this community, and a brother who was possessed of the meekest wisdom."
Politically, Mr. Wick was a stanch Republican and took a keen and intelligent interest in public affairs, being always solici- tous for the welfare of his city and community. For several years he rendered good service as a member of the city council, but prob- ably his most effective public service was rendered as a member of the city board of education, of which he was a member for nine- teen years, thus serving longer than any other man in the position. Of broad and liberal views and progressive in his attitude toward all efforts for public attainment, he brought to the attention of the school board clearly defined ideas and positive views, reinforced by ripe judgment and years of practical experience in the various activities of life, so that his long retention on the board was at once a guarantee of efficient direction of educational matters and a tes- timonial of his own ability and worth.
Mr. Wick was twice married, his first wife having been Susan A. Bull, whom he married in 1846, and who died on March 2, 1882, at the age of fifty-six years. She was a native of the State of Vermont, born on July 12, 1826, and a few years prior to her mar- riage came to Youngstown with a sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. George Gates. She was a lifelong member of the Pres-
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byterian Church. She was a woman of splendid personal qualities, which endeared her to all who enjoyed her acquaintance. In speaking of her, a friend said: "Few knew her best traits on ac- count of her retiring disposition. Although unobtrusive, she was positive in all the qualities that go to make up noble womanhood. Her conception of the Christian was of the highest type, and her greatest ambition was to exemplify that conception in her daily life. Though not published throughout the world, she was ever ready to respond to the calls of the Church and for benevolent purposes. Although gone to the silent shore, her many virtues still live in the memory of a large circle of acquaintances."
To Paul and Susan Wick were born the following children: Myron C., who died on July 11, 1910, was a prominent citizen of Youngstown, and after the death of his little daughter, he donated the Sunday-school building to the Presbyterian Church; Alice, who became the wife of Thomas Fyler Stewart, died in Vermont; George Dennick was among the ill-fated number who met their death in the tragic destruction of the "Titanic" in 1912, and his widow now resides in Youngstown; Harriet is the widow of John Stambaugh Ford, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Fred- erick H., resides in Ashland, Massachusetts; Mary is the wife of Porter Pollock of Youngstown. In 1885 Paul Wick was married to Margaret L. Haney, of Youngstown.
Charles H. Steele
Charles T. Steele
PECIFIC mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Ohio within this work, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored common- wealth and whose interests have been identified with its progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well being of the community in which he resides and to the advance- ment of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number was the late Charles H. Steele, of Steubenville, successful business man and esteemed private citizen, whose name needs no introduc- tion to the reader. His death removed from the community one of its most substantial and highly esteemed citizens and the many beautiful tributes to his high standing in the world of affairs and as a man and a citizen attested to the abiding place he had in the hearts and affections of those who knew him and of his work and accomplishments. His eminently honorable and successful career was not a path of roses, for he fought against and conquered ad- verse conditions that would have discouraged one of less sterling mettle. His business record showed that he possessed sagacity, energy, and integrity to a pronounced degree, and as the founder of the great drug firm of Beall & Steele, he gave to the city of Steubenville one of its most valuable business institutions and built for himself a monument that perpetuates his name among those who come after. He was easily the peer of any of his fellow citizens in all that constitutes right living and correct citizenship. He was a close and intelligent observer, read much, and took pains to keep himself well informed upon current events. He was quiet in demeanor, a thinker, and a man of deeds rather than words. He was essentially a man of the people, because he had large faith in humanity and was optimistic in his views.
Charles H. Steele, who passed from the scene of this world's activities to a higher life on March 22, 1909, was a native of Steubenville, Ohio, having first seen the light of day on Third Street on March 29, 1851. He was descended from sterling Scotch ancestry, his parents, Henry and Harriet G. (Robertson) Steele, having emigrated from their native land of hills and heather to the United States in 1837, making their permanent location in Steubenville, where they passed the remainder of their lives. They were thus numbered among the early settlers of this community
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and, possessing to a marked degree the stanch qualities of the race from which they sprang, they attained to a respected and honorable position in the community.
Charles H. Steele was reared under the paternal roof and his elementary education was received in the public schools of Steu- benville. His mind naturally tended to scientific subjects and eventually he decided to devote himself to the drug business, being largely influenced in this decision by his studies of chemistry, which possessed a wonderful fascination for him. To this end he entered a college of pharmacy, from which he graduated at the age of about twenty-one years. Returning then to his home city, he was for a time employed as clerk in the Morrison drug store, where he proved a faithful employee, at the same time acquiring a valuable experience and practical knowledge of the business, which stood him in good stead in later years. A short time later he formed a business partnership with W. R. Burgoyne, under the firm name of Burgoyne & Steele, and for several years they suc- cessfully conducted a retail drug business, in which they pros- pered to a gratifying degree. About 1874 Mr. Steele conceived the idea of starting a wholesale drug business in Steubenville and for this purpose associated himself with W. M. Beall, under the firm style of Beall & Steele. The business was founded along safe and conservative lines and was conducted according to correct business methods, so that from the beginning the business was on a solid basis. Their trade grew steadily through the years until their firm became one of the largest wholesale drug houses in this section of the State, commanding the trade over a wide radius of territory. Mr. Steele devoted himself indefatigably to his busi- ness affairs and his efforts were rewarded with a gratifying meas- ure of success, so that he was numbered among the substantial and influential business men of his city. In addition to his drug business, Mr. Steele was a stockholder and director in the Miners and Mechanics Bank and of the Jefferson Building and Loan Company. He was considered a man of rare judgment in business matters, his counsel being sought frequently in matters of that character. In the public affairs of the community he took an intel- ligent interest and, though never a seeker after the honors of pub- lic office, he served his fellow citizens in several capacities and always to their entire satisfaction.
