Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 78

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 78

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In December, 1865, Mr. Shields was mar- ried to Mary Gilchrist, who died in May. 1903. leaving no children. She was a daugh- ter of James Gilchrist, a native of Scotland and a carpenter by trade, who came to Coits- ville township from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1835, when his daughter Mary was a babe of six months, purchasing the farm on which Mr. Shields has lived since his marriage. Mr. Gilchrist built the house on the place, a sub- stantial building, in which he died. Since the death of his wife, Mr. Shields has rented a part of his residence and the tenant looks after the farin. Mr. Shields, whose portrait ac- companies this sketch, is a member of Tod Post, Grand Army of the Republic, No. 29. He belongs to the United Presbyterian Church at New Bedford.

m RS. LOVINA B. COY, widow of Jonas Coy, who was a highly es- teemed citizen of Green township, has resided on her valuable farm of 35 acres for many years, and is well and favorably known all through this section. Mrs. Coy was born in Green town- ship. Mahoning County, Ohio. September 6, 1846, and is a daughter of Elijah and Mary ( Way) Callihan, Elijah Calliban was born in Green township and was a son of Jeremiah Callihan, who was one of the earliest settlers here and a pioneer of sterling character. He married Mary Way, who was also a member of an old township family.

lu vina B. Callihan was reared in Green township and obtained a district school educa-

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tion. On February 21, 1869, she was married to Jonas Coy, who was also born in Green township, October 28. 1820, where he died February 28, 1896. His father, Daniel Coy, was one of the very early settlers in this part of Mahoning County. Mr. and Mrs. Coy had four children, namely: George W .; Gleason F .; Emma Frances, who married Percy Calli- han : and Elsie G., who married Homer Rotcel. By a prior marriage. Mr. Coy had a family. the survivors of which are: Simon. John W., Sarah, Madison, Addison, and Amanda J. Sarah married Johan Hilliard.

Mr. Coy was an excellent farmer and a quiet, self-respecting citizen. He took no ac- tive interest in politics, but cast his vote with the Republican party. Few citizens left lx- hind them a better record for honesty and up- right dealing with his fellow men that did Jonas Coy.

DGAR STRAWN, formerly one of Goshen township's prominent and es- teemed citizens, was born in Goshen township. Mahoning County, Ohio, October 24, 1853, on the farm on which his widow still resides, and on which he died December 31, 1903. He was a son of Samuel and Dortha ( Kirtland) Strawn.

The Strawns came to Goshen township at a very early day and built their cabin of logs in the wilderness in pioneer times. The father of Mr. Strawn was born in Goshen township, but his mother was a native of England.

Edgar Strawn grew to manhood on the home farm of 67 acres. For many years his chief business was buying and shipping live- stock. Ile was an excellent business man and was respected for his honorable methods. While he looked carefully after his own inter- ests he was just in his treatment of others. and those who knew him best were ready to declare that "Edgar Strawn's word was as good as his bond."

On April 22. 1806. Mr. Strawn was married to Florence M. Coy, who was born near Salem; in Columbiana County, Ohio, and

is a daughter of Jacob and Hannah M. (Walker) Coy, both of whom now reside at Salem.

Mr. Strawn was a Republican.

RANK L. DE NORMANDIE, sheriff of Mahoning County, Ohio, and a well-known business man of Youngs -. town, was born Jannary 15, 1853, at New Castle, Pennsylvania. He re- sided on his father's farm in Lawrence County from the age of 12 to that of 17 years.

Mr. De Normandie became a resident of Youngstown, April 15. 1872. on that date en- tering the employ of John HI. Bushnell, with whom he served an apprenticeship to the har- ness trade. He remained with Mr. Bushnell for 12 years, and afterward 16 years as his foreman, then becoming an equal partner in the business. On the death of Mr. Bushnell the firm of De Normandie & Kay was es- tablished, the business of Mr. Bushnell being purchased from his executors. This partner- ship continued until January, too6, when Mr. De Normandie purchased Mr. Kay's interest and the business is now conducted under the name of Frank L. De Normandie, and, since our subject's assumption of public office, has been managed by the latter's son, Albert Franklin.

