Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 83

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 83

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John Young Sheehy, father of Mrs. Wil- son, was born in the first home of his parents, on the bank of the Mahoning, and lived on the home tarm all his life. He was the first white child born in Youngstown township. Daniel Sheehy named his son for his friend, John Young, who, at that time was so pleased at the Iumor. that he presented his namesake with two lots in the village of Youngstown, one of these being the present site of the wholesale house of John H. Fitch : the other is the pres- ent site of the Lucretia Baldwin publie school. These lots remained in the family until after the death of John Young Sheehy, when, in the settlement of the estate. they were sokl.

John Young Sheehy married Anna Kim- mel, who was a daughter of Isaac and Anna Kimmel. Isaac Kimmel was a native of Swit- zerland and his wife of Amsterdam, Holland. They were married in Pennsylvania and when the came first to Ohio, settled in Trumbull County, but later removed to what was known as Senator Wirt's place at Brier Hill, in Youngstown township, which they subse- quently sold and moved to Cuitsville town- ship. Their home was on the present site of the Iron. Sicet and Tube Company's plant. John Young Shechy and wife had five chil- dren, namely : Robert, deceased ( who left two sons, John Young and William W.): Ellen Sheehy, widow uf George C. Wilson; Lois, who married #first ) Charles Medhry, and ( sec- (and) James W. Ross, and resides on Lincoln avente. Youngstown ( she had one son Frank B. Medbury) : Ana S., who is the widow of Thomas J. Lewis, and who resides with her sister, Mrs, Wilson; and Daniel J .. residing on Wilson avenne, at Youngstown. John

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Young Sheehy died in May, 1844. Mrs. Shechy was later married (second) to Alexander Truesdale, who gave the name of Truesdale avenne to one of the beautiful thoroughfares of Youngstown.

Mrs. Wilson, formerly Ellen Sheehy, was born on the beautiful property which she has appropriately named Oakland Farm, a view of which appears on a neighboring page, and although many years of her married life were passed in other surroundings, this place was always "home." She was erlucated in the ex- cellent schools at Youngstown, proving a very intelligent pupil, and when but 16 years of age, she was given a certificate which entitled her to teach. She taught first in the district schools through the township and later at Youngstown, and continued until the time of her marriage, in October, 1859, to George C. Wilson, who died June 10, 1897.

EORGE C. WILSON, one of the prominent citizens of Mahoning County, was born on his father's farm near Weathershield, south of Girard, Trumbull County, Ohio. He was a boy of resolute character and very early in life decided to take care of himself. and with this end in view, he left home and went to Niles, Ohio. While there he attended school with a companion who later became President William Mckinley, Mr. Wilson went from Niles to Warren and thence to Youngstown, where he engaged in clerking for a time and then entered the railroad busi- ness which necessitated his going to the south. After becoming established there he returned to Youngstown, where he was married, in 1859. to Ellen Sheehy, and together they went to Panola County, Mississippi, where they spent the first winter. Mr. Wilson was em- ployed in the construction of the Memphis and Ohio Railroad which was then in the course of building, and his family residence was changed from Panola County to Mem- phis, Tennessee, and to Henty Comty, in the latter state, as the work progressed. In the

latter county Mr. and Mrs. Wilson remained some time in the home of Senator Harris, a prominent man of that section. Subsequently Mr. Wilson became attached to the pay- master's and quartermaster's department in the government offices at Louisville, Kentucky, where he continued nutil the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson then settled on the Sheely farm, where Mr. Wilson resided until his death. Hle raised fine stock and also served as bookkeeper for several years for large cor- porations. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, having no children of their own, adopted a daughter, Elizabeth T. Wilson, who is Mrs. Wilson's able assist- ant in managing her large property interests, which include the selling of lots from a large plat on Wilson avenue, a choice location of the city, which bears the name in honor of the late George C. Wilson. Mrs. Wilson has many social duties to perform, being very prominent at Youngstown. The publishers take pleasure in presenting her protrait with that of her late husband, in addition to the view of the farm as mentioned in the preceil- ing sketch.

