Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 63

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 63

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).

The Van Fleet family originated in Hol- land, but was an old settled one in Pennsyl- vania at the time of our subject's birth, his parents being natives of that state. The fam- ily was one of the old patriarchal ones of the time, consisting of six sons and six daughters.

John Van Fleet was reared on his father's farm until he reached his maturity, when he started out for himself, coming to Youngs-

town in 1826. After serving an apprentice- ship with a local tanner, he purchased the lat- ter's interests and operated the business until 1870, when he located on West Federal street, where he was engaged until 1878 in the hand- ling of leather and findings. an excellent bus- iness at that time. It is told of him, as illus- trative of his honorable business methods, that purchasers came to Youngstown from Pitts- burg, Cleveland and Cincinnati to deal with him.

During the progress of the Civil War, the government had no more ardent supporter than Mr. Van Fleet. He had been a strong anti-slavery man, for many years and had been closely associated with the other philanthro- pists of his day in assisting the escape of fugi- tive slaves. He was one of the first three anti- slavery men in Youngstown township, and his home was used as a station on the "Under- ground Railroad." In 1844 he voted for James C. Birney, who was the Abolition can- didate for the presidency.

On August 20, 1834. Mr. Van Fleet was married to Jane Douglass, who was born De- cember 28. 1811, a daughter of John and Nancy (McDowell) Douglass, all natives of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Fleet were born eight children, namely: Charles, deceased: Nancy, Sarah; Lucretia, widow of the late Henry Tod, a separate sketch of whom will be found in this volume; James D., de- ceased, who served in the Civil War as a mem- ber of Company B, 44th Battalion of State troops, which was later merged into the 155th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Char- lotte, deceased; John, deceased ; and Alfred B.

Alfred B. Van Fleet, a prominent and pro- gressive business man, is one of the leading real estate men of Youngstown, with offices at No. 607 Dollar Bank building, and home at No. 523 Yale avenue. He was secretary of the Mahoning County Pioneer Society for six vears; upon its dissolution, he with the other remaining members, presented the S11o in the treasury of the society to the Young Women's Christian Association,

As a sincere friend of education, Jolin Van Fleet worked long and earnestly in behalf of

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the union schools of the county, He took a deep interest in the schools and was one of the first as well as one of the most prominent ad- vocates of better educational facilities for the city of Yong-town. He served as president of the board of education and in this capacity brought to Youngstown the late Reuben Me- Millan, who leit such a decided impress for gond on the city's educational life that time will not destroy. Mr. Van Fleet's wife was the first and only president of the Free Reading Room, which was finally merged into the Reuben McMillan Library, that splendid in- stitution of which Youngstown is justly proud.

Throughout almost the entire course of his life. Johan Van Fleet was a consistent member of the First Presbyterian Church of Youngs. town, of which jor fifty years he was a deacon. He was a man of generous impulses which were tempered with prudence. Ilis value to the early business interests of Youngstown cannot be wervalued. Careful, conservative and sensible, his excellent judgment often was the balance wheel which preserved the equili- brium between enterprise and a cautious con- servatism. He left behind him a substantial fortime and an unsullied nante.

DEIX SIMON, proprietor of a well-im- proved farm of 147 acres, which is flistrilmited in Youngstown, Coitsville. Poland and Boardman townships, lives in the latter, his residence standing on a tract uf forty-one acres. Mr. Simon was born in a log house on his father's farm, which was located on the dividing line between Boardman and Youngstown townships, Ma- honing County, Ohio, December 31. 1823. and is a um of Abraham and Catherine ( Croue) Sinon.

The Sinon family, an old, minerons and prominent one in Ohio, originated in Switzer- land. Alwyn 1735. Johan Adam Simon emi- grated to America, married in the state of Maryland and reared a family, the eldest of whom was Michael Simon, who was born in

1741. Ile was the father of ten children. The I carly annals of the family tell of thrilling ad- ventures with the ludians and many sufferings therefrom. Later. John Adam Simon emi- grated to Washington Comity. Pennsylvania. where he subsequently died. aged about 100 years.

