Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 103

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Youngstown > Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 103

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).

Politically Mr. Nevin is a conservative Re- publican. He retains membership in his col- lege Greek letter society, the Phi Delta Phi.

IRE, WELSH & CO., distillers, at New Miklletown, widely known throughont this section of Ohio and Western l'ennsylvania, con- duct the largest business enter- prise in the southeastern part of Mahoning Connty. This distillery was first started. in 1888, by Solomon M. Wire, William H1. Rum- mel, Francis Marin and Elias Collar, and it was conducted under the firm name of Wire, Rummel & Co .. until 188g. It was then changed to Wire & Welsh, with Solomon M. Wire and F. C. Welsh, as owners. It re- maimed such until Dimcan Livingstone became a partner, when the firm style was changed to Wire, Welsh & Co .. under which it has since operated. although Mr. Wire died in 1903. Mr. Welsh and Mr. Livingstone are sole owners.

The Insiness was started in a small way, being a twelve-bushel capacity a day. When Mr. Welsh became connected with it. it was in- creased to twenty-five bushels a day, later was advanced to forty-three bushels a day, still Inter to 85 bushels a day, and it is but a ques- tim of still more enlargement. when it will be one hundred bushels a day. U'ndler Wire, Welsh & Co., many improvements were made and improved machinery, in the way of steel worms and other apparatus, was installed. In 14;02, the building occupied at present was erected, new warelumises were built and still

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more improved machinery was introduced. The plant is taxed to its utmost capacity at present, but plans are on foot for further ex- pansion. This distillery has fine equipments. It uses a natural gas engine and a 100-horse power boiler and their prouct is double copper distilled. Although many firms falsely adver- tise their products as so prepared, in fact, this is one of the few firms in this part of the conn- try which employ the double copper distilled process. They have an elevator with 10,000 bushels capacity, and two warerooms, one 76 by 175 feet and another 36 by 105 feet, with a capacity of 5,000 bushels.

The brand, Middletown Golden Rye, is well known to the people of this part of Ohio. and is sold within a radius of twenty miles of New Middletown, the demand being so much greater than the supply, precludes the possi- bility of their extending their territory at the present time. The fact that Springfield town- ship is the only one in the county not voted dry, speaks well for the manner in which this plant has been conducted, and its importance to the prosperity of the community.

J OHN SANZENBACHER, a retired tanner and belt manufacturer of Can- field. Ohio, was born May 5. 1827, in Wittenberg. Germany, and is a son of Jacob and Barbara (Sugar) Sanzen-

bacher.

parents of seven children, three of whom died in Germany, and one. George, died on the ocean and was buried at sea. Those reared in America were: Jacob, John, and Barbara, John being the only survivor.

John Sanzenbacher was about six years old when his parents located in Columbiana County, Ohio. The little education he re- ceived was obtained in a German school, held in an old fashioned log building with slab benches which had wooden pins for legs. Large four-foot whips were in evidence, as a reminder to the children to be good. Mr. San- zenbacher remained on the farm until 18 years of age when he served an apprenticeship of three years and six months in the tanning bus- iness. with Robert Fullerton of Lawrence County. During this time he received his board and washing together with $100. He then engaged at journey-work for William Moore of Boardman, and then for Mr. Miller of New Middletown, whom he later bought ont, but one year later returned to Boardman, where he worked six months for William Moore. On April 9, 1850, he came to Can- field. Ohio, and opened a small tannery for himself, starting with a capital of $400, and one horse. He later entered into partnership with Pierpont Edwards and Franklin Show- aker, and they. under the firm name of The Buckeye State Tannery, built a larger plant nearer the railroad, giving employment to 30 men. tanning leather and working it into belt- ing. Mr. Sanzenbacher later bought out his partners and took his son David into the busi- ness, and in 1892 he retired from the business. For sometime he engaged in buying and selling leather, but is now living in retirement in an elegant home on Lisbon street in Canfield. where he has been a resident longer than any other man, with but one exception. Mr. San- zenbacher still owns a small farm at the edge of Canfield, but gave his well improved farm of 120 acres to his son David, and his farm of 67 aeres to his son Charles.

