Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 97

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 97

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).

William Dickson remained with his fam- ily, in New Jersey, until May 25, 1841, when they started for Ohio, by way of the Hudson River, the Erie Canal and Lake Erie. to Cleve- land, from which city they reached Canfield township. September 10, 1841. They came to the Hill, as the present farm was called, and William Dickson soon purchased the prop- erty of Henry Fitch, paying $1.350. They reared a large family and continued to reside on this farm until the end of their lives. They were people of local prominence, thrifty. in- dustrious and worthy in every way, proving kind neighbors and faithful friends. They were the parents of children, as follows: Alex- andler, who died in February, 1858. when 20 years of age, unmarried; James M., residing at Youngstown, where he is principal of the Elm street school, having been a teacher for more than 30 years, married Dorothy Gib- son : Anna J., who married J. B. Jordan, re- siding at Youngstown, a leading educator of Mahoning County : Ellen, residing in Berlin township, is the widow of B. Frank Kirk- bride; lizzie M., residing with her brother. Robert W .: Margaret I .. , born September 3. 1852, who was married June 26, 1800. to James A. Forsythe, residing near Moravia, Pennsylvania. has one son ; Ada R., born Jan- uary 4. 1855, who was married December 15. 1802. to W. T. Anderson, residing at Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania: William Alexander Scott. horn June 7. 1858, was married at Rich- mond. Indiana. February 9, 1888. to May A. Dickson, and they reside at Richmond, where Mr. Dickson is in the hardware business; two children who died in infancy.

Robert W. Dickson was but eight years old when he lost his father. He attended the

Digitized by Google

774

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

district schools in boyhood and enjoyed two terms at the Canfield Union School. In 1869 he began teaching and followed this profes- sion for 25 years in Mahoning County, half of the period in his home district. After many years of enjoyable and successful work, Mr. Dickson retired from the educational field and since then has devoted his attention to agri- cultural pursuits. The Dickson family had produced a number of successful teachers. James M. Dickson, mentioned above, is one of the best-known educators in Eastern Ohio. Lizzie M. has devoted a number of years to educational work, having attended many ex- cellent private institutions and stimulated her intellect also by courses of home study.

Robert W. Dickson was married Novem- ber 5, 1882, to Jettie W. Allen, who was born in Ellsworth township and was a daughter of Martin and Lucy Allen, the former of whom was born in Connecticut. Mrs. Dickson died April 30. 1886, leaving one son. Allen R., who was born July 23. 1884. He has been educated in the local schools and the Can- field Normal School.

In 1802 Mr. Dickson purchased the home farm. on which he resides with his son and sister, Lizzie M. He has long been a leader in his township, not only in educational mat- ters, but also in politics. He is serving in his sixth term as justice of the peace and has been the choice of his party for the offices of county commissioner and county treasurer, being de- feated by a very small majority in a county that has several thousand normal adverse ma- jority.

J OHN M. WEBB. On a sunny Sabbath morning in the year 1847, a dark haired. slender youth of twenty-one. with sturdy steps wended his way to the corner of our now busy Federal street, where stands the hotel then known as the Mansion House. His name was John M. Webb. All his earthly possessions-a small trunk, a robust constitution, and, for one of his years, a superior talent for journalism. En- tering the hotel, he found the waiting-room

empty, the surroundings lonesome. The tray- eler, weary and depressed, seating himself. the clerk, Mr. Chauncey Andrews, soon entered, his genial countenance and kindly conversa- tion scattering some heavy, unwelcome thoughts beginning to intrude themselves upon the traveler's solitude.

During this conversation young Webb learned from Mr. Andrews many things to his advantage, and after the latter rose to fame and fortune, they retained a warm friendly feeling for each other.

Mr. Webb had made the journey from dis- tant Washington to edit and assume charge of a Democratic newspaper. At times he longed for a view of the tall spires and beautiful domes of the stately capital he had left be- hind, but he found beauty in the hamlet of Youngstown with its few scattered houses slumbering in the beautiful valley, surrounded by its verdure-clad hills. His senior partner, Mr. Ashal Medbury, was intelligent and very congenial, his principles sound, and he the best of advisers. By Mr. Medbury young Webb was introduced to the late Governor Tod, and was greatly fascinated by Mr. Tod's fine personality and his very striking resem- blance to his own favorite hero, Napoleon the Great. He conceived a warm affection for Mr. Tod, and they were friends for many years.

