USA > Ohio > Representative citizens of Ohio : memorial-genealogical > Part 36
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Personally, Mr. McCurdy attached others to himself irresist- ibly. His fearless outlook on life and his thoroughly sincere oppo- sition to everything that interfered with conviction of right, com- manded at once the respect and esteem of those who knew him best. He was known as a dependable man, one who could never be swerved from what he felt to be the right course by any appeal to his feeling or tricks of argument. His life having thus been governed by the highest motives, his business record was unsullied by any unworthy transaction, and his private life was such as gained for him the sincere respect and confidence of the entire community.
During the stormy days preceding the Civil War, Mr. McCurdy was a stanch and fearless upholder of the National Union and at the outbreak of the rebellion he offered his services to his country, enlisting in the One hundred and Fifty-fifth Regi- ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The command was sent to Vir- ginia, but after three months' service Mr. McCurdy was stricken with typhoid fever, which rendered him unfit for further military service and he was discharged because of disability.
Politically, Mr. McCurdy was a strong supporter of the Re- publican party and frequently took an active part in campaign work, frequently serving as a delegate to important conventions of his party. He was not, however, a partisan in the narrow sense of the term, but conducted his political activities along the same high plane on which he labored along all other lines.
Religiously, Mr. McCurdy was from early manhood a faithful and consistent member of the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, taking a deep interest in all the activities of that so- ciety and giving liberally of his time and means to its support and upbuilding. He served in a number of official capacities in both church and Sunday school, having been an efficient and faithful teacher in the latter body, and clerk of the church session, while
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for twenty-six years prior to his death he served as an elder of his church. He always felt that religion should have a large place in every man's life and, though a very busy man and his time largely occupied with public affairs, he never failed to give to his church a due share of his time and personal attention.
On September 19, 1878, Robert McCurdy was married to Isa- bella Porter, and four years later they moved to the present . McCurdy homestead, at No. 726 Wick Avenue, one of the old, sub- stantial and attractive homes of the city, where he spent the re- mainder of his life. To Mr. and Mrs. McCurdy were born three children, all of whom are living, namely: Isabella, the wife of John Livingston Grandin, of Boston, Massachusetts; they have two children, Isabella and John Livingston. Florence, the wife of Charles Hart, lives in Chester, Pennsylvania, and is the mother of two children, Natalie and Florence. Robert, of Chester, Penn- sylvania.
Mrs. McCurdy is a daughter of William and Mary (Nisbet) Porter, both of whom were natives of Ireland. William Porter was a son of Charles and Isabella (Patterson) Porter, both of whom spent their entire lives and died in the Emerald Isle. Wil- liam Porter was born in 1801 and received his education in his native land. In 1837 he came to the United States to visit his brother, Colwell Porter, who was located in Austintown, Mahon- ing County, Ohio, and being well pleased with the country, he de- cided to make this his permanent home. So, returning to Ireland and straightening out his affairs, he returned to the United States in 1839 and located permanently at Austintown, where he engaged in the mercantile business with his brother Colwell. Subsequently the latter went to Cincinnati to reside and in the year 1850 was stricken with the cholera and died. Eventually William Porter became identified with the steel industry, that being in the early days of that business, when the average daily production of a steel mill was but ten or twelve tons. Mr. Porter died at Austin- town, in 1886, in the eighty-fifth year of his age, being survived a number of years by his widow, who died in 1899, at the age of seventy-eight years.
At Greenville, Pennsylvania, Mr. Porter had married Mary Nisbet, who had come to this country from her native land when a baby of one year. Her father, James Nisbet, had once before, in his younger days, been in the United States, living at that time in South Carolina, but had returned to Europe and finished his edu- cation at Glasgow, Scotland. Upon coming to America the second time, he first located with his wife and family in Pittsburgh, Penn-
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sylvania, moving a year later, to Greenville, that State. There he entered the mercantile business and also operated a farm. Being a man of better education than most of his neighbors, he was quickly recognized as a leader in the community and was fre- quently appealed to in the settlement of disputes and other mat- ters of a semi-public nature. He was a resident of that locality at the time of the construction of the Erie Canal, and his death oc- curred on his farm near Greenville. To William and Mary Porter were born the following children: Isabella, Mrs. McCurdy; James, a resident of the State of Michigan, and Charles, deceased.