Jacob Sanzenbacher was born and reared in Germany and served for four years in the German army. He subsequently became pro- prietor of a hotel and later emigrated to Amer- ica with his wife and family. In 1833 he first located in Unity township, Columbiana Coun- ty, Ohio, and engaged in farming, after which he moved to Beaver County, now Lawrence County, residing there from 1838 until 1870. Hle then retired from farming, resided with his daughter in Girard a few years, after which he settled in Springfield. Mahoning County, Mr. Sanzenbacher was married ( first ) De- cember 24. 1850, to Sarah Jane Oswalt, who died November 5. 1808, and they had six chil- Ohio, where he and his wife both died. his death occurring April 17. 1882. and that of his wife. December 24. 18-8. They were the ' dren: Harriet, who married John Neff ; Re-

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becca, who married Irwin Callahan ; Charles, who married Mollie Kohler; John H., who married a Miss Dodge; David, who married Saralı Carrol, and Luther, who is unmarried. In 1904 Mr. Sanzenbacher married (second ) Elizabeth Marrow, who was born in 1830. Politically Mr. Sanzenbacher was formerly an adherent of the Free Soil and Anti-Slavery party, and is now a Republican. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Can- feld. He was the founder of the Farmers National Bank of Canfield, of which he was a stockholder and director for seventeen years, but from which he has now retired.

S H. LIGHTNER, dealer in pianos. music and musical instruments, also musical author and publisher, has been identified with the interests of Youngstown, Ohio, for the past twen- ty-eight years. He was born and reared in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Lightner has been musical from his youth and possesses not only mechanical skill but a decided talent for composition. He taught school in his native state and also in Ohio, for some eight years, and in 1878 he accepted the position of supervisor of music in the public schools at Youngstown. This he retained for twenty-four years, only resigning in 1902, after a faithful service of almost a quarter of a century. He compiled a course in music which was adopted by the Ohio Nor- mal Music School. He is the author of a series of music honks, three in muimber, known as the Melodic Music Course, which have proved very popular and being in use all over the state. Since retiring from the educational field, Mr. Lightner has been engaged in his present business, which to him is a thoroughly congenial one.

In 1879) Mr. Lightner was married to Jen- nie Hopkins, of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. and they have four children -- Allan. Dean, Marjorie and Bernice. Allan, the eklest son. completed the public school course at Youngs- town and graduated from the classical depart-

ment of Oberlin College, in the class of 1903. He is married and has the general agency of the New York Lumber Insurance Company. The second son, Dean, graduated from Ober- lin in the class of 1906. He also is now with the New York Lumber Insurance Company. Marjorie possesses great musical gifts and is a student in the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. The youngest daughter is a student in the Rayen High School. The family are members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church.

J OHN L. BECKER, one of the well known citizens of Poland township, who owns a farm of 51 acres and oper- ates the Kennedy farm of 135 acres, was born at Lowellville, Mahoning County, Ohio, June 29, 1859. and is a son of Lorenz and Veronica ( Dalıringer) Becker. Lorenz Becker was a native of Alsace Loraine, France, and came to America with his father. Lorenz Becker, who settled at Syracuse, New York, where the son, Lorenz. was reared. After coming to Lowellville, he operated a coal bank located at Mt. Nebo, Mahoning County, for many years, after which he en- gaged in house painting. He married Veron- ica Dafiringer and both are still living in the village of Lowellville. She came from Ger- many with her parents when 16 years of age.

John L. Becker was reared in Lowellville and for a number of years followed painting and paper hanging. Since his marriage he has resided with his wife's parents and farmed the Kennedy fanın of 135 acres, and for seven years he also operated the flour mill at Low- ellville.

Mr. Becker was married October 4. 1888, to Rachel Kennedy, who is a daughter of Thomas W. and Margaret ( Truesdale) Ken- nedy, Thomas Kennedy was born in Coits- ville in June, 1824, and was a son of James Kennedy, who came with his father, Jolin Kennedy, from Westmoreland County, Penn- sylvania, to Ohio, where he was one of the earliest settlers of Coitsville. Thomas Ken- nedy died June 4. 1896. His widow, who was

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born on the old Truesdale farm, is a daughter of Hugh Truesdale, who was also born on the old Truesdale farm, near Portland. James Kennedy, member of Congress from this district, is a son of Thomas and Margaret Kennedy, and is a brother-in-law of Mr. Beck- er. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Becker: Walter, who attends the Low- ellville High School; Frank; Margaret, who died aged seven years; Hugh Truesdale; Rachel Erskine; and Ruth.

