Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 85

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 85

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On October 18, 1888, Mr. Miller was mar- ried to l'ermilla Jane Martin, who was born near Middlesex, Mercer County, Pennsyl- vania, February 25. 1859. Her parents, R. THOMAS SONS, proprietors of an immense wholesale flour and dairy products business, occupy spacious quarters on the corner of Holmes and Commerce streets, Youngstown. The firm is made up of the two sons of the late J. R. Thomas. B. Frank and Arnold D. Thomas and Elizabeth ( Robinson) Martin, moved to Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, in 1861, and both died near Hillsville, on a farm now owned by their son. Hugh Martin, the grandfather of Mrs. Miller, came from Ire- land, settling at Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, from which point he moved to North Beaver township, near Mount Jackson. about 1829. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Miller were James and Jennie ( Lnsk ) Robinson, who were married in 1808 and settled on a farm near Mount Jackson, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, where they died. The parents of Mrs. Miller had six children, she being the youngest. The others were: John S., residing at New Castle, Pennsylvania : James R., resid- ing at New Castle; Mary S., deceased, who married John W. Gailey: Cyrus L .. residing on the old homestead at Hillsville; Anna E., 'mainly flour. The business was carefully man-

deceased, who was the wife of William T. Gilmore.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller take an inter- est in old and historic objects, particularly when connected with their own family history. They possess several valuable relics which would be gladly accepted by any museum. One of these is a sugar bowl, of old design, which was a part of grandmother Robinson's wedding outfit, and the granddaughter values it very highly. Another relic in the family is an old dish, shaped in the form of a duck, which is of an age difficult to compute. It was purchased of some Swedish emigrants on the docks at that far-away date when the great city of Philadelphia had but three houses on her water front. Another very interesting ob- ject in the Miller home is a mounted snow- white owl, measuring 63 inches from tip to tip of wings which was captured by Mr. Mil- ler about a year ago. This magnificent spec- imen, now almost extinct in this section, Mr. Miller has preserved under glass, and it is a beautiful and very interesting ornament.

In politics, Mr. Miller is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Baptist Church at Hillsville, Pennsylvania.

B. FRANK THOMAS was born in Portage County, Ohio, and was educated in the com- mon schools, and at Mount Union College, where he took a commercial course. After three years spent in teaching he went into his father's business, in 1887. The business had been established by the eller Thomas in 1865, in l'aris township. Portage County, and was confined exclusively to cheese. On June 13, 1887, the founder moved his business to Youngstown, at the same time enlarging his facilities and including other commodities,

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aged by Mr. J. R. Thomas, and has been as carefully conducted by the two sons, and stands now at the head of its line in Youngs- town. Until the death of J. R. Thomas, in 1891. it was conducted under his name, but was then changed to J. R. Thomas Sons which style is still continued.

B. Frank Thomas is a member of the Board of Health of Youngstown, although he takes no active interest in politics. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Credit Men's Association. His frater- nal relations are with the Free Masons.

ARNOLD D. TuoMas, the other member of the wholesale firm of J. R. Thomas Sons, was born also in Portage County, aud was gradu- ated from Mount Union College in 1891, im- mediately afterward entering the firm. He has done more in the organization of the Youngs- town Chamber of Commerce than any other citizen, is a member of its insurance commit- tec, and formerly served as president of the Credit Men's Association. He is treasurer of the Good Roads Association and he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. Both mem- bers of the firm of J. R. Thomas Sons are en- terprising, progressive men, public spirited to a large tlegree and most excellent citizens.

OHN A. SHANK, a well known resi- dent of Beaver township. Mahoning County, Ohio, was born February 24. 1860, in this township and is a son of John and Maria (Barb) Shank.

John Shank, also a native of Beaver town- ship, was a son of John Shank, who came from Rockingham County, Virginia, at an early period and settled on a farm of 50 acres in section 16. Beaver township, residing there until his death. John Shank, father of John .1. resided on that farm all his life. He married Maria Barb, a daughter of Abraham Barb, a resident of Trumbull County. He died over forty years ago at the age of 37 years. Ilis widow still resides at East Lewistown. They reared a family of three children-John A .. the subject of this sketch; William, a resident

of Geauga County, Ohio; and Margaret, who married William Sahli and resides in Pennsylvania.

