USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Youngstown > Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 65
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S OLOMON ELSER, up to the time of his death on June 3, 1907, one of Beaver township's most prominent and respected citizens, was a resident of North Lima from 1800, and had been identified with the township's official life for a great many years. Mr. Elser was born in Springfield township, two and one- half miles south of Poland, June 24, 1832, and
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is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Greenamyer ) Elser.
Mr. Elser's ancestors on the paternal side were German Huguenots, who were driven from their native land in the troubleanne times of religious persecution. On the mater- nal side his forefathers were Scotch. In 1806 George Elser, the grandfather, founded the family in Springfield township, which was then in Columbiana County. The great-grand- father, Peter Elser, who was of German par- entage, came from Alsace-Lorraine with other Huguenots, and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The fantily records tell that the grandmother of George Elser came to America in 1749, with three sons and two daughters. George Elser, born at Hanover, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, married Catherine Summers, and when they came to Springfield township they had three children, the youngest of whom was the father of Solo- mon Elser of North Lima. Great-grandfather John Summers was married twice and had twenty-three chiklren, sixteen of whom were married, and each were given 100 acres of land, with the exception of the youngest, who, in lieu of land, received $300 in cash. Hle came to Springfield township in 1802, from Maryland, and took up half a section where the town of Leetonia now stands. His son ran the first grist and saw mill at Leetonia, the only one in this part of the country at the time, which was Imilt for him by George Elser, his brother-in-law.
The children of George Elser and wife were: John, George, Jacob, Peter and Sam- uel. The last named died young, but the others aff reached the age of 80 years, with the exception of Peter, who almost reached it.
Jacob Elser, father of Solomon, was born at Hanover, Pennsylvania, and had not reached manhood when his father came to Springfield township. Not long after his marriage he removed to Beaver township. lo- cating in the southern part, where he engaged in farming. He sold that farm at a later period and purchased a smaller one near Co- lumbiana, where he and his wife lived some years. They then went to the home of their
eldest daughter, in the village, where both died. Jacob Elser married Margaret Greena- myer, who was born in Unity township, Co- Imbiana County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Jacob Greenamyer, whose father was an carly settler and ran a mill, coming to Ohio from the neighborhood of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The children of Jacob and Margaret Elser were: Samnel, whose death at the age of four years was the result of an acci- dent : Sarah, who married Henry Werner, re- siding south of Columbiana : Solomon, whose name begins this sketch; Tobias, residing at North Lawrence: George, who died aged 21 years: Catherine, who married Jacob Keller, residing sonth of North Lima ; Jacob, a resi- dent of North Lima; and Elizabeth, who died unmarried at the age of 21 years. Jacob Efter was a stanch Jacksonian Democrat. He served as superviser and as trustee of Beaver township.
Solomon Elser passed his boyhood on the home farm in Springfield township and ac- companied his father to Beaver township in 1849. He considered it his duty to remain with his parents until he was 21 years old. and then worked for neighboring farmers and for several years hired out by the year. In 1859 he began to farm for himself, but the season was even more backward that year than that of 1907. the time of the present writing. He recorded the fact that wheat, grass and corn were frozen solid on June 5. 1859, and the promise of an alutdant crop was thus dissi- pated.
In 1862 Mr. Elser bought a farm in the southern part of Beaver township, through which the railroad now runs, known as the David Whipple farm, and he resided on that place for three years and then lived on his father-in-law's place for three years, in the meantime selling his own farm and buying a place located one and one-half miles north- west. Mr. Elser continued to operate that farm until the spring of 1899, when he moved to North Lima, selling the farm and purchas- ing a comfortable home in the village.
On October 14. 1858, Mr. Elser was mar- ried to Margaret Witter, who was born in
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Springfield township, and who is a daughter of David Witter. This marriage was blessed with four children, namely: Louisa, Enos Walker, Laura and Alice. The eldest daugh- ter, Louisa, married C. A. Snyder, and resides in Pittsburg. She has four children, namely : Volney, who took a course with the Interna- tional Correspondence School and is now em- ployed in the Westinghouse plant at Pitts- burg: Goldie, of whom there is no special mention; Claude, who is also employed at Pittsburg ; and Mernie. The second daughter, Laura. is the wife of Isaac Yoder, residing south of East Lewistown. The third daugh- ter, Alice, married John Pfau, residing at North Lima, and they have one son, Kenneth Solomon. Enos W. left home for the west in 1880, and was last heard from at LeMars, Kansas: it is not known if he is living.
