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250 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY SALEM TOWNSHIP. Thomas S. Arnold, proprietor and editor of the Leetonia Reporter, was born October 4, 1854, in Salem, Ohio, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Flitcraft) Arnold. This family is descended from one of the earliest pioneer families of Columbiana county. Samuel's father came to Ohio from Philadelphia, Penn., about 1820 or 1825, and located in Goshen township. His father settled on a farm which remained in the possession of the family for many years. Samuel removed to Salem, where he learned the tailor's trade, which he followed until his removal to Columbiana, where he still resides. He married Miss Elizabeth Flit- craft, daughter of Samuel and Phoebe (Smith) Flitcraft, by whom he has had nine children, six' of whom are living. They are: Josephine, Levi, Ella, Thomas S., William and Charles. Thomas spent his early life in acquiring an education in the schools at Salem. In 1869 he entered the schools at Columbiana, to which place his parents removed in that year. Until 1872 he was occupied in the pursuit of an education, after which he entered the office of Moore, Nesbitt & Co., of Pittsburg, where for three years he was engaged in mastering the printer's trade. In 1875 he returned to Columbiana, and in company with his brother Levi, established the Columbiana True Press. In July, 1879, Thomas purchased his brother's interest, and from that time until August, 1881, he managed the business alone. At this time he came to Leetonia, and established the Leetonia Free Press. The old Leetonia Reporter was established in 1872, but when Mr. Arnold took editoral charge its name was changed to the True Press, under which name it was published for several months. It was then changed to the Leetonia Democrat, and in 1888 the old name of the Leetonia Reporter was resumed. Mr. Arnold was married July 4, 1876, at Pittsburg, Penn., to Miss Maggie Berry, a native of New York state. Their children are: Harry, Lottie and Spencer. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 251 of Leetonia, of the Knights of Honor, of Columbiana, and also of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife is a Catholic. Mr. Arnold is a prominent democrat of Columbiana county. John Bricker, the grandfather of Enos Bricker, the subject of this sketch, was born in Switzerland, where the early part of his life was spent. In 1770 he came to America and located in Maryland, where, about 1775 he was married to Nancy Boyer, also of Swiss birth. In 18̊8, they removed with their family of fourteen children to Columbiana county, Ohio, and settled on a farm near the present residence of their grandson Enos, who now occupies it. Here they passed the remainder of their lives, the father dying in October, 1818, and his wife in March, 1828. Their children all married, and with the exception of two, raised families, thus scattering the original family to different parts of the country, but they are principally found in Ohio and Indiana. The children's names were: Henry, Sally, Nancy, Elizabeth, Catherine, John, Polly, Rebecca, Rachel, Susanna, Jacob, David, Lidia and Solomon. David Bricker, the twelfth child, and father of 'Enos and Simon, was born April 14th 1800 in Frederick county, Maryland, and with his parents came to Columbiana county in 18o8. Here he was given all the educational advantages to be had at that time, and was also brought up in the knowledge of farm work. Soon after the death of his father he with his brother Solomon, purchased the other heirs' interest in the estate, and to him the homestead eventually came. Here he lived and died. He married Lydia Worman May 4, 1823. She was a daughter of Jacob Worman, of this county. Their children were: Nancy, deceased; Jacob, deceased; William, deceased; Philip, Elizabeth, Simon, Noah, deceased; Susannah and Solomon, also deceased; and Enos. They were members of the Reform church. The father was actively interested in the democratic party and held the office of justice of the peace for some time. He died November 26, 1882, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife died May 2, 1875, at the age of seventy years. Enos Bricker, the youngest of the fourteen children, was born in 1840, on the homestead property, and has since lived there, the property being left in great part to him on his father's death. In 1869, he married Miss Phcebe A. Kelly, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Kelly. One child was born to them, named Frank. Mrs. Bricker died in 1871 and two years later, he espoused Miss Susanna Simon, daughter of Adam Simon, a resident of Columbiana county. This union has resulted in the birth of one child, Phcebe A. Mr. Bricker is a member of the Reform church, while his wife is a communicant of the Lutheran denomination. Mr. Bricker is also a member of the Farmer's grange, Mount Nebo No. 664. Although