350 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY John Edgar, of this biographical notice, worked on the farms of England until 1863, when he saw better things in store for him in free America. He came to our shores on a steamer called. Sidon. This was the boat's first trip over the ocean and upon her return she was fitted out for Australia, but was wrecked on the Irish coast and sank. After his arrival in this country Mr. Edgar went to Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and there enlisted in the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, being a member of Company B. The date of his enlistment was October, 1863. He was assigned to the Army of the James, under Gen. Benjamin F. Butler. Mr. Edgar was with his command until the regiment was finally discharged, on July 4, 1865, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He then returned to Mercer county, and from there came to Mecca township, Trumbull county, Ohio, and has followed farming from that time to the present. In 1893 he purchased fifteen acres in Bristol township, where he now resides. Mr. Edgar was happily united in marriage in November, 1867, to Isabella McQuillen, born in Ireland, and who came to this county in 1863. She died February 16, 1908. The children of this union were : Mary Elizabeth, at home; Sarah E., Mrs. Andrew Marshall, of Ashtabula, Ohio ; and William D., of Champion, Ohio. Mr. Edgar is a member of the Episcopal church. He is independent in politics and belongs to Clayton Post of the G. A. R. of West Mecca. JOHN THOMPSON, deceased, who in his lifetime was a large landholder in Trumbull county, Ohio, was a native of Ireland, born April 19, 1840, a son of John and Ellen (Dobson) Thompson, also natives of Ireland. They came to the United States bringing with them the three eldest children and leaving the three youngest in Ireland. Among the number was John, of this memoir, he being the eldest of the three left across the sea. In 1856, when John Thompson was sixteen years of age, he being the last one of the family left, worked and secured funds with which to pay his transportation to this country. He came to Bristol township, Trumbull county, Ohio, where his parents then lived, and where he worked on a farm by the month until his marriage to Marietta Hyde, August 27, 1868. She was born in Bristol township, November 10, 1841, a daughter of Nelson and Adelia Ann (Green) Hyde. The father was born in Farmington township and the mother in New York state. The grandparents, Eli and Hannah (Porter) Hyde, were natives of Connecticut and of English descent ; and Waite P. and Dolly (Peck) Green were natives of New York. In 1818 the grandparents Hyde went to Farmington township, settled on timber land, which they purchased, clearing up and finely improving it. They remained there until the death of grandfather Hyde. Mrs. Thompson's parents were married in Farmington township and moved to Bristol township, bought a timber farm, cleared the same up, and sold out, after which they bought another place within the same township. The father HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 351 died there in May, 1904, aged eighty-six years. His faithful wife died in 1875. After John Thompson had married he purchased one hundred and seven acres of land in the eastern part of Bristol township. He made further improvements on this farm, in 1880 erecting a frame house, having lived in the old frame house up to that date. He made many valuable farm improvements and as he could afford it kept adding to his landed estate, until he owned, free of incumbrance, three hunrded and fifty acres of choice farming land, all within Bristol township. He carried on general farming and raised much stock. He was killed by accident—a tree falling upon his body—January 29, 1902. He was an excellent man and one who believed in good citizenship and who never failed to provide for his family. Politically, he voted the Republican ticket. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were : Frank N., of Bristol township; Robert Clinton, of the same township ; and Elmer M., of Warren, Ohio. JOSEPH SYLVANUS BARB, a farmer and bee keeper of considerable note, and whose pleasant home is situated within the fertile township of Bristol, along the Spokane rural free delivery route No. 1, is a native of Bristol township, Trumbull county, Ohio, born March 5, 1850, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Norton) Barb. The father was born on the farm where now resides Joseph Sylvanus, December 18, 1822, while the mother was born in Bristol township October 22, 1825. The grandparents, Gabriel and Elizabeth (Kagy) Barb, were natives of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and on the maternal side the grandparents were Zachariah and Lydia (Hammon) Norton, of the same county in Virginia. William Barb, the great-grandfather, was also of Shenandoah county, Virginia. He moved with ox teams, following the old Indian trail, through the dense forests and wilderness to Bristol, Ohio, where in the month of June, 1805, he settled in the big timber district. He cleared and handsomely improved his lands, and died after well performing his labors as a hardy pioneer. Abraham Kagy, a brother of Elizabeth (Kagy) Barb, moved from Shenandoah county, Virginia, to Bristol township in the summer of 1818, locating on the farm where Michael Kagy now lives, and in the spring of 1819 Elizabeth Kagy, accompanied by one of her brothers and a cousin, John Kagy, came from Shenandoah county to visit their relatives here. She had bought a horse for one hundred dollars, and they made the journey on horseback. She continued her visit until towards fall, when she returned to her southern home, selling her horse at the close of her journey for the same amount she had paid for it. But during her sojourn north she had become acquainted with Gabriel Barb, their friendship gradually broadening into true love, and in 1819 he went to Shenandoah county, Virginia, where on the 5th of September, 1820, he claimed her as his own. But it was not long until trouble crossed the path of this happy young couple, Vol. II-23 352 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY for early one morning in the month of February, 1821, the husband Gabriel went from his father's home to the farm he had bought, about two miles distant, to begin clearing a space for their log cabin. He cut first a good sized poplar that stood within a few feet of the site of the present home, intending to fell the trees toward the east, and as the tree fell he ran back to seek safety behind a clump of basswoods. However, as the poplar fell it struck a beech tree, which sprang back and threw a limb from the poplar against Mr. Barb, putting his hip out of place, inflicting a wound in his head and breaking one of his arms between the elbow and shoulder. There he was alone, two miles from home, the nearest neighbor on the south a mile away and to the northeast about a mile and a half distant, a dense woods separating these places. Many and many a time he called for help until finally an old lady living about a mile and a half to the northeast, on the farm where Allen Cadwallader now lives, heard his call and finally succeeded in starting the men from the place to the rescue. They came to within a short distance of where he lay and were about to turn back, thinking their search in vain, when they again heard his call. They found him in this pitiable condition and after returning to his home for help carried him back over the rough paths of the woods to his home, arriving late in the afternoon. Although he never fully recovered from these injuries, he became able to continue his work, and finally, with the help of his neighbors, erected his little cabin, where he moved with his young wife in September of 1821, and there he lived until his life's labors were ended in death on the 11th of July, 1838, his widow, Elizabeth, surviving him until the 4th of July, 1881, and they were laid to rest in the East Bristol cemetery, where on the stone which marks their last resting place is recorded their ages as forty-four years and five months and eighty-eight years and ten months, respectively. Such were the privations and hardships of the early pioneers that their children and grandchildren might enjoy the fruit of their toil, such the lives of these hardy settlers who built their rude domiciles, grappled with the giants of the forest and from the wilds evolved the fertile and productive fields which have these many years been furrowed by the plowshare. But the establishment of a home amid such surroundings, the coping with many privations and hardships, the inevitable concomitants, were characteristics of these pioneers, and their names and deeds should be held in perpetual reverence by those who enjoy the fruits of their labors. Isaac Barb, the father of Joseph Sylvanus, married, November 30, 1848, and settled on his parents', farm, the old Barb homestead, where he built its present farm house in 1863. It is an eight-room dwelling, with spacious halls, closets, etc., and he set out many ornamental trees and continued to improve and add to his place until he owned three hundred and fifty-five acres at the time of his death, November 21, 1886. This land is all within Bristol township. The wife and mother died April 20, 1899. Their issue was two children, Joseph S., of this sketch, and Mariah, Mrs. Joseph Gale, the wife of a farmer of Bristol township. HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 353 Joseph S. Barb has always resided upon the old homestead on which he was born. After the death of his father he secured two hundred acres of the original place, but has