In 1872 Mr. De Normandie was married to Emma Melntyre, of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and they have two children, Ada Blanche, who is the wife of John W. Miller. who is with the Carnegie Steel Company, and Albert Franklin, mentioned above. Mr. De Normandie and family belong to the Disciples Church. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows, belonging to the subordinate louge and the Encampment, Patriarchs Mili- tant, and the Rebekahs, also to the Elks, the Maccabees, and the National Union.

Mr. De Normandie has been prominent in political life in Mahoning County, for a num- her of years, serving on the city council of Youngstown and holding a number of the minor offices. Since January t. (005, he has

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been the very efficient sheriff of Mahoning County, a terror to evil doers and a protector of law-abiding citizens.

B ERNARD FORD LEE was the founder and for many years the pres- ident of the Poland Union Seminary, at Poland, and also one of the not- ably successful business men of this section. who were early promoters of railroad building and developers of the oil and coal fields. Bernard F. Lee was born at Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio, May 7, 1814, and died at Poland in 1886. The Lee family is of English extraction and was established in Poland township by the parents of Mr. Lee when the country was yet a wilderness, In all probability the Lee family settled here next following the Kirtland family.

Bernard Ford Lee attended the district schools in Poland township and when 14 years of age began to learn the tailor's trade, al- though his natural inclinations lay in the di- rection of an intellectual and professional life. To this end, after working at the trade all day, he attended night school and thus pre- pared himseli for college, later entering an in- stitution of note at Meadville, Pennsylvania. After completing its prescribed course he re- turned to Poland with the intention of com- mencing the study of law. but circumstances induced him to open up a school. For one year he conducted a school in the buikling which was erected for that purpose but after- wards was converted into his residence, which is now the home of his daughter, Miss Graec Lee, and as he met with such unexpected pat- ronage, a buikling was erected on the present site of the Poland Seminary.

Subsequently Mr. Lee. with a corps of competent educators, opened up a law and med- ical school in the building which he formerly used for the first school, and young men from the town and vicinity eagerly came for in- struction, and upon his roll of students were inscribed names which have become illustrious on the pages of American history. From the

Poland Union Seminary and from under Mr. Lee's personal supervision, went William Me- Kinley, to enter the service of his country among the carly volunteers. Before he de- parted he wrote his name upon the walls of the dining-room, and that signature, which { then represented but an ambitious student and manly youth, was carefully preserved all through the years of his great rise to the heights of statesmanship and public honor, and the writing still remains a treasured re- lic of one who became "first in the hearts of his countrymen." In all his rise to fame there came no period when William MeKinley did not look back to Poland Seminary, his only alma mater, with affection, and to the end of his life he entertained the highest personal re- gard for Mr. Lee. Other distinguished names appear on this roll and many of the students of this school have, and still do occupy high places in professional and business life, both in Ohio and the Nation.

After many years of successful direction of this school, President Lee retired in favor of Dr. McMaster, but he assumed charge of its business affairs, discharging them with the greatest efficiency as long as he retained the connection. Normally, Mr. Lee was a business man, possessing the alert faculties and the foresight which make the formulation of com- mercial policies and their successful carrying ont, the foundation for great business move- ments. He was associated with Chauney H. Andrews, the Wicks and other financiers of Youngstown, in many of their large enter- prises, but always retained his home at l'o- land.

Bernard Ford Ice was married ( first) to Pauline King, who died in June, 1859. Six children were born to this marriage, as fol- lows: Florence, deceased; Jessie, who mar- ried Dr. W. S. Matthews; Carrie, who mar- ried 1. P. Sexton: Henry Kirk, who died in infaney : Blanche, who married H. W. Low- ery, residing at Akron: and Grace. residing in the okl homestead at Poland. Mr. Lee was married ( second) to Jane Simpson, and three eltildren were born to this union. as follows: Bernard Ly-le. Clyde Duncan and Annie.

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Both sons of the second marriage are engaged in the practice of law in Chicago. Mrs. Lee died in 1886.

Every visitor to Poland notes the Old Lee homestead. It stands in the midst of a five- acre lot and the beautiful lawn and noble elm and maple and a variety of evergreen trees which give generous shade, are prominent features of the landscape.