Mr. Webb realized that successful. journ- alism demanded unceasing toil, both mental and physical, and with the intrepidity of youth he entered upon his duties. His laborious ef- forts produced a very entertaining weekly journal, by name. The Ohio Republican, its columns containing much matter pertaining to the arts and sciences, and replete with news of current events-and through all there breathed a prophecy of the future greatness of Youngs- town. He received praise and congratulations from all. Hle continued his labors five years in Youngstown, In 1852 Mr. Medbury, wish- ing to retire from journalism. Mr. Webb pur- chased his interest and removed The Ohio Republican to Canfickl. then the county seat of Mahoning County. This removal was not a success financially, but Mr. Webb's abilities

Dlalzeday Google

JOHN C. KIRK

Digiged by Google

777

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

as a Democratic journalist being recognized by the late Dr. Trevitt, then one of the pro- prietors of the Columbus Crisis, he was of- fered a position as editor under much better conditions. He accepted, and for a number of years was managing editor of that paper. Subsequently, realizing that the Crisis was not sufficiently progressive, he advised and persuaded its managers and proprietors to give it up and engage in the publication of an np- to-tlate and progressive daily, and as a result. in 1871, there arose, phoenix-like, from the ashes of the old Crisis, The Columbus Duily Dispatch.

The editorial staff of this paper was tal- ented and brilliant, and its initial appearance very attractive. The citizens were pleased with it and it received their universal patronage, and is still flourishing. In 1877 Mr. Webb re- turned to Youngstown. His dreams of its fu- ture progress and greatness were then almost realized. His friend Mr. Andrews became the owner and proprietor of the Evening News, and at the latter's request he became a mem- ber of its editorial staff. The publication be- ing neutral, it had, as the New's, but a brief existence. A stock company was formed, and the paper, after going through various muta- tions, finally became the Daily Telegram, which now enjoys a flourishing existence.

Mr. Webb and that prince of newspaper financiers, Mr. William F. Maag. then pur- chased the l'indicator, a Democratic weekly. and he devoted his energies, his labors, for its success. Here again he saw the necessity of an interesting daily to meet the demands of a progressive city. Through the combined et- forts of Mr. Maag and himself. a company was formed which commenced the publication of The F'indicator daily. Mr. Webb continued his labors as editor and lived to see huis ef- forts as a founder and journalist realized in its steady increasing popularity and phenomenal success. As a substantial reward for his fidel- ity and toils he received the appointment for Youngstown's postmaster the day of his death, If opportunities had presented themselves Mr. Webb as a newspaper founder would stand without a peer. For him every dark cloud 40

had its silver lining, and he also was a firm believer in the saying, "All things come to him who toils and waits." On February 21. 1803, still toiling and using his burden for a pillow. he entered that calm, sweet slumber to awake to a more perfect and eternal life.

Mr. Webb was born in Canton, Ohio, Au- gust 1. 1827, son of John N. and Eliza Webb. His father was sheriff of Stark county for a period of eight years and during his life filled several other positions of public trust. His mother was a devout Christian of the Metlenlist persuasion. He was married in 1849 to Mary Woodruff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Woodruff, who came to this city from Connecticut. He leaves besides his wife, two daughters-Kate, now Mrs. C. D. Hamil- ton, and Miss Ella, the latter residing at home.

J JOHN C. KIRK, one of the most pros- perous farmers and highly respected citizens of Canfield township, resid- ing on a fine farm of 100 acres, was born May 15. 1828, in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, and is a son of John and Anna (Chapman) Kirk.

John Kirk, a native of Ireland, was a son of William Kirk, who came to America and located in Knoxville, Jefferson County, Ohio. William married Mary Grear and reared a family of seven chikiren, namely: John ( father of Jolin C.) ; Mary : Peggy; Michael; Thecpolos: William, and Jane, all of whom are now deceased. William Kirk and his wife both died in Jefferson County, Ohio, at an ad- vanced age. John Kirk came to this country when about 18 years old and first located in Philadelphia for a short time, after which he removed to Pittsburg. Pennsylvania. He was married when 19 years old to Ann Chapman, a native of Ohio, after which he moved to near Wellsville, Ohio, where he worked for some time in a furnace. He subsequently removed to Salineville. Columbiana County, where both he and his wife died. her death occurring at the age of 78 years. They had a family of eight children, namely : James, deceased! :

Digitizedby Google

778

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

Mary, who married Isaac Pinkerton, both be- ing now deceased; William. deceased; John Chapman, the subject of this sketch; Michael, deceased; Levina, the widow of Simeon Stranton, resides in Salem, Ohio; Monroe, who served in the army, is deceased; and Lu- cinda, widow of Benjamin Way, resides at Salem, Ohio.

