(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 295 WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. Elmer E. Black, attorney and counsellor at law, was born in Salineville, in 1861, and is the son of James and Sarah (Carnahan) Black, natives respectively, of Ireland and Pennsylvania. Until his seventeenth year Mr. Black attended the schools at Salineville, and later entered Mt. Union college where he completed a classical course, and in 1883, entered the Cincinnati law college where he fitted himself for the legal profession, graduating in the class of 1885. On completing his legal course he returned to Salineville, and began the practice of his profession, which he has since continued, and of which he does the principal share in this part of the county. He has not been long in the practice of law, but has already taken a prominent part in the court business of Columbiana and other counties, and in his pro- 296 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. fession he is now recognized as a safe counsellor, and judicious practitioner. He takes an active interest in political affairs, as a republican, and has done his party effective service in a number of campaigns. He is a member of the K. of P: He was married in 1886, to Miss Rhoda McGilvary, daughter of John and Elizabeth McGilvary, of Salineville, a union blessed with the birth of one child, a daughter, Ruth. Mrs. Black belongs to the Presbyterian church. James Black, foreman of the 0. & P. Coal Co's. mines at Salineville, is a native of Ireland, born in county Donegal in the year 1829, the son of John and Margaret (Hay) Black, both of whom died in their native country. Mr. Black remained in Ireland until 1848, at which time he came to the United States, locating in Armstrong county, Penn., where he entered the iron mines of Brown, Mosgrove & Co., where he remained a short time and then engaged in coal mining near Pittsburg. Hp was thus employed until 1854, at which time he came to Salineville and entered the employ of James Farmer with whom he remained a limited period, after which he worked for different men in the mines until the firms were consolidated in 1867, when by reason of his superior business qualifications and thorough knowledge of mining, he was made foreman, a position which he has since retained. Mr. Black was married in September, 1852, to Sarah J. Carnahan, daughter of Adam Carnaham who has borne him seven children, of whom the following are living: Margaret J., Elmer E., David C. and Orville. Mr. Black served a short time in the late war as member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-third Ohio volunteers, but the time of his enlistment was so near the close of the war that the regiment saw but little active service. He is a republican in politics and the Episcopal church holds his religious creed. Mrs. Black belongs to the Methodist church. Prominent among the well-known young business men of Salineville is William E. Brown, Jr., member of the well-known firm of Brown Bros., coal operators, who was born March 12, 1855, the son of Matthew and Frances Brown. He received his educational training in the city schools, which he attended at intervals until his sixteenth year, and then engaged with his father in the mining business, in which capacity he continued until 1885. In 1887, in partnership with his brother, John C., he assisted in organizing the well-known firm of Brown Bros., and together they purchased the Anderson mine, and December the same year leased the mine which they now hold and operate. These two mines comprise the richest and most valuable mining properties in Columbiana county, and the firm has much more than a local reputation in business circles. The Brown Bros. are enterprising in all that term implies and in their business COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 297 ventures they have met with success such as few achieve in a much longer life. Miss Sarah Raffle, daughter of Robert Raffle, became the wife of William E. Brown, in 1885, and their home has been blessed with two children, one of whom still lives, a son, James A. Brown. Fraternally Mr. Brown belongs to the Junior Order of the American Mechanics, and the Presbyterian church holds his religious creed. His wife is also a Presbyterian. John C. Brown, a prominent business man of Salineville, and senior member of the firm of Brown Brothers, coal operators, is a native of Columbiana county, born in Salineville in the year 1855, the son of Matthew and Frances Brown. He attended the schools as opportunities permitted, until about the age of eighteen, and then engaged with his father in the mining business, which he followed until the latter's death, when he and his brother purchased the mine and have since controlled the same. Mr. Brown has been quite successful in his business ventures and ranks among the substantial and enterprising citizens of Salineville. In 1877 his marriage was solemnized with Miss Mary A. Lewis, daughter of Daniel Lewis, a union blessed with the birth of one child, a daughter, Meda E. Mrs. Brown died in July, 1888. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, as is also Mr. Brown. Matthew Brown, Sr., late owner and manager of the Brown coal mine near Salineville, was a native of Scotland, and son of John and Margaret Brown. He was born in 1827, and at the early age of ten or twelve years began working in the mines of his native country, and was there employed until 1852, at which time he came to the United States, and worked at different occupations in various parts of the country until 1854, at which time he became a resident of Salineville, and, after working in the mines a few years was promoted to the responsible position of superintendent of the Hayes mine, which he held until 1860. He then accepted a similar position in one of the mines of the Cleveland rolling mill company, which he purchased six years later, and which he operated, very successfully the remainder of his life. He was married in 1855, to Frances M. Powell, daughter of John Y. Powell, who bore him seven children, four living, viz.: John C., Rhoda M., William E. and Tena M. Mr. Brown was one of the enterprising citizens of Salineville, and a man in whom the people reposed great confidence. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, and belonged to the I. 0. 