S AMUEL E. BRADSHAW, one of Goshen township's native born and substantial and prominent citizens, resides on a tract of 40 acres, which is situated in section 4, and owns an additional 371/2 acres, which is also located in Goshen township. Mr. Bradshaw was born on his present farm in Mahoning County, Ohio. June 30, 1840, and is a son of William and Jane ( Shinn) Bradshaw.

The father of Mr. Bradshaw was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and the mother in New Jersey. The founder of the family in Goshen township, was the grandfather, James Bradshaw, who was a pioneer settler in this locality. coming when his son William was about seven years of age. For a short period he lived at Salem, Ohio, and then settled on his pioneer farm in the dense woods that then covered what is now one of the finest sections of farming land in Goshen township. Wil- lian Bradshaw, father of Samuel, became a man of prominence in this community and served a long time as a justice of the peace, in which office he won the confidence and re- gard of his fellow citizens on account of his just and careful decisions. He was a sup- porter of the principles of the Republican par- ty. He married Jane Shinn, and of their chil- dren. four survive, namely: Samuel E .; Lewis C., residing at Cleveland; Margaret E., who married William Stratton, residing in Columbiana County: and James A., residing in Berlin township. Mahoning County.

Samuel E. Bradshaw was reared on the

farm he now occupies and through boyhood he attended school at Patmos. He has always devoted himself to the care and cultivation of his land and raises a fine line of agricultural products. Hle married Eliza J. Middleton, a daughter of the late Levi S. Middleton, of Goshen township, and they have three chil- dren, namely : Nellie I., who married Wit- liam A. Mather, residing in Goshen township; Rebecca E., who married Lewis Stratton, re- siding in Goshen township; and Mary E., who resides with her parents.

In politics Mr. Bradshaw is a stanch Re- publican. He is no seeker for public office, but takes a deep interest in all that concerns Goshen township and the permanent welfare of the public. and votes often, in local matters, for the candidate he knows will best carry out the wishes of the people. Ile believes in the benefits which come from good roads and first class schools.

ILLIAM FREDERICK MAAG, manager of the Youngstown l'in- dicator, was born in Ebingen, in the state of Wurtemberg. South- ern Germany, February 28, 1850. He attended the Ebingen schools and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to a printer The full term of apprenticeship was six years: he left, however, at the end of three to come to America. In 1867, directly after his arrival in the United States, he went to Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, where he secured a place on a German paper. the Daily Herold. Shortly afterwards he went to Watertown, Wisconsin, which had become the new home of a great many Germans, and while employed on a paper there met Miss Elizabeth Ducasse, who, in 1872. became his wife.

In 1875, after four years with the Indiana Staats-Zeitung in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mr. Maag came to Youngstown, which has ever since been his home. Upon his arrival he bought the Youngstown Rundschau, a weekly German newspaper, which he still conducts. U'ntil 1887 his experience had been only in

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GEORGE WASHINGTON MILLIKIN

MRS. MARY C. MILLIKIN

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the German field. The Youngstown Vindica- tor being for sale in that year, he bought it, published it for a year by himself and then en- tered into partnership with the late John M. Webb, Mr. Webb acting as editor, Mr. Maag having charge of the business side. A year later, in 1880, Mr. Maag undertook the publi- cation of the Daily Vindicator, organizing a stock company of which he has, from the be- ginning, been business manager and treasurer. Though actively interested in the affairs of the city. he did not hold political office until 1901, when he was nominated by the Demo- cratic party for state representative and elected by the substantial majority of 643, though the rest of the ticket was Republican. He served but one term. His chief care has always been the l'indicator, which, under his direction, has become one of the leading papers of the state.