he takes but little active interest in the po- 252 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. litical questions of the day, he is a firm supporter of the democratic party. A man of sound judgment and much ability. John Dildine, the great-grandfather of the subject of this biographical mention, was the first member of this family to settle in Columbiana county. He came from Germany at an early day, and first settled, as is supposed, in Pennsylvania, but very soon removed to Columbiana county, Ohio, locating near what is now called Bull creek. Here he lived, and died. By virtue of inheritance the farm eventually came to John Dildine, the grandfather of the present generation. He lived, married, and raised a family on this place, finally dying there. His son, Samuel, then came into possession, and another farm which had been acquired by him, was left to another son„ by the name of Joseph. Samuel passed his life on the homestead farm. He was married in 1841, to Miss Rebecca J. Caldwell, daughter of William Caldwell, of Columbiana county. He died in 1856, leaving the following named children to mourn his loss: John C.; William, deceased; Lizzie, deceased; Mary A., deceased; Irene, deceased, and Vinie. He was a member of the Baptist church, and an ardent democrat. At his death the family were joined in their grief by the community at large, for he was much beloved by all who knew him best. The elder son, John, was born on the homestead farm, in 1842. He passed the uneventful life of a farmer's son, until May 13, 1861, when he joined Company C, Twenty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, with whom he enlisted for three years. They were organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, and were mustered in July 46, 1861. They were first stationed at Clarksburg, W. Va., then at Cheat Mountain, where they figured in several sharp skirmishes, thence to Greenbrier, where a hard battle was fought; thence, back to Cheat Mountain, and from there to Louisville, Ky., where they were encamped for some time at Camp Jonis. From here they were ordered to Wycliffe, and later to West Point, Ky.; thence to Cairo, Miss., by river, thence to Fort Donnelson, to assist Grant on the Cumberland river, but arrived too late to be of service, and advanced to Nashville, and was the first regiment to enter that city, where they camped for some time. From here they marched to Savannah, and from there to Shiloh, where they arrived about four o'clock in the afternoon of April 6, 1862. It was here that the command covered itself with glory during one of the greatest battles of the rebellion. Corinth, Miss., was their next halting place. There is not space here to chronicle all of the movements of this brave regiment, but suffice it to say that John C. Dildine was always found at his post of duty, and was ever ready to move forward or to retreat at the word of command. After three years of as hard fighting as any company experienced, what COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 253 was left of the brave company were mustered out at Camp Chase, June 22, 1864. Mr. Dildine soon after returned to Waterford, where he was married four years later, to Miss Essie L. Flanigan, daughter of Dennis and Mary Flanigan, natives of Ireland. In 1870 Mr. and Mrs. Dildine removed to Leetonia, where they have since resided, he being engaged in the mercan- tile business there. They have had but one child, a daughter, who was born April 28, 1869, and died three years and eight months later. Mrs. Dildine is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Dildine is a member of the K. of P., holding the office of District Deputy Grand Chancellor, Firestone lodge, No. 47, and is also a member of the G. A. R., holding the office of Corn-. mander of Burnside post, No. 137. Since the death of their child these estimable people have adopted a child, whom they have named Gracie M. Dildine. Although Mr. Dildine pays but small attention to politics, he is a true and loyal democrat. One of the most prominent educators of Columbiana county is G. W. Henry, superintendent of the Leetonia public schools. Prof. Henry was born in Columbiana county, in 1856. His parents were William and Keziah (Wiley) Henry, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. G. W. Henry's early life was spent in obtaining a preparatory education. In 1873 he entered Mount Union college, attending the same three terms in the year, and teaching during the winter season. He graduated in 1876, taking the degree of Ph. B; has recently been honored with the degree of Ph. M., by his Alma Mater. After graduation, he spent one year reading law with Shober & Raley, of Carrollton, Ohio. In 1877, he was elected principal of the New Lisbon high school and held that important office for five years. At the expiration of this time, he was elected to fill the position of supertntendent of the Leetonia public schools, and has since continued