Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 71

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 71

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Judge Tod was married in 1797 to Sally Isaacs, who was a daughter of Ralph and Mary Isaacs. Their long and happy compan- ionship lasted for forty-four years, broken by the death of Judge Tod, in 1841. The wife survived until 1847.

Like many other distinguished American statesmen, David Tod graduated from no old- established institution of learning. His in- heritance of mental ability was great but to himself. alone, was due the wide knowledge and broad culture which made him the equal of the highest in his own or other countries, and the inherent manliness, integrity and de- votion to country that gained him the admir- ation, esteem and affection of his fellow-citi- zens and installed forever his memory in their hearts.

In 1827 David Tod. after completing what was little more than an elementary education and spending some time in the study of the

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law, was admitted to the bar and entered into practice at Warren, when 22 years of age. A cotemporary, in considering the almost imme- diate success which met his efforts, analyzed the situation as follows: "His success at the bar was, in the main, due to his unsurpassed ability in the examination of witnesses and to his power in gaining and holding the confi- dence of the jury, which he did by a manifest frankness, fairness and earnestness, together with his clear statement of the argument." For about fifteen years Mr. Tod continued in the active practice of his profession and during this period he demonstrated that it was in him to become a great lawyer and that, with his large legal knowledge, wide experience, high sense of honor and unsullied integrity, he would have been eminently successful on the bench. Other elements entered into his life, however, and in other avenues he became dis- tinguished, political affairs claiming many years of his life.

In the campaign of 1824 Mr. Tod first be- came an enthusiastic politician, following in the train of that popular hero, Andrew Jack- son, and he remained an ardent Democrat un- til the secession movement of 186t. In 1840 he campaigned through the state, using his powerful oratory in the attempt to defeat Gen- eral Harrison. The first political office to which he was elected was that of state senator, in 1838, and he grew so rapidly in public favor that in 1844 he was unanimously chosen by the Democratic party as its candidate for gov- ernor. Hon. Mordecai Bartley, the Whig can- didate, defeated him with a majority of about 1,000 votes.

So prominent was his position by this time, that President James K. Polk, in 1847. felt justified in appointing him United States min- ister to Brazil. During his five-years' resi- dence in that country be won many a quiet, diplomatic victory which brought about a much better understanding between the two countries and reflected nothing but added honor upon him as the representative of the United States. It is a matter of record that upon his departure for his own country, the ruler of Brazil, in a parting address, took oc-

casion to speak in the highest terms of Mr. Tod both as an individual and as a public official.

For the succeeding ten years Mr. Tod gave his attention mainly to business. He had taken charge of the family estates in 184t, and with remarkable business sagacity he entered into negotiations which later resulted in the developing of the great coal fields which have made Youngstown one of the noted industrial points in Ohio and incidentally brought about much of the prosperity of the Mahoning Valley. Mainly through his enterprise, the Cleveland & Mahoning Railroad was con- structed, and he remained its president as long as he lived.

The next period of Mr. Tod's political ac- tivity belongs to the country's history. Se- cession was brought to light in 1860. He was made vice-president of the National Demo- cratie Convention that met at Charleston, April 23d of that year, of which Caleb Cush- ing, of Massachusetts, was chairman. Every state was represented, there being 303 dele- gates. equaling the electoral vote. The strong- est candidate was Stephen A. Douglas. The two-thirds rule for nomination prevailed. By a plank in the Douglas platform it was agreed to abide by the decision of the supreme court judges on the subject of the slave-code. The minority, or Douglas platform, was substi- tuted and adopted, whereupon the Alabama delegation withdrew, and a majority of the delegates from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia. Louisiana and South Carolina also retired in the same manner.

After a week so spent the remainder of the convention proceeded to ballot under the two- thirds rule, and Douglas was by far the strong- est candidate, receiving as high as 1521/2 votes several times, while 202 votes were necessary to a choice. The convention composed of those left after the seceders had withdrawn voted to adjourn to meet in Baltimore, Maryland, June 18th.

The seceding delegates met in a separate convention, elected James A. Bayard. of Dele- ware, their chairman, and after adopting the majority platform of the committee, postponed

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further action to June roth, at Richmond, Vir- ginia.