John Chapman Kirk was a mere child when his parents moved to the vicinity of Wellsville, Ohio, and settled near the month of Yellow Creek. Here he was reared and at- tended the old Hollow Rock school, though most of his time was devoted to working on different farms in Jefferson and Columbiana counties. When a young man of about 20 years he and his brother operated a coal bank near Salem, Ohio, where they owned 112 acres of land. They were very successful and made considerable money from the coal and subsequently sold the land, after which John came to Mahoning County. During his early lite Mr. Kirk dealt extensively in stock, and spent many days in the saddle, driving cattle and horses from the west to Philadelphia. He was engaged in that business for over twenty- five years, being very snecessful and traveling all over the western part of Ohio and through Indiana on horseback. He was then very fond of riding, and was a large man, weighing 250 pounds, and being six feet one and a half inches tall. In 186: Mr. Kirk located on his present farin of 100 acres, renting it for the first three years, after which he bought it from his father-in-law. and. with the excep- tion of four years spent in Canfickl, has re- sided here ever since. Mr. Kirk and his fam- ily reside in a large ten-room frame house, which he erected in 1877.

He was married January 29, 1850, to Mary Pow, who was born January 4. 1833. in an old log honse on his present farm. and is a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Tem- plen) Pow. Alexander Pow was born in England and came to this country at the age of 12 years with his father, Robert Pow, who settled on the farm where Mr. Kirk now re- sides, and died very shortly after locating here. This comtry was all a wilderness at

that time, and required nich clearing, and many dollars worth of poplar timber was burned. Alexander Pow came into possession of the farm at the death of his father, and resided here for the remainder of his life. He first married Elizabeth Templen, by whom lie became the father of five children, as follows: Mary, now Mrs. Kirk; Jane, who married Henry Staffer, both of whom are deceased; Barbara, widow of Henry Baldwin, residing in Michigan; Robert; and Richard, who is deceased. After his wife's death Mr. Pow married (second) Harriet Levett, of which mion there were two children, George and Elizabeth, the latter the widow of Lawrence Hall.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kirk : Elizabeth Ann, Jane and Barbara; Elizabeth Ann died at the age of 8 months; Jane, who resides in this vicinity, married M. S. Frederick, who manages the farm for Mr. Kirk. She has two children-Frank, who resides near Salem, and who married Nora Kline and has two children, Ethel and Esther; George 1 .. Frederick, who lives in Ellsworth township, married Cora Paulin and has one child, Dorothea; Barbara Kirk, who lives with her parents, is nnmarried.

Politically Mr. Kirk is a Republican, but was formerly a Whig, and first voted for Gen- eral Taylor. He served for ten years on the Mahoning County Agricultural Board. He is a member of the Argus Lodge of the Masonic urder at Canfield. He and his family are members of the Disciples Church. Although nearly 80 years of age, Mr. Kirk retains the strength and mental vigor of a man many years his junior, and is still able to do a hard day's work. His portrait appears on a neigh- boring page.

€ DWIN A. BROWNLEE, M. D., physician and surgeon at Struthers, where he is a leading citizen, was born in Boardman township. Mahon- ing County, Ohio. September 18. 1858, and is a son of James .A. and Rebecca (Gilchrist ) Brownlee.

Digitizedby Google

779

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

The father of Dr. Brownlee was born in Scotland February 4, 1825, and is a son of John and Margaret (Wilson) Brownlee, the former of whom died in 1832, aged 60 years, and the latter in 1865, aged 81 years. The paternal grandfather of James A. Brownlee came to America and located in Washington County, Pennsylvania, removing from there to Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1812, where he died and lies buried in the Mahoning church- yard. James A. Brownlee was seven years old when he accompanied his widowed mother to America. They came to Mahoning County, Ohio, settling on a farm in Boardman town- ship which adjoins the one on which he still resides. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and owns 235 acres of fine land, all adjoining, which is situated in Poland and Boardman townships.

