Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 116

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 116

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Mr. Knauf has been active in township pol- itics for a number of years and has served for a considerable period as trustee, being elected on the Republican ticket. He is a valuable member of the township school board and takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the advancement of education in his community. He is a member of the F. & A. M. at Can- field.

A B. GILMORE, whose extensive op- erations in real estate at Youngstown have covered some fifteen years, has been identified with the interests of this city for almost a half century. He was born at Gustavus, Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1846, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth ( Detchon) Gilmore.

The mother of Mr. Gilmore was of English ancestry. Her family settled in Boardman township, Mahoning County, prior to 1803. She died when her son was but four years old, and was survived by Mr. Gilmore for but little more than a year.

The subjec. of .his sketch was thus left an orphan at a tender age. He was taken into the home of an nncle, Elijah Detchon, of Board- man township, where he remained until the marriage of one of his cousins, now Mrs. Joseph Williamson, when he went to live with her in Youngstown. There he was reared and educated and was a pupil in the High School at Youngstown. As soon as he was old enough he made himself useful in many ways, working at the kinds of employment then open to indus- trious youths and thus providing for his own support. He then made his way to Kansas, where he was employed for two years in a res- taurant and bakery business. Upon his return to Youngstown, he embarked in a grocery business for some three years. Mr. Gilmore then began to deal in stock and for about 20 years was a large buyer and seller. Since clos- ing out his stock business he has given his ex-

clusive attention to real estate and for the past 15 years has been one of the largest dealers in this locality. He has platted a number of streets in this city, and one place of 28 lots on which he built seven houses, and has dis- posed of the larger number of the lots. He handles only his own property and superit- tends its improvement.

In 1872, Mr. Gilmore was married to Mary J. McKinnie, of Youngstown, who is a daugh- ter of James and Hannah McKinnie, who were among the early settlers of this section. They have two children, Ellen D., and Nettie H., young ladies residing at home, who are prominent in the city's social life.

For the past 20 years Mr. Gilmore and family have been members of the First Chris- tian Church, in which he is an elder, having at various times been trustee and treasurer. He has fraternal connections with the United Workmen and the Heptasophs.

About 1798, the Detchon family came to America.

JOHN S. FORD, who for a number of years was prominently identified with many of the leading business interests of Youngstown, was born September 5, 1856, at Omaha, Nebraska, and died April 8, 1893, in Florida, whitcher he had gone in the hope of regaining his health. His parents were Gen. James H. and Arabella (Stambaugh) Ford, and his grandparents on the maternal side were John and Saralı ( Bower) Stambaugh, early pioneers of Ma- honing County.

After completing his education in the pub- lic schools of Youngstown, where he acquitted himself creditably, John S. Ford learned basi- ness methods with his uncle, the late John Stambaugh. He possessed the natural ability to successfully apply these business methods in his own business life. In the course of events he became interested in the commercial life of Youngstown, where he was one of the original promoters of what is now the Youngstown Dry Goods Company, formerly the firm of

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Stitt & Schmidt. He became a prominent fac- tor of this company and was president of the Opera House Company. He was also largely interested as a stockholder in the Union Iron and Steel Company and the Falcon Nail & Iron Company, both of Youngstown, and in various mining enterprises of the far West. He was unusually successful in business and had a particularly bright future before him, but was removed from the scene of his labors in the prime of life.

Mr. Ford was deeply interested in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association and was always ready to contribute time, money and effort for the purpose of advancing the nsefulness of this organization. It was mainly due to his efforts and assistance that the pres- ent beautiful building of the association was erected at Youngstown. There are other mon- unments to his memory, not less enduring though not built of stone or marble, but they are enshrined in the hearts of hundreds to whom, quietly and mostentatiously he gave encouragement, sympathy and material bene- fits, as the occasion demanded. Personally he was beloved, respected and admired, for he

possessed the engaging qualities which inspire affection and regard. Although primarily a business man, travel in his own and foreign lands had broadened his outlook and brought about an appreciation of art, literature and music. To intimate friends and those who en- joyed the hospitality of his home he was known as a man of refined culture and engag- ing personality.