Mrs. McCurdy received a good public school education, which was supplemented by attendance at the old academy at Canfield, and she was also instructed in music, having taught that subject in Youngstown for eight years prior to her marriage to Mr. Mc- Curdy. She is a faithful and earnest member of the First Presby- terian Church, with which her husband was so closely identified for many years. Honored and respected by all, there is to-day no woman who occupies a more enviable position in the circles in which she moves, for her many friends and acquaintances have learned to prize her for her beautiful character and useful life.
In closing the memoir of Robert McCurdy, it is deemed pecu- liarly consonant that we quote the following eloquent tribute hy Rev. D. H. Evans, D.D., who for thirty-four years enjoyed a close personal acquaintance with Mr. McCurdy and perhaps knew more of his real worth than any other man in the city:
"Robert McCurdy was a man of great force of character. Everything he undertook he did with all his might and with un- swerving energy. He would have made a great general had he been in military life, for he would have stopped at nothing until he had accomplished all he had undertaken. It can be truly said of Mr. McCurdy that he was a man of sterling integrity. He was not only honest, but just. I can say with all candor that he wanted people to have their rights. Mr. McCurdy was very broad in his generosity. He took hold of everything he believed would benefit mankind. He was a noble champion of the Young Men's Christian Association and the Public Library. He was a greater fighter for the cause of temperance. There was nothing he would not take hold of that had a tendency to benefit the community and society. He was governed by that broad spirit even in his religious inter- ests. He took an interest in all churches, large and small.
"Mr. McCurdy had a peculiar character. He had the com- mendable gift of not only doing good himself, but of inducing other people to do good as well.
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"Mr. McCurdy might be called the first citizen of Youngs- town. He was here from boyhood. He was one of the builders of the town. He was first in promoting all that pertained to the schools, the church, and business, and I can say truthfully stood at the head in shaping all things that had a tendency to benefit Youngstown and her people. At all times he was a driver. He was a man of untiring energy."
Pratt Williamson
HE importance that attaches to the lives, character, and work of the early settlers of Ohio and the influence they have exerted on the cause of humanity and civilization is one of the most absorbing themes that can possibly attract the attention of the local chronicler or historian. If great and beneficent results-results that endure and bless mankind- are the proper measure of the good men do, then who is there in the world's history that may take their places above the hardy pio- neer? To point out the way to make possible our present advanc- ing civilization, its happy homes, its arts and sciences, its discov- eries and inventions, its education, literature, culture, refinement, and social life and joy, is to be the truly great benefactors of man- kind for all time. This was the great work accomplished by the early settlers and it is granted by all that they builded wiser than they knew. Admit that, as a rule, but few ever realized in the dimmest way the transcendent possibilities that rested upon their shoulders; grant it that their lives, in certain instances, were some- what narrow, and that they realized but little the great results that ultimately crowned their efforts; yet here exists the supreme fact that they followed their impulses, took their lives in their hands, penetrated the wilderness, and, with a patient energy, res- olution and self-sacrifice that stands alone and unparalleled, they worked out their allotted tasks, accomplished their destinies, and to-day their descendants and others enjoy undisturbed the fruitage of their labors.