On March 16, 1854, James A. Brownlee married Rebecca Gilchrist, who was born at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, November 16, 1832, and is a daughter of James and Grace (Mc- Graw) Gilchrist, the former of whom was also a native of Scotland. He was a carpenter and contractor and came to Coitsville town- ship, Mahoning County, in 1834, and settled on the farm now owned by James D. Shields, a sketch of whom appears in this work. Mr. Gilchrist died in 1853, aged 71 years, and his widow in 1876, aged 84 years. James A. Brownlee and wife had 10 children, namely : Mary, James H., Edwin, John C .. Mrs. Eva Blunt, Irvin, Ralph, Grace, and two children died in infancy. Mary and James H. reside at home, Irvin is engaged in a real estate busi- ness at Pittsburg, and Grace married George W. Hunter.

Edwin A. Brownlee spent his boyhood on the home farm and attended the district schools, subsequently spending three years at the Poland Seminary. For three years he then taught school at Struthers and for two years at Hazelton, when he was appointed to a gov- ermuent position in the Interior Department at Washington, by Congressman William Mc- Kinley. During his stay at Washington, he took a two-years' course in medicine at the University of Georgetown and then entered

Dartmouth College, at Hanover, New Hamp- shire, where he was graduated in the fall of 1892. After a year of post-graduate study at the New York Post Graduate Medical School, Dr. Brownlee felt qualified to take up pro- fessional work and in December, 1893, after a trip of recreation to Oregon and a visit to the Columbian Exposition, at Chicago, he lo- cated at Struthers, where he has since given his experienced skill to those in need of pro- fessional care. He enjoys a large practice and is also interested in some business enter- prises, being one of the directors of the Struth- ers Savings and Banking Company.

In 1896 Dr. Brownlee was married to Lu- ella Geddes, an accomplished lady who had been a successful teacher at Struthers for five years. She is a daughter of James Geddes and was reared at Youngstown. Dr. Brown- lee belongs to various medical organizations and is a member of the beneficiary order of Maccabees.

HARLES FREDERICK WINTER, postmaster at Petersburg, serving in his second term, and a prominent business man and manufacturer, has resided in this city for over a half century and has been identified with its leading interests. Mr. Winter was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, October 21, 1849, and is a son of Adam F. and Varonica (Greiner) Winter.

Adam F. Winter was born in Germany in 1798, and died at Petersburg, Ohio, aged 70 years. He was a small farmer in Germany and for many years was in the service of the emperor, keeping tab on the grain taxes. He emigrated to America about 1853. He mar- ried Varonica Greiner, who still survives and although she has reached the advanced age of 86 years, she reads without the assistance of glasses and is otherwise well preserved. Her father, Jacob Greiner, never came to America. At one time Adam F. Winter was counted a wealthy man, but lost his fortune by going bail for a friend. The children born to Adam F. Winter and his wife were: Charles Fred-

Digiized by Google

780

HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY

erick ; Gottleib, who is in partnership with his older brother. in the manufacturing business at Petersburg: Louisa, who married John Hinley, residing in Lawrence County, Penn- sylvania.

Charles Frederick Winter was beween four and five years of age when his parents came to the United States. They settled first in Law- rence County, Pennsylvania, two miles from Petersburg, later moving from there to a farm in Springfield township, situated about the same distance from the town, and in the spring of 1856, located at Petersburg. Mr. Winter was reared here and attended the local schools, and as soon as old enough learned the trade of wagonmaker, and with the exception of a space of eight months, when he was at Park- ersburg, West Virginia, he has followed that business here ever since. In 1876 he added undertaking and is the only man in that line at Petersburg. Since 1872 he has had his brother Gottleib as a partner, to whom he taught the trade, and they do a very large business, some- times turning out 100 buggies and wagons a year, and giving constant employment to a number of men. It is an important industry of the town.

Mr. Winter has always been a staunch Republican. On July 1, 1903. he was ap- pointed postmaster at Petersburg, by Presi- dent Roosevelt, to fill out an unexpired term, and subsequently was reappointed for four years more. His administration has given entire satisfaction to the community.

On October 27. 1870, Mr. Winter was married to Mary S. Piatt, who was born in Craig township, Switzerland County, Indiana, and is a daughter of Samuel A. D. and Cath- erine (Smith) Piatt. The Piatts were French Huguenots and three brothers of the name came to America to escape religious persecu- tion. Capt. William Piatt, the great-grandfa- ther of Mrs. Winter, was killed by the Indians in the War of the Revolution, on the occasion of General St. Clair's deicat. Samuel Piatt was a son of James Piatt, and was born in Seneca County, New York, and was a pioneer in Indiana, making his first visit on horse- back through the snow. He married Cath-