On June 8. 1887. Mr. Ford was married to Harriet Wick, a daughter of the late Paul and Susan A. (Bull) Wick, of Youngstown. ller father was born October t, 1824, in Ma- honing County, Ohio. He was a son of Ilenry and Hannah ( Baldwin) Wick, who were mar- ried December 11, 1794, and soon thereafter took up their residence in Washington County. Pennsylvania. where Henry Wick engaged in mercantile business until 18or. when he re- moved to Youngstown. Ohio, his father-in- law. Caleb Baldwin, having preceded him. He re-embarked in business here and in the follow-

ing year brought his family. His store on the southeast corner of the Diamond on the corner of Federal and Phelps streets, was a land-mark for over 40 years. Henry Wick died Novem- ber 4. 1845, and was survived by his wife until 1849.

ENRY J. LEEWORTHY, general contractor, who is located at No. 16. Marion street, Youngstown, was born in England, February, 1867. and was five years old when be accompanied his parents to America. They located in Trum- bull County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated.

Mr. Leeworthy was engaged in mill work until about 22 years of age and then learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until he took up contracting. for a time being con- nected with the Valley Lumber Company. He has been in business at Youngstown for the past seven years, and has been interested in a large amount of the important building oper- ations going on in the city, working as a gen- eral contractor. In 188g. Mr. Leeworthy was married to Susie E. Swift, of Warren, Ohio, and they have one child, Mabel E. Mr. Lee- worthy belongs to the order of Foresters and the American Insurance Union. He is a prom- inent member of the Third Christian Church, being chairman and secretary of its official board. Both as a business man and a private citizen. he stands very high in the community.

J ACOB WARREN. JR., a well-known citizen and representative farmer of Goshen township, who also conducts a ixxjern dairy business on his fine farm of 90's acres, which is situated in section 4. has been established on his pres- ent place since the spring of 1896. He was horn May 5. 1870. in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, and is a son of Jacob and Magda- lena Warren.

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The mother of Mr. Warren died in Switz- erland when he was an infant, but his father still survives, having passed his 60th year, and resides in Smith township, Mahoning County. He brought. his children to America, when Jacoh was 14 years of age, and settled in Stark County, Ohio. There the youth grew up to manhood, and obtained his English education. He has always carried on agricultural pursuits and has given much attention to dairying. His farm is well stocked and his Holstein cattle are of the best blood. . Ile gives them much care and takes a justifiable pride in them.

In March, 1896, Mr. Warren was married to Mary Warren, who was born near his old home in Switzerland. This estimable lady is a great help to her husband in carrying on his large business, she having been reared by a careful mother to be a good housekeeper. Mr. Warren takes no active interest in politics, but he may always be counted on to support meas- ures in his township looking to the improve- ment of the public schools, the establishing of churches and the building of good roads. He believes in the growing of the best cattle and the use of good machinery and his example is followed by a number of his fellow farmers and dairymen. From his dairy many residents of Salem are supplied.

7 J. SCHOLL, president of The W. J. Scholl Company, at Youngs- town, plumbers and gas fitters, was born at Youngstown, West- moreland County, Pennsylvania, and was seven years of age when he accom- panied his parents, by way of the canal, to Youngstown, Ohio.

Until he was 13 years old. Mr. Scholl at- tended school, but then he was deemed old enough to earn his own living and he began work for John Manning, in a nursery. Later he worked for a year in the nail mill and then operated an engine in the Turner Spike Works for 18 months. In 1873. he first entered into the plumbing business in which he has been

interested ever since. After one year alone, he admitted Jack Semple to a partnership and later William Semple took the latter's place. In 1906, the latter sold his interest to Mr. Scholl. In 1900, the business had been incor- porated as the Scholl-Semple Company and capitalized at $60,000. W. J. Scholl became president; T. A. Harris, vice-president ; and E. G. Cronick, secretary and treasurer. In the current year the name of the firm was changed to The W. J. Scholl Company. This company does a large business, having a plant at No. 116 Market street. It operates a machine shop and makes a specialty of high pressure heavy pipe fitting.

In 1885, Mr. Scholl was married to Della Davis, a daughter of Abraham Davis, of Sharon, Pennsylvania. They have one daughter, Mary, who is the wife of Morgan Whitehead, who is a grandson of Owen Evans, one of the Welsh pioneers of Mahon- ing County. Mr. Scholl is connected with the Masonic fraternity and is also an Elk.

