Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 99

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 99

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).

Until he was 15 years of age. John D. Morrison remained on the home place, obtain- ing his education in the local schools. When he came to New Springfield he worked for his uncle. Andrew Reesh, in his basket factory. remaining with him until his marriage, when he removed to Columbiana and followed the butchering business there for three years. In the meantime, his father-in-law, Samnel J. Shearer. urgel him to come to New Spring- field and become the manager of the C. Y. Shearer general store. Mrs. Shearer having been appointed postinistress by the late Presi- dent MeKinley. July 27. 1897. He disposed of his meat business at Columbiana, to Charles Geiger, and then came to New Springfield, be- ing appointed assistant postmaster. Ilis bnsi- ness interests have been increased since lo- cating here and through his publie spirit and good citizenship, he has become one of the leading men of the town.

On January 1. 1892. Mr. Morriam was married to Edna 1. Shearer, who was born March 31, 1875. at New Springfieldl and is a daughter of Samuel J. and Cardine Y. ( Zeig- ler) Shearer. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have two sons: Burdell S., who was born June 18. 1803: and Trall E .. who was born Septem- ber 6, 1890. The family belongs to the Evan- gelical Church Association.

Politically Mr. Morrison is affiliated with

the Republiem party. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Allen lanlge, No. 276. F. & A. M., Column- biana: Salem Chapter. No. 04. R. A. M .: Omega Commeil, No. 44. R. & S. M .: and Salem Commandery, No. 42. K. T. Formerly he was in active connection with the Junior Order of American Mechanics.

J AMES ALLAX, one of Poland town- ship's most substantial agriculturists and highly respected citizens, who re- sides on a fine farm of 139 acres lo- cated in section 28, was born on a farm in Scotland, November 5, 1849, and is a son of John and Margaret (Duncan) Allan. who were prosperous farmers of that country.

James Allan was reared on his father's farm, and at maturity he married Jennie F'er- guson. a daughter of Peter and Margaret ( Doick ) Ferguson, after which he engaged in farming in his native country until 1882, when he brought his family to America and settled at Struthers, Ohio. He soon found employ- ment in the agrienitural regions and spent the first seven years in Mahoning County. working for Walker Kennedy, after which he worked an adjoining farm belonging to Mrs. Gundhue, for two years on shares. He next located on the James Pence farm in Poland Center, for eight years, after which he took charge of a farm in Boardman township, for Mrs. Samuel Hines. This farm was about one mile west of Poland and was in a very poor condition, yielding a very small crop the first year. but through his excellent management it was placed in a good state of cultivation, and he remained there for eight years. In 1903. Mr. Allan purchased his pres- eut farm from James MeCollough, which was originally the old Hugh Dobbins farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Allan have six children. three of whom were born in Scotland, and three in this country: John: Jeanette, who "married Alfred Flowers of Poland township. Iris two children. Burt and Marjory : Maggie. who lives at home : James. Fr. : Rachel, who

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lives at home : and Peter. who is a student in | Mahoning County, Mr. and Mrs. Mead have the Poland Union School. Mr. Allan's two sons, John and James, make a specialty of raising Shropshire sheep. Mr. Allan is a member of the U. P. Church at Struthers.

C THOMAS MEAD. a prominent and highly esteemed resident of Goshen township, who engages in general farming on his well cultivated estate of 50 acres, located in section 14. was boin March 15. 1844. in Goshen township, Mahoning County, Ohio. His parents were John and Caroline ( Wright ) Mead.

John Mead, father of Thomas, was born in England and was a son of John Mead, who came from England to America, when his son John was about 15 years of age. Grandfather Mead brought his family to Goshen township. in what is now Mahoning County, settling in the workis, which was then but the primeval forest. inhabited by wild animals. There John Mead the second grew to manhood and subsequently married the daughter of another old settler. Joseph Wright, who was one of the early treasurers of Goshen township.

Thomas Mead grew to man's estate on the homestead farm and as opportunity presented itself, through boyhood and youth, attended the district schools. For almost a quarter of a century he followed the threshing business. owning a complete ontfit for the same, and in filling threshing contracts. worked through Mahoning, Portage and Colombiana counties. Since 1903. however, he has confined his atten- tion to general farming. His property is care- fully managed and his improvements excellent.