Michael Simon, grandfather of John Simon, came to Boardman, then Trumbull Comty, Ohio, in 1800, and here purchased (40 acres of land. His fourth son. Adam. moved in the same year to Boardman, and established here his permanent home. Michael Simon died in 1839, aged nearly oo years, He was thrice married and had fifteen chiklren. He is credited with bringing the first wheat into Boardman township, and raising the first wheat crop. During a time of crop failure it is said of him that he thus replied to his neighbors who came to offer their all to him for grain. "No, I have no wheat for sale, but come and get what you want and return it 10 me when you can raise some." Such ance- dotes came us to sometimes pause and ask if snch generosity and Christian kindliness still exist».

Abraham Simon, father of John, was horn in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and ac- companied his father. on horseback, to Ohio, settling on the wild, pioneer farm, where he eitined to live until the close of his life. His father. Michael, resided with him. His wife, Catherine, was a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Crouse, who had come at an early d'ey from Pennsylvania and settled at North Lima, Makoning County. Jacob Crouse was a soldier in the War of 1812. Abraham Simon died aged 75 years and was survived by his widow for a few years, she dying at the pre of No. They were the parents of eleven children-Si lomon, Elizabeth. John, Michael. Martha. Jacob, Harriet, Delilah, Jushna, and tun who died in infancy. Solomon, Michael and Martha are deceased. The last named married George Hornicle, who also is de- ceasedl. Elizabeth is the widow of lamb Bailey_ Jacob resides at Flint Hill, Youngs- Harriet is the widow of the late Peter

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Monismith, and ( second) of the late Hugh Cover. Delilah is the widow of Ralph Agnew. Joshua resides in Boardman township.

John Simon was reared on the home farm one mile west of his present place. He was about eight years ohl when his father erected a brick house, still standing, which was much admired, it being the first in this part of the township. Mr. Simon went to school in an eld leg house with a stick and mod chimney. which was furnished with rongh benches made unit of split lugs, with wooden pins driven through for supports. The rude desks ex- tended around the sides of the room and were also of the most primitive construction. Not much time could be spent for study by boy's in his day, who had fathers with large farms tu clear and cultivate, hnt he went long enough tu learn the spelling book through, and the Bank of Psalms by heart, in German. For alment eight years, Mr. Simon and brother op- crated a horse-power threshing machine. His regular occupation has been general farming. and he came to his present place in the spring of 1844. This property was left to his wife by her uncle. Philip Stambangh.

On February 27, 1844, Mr. Simon was married to Elizabeth Fusselman, who died April 2. 1800. aged 75 years, She was a daughter of Giderm and Eve Fusselman. There were eight children born of this marriage. namely: Mary, who died at the age of 14 years : Philip, who died in 1966; Olive Edna, residing with her father: Samuel Cronse, who died aged eight years; Frank F., residing on the first ald home place, who married Lena Hanni, and bas four children-Scott 11., Meta. Saumtel Louis and Marshall Christian; George Humphrey, residing across the road from his father, in Poland township, wie married Mary Hanni and has two children-Elizabeth and Helen ; Willian, who died at the age of four years: and Jolm Calvin, a graduate of the Eclectic Medical Institute, of Cincinnati,

Charles T. Agnew, our subject, was reare.l who is engaged in the practice of medicine at in Boardman township and attended the dis-

Cleveland, Ohio, and who married Hattie Gallagher.

Politically Mr. Simon is affiliated with the ' Republican party. He is one of the leading

members of the Reform Church, in which he has served as deacon and in other offices.

A reunion of the Sinka family, which oc- curred at the residence of Levi Simon, at Bloomdale, Ohio, September 20, 1882, showed that the fantily has spread over a wide terri- tory and has many members is ho have become prominent and subsumtial citizens of their varions communities, in varions occupations and walks of life. There were 101 of the name of Simum present. 172 blunt relations and some 75 others who through marriage could claim kinship. The states of Ohio. West Virginia. Illinois, Iowa and Michigan were represented.

HARLES T. AGNEW. County Com- missioner of Mahoning County, and a well known and highly respected citizen edf Boardman township, re- siding on a farm, was born Novem- ber 2, 1861, in Boardman township, and is a sim of Ralph and Elizabeth ( Cronse ) Agnew. and a grandson of Thomas Agnew.