From early manhood Mr. Elser was great- ly interested in politics and was credited by his neighbors with most excellent judgment. Thus, on many occasions, he was called on to accept positions of honor and responsibility, and after coming to North Lima was continu- ously in office. In 1863 he was elected a trus- tee of Beaver township, on the Democratic ticket, and served as treasurer, clerk, assessor, land appraiser and during one year of the Civil War was register of deeds; he served also for one year as district commissioner. In 1867 he was elected justice of the peace and has held that responsible office up to the time of his death, with the exception of four years, when he declined to serve. After his resigna- tion another justice was appointed, but he was so unfamiliar with the details of the office that not many cases were placed in his charge. It was then that Mr. Elser took out notarial papers and transacted much business in that line. Through careful study he prepared hin- self for official duties and rarely had a decis- ion rendered against him in this long period. He acted in the capacity of assignee, executor and administrator, and satisfactorily settled up numerous estates. His official life covered more than forty years; he was familiar with law and its proper conception and administra- tion as fully and completely as many a gradu-
ated attorney. In the performance of his many duties, he handled many affairs in so just, yet so diplomatic a manner, that cach party to the contention has been satisfied, on many occasions, without any prolonged liti- gation, and this quality gained for him the respect, confidence and esteem of people all over the township. He was one of the leading members of the Reformed Church at North Lima.
ON. BENJAMIN F. WIRT. one of Youngstown's most prominent and respected citizens, formerly a member of the state senate, who has been identified with the Youngstown bar for many years, was horn March 26. 1852, at West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William and Eliza J. (Sankey) Wirt.
His great-grandfather. Peter Wirt, served in the War of Independence. enlisting from Pennsylvania. Peter Wirt, son of Peter and grandfather of Benjamin F., was born at Car- lisle, Pennsylvania, served in the war of 1812, and was the founder of the family in Mahon- ing County. Ohio. William Wirt, his son. and the father of Benjamin F., was born in 1826, at Youngstown, and was here engaged in business as a contractor and builder for many years. In 1849 he married Eliza J. Sankey, who died September 23. 1881, leav- ing but one child. Benjamin F.
As his tastes led rather toward a profes- sional life than the one in which his father had achieved a competency, Benjamin Wirt prepared for the law with Hon. L. D. Wood- worth, was admitted to the bar in 1873. and practiced in partnership with Judge Wood- worth until 1880. In 1896 he entered into partnership with M. A. Norris, but since 1900 he has been practicing alone. Ilis legal abil- ity is generally recognized throughout eastern Ohio, and he has successfully handled some of the most important litigation ever brought before the courts of this section. Ilis office is located in the Second National Bank Build- ing.
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Since early manhood Mr. Wirt has been active politically, and is accorded the honors of Republican leadership. In 1889 he was elected to represent the 23rd senatorial dis- trict in the state senate and was returned for a second term in 1901. For fifty-three years he has been a resident of Youngstown, and he is personally popular all over Mahoning Coun- ty. His portrait, which accompanies this article, will be quickly recognized by his 'num- erous friends.
In 1881 Mr. Wirt was married to. Mary M. McGechen, a daughter of Daniel Mc- Gechen, who is a resident of New Bedford, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wirt have a pleasant home at No. 31 West Rayen avenue, Youngstown.
B RUCE S. MATTHEWS, a successful farmer and extensive breeder of De- laine sheep, with which industry he has been identified almost since boy- hood, owns 165 acres of fine land, which is situated in Boardman township, about five miles measuring south from the Diamond in Youngstown, He was born in a log house then standing on his present farm in Boardman township, Mahoning County, Ohio, May 1, 1846, his parents being Thomas and Cynthia (Shannon) Matthews.
