Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 112

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 112

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FORGE B. KINSEY, who, for the past 30 years has resided on his pres- ent farm of 82 acres, which is sit- uated in section 20, Goshen town- ship, is one of the leading men of this locality, in all that pertains to good citi- zenship. He was born in Harrison County, Ohio. August 6, 1845, and is a son of Charles and Sarah ( Binns) Kinsey.

The father of Mr. Kinsey was born in Jef- ferson County, Ohio, and was a son of Aaron Kinsey, who was of English extraction. The mother was born in England and was six years of age when she accompanied her par- ents to America. They resided for a time in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and then came to Ohio and settled in Harrison County.

George B. Kinsey was reared in Harrison County, Ohio, and for a short time attended a most excellent private school conducted by the Society of Friends, to which religious body his parents belonged. Prior to coming to Mahoning County, he taught school for a short time. On May 1. 1879. Mr. Kinsey was

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married to Anna E. Pettit, who is a daughter of Daniel R. and Rebecca W. Pettit, former residents of Goshen township, both now de- ceased.

In politics, being identified with the Re- publican party, he was elected clerk of Goshen township, for several years, on that ticket. Like the other members of his family. Mr. Kinsey is a member of the Society of Friends. Possessing the sterling qualities of mind and character that he does, it is not remarkable that he enjoys, in large degree, the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has been associated so long.

A LBERT R. SHINN, proprietor of Maple Grove Stock Farm, consist- ing of 225 acres of land located in both Mahoning and Columbiana Counties, has resided at No. 108 East Sixth street, Salem, since the fall of 1902. He was born in Perry township, Co- lumbiana County, Ohio, May 3, 1841, and is a son of Abraham and Susanna ( Phillips) Shinn.

The Shinn family was founded in Colum- biana County by William B. Shinn, the grand- father of Albert R., who came to Ohio in 1811, from New Jersey, when Abraham was a small boy. William Shinn settled on the spot which is now the site of the Metzger House, it then being in the dense woods which covered all this land. At that time Salem had but a few indifferent buildings. Mr. Shinn can trace a fine military ancestry. Abraham Jones, a great-grandfather, was a Revolution- ary soldier, and Robert P. Phillips, the ma- ternal grandfather, was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was a son of Robert Phillips, who was also a soldier in the great war for inde- pendence.

Abraham Shinn was born in New Jersey. For a number of years during his active life, he operated a grist and sawmill in Perry town- ship, a short distance from Salem, and later engaged in farming. He was a very familiar figure in this section and was a man whose

advice was often consulted concerning public affairs. He married Susanna Phillips, who was born in Pennsylvania.

Albert R. Shinn was reared in Perry town- ship and attended the district schools. He spent some time at Moore's Academy, at Salem, and later a year at Hiram College. during the period when the late James A. Garfield, President of the United States, was at the head of the educational institution, hav- ing been educated there himself. During the time of the Civil War, Mr. Shinn was heavily engaged in the stock industry, buying cattle for the United States Government and was a partner with Webb & Phillips, a firm then having headquarters at Chicago. From 1858 until 1865, Mr. Shinn continued this partner- ship, since then being engaged in farming and stockraising on his own account.

On the Maple Grove Stock Farm may be found a fine herd of Shorthorn and Holstein cattle, many of them being registered. They are animals worth going far to see and whose money value is to be figured in thousands of dollars. In his efforts to introduce stock of this kind, Mr. Shinn is to be set down as a public benefactor. The business is conducted under the firm name of A. R. Shinn & Son. Harry A. Shinn being the partner and the manager of the farm.

On September 13, 1866, Mr. Shinn was married to Eliza Schilling, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob and Sarah A. (Lewis) Schilling. the latter of whom was born in Delaware, and the former in Wurtemberg, Germany. For a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Schilling lived in Stark County, Jacob Schilling being pro- prietor of a general store at Limaville, but both died at Salem. Mr. and Mrs. Shinn have the following chillren: Donna A., wife of T. J. Thomas, residing at Greenville, Pennsyl- vania: Mary E., who married John W. Lease. residing at Salem: Lucy H., who married Frank J. Yengling, residing at Salem: Arta E. residing at home: Harry A., residing on the farm.

Prior to moving to his present residence, Mr. Shinn lived for a number of years on the

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LOUIS HELLER

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Maple Grove Stock Farm, and while located in Perry township he was a member of the school board. Politically he is a Republican. MIrs. Shinn is a member of the Disciples Church at Salem.