OSEPH HENRY BROWN. one of the earliest iron manufacturers in the Mahoning valley, was born of Eng- lish parentage at Glamorganshire, Wales, July 24, 1810. He was cra- dlled in the iron business, his father and grandfather having been iron manufac- turers. At the age of four he was brought to this country by his parents, who settled in Maryland. His father, John Brown, erected the Ellicott iron and copper mills near Balti- more. Here, at an early age, Mr. Brown be- gan to learn the iron business with his father. His educational advantages being limited, he thirsted for knowledge. A prominent family gave him access to their extensive library, to the kindness of whom he often after referred as owing much of the success of his life. Dili- gently studying at night, possessed of a bright mind and retentive memory. he acquired a good education. According to an old-time custom, his father claimed his wages until he became of age. On this account when 20 years old, he left home and sought employment in the iron mills at Montalto, Pennsylvania. Here he showed such a knowledge of the Imsi- ness that when his father came after him, his employer offered the yonug man such great inducements that his father allowed him to remain. He was soon after made manager of the works. From Montalto he went to super- intend the works at Antictam, which his father had built, and later to superintend the mills at Harrisburg. Pennsylvania. conducting them all in a most profitable mammer.

In January. 1839. Mr. James D. White ni New Castle, Pennsylvania, sent for him to

lay the foundation and superintend the con- struction of the first iron works there. At the death of Mr. White he leased and ran the mill very successfully until it was sold to A. L. Crawford & Company, Mr. Brown purchasing an interest. The practical management of the concern was left with him. The partnership being successful, at the end of four years he erected another mill in company with Joseph Higgs and Edward Thomas. This establish- ment was considered one of the finest plants in the states. Additional capital being neces- sary, three more partners were admitted. Mr. Brown managed the mechanical portion in a profitable manner, but through the dishonesty of one of the new partners, the financial man- agement was a failure. About this time the mill burned down and Mr. Brown found him- self. after sixteen years of unceasing labor, poor and penniless. In desperation he. with his younger brother, Richard, drove over to Youngstown, then a village of 2,800 inhabi- tants, to see if they could not negotiate for the purchase of Wick Brothers' old mill, and move it over to New Castle. This was in 1855. The mill had not been running for years, was rusted and neglected, requiring much labor and money to put in order. The brothers. however, decided to buy it if they could. "We haven't a cent." they said. "but we know how to make iron." Their reputation had gone before them, and they soon came to terms with the owners, who agreed to sell the mill on time if they would let it remain in Youngs- town. This they consented to do. A part- nership was formed, called Brown. Bonnell & Company, consisting of Joseph and his hroth- ers Richard. Nathaniel and Thomas Brown and William Bommell, all of whom had been associated together in the iron business in New Castle, and James Westerman of Youngstown. The purchasers were to pay $100,000, $25,000 each year for four years. Repairs were at once begun and forty men with their families moved over from New Castle by stage and canal to work in the mill. At first the new firm had an exceedingly hard time to keep in Imisiness. It was only by in- domitable perseverance that the mill was kept

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ging. Youngstown was practically dead then and the people in their joy at having some- thing to do, willingly put up with many in- conveniences. The workmen received no cash, but were paid by the firm's orders on a local store, in which the former owners of the mill were interested. In spite of all these difficulties, the energetic firm succeeded in paying for the plant in the time specified. Their motto was "Good iron and fair deal- ing." Their success was phenomenal, so that these mills soon became the second largest exclusive iron plant in America and the names of its founders will go down to pos- terity as the architects and builders of the city's fortunes. Mr. Brown was the inventor of a number of improvements in the making of iron, which he never patented. One of them was the method of manufacturing nails with the filter of the iron running lengthwise in- stead of across the nails. This has been the universal way of making cut nails ever since. He also built one of the first two close-top blast furnaces in this country ( not knowing the other was under construction), reconvert- ing blast furnace practice in this country. In 1875 Mr. Brown, in company with Mr. Wil- liam Bounell of Youngstown, and Messrs. Samuel, George W. and Charles B. Hale and Joseph T. Torrence, of Chicago, built the Joseph H. Brown iron and steel works of South Chicago, afterwards sold to the Calu- met Iron and Steel Company.

