Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 76

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 76

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).

On December 27, 1849, Mr. Brown was married to Henrietta A. Chenoweth, and they went to England on their wedding tour. Mr. Brown's purpose was to visit the iron mills of Wales. The trip from New Castle to New York was in those days a great undertaking. The young couple were almost a week in reaching Philadelphia, part by stage and canal boat and over the mountains by inclined plane. From Philadelphia to New York they took the railway train, which required a full half day to accomplish the trip. This was consid- cred dangerous speed and those who traveled it were thought to be risking life and limb. Steamboats were considered dangerous ex-

Ulo ured by Google

586

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

periments and the people had not yet recovered from the excitement of the loss of the steam- ship President not long before. When Mr. Brown reached New York with a letter of in- troduction to Horace Greely he asked his opin- ion of the comparative safety of the steamship and sailing vessel. At Mr. Greely's advice they took the latter. The trip over was ac- complished in 18 days and the return in 30.

In 1855 the iron works in New Castle burned down and Mr. Brown and his brother lost all they had. With a determination that makes heroes of men they sought at once a new enterprise. Hearing of an abandoned mill at Youngstown, Ohio, Richard and his bro- ther Joseph negotiated for the purchase. A company was formed including the Brown Brothers, Mr. Wiliam Bonell and Mr. James Westerman. With credit and character for their only capital, they gave their notes for $100,000. With rigid economy and great in- dustry they paid for it in four years. That they were thenceforth in the highest degree successful is attested by the extensive plant founded .by them, called Brown, Bonnell & Company, who products soon became known in all markets of the world. In fact it is the cor- nerstone upon which has been reared the su- perstructure of Youngstown's growth and prosperity.

During the great growth of Youngstown Mr. Brown was interested in many of its man- ufacturing enterprises. He retired from busi- ness in 1891 and spent his winters at his country residence in Florida. His blissful mar- ried life lasted for over 50 years. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding at Youngstown in the company of 25 nieces and nephews, three of whom were members of his household. Mr. and Mrs. Brown had no chil- dren but had a strong attachment for them, and were called Uncle Richard and Aunt Hetty by almost the entire community.

Mr. Brown was a most successful superin- tendent of Trinity M. E. Sunday-school for over 20 years. He was the leading figure in Trinity Church and it was largely through his efforts and generosity that the present handsome stone edifice was made possible. In

order to help humanity he was identified for years with all the best things in Youngstown. He has given time, thought, money and in- fluence to practically every good movement. He was a most liberal giver to each of the five Methodist Episcopal Churches, the public library and Young Men's Christian Associa- tion. For several years before his death he was president of the Board of Trustees of Mount U'nion College up to which time his interest towards this institution never ceased. He was a staunch and diligent worker in the temperance cause and in every way possible he sought to elevate and help humanity. Among his beautiful traits of character which was apparent to all who knew him, was his cheerful view of life and human nature. He carried a happy heart and more sunshine fell into other lives when he passed by. On one time an abused confidence seemed destined to bring financial disaster to him when his day for labor was passed. His attorney said of him : "I had not then nor have I since seen such quiet fortitude in the midst of such adverse surroundings. I learned then to know why he could have led so noble and good a life. His Maker had so fashioned him that to be good and help were but the manifestations of his nature." At the time of his demise an edi- torial said "In the death of Richard Brown. Youngstown loses a great power for good. He was an altruist by nature, and was one of the few men who never allowed anything to dull or blunt his conscience. He never became pessi- mistic and in spite of prosperity he never be- came dazed hy the glitter of gold. He was superior to his environments and lived and died a true Christian. For years the name of Richard Brown had been synonymous in Youngstown with goodness, kindliness and generosity. He gave not because of ostenta- tion or for publicity, but through a sense of duty and out of the innate openness of his heart. Such men as Richard Brown are of more vital importance to a community than fine residences, monuments of art. mills and fur- naces, and great bank accounts.

"He will live long in the memory of the people, not because he made a success in life

Digizedby Google

587

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

from a worldly standpoint, not because he ac- quired wealth. but because he lived withont guile, and tried, by the best of his ability to make all with whom he came in contact happy and hopeful."