On December 6, 1866, Mr. Mead was mar- ried to Elizabeth S. Davis, who was born in Goshen township, January 10, 1848, and is a danghter of Samuel and Sarah .1. ( Silvers) Davis, the former of whom was born at Salem and the latter in New Jersey. They resided for many years in Goshen township. The ma- ternal grandfather of Mrs. Med. Adna Silv- ers, was an early settler in Berlin township.

had three children, the one survivor being. Emma C., who married Elmer K. Minser. Mr. and Mrs. Minser have two children, Earl H. and Edna M.

Politically Mr. Mead is a Republican and he has been active in township affairs, serv- ing three terms as trustee of Goshen township. Both he and wife belong to Goshen Grange. Patrons of Husbandry and take an interest in the matters for which this organization was formed. They take pleasure in entertaining their friends at their hospitable home and their presence is always welcomed in social circles.

HASE T. TRUESDALE, of Youngs- town. and a business man of long standing, was born in 1855, at Aus- tintown, Mahoning County, Ohio. He is a son of the late John R. Truesdale, who was one of the pioneers of Mahoning County, which he served two terms as treasurer. In 1858 he was elected infirm- ary director. He was a man of prominence in this locality all his active life. He mar- ried Mary Thomson, who was born in this county in 1822.

Chase T. Truesdale resided at Austintown until 1868, when his father was elected county treasurer and removal was made to Canfield. which was then the county seat. The family lived there during his term as county treas- urer and then located at Austintown. In 1880 Mr. Truesdale came to Youngstown and entered the employ of Homer Baldwin at the city mills, where he has continued ever since. Mr. Truesdale has always been a zealons Re- publican. Ile was elected in 1900 a member of the city council from the 4th Ward, was re-elected in 1902, and in 1903, when the new code went into effect. he was elected one of the three councilmen at large. for the whole city. Ile was elected county treasurer at the fall election of 1906. In every way he is qualified for the office and he enjoys the con- fidence of both parties as an humorable. up- right and able man.

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In 1883. Mr. Truesdale was married to Maria Wooldridge, of Youngstown, and they have one daughter, Bessie. Mr. Truesdale and family belong to Trinity Methodist Epis- copaf Church and he belongs to the official board. He is an active member of the For- aker club of this city.

S AMUEL J. SHEARER, formerly a prominent citizen of New Springfiekl. who was identified with its business interests and public affairs, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsyl- vania, in 1836, and died at New Springfield, Ohio, June 18, 1897.

Mr. Shearer was born on a farm and re- mained at home until he was 18 years of age. His was not a nature to be satisfied with the quiet of an agricultural life, and in seeking ad- venture, he found it in accompanying a Gov- ernment expedition to Utah, guarding mili- tary stores. He welcomed the dangers from Indians and the will character of the country. having a personal bravery that was later shown when he faced almost certain death on many a battlefield during the Civil War. Time and circumstances landed him in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and at the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Battery G, First West Vir- ginia Light Artillery, with the rank of ser- geant. In the spring of 1862 he won promo- tion as a second lieutenant. He is described as one of the nervy men of his regiment, ex- citing the admiration of his comrades as he controlled a spirited black horse that none of the others dared to ride. Fear of any kind was unknown to him. but good fortune at- tended him in his reckless exposure to danger and he survived to return from the war un- harmed. He participated in these spirited en- gagements : Camp Allegheny. December 13. 1861: McDowell, May 8, 1862: Cross Keys, June 8, 1862; Rappahannock Station. August 22, 1862; Kelly's Ford, August 22, 1862; Waterloo Bridge, August 24, 1862: Bull Run, August 28 and 29. 1862; Beverly, July 2.

1863; Rocky Gap, August 26, 1863; and Droop Mountain, November 5 and 6, 1863.

In 1867 Mr. Shearer was married to Caro- line Zeigler, of Harmony, Butler County, Pennsylvania, and for one year he carried on a distilling business at New Castle. Soon after coming to New Springfield, he engaged in a dry goods and grocery business, the sanie which has been conducted under the firm name of C. Y. Shearer for many years, Mrs. Shearer being its proprietor. Mr. Shearer had been a very active Republican and was a popular citizen with all classes. He died just as he was abont to be appointed postmaster at New Springfield, and out of respect to him, com- bined with the fact that Mrs. Shearer was an unusually capable business woman. she was appointed postmistress. She appointed her son-in-law, John D. Morrison, as her assist- ant. Mr. Shearer left a good farm of 66 acres, situated in Springfield township.