Thomas Agnew, a native of London, Eng- land, remained in that city until 22 years of age, and learned the goldsmith's trade. He then came to America, settling first in Philadelphia, where he became a shoemaker. after he removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. where, about 1825. he was married. He sub- segmently located in a farm in Boardman township. Mahoning County, on which he and his wife both died. Ralph Agnew was three years old when his parents renwwed from Pittsburg to Boardman. Here he was reared. and married Elizabeth Cronse. They had two children-Frank, a farmer of Boardman township, and Charles T., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Agnew died in February. 1872: her Irsbail in May, 1803.

triet schools. He has always devoted his time more to stock-raising and shipping than to farming, although he owns his firm m this township. He has been married twice, first on

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December 10, 1885, to Nannie Cowden, who

Bessie and Irma. He was married the second time on January 6, 1809, to Nettie Hart, by which marriage also there were two children- Thelma and Dan. Mr. Agnew served two terms as trustee of Boardman township. In the fall of 1805 he was elected county com- missioner, on the Republican ticket, and as- suming the duties of that office in the fall of 1806, served for three years. In the fall of 1906 he was elected to fill the unexpired term of Thomas B. Jones, who was commissioner at the time of his death. Mr. Agnew is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias Lodge.

e OL. CALEB B. WICK, whose long. eventful and useful life was almost entirely spent in Youngstown, may well be classed with that band of no- table men, whose patriotism. energy, ability and integrity ushered in the con- ditions which have resulted in the won- derful development of this city along every line. Caleb B. Wick was born October 1, 1795, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was the eldest son of Henry and Hannah (Ballwin) Wick.

lowed, Mr. Wick's store on the southeast cor- clied in August, 1807. leaving two children- ; ner of the Diamond, on the corner of Federal and Phelps streets, being a landmark for over forty years. He died November 4, 1845, and was survived by his wife until 1849.

Henry Wick and wife were the parents of twelve children. all of whom have passed away. One of the sons, the late Henry Wick, a capitalist of Cleveland. resembled in char- acter, as well as in name, Youngstown's hon- ored pioneer citizen.

Caleb Baldwin Wick was given the best educational advantages that the little town of Youngstown afforded, and received an excel- lent business training under his father, one which equipped him for a mercantile business of his own. In 1815, in association with Dr. Henry Manning, he embarked in a general mercantile business at Youngstown, his stock including drugs, and from this beginning grew the city's large drug business, it being the first departure in this line in all this section of the Western Reserve. When Mr. Wick re- tired from mercantile pursuits, in 1848, he was the oldest merchant in this city. He was interested in the various industries which gave employment to his fellow-citizens, encouraged the influx of capital and proved his public spirit by investing much of his own. In 1846. in association with other men of means, he erected the first of the great rolling-mills which formed the nucleus of the extensive plant of Brown. Bonnell & Company, one of the main industries of the Mahoning Valley.

Henry Wick came, through several gener- ations of Americans, and most worthy resi- dents of Long Island, from an English ances- tor. His father and his grandfather were born and reared at Sonthampton, Long Island, For many years of his life, the late Caleb Baldwin Wick was known as Colonel Wick, a title given him in 1822. as colonel of the First Regiment of Ohio State Militia, with which he had been connected as an officer since 1817. He served as township clerk and trus- tee, and as postimaster of Youngstown under the administration of President William Henry Harrison. To the developing of the educa- where his birth took place March 19, 1771. On December 11, 1794, he married Hannah Baldwin, who was a daughter of Caleb Bald- win. a prominent resident of Morristown, New Jersey. In Washington County, Pennsylva- nia. Henry Wick went into business and car- ried omn merchandising mtil 1801, when he fol- Jowed his father-in-law tu Youngstown, Ohio, then in its infancy. Here Henry Wick estaby- i tional and religious influences of his city, Col- lished a home and re-embarked in business and formel Wick was a large contributor, not only in the following year brought los family here, Caleb B. being then in huis seventh year. \ snecessiul and honorable Ini-iness career iol- of his mems but of his time, which was always a valuable asset. Many of the present well- developed charities of the city had their in-

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WILLIAM H. M.GINNIS

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MKS. MARY M. M. GINNIS

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ception under his fostering care, and many a struggling enterprise was placed upon a sound basis through his helpfulness. This honored and beloved citizen passed from this life June 30. 1865, being survived by a number of his children and by his second wife, whose death occurred in 1887.