A LVIN THOMAN, residing on his val- uable farm of 140 acres in Beaver township, where he carries ou gen- eral farming and dairying and oper- ates a sawmill and cider-press, and also owns a threshing outfit, is one of the sub- stantial and representative men of this section. Mr. Thoman was born April 11. 1860, on the home farm in Beaver township, Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth ( Heintzelman) Thoman.

llenry Thoman, grandfather of Mvin, born in 1702, in York County, Pennsylvania, came from Pennsylvania to Mahoning Comity. ahont 1820. locating in Beaver township neir East Lewistown, on a tract of go acres, which is now the farm of G. W. Harter. After living there for 37 years he moved to the farm just across the road from the farm now owned by

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Alvin Thoman, but later removed to Canfield township, where he died in 1885. He had served in the War of 1812. For some years he operated an old fashioned sawmill. His wife, in maidenhond, was Nancy Motter, born in 1794. in York County, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of eleven children. as follows: Harriet, born in 1816; Daniel, 1817: Cather- ine, 1819: Lewis, 1822; Henry, 1824; Mar- garet, 1826; Isaac, i828; Samuel, 1832; Jesse, Amanda. the dates of whose birth are not given, and one other whose name has not been ascertained.

Samuel Thoman, father of Alvin, was born at East Lewistown, Mahoning County, in 1832. After reaching manhood he was en- gaged in farming and in operating a sawmill and then embarked in a mercantile business at New Buffalo, where he remained for three years and carried on the same business at Greenford for four years, coming from there to Beaver township. where he lived for ten years. He then removed to Canfield township where he died October 28. 1891, aged 59 years. 9 months and 28 days. He married Elizabeth Heintzelman, who was born in Bea- ver township, and is a daughter of Jacob and Relxcca (Lynn) Heintzelman. She still re- sides on the old homestead in Canfield town- ship. Samuel and Elizabeth Thoman had six children. as follows: Ora Alice, deceased at three years; Alvin, whose name begins this sketch; Viola, who married G. I .. Minard, re- siding in Canfield township: Melville, who died young: Cora, who married W. C. Geis. residing in Boardman township: and an in- fant son, who is deceased. Politically. Sam- uel Thoman was identified with the Repub- lican party. He was a man of excellem judg- ment and of gond starling in his community. and for some years he served as township trustee.

Alvin Thoman was educated in the dis- trict schools and remained under the parental roof until his marriage, at the age of 27 years. He then moved to a place east of East Lewistown, where he operated a grist mill for two and one-half years, renwing then to New Buffalo. He then moved to a farm in Beaver

township, situated west of the John Beard property, where he resided seven years and also lived two years on his grandfather Mil- ler's farm. In 1895, Mr. Alvin Thoman came to his present farm. the old Miller home place and here he has devoted himself to the various lines of agricultural industry. For a number of years he has had the threshing season filled with contracts, owning a complete outfit for this important work.

On October 21. 1880, Mr. Thoman was married to Hattie E. Messerly, who was born in Beaver township on what is now the Lynn farm, a daughter of George D. and Mary Ann (Miller) Messerly, and a granddaughter of Joseph B. Miller.

Joseph B. Miller was born February 2, 1818, in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Isaac and Catherine (Lynn) Miller, whom he accompanied to Canfield township. Mahoning County, where he was reared. When he married Fredericka Beard, a sister of the venerable John Beard, he bought the place where George Miner lived and later bought what is now the Thoman place, on which, in 1849. he Imilt a barn, erecting a house in the following year. At that time Mr. Miller worked for his own interest, but when he started out for himself he carned but $6 a month. He now owns what is reputed to be the best farm in Boardman township, a tract of 200 aeres of rich. well-improved land. In 1880 he erected his substantial barn, and in 1884. the present residence. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had three children, namely : Mrs. Mess- erly : George W., who died young; and Dor- othy, who married William Hilbish.

George D. Messerly, father of Mrs. Tho- man, was born in Beaver township. Mahon- ing County, and was a son of John Messerly. After his marriage to Mary Am Miller he setiled on the farm which is now occupied by Andrew Lynn. Imt later moved to Canfield township, where he died September 5. 1803. aged 62 years. Mr. and Mrs. Messerly had three children, namely: Hattie E .: Joseph. who died young: and Charles, who, with his mother, resides with the aged grandfather. Charles Messerly married Frances Reel and

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JAMES H. SHIELDS

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they have one son, George D. In this home live four generations.

Mr. and Mrs. Thoman have six children, Leroy Eugene, Blanch May, Myrtle Pearl. Effie Hilda, Bertha Ethel and Ivan Arthur. Blanch May married Frederick Sprinkle, re- sides in Canfield township, and has three children-Russell Alvin, Mildred Mary, and Hazel Agnes. Leroy Eugene, Myrtle Pearl, Effie Hilda, Bertha Ethel and Ivan Arthur, reside at home.