When the convention met at Baltimore, pursuant to adjournment, trouble arose about admitting delegates who had seceded at Charleston, or others who had been chosen in their place. During the discussion of this is- sue many delegates withdrew, mong them be- ing the chairman, Caleb Cushing. At this point Mr. Tod, with great presence of mind took possession of the deserted chair, and after an carnest appeal succeeded in restoring order. Hle was confirmed as chairman and the conven- tion proceeded to its legitimate business, which resulted in the nomination of Donglas.

The members who had recently seceded in- vited the seceders at Richmond to join them, and John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky, was nominated for president by them, and Joseph Lane of Oregon, vice-president.

A "Constitutional Union Convention" met May toth, also at Baltimore, and nominated John Bell of Tennessee, for president, and Ed- ward Everett of Massachusetts, for vice-presi- dent.

Later Mr. Tod supported the "Little Giant," giving him his unqualified support all through the heated campaign that followed. Mr. Tod made no secret of bitterly opposing secession and when the test came he preferred the election of Lincoln to that of Breckinridge. He was qnick to see the disasters sure to fol- low the policy of secession and when he saw that Civil War was inevitable, he made the choice that only a man of his integrity. loy- alty and devotion to what he felt was duty. could possibly have made.

There came that time in the history of Ohio when, amid the heating of drums and the marching of troops, every bearded man or callow youth was a possible hero, for then patriotism was a flame and loyalty the torch. Far beyond physical heroism was the moral heroism which inspired David Tod in those memorable days. Cutting loose from old party associates, severing ties which long con- nection and earnest conviction had cemented, he came forward and announced his principles -an imswerving devotion to the Union. Thus

he became known as a War Democrat. The times were ripe for just such a man, and when the Republicans themselves suggested Mr. Tod as a candidate, enthusiasm ran high. He was unanimously nominated by the Union Party, made up of Republicans and War Democrats, and was gloriously elected, with a majority of 55,000 votes, governor of the state of Ohio.

Governor Tod came to the capitol in 1862, succeeding Governor Dennison, and upon him fell the great responsibilities that made Ohio take so prominent a rank among the Northern States during the Civil War. After the first enthusiasm passed and war, grim war, made itself manifest in every town, hamlet and country side, troops still had to be enlisted and 1 hurried to battle, discouragments of those at the front and at home had to be overcome, seditious political influence had to be com- batted, the state had to be saved from inva- sion and the public treasury had to be pre- served from depletion. In Governor David Tod was found the man of the hour. It is admitted that his administration as governor won for him justly illustrious fame, Every emergency was met with the calm, judicial mind that would have given him distinction as a judge, as we have intimated. He met dif- ficulties of every kind. and firmly, promptly and rigorously he administered the remedy. His devotion to the soldiers was so well known that his name was an inspiration to them. They learned of his constant efforts on their behalf. not only to secure for them their rights of suffrage while away from home, but to obtain food. clothing, medicine and care. all that he would have labored to obtain for his own sons.

When he was approached in 1863 with the urgent request that he seck renomination he positively declined to again assume the respon- sibilities which his acceptance would entail. When his attention was called to the fact that thousands of his fellow-citizens were not only hearing heavy responsibilities, but were en- dangering their lives on the field of battle. Governor Tod replied, "Then, looking at it in that light. I am also willing to sacrifice my life." Ile was not renominated. He had made many enemies, as any man with the courage to

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face such stern responsibilities necessarily will; the state had the year before gone Democratic; and C. L. Vallandigham, whose arrest for seditious utterances had been approved of by Governor Tod, had been placed in nomination by the Democratic party, and was making stir- ring appeals for his vindication at the polls. U'ndler these circumstances the Republican managers thought it best for the interests of the party to place in nomination some man who had aroused fewer and less fierce antag- onisms, and although eighty-eiglit counties had instructed their delegates to vote for his nomi- nation, the political wires were manipulated in favor of Hon. John Brough, who was accord- ingly nominated. In January, 1864, Governor Tod retired from office, bearing with him the approval of the majority of his fellow-citizens, the love of the army, and the confidence and personal esteem of the public men with whom the exigencies of the times had so closely as- sociated him.