Mr. Brown was one of the founders of the merchant iron firm of "Cleveland Brown & Company," of Cleveland, Ohio, also one of the founders and one of the early presidents of the Mahoning National Bank and a direc- tor of the First National Bank of Youngs- town. He was the president of the Brown- Bonnell Company from its beginning until the sale of his interest to Herbert Ayer of Chi- cago in 1879. In political matters he took- no important part, but held that it was the duty of every good citizen to always cast his vote. A man of large brain, well informed on political economy, he was asked to a confer- ence of leading statesmen and frequently was called before the ways and means committee

at Washington to give his views. During his residence at Chicago he was president of the "Tariff League of America." After the sale of the Joseph H. Brown Iron and Steel Works at Chicago, Mr. Brown, with his family, re- turned to Youngstown, at the age of 72, much broken in health. The death of his wife in June, 1886, was a severe blow to him, and contributed largely to. basten his demise a few months later, November 17, 1886. lle was a member of the Trinity M. E. Church and contributed largely to its support, as he did to all charitable and benevolent institu- tions in the city, doing so as far as possible without publicity, and no worthy suppliant was ever turned away.

In 1832 he was married to Miss Susanna Oellig, a daughter of Dr. Jolin Ocllig, a prom- inent physician of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. They had twelve children, four of whom died in infancy. The others are: Mrs. Edwin J. Warner, Mrs. Cyrus E. Felton, J. Oellig Brown, Edmond L. Brown, Ella Brown, Em- ily Brown, Mrs. William Powers and Joseph H. Brown, Jr. The last two are now deceased.

He was a most affectionate husband and indulgent father, to his friends cordial, gen- erous and pleasant. His face glowed with benevolence and good cheer. A man of great business sagacity, high-minded and honorable, of stubborn integrity, his word was his bond. A portrait of this estimable citizen is pub- lished in connection with this article.

6 IDEON E. SANTEE, president of the board of trustees of Smith township and one of its leading citizens, re-' sides on his excellent farm in sec- tion 11, which contains almost 80' acres of valuable land, which is well adapted to general farming. Mr. Santee was born July 25, 1855, in Smith township, Mahoning County, Ohio, near where he now resides, and is a son of Delorma and Hannah ( Ellyson) . Santee.

The Santee family is an old pioneer one of

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Mahoning County. It was established in Smith township by the great-grandparents of Gideon E. Santee. Thomas Santce, the grand- father, was a young man when he accom- panied his parents to Smith township, where he entered 80 acres of land. The early years of the family were passed in clearing up the wild farm, while they lived in a primitive log cabin. Prosperity came to them and as they won it by their industry, they also gained the esteem of their neighbors by their exemp- lary, orderly lives. De Lorma Santee suc. ceeded to his father's estate and to his fair name, and in the course of years became also a man of substance and local prominence. He served many years as a public official in Smith township, in the offices of trustee and treas- urer, and took the interest of an enterprising and progressive citizen in political matters concerning his own community.

De Lorna Santee married Hannah Elly- son, who was born January 21, 1830, and still survives. She is a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Ellyson, natives of New Jersey, who settled in Goshen township, Mahoning County, prior to her birth, where they became people of high standing in public esteem. Of the five children born to De Lorma Santee and wile, four survive, namely: Dr. Leon B., a physician, residing at Marlborough, Ohio; Gideon E .; Sylvester J., residing at Damas- cus; and Elizabeth S., who married James Morgan, residing in Smith township. De Lorma Santee died July 5. 1905.

Gideon E. Santee was reared on the home farm, where he was trained in agricultural pursuits. He attended the public schools of Smith township and later spent one year as a student in Mt. Union College, after which he settled down to farming, in which he has been interested ever since, His well-cultivated land, prolific orchards and sleck cattle all pro- claim a large measure of prosperity.

Mr. Santec has two sons, Curtis A., who was born June 21. 1804. and William M., who was born December 31. 1896, The me- ther of these sons died April 6, 1903. leaving behind her many sorrowing friends. She was a woman of lovely character and had been a

consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Santee was reared in the Society of Friends and is a member of the East Goshen Church, of which he is a trustee.

In politics, he has been a life-long Repub- lican. He is serving as chairman of the board of education of Smith township, having been connected with this body for some seven years, and is also president of the board of trustees of the township, in both offices proving hin- self an efficient and conscientious officer.

ILLIAM B. JONES, a prominent resident of Youngstown, and au- ditor of Mahoning County, was born in Allegany County, Mary- land, in 1859, and is a type of the successful self-made man.