in the discharge of the duties of this responsible position. He took Miss Olive Williams to wife in 1877, Mrs. Henry is the daughter of Levi Williams of Madison township, Columbiana county, Ohio. Prof. and Mrs. Henry are the parents of three children: Byron, Virginia B. and Martha C. The father is a member of the Masonic order, Leetonia Blue lodge and Salem chapter. The family are communicants of the Disciples church. Prof. Henry's life of probity and energetic labor has won for him the respect and esteem of a host of friends and acquaintances. His scholarly attainments and many noble qualities have won the love and esteem of the pupils who have received their school equipment under his supervision. Valentine Nold, the progenitor of the American branch of the Nold family, was born in the town of Paltz, Germany. Emigrating to this country in 1760, he settled in Bucks county, Penn. While there he married and had one son whom they 254 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. named Jacob. Jacob married and became the father of five children, named: Henry, married Miss Bechtel; Jacob, married Catharine Zigler; John, married Hannah Weisler; Susana, wife of George Slutter; and Barbara, who married John Moyer. In 1817 he came to Columbiana county and located in Fairfield township, in the vicinity of Leetonia, remaining there until his death in May, 1834. He was a farmer and a minister of the gospel, having been the first bishop of the Memnonite church in Ohio. With the exception of Mrs. John Moyer, of Mahoning county, all of these children have passed away, after having married and raised large families, which are now scattered over the country. Jacob Nold, the second son, was born in Bucks county, Penn., in 1798, and came with his parents to Ohio. Upon the death of his father he succeeded to all of the original homestead farm, together with a grist-mill, which was one of the first mills erected in the county. It still stands. Jacob passed his life on the homestead farm, his death occurring September 30, 1864. In the spring of 1882 he espoused Miss Catharine Zeigler, daughter of Abraham Zeigler, of Butler, Penn. Twelve of the fourteen children born to them grew to maturity; they are: John, Abraham, Jacob, Samuel, David, George, Elizabeth, Susannah, Mary, Barbara, Catherine, deceased; Nancy, Allivia, deceased; and Sarah. They are members of the Memnonite church, of which their father was a deacon. Abraham Nold was born September 28, 1826, on his father's farmin Fairfield township, and here obtained all the schooling at his command. He assisted his father to clear the farm and lived at home until his marriage to the eldest daughter of Solomon Sitler. The marriage ceremony uniting Abraham Nold and Sarah Sitler was solemnized in 1848.. After his marriage he at once took possession of a farm in Salem township, on which he resided for three years, after which he removed to the property which he has since resided on. He has made many improvements in the farm and now has a very fine property. Mr. Nold has been identified with the growth and development of the town since its organization, and is one of its most honored citizens. Of the seven children born to him all but two are living: Solomon E., Enos, deceased; Uriah S., Emma, Elizabeth, Ida, and Franklena, also deceased. The family are communicants of the Memnonite church. Mr. Nold takes an active interest in politics and has held several minor offices under the republican party. James R. Percival, the efficient and popular proprietor of the Valley House, of Leetonia, Ohio, was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1838, the son of Ranceford and Abigail Percival, natives of Massachusetts and New York, respectively. The parents were married in North Norwich, New York, and almost immediately thereafter removed to Ohio, locating in Youngstown in 1837, COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 255 where they resided until 1864, when they removed to New Lisbon. Here the father died in March, 1890, having lived a life of usefulness. The mother still lives in New Lisbon. James received his education in the Youngstown public schools, and afterwards entered the employ of the Atlantic & Great Western railway, with whom he remained until the breaking out of the civil war. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Nineteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, serving the first three months as corporal, and at the expiration of that time the regiment, having been reorganized, he was made first lieutenant, a post he held until 1862, when he was promoted for bravery to a captaincy by Gen. Tod. Subsequently he was made a brevet major. Mr. Percival served in all of the battles in which his regiment was engaged during the war, among them being Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Perrysville, and many other battles too numerous to mention. At the battle of Missionary Ridge Maj. Percival, being in ill-health, sent in his resignation, which was accepted, but the battle coming on almost immediately` thereafter he remained with his company, and then returned home, having made a record as a brave and loyal soldier. After returning to Youngstown Mr. Percival was engaged as local editor on several different papers of the county until his removal to New Castle, where he remained for a time. Locating in New Lisbon he entered the mercantile business there, which he continued for several years, and during this time was appointed oil inspector under Governor Hoadley. His next move was to Beaver Falls, where he managed a hotel for one year at this time he came to Leetonia and took charge of the Valley House. In 1861 he married Miss Martha E. Murray, of Meadville, Penn., and they have one daughter, Mary T. Mr. Percival is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 65, of New Lisbon. The family are communicants of the Presbyterian church. Although Mr. Percival takes little active interest in political affairs, yet he is an ardent democrat. Since his coming to Leetonia he has not only made a success of the hotel venture, but has made many warm personal friends as well as a host of acquaintances. C. N. Snyder, a prominent attorney and counsellor-at-law, of Leetonia, is a native of Columbiana county, born in the year 1849, at Washingtonville, that county. He began active life as an employe in the coal mines near his home. His desire for an education and his determination to obtain one, conquered, and in 1868 he became a student of Mount Union college, where he remained for one year. After leaving college, Mr. Snyder began to fit himself for a teacher, and soon was in charge of a school. He continued this vocation until 1879, when he began the practice of law, having previously studied during the time at his command under the tutelage of J. C. Ryan, of Washingtonville. 256 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Locating in Leetonia, he has since made that his home. He married Miss Jennie M. Roller in 1878, by whom he has had four children: Flora M., Vernon C., Olive M., and Helen. Mrs. Snyder, a graduate of Mt. Union college, is the daughter of the Reverend J. R. Roller, who at the time of his daughter's marriage was in charge of a church at Washingtonville. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are active and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the former is also a member of the Good Templar's society, and an ardent and energetic republican. As a lawyer, Mr. Snyder has acquired the reputation of an honorable, high-minded and energetic member of his chosen profession, and enjoys a lucrative and rapidly growing practice. He has been the solicitor for the village of Leetonia for seven of the eleven years resident there, and active and prominent in all public improvements in the community. His address of welcome to the Pioneer society of Columbiana county, held at Leetonia in 1887, was a masterly effort and attracted general and favorable mention. If his life is spared, there is doubtless a bright and honorable career before him. D. E. Stouffer, postmaster of Washingtonville, Ohio, is a native of Beaver township, Mahoning county, Ohio, where he was born in 1852. John and Susannah Stouffer, his parents, were natives of Ohio. Until twenty-three years of age Mr. Stouffer was engaged in acquiring an education and in assisting his, mother on the farm. At that time, however, he embarked in farming for himself. Two years later he went to Washingtonville, and has since remained there. His first business venture was in the opening of coal mines in company with his brother and William Warner. ['hey opened the Fairview coal mine in 1881, and operated it together until D. E. Stouffer sold his interest and took the superintendency of the mine. In 1884 it was sold, and Mr. Stouffer then became engaged in various occupations until he was appointed postmaster of Washingtonville. He received his appointment August I, 189o. In 1874, Miss Hannah E. Myers, daughter of George Myers, a native of Germany, but at the time of the marriage of his daughter, a resident of Beaver township, became his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Stouffer have four children: Harry A., Charlie, Raymond and William. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are strong supporters of its good works. Mr. Stouffer is also a member of the K. of P., of Washingtonvile, and of the Jr. 0. U. A. M., of Leetonia. He takes an active part in politics, being a devoted constituent of the republican party. The father, John Stouffer, died in 1853, on his farm in Mahoning county, and the mother passed to her reward in 1885 in Columbiana, where she had removed after her husband's death. They were both devoted communicants of the German Reform church, and COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 257 both possessed qualities which endeared them to all who knew them. |