Mr. Thoman and family belong to the Reformed Church. Politically he is a Repub- lican and was elected a justice of the peace, but refused to serve, being willing to hold no other office than that of school director. He is a member of the Grange and of the Patrons of Husbandry.

J AMES H. SHIELDS, formerly sheriff of Mahoning County and one of the representative citizens and capitalists of Youngstown, was born in Canfield township, Mahoning County, Ohio, November 12, 1840, and is a son of Andrew and Jane ( Price) Shields.

Andrew Shields was born in Boardman township, Mahoning County, Ohio, October 16, 1808, and was a son of Thomas Shields, who was a native of Staunton, Virginia. In 1798, Thomas Shields came to Ohio with a colony of Virginians. He was a miller by trade, and in 1800 he operated what was known as Baird's mill, on the site now oc- cupied by the old Lanterman mill, in Mill Creek park. Although he worked the above mill he lived in Boardman township, and in 1812-14 was the only man exempt from mili- tary duty, on account of his occupation, which was considered one of public necessity. He lived to be 70 years of age, dying suddenly of apoplexy, wltile assisting a neighbor to cut wheat in the harvest field.

Andrew Shields, father of James H., was a twin brother of Archibald Shields and one of a family of five children, in which there was a second pair of twins. Andrew Shields was

reared in Boardman township and became a large stock dealer and farmer, and in early days drove his own stock to Pittsburg. He was also a member of the firm of Conklin Brothers & Company, large dealers in cattle and drovers, who had business dealings as far east as Albany, New York. Andrew mar- ried Jane Price, who was a daughter of James Price, a pioneer of Youngstown township, a sketch of whom will be found in this work. Four children were born of this marriage, namely : James H., Lois M., deceased, who married O. B. Hopkins, and who is survived by one son, Bert, who lives on the Shields home farm in Boardman township; Louisa M., who married W. S. Anderson, a well-known attorney at Youngstown; and Wallace A., who died aged two and one-half years. An- drew Shields purchased a farm in Canfield township, on which his son, James H. was born, but the family subsequently returned to Boardman township when the latter was five years old, and there Andrew Shields died June 20, 1880, his widow surviving until June, 1901.

James H. Shields was reared in Boardman township and secured a good district school education, and in 1859 he taught through that district. From the time he was 12 years of age until he was 19. he drove cattle during the season, and could make three trips from April to September, to Little Valley, New York. When 13 years of age he went to Illinois to purchase 200 head of cattle, riding on horse- back and carrying $7,000 in his clothes. He drove them back to Columbia County, New York, going down the very street in Youngs- town on which he now lives, safely reaching Hudson. New York, his destination, after be- ing on the road 871/2 days. He continued to follow the business of a drover for nine years, during the summers, up to the age of 19 as above noted, when he settled down on the farm, but still continued to deal in stock, in which he remains largely interested. He owns five farms. one of 65 acres in Youngstown township, which he is platting into town lots; one of 340 acres in Boardman township which is a combination of three farms; one of 280

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acres in Clay County. Kentucky, and one of ! cies on many occasions. In 1868 he was elec- 200 acres in Portage County, Ohio.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Shields was one of the first to enlist in the first company raised at Youngstown, but he was rejected on account of his previously hav- ing accidentally broken both arms. Although a fine horseman and accustomed to the saddle front childhood, Mr. Shields has had a number of serious accidents at different times while trying to manage vicions animals. Both arms, one leg. collar bones, and five ribs have been the sufferers on various occasions, but he is still more robust than the average of men, his early out-door life having been very bene- ficial in building up a fine constitution.

On September 16. 1863, Mr. Shields was married to Lois M. Starr, who is a daughter of Russell F. Starr, an old resident of Board- man township. Mr. and Mrs. Shields have had four children, namely : Maud M., who married M. Shively, an attorney residing at Akron; Budd K., who died in 1885. aged 22 years ; Mate, a beautiful little girl of eight years, who was accidentally drowned in Mill Creek, July 9, 1873; and Allora C., who manages his father's farm in Boardman township. The last mentioned was married (first) to a Miss Kelly, who at death left one danghter, Marian C., and he married ( second ) a Mrs. Wooley. and they have two children. Howard W. and Nellie.