Fraternally, Mr. Steele was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, having been a charter member of the Steubenville lodge, in the growth and upbuilding of which he was a prominent figure. His religious affiliation was with the Congre-
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gational Church, to which he was a liberal contributor. Mr. Steele took a great interest in the Y. M. C. A. and took a very active part in raising the funds to establish the present fine build- ing in Steubenville. He was also instrumental in making the deal through which the present location was secured; he also took much interest in the Gill Hospital. In fact, Mr. Steele maintained a favorable attitude toward every benevolent or charitable move- ment, and gave his earnest support to everything which promised to benefit the community or enhance the welfare of the people generally.
On August 10, 1887, Charles H. Steele was united in marriage to Ella R. Murtland, of Pittsburgh, and their union was blessed by the birth of two children, Mary Louise and Hester Kathleen. Mrs. Steele is a lady of many fine qualities of head and heart and is popular in the circles in which she moves.
Men of Mr. Steele's calibre and make-up are needed in every community and when one such is taken away, his removal is a distinct loss to the locality. He had many interests, of varying nature in Steubenville, and was an influential factor for many years in the commercial and civic life of the city. Optimistic in temperament, he always saw the bright side of life and endeav- ored to spread the gospel of good cheer among all with whom he came in contact. Though not demonstrative in his feelings toward others, he easily made friends, whom he valued at their true worth, and intense loyalty to his friends was one of his striking characteristics. Mr. Steele was liberal in his benefactions, though entirely unostentatious in his giving, for he cared not for the applause of the multitudes. At every stage of his career he was the same honest, cheerful, generous soul, living not for himself, but for others, unknown to selfishness, a stranger to dishonor, and in everything "standing four square to every wind that blows." His funeral services, which were held at the First Con- gregational Church, were very largely attended, and were con- ducted by his pastor, Rev. M. P. Jones, his former pastor, Rev. C. W. Carroll, Rev. E. B. Redhead, pastor of St. Stephens Episco- pal Church, and Rev. Dr. Grange, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
John Stambaugh Ford
NE OF the most conspicuous figures in the recent history of Youngstown was the late John Stambaugh Ford, a man prominently identified with the business and in- dustrial interests of the city, and for many years widely known as one of the leading citizens of his community. Equally noted as a citizen whose career, useful and honorable, conferred credit upon the community, and whose marked abilities and sterling qualities won for him more than local repute, he held distinctive precedence as one of the most progressive and success- ful men connected with large and important undertakings in this locality. Strong mental powers, invincible courage and a deter- mined purpose that hesitated at no opposition so entered into his composition as to render him a dominant factor in the business world and a leader of men in large enterprises. He was essen- tially a man of affairs, sound of judgment, keen discernment, far- seeing in what he undertook, and every enterprise to which he addressed himself resulted in material reward. His extensive business interests were the legitimate fruitage of consecutive effort, directed and controlled by not only good judgment, but also by correct moral principles. Although his life was a busy one, he never shrank from his duties as a citizen and his obligations to his community. He was a man whom to know was to respect and ad- mire and his loss was keenly felt by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
John S. Ford was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 15, 1856, and his death occurred on April 8, 1893, at Ormond Beach, Florida, whither he had gone in the hope of regaining his failing health. He was the son of Gen. James and Arabella (Stambaugh) Ford, and was descended from some of the most prominent and best known families of Ohio. His paternal grand- mother was Julia Tod, a daughter of Judge George Tod and a sis- ter of Governor David Tod, while his maternal grandparents were John and Sarah (Bower) Stambaugh, well known pioneer families of Mahoning County. The subject's father, Gen. James Ford, was a gallant officer in the United States army and a bril- liant man in civil life. He acquired considerable note as a success- ful Indian fighter and his death occurred in Akron, Ohio, when he had returned from the west. His widow then returned, with her
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four children, to her old home in Youngstown, Ohio, and spent the remainder of her days there, her death occurring in 1904, at an advanced age. Her children were named as follows: James, de- ceased; Tod, deceased; Sarah is the wife of H. M. Garlick, of Youngstown, Ohio, and is the only member of the family living; John S.
John S. Ford was about ten years of age when the family came to Youngstown, after the father's death. He received his educa- tional training in the Youngstown public schools, while his first business training was in a bank under the direction of his brother- in-law, H. M. Garlick. Later he became associated with his uncle, the late John Stambaugh, under whose preceptorship he gained a thorough insight into business methods. He was ambitious and industrious and improved every opportunity that presented itself, showing at an early age a remarkable faculty for improving every situation that presented itself. He gained not only in material means, but, what was of far more importance and value to him, a reputation for absolute integrity, so that in his business affairs his credit was unquestioned. He was one of the promoters of the Youngstown Dry Goods Company, with which he was connected at the time of his death. He gave his personal attention to the promotion of this enterprise and to a great extent the success which attended it was due to his sound judgment and wise direc- tion. He was also interested in a number of other important local interests, among which was the Youngstown Opera House Com- pany, of which he was president; a heavy stockholder in the Union Iron and Steel Company and the Falcon Nail and Iron Company, two of the most important industries in Youngstown. He also accumulated various extensive mining interests in the far west, all of which proved to his financial advantage. In all of his busi- ness affairs he showed a ripeness of judgment and a sagacity in foreseeing the future outcome of a present transaction that marked him as a business man of more than ordinary qualifica- tions.
Though he had large and exacting business responsibilities, Mr. Ford did not permit them to fill his life to the exclusion of other interests, for he was a whole-souled and broad-minded man who appreciated not only his civic responsibilities, but also his opportunities for doing his share in uplifting the world about him. In every movement which had for its object the welfare or better- ment of his community he took a keen interest, and to many of them he gave both moral and financial support. Mr. Ford was especially interested in the Young Men's Christian Association,
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