J. FITZ SIMONS. general mana- ger of the Finished Steel Com- pany, at Youngstown, Ohio, oc- cupies a very important position with one of the great corporations of the times.

The Finished Steel Company, of this city, was organized on May 15, 1895, and on June 1. following, the plant was sold to the Fitz Simons people, of Cleveland. The officers are: T. G. Fitz Simons, president ; R. F. Fitz Sim- ons, of Chicago, vice-president ; James R. Fitz Simons, treasurer ; and W. J. Fitz Simons, general manager. T. G. and J. R. Fitz Sim- ons are in charge of the plant at Cleveland, and R. F. Fitz Simons is the Western agent and is located at Chicago. The company man- ufactures all special shapes of drawn steel products, the four staples being round, flat. hexagon and square. They have 50 employes at the Youngstown plant.

W. J. Fitz Simons was married in 1899, to Helen G. Conley, of Cleveland, and they have three children. Helen, Susan and W. J., Jr. Mr. Fitz Simons is connected with var- ious business organizations and he belongs to the fraternal order of Elks.

P ROSSER S. CAMPBELL, president of the Campbell Bros. Company, at Youngstown, dealers in coal, stone. feed and builders' supplies, and owners of a valuable stone quarry. is one of the city's representative and success- fnl business men. He was born at Hubbard. Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1869.

Mr. Campbell was reared from infancy. in Mahoning County, and was educated at Hazelton and Youngstown. For some three 46

years after completing his education, he was connected with the Hazelton postoffice and then was employed in the shipping department of the Andrews Brothers rolling mills. He remained at the mills about eight years, go- ing then to the Youngstown Engineering Company for 18 months before engaging. in May, 1902, in his present enterprise. The Campbell Bros, Company was incorporated in May, 1905, with a capital stock of $10,000, with P. S. Campbell as president, and B. R. Campbell, a brother, as secretary and treas- nrer, the title of the firm having formerly been Campbell Brothers. The business is one' of large scope. Employment is given 20 niet and ten teams are kept busy. Mr. Campbell is also interested in the Pennsylvania Fuel Company.

In 1899, Mr. Campbell was married to Lida Davis, of Youngstown. They have two children. Mary Louise and Elizabeth. With his family. Mr. Campbell belongs to the P'res- byterian Church.

L OUIS HELLER, president of the Hel- ler Brothers Company, president of The Hiwannee Lumber Company, di- rector of The Home Savings & Loan Company, of Youngstown, Ohio. is one of the leading business men and public spirited citizens of this community. Mr. Hel- ler was born in Switzerland in the year 1855, and was reared in the planing mill and lum- ber business, his father being an extensive contractor and mill operator.

In 1880 the name of Heller first became prominent in the business circles of Youngs- town. two brothers, Louis and Adolph Heller, establishing a general contracting business here. In 1888 they bought out the planing mill and lumber yard of Ellis & Cunningham, at the foot of Market street. Their business increasing every year, they acquired the plant formerly known as the Mower & Reaper Works, and in 1902 selling the same to The Win, Tod Company. they bought the place known as the Fagle Furnace Company's prop-

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city at the end of the West Rayen avenue and Furnace street, on which they built their present large planing mill, equipping same with all modern appliances, establishing an up-to-date humber yard, and placing them- selves in a position to do the largest contract- ing business in the Mahoning Valley. The Heller Brothers Company was incorporated in 1891, with a capital stock of $40,000.00, which has been increased to $200,000.00. The officers of the company are: Louis Heller. president : Adolph Heller, vice-president : and Joseph T. Murphy, secretary and treasurer.

. Louis Heller was married in Switzerland to Ida Graack, and they have four children, namely: Louis, Jr., with the Heller Brothers i his home in Massillon. Ohio. August 17. 1906, Company ; Rosina, Walter and Ernest, still in | being in his 75th year at this time.

school. Mr. Heller and family belong to the First Reform Church. A portrait of Mr. Hel- ler may be seen on an adjoining page of this volume.