In 1883, Mr. Shields removed from the . tillery. which operated mainly in Tennessee. farm to Youngstown and resided for a time on Glenwood street. In 1882 he embarked in a meat business at No. 17 Phelps street, which he comhicted there until 1885, when he moved to the Andrews block, which was ruined by an explosion of gas, January 7, 1886. He then established himself at No. 129 Fast Federal street, where he remained until January 1. 1897, when he closed out this business and returned to farming and shipping cattle, but retained his residence at No. 1040 Mahoning avenne, Youngstown.

For many years Mr. Shields has been a prominent factor in Democratic politics. He has been a member of the Democratic county | quently elected,

committee and has served as chairman and has been active in directing the party's poli-

ted sheriff of Mahoning County and served until 1900, with the greatest efficiency. His election was remarkable, as Mahoning County has a normal majority on the Republican side. As a citizen he is well and widely known all through Mahoning County and as a cattleman all over this section of Ohio. A portrait of this enterprising citizen fittingly completes this sketch.

EORGE M. BASILAW, formerly one of the prominent citizens and highly esteemed men of Goshen township, was born in Perry County, Ohio, October 28, 1838, and died in Goshen township, February 12. 1804. He was a son of Raleigh and Hannah ( Wirt ) Bashaw.

The parents of Mr. Bashaw were natives of Georgetown, D. C. For some time after marriage they resided in Culpeper County. Vir- ginia, removing from there to Perry County, Ohio, and some years later to Delaware Coun- ty, where the father died. Rev. Raleigh Bashaw, the grandfather of the late George M., once was a noted preacher in the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, Somh.

George M. Bashaw was reared in Perry and Licking counties, It was from the latter that he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company 1. Second Ohio Heavy Ar-

Mr. Bashaw was honorably discharged from the service, on account of disability, after be- ing ont almost one year. He then returned to Licking County, but subsequently removed with his parents for a short time to Delaware County. He had enjoyed common school ad- vantages and taught for some terms in Lick- ing. Delaware and Columbiana counties, and came to Mahoning Comty from East Roches- ter in 1872. Hle settled in section 20. Goshen township. and continued to teach school for a time, but later devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and to performing the duties of the varions township offices to which he was fre-

On July 14. 1870, Mr. Bashaw was inar- ried to Catherine E. Jlole, who was born in

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Carroll County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Lemuel and Unity (Stanley) Hole, the former of whom was born in Carroll and the latter in Columbiana County. On both sides, the an- cestors of Mrs. Bashaw came from Virginia. To the above marriage four sons were born, namely: Lemuel R., residing at Salem; Otto- well W., residing in Goshen township; J. Hebert, residing at Salem, and Clyde L., re- maining with his mother on the home farm, a tract of more than 50 acres. Mrs. Bashaw was formerly a successful teacher in the public schools in Stark County, having been care- fully educated at the Damascus Academy and Mount Union College. She is a member of the Society of Friends.

In the death of George M. Bashaw, Goshen township lost one of her best citizens. He was public spirited to a large degree and was a stanch friend of the public schools. His po- litical affiliation was with the Republican party and for several years he served as a trustee of the township and on other occasions as clerk. He was a man of hopeful, helpful presence, one who was loyal to his friends and one whose charity was extended to those in need.

e ONRAD F. BRENNER, vice-presi- dent and treasurer of the Equity Savings & Loan Association, of Youngstown, Ohio, has been a prom- inent business man here for more than a quarter of a century and has been a resident of Youngstown for forty years. He was born May 23, 1858, in Columbiana County. Ohio, and is a son of Conrad Mich- ael and Catherine (Siegel) Brenner.

Conrad Michael Brenner was born in Bad- en. Germany, in 1824 and came to America in 1851. shortly afterward locating in Co- lumbiana County, Ohio. He was an educated man and followed the profession of school teacher in various parts of Ohio, and also in- vented and manufactured the first barometers used in this section of the country. In 1855 he married Catherine Siegel, who was born in Wurtemberg. Germany. In 1872 he came

to Youngstown, where he died in 1875. One of the early Abolitionists in this section. he was a supporter of John Brown and took a prominent part in conducting the Under- ground railway, having headquarters at Salem, Ohio, and personally aided many fugitive slaves to freedom. When the Civil War was precipitated he was anxious to take up arms in the hope of helping to settle the slavery question, but was not accepted as a soldier, on account of physical disability. He then oc- cupied himself in recruiting soldiers, and making Union speeches throughout the North. He recruited several companies, one of which was a company of colored troops, which he took to the Governor of Ohio, who refused to accept them. Thereupon Mr. Brenner shook his fist in the Governor's face and told him the time would come when the state would be glad to accept the services of the colored sol- diers. His words were prophetic, for indeed the time soon came when was called upon to recruit another company of colored sol- diers whose services were gladly accepted. He was a man of more than usual ability and proved a true and loyal citizen of his adopted country.