S AMUEL W. ROLLER, formerly an extensive farmer and successful fruit- grower, of Green township, was one of the most highly esteemed residents of this section, in which his long and useful life of 77 years was passed. Mr. Roller was born in Green township. Mahoning County, Ohio, April 30. 1825, and died in the same place, March 30, 1902. His parents were Michael and Isabel (Calvin) Roller, the former of whom was born in Tennessee and the latter in Virginia. Michael Roller, father of Samuel W., probably accompanied his par- ents to Green township as family records say that his brother Isaac was the first white male child horn here.

Samuel W. Roller was reared in Green township and obtained a district school edu- cation, after which he devoted himself exclu- sively to agricultural pursuits. In addition to farming and stock-raising, he was much in- terested in the growing of fruits and was one

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of the best informed horticulturists in this sec- tion. On November 3, 1855, Mr. Roller was married to Sarah E. Hole, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 29, 1832, and is a daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Arm- strong) Hole. Her father was born in Vir- ginia and her mother in Delaware. In their youth they had accompanied their respective parents to Columbiana County, where the Holes and Armstrongs are listed with the earliest settlers and most respected pioneers.

There were nine children born to Samuel W. Roller and wife, the seven surviving being as follows : Elvira J., who married Oliver S. Walter, residing at Greenford; Melissa M., who is the widow of Dr. J. H. Calvin, who was a prominent physician of Salem; Arthur C., residing in Columbiana County; Anna L., who married Jacob Cook, of Salem; Ida I., residing with her mother at Greenford; and Charles J. and Ernest I., both residing in Green township.

In political views, Mr. Roller was a Repub- lican, and was elected to the office of township trustee on several occasions. Mrs. Roller re- sides with her daughter, at Greenford, where she has a wide social acquaintance and many friends. She is a member of the Disciples Church,

W. DAVIS. Prominent among the business men of Youngstown is H. W. Davis, who has, perhaps. been more extensively engaged here in handling valuable real estate than any other individual. He is manager of the Southi End Lumber Company and other important business connections. Mr. Davis was born at Youngstown. Ohio, in 1843. and is a son of Ebenezer Davis.

Ebenezer Davis died in 1876. He had crossed the plains to California, in 1840. met with good success and on his return. located at Youngstown, where he was a coal operator for a number of vears.

HI. W. Davis was reared and educated in his native city. He entered the Brown-Bonnell rolling mill when little more than a boy. and

remained with that firm for 11 years. Mr. Davis then embarked in an insurance and real estate business, the former branch of which he has discontinued. He deals mainly in city prop- erty, buys large tracts and plats and after in- proving, sells to great advantage. He has erected fully 150 residences in this city and has done much to add to the beauty and value of every tract of land that he has handled. Aside from his personal business he lias been one of the city's most progressive and enter- prising men. He promoted and organized the Mahoning Abstract Company : promoted and helped organize the Banner Electric Company, of which he is still a stockholder ; was one of the reorganizers of the Mineral Ridge Manu- facturing Company, manufacturers of coal mine supplies, a very successful enterprise, of which he is a director and stockholder ; he also promoted the South End Lumber Company, of which he is the manager. On September 10. 1887, he was married to Lenora Thulen, who is a daughter of Henry Thulen, an old resident of this city. They have two children, Helen and Fred.

Politically. Mr. Davis is a Republican and a prominent member of the party in this sec- tion. In 1889, he was elected recorder of Ma- honing County, and in 1895, he was again elected to the same office. At the late Repub- lican State convention held at Columbus, he was sent as a delegate from this section.

R EV. CHARLES F. MIDDLETON, who belongs to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is also one of the representative business men of Goshen township, largely in- terested in the sawmill industry, Mr. Middle- ton was born December 1. 1862, on the farm of 35 acres on which he resides and owns. which is situated in Goshen township, not far from the village of Patmos, He is a son of Levi S. and Elizabeth (Meridith ) Middleton.

The parents of Mr. Middleton were born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and came to Mahoning County some 60 years ago, settling

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on the farm in section 4, on which their son resides, when all this land was covered with forest. Levi S. Middleton became one of the township's most useful citizens and when his death occurred the whole community felt the loss. His widow still survives, having reached her 86th year. Of their children, six survive, namely : Elwood O., residing in Montcalm County, Michigan; Beulah, wife of George Hinchman, residing in Goshen township; Conley T., a resident of Marshall County, Indiana; Eliza J., wife of Samuel E. Brad- shaw, residing in Goshen township; William L., residing at Patmos, Ohio, which is the home also of his venerable mother; and Charles F. Levi S. Middleton was a member vi the Friends Church.