The Matthews family has an interesting history and is one of the old and substantial families of this part of Ohio. The grandpar- ents of Bruce S. Matthews were Thomas and Jane (McClurg) Matthews, well-known names in County Down, Ireland, where they were born. Thomas Matthews followed the trade of stone mason in Ireland until after his marriage and the birth of one child, when he decided to emigrate to America, where he hoped to better his condition. In 1813, ac- companied by his family, he took passage on a sailing vessel, which safely landed its voy- agers at Castle Garden, New York, in July, after a passage of six weeks. Mr. Matthews proceeded to Pittsburg, where he worked at his trade for about a year, and afterwards at
other points up to 1822, when he came to Poland, Mahoning County, where there was much work in his line to be done at that time. Thomas Matthews built the abutments of the old Poland bridge, which stood until within three years ago. He died at Poland, aged 80 years, and was buried in the old burying- ground here.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Jane Matthews moved to Sheakleyville, Pennsyl- vania, where she died in advanced age. Their daughter, Ann Jane, who had been born in Ireland, married in America John Wishard. Five more children were born in the United States, the eldest of these being Thomas, father of Bruce S., whose birth occurred Au- gust 17, 1813, at Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, six weeks after the family reached there, the site being that of the old garrison. He ac- companied his parents when they made the overland journey to Poland, and when his father died he went to live with Richard Hall. Mr. Hall found in him a youth he could trust and his reliability was proved when he was sent alone, with a six-horse team and a load of clover seed, from Poland to Buffalo, New York, where he transacted his business and returned within the specified time, bringing back a load of salt. He remained with Mr. Hall until he attained his majority.
On December 29, 1841, Thomas Mat- thews was married to Cynthia Shannon, who was born in Youngstown township. Mahoning County, Ohio, April 18. 1824. Her father, Major John Shannon, an officer in the war of 1812, was born in Ireland, came to America and settled first at Chambersburg. Pennsyl- vania, but later moved to Youngstown. . After his marriage, Thomas Matthews resided for a short time in Poland township, where he rented farming land, and then bought. in 1844, the farm now owned by his sons, from Dr. Wick. At that time all this surrounding coun- try was heavily timbered, hut a two-story hewn log cabin stood on the place, which had been built in 1811. This remained the family home until the winter of 1863. when the pres- ent commodious ten-room frame dwelling was erected. In this home Thomas Matthews died,
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June 2, 1883. He was survived a number of years by his widow, her death occurring No- vember 21, 1896. They were people of real worth and their lives were connected closely with the growth of the section in which they lived for so many years. They reared a fam- ily of six children, the two survivors being Bruce Shannon and Charles Wick. Those de- ceased were: William S .; Ellen Jane, who died April 1, 1855; Ella Day, who died De- cember 16, 1863; and Cora Cynthia, who died at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 29, 1866.
Dr. William S. Matthews, the eldest broth- er of Bruce S. Matthews, was born October 30, 1843, practiced medicine at Youngstown, and died May 9, 1888. When but 17 years of age he entered the Federal service as a mem- ber of Company I, 60th Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, was made orderly sergeant and for un- usual bravery was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and then to that of captain. The particular occasion which brought promotion so rapidly was told at the time in the public press, but will well bear repeating. In a charge on a fort one of the members of his company, of which he was then lieutenant, was wounded so that he could not escape with his comrades. When Lieutenant Matthews realized the danger of his companion, he quickly called for volunteers to assist him to carry the wounded soldier from in front of the enemy's fire to a place of safety. One man, Andy Barger, a private, was the brave com- rade who, with Lieutenant Matthews, faced the bullets whistling around their ears, and safely conveyed the helpless soldier to the breastworks of the Union lines. It was so valorous a deed that the Confederates could not restrain their admiration and set up a great cheer which united with that of all who witnessed this act of devotion. Both parti- cipants received well-deserved promotion.
Bruce Shannon Matthews was reared in his native township and went to school in an old log log house which stood in the woods. Its furnishings were rough-hewn logs with wooden pins driven in for seats, while the desks were built along the walls, a slanting
plank resting on more wooden pegs. At first a fireplace gave heat to the loosely built build- ing, but later a hugh cannon stove was in- stalled. Nevertheless Mr. Matthews can re- member when the children would frequently find the floor covered with ice and no winter passed without many hapless little ones getting frozen feet. As far as he was concerned, he was given little time to attend school, work always pressing on the farm, and before he reached man's estate he had done a large amount of clearing. His father was a large sheep grower also, and from his boyhood he has been having experience in this line. For 17 years he has stood in sheep pens at county fairs, exhibiting fine specimens. He makes a specialty of raising the Delaine strain, keep- ing about 200 head.