Prominent among the worthy representatives of the pioneer element in the county of Mahoning, was the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this brief memoir, and who has long since passed from the scenes of his labors and triumphs. In many respects he was a remarkable man and none more than he was in- fluential in the early growth and development of this section of the State. Pyatt Williamson was not only himself numbered among the builders of this community, but he was the son of one of that noble band who first ventured into the wilderness fastnesses and by his own labors inaugurated the era of civilization here. Pyatt Williamson was born in a little, old log house in Youngstown Township, Mahoning County, Ohio, the site of the cabin being now in the most beautiful and attractive portion of Youngstown's
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Jyall Williamson
Horace Williamson
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South Side residence district. The date of his birth was March 1, 1801, and he was a son of Joseph and Margaret Williamson. Jo- seph Williamson was the owner of a little farm of eight acres in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on which was a splendid spring of pure water. The Baldwins desired his land, and espe- cially the spring, for some of their operations, and they proposed to trade Joseph Williamson seventy acres of land in Mahoning County, Ohio, for his place. In the winter of 1800, Mr. Williamson made a trip of inspection to the Ohio tract which they had offered him, and decided to accept the proposition. Accordingly he re- turned to Pennsylvania and brought his family to their new home in Mahoning County. They settled in the forest, where a cabin was soon erected and the family installed, and then began the arduous task of clearing the land and fitting it for cultivation. They were favored in one particular-wild game was abundant and their table never lacked fresh meat. Indeed, it was said that deer came and browsed off the trees which had been felled close by the cabin. Of the children of this pioneer home, Pyatt was the only son, but there were several daughters, of whom one Betsy, became the wife of the well-known Indian fighter, Capt. Joshua Cotton. Joseph Williamson died on this farm in 1827, at the age of sixty-two years, being survived many years by his widow, Marga- ret, who died in 1847, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. They little dreamed then of the wonderful transformation that would take place in the scene on which their eyes looked; that the present splendid high school building would stand where he had felled the forest giants, or that beautiful residences would grace his broad acres.
Pyatt Williamson spent his entire life on the old homestead and his early years were in marked contrast to those of the boys of to-day. His entire school training amounted to about three months, received at odd times, and, being the only son, he began at an early age to assist his father in the work of the farm, much of their labor being expended in the clearing of the land, which was a task of stupendous proportions. On the death of his father he fell heir to the original seventy acres, and to this he kept adding from time to time until at length he became the owner of two hundred and twenty-five acres of land. He gained considerable prominence as a farmer and stock raiser, being successful in all his operations, and was long numbered among the leading men of the county. The major part of his land lay between what is now South Market Street and South Avenue, Youngstown, now all valuable city lots, most of them covered with residences. Williamson Avenue, run-
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ning through this land, was named in his honor. He was a man of sterling qualities of character, who commanded the good opinion of all who knew him. In the various movements for the upbuilding of the community his support could always be counted upon, and he stood stanchly for all that was good in life.
Pyatt Williamson was united in marriage with Anna Knox, who was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, in 1804, the daughter of Hugh and Margaret Knox. The Knox family came to Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1822, and here the father died three months after their arrival, leaving a widow and a large family of children. Pyatt Williamson's death occurred on January 9, 1877, and his wife passed away on October 9, 1879. They were the par- ents of the following children: Joseph, mentioned in a later para- graph; John, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Betsy, who became the wife of Jesse Simons, of Boardman Township, Mahon- ing County, Ohio, to which union were born three children; Isaac married Julia McClurg, and both are now deceased; they were the parents of three children; Horace is mentioned elsewhere in this sketch; Sarah Jane is the wife of Abraham Hubler, of Youngs- town, and the mother of six children; Laura died at the age of twenty-two years; Alice, who is the widow of Alfred Mckinney, and resides at No. 1805 Market Street, Youngstown, is the mother of one child.
Joseph Williamson, the eldest of the above-named children, was born in 1827, and his death occurred at his home, No. 1830 Market Street, Youngstown, on July 1, 1912. He was thus within thirty days of being eighty-five years old and to him belonged the unusual distinction of having spent his entire life on the spot where he was born. In his young manhood Mr. Williamson was a builder and contractor, achieving splendid success in that line of work. In his later years he engaged in farming and dealing in real estate. He married Belinda A. Detchon, to which union were born three children, Warren P., Mary, and Martha. Mr. Williamson was an upright, honest man, with whom business associates found it a pleasure to deal, while in his home life he was the perfect father and devoted husband.