FORGE W. BODENHORN. district agent for the Metropolitan Life In- snrance Company, with office at No. 414 Federal Imildling. Youngstown, was born at Lapel, Madison County. Indiana. and is a son of Samnel and Mary (Coverdale ) Bodenhorn. The father of Mr. Bodenhorn. who was born in Lebanon County. Pennsylvania, is still a resident of Lapel. The mother, who was a native of In- diana, is now deceased.

After completing his education in the local schools, Mr. Boxdenhorn taught school in his native state until 1894. when he went into the insurance business. Hle was associated with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. from the start, first at Richmond, Indiana, where he re- mained two years, then at Elwood. Indiana, where he remained nearly four years as as- sistant superintendent. His work here was so successful that he was sent to the L'pper Pen- insula of Michigan, to open up and organized the copper country district, having his office at Calumet, Michigan. There he served the company for four years with the greatest effi- ciency, as superintendent, and various marks of confidence were shown him by the officials. At the end of four years he was asked to take charge of the Youngstown district, which is considered one of the best and most progres- sive districts of the company in Ohio, and he has been in charge here since 1903. This dis- trich has been operated by the company since 1882, and business has developed so rapidly that they have found it necessary on several Occasions, to divide the territory.

The honorable business methods pursned by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and its clean record under the closest investi- gation, together with the able men in control of its affairs. have all contributed to the just

popularity of this organization. While it has more thon 15,000 industrial policies in force ltere, the company also enjoys the patronage of many of the leading citizens and capitalists of the district. The district over which Mr. Bodenhorn has charge, comprises Mahoning and Trumbull counties, with the main office at Youngstown and a branch at Niles. U'nder him are 30 employes. Since he has been in charge the volume of ordinary life insurance business has been more than doubled. As a matter of general interest it may be mentioned that Mrs. John .A. Logan, widow of General Logan, is one of the enthusiastic admirers of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and has made use of her gifted pen to pro- ntote its interests. A reprint of the copyright articles, from various magazines, has been is- sned in a brochure entitled "Mrs. Logan's Talk to Women," copies of which can be ob- tained at the local offices.

On December 23. 1894. Mr. Bodenhorn was married to Myrtle May Reinier, a daugh- ter of Joseph Reinier, of Lapel, Indiana. He is one of the official members of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also a trustee of the Young Men's Christian .Asso- ciation and an active member of the Youngs- town Chamber of Commerce.

OHN P. FELGER, a well known citi- zen and representative business man of New Springfieldl, who, for many years was in the manufacturing field. in Springfield township, has been ex- clusively engaged, for the past five years. rep- resenting the Jarecki Chemical Company. of Sandusky. in this district. Mr. Felger was born at New Springfield, Mahoning Comty. Ohio, October 14, 1856, and is a son of George and Caroline ( Eckert ) Felger.

George Felger was born in Springfield township. Mahoning County, February 12. 1830, and is a son of John Philip and Magda- lene ( Miller) Felger. Both of the latter were about 15 years old when they came to America from Germany, and were bound out for two

Dig zedby Google

588

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

years to work out their passage money. Be- fore starting for the wilderness of Mahoning County, over ninety years ago, they were mar- ried and established their pioneer home among the earliest settlers. They had five sons and five daughters to grow np, three chil- dren dying in infancy; Philip, who lived at West Salem, in Wayne County; Mary, who is the widow of Samuel Smith, and resides in Jowa: Joseph, residing at West Salem, who has passed his 81st birthday ; Elizabeth, deceased. who married John Peters, of New Springfield; George, father of Jolm P .; Christine, who married John Shady, and resides in lowa; Benjamin, a resident of New Springfield; John, residing in Springfield township; Mag- daline, who married Abraham Noggle, and re- sides in Michigan; and Caroline, who married William Smith, and resides in Youngstown.

George Felger was reared on the old farm on which his father settled and went to schonol in a primitive log cabin. He learned the trade of wagon making and then turned his atten- tion to wood-bending, at New Springfield, where he has lived ever since he was 19 years of age. He built a factory which stood on the site of John P. Felger's handsome residence, and when his son entered into partnership, op- erated under the name of George Felger & Sons. The business grew to large proportions. but in 1877 the factory burned down, entailing a loss of $7,000. The factory was rebuilt. the location being on the edge of New Springfield, in Springfield township, and the business was continued for 20 years at that location. George Felger owns 25 acres outside the city, very valuable property.