sold from this until his present holdings are eighty-two acres, forty-five acres of which are under cultivation. He has superintended the farming of his land, but not being sufficiently rugged for the hardest labor, has rented much of his farm, and he is also quite extensively engaged in raising cattle. As a keeper of honey bees he has achieved note, having forty stands, from which he secured over one thousand pounds of surplus honeycomb during the season of 1908. Bees have been kept on this place since 1836, seventy-two years. The grandfather Barb bought a bee hive made of a hollow log in 1821, and this hive is still in use. The bees in this hive made two pails of honey, nearly forty pounds, during the past season. Mr. Barb also has an apple orchard of five acres, besides plums, cherries and peaches. On April 12, 1891, he was married to Lydia A. Coffman, of Smithville, Wayne county, Ohio, a daughter of David and (Bott) Coffman, of Juniata county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Barb died September 30, 1892, and for his second wife he married on October 15, 1896, Eliza Clapper, born near Robertsville, Stark county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Neidig) Clapper. The parents of Mr. Barb were of the German Baptist religious faith. JOHN SINN, who for several years has been successfully engaged in general farming in Newton township, Trumbull county, Ohio, is a substantial representative of the German-American element of this part of the state. He was born in Warren, Ohio, in 1861, a son of Fred and Mary (Wilhelm) Sinn. His father is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born in 1834, and his mother, of Columbiana county, Ohio, born in 1832. Both of his parents are living. His father came to America in 1854, when but twenty years of age. He was a wagonmaker by trade, and he worked at this in New York City for about eighteen months, after which he came to Warren, Ohio, entering the employ of D. K. Wissell as a wagonmaker. In 1878 he removed to Newton township. He became the father of nine children, of whom John Sinn is the third in order of birth. John Sinn received his early education in the district schools of Newton township, and early in life was engaged by Charles Wheeler to assist him in his farm labors, and remained in that gentleman's employ about six years. He afterwards engaged in teaming for a number of years, and still later joined his brother in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where for eight years be was engaged in the lumber business. He then returned to Newton township, Trumbull county, and in 1905 purchased his present farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres. In 1886 Mr. Sinn was married to Miss Delia Bailey, of Bailey's Corners, Lordstown township, Ohio, daughter of Samuel H. and Sarah (Keifer) Bailey. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sinn: Edward, Mabel, Earl and Wade, all of whom are living at home. Since 354 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY coming to his present location Mr. Sinn has confined himself chiefly to the improvement of his homestead, and is reckoned as one of the substantial farmers of this locality. Although he is a Democrat in politics, he has never held office. Neither does he belong to any secret orders. In his religious views he is a Lutheran, as have been the members of his family for many previous generations. ALBERT H. WHITE, a resident of Fowler township, is the owner of a farm near Terrell postoffice, having spent a number of years as a farmer and respected citizen in this community, now expects to remain here the remainder of his life. Mr. White was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1854, son of a Butler county farmer, Eli White, who died in 1900, and his wife, Harriet (Baker) White. Albert H. was the youngest of their eight children, his brothers and sisters being : Mary, a resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania; Matilda, who died in childhood ; James, born in Butler county in 1848; Joseph, born in same county in 1853 ; Thomas also a native of Butler county ; Ella, who was born in 1852 ; and Elmer, born at Portersville, Pennsylvania, in 1878. Albert H. White was reared on the family homestead in Butler county, and got most of his schooling in what was then called the Shaw school at Big Run, five miles from Newcastle. From an occupation which was largely represented by paid services at farm labor he passed, when twenty-five years of age, to the better responsibility of farming on his own account on a farm which he bought in Butler county, and he continued on that place for fifteen years. He bought his present farm about 1895, and has since been a citizen of Trumbull county, Ohio. He is a member of the Methodist church at South Sharon. Mr. White has a large and happy family. His wife, whom he married in 1876, was Miss Mary Sharp, daughter of James Sharp, a Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, farmer who died in 1888. Mrs. White was born in Lawrence county May 18, 1856. The children born of their marriage are : James, born May 24, 1878, now living at home ; John Edward, August 18, 1880 ; Laura Belle, in 1883, died May 15, 1890; Martha, born in 1887, living at home ; Nina Jane, born in 189.0 ; Alvin Leroy, May 23. 1893 ; Mary Elmira, born in 1895 ; Bertha, born in 1900 ; the next child died in infancy ; Olive Vern, born July 16, 1906. The first six children were born in Lawrence county. CHARLES DUNKERLY.—In Fowler township, until his death on March 4, 1907, Charles Dunkerly was a citizen whose character and life commanded respect and esteem from those who lived about him, and his passing from life was an event that shocked this quiet community and caused both sorrow and regret to those who had known his orderly and successful life since he became a farmer in this township, in May, 1897. He was a native of this county, born in Brookfield September 19, 1866. His father, James HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 355 Dunkerly, was born in England April 12, 1822, and after coming to the new world during his youth located at Sharon, Pennsylvania, where he followed coal mining. He then went to Brookfield, Ohio, and later to Missouri, returning then to Brookfield, where he spent the rest of his days. He died February 4, 1896. His wife, Matilda (Smith) Dunkerly, was born at Brookfield, Trumbull county, Ohio, November 9, 1828, and died July 5, 1908. The children of Mr. and Mrs. James Dunkerly were: Alice (now Mrs. H. M. James, of Brookfield), who was born in Missouri January 1, 1860; Mary, born in Brookfield August 30, 1864; Charles; and Edward, born in Brookfield April 9, 1870. The late Charles Dunkerly, after attending school at Brookfield, was a coal miner until twenty-four years old, in the meantime living at home. On December 31, 1890, he married Martha Hacker, and the two children, who now live with their widowed mother on the farm, are Edward, born in Brookfield September 6, 1893, and Charlotte Martha, born in Brookfield August 30, 1907. Mr. Dunkerly's interests extended beyond the boundaries of his farm life, although he did not allow them to interfere with his success as a farmer. He was a Democrat in politics, and fraternally was a member of the Sharon Lodge of Foresters and of the Vienna Grange. CHARLES F. HALLOCK, one of the substantial farmers and public-spirited citizens of Fowler, is also one of the pioneer Republicans of the county, having east his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln and never changed his politics since. He was born on the farm upon which he now resides March 19, 1838, the third child of George W. and Phoebe (Borden) Hallock. The other members of the family were: Asahel, who was born at Brookfield, November 7, 1830, and was accidentally killed by a horse August 1, 1849 ; James, a native of Fowler Center, born February 21, 1833, who married Harriet Kellogg, of that place; Amelia, born on the family homestead March 19, 1838, who became the wife of Samuel Kellogg and now resides with her son at Fowler Ridge, this county. George W. Hallock, the father, was born at Mattituck, Long Island, New York, on the 23rd of November, 1798. In 1822 he came to Ohio and became one of its pioneer school teachers, and afterwards clerked in a store at Brookfield for about four years. His marriage occurred June 10, 1829. In 1833 he established a general merchandise business at Fowler Center, and thus continued until 1836, when he located on the farm which became the family estate, and there spent the remainder of his life. His death occurred April 18, 1870. The mother of the family was a daughter of Asahel and Phoebe (Bushnell) Borden, and was a native of Connecticut, born February 6, 1809. She came with other members of the family to Trumbull county, where her father was long engaged in farming. Mrs. George W. Hallock died on the old homestead at Fowler in November, 1890. Charles F. Hallock received his education at the Fowler Center schools, and in 1869 engaged in the manufacture of cheese, continuing this industry for about nine years. With this exception he has been engaged in farming 356 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY during his entire life. As an earnest and faithful Republican he has also been honored with various local offices, and served for some time as supervisor of the county. On December 15, 1872, Mr. Hallock married Miss Ella Alderman, their son Asel being born on the old homestead July 15, 1877. For many yens he has been his father's assistant and the superintendent of the farm. He married Miss Anna Johnson June 10, 1908. Mrs. Charles F. Hallock is a daughter of Louis and Margaret (Butts) Alderman, and besides herself there were the following five children : May, Homer, Fred, Harry and Lulu. Mr. Alderman, her father, is a native of Ohio, and was for many years a well known miller of Trumbull county. VANZANT SMITH.