John A. Shank was reared in Beaver town- ship on his father's farm and attended the township schools. He now owns and operates a small farm at East Lewistown. He was united in marriage to Diana Cum- mings, who was a daughter of Noah and Sarah ( Holdreed) Cummings, and a native of Beaver township. Mrs. Shank is now de- ceased. Her parents resided at East Lewis- town. Two children, Edna and Essler, both residing at home, were born of this marriage.

Politically Mr. Shank is a Republican and has served his township as supervisor and con- stable. He is a member of the Reformed Church.

township.

H. KALE, president of the Board of County Commissioners, of Ma- honing County, Ohio, resides on his fine farm of 111 acres in the vicinity of Berlin Center, Berlin Mr. Kale was born in 1860. in Berlin township. Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew Kale.

The father of Mr. Kale was born in 1839, in Springfield township, Mahoning County, and is a son of AAndrew Kale, who was one of the earliest settlers in this county and his fa- ther. Martin Kale, was one of the pioneers of Berlin township. Andrew Kale, father of W. H. Kale, entered the army during the Civil War. in answer to the last call of President Lincoln, becoming a member of Company G, 155th Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service until the close of the war. Although he returned alive, le is still suffering from the effects of his exposure.

W. H. Kale was reared on his father's iarm in Berlin township. and was educated in the district schools. After his marriage he purchased a small farm of 29 acres to which he subsequently added until now he owns 111 acres of the best land in Mahoning County. It is well improved and here Mir.

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Kale has carried on general farming and stock-raising and has been also an extensive dealer. manufacturer and shipper of lumber. He has always taken an active interest in po- litical matters and is identified with the Repub- lican party. He has served on different occasions as a member of the county central committee and other organiza- tions. In the fall of 1902 he was elec- ted a member of the board of county commis- sioners and was re-elected in the fall of 1905, with a handsome majority of 3.466 votes, this being 2.266 more than at his first election. In many capacities he has served Berlin township for four years was constable, for six years a member of the school board and for six years trustee. For a like period he has served as a delegate to state conventions of his party, and is an indefatigable worker for it.

For the past 23 years Mr. Kale has been a member of Canfield Lodge, No. 155. of the order of Odd Fellows, this lodge being the second in financial standing in the state, and he is past chancellor in the order of Knights of Pythias. and belongs also to a number of purely social organizations.

In 1886, Mr. Kale was married to Ella Harman, who is a dangliter of David Harman, a prosperous farmer of Berlin township, who was born on the banks of the Mahoning river, in 1841. and is a son of one of the earliest settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Kale have one child. Addie M.

1 AMES NEILSON. In the varied in- dustries which have served to make Youngstown the great business center of this part of the state. no one man had more to do with their firm found- ing than had the late James Neilson. He was born in December. 1842, at Glasgow, Scot- land.

The mother of James Neilson died when he was an infant and this possibly weakened home ties and he grew to young manhood cherishing the desire to come to America. When 24 years old he joined his uncle in the

vicinity of Columbus, Ohio, and his subse- quent life was passed in this state, to which he became as closely allied as if he had been native horn. The first position held by him in the state of his adoption was that of book- keeper at the Powers coal mine. Later he secured a position in one of the furnaces oper- ated in connection with the coal mines and in 1866, he entered the employ of Andrews Brothers, remaining with them as bookkeeper and manager of the blast furnace at Haselten. for some ten years. Itis faithful services were recognized in 1880 when he was taken in as a member of this important firm. Seven years later. upon the incorporation of the Andrews Brothers Company, he was elected vice-presi- dent and general manager of their mines and great iron plant, a position he continued to fill until his death in 1893.

Mr. Neilson from the beginning of his career had displayed those rare business qual- ities which could not tail to inspire confidence and possessed the foresight which made his opinions and plans of the greatest valne. In 1884) he organized the Youngstown Bridge Company and became its president : he was al- so president of the Mahoning Ore Company. which operated mines in Minnesota; he was a stockholler and director in the Youngstown Car Manufacturing Company : a stockholler in the Morris Hardware Company. the G. M. MeKelvey Company, the Dollar Savings & Trust Company, the Commercial National Bank and the Ohio Steel Company.