George Felger married Caroline Eckert. who was born at Wittenberg, Germany, July 27, 1826, and died August 13, 1902. She was about six years old when her parents came to America. There were five sons and one dangh- ter born to this marriage, namely : Henry, who died aged six years: Theodore. residing in Springfield township; John P., whose name begins this article: Hattie, who married Henry Buffinger, residing at New Spring- field: . Allen, residing five miles north of New Springfield, and Jonas, who re-

sides in Columbiana County. George Felger has always been a stanch Republican. He is a member of the Evangelical Church. For many years, in fact all his active life, he was a representative business man of New Spring- field. His enterprise was an important one and the influence he exerted through persistent in- dustry and honest dealing was not lost in the community.

John P. Felger was reared at New Spring- fieldt. He attended school in an old log house and at no time did he have any very extended educational opportunities. By the time he was 15 years of age he was learning the wood- bending trade with his father, and later he- came a partner. and through his excellent busi- ness qualifications did much to make the busi- ness a success. The burning of the factory, as above stated. interrupted the business for a time, but the new factory that took its place was better equipped, and during the succeed- ing 20 years Mr. Felger turned out a large amount of fine work.

Since 1897. Mr. Felger has given his ex- clusive attention to the sale of fertilizers for the Jarecki Chemical Company, of Sandusky. selling at retail and also going out on the road as their representative, and has proved him- self one of their most successful promoters, having covered a wide territory.

On September 18, 1880, Mr. Felger was married to Sadie Peters, who was born at New Springfield, and is a daughter of Con- rad and Lena ( Hoffman) Peters, Conrad Peters was a buggy manufacturer at New Springfield, for many years and died in this city. his two surviving children being Mrs. Felger and Jonathan Peters, who also resides at New Springfieldl. Mr. and Mrs. Felger have three children : William Henry, Hattie Flor- ence and Floyd Evan. William Henry Felger was born September 7, 1881, and was edu- cated at New Springfield, subsequently suc- cessfully passing the examination for teachers and receiving a certificate. From earliest child- hood he exhibited marked musical talent and it became the ambition of his life to perfect himself in this great art. He taught school for three years and then entered the Dana

Digizedby Google

589

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

Conservatory of Music, at Warren, Ohio, where he was both pupil and instructor. His success as a teacher made him decide to make the profession of music his life work and he remained four years at the conservatory and took one year of post graduate work. For two years he has maintained a studio at Youngstown and has all the piano students he can accommodate. Mr. Felger's daughter and younger son reside at home, the latter being a teacher, while Miss Hattie Florence is a practical milliner. In politics, Mr. Felger is identified with the Republican party.

ARRY W. WILLIAMS, secretary and treasurer of the Lowellville Sav- ings and Banking Company of Low- ellville, was born March 28, 1881, at Lowellville, Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Maria (Becker) Williams.

William Williams was born at Greenville, Pennsylvania, and when a young man came to Lowellville, where he married Maria Beck- er, a daugliter of Lorenz Becker, a native of Alsace-Loraine, then a part of France. They were the parents of four children : Daisy, John L., and Harry W. and Hattie, twins, all re- sicling at Lawellville.

Harry Williams was reared at Lowellville and attended the common schools, after which he entered the employ of Frank Vaughn, as a drug clerk, remaining in that position for two and one-half years, when he entered the employ of the P. & L. E. Railroad, on April 1, 1900, as assistant agent at Bently, Ohio, a point directly across the river from Lowell- ville, and he remained there for one year, when he was transferred to Haselton. This was before the company began building the yards there, and Mr. Williams was the first clerk, employment now being given to 14 clerks. He was made chief clerk on August 22, 1904, and served in that capacity until he resigned, May 14, 1907, when he accepted his present position as secretary and treasurer of

the Lowellville Savings and Banking Com- pany.

Mr. Williams is a member of the Western Star Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M., of Youngs- town; Lodge No. 537, K. of P., of Lowell- ville; Maine Castle Lodge No. 44, Knights of the Golden Eagle, of Lowellville, which louge is named after the battleship Maine; of the Protective Home Circle No. 368, of Lowellville. He is a member of the Christian Church of Lowellville, Politically he is a Re- publican and was elected on that ticket clerk of the village of Lowellville, serving from May, 1903, until January, 1906, and was ten- dered the nomination for a second term, but was obliged to decline on account of his nu- merous other duties.

e GRANT JACOBS, the efficient city treasurer of Youngstown, Ohio, serving in his second term, is one of the representative men of this section of Mahoning County. He was born in 1864 in Coitsville township. Ma- honing County, Ohio, and is a son of Nicho- las Jacobs. The father, Nicholas, a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, came in early life to Mahoning County, where he became a prosperous farmer and a useful, re- spected citizen.