Charles F. Middleton was reared in Goshen township and all his early associations center around his present home, on which he has lived all his life. His education was ob- tained in the public schools at Patinos, and his theological training has been secured through a thorough course of religious reading and a close study of those subjects which pertain to the advancement of the human race, During his younger years he lived on the farm and as- sisted in its development, but later found him- self better fitted for work in other directions. He learned the carpenter's trade and for a time engaged in contracting for stone culvert work, afterwards becoming interested in lumbering. For several years he bought timber and cut and hauled logs, and for the past four years has been operating a portable sawmill. He is a man of excellent business ability and through his honorable and upright methods, has estab- lished a wide reputation for sterling integrity.

Mr. Middleton was married (first) to Wilma A. Templin, who was a daughter of James W. Templin, formerly of Goshen town- ship. To this marriage two children were born : Mary O .. who married Clyde Owens, residing in Goshen township; and Carrie E .. who married Homer Greenamyre, residing in Goshen township. Mr. Middleton was mar- ried (second) to Rilda Stallsmith, who is a daughter of the late Allen Stallsmith, of Ells-

worth township, and they have had three chil- dren, the two survivors being : Florence B. and Pant M. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ILLIAM POWELL, general super- intendent of the sewerage system, at Youngstown, is a careful and efficient public officer. He was born in Wales, in 1858, and he was four years of age when his parents brought him to America and to Youngstown.

Mr. Powell was reared and educated in this city and as soon as his age permitted, he en- tered the rolling mills of the Brown-Bonnell Company. He remained with that concern from 1869 until 1893. when he was appointed to his present position, one of large importance in a city the size of Youngstown.

On August 26, 1887, Mr. Powell was mar- ried to Kate Francis, who died on February 8, 1905. She is survived by three children, namely : Francis M., William Edward and Hannalı.

Mr. Powell has been a very active member of the Republican party for a number of years and he was present at both National conven- tions which nominated the late President Mc- Kinley. He is a member of the Foraker Re- publican Club. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and an Odd Fellow. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church,

THOMAS J. HELRIGLE, foreman of the Youngstown Carriage and Wagon Company, an important busi- ness concern at Youngstown, has been identified with the interests of this city for the past 21 years. He was born at Dayton, Ohio, October 5, 1850.

Thomas J. Helrigle was reared and edu- cated at Dayton, where he resided until he was 21 years of age, in the meanwhile having learned the trade of carriage trimmer. This

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he worked at up to 1885 in different parts of Ohio and in Indiana and Kentucky, but in the latter year he came to Youngstown and entered the employ of the Youngstown Carriage and Wagon Company, taking charge of the trim- ming department. He was made foreman and has filled this position ever since. Mr. Hel- rigle has some investments in other industries at Youngstown and has manufacturing in- terests in the West. Since taking up his resi- dence in this city, he has proven himself a first- class citizen. at present is a member of the board of education and has served for two years as a member of the city council.

In August. 1874. Mr. Helrigle was mar- ried. at Xenia, Ohio, to Nellie Clevell, and they have two sons, Thomas E., who is a traveling salesman, and Emil B., who is a student at the Rayen High School. For many years Mr. Helrigle has been a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Shrine. He is past master of Western Star Lodge of the Youngstown Chapter, and has been secretary since 1893. He is also an active member of the Elks.

OSEPH F. REDMAN, whose progres- sive methods and excellent agricul- cultural management, have made his 100 acres of fine land in section 33. one of the best farms in Goshen town- ship. is a native of Smith township, Mahoning County, Ohio, where he was born December 25, 1867. His parents were Daniel 1), and Emma (Fuhr) Rednian.

The father of Mr. Redman, who died when Joseph F. was a child, was a native of Penn- sylvania. He married Emma Fuhr, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and after the birth of Joseph F., the family settled in Knox township, in the above county. The mother still resides there, having contracted a second marriage, with John Wagner. Mr. Wagner has one sister, Mary A., who married B. B. Lewis, and resides in Smith township.