0. F. He departed this life in the year 1888. Stephen Bunn, proprietor of a feed store and agricultural implement house, of Salineville, was born November 29, 1825, in the state of Delaware, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Kinney) Bunn, the parents of German and Irish descent, respectively. Soon after the birth of Stephen, the family moved to York state and settled on a farm where they remained two 298 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. years, and then went to Venango county, Penn., where they resided until the mother's death. The father afterward removed to the home of his oldest daughter, in Iowa, in which state he died in 1886, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. By reason of the frequent changes in the location of his father's family, Mr. Bunn's early -educational advantages were, of necessity, quite limited, but since arriving at maturity he has acquired a sufficient knowledge of the practical branches to enable him successfully to transact the business of a very active life. At the age of about eighteen he left the paternal roof and commenced life for himself as a cattle drover, and afterward engaged in farming, which he followed until his marriage which was solemnized in 1846, with Miss Elizabeth Dean, daughter of William Dean, of Pennsylvania. Shortly after his marriage he engaged in the hotel business at East Rochester, Columbiana county, where he kept a stopping place for the traveling public for about eight years, and was then similarly occupied for some time at Salineville, where he afterward engaged in teaming, which he followed until enlisting in the United States army, in 1862. He became a member of Company F, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio volunteers, in August of that year, and during his period of service principally did detached duty, in consequence of which he did not take part in the numerous battles in which his company participated. At the expiration of his term of service he resumed his former occupation of teaming at Salineville, which he followed about twenty-one years, when owing to failure of his eyesight, caused by injuries received in the army, he was compelled to abandon this work, and soon afterward engaged in the business with which he is at present identified. He is assisted by his son and is in the enjoyment of a lucrative patronage. By his first wife, who died in 1866, he had a family of several children, the following of whom are living: George W. and William E. His second wife, Mary Deveny, whom he married in 1866, has borne him three children, whose names are as follows: Edwin A., John D. and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Bunn are members of the Disciples church, and are classed with the highly respected citizens of Salineville. Mr. Bunn's second wife died May 29, ][89o. Edwin A. Bunn, clerk in the feed and farm product store of his father, Stephen Bunn, is a native of Salineville, and dates his birth from July 28, 1867. His early life was spent in acquiring an education in the schools of the town, until the age of sixteen, at which time he entered the employ of J. F. Lacock, of this place, and at the age of nineteen entered the employ of his father, with whom he has since continued. He is well versed in the details of business, and the success of his father's house is largely due to his skillful management. He was married in COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 299 1889, on Christmas day, to Miss Elizabeth M. Dobson, daughter of Aaron and Frances (Adams) Dobson, natives of Columbiana county, and residents of Salineville. Mr. and Mrs. Bunn are active members of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics Mr. Bunn is a supporter of the republican party. William Burns, proprietor of Burns' livery and undertaking establishment, was born in the city of Salem, Ohio, in the year 1853, the son of Dudley and Catherine (Ward) Burns, natives of Ireland. When he was quite young his parents left Salem and removed to Carroll county, Ohio, where his early days were passed on the farm, attending school at intervals in the meantime. On arriving at manhood's estate he engaged in farming, which he followed until thirty years of age, when he began building and contracting Salineville, which business he continued about six years. '''He then purchased of Hugh McIntosh the building he now occupies, which he converted into a livery stable and undertaking establishment, the largest enterprise of the kind in the town. He has made this business quite successful, and is now one of the leading business men of Salineville. Mr. Burns was married in September, 1881, to Elizabeth Betlin, daughter of Abram Betlin, of Carroll county, Ohio, to which union two children, Paul A. and Blace S., have been born. Mr. and Mrs. Burns are both members of the Roman Catholic church, at Salineville. One of the well-known pioneers of this part of the Ohio valley was Silas Burson, a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in the year 1785, the son of Benjamin and Hannah Burson. The ancestors of the Burson family came from England in the time of the colonies, and it is said some by that name assisted in founding the first settlement of Virginia, at Jamestown. The early years of Silas Burson were spent in Ohio, to which state his parents moved when the country was a wilderness, uncheered by the presence of white men. Accordingly, the subject's life was that of a pioneer, in consequence of which, his education so far as schools were concerned, was quite limited, as his time was largely taken up assisting his father in clearing and cultivating the farm. He remained with his parents at the different places where they resided until 1828, at which time he was married to Jane Dunbar, whose parents, James and Jane Dunbar, were natives of Scotland, but at the time of which we write, were residents of eastern Ohio. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Burson moved to Salineville and engaged in the manufacture of salt, which business occupied his attention until he purchased and removed to the present Burson farm, where his daughter now lives, about the year 1834. Of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Burson, three are now living: George, Amos and Hannah. Mr. Burson was by birthright, a member of the Society of Friends, 300 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. and remained true to the teachings of that faith until his death. took an active interest In political matters as a republican„ and was a great friend of the colored race. He died November 6, 1864, and his wife followed him to the grave in October, 1883. Mrs. Burson and her sons, Isaiah and John, and her daughter Hannah were among the original members of the Salineville Presbyterian church and its strongest supporters. Although not residents of this county, at the present time residing in Carroll county, the Burson family have always been prominently identified with Columbiana county, and deserve an appropriate mention in its history. I. B. Cameron, a popular business man of Salineville, proprietor of " The Busy Bargain " store, the leading mercantile establishment of the town, was born in the city of Nairn, Nairnshire, Scotland, in the year 1851, and is the son of Hugh and Ann (MacDonald) Cameron, both natives of the same country, the father dying in 1852. The remaining members of the family, consisting of the mother and. six children, came to the United States the following year, and located near Salineville on a farm, thence into the town, in 1855. The subject of this sketch