Horace Williamson, the fifth child and fourth son born to Pyatt and Anna Williamson, was born on August 4, 1835, in the little log house which was the first home of the family in this county. He followed the example of his father and became a farmer, in which vocation the best part of his early life was spent. His education was received in the old "Flint Hill" district school. Upon the death of his father he inherited one hundred acres of the
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home farm, and as the city expanded and drew near him, he fol- lowed the example of his eldest sister Betsy and platted the land into residence lots which he sold. This land is now one of the most desirable residence sections of Youngstown and has been adorned with many beautiful and attractive residences. Mr. Williamson built his present large residence first where the South High School Building now stands, but when he sold that land to the city board of education he moved the house to its present location, at the cor- ner of Market and East Delason streets. Mr. Williamson has practically retired from active business affairs and is living quietly in the enjoyment of that rest which his past active years so richly entitled him to. He has been an eyewitness and active participant in the wonderful growth which has characterized this section of the State, and among the older residents of the commu- nity none is held in higher esteem or has more warm and loyal friends than he.
Captain John Flennegan Oliver
HE biographies of the representative men of a commu- nity, either of a past or present generation, bring to light many hidden treasures of mind, character, and courage, well calculated to arouse the pride of their descendants and of the community and it is a source of regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men, in the ranks of whom may be found tillers of the soil, mer- chants, mechanics, teachers, as well as lawyers, physicians, bank- ers and members of other vocations and professions. Steuben- ville, Ohio, has been the home and scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives which should serve as a lesson and inspira- tion to those who follow them on to the stage of life's activities, but who have also been of commendable service in important ave- nues of usefulness in various lines. The well remembered pioneer citizen whose name forms the caption to this brief memoir was one of the useful workers in the world's work, a man of well rounded character, sincere, devoted and loyal, so that there are many salient points which render consonant a tribute to his mem- ory in this compilation. By a life consistent in motive and be- cause of his many fine qualities of head and heart he earned the sincere regard of a vast acquaintance, and his success in various fields of endeavor bespoke for him the possession of superior attri- butes. Yet he was a plain, unassuming gentleman of the old school, straightforward in all his relations with his fellow men.
John Flennegan Oliver, "the grand old man of Steubenville," was born in Clinton, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on Novem- ber 15, 1830, and his death occurred at his residence, in the old Turnbull homestead, on North Third Street, Steubenville, on Tuesday, April 8, 1913, at the age of eighty-two years. He was the scion of sterling old Pennsylvania stock, his father, James Oliver, having conducted a coaching tavern where the Allegheny federal building now stands. The subject was reared under the parental roof, and secured his education in the common schools, until his eighteenth year, when inspired by an adventurous de- sire to see the world, he made a trip to New Orleans on a floating coal fleet, but, to his dismay, the dreaded cholera made its ap- pearance there at the same time. Three years later, fired by the wonderful stories from the newly discovered gold fields of Cali-
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fornia, he made the long, tiresome, and dangerous journey across the western plains in an ox-cart. He spent some time in that re- gion, but the ties of his home state were stronger for him than the lure of the gold mines, and he returned east by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, settling in Steubenville. Here he soon be- came prominently identified with the civic life of the city, of which he was elected mayor, giving an efficient and satisfactory adminis- tration. He was appointed United States marshal, and in the dis- charge of his duties he led in a raid on a band of counterfeiters who flourished in this locality in those days, and so energetic and ef- fective were his efforts against them, that he broke up the gang, confiscating their spurious coin and destroying their dies and plates. Having determined to make the practice of law his life work, Mr. Oliver became a student in the law office of Edwin M. Stanton and Col. George W. McCook, two of the most eminent citizens and ablest lawyers of the State, and, after his admission to the bar, he successfully practiced his profession until the out- break of the Civil War.