Joseph F. Redman was reared to maturity in Knox township and there secured a common

school education. His business training has been entirely along agricultural lines and he has made farming his main occupation. He has many progressive ideas which he has put into practice and his land is thus made more valuable. He carries on general farming and stockraising. On January 26. 1903, Mr. Red- man was married to Anna C. Oesch, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 20, 1874, and is a daughter of Ulrich and Eliz- abeth (Denny) Oesch. Her parents were na- tives of Switzerland and were early settlers in Columbiana County. Mr. and Mrs. Redman have five children : Elsie M .. Ernest O., Leon- ard D .. Sarah E., and Arthur L. Mr. and Mrs. Redman are members of the Reform Church. In politics, Mr. Redman is a Repub- lican. He has never accepted any office except that of school director, serving as such because he is much interested in the public school sys- tem. He is a man of sterling character and has the confidence and esteem of his neighbors.

e HARLES F. MATTESON, who has been a resident of Mahoning County for the past 25 years, is engaged in the real estate and insurance busi- ness at 205 West Federal street, Youngstown, Ohio. He was born in Medina County, Ohio, in 1856, and was reared and ed- neated in that county, after which he worked for a time in his father's store. His father, Horace E. Matteson, was the first agent of the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company which was organized in 1848, and from 1865 to 1881 he had the agency for Mahoning County, but in 1881 he gave it up to his son Charles, the subject of this notice.

After Mr. Matteson took the agency for the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Company he first located in Canfield, Mahoning County, but soon after moved to Youngstown, where he has since been the representative of that company. and is also engaged to some extent in the real estate business. Mr. Matteson is perhaps ac- quainted with more men in Mahoning County

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than any other man in the county. He is vice-president of the Las Tunas Citrus Fruit Company, of Cuba, of which his son Clark H., is superintendent. The latter is now located in Cuba.

Mr. Matteson was first married in 1882 to Miss Florence Stone ; she died in 1902 leav- ing one son, Clark H., above mentioned. He married, second, in 1904. Fidelia Ripple. Fraternally, Mr. Matteson is connected with Youngstown Lodge No. 403. I. O. O. F., of Youngstown, and is also a member of the Camp and Canton, and a past grand of the or- der. He is a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church.

F. DUESING, one of the old estab- lished merchants at Youngstown, who has been identified with mercantile life here for the past 35 years. was born in Germany and is a- son of Frederick Dnesing, who still survives and resides at Youngstown.

Mr. Duesing was two years old when he accompanied his parents to America. They lived for three years at New Castle. Pennsyl- vania, and then came to Youngstown, where H. F. was reared to manhood and was given a gend education in the public schools. Af- ter serving for about a year and a half, with the firm of E. M. MeGillen Company, in 1890 he engaged in mercantile business at No. 2246 West Federal street. In addition to this busi- ness. Mr. Dnesing operates a branch grocery store on llighland street. He has various

other interests, being a stockhohler in a um- ; came to Youngstown. He was connected with

ber of successful enterprises.

In 1803. Mr. Duesing was married to Bertha Bayer, who is a daughter of Capt. Jolm Bayer, and they have two children, Vera May and Frederick il. The family belongs to the First Lutheran Church.

Politically Mr. Duesing has always been an active Democrat and on numerous occasions has been signaliy honored by his party. He has filled a position on the board of educa- tion as the choice of both Democrats and Re-

publicans. He is president of the State board of Retail Grocers' Association. Fraternally he is a Scottish Rite Mason and belongs also to the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pyth- ias and the Elks.

P JERKINS BROTHERS. proprietors of The Perkins Hardware & Roofing Co., one of the leading business firms at Youngstown, in the general hard- ware and roofing line and located at No. 2250 West Federal street, was established May 15. 1899, by George R .. Joseph R. and John R. Perkins. The business includes gen- eral hardware, slate and tin roofing and furn- aces, George R. Perkins, the oldest member of the firm. was born at Youngstown and is a son of Richard Perkins, who was engaged here in a coal business for years. George R. was reared and educated in this city and began bus- iness in the tobacco line, but later became con- nected with the iron interests of this section and for 20 years has been identified with the Youngstown Steel Company, for the past to years having been superintendent of furnaces. Hle is one of Youngstown's most reliable cit- izens.

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 116

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