attended the common schools until about the age of sixteen, when he accepted a position in a mercantile house in Salineville, in which capacity he continued about three years for different firms. The better to prepare himself in merchandising, he subsequently 'took a full course in a commercial college at Pittsburg, after which he returned to Salineville, and became book-keeper of his former employers, Messrs. Brown & Dysart, with whom he remained until 1874. In that year Mr. Cameron and Mr. Dysart formed the mercantile firm of Dysart & Cameron, and did business in Canton, Ohio, until 1875, when they came to Salineville, where the partnership was dissolved in 188o, Mr. Dysart retiring. Mr. Cameron continued the business at the old stand until 1885, at which time he purchased the mercantile stock of Hon. W. T. Cope, and has since that time, under the head of the " Busy Bargain " store, conducted the largest and most successful dry goods house in the town. In his business relations Mr. Cameron has been uniformly courteous and honorable. In his social life he is public-spirited, full of energy, always willing to aid public enterprises by his personal efforts as well as by his purse. He occupies a prominent place in the estimation of the people. His political affiliations are with the republican party. He was a candidate for the office of county treasurer at the republican primaries in the spring of 1889, and developed remarkable strength, having been accorded 1,993 votes in a very hotly contested canvass. He has been active in local affairs as member of the county central committee, and chairman of the township and town committees. He has also held the office of town COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 301 treasurer, and been delegate to a number of republican conventions, both state and congressional. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, as is also his wife. He was married in 1875, to Miss Laura A. Irwin, daughter of John B. Irwin, of Cleveland, but formerly of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron have one child, a son, Roy MacDonald Cameron, who was born in the year 1883. Samuel S. Carnahan, a prominent coal operator and proprietor of the Empire mine of Salineville, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1839, and is a son of Adam and Eliza (Collins) Carnahan, both natives of the same state. After his father's death in 1848, Mr. Carnahan began work in the mines, and continued in that employment until 1869, at which time he was made superintendent of the 0. & P. coal company's Mines at Salineville, which position he held until 1887. In the latter year he purchased the mine and has since operated it with success and financial profit, being at this time one of the most enterprising coal dealers in this part of the Ohio valley. He enlisted in 1864, in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-third Ohio volunteer infantry, and was in the service a part of one year as member of the army of Virginia, under Gen. Grant. Mr. Carnahan is one of the progressive citizens of Columbiana county, and socially occupies a prominent place in the estimation of the people. He took an active part in the municipal affairs at Salineville, as member of the town council, to which body he belonged nine years, and he has also served seven years on the school board. He is an active politician of the republican party, and belongs to the I. 0. 0. F., K. of P., G. A. R., and Masonic orders. He was married in 187o, to Mary Reaser, daughter of John H. and Barbara Reaser, natives of Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Carnahan's wedded life has been blessed by seven children, six living, as follows: Lida E., Clarence A. C., James E. M., Walter G. J., John C. and Samuel W. Mr. and Mrs. Carnahan. are members of the Methodist church. Among the successful business men of Salineville worthy of special mention is J. F. Collins, junior member of the mercantile firm of McGarey, Conley & Collins, who was born in Salineville in 1859, the son of Thomas and Susan (Sweeney) Collins, natives of Ireland. The parents came to the United States in a very early day and located near the town on a farm, having been among the pioneer settlers of this part of the county. J. F. Collins was reared amid the active scenes of farm life, attended the common schools at intervals during the years of his minority, and remained under the parental roof until 1873, at which time he entered the commercial department of Mt. Union college, near Alliance, Ohio, where he pursued his studies one year for the purpose of preparing himself for merchandising, which he early 302 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. chose for his life work. Soon after leaving college he entered upon his mercantile career as a book-keeper with the firm of McGarey, McGonagal & Co., in which capacity he continued three years, when he purchased an interest in the business which he still holds. He has been quite successful as a merchant and is one of the popular salesmen of Columbiana county, and also one of its popular and highly respected citizens. He was married in 1882 to Mary Nixon, daughter of John and Eliza Nixon, who came from Ireland to the United States, in 1851, and located at Salineville, where the mother is still living, the father having died in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Collins are members of the Roman Catholic church, and Mr. Collins is an earnest supporter of the democratic party. They have one child, Harold, who was born November 8, 1884. J. B. Crowl, editor and proprietor of the Salineville Record, one of the sprightly local papers of Columbiana county, was born in New Lisbon in 1865. the son of George and Jane (Stout) Crowl, natives respectively of Ohio and New Jersey. George Crowl was the inventor and patentee of the celebrated Crowl corrugated iron roofing and siding, which is now extensively manufactured in all parts of the United States, and in some European countries. J. B. Crowl attended the common schools until sixteen years of age, at which time he became a student in the high school of Cambridge, Guernsey county, which he attended for some time with the object of preparing himself for college, but circumstances over which he had no control prevented him from putting his cherished plan into execution. Shortly after quitting school he entered the office of the Cambridge Jeffersonian where he learned the " art preservative," and after remaining two years on that paper, accepted a similar position on the East Liverpool Gazette, with which he was identified about four years. He then engaged in job printing at Salineville, and shortly afterward established the Salineville Record, a republican paper devoted to the interests of the town and county, which under his successful management has since become oe of the popular and well-known local sheets in this part of the state. Mr. Crowl is a skillful printer, a forcible writer, and his paper