In 1892. when the Mahoning Ore Com- pany was organized, it was the expressed wish of the late H. O. Bonnell that its vast interests should be entrusted to the capable hands of Mr. Neilson. Probably the faithful performance of this wish, considered ahuost sacred by Mr. Neilson, was the real canse of his death. as it was while visiting the various ore properties that he was prostrated by an attack of influenza from which he never really recovered, and his death occured on May 24. 1844)3. of heart failure. His loss was deeply de- ph red not only at Youngstown, where as man and citizen he was honored and esteemed. but all over the country where the firm, sure

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control of his hand had been felt in so many industries and whose upright character lent value to them. A vital factor in Mr. Neilson's many enterprises was the employment of la- bor, and that so little friction occurred among the hundreds in his employ was mainly be- cause of his attitude toward them. Although a strict employer, expecting every man to per- form his full duty, he was a just one and readily recognized superior value or talent and rewarded it. He was universally beloved by those in his employ and no more sincere expressions of sorrow were heard on the oc- casion of his death than from those who worked in his mills and mines and foundries. It was no question with them of capital and labor, simply one of man and man, and it was so because Mr. Neilson had made it so.

Mr. Neilson was married in 1866 to Eliza E. Gibson, a daughter of P. D. Gibson, who was an early pioncer of Mahoning County, coming here with his parents at the age of 14 years. His wife became a resident of the County at nine years of age. . After their mar- riage. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson settled near Gib- son Springs, where they had a farm of about 200 acres. Mrs. Neilson by a former marriage had two children, namely : L. Lola, deceased, and R. D., who is a specialist in medical prac- tice at Youngstown.

For many years Mr. Neilson was a con- sistent member of the Presbyterian Church and during his long enjoyment of its spirit- mal assistance.he was a ready and willing con- tributor to its needs. lle was charitable to a large degree and was particularly interested in work of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation. His fraternal connections included all the higher branches of Masonry, Hillman Lodge. No. 481, F. & A. M., of which he was past master; Youngstown Chapter. No. 93: St. Jolm's Commandery, K. T., No. 20: Al- coran Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cleve- land. Ohio, and of Lake Erie Consistory of Scottish Rite Masons.

Mr. Neilson left a large estate which is capably managed by his heirs. The beautiful family home is at No. 318 Wick avenue, that

delightful, spacious thoroughfare of Youngs- town on which the city's finest mansions stand.

The publishers take pleasure in presenting a portrait of Mr. Neilson in connection with this biographical outline.

OHN S. MITCHELL, the manager of Twin Oaks Farm, a valuable property consisting of some 50 acres, sitnated in Youngstown township, is a promi- nent and reliable citizen of this sec- tion. He was born in Canada, April 22, 1850. a son of John and Elizabeth ( Forrest ) Mitchell.

The parents of Mr. Mitchell were born, reared, educated and married in Scotland. The father carried on farming to some degree. in his native land, where he remained until after his marriage and the birth of one child. when he emigrated to Canada, locating in To- ronto, Ontario, where John S. Mitchell was born. He afterwards moved to Seneca town- ship. Haldemand County, where he bought a farm of 100 acres.

John S. Mitchell spent his boyhood in ' Canada and attended the district schouls near his home. When he was about 15 years of age his parents came to the United States. settling in Hartford, Trumbull County, Ohio. at the home of a relative, with whom they re- mained until the following spring. They then rented a farm near Clarksville, Pennsylvania, where they remained several years, when they removed to and settled on a farm near Cedar Corners. Trumbull County. One winter was spent there, but in the succeeding spring Mr. Mitchell removed to the John Kimmel farm in Youngstown township. Here the family lived for five years, and then the father bought a small place in Liberty township. Trumbull Connty.

While living on the above-mentioned farm John S. Mitchell was married to Mary Arm- strong, who was born August 20, 1851, and who died of bronchial consumption. August 19. 1900, leaving no children. She was a

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daughter of Samuel and Nancy ( Robb) Arm- strong, and a woman of rare qualities of mind and heart.

After marriage John S. Mitchell moved to the Armstrong farm, which was then occupied by the widowed mother of Mrs. Mitchell, and her sister, Miss Nancy A. Armstrong. Mr. Mitchell has resided here and has operated the farm ever since. It originally contained 106 acres, but all but 50 acres have been dis- posed of advantageously. Mr. Mitchell car- ries on farming and dairying on this place, as he also does on his own farm of 50 acres, which is situated in Coitsville township.

In his political views Mr. Mitchell is a Republican, and has been elected a delegate to many Republican conventions. He has served for ten years as a member of the school board, was appointed its first president under the new law, and is serving his third term as such. He is a prominent Odd Fellow, belonging to the lodge at Youngstown, to Phoenix Encamp- ment and the Canton Royal. He belongs also to the auxiliary order of Rebeccas and to the Home Guards of America.