C. Grant Jacobs was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the country schools. In the spring of 1884, when 20 years old, he came to Youngstown, and became a clerk in a shoe store, remaining thus engaged for about ten years. He then learned the carpen- ter trade, which he followed for some three years, when he was obliged to abandon it on account of ill health. His period of residence at Youngstown had shown him to his fellow citizens as a reliable and trustworthy citizen, and in 1900 he was elected clerk of Youngs- town township. In this office he served for two and a half years, resigning in order to become city treasurer, to which office he was first elected in 1903, being re-elected in the fall of 1905, without opposition.

Digizedby Google

590

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

On October 1, 1886, Mr. Jacobs was mar- ried to Ruth Brenner, of Youngstown, and they have two children, Clyde and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs are members of the First Christian Church at Youngstown, he being a member of its board of trustees. He is also one of the trustees of the Bellmount Park Cemetery Association. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Maccabees.

OHN DANIEL SEEGER, a prosper- ous business citizen of New Spring- field, who has been engaged in the meat business here since April, 1892, was born at New Springfield, Ma- honing County, Ohio, March 5, 1873, and is a son of Jolin and Fredericka ( Baum) Seeger.

The father of Mr. Seeger was born in Wittenberg, Germany, February 22. 1838, and was about 21 years of age when he came to America, and located at New Castle, Peit- slyvania. He was a brewer and distiller and carried on that business at New Castle until 1861, when he came to New Springfield. U'n- til 1878 he operated a brewery and distillery. but in that year discontinued the brewing busi- ness although he continued distilling until his death which took place April 12, 1904. He married Fredericka Baum, who was born March 7, 1837, in Germany, and was 18 years of age when she came to America with her father, Mathias Baum, who located at New Springfield. He followed his trade of stone- mason until his death. The children of John and Fredericka Seeger were: Rachel, who married Edward Ulman, residing at Youngs- town: Louise, who married Simon Peters, re- siding at New Springfield; Charles, residing at Youngstown; Doretta, deceased at four years: Anna, who married Emmerson Heck, residing at Youngstown: Fred, residing at New Springfield; John Daniel; and a babe that died unnamed.

April, 1892, he established his own market, which he has successfully conducted ever since. He is a well-knowh and popular citizen.

On April 10, 1892, Mr. Seeger was mar- ried to Iceplena Reesh, who was born in Un- ity township, Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Andrew and Lena ( Whit- mer) Reesh, a sketch of Mr. Reesh being in- cluded in this work. They have two children : Maude Marie, who was born January 7, 1893. and Herman Otto, who was born March 9. 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Seeger are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a Den- ocrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the K. O. T. M., at Springfield, and was a member of the Junior Order of the U. A. M. until the or- ganization was disbanded.

Mr. Seeger owns some very valuable prop- erty in this city. In 1906 he completed one of the handsomest residences in New Spring- field, a two and one-half story, 10-room house, which is supplied with every modern comfort and convenience.

7 ILLIAM P. MEAD, a prominent citizen of Goshen township and a member of its board of trustees, resides on his well-cultivated fanın of 40 acres, which is situa- ted in section 21. Mr. Mead was born Janu- ary 20, 1833, in Goshen township, Mahoning, County, Ohio, and is a son of William P. and Margaret (Strawn) Mead.

The father of Mr. Mead was born in Eng- land and in boyhood accompanied his parents to America and to Goshen township. Mahon- ing County, where they were early settlers. lle died in this township in the fall of 1905. He married Margaret Strawn, who was born in Mahoning County. Her parents came to Ohio from Bucks County. Pennsylvania. The surviving children of William Mead and wife are: Abel, residing in Goshen township: Wil- liam P .; Ella, who married William P. Lloyd, residing in Goshen township: Mary, who mar- ried R. L. Barton, residing in Goshen town-

John Daniel Seeger was reared and edu- cated at New Springfield and after leaving school he learned the butcher business. In i ship: Elmer E., residing at Salem:

Digitizedby Google

HON HIGH ALEXANDER MANCHESTER

Dig zedby Googl

593

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

Hannah, who married John Hack. re- siding in Goshen township; and Clara, who married Albert Fogg. who is treasurer of Goshen township. The late William Mead was a well-known man who was actively en- gaged in the business life of Goshen township for many years. He was both farmer and mil- ler, successfully operated a sawmill and also did a feed-grinding business.