has become the medium through which a great deal of important local matter is given publicity. Mr. Crowl is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., in which he holds important official positions, and also belongs to the K. 0. T. M., of which he is now record keeper. He is also a member of the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics, and F. & A. M. John H. Deveny, the leading merchant tailor of Salineville, of which place he is native, was born in the year 1859, and is a son of William and Grace (Nixon) Deveny, who were among the early settlers of Washington township. His life, until his COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 303 nineteenth year, was spent in acquiring an education in the city schools, and in the meantime he became thoroughly acquainted with the tailor's trade with his father, who, as stated elsewhere, was the most successful tradesman of that kind in this part of the county. He mastered the details of the business and on the death of his father, in 1882, succeeded to the proprietorship, and has since that time had entire control of the business, which, under his successful management, has largely increased in volume. Mr. Deveny is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Salineville Blue lodge, Hanover chapter, and Steubenville commandery. He is also a member of both the subordinate lodge and encampment of the I. 0. 0. F. and is a democrat in his political belief, but takes little interest in general politics, preferring to give his attention to his business interests. Mr. Deveny and Miss Lydia Miller, daughter of Capt. A. D. Miller, a prominent capitalist of Allegheny City, Penn., were united in marriage in 1884, and to their union one child, Stella, was born, in 1887. William Deveny (deceased), a former prominent citizen of Columbiana county, was born in Dillsburg, Penn., in 1830, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1836, locating at Plymouth, where he remained until his removal to Salineville in 1856. He was a merchant tailor and conducted the leading establishment of that kind in Salineville, where he did a large and lucrative business until his death, which occurred in January, 1882. He was married in 1857 to Grace Nixon, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Johnson) Nixon, of Salineville, and raised a family of nine children, whose names are as follows: John, Viola, Eva, Nora, Bessie, William, Abram, Joseph and Oliver, all living. Mr. Deveny was a leader in the Methodist church, at Salineville, and for a number of years a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. A man possessing those rare qualities and characteristics which compelled the friendship of all with whom he came in contact; he died as he had lived beloved by all who knew him, and the testimonals tendered at the time of his death but too plainly attested the power exercised by him over the he arts of his friends. His widow; Mrs. Grace Deveny, still survives, and surrounded by her family, resides on the old homestead property. William Dodds, merchant and traveling salesman, was born in December, 1841, and is the son of James and Jane Dodds, natives of Scotland. William Dodds and a brother Andrew, left the ir native country in 1862, coming to America and locating near Braidwood, Ill., where they both engaged in mining, which the y followed for a short time. The subject afterward came to Sal ineville, and here in 1866, was married to Mary Hunter, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Hunter, who came from 304 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Scotland to the United States, about the year 1847. Soon after his marriage Mr. Dodds returned to Illinois. and again entered the mine, but one year later came back to Salineville, which has since been his home. Owing to impaired health, he was for some time obliged to retire from active life, but about 1874 he engaged in the general mercantile trade with which branch of industry he has since been identified. In connection with his store, he is now engaged in selling goods for a wholesale house, in which, as in other enterprises, he has met with encouraging success. His marriage has been blessed with three children, but two of whom, James H. and Maggie Blanch, are living. Mr. Dodds is an earnest supporter of the prohibition party, and with his wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. James H. Dodds, manager of the general mercantile house of William Dodds, his father, was born in La Salle county, Ill., in the year 1867. When he was but one year old the family removed to Salineville, Ohio, in the schools of which he received his educational training until 1884, at which time he entered Berea college, near Cleveland, where he pursued his studies two years, completing the prescribed course of that institution. Returning to Salineville he was for some time engaged in teaching, and in 1887, the better to prepare himself for business life, he completed the commercial course in Mount Union college, after which he taught in the public schools for about two years. He abandoned teaching in 1889 and took charge of his father's mercantile establishment, of which he has since been the able manager. He is a young man of fine business qualifications, of liberal culture and has before him a future of great promise. Politically he is a republican fraternally a member of the Masonic order. Benjamin Evans, dealer in general merchandise, is a native of Wales, and first saw the light of day in the town of Garndiveth, in the year 1844. His parents, Isaac and Jemima (Waters) Evans, both natives of the same country, came with their family of seven children to America in 185o, locating in Washington county, Penn., where they resided until 1857, when they came to Salineville, where they resided until their respective deaths, the mother dying in 1858, and the father in January, 1888. The subject's education was derived from the resources at command in Washington county, Penn., and Salineville, and in 1858 he engaged in coal mining, at which he was employed until entering the United States army in 1861. He enlisted in Company I, First Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served for a period of three years, having been mustered in September 14, of the above year, and honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tenn., September 14, 1864. During his period of service he was with his regiment in many of the bloodiest battles of the war, including, among others, Shiloh, Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chicka- COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 305 mauga, Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Adairsville, Burnt Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain, and Chattahoochee River. After the last named battle, the regiment was under Sherman and was mustered out of the service at the date above mentioned. In the battle of Mission Ridge, Mr. Evans was severely wounded