FORGE WASHINGTON MILLI- KIN, a prosperous farmer of Youngstown township, who oper- ates a dairy farm of 931/2 acres. was born June 5. 1845, in Ontario, Can- ada, and is a son of Alexander and Mary (Miller) Millikin. The father, Alexander Millikin, was born in Ireland, and when a lad of four years his father, also named Alexan- der, died. One year later his mother, Mary Millikin, came to this country with six sons, and settled in Canada, where he was reared and married. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, purchasing a farm of too acres in Bloomfield township, on which he resided for many years. He sub- sequently sold this farm and purchased a tract of 285 acres in the same township, which in 1897. he sold, removing to Burghill, Trum- bull County, Ohio, where he and his wife are still living at the advanced age of 91 and .81 years respectively. Nine children completed their family, namely: George Washington, the subject of this sketch : Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Frank Stambangh; H1. A. Millikin, who resides in Brooklyn, New York ; Robert, a farmer residing in Burghill, Trum-

bull County; William, who is engaged in fanning in Trumbull County; Nettie, who died aged five years; Mary, who died in 1906, was the wife of James T. Minehart; Frank, who resides in Burghill; and Harvey, who follows farming in New York State.

George W. Millikin was reared in Bloom- field township, Trumbull County, and attend- ed the district school, after which he spent three terms at the Western Reserve Seminary at West Farmington. On leaving school he re- turned home and was engaged in farming for some time. He also conducted a meat market in Bloomfield for one year, and one for two years in Youngstown. He then took up farm- ing for one year, when he bought his present farm, where since 1883, he has made a spe- cialty of raising thoroughbred Hereford cattle, which for twenty years he has had on exhibi- tion at county and state fairs from Illinois to Maine, receiving many first premiums and sweepstakes. Since 1906 he has devoted his time exclusively to his dairy.

Mr. Millikin was married January 1, 1872, to Mary J. Creed, a sister of John A. Creed, of whom a full sketch may be found in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Millikin have three children, namely : Mand, who married P. B. Riblet, a farmer of Youngstown township, of whom a sketch appears in this work; Ray C., a resident of Youngstown, who married Nina Crum of Frederick, Maryland, and has one child, Madeline; and Bert, who resides at home. Mr. Millikin is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He belongs to the Methodist Church. Portraits of him- self and wife appear with this sketch.

RED B. KING, funeral director and licensed embalmer, at Youngstown, was born in Mercer County, Ohio, in 1868, and is a son of B. G. King. Mr. King's father was a member of the undertaking firm of Drake & King, which was established in 1807. His death occurred at Youngstown in 1902.

Fred B. King completed his education in

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Mercer County and then was connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad offices at Lawrence Junction for seven years, and for four years was in the purchasing department of the Ohio Steel Company. On the death of his father in 1902 he assumed charge of the business, and he is now manager of the Fred B. King Company. He is also a member of the firm of King Brothers, funeral directors and furni- ture dealers, at Girard. He was married on December 31, 1903. to Mary P. Gibner of Erie, Pennsylvania.

Mr. King is very prominent in Masonry and has served in many official positions in the order. He filled every chair in the Blue Lodge, for two years was an officer in the Chapter, and at present is the recorder in the Commandery. He belongs also to the Odd Fellows, the Protected Home Circle and other societies. For some time he has been a inem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce and of the State Embalming Association. He belongs to Westminster Presbyterian Church, of which he has served as a trustee. His business office is located at No. 29 South Champion street.

E DWARD B. LIDDLE, who is engaged in general farming on a tract of 129 acres, in Poland township, which he owns in partnership with his mother, was born August 15, 1861, on his present farm, and is a son of George and Mary E. ( Kennedy ) Liddle.

George Liddle, grandfather of Edward B., was a native of England, and came to America in 1804. He settled on the land which has re- mained the family home ever since, on which he spent the rest of his life. George Liddle, father of Edward B., was born on this farm, in 1812, and during his boyhood days assisted with the work of clearing. which had been partly done before his father came to it, and after Itis marriage, in 1841, continned to reside on the farm the remainder of his life, his death occurring in October, 1884. at the age of 72 years. He was a general farmer and lumber-

man, and operated the first steam sawmill in this county, building the same in 1843. He married Mary Elizabeth Kennedy, who was born in Coitsville, and was a daughter of James Kennedy. A family of twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Liddle: George, who died in 1853. was accidentally killed in a sawmill; a babe died in infancy ; Sarah C., de- ceased, who was the wife of James B. Mc- Crone; and William, James, David, John B.,. and Charles Fowler, all deceased; Margaret Jane, who married Frank Bradley, of Buffalo; Edward Baker, Lorena E., and Leonora. twins, the former of whom resides with her mother, at Struthers, and the latter of whom is deceased.