Mr. Jones enjoyed but common school ad- vantages in his native place. but after coming to Youngstown, Ohio, in 1880, he completed his education in the night schools. At first he secured work as a teamster and while so em- ployed during the day time, pursued his stud- ies faithfully in the evenings, thus preparing . himself for a business carcer. Later he se- cured a position as a clerk in a mercantile establishment in this city, still later, entering Wick's bank as bookkeeper and real estate agent. where he continued for sixteen years. In 1901 Mr. Jones engaged in the real estate business for himself at Youngstown and con- tinned in that line of work subsequently until he assimned the duties of his present office on October 16, 1905. he having been elected thereto in 1904. Prior to this he had held other political positions in Mahoning County. having been for years an active supporter of the Republican party. He is connected also with various business enterprises and is a citi- zen who, in every way, is representative of the city's best interests.

On February to. 1887, Mr. Jones was mar- ried to Lanra W. Thrasher, formerly a teacher in a Maryland High School. They have two 5011s. I .. Calvin and W. Bruce. Both are bright hoys, and the eller. a lad of 12 years,

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has shown remarkable adaptability in a me- chanical line and is much interested in the study of electricity.

Mr. Jones is a Mason, an Elk, an Odd Fel- low and a member of the National Union.

E ILMER ELLETT, a representative ag- riculturist and dairyman of Smith township, residing on his finely im- proved farm of 60 acres, situated in section 36, was born in Portage County, Ohio. April 6, 1862, and is a son of John HI. and Almira (Card) Ellett.

The Elletts came to Ohio from New Jer- sey. John H1. Ellett, father of Elmer, who now lives retired at Struthers, aged 75 years, was born in New Jersey and was about nine months old when his parents brought him to their pioneer farm in Goshen township, Ma- honing County. He was reared near the Bunker Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, and on that farm his father. David Ellett, died. In 1869 John H. Ellett settled on the farm in Smith township which Elmer now owns; and here he lived for a long period. For a quarter of a century he has been a minister in the Wes- leyan Metluklist Church. He married Almira Card, who was born in Smith township, which was named for her maternal grandfather, who was the first permanent settler in the township. She died November 17. 1903. Both she and husband were educated in Mt. Union College and in his early manhood he taught many terms of school.

Elmer Ellett was seven years of age wlien his parents settled on the farm he now owns, and here he has lived ever since. He was cdu- cated in the public schools of Smith township and at Damascus Academy. In addition to general farming, which Mr. Ellett carries on in a scientific way, he is largely interested in dairying. for this purpose keeping a fine herd of Holstein cattle, a number of which are registered animals. Mr. Ellett has made many substantial improvements on his place in the way of commodious buiklings, and his resi- dence is one of the finest rural hemes to he

found in this section of the county. Its sur- roundings are all in keeping and the entire place makes a beautiful picture, whether in the bloom of summer or the snow of winter.

On August 4, 1883, Mr. Ellett was mar- ried to Irena M. Butler, who was born in Knox township. Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John and Ann ( Coppock) Butler, later of Butler township. Columbiana County. Mr. and Mrs. Ellett have two chil- dren : Effie B., who married Clyde Pettit. residing in Goshen township, has one daugh- ter, Mildred E .; and Curtis A., residing at home.

Mr. Ellett is one of the wide-awake, pro- gressive agriculturist of this section and has always shown his interest in developing the land and improving the stock. He has long been a member of the Damascus Farmers' In- stitute, and prior to being elected its president, in which office he served three years, he was a valued member of the executive committee. Politically he is a Republican,

A LEXANDER KENNEDY. The

death of Alexander Kennedy, which occurred on his farm in Green town- ship, November 27, 1903, removed from this community a man of ster- ling worth, one whose exemplary life and kind and generous nature had brought him the esteem and confidence of all with whom he had become associated. Mr. Kennedy was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, February 2. 1827. and was a son of John and Sarah ( Rankin) Kennedy, both of whom were na- tives of that country.

In his own land Alexander Kennedy learned to be a stationary engineer, a trade he fol- lowed for half a century. On June 15. 1861, he was married to Janet Love, who was born in the same shire as himself, and who is a daughter of John and Janet ( McFarland ) Love, the former of whom died in Scotland and the latter in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 78

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