in the neck, the effect of which was to compel him to remain from the field for some months in hospital, and from the effects of which he still suffers. On returning from the army he resumed coal mining at Salineville, which he continued until 1877, when he embarked in the mercantile business in the western part of the town. but upon the death of his father, in 1888, he moved to the stand occupied by the latter, where he has since sold goods. Mr. Evans was married in 1867 to Miss Joanna, daughter of James E. and Gwennie James, both of whom were natives of Wales, but at the time of the marriage, residents of Pennsylvania. The following are the names of the children born to this union: Dora B., Effie C., Louis W., and Benjamin F. Mrs. Evans and children are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Evans is a member of the Masonic fraternity, G. A. R., and a republican in politics. William Garside, deceased, one of the pioneers of Columbiana county, was a native of England, born in the year 1813. His parents were John and Sarah (Greenwood) Garside, who came with their family to America in 1818, and located in Salem, where they resided a few years, and then removed to a farm near Newgarden, where they passed the remainder of their lives. William Garside was reared to agricultural pursuits, and divided his early years between attendance at school and assisting his father in the management of the farm. When twenty years of age he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he had previously learned, and followed that occupation in the vicinity of his father's farm until 1849, when he purchased the place, and resided upon the same until his death. In 1840 he married Miss Maria Boring, daughter of George and Agnes (Goshorn) Boring, by whom he had a family of nine children, the following living: Mrs. Maggie Hendricks, Mrs. Emma Smith, Samantha, James M., John G. and Elmer E. The following are the names of the deceased members of the family: Sarah A., William E. and Sanford H. Mr. Garside was a self-made man, and from a very humble beginning arose by his own exertions to a place among the prominent and well-to-do citizens of Washington township. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and took an active part in political affairs, as a member of the democratic party. He died in 1889 at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Garside, with her son and daughter, still own and operate 20-A. 306 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. the homestead, and live a quiet and peaceful life. They are all members of the Presbyterian church. John H. McGillvary, proprietor of the McGillvary house, the leading hotel of Salineville, was born August 1, 1830, in the province of Nova Scotia, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret McGillvary, natives respectively, of Nova Scotia and Scotland. In the year 1834, Mr. and Mrs. McGillvary moved to Columbiana county, settling in Madison township, where they resided until 1844, when they moved to Washington township, where the father's death occurred in 1852. While in Madison township the subject of this sketch received his educational training in the common schools and he resided in Washington township. He removed to Salineville in 1869, at which time he engaged in the hotel and livery business. In 1865 he purchased the farm which he now owns in Yellow Creek township, and which he still carries on. As a landlord, Mr. McGillvary has become quite popular and his hotel is one of the favorite stopping places for the traveling public in this part of Ohio. For some years Mr. McGillvary was engaged in the mercantile trade at Highlandtown, where he did a thriving business until his removal to Salineville, in the year above mentioned. June 3, 1858, Mr. McGillvary and Miss Elizabeth Adams, daughter of John and Hannah Adams, of Jefferson county, were united in marriage, a union blessed with the birth of five children, four of whom are living, viz.: Hannah, born November 27, 1859; Margaret, born November 27, 186o, died July 20, 1889; Rhoda, born May 16, 1863; Alexander D., student at the university of New York, born July, i868, and Ida May, born December 15, 1873. Mr. McGillvary takes a live interest in political matters and wields an influence for the republican party. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. William Gilson (deceased), at one time a prominent farmer of Columbiana county, of which he was a native, was born in Madison township, January 29, 1817. He was the son of Richard and Martha Gilson, who, with their family, moved from Madison to Washington township about the year 1820, and located on the farm, near Salineville, where the subject spent the early part of his life in acquiring an education and assisting his father in the fields. He was married October, 1840, to Miss Lydia Hart, daughter of John and Prudence Hart, of this county, and shortly thereafter removed with his wife to a farm which he had purchased, and upon which he resided until his removal to Salineville a few years previous to his death. While on the farm his first wife died October 23, 1858, and in December, of the following year, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Grafton, of this county, who still survives him. By the former marriage, there were seven children, but four of whom are now living, viz.: COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 307 John H., Richard E., Phila A. and Amy A. To the second marriage were born two children, of whom one, Ariel C., is living. Mr. Gilson was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, and took an active part in local politics as a member of the republican party; he was a man who, by his own exertions, arose from comparative obscurity to prosperity, and at the time of his death was one of the most successful farmers in this part of the Ohio valley. He possessed those rare qualities that enabled him to bind many persons to him in the bonds of friendship and love, and when he was called away by death, June 1g, 1888, was deeply mourned by the entire community. He furnished three sons who served jell the war of the Rebellion, one of whom, Calvin W. Gilson, died in the service April 3, t864 at Memphis, Tenn. James A. Hays (deceased), a late prominent merchant of Salineville, was born in the year 1847, in Carroll county, Ohio, son of William and Elizabeth (Booth) Hays. From his tenth until his eighteenth year he resided in the family of an uncle and during that time attended school and became 'sufficiently qualified to engage in teaching, which profession he followed for a limited period and afterward accepted a clerkship with a Chicago coal firm. He remained with this company until his marriage in 1875 to Miss Caroline Williams, daughter of Joseph Williams, after which he embarked in the mercantile business at Carrollton, opening a clothing store, which he operated very successfully about nine years. At the end of that time he engaged in the same trade at Salineville, where he carried on a very successful business until the spring of 1883, when by reason of an accident which incapacitated him for active business, he sold his stock and retired to private life. From that time until his death he was never able for business and in order to seek for the health which appeared to be denied him, traveled quite extensively throughout various parts of the country. In i888 he contracted a severe cold which developed into pneumonia and which resulted in his death the same year. Mr. Hays was a good man, a successful merchant and a prominent citizen. He was for some years an elder in the Presbyterian church, and all religious and moral movements found in him• a zealous supporter and liberal patron. He was one of the leading democrats of Salineville and used all honorable means to promote his party's interest. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hays: Eva S., Earl W., Paul J., Mary E. and Jay W. Mrs. Hays resides with her family in the home of her late husband. The Rev. Robert Hays, a very prominent citizen and minister of Washington township, Columbiana county, Ohio, was born in Beaver county, Penn., in 1821, his parents being James and Mary 308 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. (McKernan) Hays, of Scotch and Irish descent, respectively. Robert was reared in his native state, where he received a liberal education. His father died while Robert was in his early youth, but the young man was so determined to complete his scholastic training, that he borrowed money sufficient to pay his way through college, and entered Allegheny college, at Meadville, Penn., where he was graduated fully prepared to enter upon his ministerial duties. In 1849 he began his career at Bethel on the 15th of April. He remained in that place until 1883, having also had charge of the church at Long's Run during a part of this time. He also organized a church at Salineville, and for two years preached there without receiving any compensation. When he left this charge in 1874, the church had a membership of 150, and was in an advanced state of prosperity. Mr. Hays has been in the service of the church for forty-one years, and from all indications he has yet many years left to give to this work. Susan Williard, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Lindesmith) Williard, became his wife in 1850, and has been an earnest and helpful co-laborer in her husband's good work. Their four children are: John C., William, Elizabeth, wife of James Hogue, and one other deceased. Although Mr. Hays has not given his attention to the accumulation of property, his economical and industrial habits have served him to such good advantage that he now owns 160 acres of land, with suitable and substantial buildings, and 120 acres where John lives. William Johnson, one of the oldest living residents of Columbiana county, was born in Pennsylvania, September 21, 1801, and is the son of Thomas and, Mary (Mapele) Johnson, who were a natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively. When he was two years of age his father was drowned, after which sad event the mother with her family, accompanied by her father's family, came to Ohio, and settled near Amsterdam, on the head waters of Yellow creek, where the grandfather entered a quarter-section of land, upon which they all lived for a time. Misfortunes overtaking the land, having fallen into other hands, the family afterward settled near Hammondsville, and from thence settled on a tract near Summerset, which they leased, and upon which they lived for some years. The family was here divided, the mother removing to a farm on Yellow creek, where, in October, 1826, William was married to Sarah Yeagley, a resident of that neighborhood, where they lived about ten or twelve years. Mr. Johnson and his family then moved to a farm near Sommerset, which he had previously purchased, and after residing on the same five years, moved to the vicinity of Salineville, where he also purchased a farm, which he afterward sold, and with a part of the proceeds invested in valuable city property. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had a family of nine children, the COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 309 following of whom are living: Thomas, Mary, John and Sarah M. Among the deceased are the following: Elizabeth, Elias and William Henry. Mrs. Johnson departed this life in 1867, at the age of sixty-two years, and in 1870 Mr. Johnson was remarried to Mrs. Jane Williams, a widow, resident of Salineville, who died in 1885. Mr. Johnson has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and has been a prominent member of the democratic party. He is a Presbyterian in his religious belief, but was formerly a Methodist, from which church he withdrew. He . makes his home at this time with his youngest daughter, Mrs. Sarah Green, and numbers his descendants as follows: Nine children, thirty-five grandchildren and fifty great-grandchildren. John W. Johnson, owner and proprietor of the Johnson house, a well known hotel of Salineville, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1838, the son of William and Sarah (Yeagley) Johnson, of whom a notice appears elsewhere. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, near Salineville, acquired a fair education in the common schools, and at the age of eighteen engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself, and continued to follow that useful calling until his twenty-fourth year. He was then united in marriage with Miss Sydney Adams, daughter of James and Sydney Adams, of Pennsylvania, after which he moved to Salineville, and engaged in the coal work, where he was employed for about five years. At the end of that time he purchased the establishment which he now operates as a grocery store and hotel, and is doing a very thriving business. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had eight _children, four of whom are now- living, viz.: Annie V., Mary L., J. F. and Joseph E. Mr. Johnson's political affiliations are with the democratic party, and in religion he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. John J. Kirk, senior member of the firm of Kirk Bros., leading clothiers of Salineville, was born in Columbiana county, in the year 1848, and is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth Kirk. Mr. Kirk spent his youthful years on his father's farm, received a fair English education in the common schools, and on attaining his majority, engaged in the pursuit of agriculture for himself on a part of his father's land. He afterward purchased 200 acres of his own and resided upon the same until 1884, at which time in partnership with a brother, E. 0. Kirk, he bought the James Hay stock of clothing, and began dealing in that line in Salineville, where he has since carried on a large and lucrative business. Mr. Kirk was married in 1872, to Mary A. Bowden, daughter of George and Rachel Bowden, of