D AVID STEINER, who has been a resi- dent of Youngstown for the past 21 years, is one of the most successful and prominent members of the Ma- honing County Bar. He was born in 1875. Mr. Steiner is a self-made man in the trnest sense of the word. Having the mis- fortune to lose an arm when a boy. he started in life as a newshoy in Youngstown, and later in New York City. His parents moved to Youngstown when he was a lad of ten years. He was educated in the public schools and graduated from the High School in 1896. He at once entered the New York Law school from which he graduated in 1808. Returning to Youngstown he studied for two years in the office of M. A. Norris & Wirt and was ad- mitted to the bar at Columbus in December, 1900. He immediately located in Youngs- town and with the exception of a few months when he was associated with Mr. Esterly, has practiced alone. His reputation is that of a lawyer of ability and a counsellor whose ad- vice may be safely followed. Mr. Steiner has long taken an active interest in politics. He is a member of the Modern Maccabees, the

Fraternal Order of Eagles, and of the Path- tinders. He is also a member of the Youngs. town Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Steiner's parems, who are still living, are residents of Youngstown, where his father is engaged in the tailoring business.

ILLIAM MARLOW, deceased, was one of the best known and highly esteemed citizens of Goshen town- ship, and was an honored survivor of the great Civil War. He was born in England, June 3. 1831, and died at

Thomas Marlow. father of William, emi- grated with his family from England to the United States, in 1841, his father, William Marlow, having emigrated still earlier and set- tled in what is now Goshen township. Mahon- ing County. His log cabin was one of the first to be built in the dense forest that then covered all this present smiling agricultural expanse. For a time. Thomas Marlow and family lived alone in Goshen township, and then moved to an equally unsettled portion of Ashtabula Connty, and there the late William Marlow was mainly reared and lived until he entered the Federal army. His father had purchased a great deal of land and he assisted in its clear- ing. The whole family endured many pioneer hardships and were deprived of all the hixuries and many of the necessities which make nudler life comfortable.

On October 6, 1862. Mr. Marlow enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming a mem- ber of Company E. Sixth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, a part of the Army of the Potomac, and remained in the service umtil he was honorably discharged. June 27. 1865. at Petersburg. Virginia. During this long period in the army, Mr. Marlow participated in a number of the greatest battles of the war, fighting at Fredericksburg, Stoneman's Raid, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Cold Harbor. Malvern Hill. and numerous other engagements of minor importance, and was at Appomattox, at

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the time of General Lee's surrender. At all times he was a brave and cheerful soldier, doing his full duty. He was a valued mem- 1 er of the Trescott Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Salem, Ohio,

At the close of his military service, Mr. Marlow returned to Ohio, and later went to Michigan, where he resided for several years, after which he returned once more to Mahon- ing County and settled in Goshen township. where he resided for a number of years. His death removed one of Goshen township's valued citizens.

Mr. Marlow was married twice and the two surviving children of his first marriage are: John, residing in California, and Dora, residing near Cleveland. He was married ( second) to Mary A. Hinchman, who was born in Goshen township, April 14, 1833. and is a daughter of Henry and Tamson (Spen- cer) Hinchman. Her father was born in New Jersey and came to Mahoning County with his father, Henry Hinchman, among the very early settlers. Mrs. Marlow still survives and is a lady well known and most highly es- teemed. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ENRY O. BONNELL. Closely identi- fied with all of the prominent busi- ness interests of Youngstown, and of the whole Mahoning Valley, the late Henry O. Bonnell attained his emi- nent position in the business world through force of merit, rising step by step from the lowest position in his father's mill, to the con- trol of thousands of employes and immense industries which influence the markets of the world. He was born January 11. 1839. at New Lay, Yorkshire, England, and was a son of William and Sarah \. (Scott) Bonnell. Biographical mention of his father. and also of his brother, W. Scott Bonnell, may be found elsewhere in this volume.

Before Henry O. Bonnell was old enough to choose his own career, his parents had emj- grated to America and the father had estab -;

lished himself in a mill business at Youngs- town. Henry was the eldest child and his educational opportunities were meager. being practically confined to a little desultory in- struction in the neighborhood schools and one term at Youngstown. When he entered his father's mill, there were other lads of the same age admitted, but few of these displayed llenry's ability or fidelity and very few were as rapidly promoted for merit. Upon the death of his father he was in a position to take a prominent place in the recognized firm of Brown, Bonnell & Company. becoming its rice-president. This position he retained un- til 1879. when the company disposed of its interests but only to reorganize under different canlitions. Later in the same year, Mr. H. O. Bonnell, in association with a member of Mahoning County capitalists, purchased what was known as the Valley mill plant, situated on Crab Creek. The new firm, of which Mr. Bonnell was a senior member, operated this plant under the firm name of the Mahoning Valley Iron Company until 1886, when the company was incorporated, Mr. Bonnell be- coming president and general manager. This responsible position he continued to fill until his death, which took place on January 16, 1893.