Failing health caused him to decline further honors proffered him. It was a disappoint- ment to President Lincoln that he was unable to induce him to accept the portfolio of Sec- retary of the Treasury which was tendered him. His fellow citizens soon realized that his health in their behalf had indeed been broken, and when the news of his death, No- vember 23. 1868, came to them from his Brier Hill Farm, to which he had retired, their grief was as that of a child for a parent.

Governor Tod was a man of unaffected manner, and a keen judge of men in all the changing elements of political and social con- ditions. Full well he knew the mettle of both friend and foe. His personal loyalty to his friends was unshakable, save when it con- flicted with the higher duties of an exalted patriotism; and none of his political enemies could ever say that he was aught but a fair and open foe. Resolutions deploring his loss and speaking in appreciative terms of his high character as statesman and citizen were passed by the senate and house of representatives of the state, and the press throughout the country announced the sad news in words of sorrow

and respect that found an echo in the hearts of all who knew him as he was. His name still remains one of honor in the great state he served so well, and although long years have passed away since his mortal presence has been removed, the principles he labored to sustain remain, and the country he loved is still united.

At Warren, Ohio, July 24, 1832, Gover- nor Tod was married to Maria Smith, who came from a family of early settlers in Trum- bull County. The seven children of this mar- riage were: Charlotte, who married Gen. A. V. Kantz, of the United States army and died in 1868, in Mississippi; John, a prominent cit- izen of Cleveland, Ohio; Henry, deceased, formerly president of the Second National Bank of Youngstown, of whom an extended sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Wil- liam, deceased, a prominent manufacturer at Youngstown, a sketch of whom will also be found in this volume; George, vice-president of the Mahoning National Bank of Youngs- town, and president of the Brier Hill Iron & Coal Company, who is also represented in this work; Grace, who is the wife of Hon. George F. Arrel, a prominent attorney at Youngs- town, a sketch of whom will be found in this volume ; and Sally, the youngest of the family.

ENRY HAMILTON STAMBAUGH, secretary and treasurer of the Brier Hill Iron and Coal Company, is one of the best known citizens of Youngs- town, where he was born November 24. 1858. He is a son of John and Caroline (Hamilton) Stambaugh and a grandson of John and Sarah ( Bower) Stambaugh.

Mr. Stambaugh's father was born at Brier Hill. Mahoning County, Ohio, March 8. 1827. Early in life he became interested with the Tod family in the coal and iron industries and so continued until his death, which occurred at New York City, March 5, 1888. On Sep- teniber 12. 1854. he married Caroline Hamil- ton, a daughter of Mary and William ( Hull)

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HON. WILLIAM T. GINSON

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Hamilton, the former a native of New Jersey, of English: parentage, and the latter of Berlin township, Mahoning County, Ohio. Children were born to John and Caroline (Hamilton) Stambaugh as follows: Grace G., Henry Hamilton, John, Jr., who is president of the William Tod Company and treasurer of the Youngstown Steel Company, and George, who is extensively engaged in stock farming.

Henry H. Stambaugh was educated in the Youngstown public schools, after which he completed a course at Cornell University. When a young man he engaged in the iron and coal business and has continued to be so interested ever since. He is a Republican and takes an active interest in political affairs in Youngstown and in the county generally. He resides at No. 1051 Belmont avenue.

ILLIAM T. GIBSON, president of the Youngstown Savings & Bank- ing Company, and senior member of the law firm of Gibson & Lowry, with offices at Nos. 701-3 Dollar Bank Building. Youngstown, is one of the leading men of this city, which he form- erly served as mayor. Mr. Gibson was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, December 20, 1850, and is a son of Samuel and Nancy J. (Gault) Gibson. His paternal grandfather, Robert D. Gibson, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was a son of James Gibson who served in the Revolutionary War.

The Gibson family has been settled in Ohio for more than 100 years, James Gibson, the pioneer, bringing his family from Cumber- land County, Pennsylvania, in 1799, and set- tling in the Mahoning Valley. Later James purchased the farm on which the subject of this sketch was born. Robert D. Gibson, the grandfather of William T. Gibson, was born in Pennsylvania in 1783. In Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1818. he married Lydia Marshall, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1799, and who bore him five children.