Cleveland, Ohio, and to their union have been born seven children, four of whom are now living: Mattie, John, James and Ada. Mr. Kirk is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, being one of the oldest 310 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY living members at Salineville. He is a republican in politics, and has held the office of justice of the peace and county coroner. Mrs. Kirk is a member of the Methodist church. Isaac Kirk (deceased) , a former well-known citizen of Columbiana county, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in the year 1804, the son of Caleb Kirk. Caleb Kirk came to Ohio in an early day, and first located near Smithville, and afterward lived in the vicinity of Newgarden and Mt. Gilead. He was a cabinet maker by trade, but after his removal to this county, engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he followed until his death in 1846. Isaac Kirk began life for himself as a carpenter, when about eighteen or nineteen years of age, and worked at the same for some time in Cleveland, when that present thriving city was but a small town, he afterward located near Ironville, in Jefferson county, and engaged in the manufacture of salt, and subsequently followed the same business at Salieville, which town was his home until his death. Being a man of great energy, he soon acquired considerable surplus capital, which he invested in real estate and a flouring mill, erecting the latter about the year 1840. He continued to invest in land from time to time, which, increasing in value as the years went by, made him at the time of his death, one of the largest, as well as one of the wealthiest, owners of real estate in the county. He was married in 1843 to Elizabeth Welk, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had ten children seven still living, viz.: Mrs. Sarah Vasey, John J., W. F., Mrs. Mary Rogers, C. P., E. 0., and Harry. Having been reared among the Quakers of Pennsylvania, and his ancestors being of that faith, he always adhered to the teachings of that society and his life was in harmony with his profession. He was the first mayor of Salineville, and held minor official positions, but was never a partisan in the sense of seeking office. He was a very successful business man, and his death which occurred in 1880, at the age of seventy-six years, was felt as a great loss to the community. Joseph G. Lacock (deceased), one of Salieville's most worthy and honored citizens, and at the time of his death, one of the leading men of the county, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, January 23, 1817, the son of Joseph and Naomi (Pool) Lacock. His early life was spent on the farm, and in the common schools he acquired the rudiments of an education which supplemented by a valuable practical knowledge in after life, made him one of the intelligent and well informed citizens of the community. He removed with his father's family to Wheeling, and later to Portsmouth, where he resided until about 1840, when he came to Salineville, and entered the mercantile establishment of James Farmer, where he soon rose to be a member of the firm. Upon the retirement of Mr. Farmer, Mr. Lacock and W. T. Cope suc- COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 311 ceeded him, and established the well-known firm of Lacock Cope, which .carried on an extensive business for a number of years. Subsequently, Mr. Lacock withdrew from the firm, and purchased a large flouring mill in Salineville, which he operated quite successfully, and was also one of the principal stockholders bf the Salineville bank. He was successful in all of his business enterprises, and was a man in whom the people reposed great confidence. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and as a republican took considerable interest in local and general politics. His death in 1882, caused great grief in the community and a large circle of sorrowing friends paid at his grave their highest tribute of respect. Mr. Lacock was married in 1848, to Rhoda Farmer, .daughter of John Farmer, a pioneer of Columbiana county, and had two children: J. F. and Etta. Mrs. Rhoda Lacock, a woman of most estimable character, departed this life in 1883. Alban Lange, one of the successful merchants of Salineville, is a native of the kingdom of Saxony, Germany, and dates his birth from May 27, 1856. His parents, Frederick 'and Cristliebe Lange, remained in the old country until 1881, when they came to the United States, where the father still lives, the mother having died in 1887, at the age of seventy years. The early life of the subject was spent in Germany, acquiring an education and assisting his father on the farm, and at the age of seventeen, in 1873, came to America and located in Salineville, which has since been his home. Upon his arrival here he first found employment as a coal miner with the Cleveland & Pittsburg coal company, with which he continued until injuries compelled him to abandon this work and engage in more sedentary employment. Accordingly he engaged in the mercantile business, which he has since continued, being at this time the proprietor of a large general store which has a very extensive patronage in Salineville and surrounding country. Mr. Lange and Miss Thekla Youngwurth, of Germany, who came to America in 1874, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, and their marriage has been blessed with six children, viz.: Ottmer, Willie, Arthur, Walter, Ella and Lizzie. Mr. Lange has risen by his own exertions and is now one of the well-to-do citizens of Salineville. He is a democrat in politics, and while ardent in belief of his party's interests, has never been an office seeker. Charles F. Maple, proprietor of the leading meat market of Salineville, and fourth child and oldest son of James and Ann (Hoey) Maple, is a native of Salineville, born in the year 1862. He was educated in the schools of the town and remained with his father on the farm until after his marriage, when he engaged in his present occupation which he has since followed and in which 312 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. he has met with very encouraging success. He keeps a well appointed meat market and by studying the demands of the trade, has largely increased the number of customers by whom he is patronized. Mr. Maple and Miss Frances Lawrence, daughter of William H. and Sadie (Green) Lawrence, were wedded in 1886, and two children have been born to them, one of whom is living, Edna. Mr. Maple is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and votes the republican ticket, although taking but little interest in political affairs. James Maple (deceased), was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, near the present town of Irondale, in the year 1831, and was the son of James and Nancy (Corbett) Maple, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, James Maple, came to Ohio in a very early day and located near the