-A native of Fowler, Trumbull county, where he was born July 4, 1855, Vanzant Smith has honored the place of his nativity by his steadfast, useful and moral life, and is now conducting the farm which his father operated during the latter years of his life. His parents were Isaac A. and Mary (Holly) Smith. The father, who was born at Beaver, Pennsylvania, January 10, 1813, was a cabinetmaker, and in 1832 came to Ohio to follow his trade. He at once located at Fowler, and there spent the remaining years of his life, dying in 1904 at the patriarchal age of ninety-one years. In the latter period of his seventy-two years' residence at this place he was engaged in the undertaking business, but finally purchased a farm of one hundred and forty-five acres, whose conduct and improvement were jointly assumed by himself and his son, Vanzant. The mother was a Connecticut lady, born in 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac A. Smith became the parents of the following children : Sarah, born at Akron, Ohio, and now Mrs. Post ; Orpha, Mrs. Sheldon, and Emogene, now Mrs. Scoville, both natives of Fowler ; Vanzant Smith, of this sketch ; Adelle, Mrs. Dorson, also born in Fowler, and Chandler, a native of that place who died at the age of three years. Mr. Smith was educated at Fowler, both in its schools and on the home farm, and at his father's death took charge of the estate of two hundred acres, in whose improvement they had both taken justifiable pride. He has since continued in the good work. Although a Democratic voter, he has never .sought office, being content to faithfully perform the duties of a good citizen and an affectionate husband and father. On March 4, 1882, Mr. Smith wedded Miss Rilla Ingman, daughter of Atlas and Maria (Sheldon) Ingman and a native of Hartford, this county. The children born to their union were as follows : Myrl, born at Fowler and now Mrs. Card ; Alta, born in 1889, and living with her parents ; and Ivyl, also a native of Fowler, born June 18, 1899. Both parents are members of the Disciple church of Fowler. JOHN BURWIG, who has been engaged for many years as a general farmer at Fowler, Trumbull county, was during the early years of his life a worker in the mines and rolling mills of this locality. He is a native of HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 357 North Germany, born December 12, 1856, son of John and Mary (Dau) Burwig. Their three children were all born in Germany, namely : Charles, born in 1852, a resident of Hubbard, married Sophia Lemp and is the father of Mary, John, William, Herman, Winnie and Elmer; William, born in 1853, is also a resident of Hubbard; and John, of this sketch. The father came to the United States in 1866 and located at Hubbard, where he engaged in the coal mining business, and died in 1893. The mother, who is a native of north Germany, is a daughter of Charles Dau, and is still living. John Burwig, of this review, never enjoyed a day's schooling in his life, his father putting him to work in the coal mines when he was only ten years of age. The boy continued this occupation until he was twenty years of age, when he became employed in a blast furnace and rolling mill, and for a period of twenty years followed this arduous and wearing occupation. He then engaged in farming, and by dint of economy, industry and wise management has accumulated a fine property, consisting of an eightyfive-acre farm, thoroughly cultivated and substantially improved. In November, 1878, Mr. Burwig married Miss Minnie Peters, daughter of Henry and Dotha (Schultz) Peters, both natives of Germany, who came to Ohio in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Burwig have five children : Winnie, who was born at Hubbard August 17, 1880, and married Charles Ahrens June 26, 1906, resides at Willoughby, Ohio; William August Henry, born at Leadville, Ohio, March 15, 1881, now resides at Twin Falls, Idaho; Henry William Carl, born at Youngstown, Ohio, November 21, 1886, is connected with the naval service, enlisting at the San Francisco training station on May 3, 1908; Anna Louise, born at Youngstown, Ohio, May 12, 1883, died in December of that year; and Alma Amanda Ella, also a native of Youngstown, born July 24, 1891. The father is a Democrat in politics and a faithful member of the German Lutheran church. JOHN C. GAIL, ex-postmaster of Fowler and for many years one of the substantial and progressive merchants, is a native of Hessen Cassel, born March 6, 1859, son of George and Helen (Hoffman) Gail. There were eleven children born to the paternal household, who are. all natives of Germany, namely : Louis, born July 17, 1847, now a resident of Cape Town, South Africa, and a well known notary public of that city; Fred, born in June, 1869, whose residence is Berlin, Germany, who was employed for forty years as a traveling salesman for a large mercantile establishment of that city; Henrietta, who was born in 1871 and died when twenty-seven years of age; Charles, born March 6, 1855, who served for nine years as lieutenant in the German army and died in 1885; August, born January 17, 1857, who has always resided at Cassel, Germany, and is a bookkeeper for a German brewing company of that place; Ernest, born January 17, 1857, who for eight years was a judiciary in the employ of the German government at Frankenberg, Germany; John, of this biography; Georgine, born in 1867, who married Henry Koch, a manufacturer 358 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY of locomotives and artillery at Cassel, Germany ; Anna, who was born in 1873 and married William Sernau, a teller of the First National Bank of Cassel; and two children who died in infancy. George Gail, the father of this family, was born in Marburg, Germany, November 21, 1822, and served for fifty years on the government bench when he retired upon a pension of fourteen hundred dollars a year. He died in January, 1901. The mother was a native. of the same city as her husband, born November 27, 1826, a daughter of Charles Hoffman, a well known merchant tailor of Marburg. John C. Gail, of this sketch, received a typical German education and had as his fellow students at Cassel high school, both Emperor William and Prince Frederic. In 1880, when twenty-one years of age, he migrated to the United States, first locating in New York City where he was employed in a grocery store on West Houston street. From there he removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and in 1882 located at Warren, Ohio. After remaining at this place for two years employed as a market gardener he came to Fowler where he first secured employment in a grocery store. After six years he was enabled to buy the establishment himself and has since developed this business until it is now one of the leading general stores of this section of Trumbull county. His stock is now valued at about eight 'thousand dollars and is both complete and well selected. Mr. Gail has also served as postmaster of Fowler Center for about six years and has in every way showed his worth as a substantial German-American citizen. In politics, he is a Democrat and in fraternal circles is identified with the. order of Elks at Warren, -besides being a charter member of the Protected Home Circle of Sharon. In his religious faith he is. a member of the Disciple church. Mr. Gail's first marriage May 18, 1886, was to Miss Lila Holeton, a native of Cherry Valley, born August 25, 1863, daughter of Richard and Adaline (Holeton) Holeton. There was one other sister in her family, Carrie. Mrs. Lila Gail died March 17, 1906, the mother of four children, as follows: George, born at Fowler, March 25, 1887, and lives at home; Charles, born July 18, 1888, now a student at the Youngstown (Ohio) Business College; William, born at Fowler, January 17, 1894, living at home, and Ella, born at Fowler, January 13, 1899. For his second wife Mr. Gail married Carrie, his first wife's sister, and she died March 17, 1907. FRANK BEAUBIEN, well known as a breeder of blooded cattle at Fowler, Trumbull county, Ohio, is of French extraction, born at Monroe, Michigan, October 11, 1857, son of James and Jeanette (Meadows) Beaubien. There were nine children in this family, Frank and a twin brother, Samuel, being the youngest. The other members were James, Ellen, Henry, Susan, Carolyn, William and Sarah. By the second marriage to Mrs. Lozone, James Beaubien became the father of Libbie, Sarah, Moses, Jane and Edward. James Beaubien was a native of Detroit, Michigan, where he was born in 1808, being of the family of famous French traders HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 359 and pioneers who were among the founders of Chicago. This representative of the family spent the early period of his life in the draying business at Monroe City, Michigan, but eventually bought a farm on Swannee creek, Monroe county, where he spent the last years of his life. The mother, also a native of Monroe county, born in 1810, was of French descent, and had, as brothers and sisters, Henry, Phillip, Hildra, Ellen and Adeline. Mr. Beaubien received his early education at the Monroe district school, and later attended St. Mary's Academy, working also on the farm owned by General Spaulding, of Monroe City. On the 16th of August, 1888, he located at Latimer, Trumbull county, Ohio, there being employed as a salesman for a patent fence company. In 1880 he removed to Kansas to take charge of a stock farm, but, with the exception of this