Samuel Gibson was born March 19, 1819,

on his father's farm in Mahoning County, Ohio, and his whole life has been spent in this county. He was one of the pioneers in the growing of broom-corn in this locality and for a number of years was engaged exten- sively in its culture. He was first married in 1843, to Ann Irwin, who died in 1846, leav- ing one son, James D. On June 11, 1847, he married (second) Nancy J. Gault, daughter of Major James Gault, of Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Of the six children of this second marriage-William T., Benjamin, Robert A., Harry G., Minnie A. and Ella G .- four are now living. Samuel Gibson still sur- vives and resides upon his farm in Youngs- town township, hale and hearty at the age of 88 years. All of his brothers and sisters are living except one brother.

William T. Gibson was educated in the Youngstown Schools and at the Western Re- serve College, where he graduated in 1876. He read law with Judge Arrel, of Youngstown, and was admitted to practice in the fall of 1878. He has been a member of the Youngs- town bar for over 28 years and has made a professional reputation which extends through- out the Mahoning Valley. Since January I, 1906, he has been associated in practice with 1 .. E. H. Lowry.

In addition to his professional prominence, Mr. Gibson has been identified with public affairs and with many of Youngstown's most important commercial activities. From 1896 to 1899 he served as city solicitor which office he resigned in December, 1899, having been elected prosecuting attorney of Mahoning county. He then served as such for three years. In April, 1903, he was honored by his fellow-citizens by election to the highest mu- nicipal office in their gift and he gave the city a good business administration, acquitting him- self wisely with all regard to the important interests placed in his hands. As the head of one of the great financial institutions of the city, he is also well and favorably known. Mr. Gibson's residence is located at No. 1039 Poland avenue, Youngstown. He is a strong Democrat in politics. His portrait is published with this sketch.

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6 EORGE BALDWIN, a representative agriculturist and sterling citizen of Boardman township, residing on his magnificent farm of 200 acres, which is situated four miles south of Youngstown, was born in Boardman town- ship, Mahoning County, Ohio, September 30, 1825, and is a son of Garry and Harriet (Mecker) Baldwin.

Amos Baldwin, the grandfather of George, was one of three brothers-Eli ( who later be- came a judge in Trumbull County) ; Amos and Asa- all of whom cante to Mahoning County in pioneer days. Amos settled in Boardman township, where he acquired a wild tract of land, which he subsequently converted into a productive farm. He and wife Sallie had their share of hardships and successes and both died at the home of their eldest son, at Champion, Trumbull County, Ohio. They had eight children. namely: Hicks, Asa, Garry, John, Ozro, Eli, Amander and Amanda. The last named, who married Ira Woods, lived to be about 90 years of age.

Garry Baldwin, father of George, was born in the log-house-the pioneer dwelling of the family-in the year 1800, the date being pre- served in a letter written at that time. He as- sisted his father in clearing the wild farm, and in early manhood took to wife Harriet Meeker. She came to Ohio with her parents, from New Milford, Connecticut, they settling on the road on the side of which Mr. Baldwin's land lies. A very industrious man, Garry Baldwin ac- quired some 200 acres of land, the most of which he cleared and put under cultivation. Hle died about 1860, being survived by his widow tuntil she was 92 years of age. They had but two children-George and Lonisa-the latter of whom became the wife of C. H. Andrews of Youngstown.

George Baldwin was aged three years and six months when the family moved from a farm at Boardman Center to that now owned by Mr. Baldwin, making the purchase from Harmon Stilson, one of the carliest settlers. George Baldwin attended first the district school. later an academy at Ellsworth, and : still later Atwater Academy. Then for a num-

ber of winters he taught school in Boardman township, and at Flint Hill in Youngstown township. His summers were devoted to farming.

On January 31, 1856, he was married to Eliza Detchon, a daughter of William and Hannah ( Jones) Detchon. As Hannah Jones, Mrs. Baldwin's mother, was the first white child born in Austintown township (then in Trumbull County ), she was entitled to a "boun- ty" that had been offered in such cases, but the bounty was never collected. She was the cld- est born in her family, her husband, William Detchon, being the eldest born in his family, his birth taking place in 1790. in England. He died in 1860, in Boardman township. He sur- vived his wife many years, her death occurring in 1839. when she was in her 39th year. They had a large family, those living to maturity be- ing as follows: Horace, who is deceased ; Mary, who married Silas Fankel. both being now deceased; Jerusha, who with her husband, Ben Tait. is also deceased: Eliza, who was born in Boardman township. January 11, 1833: Julia, deceased, who married Josiah Wirt.