Colonel Wick was first married January 1. 1816, to Rachel Kirtland, who was a danghter of Jared Kirtland, of Poland, Ohio. Two children of this marriage are deceased, and Mrs. Wick died in 1820. On November 3. 1828. Colonel Wick married, second, Maria Adelia Griffith, who was born at Caledonia, New York. Of this marriage ten children were horn, seven of whom reached maturity. Two of his sons. Caleb B. and Henry K., rank with the leading business men of Youngs- town. The former is largely interested in real estate, coal and iron, and has offices, as has his brother. Henry K., at Nos. 404-405 Dol- lar Bank building, Youngstown. Henry K. Wick is president of the great coal firm of H. K. Wick & Company. Both brothers have handsome residences on Wick avere.

ILLIAM H. MCGINNIS, whose achievements in the field of scient- tific investigation have made his name familiar all over the country wherever interest is fostered in such studies, is a prominent resident of Youngstown and is now serving in his second term as recorder of Mahoning County. He was born at New Middletown, Ohio, Decem- her 21. 1847, and is a son of William and 1 yılia ( Welk ) MeGinnis.

The MeGinnis family in America was founded by William Metfinnis (1), who was hoorn in County Down, Ireland, in 1750, came to America in 1782, and died in Pennsyl- vania, prior to 1817. He left a son. William (2) and a grandson, William (3), the latter of whom was born at Staunton, Virginia, September 12, 1790, and died at Mt. Jackson, Pennsylvania, in 1873, leaving a son, Wil-

liam (4). This William McGinnis, father of William H. McGinnis of Youngstown, was born at Mt. Jackson, Lawrence County, Penn- sylvania, July 4, 1824. On March 4. 1847, he married Lydia Welk, who was born at New Middletown, Ohio, and died August 29, 1848. In 1857, William McGinnis went to Kansas, where he took part in the border troubles prior to the opening of the Civil War, and his death took place March 6, 1899, at Valley Falls, in that state.

William H. McGinnis attended school at New Middletown up to the age of 13 years. He then came to Youngstown. finding em- ployment in the iron mills of this city, first as a practical workman and later as a skilled mechanic. For 25 years prior to 1896, he traveled extensively in the interest of various business houses. In the last named year he was elected clerk of Youngstown township and through re-election, served four years in that office. His political affiliations have al- ways been with the Republican party to which he has always shown his fealty and by which he has been many times honored by appoint- ment as delegate to important councils and conventions. On November 5, 190t, Mr. Me- Ginnis was elected recorder of Mahoning County, and he has since conducted the affairs of his office with the promptness, efficiency and courtesy which have insured him the con- fidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.

Almost from boyhood and on through the years when his opportunities for study and in- vestigation were limited, Mr. McGinnis has been deeply interested in scientific discoveries. particularly in geology and mineralogy. Con- sidering the few advantages he had and the erndite learning necessary to establish scien- tific facts, Mr. McGinnis' achievements must be considered very remarkable. All of his lei- sure time was taken up in study on his favorite subjects and for years his careful conchisious were accepted by scientific bodies to which they were submitted. When, in April, 1800). he was elected a member of the American . As- sociation for the Advancement of Science. those competent to judge. felt that this honor

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was well bestowed. It was a pleasant bit in- expected recognition of worth, to Mr. Me- Ginis, donbly valued. as he was the first Eastern Ohio scientist to be a recognized. 1le has continued to contribute much of vale to the scientific institutions of Ohio and also to the Smithsonian Institute, at Washington.

While Mr. MeGinnis has devoted so unich careful study to geology and mineralogy. he has not confined his attention to these sub- jects, his mind and activities taking in all scientific knowledge. He has exhibited many most interesting specimens at various exposi- tions and a remarkable collecten was dis- played at the World's Fair at Chicago, His discoveries have settledl many scientific points and he has been recognized as an authority in the highest scientific circles. Perhaps Is most intable discovery was the specimen of fossil head of the musk ox, which is now on exhibition in the State University at Colum- bus, in reference to which we are permitted to append portions of a letter received lw Mr. Metinnis from Professor Edward Orton. State Geologist of Ohno, under date of Feb- ruary 20. 1800. Atter friendly congratula- tions upon this discovery. Profesor Orton continues :

"This is the third specimen of this kind ever discovered in the United States and the only one ever found in Ohio. This species has been extinct now for over four thousand years. You have the homer of having discowere.1 ome of the rarest and most valuable fossils ever found in Ohio, and by and through you. this Institute is greatly enriched. You have the sincere thanks of the Wward of managers of this institution for your valuable gift."