period, has been a resident of Trumbull county for the past twenty years. In 1900 he located on his present farm of one hundred acres, and is making a success of his specialty, the breeding of Durham and Holstein cattle. In politics he is a Republican and his religious faith identifies him with the Disciples church. On May 29, 1890, Mr. Beaubien was married to Miss Margaret Springthorp, daughter of Thomas and Ann (Miller) Springthorp. Her father was of English nativity, born June 11, 1826. He was a brickmaker by trade and came to the United States in 1856, locating in Portage county, Ohio, and died February 22, 1899. Mrs. Beaubien's mother, who died in 1866, was a daughter of Thomas Miller, a native of Ireland, who for many years followed his trade as a powder maker at Bergholz, Trumbull county. This was the daughter's birthplace, and her residence in this county covers the span of her life. RANDOLPH J. KINGSLEY, of Fowler, who has become widely known as a progressive farmer and honorable citizen of thirty years' activity, was born in the township where he now resides, February 29, 1848. His parents were John and Carolyn (Ames) Kingsley, and they had the following eleven children : James, born in Fowler in February, 1837; Julia, also born in that place two years thereafter, and now a resident of Fremont, Michigan ; John, born at Fowler in 1841, and now a resident of Dakota; Jane, also a native of Fowler and a resident of Fowler Center, born in 1843; Flavel, who was born at Fowler, in 1845, and died May 16, 1896 ; Hymen, now a resident of Warren, who was a native of Fowler, born in 1846; Randolph J., of this sketch ; Helen, born at Fowler in 1850, and now a resident of Tyrrell ; Esther, residing at Fremont, Michigan, who was born in Fowler in 1853 ; Frank, also a native of that place, born in 1855, now residing at Kinsman ; and Mary, born at Fowler in 1857, and residing at Warren as the wife of Walter Campbell. John Kingsley, the father, was a native of Beckett, Massachusetts, born March 13, 1811, son of John F. and Sobrina (Gillette) Kingsley. In 1813 he located in Fowler township, bought a farm and continued to cultivate and improve it 360 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY until his death in 1857. Carolyn Ames, who was born at Hounsfield, New York, March 17, 1817, daughter of Benjamin and Erratta (Shaft) Ames, married John Kingsley February 9, 1836, and died January 26, 1887. Randolph J. Kingsley was educated in the Fowler district schools and lived with his parents until he attained his majority, when he engaged in the saw mill business at Fowler. His specialty was the manufacture of barrel staves and heads, and he remained in this line of manufacture for about ten years. In 1879 Mr. Kingsley bought the property which is still his homestead and has since been continuously engaged in agriculture, devoting himself to it and excluding participation in politics or public affairs. He is, however, a firm supporter of the Republican party. On February 14, 1871, Mr. Kingsley married Miss Fidelia Jones, and their four children are as follows : Carolyn L., born July 28, 1873, and resides at home ; Mabel M., born at Vienna, December 14, 1875, and now a resident of Warren but teaching school at Mineral Ridge ; Laura L., a native of Fowler, born December 1, 1879, married Wesley Ott and resides at Warren ; Edwin J., born at Fowler, February 19, 1883, who married Miss Nellie Baunhardt and resides at Lorain, Ohio. Mrs. Kingsley herself is a native of Fowler and was born January 26, 1848, daughter of Edwin W. and Lavina H. ( Andrews) Jones. Her father was born September 27, 1822, and died September 24, 1893, while her mother, who was born July 20, 1828, is still a resident of Fowler. The five children of the Jones family consisted of Fidelia, Mrs. Kingsley ; Florence, born in Fowler, in November, 1850, and still a resident of that place; Laura, born at Fowler, June 9, 1861, and now a resident of Hartford, this county; William, who died when he was two years of age, and Rosella, who died at the age of three years. WILLIAM W. MESSICK, of Bristolville, Trumbull county, Ohio, a farmer and the proprietor of the James Hotel at. Bristolville, is a native of West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, born December 24, 1866, the son of Josiah P. and Mary A. (Ginger) Messick. The father was born in Delaware and the mother in Pennsylvania. The grandparents were Wingate and Nancy (Smith) Messick, of Delaware, and Daniel and Anna (Phipps) Ginger, both natives of Pennsylvania. The grandparents Ginger went to Mecca township, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1870, and bought land and resided there until the wife died in 1882 and the husband in the winter of 1885. Mr. Messick's parents were farmers by occupation. They came here with Mrs. Messick's parents, who settled a mile from North Bristol. Josiah Messick bought one hundred and eight acres of land at first, but added to this until the place contained four hundred acres at the date of his death. He also bought his father-in-law's farm in Mecca township and owned one hundred and six acres in Bloomfield township. He was a politician of local importance and held all the township offices. He died October 26, 1894, aged sixty-four years. His wife died July 20, 1899. HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 361 The issue by this marriage union was: Alfred W., of Bristol township; Sarah A., Mrs. E. H. Wood, of Bristol township ; John P., died June 14, 1904, aged forty-one years; William W., of this sketch; Homer D., of Cleveland, Ohio; Mines H., of Bristol; Dora A., Mrs. W. E. Hall, of the old home farm. William W. spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm and was educated at the district school, No. 8 of Bristol township. He was married November 29, 1885, to Jennie Ford, born in Middlefield, Geauga county, Ohio, a daughter of Harvey and Susan (Whitcomb) Ford. He was born in Troy, Ohio, and the wife in Newburg, Ohio. The grandparents were Amos and Elizabeth (Jones) Ford, of New York. After his marriage Mr. Messick took up his residence in Farmington township, on his father-in-law's farm, where he continued to farm five years. He then moved to a hundred-acre farm in Bloomfield township, where he farmed successfully for ten years, when he purchased a farm in that locality, where he lived until January 15, 1908, then rented his farms and leased the James Hotel, at Bristolville. He has conducted this hotel since then. It is the only first-class house within the place and as good as a town of its size affords within Ohio. Mr. Messick is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and politically affiliates with the Democratic party. In fraternal relations, he is connected with the K. 0. T. M. of Bristolville and the Odd Fellows Lodge at West Mecca. Mr. Messick has never been married. In all of his dealings with his fellow-countrymen he has proven himself worthy of the confidence of all. ELMER E. TRAVIS, one of the substantial farmers of Bristol township, Trumbull county, was born October 22, 1869, in Bristol, Ohio. He is a son of Chauncey E. and Elizabeth (Barb) Travis, both natives of Trumbull county. Chauncey E. Travis was born on the 6th of April, 1839, and died on the 7th of July, 1898, and his wife, Elizabeth, born February 14, 1839, died October 22, 1900. She was a daughter of Solomon and Susan (Spitler) Barb, both from Trumbull county. Solomon Barb died on the 30th of January, 1848, and his wife Susan, born June 10, 1817, died November 1, 1840. On the paternal side the grandparents of Elmer E. Travis were Samuel and Elizabeth (Orr) Travis. Samuel Travis was born February 13, 1801, in Saratoga county, New York, and died December 8, 1894, and Elizabeth (Orr) Travis, his wife, was born September 10, 1800, and died September 17, 1885. Sylvanus Travis, father of. Samuel, was born October 6, 1752, in England, but came to America before the Revolutionary war and was a captain in the army under George Washington. He married Mrs. Sarah (Baker) Smith, born in Holland November 3, 1753. They settled in the state of New York, on the Hudson river, and of their eight children Samuel was the youngest. On the 17th of November, 1821, he married 362 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY Elizabeth Orr, from Rensselaer county, New York, but her father was born in Ireland and her mother in England. Samuel and Elizabeth (Orr) Travis emigrated to Farmington, Ohio, in 1835, and thence to Bristol about 1844, where they purchased a small farm and lived until the spring of 1885. They then went to the home of their son, Chauncey, and spent the remainder of their lives there. Samuel Travis was by trade a shoemaker, and the family suffered many hardships during the pioneer days. He was one of the best shots on the Western Reserve and killed many a wild deer, wolf and wild turkey. Samuel and Elizabeth Travis had ten children, as follows: Sarah, Nicholas, Fanny, Seth, Isaiah, Smith, Sylvanus, Charles, Chauncey and Mary, all of whom are deceased with the exception of Nicholas, who lives in Minnesota, and Smith and Mary, both of Bristol, Trumbull county. Chauncey E. Travis and Elizabeth Barb were married in Bloomfield township September 29, 1858. After their marriage they located in a log house in Bristol, and later on purchased a farm in Bristol township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. He was a prominent farmer and stock raiser. He gave his political support to the Republican party, and while serving as a soldier in the Civil war he was wounded in the hand. There were four children in their family : Rosie, who married Emmet Kincaid and has one child, Blanch E.; Charles