Although Mr. Bonnell's name was prob- ably most prominently connected with the above named great corporation, he was equally efficient in many other great enterprises. He was president of the Hubbard Rolling Mill Company, president of the Mahoning and Shenango Valley Manufacturing Association, chairman of the Youngstown Coke Company. a director in the Ohio Steel Company. a direc- tor in the Lakeside Nail Company. of Ham- mond. Indiana, and a director in the First Nat- ional Bank at Youngstown. Wherever placed, Mr. Bonnell proved himself a forcible, keen, judicious business man, abreast of the times in all things and an authority in all matters with which he had to deal. His devotion to work was phenomenal, and probably to this, in a measure. must be attributed the cause of his death.

In October, 1870, Mr. Bonnell was mar-

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ried to Mary Julia Botsford. who was a daughter of Archibald and Eliza (Lynn) Botsford, old residents of Poland. Four chil- dren were born of this marriage, three daugh- ters and one son. The son died in New York City, March 2, 1886. The eldest daughter Mary, resides with her mother at the beauti- ful family home. No. 680 Wick Avenue, Youngstown.

Mr. Bonnell was never a politician. His interest in public affairs was constant and in- telligent, but never centered in the advancing of a political party without reference to the qualifications of the candidate. He was too broad-minded for that. Youngstown has great cause to recall him as one of its liberal bene- factors. He was interested in art, in litera- ture and in many of the higher things of life, to which he gave attention in his later years, and his city profited thereby. To philan- thropic objects of all kinds he was generous but it was not the character of the man to herald his benefactions abroad. Personally he was genial, sincere, kind and appreciative and, while the whole Mahoning Valley bore testi- mony to his virtues, at his death, only those who knew him best. realized his real worth.

HI. BUECHNER, M. D., surgeon to the Youngstown City Hospital and to the Erie Railroad Company, is one of the city's best qualified surgical practitioners. He was born at Youngstown, Ohio, in May, 1864, and is a son of the late Dr. W. L. Buechner, who died at Youngstown in September, 1904. In the latter's death Mahoning County lost a valued citizen, and a skilled physician and sur- gen who was known and trusted all through this section of the State. Born in Germany, he was educated in his own land, coming in 1854 to Youngstown, where the rest of his life was spent.

W. H. Buechner spent his boyhood attend- ing school at Youngstown, and completed his literary education in the Rayen High School. Ile read medicine with his distinguished father

and then entered the medical department of the Western Reserve University, where he was graduated in 1885. After a post-graduate course at the University of Pennsylvania, he spent four years in Europe, during three years of this time being assistant to Professor Von Volkman, the celebrated surgeon at Halle. Germany. Here at the University Hospital he had exceptional advantages for study, 10,- 000 surgical cases being treated annually. in 1890 he returned to Youngstown, and since then has devoted himself to the practice of his profession. He is a valued member of the Ma- honing County, the Ohio State and the Am- erican Medical Associations. He is very prom- inent in Masonry, being a 32nd degree Mason and is affiliated with the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, at Youngstown, and to the other branches at Cincinnati. He also belongs to the Elks.

A BEI. P. LLOYD. one of the substan- tial and leading farmers of Canfield township, and owner of 2181/2 acres of land in Mahoning County, was born August 18, 1844, in Goshen township. Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin and Catura (Peterson) Lloyd.

Benjamin Lloyd, who was born and reared on his father's farm in Bucks County, Penn- sylvania, was a son of David Lloyd, whose father came to America from Scotland at a very early period. Benjamin had one sister. Benjamina, who married Joshua Stevenson. both of whom are deceased. Whet. a young man, Benjamin came to Ohio with his par- ents who settled in the timber lands of Goshen township, Mahoning County, in a log cabin. He was married in this township to Catura Peterson, who was born in New Jersey and who came to Ohio with her father, Abel Peter- son. They reared a family of seven children: namely : Joel, a resident of Texas; David, who ‹lied in the Civil War: John, who resides in Goshen township: Abel is the subject of this sketch; Eliza, married Robert Campbell. both

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being now deceased; William, resides in Goslien township; James is a resident of Mich- igan. Benjamin was one of the most success- ful and prosperous farmers of Goshen town- ship and at the time of his death, which oc- curred when in his 84th year, was the owner of 150 acres of valuable farm land. His wife died at the age of 80 years.