In 1871, Mr. Matthews went out with a paty of surveyors who were working in the interest of a railroad. His idea was to spend a few days with the party, more for experience than anything else, but he remained out for two years, working between the lake and the Ohio River. He was recalled to the farm by his father's failing health, and has remained in Boardman township ever since. Few men are better or more favorably known. He has done business with the larger number of farm- ers all over Mahoning County, and they are ready to affirm their respect for him as an honest, fair-dealing man.
On February 28, 1888, Mr. Matthews was married to Myrtle Harris, who was born on her father's farm in Boardman township, and is a daughter of Hamilton and Candace ( Mc- Farlin) Harris. Hamilton Harris, now liv- ing retired in Youngstown, was born in Coits- ville township, Mahoning County, Ohio, July II, 1833, and was married in April, 1857, to Candace McFarlin, who was born in Coits- ville township, May 23, 1831, and died Au- gust 8, 1874. They had six children, three of whom died young. Those living are: Myrtle (Mrs. Matthews), William, and Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews have one child, Jessie Harris, who is attending the Boardman High School.
Mr. Matthews, like his father, has always
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been a strong supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He has served three terms as township trustee. His father served as second lieutenant of the old home militia company. Mr. Matthews and family belong to Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church at Youngstown.
A SAEL E. ADAMS president of the Dollar Savings & Trust Company, of Youngstown, Ohio, is one of the rep- resentative business men of this city and has been identified with this financial institution since 1895. Mr. Adams was born at Cleveland, Ohio, October 25, 1867. son of Comfort and Catherine ( Peti- colas) Adams.
The father of Mr. Adams was a native of Connecticut, and for a number of years was a large manufacturer there, but subsequently re- moved to Cleveland, where he died. He had four children.
Asael E. Adams was reared and educated at Cleveland and received his collegiate train- ing in the Case School of Applied Science. For a large part of his business life he was en- gaged in an abstract business in Cleveland, and after coming to Youngstown, in 1893, he con- tinued thus engaged until called to the presi- dency of The Dollar Savings & Trust Com- pany. This institution has a capital of $1,- 500,000. Its officers are. Asael E. Adams, president ; John C. Wick, vice-president ; Henry M. Garlick, vice-president: Rolla P. Hartshorn, treasurer; E. Mason Wick, sec- retary; Paul H. McElevey, assistant treasur- er ; Charles J. Wick, cashier ; and E. H. Hos- mer, assistant cashier. The large amount of capital represented and the prominence of its officers have done much to sustain confidence in this bank, while its honorable methods and prompt business dealings have made it justly popular.
Mr. Adams was married to one of the fair daughters of Youngstown, Anna J. Shook, whose father, Silas Shook, is one of this city's most prominent citizens. They have two chil-
dren, Asael E., Jr., and Comfort A. Mr. Adams and wife belong to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, They have a beautiful home on the corner of Fifth avenue and Broadway, Youngstown.
In political opinions Mr. Adams is a Re- publican. Fraternally he is identified with the Elks,
AMES A. BROWNLEE, one of Boardman township's most venerable and highly respected citizens, resides on his valuable farm of 172 acres and owns also 60 acres situated just across the highway, but in Poland township. Mr. Brownlee has been an American citizen for many years, but this is not the land of his birth, that having taken place on Turfoot Farm, near the village of Strethhaven. 12 miles from the city of Glasgow, Scotland. Feb- ruary 4, 1825.
His parents. John and Margaret (Wilson) Brownlee, were natives of Scotland, quiet, vir- tuous people whose main object in life became a wise provision for their five children. It was this desire that caused John Brownlee to make arrangements to follow the example of his two brothers, Alexander and David, who had emigrated to America previously, and who had both become possessed of valuable farms, Alexander owning 400 acres in Mahon- ing County, and David an equally large tract. Still another brother, William, had emigrated and settled in New York, as early as 1812. and subsequently become a minister in the Re- formed Church. In 1832, John Brownlee had about completed his arrangements to sail for America with his family, when he was stricken with illness and died before the time arrived.