Miss Nancy A. Armstrong, who owns the Twin Oaks Farm, which her brother-in-law, John S. Mitchell, has managed for many years, was born March 8, 1844, at Youngs- town, Ohio, and is one of the three children born to Samuel and Nancy ( Robb) Arm- strong. Of her two sisters, Rebecca died in infancy, and Mary, the wife of John S. Mitch- ell, died, as above noted, in 1900. The Arm- strong family is one well-known and highly respected all over Mahoning County, and was established in Youngstown township by the father of Miss Armstrong, prior to his first marriage.

Samuel Armstrong was born in Pennsyl- vania and died on Twin Oaks Farm in Feb- ruary, 1853. He was a son of David and Sallie (Harris) Armstrong, the former of whom was born in Lawrence County, Penn- sylvania, in 1747, and died in 1811. David had ten children, namely: Thomas, George, David, Rebecca, Polly, Roland, Archibald, Samuel, Betsey and Anna. Samuel was a builder and contractor and opened one of the

first brickyard at Youngstown, and the prod- uct of his kilns entered into the construction of many of the substantial old buildings of the city. He continued active in business until 1847, when he disposed of his interests at Youngstown and purchased a farm of 100 acres, situated in Youngstown township, pay- ing $2,000 for this property, and immediately began improving it.

Samuel Armstrong was married (first) to Jane Erwin, by whom he had five children, as follows: Henry, born in July, 1830, mar- ried Harriet Murry, and they had one son, Henry; Henrietta died in childhood; Rachel, residing at Youngstown, is the widow of Thomas Jacobs, and her three children are: Rev. Dutton C. Jacobs, of Detroit; Rosella, deceased, who was the wife of George Ger- wig; and Thomas A. Jacobs, cashier of the Mahoning National Bank at Youngstown; Sarah, who married L. J. Jacobs of Youngs- town, died and left four children-W. Lloyd, Mrs. Carrie Heasley, Elmer E. and Mark; William, who married Sarah Kimmel, had two children, Luella, who married William Frease of Youngstown, and Cora, who mar- ried Robert Stevenson. Samuel Armstrong was married (second) in June, 1843, to Mrs. Nancy (Robb) Loveland, who was the widow of Amos Loveland. She owned a farm at Weathersfield, which she sold in order to as- sist in the purchase and development of, Twin Oaks Farm, which she thus named on account of the noble twin oaks which particularly marked the farm, one of which still stands and shelters the cool spring in the yard. She was born August 16, 1807, and died April 10, 1894.

The old home in which Miss Armstrong has spent the greater part of her quiet, happy, useful life, is of historic interest, the house be- ing one of the oldest in the township. It still stands, fully one hundred years old, having long outlived its builders. It was replaced as a residence by a modern structure, in 1904. It is beautifully located, and no traveler through this region, who has any artistic per- ceptions, ever passes it without stopping to enjoy the picture of rural attractiveness. Nat-

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nrally this old place is very dear to its owner, for in and around it are clustered the memor- ies of a half century. Miss Armstrong is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

ACOB BOOHECKER, one of the sub- stantial men of Smith township, re -. siding on his excellent farm of 150 acres, situated in section 4, was born in U'nity township. Columbiana Coun- ty, Ohio. January 5. 1839, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Switzer) Boohecker.

The grandfather of Jacob Boohecker, also Jacob Boobecker, was born in Pennsylvania and settled with his family in Columbiana County, Ohio, when his son Peter was a chikl of four years, and there he lived until his death. Peter Boohecker was reared on the pioneer farm in Unity township. where he lived until after his marriage and the birth of some of his children, when he removed to Mahoning County and settled on the farm in Smith township, which his son Jacob now owns. At that time the land was covered with heavy timber and there were but few settlers in this neighborhood. The first home in Smith township was a two-room plank honse. which served for many years. Peter Boo- hecker died in 1884. Three of his children still survive, as follows: Jacob, named for his grandfather: Daniel, residing in Smith township; and Adam, residing at Sebring, Ohio.

Jacob Boohecker spent his boyhood and early youth on his father's farm. where he was thoroughly trained in all agricultural work. When the Civil War came on the country, he immediately became interested and in the sec- ond year of its progress, on Angust 11. 1862, he enlisted in the service of his country, be- coming a member of Company H. 105th Regi- ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was at- tached to the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Boohecker saw much hard service before he was honorably discharged. June 3. 1865. and can recall from personal observation, many of the most terrible battles of the great conflict.