Edward B. Liddle was born and reared on his present farm and as a boy was employed in his father's saw mill. After the latter's death, he continued to operate the mill until about 1886. Since 1901 he has been engaged in a wholesale meat busi- ness, having a slaughter-house on his place, and for three years, from 1903 until 1906, he conducted a meat market in Struthers. He still owns the shop and building, but rents it to Kuhn & Allen, who now conduct a market there. The family residence was formerly situated back in the central part of the farm, but George Liddle. built the large frame house in its present desirable location.

Mr. Liddle was united in marriage in April, 1895. to Virginia B. Duncan, who was. horn in Butler County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of William and Cornelia (Carrol) Duncan, the latter of whom was born and reared near Little Mountain, Lake County. Ohio, and died when Mrs. Liddle was eight years old. William Duncan was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, and his second marriage was to Matikdla Fowler. In 1884. when Mrs. Liddle was about 17 years old, Mr. Duncan moved to Poland, where she was sub- sequently married to Mr. Liddle. They have five children, namely: Eleanor. George, Frank, Mary, Elizabeth, and William. Mr. Liddle is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

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ILLIAM H. STRATTON, an

honored veteran of the late Civil War and a prominent citizen of Goshen township, resides on his excellent farm of 48 acres, which is situated in section 10. Mr. Stratton was born in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. August 17, 1845, and is a son of Daniel S. and Angeline ( Phillips) Stratton, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, and the lat- ter in Pennsylvania.

Stacy Stratton, grandfather of William H., was a native of New Jersey, and he came to Goshen township among the early pioneers and lived on the land on which he settled, until his death. Daniel S. Stratton continued to carry on agricultural pursuits, in Goshen township, until his death, which took place alxit 1880.

William H. Stratton was reared in Goshen township and was educated in the schools of Pannos, When 19 years of age. April .18. 1864. he enlisted for service in the Federal army, entering Company L., Sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, the commanding of- ficer being the gallant Philip Sheridan. Mr. Stratton took part in the siege before Peters- burg and Richmond, and was one of General Sheridan's cavalrymen on the field of Appo- mattox, when General Lee surrendered, an oc- casion never to be forgotten by those who were a part of it. Subsequently, Mr. Stratton did guard duty around Petersburg, and finally was honorably discharged July 11. 1865.

After the close of his military service, Mr. Stratton returned to Mahoning County, since which time his main occupation has been car- penter work. He has done a great deal of business all through this part of Mahoning County. He received his farm from his father and cultivates that with good results, but gives the larger part of his time and attention to work at his trade.

On August 8. 1867, Mr. Stratton was married to Edith T. Townsend, who was born in Mahoning County, and is a daughter of the late Jonathan Townsend, of Goshen township. M. and Mrs. Stratton have had six children, as follows : C'Imrles D., deceased : Jonathan T ..

residing at Alliance; Henry L., residing in Goshen township; Sarah A., who married Freeman Hively, residing in Goshen town- ship; Marion F., residing in Goshen township; and Mary F., who married Delmer Baird, residing at Patmos,

Mr. Stratton is a trustee of the Bunker Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, to which both he and wife belong. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, He is a man of high standing in his community.

B. JONES, auditor of the Youngs- town Sheet and Tube Company, at Youngstown, was born at Youngstown, Ohio, in 1854. His father. Thomas Jones, was a well known buikler at Youngstown, for many years. He came to this city from Lisbon, Col- himbiana County, Ohio, in 1832 and was con- cerned in the construction of the locks on the canal. 11e also built a number of the furnaces used in the large plants here. His death oc- curred in 1872.

W. B. Jones has spent his life in this city and has been connected with the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company ever since it began business here. and for the last year has been auditor of its affairs. He is also financially interested in the business as a stockholder. In 1875. Mr. Jones was married to Mary Harris, of Lisbon, Ohio, and they have four chikiren, viz: Helen, Paul Jones, George C. and Robert M. The youngest son is a student at the Rayen School. George C. is a mechanical en- gineer in the office of the Carnegie mills, and is attending the mechanical department at Princeton College.

Paul J. Jones, the eldest son of W. B. Jones, was born in 1880, at Youngstown, graduated from the Rayen High School in 1899, and for about two and a half years was engaged as civil engineer in the construction of railroads and steel plants, work be per- formed during his school vacations. In the fall of 1901. he entered the University of

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 103

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 993