Mr. and Mrs. Shearer had five children, namely : Mrs. Mary Sitter, residing at Co- lumbiana: Wesley, residing at Youngstown; Edna 1., who married John D. Morrison; and Maud and Margaret, both residing with their mother.

Mr. Shearer was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and during his active years took pleasure in attending the meetings of his post, recalling, with his comrades, the achievements and heroism of those present and of those who had passed away.

AMES E. VOGAN, M. D., physician and surgeon at Lowellville, where he has been engaged in practice for the past sixteen years, was born May 22. 1861. in Worth township. Butler County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William P. and Keziah + Trevitt ) Vogan.

William P. Vogan, father of Dr. Vogan. was born in Lawrence Conmy. Pennsylvania. In 1835. a son of Je nathan and Julia ( Emery) Vogan, and died in Butler County, Pensyl- vania, February 22. 1878. He endured a long service in the Federal army during the

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Civil War, being a member of the famous "walking regiment," the 78th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and until the close of his life suffered from the effects of the hardships then entailed. In 1859 he married Keziah Trevitt, who had accompanied her parents, Rev. John and Emma ( Bevan) Trevitt, of Birmingham, England, to America, in her childhood. Rev. John Trevitt served the South Pittsburg Baptist Church, the Zion Baptist Church of Butler County, Pennsylva- nia, and later the Baptist Church at North Sewickly, Pennsylvania. In 1866, Mrs. Tre- vitt died and subsequently Mr. Trevitt re- moved to Lee County, lowa, where he died in 1872.

The chikiren born to William P. Vogan and wife were: James E., John W., Herbert H., Ulysses G., Mary Emma, Eva and Anna.

James E. Vogan attended the common schools of Worth township and as he was thie eldest of the family and his father's health had been impaired through his army service. his assistance was required on the home farm during his boyhood and early youth, where he remained until 1883. He then worked for a time in the lumber regions and thus provided for a course in the Edinboro State Normal School, where he graduated in 1887, and for a subsequent successful period of teaching. In September, 1880. he entered the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, where he was graduated March 26, 1801. taking high hon- ors, He located at Lowellville. Ohio, prac- ticing for three months in partnership with Dr. R. H. Montgomery, since which time he has been alone. Dr. Vogan is a man well qualified in every way for work in the pro- fession he chose. He has well equipped of- fices, keeps abreast of the times in his knowl- edge of the most recent discoveries of medi- cal science, and has secured a firm position in the confidence of the people and the regard of his fellow practitioners. He enjoys member- ship in all the leading medical organizations of state and county, and is also a member of the staff of the Mahoning Valley Hospital of Youngstown.

ried to Ella Belle Boyer, who was born in Bethel township, Allegheny County, Pennsyl- vania, August 4, 1869, a daughter of Peter B. and Matilda ( Phillips) Boyer. Dr. and Mrs. Vogan have two children: Hilda E., born May 6, 1893, and James Herbert, born Oc- tober 16, 1805.

Politically Dr. Vogan is independent, but his profession claims his time to such an ex- tent that he has never considered himself an active politician, although he served two years as mayor of Lowellville, from 1900 to 1902. He has always been interested in the general welfare of Lowellville, and willingly exerts his influence to advance public measures which promise benefit to all concerned. He belongs to Western Star Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M., Youngstown, to Lowellville Lodge. No. 537, Knights of Pythias, and in May, 1892, had the honor of being the latter organization's first representative to the Grand Lodge at Colum- bns. With his wife he belongs to the Disciple Church of Lowellville.

HE CANFIELD LUMBER COM- PANY, one of the large industries of Canfield, with a plant that covers three and one-quarter acres of land, deals in shingles, doors, sashes. sid- ing and flooring. and is conveniently located near the Erie Railroad tracks, a situation which affords excellent transportation facili- ties. The business was founded by William J. Gec. Strock and Brobst, under the name of the Canfield Luniber Company. The plant is now owned by Orlando Overhultzer and H. I .. Weikert.