erine Smith, whose people belonged to Vir- ginia. Mr. and Mrs. Winter have had eight children, namely : Charles Piatt, residing at Spokane, Washington, was born August 28, 1871, married Ella Powers and they have two children, Ida Margaret and Clarence Francis; John Frederick, residing at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he has a large horseshoe- ing establishment, was born Angust 14, 1873. married Annie Andrews, and they have two children, Hazel Marie and Jelm Frederick. Jr .: Clarence Carl, residing at Youngstown, married Clara Alnoda Wire, and has two chil- dren, Fannie Laurena and Annie Ruth; Kate Frances, who was born in September. 1878. died May 11. 1883; Edwin Arthur, residing at Youngstown, was born December 14. 1880; Annie Grace, who has been a popular and suc- cessful teacher at Damascus and other points. was principal of the school at Homeworth, Ohio, for some years: William Rich- ard, residing at Allegheny City, was born No- veniber 4, 1887: Benjamin Howard died when about five years of age.

Mr. Winter and family belong to the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Winter was. secretary for some 20 years.

RANK B. HALLER, one of New Middletown's enterprising and suc- cessful business men, in the line of contracting and building, was born in Springfield township, Mahoning County, September 7, 1865, and is a son of Benjamin W. and Margaret (Snyder) Haller.

The father of Mr. Haller was born in Springfield township in 1837, and was a son of Conrad and Mary ( Wizeman) Haller, probably born in Germany, who came to Springfield township at an early date. Con- rad Haller acquired 10 acres of land on the North Lima road, on which he spent the re- mainder of his life. Benjamin W. Haller was reared on the homestead and when he grew to manluxx! he learned the business of pump- making, but subsequently bought a farm of 112)5 acres of land in section 17. Springfield

Digitizedby Google

781

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

township, on which his widow still resides, his death having taken place in 1890. He was always a strong supporter of Democratic pol- icies and was equally devoted to the faith of the German Lutheran Church. He married Margaret Snyder, who was born in Bearer township. Maboning County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Philip Snyder, who was an early settler in Springbeld township, coming from eastern Pennsylvania. There were nine chil- dren born to these worthy people, namely : Henry, residing at Leetonia ; Mary, who mar- ried Jonas Seidner, residing in Springfield township: Francis, residing in Springfield township. is a business partner of Frank B .; Conrad, residing at New Middletown; Jona- than, residing in Springfield township; Frank B .; James, formerly of Springfield township. died in 1808; Hattie, who married Samuel Pitts, residing on the old homestead; and Ezra, residing at New Middletown.

Frank B3. Haller was educated in the schools of Springfield township and remained at home until his marriage in 1896. Ile learned the carpenter's trade after trying farming and huckstering for a time, and after moving into New Middletown, began contract- ing. in partnership with his brother Francis. When they began business they gave employ- ment to about fire men, while they now con- trol a volume of business that requires at least 11 men. The Hallers have erected the best and most substantial buiklings that have gone up in the last decade. in this section, and the firm is one of the most prosperous.

Mr. Haller was married November 26. 1806. to Hattie Elnora Livingston, who was boru in Springfield township, and is a daugh- ter of Charles and Elizabeth ( Mauch) Liv- ingston. Her father was born in this neigh- borhood and was left an orphan at the age of eight years. He died March 3. 1902, aged 42 years, Jolm Manch, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Haller, was an old settler of Spring- field township. Mrs. Livingston still survives and resides at Youngstown. Mrs. Haller was the second born in a family of four children. the others being: Clara, who died, aged four weeks: Lawrence, deceased: and Will-

iam, residing at Youngstown. Mr. and Mrs. Haller have one daughter, Edith Mahel, who was born March 22, 1808. Although but nine years of age, this little maiden has shown re- markable musical talent and is an excellent performer on the piano.

In politics Mr. Haller is a Democrat. He is a very busy man and has never consented to serre in any office except that of school di- rector. Prior to the disbanding of the Junior Order of the U. A. M., he was a member of that body. He belongs to the German Lnth- eran Church.

e HARLES F. OHL. attorney at Youngstown, who is also interested in business enterprises in this city, was born in 18;7, at Austintown, Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of William Ohl, who is now a resident of Warren, Ohio.

When Mr. Ohl was 14 years of age, his parents removed to Trumbull County. He completed his education at the Ohio Northern U'niversity at Ada. graduating at this insti- tution in 1895, with the degree of B. S., later with M. S., and in 1902, on graduating from the legal department of the Western Reserve U'niversity, he was awarded the degree of B. L., In the same year he was admitted to the bar and has been in the active practice of his profession ever since.

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 97

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