He participated in the battles of Perryville. Missionary Ridge, Jonesboro, Milton, Chicka- manga, the siege of Chattanooga, and marched with Sherman on that memorable trip to the sea. Mr. Boohecker has the record of being at all times a brave man and obedient soldier.

After the close of his army service, he re- turned to peaceful pursuits, first engaging in the mercantile business at Columbiana. and then came to Smith township, where he fol- lowed farming, but subsequently resmed mer- chandising, settling for this purpose at Be- loit, where he resided for sixteen years, after which he was interested for several years in a hotel business at Mt. Union. In 1895 he settled permanently on his farm in Smith township, where his wife owns also a farm of fifty acres.

Mr. Boohecker was married to Sarah E. Woods, who was born in Columbiana County. and they have two surviving children: James P., residing at Salem, and Mary L., who mar- ried Walter I .. Miller, residing in Smith town- ship. Two danghters are deceased: Lnella and Loretta J.

Politically Mr. Boohecker is identified with the Republican party. He is one of the lead- ing members of the Presbyterian Church at North Benton, Ohio.

m RS. SUSANNAH R. DUNN. widow of the late William Dunn. residing on section 33. Green township, on her well-improved farm of 72 acres. is one of the most highly esteemed ladies of this section. Mrs. Dunn was born at Franklin Square, Co- linnbiana County, Ohio. September 25. 1841. and is a daughter of Thomas and Christena ( Row) Post.

The father of Mrs. Duun was a native of an eastern state, and he came to Columbiana County, with an aunt, Mrs. Susan Zimmerman. who was an early settler. The mother of Mrs. Dann was born near Wellsville. Ohio, and taught school for a time in Columbiana Coun- ty. Mrs. Dann was seven years of age when

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DAVID STEWART

MRS. ELIZABETH H. STEWART

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RESIDENCE OF DAVID G. STEWART, COITSVILLE TOWNSHIP

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her parents settled at Salem, where her father conwhicted a livery business for a number of years. She was educated in the Salem schools and grew to womanhood in that city.

On May 25. 1860, she was married to Wil- liam Dunu, who was born at Buffalo, New York, November 15, 1831, and was a son of Robert and Ellen Dunn, both parents being natives of England. William Dunn was mainly reared at Salem, and after his marriage he engaged in farming near that city until about 1880, when he removed to Green town- ship. Mahoning County, settling on the farm which Mrs. Dunn now owns, on which he died two years later. There were seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Din, the six survivors being: Robert, residing near Salem, engaged in farming: Clara, who married Van Dunn. residing near Wellsville; Homer, residing near Alliance; Ella, who married George Car- lisle, residing at Youngstown; May, who mar- ried George Crutchley, residing at Millville: and Nora, who married Leonard Barber, re- siding near Millville. Mrs. Dunn has eleven grandchildren.

The death of Mr. Dunn removed from this section a good citizen .. a kind husband and an affectionate father. He was a man of upright character and enjoyed the esteem ni all who knew him, and he is affectionately remembered by his family and by his neighbors, to wlan he was all that was kind, generons and just. Mrs. Dunn enjoys a wide acquaintance and has the love of her large family as well as the respect of all who have business or social re- lations with her. Her farm is well managed and is one of the most productive in this section.

D AVID G. STEWART, who is serving in his tenth year as trustee of Coits- ville township. resides on his well improved farm, the old Stewart homestead. situated in section 6. where he was born. September 3, 1858. Ile is a son of David and Elizabeth (Houston ) Stewart.

William Stewart, grandfather of David

G., was born December 20. 1765. in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and in 1803, accom- panied by his wife and several brothers, came to Mahoning County and with the latter bought land in Coitsville township, aggregat- ing 1000 acres. One year later, in 1804. Wil- liam Stewart bought 200 acres of land and it is a part of the purchase that David G. now owns and occupies. There was a time when William, John, James, Robert and Joseph Stewart owned all the land in this part of Coitsville township. In 1799. William Stew- art married his cousin, Mary Stewart, who was a daughter of Elijah Stewart, who was born in Dauphin County. Pennsylvania. She died in Coitsville township, October 16, 1851. William Stewart died May 5. 1841. He had seven children, namely : Sarah (Mrs. Low- ery), Elijah, Robert, William, Samuel, Mary ( Mrs. McKee) and David.

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 85

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