M., who married Martha Kniffin, and their only child died in infancy; Sarah J., whose husband, Fred Abrams, died August 1, 1895, leaving a child, Lana E., born December 17, 1894; and Elmer E. Elmer E. Travis, the youngest of the children, attended the public schools of Bristol, and he remained at home until the death of his parents. He then purchased the interest of the other heirs, and has since carried on the work of the old homestead, his sister, Mrs. Abrams, and her daughter residing with him, as he has never married. In politics he is a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Lodge No. 181, of Bristol. The Travis family have been residents of Bristol township during three generations, and some of them have war records. Sylvanus was a captain in the Revolutionary war, Samuel served as a drummer boy in the war of 1812, and Chauncey was a soldier in the Civil war. LOUIS ALBERT PATTENGELL, an owner of considerable excellent farming land, both in Trumbull and Ashtabula counties, Ohio, is a native of the place where he now lives, in Bristolville, Bristol township, Trumbull county, Ohio. He was born December 24, 1851, the son of Jacob and Laura Ann (Case) Pattengell. The father was born in New York and the mother in Simsbury, Connecticut. The grandparents were Hiram Pattengell and Nathaniel Case. Both were natives of Connecticut. Jacob Pattengell left home when fourteen years of age and went to Rochester, Pennsylvania. At the time he was without shoes or money. He worked at five dollars a month for one year, and saved fifty dollars and HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 363 went into the fanning mill manufactury, at Rochester. In 1834 he went to making chain-pumps, which he followed for a few years, after which he went into the mercantile business and later he farmed. During and a few years after the great Civil war he was internal revenue assessor. He retired and died March 13, 1883. His wife died December 5, 1877. They were the parents of three children : Annie Maria (Mrs. Thomas S. Shephard), now a widow at Wooster, Ohio; Francis N., of Bristolville, and Louis Albert of this notice. Louis Albert was educated at the public schools and at the Western Reserve Seminary, at Farmington, Ohio. After securing his education he looked after the home farm and bought and sold horses and cattle. Both he and his brother reside together in town and he owns several farms, including one hundred and fifty-five acres in Trumbull and thirty acres in Ashtabula county. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party and has served his township as constable, treasurer and clerk at different times. In his fraternal relations he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to West Mecca Lodge No. 707, and has advanced to the Encampment degree. Mr. Pattengell is among the honorable citizens of his township and has performed his part in the carrying on of the local government. He is unmarried. SAMUEL K. HINE, manager of the Girard Iron Company, Trumbull county, is one of the acknowledged experts of the middle west in the scientific manufacture of iron. He has reached this position both by virtue of his thorough technical education and his practical experience of sixteen years in connection with various metal manufactories of Ohio. Born August 4, 1867, at Poland, Ohio, he is a son of Samuel and Emma Caroline (Kirtland) Hine. His father was an active merchant of Hubbard until 1864, when he retired from business and lived at Poland, Ohio, until his death in 1893. Samuel K. Hine received his preparatory education at Poland Union Seminary, after which he pursued a full course at the famous Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, of Troy, New York. While pursuing his studies at this institution he became a member of the Troy Citizens' Corps and was called upon to do guard duty at Buffalo during the railroad strike of 1892. He was graduated from this institution in 1892 and in the September following he was appointed assistant engineer of the Falcon Tin Mill, at Niles, Ohio, and after performing the duties of this position for about two months accepted the more responsible position of chemist for the Mahoning Valley Iron Company, of Youngstown, Ohio. In February, 1893, he was appointed chemist of the Salem Iron Works, of Leetonia, this state, and thus continued until January, 1895. In the following month he removed to Youngstown, Ohio, to assume his duties as assistant chemist of the Ohio Steel Company. In the following month he became connected with the Girard Iron Company as its expert chemist, and after remaining 364 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY identified with this corporation for six years he established an office at Cleveland, Ohio, and for several months was engaged in that city as a general consulting chemist. In June, 1903, he was appointed superintendent of the Girard (Ohio) Iron Company and was promoted to its management in May of the following year, in which position he has become widely known for his ability and practical scientific attainments in connection with the manufacture of iron. In his fraternal relations Mr. Hine is a member of the Niles lodge, B. P. 0. E., and the Mahoning Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at the same place. RAYMOND GILSON SYKES, for many years one of the leading residents of Niles, Ohio, has been a progressive Chicagoan for more than a decade, identified with the vast building interests of that city. For more than thirty years his specialty has been iron and steel roofing, and as the age of wooden buildings is of the past, he may congratulate himself on having been one of the strong agents which has made possible the more secure and substantial structures of the present. Mr. Sykes, who has been known for eighteen years in Chicago as the energetic president of the Sykes Steel Roofing Company, was born at Canfield, Ohio, April 29, 1849, son of Saxton (first recorder of Mahoning county) and Rachel (Gilson) Sykes. He attended the Mahoning Academy of that place until he was fifteen years of age, when he left school to learn the tinner's trade. The ten years of his apprenticeship and work at that trade drew Mr. Sykes' attention to the imperfections of the prevailing roofing methods, and in 1875 he patented a durable and non-cumbersome roofing made of iron or steel. In the meantime Mr. Sykes had established a tin, stove and hardware store at Niles, which profits enabled him to establish and develop his roofing business. The latter soon commenced to overshadow the former in importance, and in 1877 he sold his store and commenced to give his entire time and abilities to the work of manufacturing his invention and educating the public use of same. The manufacturing enterprise was incorporated as the Sykes Metal Lath & Roofing Company, of which he has remained president, and which is now both the oldest and one of the largest concerns of the kind in the United States. In 1890 Mr. Sykes established a branch in Chicago, calling it the Sykes Steel Roofing Company, and of this he is still president and the strongest promoter. He was also one of the organizers of the Bostwick Steel Lath Company, the First National Bank and the Niles Boiler Company, but relinquished all his interests. in these enterprises upon his removal to Chicago in 1897, when Mr. Sykes purchased the business and plant of the Corning Steel Company of Chicago, but two years later disposed of them to the American Sheet Steel Company, and now gives his sole attention to the large affairs of the company which bears his name. In 1906 he promoted his Patent Lath in all foreign countries, which is a growing business today. On May 30, 1871, Mr. Sykes married Miss Clara Luse, daughter of Warren and Hannah (Bowell) Luse, Hannah BoweLL being born in the HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 365 first frame house built in Howland Township, located on the old state road, their children being Jessie B. (now Mrs. O. D. Beardsley), Aubrey Luse and Roy Raymond Sykes. Mr. Sykes is a member of the Chicago Athletic Association, the Colonial and South Shore Country clubs, also member of the Art Institute of Chicago. Mr. Sykes is a 32nd degree Mason, belonging to Mahoning Lodge, Niles, Ohio; Mahoning Chapter, Warren Council and Warren Commandery, Warren, Ohio ; Lake Erie Consistory, Al Koran Temple and Cleveland Travelers' Association, Cleveland, Ohio ; charter member of the Royal Arcanum and Elks Lodge, Niles, Ohio, and member of the National Red Cross. HENRY O. SHELDON, the widely known farmer of Fowler township, Trumbull county, is the representative of an old New England family which, for more than a century, has accomplished much in the development of this section of the Western Reserve. He himself was born at Fowler, on the 5th of December, 1837, and is a son of Jonathan and Pattie (Shipman) Sheldon, the father being a native of Tolland, Massachusetts, and the mother of the state of Connecticut. The grandparents were Jonathan and Priscilla (Manchester) Sheldon, the former being for several years of his early manhood a cooper on a whaling ship, but later became known as an earnest Methodist preacher. In 1805 the grandfather of Henry 0. Sheldon traded eighty acres of Connecticut land for seven hundred acres of timber land in the wilderness of Fowler township. At that time there were but four acres in this section of Trumbull county which had been cleared of its forest growth, but Grandfather Sheldon had come to make a home for his family in a country which was wild, but which could be tamed and made into rich farms and a splendid inheritance for his sons and daughters. His wife and children nobly assisted and supported