William P. Mead obtained his education in the schools of Goshen township and has al- ways been more or less active in politics and a leader in township affairs. For at least ten consecutive years he served as treasurer of Goshen township, served two terms as asses- sor, for many years has been a valuable men- ber of the township school board and is now on the board of trustees. Politically he is a Republican.

Mr. Mead married Elma Burton, who is a daughter of Samuel and Abigail Burton, late of Goshen township, and they have two children : Homer B., residing at Denver, Col- orado; and Abbie A., residing at home. Mr. Mead carries on a general line of agricultural work.

ON. HUGH ALEXANDER MAN- CHESTER, formerly a member of the Ohio State Legislature, serving from 1899 until 1900 in the 74th General Assembly, and since 1902 acceptably filling the honorable office of Mayor of Canfield, belongs to an old Mahoning County family. He was born on the Man- chester homestead in Canfield township, in that part which was then situated in Trumbull County, March 5, 1837, and is a son of Isaac and Ellen ( Wilson ) Manchester.

The Manchester family has always taken pride in its English descent. In 1738, Thomas Manchester, hearing the name of one of the great manufacturing cities of his native land, came to America and landed at New Haven, Connecticut, where, in the following year, in association with Clark and Cardington, and It others, he organized a company and

formed the first settlement on what is now known as Rhode Island, in Narragansett Bay. Many of his descendants still live in that part of the country. His son. Thomas Manchester, married a Miss Woods, also of English descent, and they reared their family in Rhode Island. leaving a son William, who also lived and died in Rhode Island.

John Manchester, son of William, served in the Revolutionary War; he married a Miss Crandell, and they both died in Rhode Island. Their son Isaac inadvertantly assisted the the British soldiers when about 15 years of age, being captured by them and compelled to haul wood to their camp. He attained old age, but never forgot the indignity. He sub- sequently married a Miss Taylor and they reared a family of 12 children, some of whom, in 1797, left home with great covered wagons and penetrated what was then the far West, crossing the Allegheny Mountains and set- tling in the fertile valleys in Independence township, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Isaac Manchester seems to have been the first of the family to make the journey and become a man of substance and importance in Penn- sylvania. He was a very successful frnit- grower, raising apples, peaches and cherries in great abundance. He died in Washington County in December. 1851, leaving many de- scendants.

Benjamin Manchester, son of Isaac, was born at Newport, Rhode Island, in 1785, and accompanied his parents to Pennsylvania. where he was in the course of time married to Nancy Doddridge, a granddaughter of the eminent divine. Rev. Philip Doddridge, he be- ing at that time 19 years of age. while his bride was but 17. They came at once to Ohio and settled in what was then Trumbull County now Mahoning. right in the depths of the dark and lonely forest. Mr. Manchester was a soklier in the war of 1812, but he returned home before the death of his young wife. which occurred in the spring of 1813. She left four children. all now deceased, namely : Philip. James, Isaac and Mary Ann. The last named married George Ranck. Benjamin Manchester died in 1857. just five years and

Dlg zed by Google

594

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

six months after the death of his father, leaving a large estate to his children.

Isaac Manchester, the son of Benjamin and father of Mayor Manchester, was born in Canfield township, on the home place, De- cember 20, 1810, and resided there all his life, with the exception of four years, which he spent in Indiana. On growing to manhood he married Ellen Wilson, who was born in 1811, and who was of Scotch-Irish extrac- tion. This was the first introduction into the family of other than English blood, but her beauty. quick wit and household thrift won her a ready welcome. She became the beloved mother of seven children and died in 1867. Isaac Manchester lived almost 20 years longer dying in 1887. Their children were: Hugh Alexander, Robert Asa, William John, Mary Margaret, Benjamin Oscar and Hannah Jane Elizabeth, all of whom survive except Mary Margaret. Isaac Manchester was a highly re- spected man and valued citizen. He always took a lively interest in public matters, with- out being willing to hold office. For a short period he served as justice of the peace and then resigned.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 76

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