Fired by the insult offered to Old Glory in the firing on Fort Sumter, Mr. Oliver enlisted as a private in the Twenty-fifth Reg- iment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and took part in many of the most hotly contested battles of that great struggle. He was succes- sively promoted to the rank of major, because of his valiant and meritorious service, though he always retained the title of captain. After the battle of Murfreesboro, Captain Oliver came back to Ohio, having been appointed provost marshal for the eastern dis- trict of the State, with headquarters at Alliance. While there he enlisted and discharged hundreds of Union soldiers, and the old draft box he used to draw from is now a highly prized relic in the Carnegie Library in that city. The man who drew the names from it was James Cooper, a blind man, who now resides in Newark, this State, and it is related that thirty-five years after the war Captain Oliver placed in Mr. Cooper's lap the old draft box, and said, "What is it, Jimmy?" The blind man ran his hands over it and, with a smile, said, "It's the old draft box, Captain."
Upon the conclusion of his military service, Captain Oliver continued the practice of law until 1878, when he moved to East Liverpool, where for five years he was engaged in the mercantile business. During his residence at Alliance he had served as United States commissioner and in local affairs had taken a prominent part, having served a term as mayor. From East Liverpool he re- turned to Steubenville and engaged in the book and stationery business, in which he continued for twenty-nine years, retiring
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March 1, 1913. Here again he was elected to the office of mayor, and was re-elected, his administration of the office being charac- terized by a strict sense of justice and fairness to all and a com- mon sense and business-like policy, which redounded to the benefit of the city in many ways.
Though a busy man, Captain Oliver was never too busy to give a due share of his time and attention to those things which made for the best civic life, and as a member of the board of edu- cation for a number of years, a part of the time as its president, he was an important factor in advancing the educational interests of the city. He also started LaBelle Park, opposite the Cleveland & Pittsburgh railroad depot, and planted the trees which have made that such a spot of beauty. Captain Oliver served several terms as president of the Jefferson County Soldiers' and Sailors' Asso- ciation and presided over several successful reunions of his old comrades. In the old soldiers he took the keenest interest and in his store he kept a record of all the old veterans of the community in which he lived, much of the data recorded by him being of spe- cial value because not recorded elsewhere. These records were regarded by the Captain as a sacred trust and he was always glad to give desired information from them. He had a deepseated and genuine affection for his old comrades that prompted him at all times to do everything he could for them. In turn, he was re- garded by them with affectionate regard, for they knew him to be a devoted and gallant defender of his country in time of war and an equally loyal citizen in private life. He was an appreciative member of E. M. Stanton Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he had served as post commander and held other offices. For several years before his death, the Captain had been in declining health, but refused to give up until within a few days of his death. His passing away was as the passing of an old landmark and few deaths in this community have called forth so many expressions of genuine regret and sorrow as did his, for he had through the years commanded the universal love and confidence of the people with whom he had been associated.
Captain Oliver took a delight in existence, because he was in touch with the very springs of life. He did not permit material things to supplant his better nature. His life was filled with good deeds and kindly thoughts, and over his record there fell no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Into his life had come many unusual experiences. His pathway had led over many rough places which had only strengthened the beauty of his character and broadened his sympathies. He was indeed a manly man and
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the honor and esteem in which he was held by all who came into contact with him, whether in a business, public, or social way, was but the just tribute to his worth.
Captain Oliver was twice married, first to Catherine Hooker, the daughter of Col. Richard Hooker, an old Whig leader and a prominent citizen of Steubenville. Of this union three children survive, namely: John, of St. Louis, Missouri; Campbell, of Min- neapolis, Minnesota, and Jane, the wife of Hon. Roeliff Brinker- hoff of Mansfield, Ohio. Mrs. Catherine Oliver passed away in 1879 and in 1882 the Captain married Caroline Trumbull, who sur- vives him. She is a lady of gracious and refined personality, who has long been numbered among the representative women of her city, her many estimable qualities endearing her to a large circle of warm and loyal friends. Religiously, Captain Oliver was a faithful and earnest member of Westminster Presbyterian Church to the support of which he gave of his time and means as he was able.
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