Conrad F. Brenner remained at home un- til he was ten years of age and then started out to take care of himself. He had an aunt who was then living in Youngstown and the barefooted boy walked the distance to her home. He soon found employment with John Manning, who conducted a greenhouse. and remained with him for four years, during which time he attended night-school and also took a course in Hall's Commercial College. Fol- lowing this, Mr. Brenner worked for three years in a milk and cream depot and then was in the grocery business for a year.

In 1881 Mr. Brenner entered into partner- ship with Fred C. Weller in a mercantile ven- ture at Brier IIill, which proved successful, and which was continued until 1885. when Mr. Weller retired. Mr. Bremmer continued the business alone for five years longer. In I&o he disposed of it there and entered into a real estate and insurance business. In 1900 he organized the Equity Savings & Loan As-

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sociation, of which he became the first sec- retary and, after the first year. vice-president and treasurer, The little barefooted boy of 40 years since, is one of the city's capitalists and important men.

Mr. Brenner has always taken an active part in politics and has been identified with public affairs in Mahoning County to a large degree. He has been chairman of both the city and county Democratic executive com- mittees, and in 1890 he was made his party's nominee for the office of county conunisstoner. Hle was defeated by only 96 votes in a county usually giving a Republican majority from 1200 to 2000. In 1802, he was elected audi- tor of Mahoning County by a majority of 1,008 votes and was further honored by a re- election in 1895. Mr. Brenner has always kept local interests in view and in 1882 he secured the establishment of a post-office at Brier Hill, four years later being appointed postinaster there, by President Cleveland.

In 1880. Mr. Brenner was married to Re- becca M. Bayer, daughter of Capt. John Bay- er, of Youngstown. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Fraternally. Mr. Brenner belongs to the Odd Fellows, the Elks, the Knights of Pyth- ias and the Tribe of Ben Hur.

ILMAN WEAVER, whose farm of 75 acres of fertile land, comprising the old Weaver homestead, is fmely lo- cated in Beaver township, along the Youngstown and Southern Railway. is one of the modern, progressive and suc- - cessful agricultorists of this part of Mahoning County, and a representative of a family which was founded here in 1834. Mr. Weaver was born on what is now known as the David Good fann, in Beaver township. Mahoning County, Ohio, October 21, 1855, and is a son of Heury and Anna ( Metzler ) Weaver.

The Weaver family in early days emi- grated from Switzerland to Pennsylvania. Samuel Weaver, grandfather of Tilman, was

bern in Berks County, Pennsylvania. July 10. 1788, and . there married Annie Banman. whose ancestors came from Holland. In 1834 he came to Mahoning County and settled on what has since been known as the Weaver homestead. Here he died February 8. 1852. His wife died September 11, 1843.

Their son, Henry Weaver, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, June 24. 1821. By trade a shoemaker, he combined this oc- cupation with farming, spending his life on the present farm, where he died February 3, 1900. His wife. Anna, was born in Lancaster County. Pennsylvania, July 28. 1819. a daughter of Jacob and Barbara ( Witmer) Metzler. Her family had come to Ohio before the Weavers, locating south of North Lima. Mr. and Mrs. Heury Weaver had three children-Menno, Tilman and Lydia M. Lydia has never mar- ried, but has remained in the old home and keeps house for her brother. She is an ad- mirable woman and is highly esteemed by all throughout the neighborhood.

Mr. Weaver has always devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, directing his efforts along modern lines. The land was mainly cleared by his grandfather and his sons, and he has made many improvements. One of the original buildings, the barn, was erected some 80 years ago, by Adam Wealand and its old logs and timbers are still strong and in good condition. Mr. Weaver has repaired it at var- ions times and has added to its compass, but the old foundations still remain. Modern con- veniences have been introduced into the home and Mr. Weaver and sister keep in touch with their friends through a telephone. The Youngstown & Southern Railway runs along the east boundary of his farm and a stopping point has been arranged, which is called Coal Mines station. With such easily available con- nections with other points, Mr. and Miss Weaver are able to enjoy the advantages of- fered by the city and still retain the rural pleasures of the country.

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 83

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