In the spring of 1904. Orlando Over- hultzer entered the then existing firm by buy- ing the interest of William J. Gee, and later, H. L. Weikert bought the interests of the other partners and conducted the business alone until March 19. 1906, when Mr. Over- hultzer again became a partner. Both men are experienced in the lumber line, Mr. Over- hultzer being a practical carpenter and co-

On March 28, 1801. Dr. Vegan was mar- . tractor, while Mr. Weikert formerly ran a

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portable sawmill in Mahoning County, They are substantial citizens and property owners at Canfield. The firm gives employment to 10 skilled workmen and keep three tehis busy, and they buy timber all over the country but confine delivery mainly to Mahoning County.

Orlando Overhultzer was born in Beaver township, Mahoning County, Ohio, June 28. 1862, and almost from boyhood started out to make his own way in the world. He went to school at East Lewistown and then learned the carpenter trade and from that went into contracting, and in the course of a few years had built np a profitable buisiness, He has erected some very fine buildings all through this section and their substantial character re- fects credit upon his integrity as a business man. He came first to Canfield in 1885, but did not locate permanently until later. In the spring of 1904 he became interested in the Canfield Lumber Company as indicated above, and on account of being an experienced me- chanic, he has charge of the works, while Mr. Weikert has charge of the office.

On March 3. 1889. Mr. Overhultzer was married to Saloma Rothgeb, and they have three chiklren : Grace, Laura and Alice. The family home is a comfortable residence on Lisbon street, Canfield.

Harvey 1 .. Weikert was born in Green township. Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of Josiah and Elsie (Walter) Weikert, the latter of whom was born at Washington- ville, Ohio. The Weikert family settled at a very early day in Mahoning County, Peter Weikert, the great-grandfather of Harvey L., coming with Mr. Carr, from Pennsylvania, when this land was first opened for settlement. and he selected and entered section 27. Green township, which was then a great wiklerness. He returned to Pennsylvania and sent out his sons to inhabit the land, giving each a quarter sertien. John, grandfather of Harvey L., be- ing the first to come. John Weikert in- proved his land and then married Mary Sheets, and they reared six chiklren, the survivors be- ing Josiah and Mary, the latter of whom mar- ried William B. Roller,

The parents of Mr. Weikert hare had the following children: Harvey, who was born October 13. 1869; Oscar and Ansta, twins, the former of whom is deceased, and the latter is the wife of R. R. Zimmerman; and Letta.

Harvey L. Weikert was married Novem- ber 2. 1893. to Elizabeth Huffman and they have two children : Ruth and Hubert. Mr. Weikert has an elegant home in course of con- struction on Court street, Canfield.

ONATHAN ALLEN KLINE. owner of Grass Land Stock Farm, which in- cludes 368 acres of beautiful land sit- uated in Canfield township. about three miles south of the village of that name. was born on his present farm, March 8, 1861, and is the only child of Peter and Hannah ( Beard) Kline.

The Kline family is one of the oldest in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and belongs to that large class of worthy people known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. The fam- ily ancestry is easily traced as far back as the great-great-grandfather. George Kline. who was probably born in Germany and most likely founded his line in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, where many wealthy and prom- inent people bear the name. Abraham Kline, the great-grandfather of Jonathan Allen Kline, and a son of George, was born in Penn- sylvania, where he was first married, and with his young family came to Ohio, being one of the very first settlers at Youngstown, buying a large amount of land, which was then cheap. He owned the site of the present fine Mc- Kelvey business block which now stands on Federal street. Hlis farm was well stocked and was located at the month of Mill Creek, from which he used to drive his stock over the mountains to eastern markets. His success as a stock-raiser was far ahead of that of his neighbors. On one of his trips to the East. he bought a thorough-bred horse, the first introduced into the county. . and after his death it was purchased by General Wads worth, of Canfield, for $996, a remarkable

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JOHN FRECH

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price for the time. He was twice married and reared a large family by his first union.

Jonathan Kline, son of Abraham, and grandfather of his namesake. Jonathan Allen, was reared by his father to understand the management of stock and when he was 18 years of age, Abraham Kline bought the pres- ent farm for his son. It was then still forest- land when Jonathan settled on it, building a snug little log house, to which he soon brought a wife. Jonathan Kline and wife lived on this place all their lives, where he died aged 76 years and she died aged 93 years. He was well acquainted with all the old settled fami- lies of the county and often delighted to tell his grandson of the merry pranks played by himself and his schoolmate, the late Governor David Tod, in their boyhood. He married Elizabeth Arner, who was born near Ells- worth, Mahoning County, and they had four children, namely: Solomon, Gabriel, Peter and Heman.