Abel Lloyd was born in an old log house on his father's farm in Goshen township, where he was reared. He attended school at Goshen Center, it being one of the first frame schools erected in this locality. He remained at home until his marriage in 1875 and four years later bought his present farm of 96/2 acres from the Phillip Lynn estate, where he has since resided, engaged in general farming. Mr. Lloyd resides in a large eight-room frame house which he had built in 1902, and he also owns a tract of 122 acres in Boardman town- ship, just opposite from his home.

Mr. Lloyd was married in 1875 on Christ- mas day to Lucinda Cronick, who was born in 1857 in Berlin township, and is a daughter of Michael and Margaret ( Knauff ) Cronick, both of whom are deceased. the latter dying when her children were all quite young. Mrs. Lloyd was one of a family of seven children: Lydia Ammm ( Mrs. William Walker) ; Sarah, who married Frank Barber : David: Enrmnel: Lu- cinda, now Mrs. Lloyd; Joseph, and Amanila ( Mrs. John Recker). Two children were born 10 Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd. Nellie and Effie. Nellie first married Joseph Shaffer, by whom she had one child. Pearl: she subsequently married Marcus Rice and lives at home with her parents: Efe died in top2 aged 18 years. Politically Mr. Lloyd is a Republican and has serve.l as supervisor of Canfield township.

EORGE WASHINGTON RIPPLE. general contractor and farmer, re- siding on his valuable farm of 235 acres, which is situated in Ansti.1- town township, about eight miles southwest of Youngstown, was born on his father's farm in Austintown township. Mahon-

ing County, Ohio, October 7, 1843. His par- ents were Sammel and Eve (Gilbert ) Ripple.

The Ripple family was established in Ma- honing County by John Ripple, the grand- father of George W., who came to this section from Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, where he had formerly owned a large farm. His first set- tlement was made in Poland township, but in 1827 he sold his farm there and moved to Aus- tintown township, he, Mr. Russell and Mr. Kirkpatrick being the first three settlers. They had many hardships to meet and overcome. the country then being in such a wild state that often, in clearing their land they had to pro- tect themselves from wolves which roamed in great bands through the forests. John Ripple married Susan Harroff, who, with him lived to old age, their lives having been filled with the events which all pioneers encounter. They died in Austintown township, good and worthy people. They had a family of eight children, as follows: Samuel, William, George, John, Amanda, Lydia, Betsey aud Lealı, all of whom are deceased, with the exception of I.ealı. who is the widow of Daniel Craver.

Samuel Ripple, father of George W., was horn in Poland township, Mahoning County. Ohio, April 11. 1814, and he grew to manhood on the Austintown township farm. He fol- lowed agricultural pursuits and did consider- able contracting at various times, in the line of stone work tor bridges. He assisted his father greatly, being the eldest, in clearing ap the pioneer farm, and his son remembers one method used. Instead of entting down trees and extracting the great roots by hand labor. there be'ng no nrichinery yet invented for that matrpose. the workers would so deaden the trees that a strong wind would blow them down. . \ long time wild frequently pass before the blackene.1 stumps conkl be taken out of the spil.

Samuel Ripple was married tfirst ) to Eve Gilbert, who was a daughter of Jacob Gilbert, who was also a pioneer of this township. She died in 1863. The children born to this mar- riage were: John, George W., Samuel, de- cease.]: Jacob, Jeremiah, who was never heard from after starting for the Klondyke regions

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in 1901; Angeline, who married Jacob Ohl; Catherine, who is the widow of John Planton; Susan, who married Newton Petry; Mary, who married Peter C. Schrum; Sarah, de- ceased, who married Nicholas Harber ; and Lydia Margaret, deceased. Samuel Ripple was married (second) to Mary Ann Rorak, who was born in Austintown township, and died October 29, 1906. There were seven children born to this union, namely: Grant, who died in infancy ; Emery Dow, Sankey S., Moody; William, deceased; Hattie, who mar- ried William Green; and Lorinda, who died in childhood. Samuel Ripple died on his home farm. April 19, 1888.

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 112

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