The mother of James Brownlee was a wo- man of great resolution and of admirable char- acter. When left a widow, with the future welfare of her children subject to her sole guidance, she resolved to carry out the plans of their late father and when the appointed time came, took passage with them on the sail- ing vessel which landed them all safely in the
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port of New York after a voyage of some eight weeks. By canal and lake they reached Ashtabula County, and, thence came in wagons to Mahoning County, finally reaching the farm now owned by Mr. Brownlee, which had prob- ably been selected by one of his uncles. The land had been partially cleared and a six-room stone house was standing and thus immediate shelter was found. The surrounding coun- try was better settled than in some other local- ities although considerable small game still re- mained. In spite of the many pioneer hard- ships to which Mrs. Brownlee was necessarily subjected, she lived a widow for thirty-three years after coming to America, dying on this farm in 1865 at the age of 84. Her children were: Alexander, Thomas, William. David and James Archibald.
James Archibald Brownlee, the youngest member of the above family, is also its only survivor. He was but seven years of age when he accompanied his mother from his na- tive land, but is able to recall many events of that long journey. He grew to manhood on the present farm and obtained his education in a little log school house which stood near his home. He remembers the rough slab benches and the big fireplace in which it was the duty of the boys to take turns in lighting a fire and also in procuring fuel from the near- by forest. He grew up industrious and obedi- ent to his mother, and remained on the farm with her after the other boys went out into the world to shift for themselves.
On March 16, 1855, Mr. Brownlee was married to Rebecca Gilchrist, who was born November 16, 1832, at Allegheny, Pennsyl- vania, and was a daughter of James and Grace ( McGraw ) Gilchrist. Her father was a well known carpenter and contractor. Her mother was the widow of a Mr. McGraw, her maiden name being McClelland. Eight children were born to this marriage, as follows: Mary and James H., who both reside at home; John and Edward. twins. the former residing at home, the lat- ter a physician practicing at Struthers, a graduate of Poland Union College and of Dartmouth College, who married Ella Geddes ;
Eva, who married David Blunt, and resides on Loveland Hill; Irvin, residing near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who married Minnie Lormer, of Detroit, and has four children-Lormer, Ruth, Irvin and Robert; Ralph, of whom there is no special mention; and Grace, the wife of George Hunter, residing near Pittsburg, who has two children-Margaret and Wallace. Mr. Brownlee and family belong to the Presbyte- rian Church.
Mr. Brownlee has always followed farm- ing and stock-raising as his occupations, and at one time he supplied almost all the meat used in Youngstown. He obtained a part of his land from his mother's estate (it having been purchased from the heirs of John Zedeger). and 53 aeres from Peter Webber, on which tract stands his comfortable 11-room house. Coal has been found on Mr. Brownlee's prop- erty, two veins having been developed from which many tons of fine fuel have been secured and doubtless many more will be mined.
Politically, Mr. Brownlee is a Republican ; he has held a number of township offices, serv- ing as township trustee, assessor and for two terms as land appraiser. Both he and his wife are widely known, and have long been noted for their hospitality. Mrs. Brownlee, like her husband, is the youngest member and only sur- vivor of a large family. Her parents died at Coitsville. Her brothers and sisters were : Isabella, who married Robert Morris; Jane, who married Sanmel Shaffer; Naney, who married William Cooper ; Margaret, who mar- ried James Harvey; Ellen, who married Thomas Kirk; Mary, who married James D. Shields; James, Alexander, and Elizabeth.
OHN BEARD, a highly esteemed and one of the most venerable residents of Mahoning County, who has resided on his present farm since 1848, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn- sylvania, July 2. 1818, and is a son of Jacob and Frederika ( Unkauf) Beard.
The parents of Mr. Beard came to America from Wittenberg, Germany, in 1817, locating
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first in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. In the fall following the birth of Mr. Beard, they moved to Springfield township, Mahon- ing County, Ohio, where Jacob Beard pur- chased à 40-acre tract of timber, to which he subsequently added two 80-tracts, all of which he cleared up. He was a typical German pio- neer. possessing all the sturdy characteristics of his race, and he reared a family which has reflected credit upon their parentage and the country in which they were reared. In 1839, Jacob Beard sold his possessions in Springfield township and purchased section 5. Beaver township, which is still known as the Beard section and is largely owned by his descend- ants. He built a home on the part now owned by Alvin Thoman and later built where G. S. Beard lives. When his days of activity were over he moved with his wife to Canfield, where they resided to the end of their lives, passing away honored and respected by all who knew them.
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