The Baldwin and Detchon families were neighbors and friends and Mr. and Mrs. Bald- win can remember hearing it related that when their minst estimable mothers would visit each other they would carry their spinning wheels with them in order to lose not a moment of time. Their cheerful industry was reflected in the comfort in which their children were reared. The father of Mrs. Baldwin left her a farm of 100 acres of well-improved land in Boardman township.

Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have three children, Harriet, Henry and Stanton. Harriet mar- ried Joseph Smith, a prominent citizen and formerly deputy sheriff of Mahoning County, now residing at Long Beach. Mississippi. She and her husband have two children, Karl and Guy. Henry Baldwin, who resides on a farm adjoining his father, served as township treas- urer for three terms and at present is a ment- her of the school board. He married Lottie Smith and they have two children, Esther Louisa and George Smith. Stanton Baldwin,

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residing rext to his father, in Boardman town- ship. is, like his brother, engaged in dairying. He has one son, Howard Mack.

Mr. Baldwin is identified with the Repub- lican party as are also his sons. He has served as school director and as township trustee and has always done his part in the futhering of the best interests of Boardman township. He is a trustee in the First Christian Church at Youngstown, to which he and his family be- long.

m RS. ELIZABETH KISTLER, wife of Levi F. Kistler, is a prominent and highly esteemed resident of Green township, Mahoning Coun- ty, Ohio, where she was born Oc- tober 21, 1833. She is a danghter of Michael and Catherine Kronich.

The parents of Mrs. Kistler were born in Germany. After their marriage they came to America and were early settlers in the vi- cinity of New Albany, Green township. They lived in their pioneer log cabin until a fine new house was erected, other farm buildings also being constructed. After a number of years they removed to Berlin township, where they died. the father in his Srst year and the mother in her 84th year. They were good Christian people, kind neighbors and charitable to all who were in need. Of their children three sur- vive, namely : Mary, residing in Green town- ship. the widow of Christian Shawl; Eliza- beth, Mrs. Kistler, and Annie C., residing in Berlin township. This family originated in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came directly to Ohio, bringing many of their German customs with them.

Mrs. Kistler was reared in the good old German way and was taught to be a capable housewife by her excellent mother, while she obtained a book education in the district schools. All her life she has been bright and intelligent, and has always enjoyed keeping posted on the general events of the day. On November 19. 1850, she was married ( first ) to Christian Schaffer, who was a native of

Germany. After a number of years of widow- hood, Mrs. Schaffer was married, October 26, 1886, to Levi F. Kistler, who was born in Le- high County, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1829, and is a son of Charles and Rebecca ( Sechler) Kistler. When he was three years old his parents moved to Mahoning County, Ohio, soon after to Trumbull County, where he was educated and grew to manhood. He en- gaged in farming in Trumbull County until 1886, when he removed to Salem, residing there until 1901, when he and Mrs. Kistler settled on the present farm in Green township. During his residence in Trumbull County, he served as trustee of Lordstown township. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.

For forty years prior to returning to Green township, Mrs. Kistler resided at Salem, Ohio, where they are held in great esteem by a wide circle of friends. Both she and her husband are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Salem.

JOHN TOD, president of the American Belting Company, vice-president of the Falcon Bronze Company, and sec- retary of the Republic Rubber Com- pany, is one of the leading young busi- ness men of Youngstown, Ohio, and is noted for his enterprise and public spir- it. He was born at Youngstown, Ohio. No- vember 29, 1870, and is a son of Henry and Dillie (Pollock) Tod, and a grandson of Ohio's great war governor, David Tod.

Henry Tod, who was born June 14, 1838, at Warren, Ohio, was a child of 10 years when he accompanied his parents to South America, his father having been appointed Minister to Brazil. After a year spent at Rio Janeiro, he returned to the family home at Youngstown, where he was mainly reared and educated and where his many business interests were gener- ally located. He was one of Youngstown's most prominent citizens for many years and was closely identified with almost every line of its development. He died February 20, 1905. An extended sketch of this distin-

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 71

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