him in these endeavors, and in his later years he gave his son Jonathan two hundred and eighty-five acres of the homestead, in return for the care of himself and faithful mate during the remainder of their lives. The grandfather and founder of the family fortunes in Trumbull county died in 1835, at the age of eighty-three, thirty years of his life having been spent on the old homestead. Jonathan, the father, continued the good work of cultivation and improvement, residing for some years in the original log house, but afterward erecting a residence more in keeping with his comfortable circumstances. Ho was an active Democrat and, as the country settled around him, was often called to participate in the conduct of various local offices. His death occurred in 1871, at the age of seventy-three years, his wife passing hence on November 4, 1883. There were twelve children in their family. Mr. Sheldon was the fourth born of six sons and six daughters, and resided with his parents until he reached his majority. He then was employed for a number of years as a farm hand and a laborer in saw mills and pump factories. After his marriage in 1868 to Orpha E. Smith, the daughter of Isaac Smith, of Fowler, he resided for two years at Fowler Center, and then located on a farm of fifty-four acres which he received 366 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY from his father. At the time there- were only two acres of the land under the plow, but he cleared off the timber and placed all but twenty-five acres under thorough cultivation. In 1883 he also added fifty acres to his homestead, which is now a productive and attractive piece of property. Mr. Sheldon is a Democrat, but has never sought office, being content to be a private citizen and a good husband to an honorable and faithful wife. Although there are no children of his own in the household, he has reared and educated a niece (Mary, his brother's daughter) since she was seven years of age, and on November 20, 1907, saw her happily married to Perry Dilley. This foster daughter now resides in Bazetta township, this county. Mrs. Sheldon's father came to Fowler township in 1832; he was cabinetmaker and undertaker from then until about three years before he died, in 1903; he served for twelve years as postmaster of Fowler, for a like period as treasurer of the township, and was highly esteemed for his substantial and moral traits of character. CYRUS L. NORTH, for many years a well known joiner and saw mill operator of Braceville, Trumbull county, was a native of Braceville and always resided in this locality. He was a son of William and Cynthia (Merrill) North, natives respectively of Barkhamsted and New Hartford, Connecticut. The grandparents on both sides of the family were also natives of that state, the mother of Cyrus coming to this township several years before her marriage in company with Fowler Merwin. The father, who located in Braceville township in 1819, was a carpenter, a bridge builder and a general mechanic. From the profits of his skill he collected a small sum of money which he invested in land on Eagle Creek, but in after years worked at his trade exclusively. His marriage to Cynthia Merrill occurred January 31, 1821. The husband died, October 10, 1889, reaching his ninetieth year only ten days previously. His wife had preceded him nearly ten years. passing away December 8, 1879. There were four children in their family, of whom Cyrus L. was the third. Cyrus L. North resided with his parents until their death, learning the joiners' trade and following that avocation as well as running saw mills for many years. On September 15, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain F. E. Stowe. He served as sergeant of his company and was discharged for disability at Columbus. Ohio, on the 8th of November, 1862. After recuperating he re-enlisted in Company G, Second Regiment, Ohio Heavy Artillery, and served in that branch of the service from August 24, 1863, to August 23, 1865, or two years. He then returned to his home, continuing his business as a saw mill operator. On November 1, 1870, Mr. North married Mies Frances L. Forman, horn in Greene township, November 19, 1847, a (laughter of Samuel and Mary W. (Higley) Forman. Her father was born in Freehold, Monmouth county, New Jersey, March 18, 1794, and died in Braceville, Ohio, April 29, 1875, while the mother, who was a native of Augusta, Oneida county, HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 367 New York, was born September 18, 1816, and died May 3, 1887. There were four children in the family born to the second wife of Mr. Forman, of whom Mrs. North was the eldest. The other members of her family were: Catherine E., Mrs. S. Gorton, who died March 10, 1900; Emma O., Mrs. Newton B. Allen, born April 4, 1854, and a resident of Braceville township; and Charles E., born June 27, 1857, and died April 5, 1882. Mrs. Cyrus L. North was a school teacher in early life and became well known in that capacity in Trumbull county. On January 1, 1896, she was appointed. postmaster of Braceville, but resigned April 14, 1903. She is an active member of the Christian church, having served as clerk for many years and been a teacher in the Sunday-school for over a quarter of a century. The children born into her household were : Jessie M. and Grace C. (twins), born May 19, 1875, the former dying February 11, 1892, and the latter March 19, 1903, being at the time the wife of Ward E. Lane, of Braceville township; Mrs. Lam had one child, Jessie M., born December 27, 1897, who now lives with Mrs. Cyrus L. North. Mr. North departed this life October 7, 1901. During his life he was an active member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Erie lodge of.Warren, Ohio. HOBERT L. TAFT, a well known farmer of Braceville township, Trumbull county, and a veteran of the Civil war, represents one of the oldest families of Trumbull county. The homestead which he now occupies was purchased by Cumfort Stowe, of the famous Connecticut Land Company, which led so many colonists in the early part of the nineteenth century to the territory northwest of the Ohio river. Mr. Taft is a native, himself, of Braceville township, born May 5, 1841, son of Frederick L. and Elvira L. (Rood) Taft, the father being a native of this township, born August 28, 1811, and dying April 28, 1869. The mother was a native of Connecticut, born October 5, 1815, and died December 29, 1892. The grandparents, Aurin and Lucy Ann (Stowe) Taft, were also New Englanders, the grandfather being a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and the grandmother was a daughter of Cumfort Stowe, who purchased a tract of land from the Connecticut Land Company, the original farm embracing the homestead of Hobert L. Taft. Aurin Taft, the grandfather, appears to have been of rather a roving disposition, not inclined to collect land. But, though most of his time a farmer, he peddled clocks around the country. The father, however, purchased eighty acres of land from Heman Rood, which has partly been placed under cultivation, but which he afterward improved and transformed into a comfortable homestead. After his death his widow resided with her son, Newton A., at Braceville Center and made his home her own until death called her away. There were one hundred and sixty acres of land in the home place which was purchased in March, 1864, by Frederick L. Taft and his two sons, Hobert and Newton. Frederick L. Taft died April 28, 1869. In 1884 the latter purchased his brother's interest and with land which he already owned his estate then amounted to two hundred and twenty-four Vol. II-24 368 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY acres. Since that time he has led the life of an intelligent, progressive and successful farmer and a public-spirited citizen. He, is a firm Republican and has served eight years as township trustee and one year as justice of the peace. It should also be stated that Mr. Taft served faithfully in the Civil war for nearly two years, enlisting in September, 1861, in Company G, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, and serving until March 18, 1863, in the active campaigns of the army of the Cumberland. On the latter date he was discharged on account of disability at Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Taft married, September 20, 1864, Miss Mary E. Spaulding, a native of Palmyra, Portage county, Ohio, daughter of Amos Phelps and Annis (Huxley) Spaulding of Massachusetts. Mrs. Taft was born June 9, 1837, and died February 26, 1906. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hobert L. Taft are as follows : Robert E., a practicing physician of Cleveland, Ohio; Adella, who died at the age of nine months; Florence, who is her father's housekeeper; and Jessie E., now Mrs. J. M. Smith, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. EDWARD L. KIBBEE has been recognized for many years as one of the most successful farmers and business men of Bristolville, this county, as well as among its most active and useful citizens. He is a native of Bristol, Ohio, born April 4, 1843, son of Edward H. and Harriett N. (Ballard) Kibbee. The father was a Connecticut man born at Tolland, while the mother was a native of Bloomfield, Ohio. The paternal grandparents, Lyman S. and Lydia (Howlet) Kibbee, were both natives of New Haven, Connecticut, and Orin and Margaret (Hillman) Ballard, the maternal grandparents, were natives of Gill, Massachusetts. Lyman S. Kibbee, the paternal grandfather, was one of the first settlers of Bristol township, coming hither with his parents in 1833. The grandfather bought a farm in the timber country, and making a small clearing, erected a hotel thereon .which he conducted for five years. He then sold his property and removed to Warren, where he engaged in the mercantile business with Henry and Charles Smith, dying at this place about 1853. His wife followed him about 1870. The parents of Edward L. were married in Bristolville, at which point Mrs. Kibbee's parents settled in 1825, afterward removing to Lima, Ohio, where they both died in 1868. Edward L. Kibbee was the eldest of six children and resided with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, assisting in the farm work, when he left home and became a traveling salesman, in which capacity he continued for twelve years. Returning to Bristol township, he engaged both in farming and the lumber business, forming a partnership in the latter with J. E. McBride. In 1903 Mr. McBride died and Mr. Kibbee has since conducted the business alone. On January 1, 1904, with C. A. Hyde, he also purchased the interest of C. S. Osborn and together they continue the general merchandise business, merchandising having been Mr. Kibbee's principal business through life. Mr. Kibbee's broad business interests are worthily supplemented by his HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 369 useful and broad public service, he having filled nearly all the township offices at various pei iods of his career. Re is also very prominent in the work of the Methodist church, having been trustee of the local church for twenty years, treasurer for twelve years, and at the present time is steward of the church. In the fraternities he is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. of Mecca, Ohio, and the Encampment of Warren, Ohio. He is also a member of the Masonic lodge of Warren, Ohio, being identified with the Warren Commandery, Knights Templar. Mr. Kibbee was married October 3, 1873, to Miss Mary Collar, daughter of Russell and Harriett (Me11) Collar, both natives of Canfield, Ohio. Their son, Edward Karl, was born September 16, 1875, and assists his father in his business. JAMES CURRIE, farmer and extensive land owner, residing in Johnson township, is a native of Lanarkshire, Stone House Parish, Scotland, born March 29, 1836, the son of James and Marion (Hamilton) Currie. The grandfathers were Alexander Currie and John Hamilton. The father died in Scotland about 1842. In 1845 the mother with her three sons and five daughters came to the United States in a sailing vessel, being six weeks in crossing from Liverpool to New York. From New York they went by boat to Albany and from that city to Buffalo by canal boat; on to Ashtabula by boat on Lake Erie and from that point by wagons to Johnson township, arriving July 15, 1845. There the mother purchased sixty-two acres of timberland. Some of her children were old and strong enough to assist her about improving the newly bought farm. She died there about 1859 and for four years after her death the sons Alexander and James remained at home and cared for the family. At that date James went to work on a farm by the month and so continued to labor at like pursuits for fifteen years. He was employed in Monroe county, Missouri, from 1860 to 1862. He worked out five or six years, then came home and resided with his brother Alexander until the latter's death, which occurred about January 18, 1904. James now carries on the farm, which consists of one hundred and seventy-six acres, situated in Johnson and Fowler townships. He also owns about 550 acres of land in Nebraska. Politically, Mr. Currie votes the Republican ticket. He never married, but has usually made his home with other members of the family. His three sisters living are : Ellen, widow of Robert Hamilton, now residing at Kinsman, Ohio; Jenett, unmarried, resides with Ellen ; Isabell, Mrs. Mack Curry, of Bethany, Harrison county, Missouri. A brother named John resided in Nebraska until his death in 1897. ALBERT GEORGE McKEAN, one of the joint owners of an excellent dairy farm in Johnson .township, Trumbull county, was born September 22, 1853, and educated at Kinsman Academy. He is the son of John N. and Harriet (Allen) McKean. The father was born in Enon Valley, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, while the mother was born in Vernon town- 370 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY ship, Trumbull county, Ohio. The grandfather (paternal) George McKean was of Scotch descent, and a direct descendant of Thomas McKean, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. On the maternal side, the grandparents were Lyman I. V. and Esther (Hobart) Allen of Connecticut, who came to Vernon township with a one-horse wagon. They spent the remainder of their days in that locality. They were industrious and thrifty people—real pioneers. John N. McKean, the father, married Emily Marvin for his first wife, and to them was born one child, Marcina, who died in Peru, South. America, about 1868. The father purchased two hundred and four acres of land in Johnson township, which constitutes the present farm held by the family, owned now by the two sons, Albert G. and John A. McKean. The father died about 1890 and the mother about 1878. Four children were born of this union : Maranda, Mrs. J. W. Scott of Bainbridge, Ohio; Albert G., of this sketch ; Emily, Mrs. W. W. Niece, of Bainbridge, Ohio; John A. In 1861 the parents moved to Kinsman, having rented their farm. Albert G. McKean began cheese making at Cortland, Ohio, where in company with a cousin, Lemuel Casterline, he built a factory which they conducted two years, at the end of which time it burned. Mr. McKean then made cheese at East Mecca for Thomas Rose for four years ; then was in partnership with Preston Halstead, as renters of a cheese factory in Johnson township, which plant they operated five years. Since 1893 Albert G. and his brother have farmed in partnership, they being joint owners of the farm. They have provided the place with a large modern planned residence, with hot air heat and hot and cold water. They also have several fine barns and numerous other excellent outbuildings. In connection with their farm, they operate a first class dairy, keeping about twenty-four cows upon an average. Of his domestic affairs, let it here be said that Mr. McKean was married September 25, 1890, to Clara Hall, a native of Fowler township, a daughter of Frederick A. and Melvina E. (Hathaway) Hall. Her father was born in Connecticut and the mother in Trumbull county, Ohio. One child blessed this marriage union—John Kenneth, born January 14, 1900. Mrs. McKean's grandparents were Amasa and Sarah Hall and Artemas D. and Mary (Casterline) Hathaway. WARREN W. LYNN, a farmer well known in Johnson township, Trumbull county, was born December 4, 1851, son of Levi and Mary (Moherman) Lynn. The father was born in Canfield, Mahoning county, Ohio. The mother was born in Jackson township. The grandparents were William and Catherine (Grove) Lynn, of Pennsylvania, and Abraham and Anna (Rush) Moherman, of Mahoning county, Ohio. The father was one of the earliest settlers in the county. He married and settled near his father in north Jackson township, where both died. HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 371 The oldest of four sons and four daughters, Warren W. Lynn resided with his parents until thirty years of age, assisting his father on his farm. He was married September 15, 1876, to Cynthia E. Kirk, born in Jackson township, daughter of Josiah and Belinda (Dunlap) Kirk, natives of Mahoning county. From the age of thirty years Warren W. Lynn rented land for several years and then purchased one hundred and three acres in Johnson township. This was timber and brush land, which he now has under a good state of cultivation. He has since added sixty-six acres which adjoins on the south. He keeps a large dairy and also raises Percheron horses. Mr. Lynn attended the district schools of Jackson township. He is a member of the Disciples church in which he was deacon for many years. Politically, he is a Democrat and does his full share of party work. The children born to Warren W. Lynn and wife are: Alanson, at home; Gertrude, Mrs. Burt Pierce, of Kinsman township; and Roy, also at home. JOHN ELDER, who is numbered among the thrifty farmers and successful dairymen of Johnson township, Trumbull county, was born October 21, 1826, a son of James and Margaret (Dron) Elder. The land of his nativity is Scotland and the location Ayrshire. In 1834, the family came by way of a sailing vessel to New York City. They were tossed for eleven weeks on the ocean waves in making their journey to America. The father worked in New York as a mechanic some two years, then went to Johnson township, Trumbull county, and purchased a tract of land which had been partly cleared up from its forest state, and had a log house upon it in which the family lived for many years. He improved this land and resided there until his death. John Elder, the eldest of three sons and six daughters in his parents' family, was employed by the month on a farm until his marriage, in May, 1849, to Catherine Stoddard, born in Scotland, the daughter of Walter and Jane Stoddard. After his marriage, he bought a farm in Johnson township ; also conducted a saw mill for many years. He has materially prospered and from time to time added to his landed estate until he owns many acres of valuable land. One of his farms he sold. His home place comprises two hundred and fifty acres. He built his present commodious and thoroughly modern farmhouse, barns and out-buildings, making the place one at once comfortable and valuable. He has spent his years at farming and looking after his dairying interests. Politically, Mr. Elder is a supporter of the Republican party, while in religious faith he adheres to the method of doing right. One of the saddest events in this man's life was the death of his wife, Catherine (Stoddard) Elder, which occurred April 1, 1900. Their children are: George, who conducts his father's farm; Cora, now Mrs. Rubin Currie; Kate, now Mrs. William Hathaway. 