Peter Kline was born on the home farm in Canfield township, and he fell heir to this property when his father died. Ile completed its clearing and continued to carry on stock- raising as his main industry. Ile married Hannah Beard, who was born in Springfield township, Mahoning County, and died August 7, 1901. She was a daughter of Jacob Beard, an old settler. Peter Kline died August 20, 1897, aged 65 years.

Jonathan Allen Kline attended the union school at Canfield, and later, in order to se- cure experience, he worked for 10 months in the Union Stockyards, at Chicago. He car- ries on general farming and deals largely in cattle, horses and sheep, wintering many head. He inherited a part of his land from his father and purchased the rest from his uncles, and now owns the original farm of his grandfather.

Mr. Kline was married March 17. 1887. to Maude M. Canfield, who is a daughter of Judson W. Canfield, whose great-grandfather laid out Canfield, being a member of the Con- necticut Land Company. Mr. and Mrs. Kline have two children. Marjorie and Dorothy.

Politically, Mr. Kline is a Democrat.

Formerly he was township trustee, but when he visited Chicago, he resigned the office.

JOHN FRECH, proprietor of the John Frech Meat and Produce Market, and a large stockholder in and vice- president of the Lowellville Savings and Banking Company, at Lowell- ville, is one of the most energetic business men of the place, and occupies a position which he has earned in the past twenty years, entirely through his own efforts. Mr. Frech was born in Wittenberg, Germany, December 12, 1869.

His parents, John and Mary (Geiger) Frech, were small farmers in Wittenberg. and his boyhood was spent in going to school and assisting his father. When he was 15 years old, the death of his mother broke up the home circle, and as forcible enlistment in the army was imminent in a few years, he decided to leave his native land and emigrate to America. He was not very well prepared for such a journey, as he subsequently landed in the port of New York with the sum of $4.75 as his sole capital. He possessed, however, an honest face and a manner that attracted a worthy Lutheran missionary preacher in New York, who provided for his immediate necessi- ties and then secured him a ticket for Youngs- town, Ohio.

Again Mr. Frech was fortunate, for he found work on the farm of C. H. Andrews, with whom he remained for more than a year, and when he left it, it was with feelings of the greatest esteem and admiration for this kind and just employer. Mr. Fircch then went to Cleveland and entered the meat shop of Wil- liam Bohn, on Professor street, to learn the trade. His wages were $15 per month, with board and lodging, while his duties required him to work in the meat market during most of the week and tend a meat stall in the old Cleveland market house, on Ontario street, on Saturdays. After two years in Cleveland, Mr. Frech went back to Mahoning County and started to work in the micat market of Frank Leish, in Lowellville, where he re-

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mained for seven years. During all this time he had been quietly laying a foundation for a business of his own, by frngally saving his money, and in 1897 he bought his present meat business of Frank Leish. That Mr. Frech has met with great prosperity all his fellow citizens know and they unite in saying that it is deserved. There are few men in the town of Lowellville who are better known. It has always been his custom to look personally after his business. He owns his own slaugh- ter house in Poland Center, and makes a prac- tice of killing and dressing his own ment. His attractive market, with its wholesome cleanli- ness, invites custom and inspires confidence. In addition to all kinds of fresh and prepared meats, he sells jellies, pickles, fine groceries and canned goods; also flour, feed and hay, the last mentioned products being purchased in carload lots.

In 1895 Mr. Frech was married to Ida Baker, a daughter of Lawrence Baker. He and his wife have three children: Annie, John Lawrence, and Oliver.

Politically Mr. Frech is a Republican, but has always declined public office. In noting his present position in the business world of Lowellville, it must be remembered that he landed on the American shore almost pemi- less less than twenty years ago, and that now, through his own industry, energy and integ- rity, he has amassed a fortune of not less than $30.000. Ile is identified with a number of important business enterprises, being one of the leading stockholders in the Cunningham Furniture and Undertaking Company of Low- cllville ; a stockholder in the great Dold Pack- ing plant at Buffalo, in addition to his bank- ing and private business. He owns the fine

block in which his market house is located, several valuable residence properties, together with a number of valuable building lots, at Lowellville. He is a man of public spirit and is always ready to further anything promising to benefit the town or community. Hle is a member of the Knights of Pythias. This bio- graphical article is fittingly supplemented by Mr. Frech's portrait, which appears on an adjoining page.

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 99

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