At various times, Mr. MeCimmis has con- sented to address gatherings on scientific top- ies, and an interesting occasion was the meet- ing of the State Horticultural Society, at Ravenna. April 19. 1902. when Mr. MeGinnis. as the principal speaker, delivered a scholarly address on Mineralogy as a Moral Science. In this address he set forth with clear reason- ing and scientific demonstration the value of ; of Youngstown and in all that represents its this branch of science. inchkling, as it does.

the study of all inorganic substances in or on the earth, to the sum total of Imman know !- elge, and dwelt especially upon its connection with the advancement of agriculture and the development of useful arts.

On February 23. 1865. Mr. McGinnis was married to Mary Morgan, who accompanied her father, Morgan Morgan, from their native land of Wales, when a child of eight years. Morgan Morgan was born at Eldew. Wale -. and with his family came to the United States. in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis had chil- dren, as follows: Charles E., who was ac- cidentally killed, at the age of 22 years. while engaged in his duty as assistant miller at the City Fhiring Mills, at Youngstown: Grace May, who married Jesse E. Woods: Ford B .. who married Annabel Kennedy: William Wade, residing at home; and two children who died in intaney, Mr. Metiinis and fam- ily reside in an attractive home tu which the pleasant name of Violet Banks, has been given, which is situated at No. 1018 Orange street, Youngstown. Among the many attrac- tions of this home, not the least is the com- prehensive musem which Mr. McGinnis has collected, a visit to which and study of the same, is a liberal education along scientific lines, and. to the ordinary student, is a lesson which may be of euermragement to those who. like Mr. Metiinnis, find it necessary to meet and overcome many obstacles in order to grasp

Mr. and Mrs. Metfinnis are both members of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a member of the official board. He is principal of the junior department of the Sun- day-school. in which he has always taken a deep imerest. Mrs. Metiinnis is also active in church work and is a member of the Ladies And Society. His fraternal connections in- elnde membership in Robert E. Johan Lodge. No. 614. Knights of Pythias: the Jim- ior Order of United American Mechanics : and the Maccabees, With interest he his watched and taken part in the growth and development

solid worth he is a representative citizen. It

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is with pleasure that the publishers present the protraits of Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis in con- nection with this biographical outline.

FREEMAN H. BEARD, one of Beaver township's best known residents, who has served as township trustec. was born on his present farm in Mahon- ing County, Ohio, January 22, 1856. and is a son of John and Hannah ( Ertzinger ) Beard, biographical mention of whom will be found chewhere in this volume.

Freeman Beard was reared on the home farm and has always lived, with the exception of one year spem on an adjoining farm, in his present residence. He was educated in the schools of Beaver township. and everything concerning its public management and mater- ial advancement has been of interest to him. In 1893 he accepted the office of township trustee, to which he was elected on the Dente- cratie ticket. and has served continously ever since, with the exception of one term. from 1896 until 18,9. It is conceded by both par- ties that Mr. Beard has made an efficient and conscientions public officer and he enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens. He has al- wass devoted himself to general farming and dairying. as an occupation, and owns 157 acres of as valuable land for agricultural purposes as lies in Mahoning County.

On January 30. 1877. Mr. Beird was mar- ried to Wilhelmina Moff, who was born in Knox township. Columbiana Comty, Ohio. May 3. 1856, and is a daughter of Philip and Catherine ( Perren) Moff. Her father was born in Germany and her mother in Switzer- land. The grandfather, George Philip Moff. emigrated to America and located at North Georgetown, Columbiana County, Ohio, where his family was rearedl. The mother of Mrs. Beard accompanied her parents to Amer- iet when she was ying. They were Jacob and Susanna (Swartz) Perren, natives of Switzerland, and they tou located at North Georgetown. The father of Mrs. Beard died in 1872, but the mother still survives and re-

sides upon her valuable farm of 145 acres, situated in section 6. Beaver township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Moff were: Wil- liam, residing at Atwater, Ohio; Wilhelmina; Albert, who died young: Rosa Louisa ( de- ceased ), who married Frank Rinkenberger ; Edwin, residing at New Buffalo; and Charles, also a resident of New Buffalo.

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 63

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