372 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY ABNER LAFAYETTE SIMPKINS is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Trumbull county, Ohio, one that has been identified with its agricultural life from its early and formative period to present day progress. Peter and Cynthia Ann (Atkinson) Simpkins, natives respectively of Germany and Baltimore, Maryland, were his paternal grandparents, and after many years of labor in the interests of home and community they were laid to rest in the southwest corner of the Vernon .Center cemetery, honored and revered pioneers of Vernon township. Peter Simpkins was sold in Baltimore for his passage across the water, from the age of nine until he was twenty-one years old. William Simpkins, one of the sons of Peter and Cynthia Ann Simpkins, was born in Elizabeth township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and when he was but five years of age he was brought by his parents to Vernon township, Trumbull county. In time he became one of the progressive agriculturists of this community, and owned land here and on the Ohio state line in Pennsylvania, but from the early age of five years his home was in Vernon township with the exception of one year spent in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. His wife was before marriage Mary McCord, and she was a daughter of Robert McCord of eastern Pennsylvania and a native of Sandusky, Ohio. Abner L. Simpkins, the third of the ten children, five sons and five daughters, born to William and Mary Simpkins, was born in Vernon township on the 8th of June, 1831. He remained with his father until the latter's death, and with his brother Henry he bought his present homestead farm of one hundred and fifteen acres, and he also owns fifty-two acres adjoining this place on the east. He at one time owned one hundred and fourteen acres in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, but his home since 1868 has been on his Vernon township homestead. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and for twenty-one years he has served as a school director. He is a member of the Disciples church. On the 4th of June, 1864, Mr. Simpkins was united in marriage to Jennie Foulk, who was born in Bazetta township, Trumbull county, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Riddle) Foulk, of Irish descent. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Simpkins was without issue, but they raised and lovingly cared for the following orphan children, five of whom are now married : Emma A. Simpkins, born in Pymatuning township, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1857; Char-les C. Simpkins, born in the same township, June 2, 1859 ; Clara A. Foulk, born -in West Salem township, October 7, 1865 ; Sarah H. Foulk, born in Sabula, Iowa, December 6, 1877; Kernie L. Foulk, born in Greenville, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1879; Jennie Simpkins, born in Bloomington, Illinois, February 6, 1889 ; William Abner Simpkins, born in Alma, Wisconsin, May 25, 1891; Rolandus C. Simpkins, born in Somerset, Wisconsin, September 29, 1893; and Claud R. Simpkins, born in Eagle Mills, Michigan, August 7, 1895. worn with care, Mrs. Simpkins died on the 25th of May, 1904, leaving her husband after a happy married life of many years to continue HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY - 373 the journey of life alone. The immediate cause of her death was an attack of pneumonia and pleurisy. ADDISON F. BRINSMADE.—The late Addison F. Brinsmade passed nearly the entire period of his activity in Johnson township, and prior to his death, March 27, 1902, had attained a substantial reputation as an intelligent and honorable farmer and also had amassed considerable property. He was a native of Salisbury, Connecticut, born February 13, 1834, a son of Charles W. and Elizabeth M. (Lockwood) Brinsmade. His parents were both natives of Connecticut who came to Medina county, Ohio, in 1852. Addison took a course of civil engineering in Cleveland, and after finishing, in 1854, migrated westward and first engaged in a railroad surveying party operating throughout Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota. At this period the states named were on the far western frontier, and those engaged in pioneer work of any description were usually molested by the Indians. Upon one occasion in his surveying experiences the savages stole nearly all the food upon which the party depended for their sustenance. As they were far from any depot of supplies the party was forced to go on very short rations for four or five days. The Indians finally became so troublesome and delayed the work so much that application was made to the government for protection. As the Indians soon discovered the new state of affairs they desisted from further molestation and even tried to make friends with the surveyors. Shortage of food was not the only drawbacks to life in these times, and Mr. Brinsmade was wont to relate one of his narrow escapes from death, when the bullet which was intended for his head went through the crown of his hat. He remained in the vicinity of St. Paul, Minnesota, for some time, and in 1860 he was laid low by an attack of typhoid fever and returned then to the home of his parents at Litchfield, Medina county, Ohio. On April 16, 1863, Mr. Brinsmade wedded Miss Harriett Selleck, born in Johnson township, Trumbull county, October 13, 1833, daughter of Harvey and Lucia E. (Landon) Selleck, both natives of Salisbury, Connecticut, and also born in the year 1805. In 1828, not long after their marriage, they started from their native Connecticut with a team of horses to found their western home. Upon their arrival in Johnson township they erected a log house in which they lived for many years. The husband at once started to clear the timber from his new purchase and to put the virgin soil in a state of cultivation. This original farm consisted of ninety-five acres, and it was upon this old homestead that the husband and father passed away in 1897, his wife having preceded him in 1872. They were the parents of two children : Olive S., who died in 1852 at the age of twenty-two years, and Mrs. Brinsmade. After his marriage Mr. Brinsmade resided for one year with his father, after which he returned to Johnson township to assist in the management and improvement of the homestead owned by his wife's father. There 374 - HISTORY OF TRUMBULL COUNTY he resided until the death of the father, then Mr. Brinsmade sold the Selleck farm and in 1898 bought a residence in Johnson Center, where he lived until his death four years later. His widow still resides at Johnson Center in comfortable circumstances and is highly esteemed by all her associates. WILLIAM ARCHER CRAM, of Johnson Center, Johnson township, has made a pronounced success of various enterprises in Trumbull county. In his early years he was a leading farmer and merchant, later engaged in a large cheese manufacturing enterprise and throughout continued to develop his agricultural interests, being now the owner of a large and valuable farm. For many years he has been a leading Republican of Trumbull county, having served as township trustee, township treasurer (five terms) and as postmaster of Johnson for a period of eight years. William A. Cram is a native of Venango county, Pennsylvania, born June 12, 1859, son of Horace and Nancy (Duffield) Cram, also natives of the county named. The paternal grandparents were Abiel and Sarah (Medium) Cram, born respectively in Vermont and Pennsylvania, while 116 the maternal grandparents, Armstrong and Elizabeth Gilmore Duffield, were of Irish ancestry. Armstrong, the grandfather, was obliged to leave his native land because of quarreling with an Irish lord who had interfered wIth his avocation as a cattle drover and who had received a sound thrashing in consequence thereof. The spirited young Irishman then came to Pennsylvania, settling in Venango county, and in a few years became a large land owner. The paternal grandfather came with his parents to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, about 1820, subsequently residing for about fifteen years in Johnson township, Trumbull county, and afterward located permanently in Venango county, where he passed. his last years. The parents of William A. were married in Venango county, where the husband and father owned a farm for many years, selling it in 1865 and coming to Johnson township. He there purchased a farm of one hundred acres as well as a tract of the same size in Vernon township. He resided in the latter township for six months, but with that exception has lived in Johnson township from 1865 until his death, January 2, 1904. His widow still resides with her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Hain, of Warren, Ohio. Mr. Cram, of this review, resided with his parents until his marriage in 1883, and continued to assist his father in his farm operations until 1896. In the year named he purchased a general mercantile establishment at Johnson Center, which he conducted three years. He then disposed of the business and purchased a cheese manufactory, which, under his management, turned out two hundred thousand pounds per annum. Mr. Crams also owns a farm in Johnson township, one hundred and four acres. as well as a fine residence at Johnson Center, located on four acres of well improved ground.