present site of Irondale, where he lived until 1838, when he moved to Salineville and engaged in the manufacture of salt, which business he followed until his death. The father of the subject, whose name was also James, was born in Fayette county, in 1793, and died in Columbiana county, Ohio, a number of years ago. The early life of our subject was spent in Salineville, and on January 4, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Hoey, daughter of John and Mary (Little) Hoey, of this county. After his marriage he engaged in farming near the town on a farm which he had previously purchased, and resided on the same until 1868, when he removed to another farm, which originally formed a part of the Kirk estate. Here he farmed and carried on the butcher's business until 1887, when, on account of poor health, he retired from active life, but continued to manage his agricultural interests.. He was a successful farmer and an enterprising citizen, and his death, which occurred July 16, 1889, was felt as a great loss by the community. He was a member of the Methodist church, belonged to the Odd Fellows fraternity, and for a number of years was an active supporter of the republican party. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Maple: Minerva, Lucy, Addie (deceased), Charles F., Annie, Rosa, James, Maggie and Lula. Mrs. Maple resides on the homestead property, and is a woman highly respected in the community where she lives. John McGavran (deceased); a former well known citizen and pioneer of Columbiana county, was born in Virginia in the year 1799, the son of Mark and Hannah McGavran, natives of Scotland, from which country the family emigrated to the United States over a century ago. The early life of John McGavran was spent with his parents on the farm and his educational training was of that meager kind common to the early settlements in this country. At the age of about twenty he came to Ohio and engaged in the manufacture of salt at Mooretown, and there COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 313 remained until his removal to Washington township, this county, in 1834. On coming here he located upon a farm near Salineville, which he had previously purchased from the government, and during the rest of his life followed agricultural pursuits with such success that he was enabled to accumulate a comfortable fortune, consisting of valuable real estate in various parts of the country. He married in 1834 Mary Burkett, daughter of Philip Burkett, of Pennsylvania, and by her had seven children, but one of whom, Jennie McGavran, is now living. She resides on the home place, manages the farm and business pertaining thereto, and is one of the intelligent and highly respected women of the township. Mr. McGavran was, in his time, quite prominent in the political matters of the community, and held several offices of trust at different times. He was bitter in his opposition to slavery and assisted in the escape of many an unfortunate colored man by means of the celebrated " underground " railroad then common in this part of Ohio. He was always a strong advocate of temperance, being brought up in the regular Baptist church. In addition to his farming, he was extensively engaged in stock-raising, in which enterprise he was not surpassed by any one in his part of the county. His death, which occurred in 1872, was mourned by the entire community which felt the loss of one of its best citizens. His wife preceded him to the grave some years, dying in 1859. Albert Montgomery, deceased, a former leading merchant and miller of Salineville, was born March 25, 1838, the son of John and Hannah Montgomery, natives respectively, of Ireland and England. Until 1861 his life was spent principally at New Castle, Penn., and later moved to Ohio, and his first business venture was merchandising at New Castle, where he resided until the breaking out of the war. He enlisted in 1861, in Company B, One Hundredth Pennsylvania infantry, with which he served during the war, and with which he was in many of the leading battles, including Bull Run, Antietam, Wilderness, Gettysburg, and many others, in all of which he bore the part of a brave and gallant soldier. He returned from the army in 1864, and came direct to Salineville, where he engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, which followed for some years, and then began the manufacture of flour, which he continued until is death. Few men in Salineville commanded the respect and confidence that were reposed in Mr. Montgomery, and his death removed one of the most valuable citizens of the city. He was married in 1868, to Miss Henrietta Lacock, daughter of Joseph and Rhoda (Farmer) Lacock, and of their family of six children, four are now living, viz.: Alden, Bernina, Edith and Ella, all of whom reside with their mother at the home place. Mr. Montgomery died May 22, 1885. 314 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. John Nile (deceased), whose memory is still cherished by a large circle of friends in Washington township, was born in Columbiana county in October, 1830, the son of John and Jane (Starkey) Nile. Mr. Nile's early life, like that of many others, was uneventful, having been passed upon the homestead farm, where he assisted his father, who for many years was an invalid. The fatherls death left John in possession of the place, and for some. years thereafter he operated the same, looking after his mother's interests. He sold the homestead in 1876, and purchased the farm in this township, upon which he lived when his death occurred, and upon which his widow still resides. Mr. Nile's marriage was solemnized in November, 1858, with Agnes, daughter of Ethelbert and Martha (Colwell) Sharp, of Carroll county. They raised a family of nine children, eight now living, whose names are as follows: William J., Eva N., Minnie C., Annie V., Elmer S., John E., Stella A: and Luella. The oldest child, Martha J., is deceased. Mr. Nile was a man highly respected by all who knew him, and his death, which occurred in December, 1884, was felt as a sad loss to the community. In political matters he was independent, having always preferred to use his judgment in the selection of candidates. Mrs. Nile still resides on the homestead farm, which, with the assistance of the eldest son, she manages quite successfully. One daughter, Nora, married Alva McLain, a general merchant of Mechanics- town, Ohio, and two other daughters, Minnie and Anna, operate a millinery and dressmaking establishment at the same place. Henry Nixon, postmaster of Salineville, is a native of Ireland, born in county Down, April 12, 1849. His parents, John and Eliza Nixon, also natives of Ireland, came with their family to America in 1851, and located in Salineville, where the mother is still living, the father having died in 1878. John Nixon was a prominent resident of Salineville, and during the greater part of his life followed the occupation of tanning. He was a conscientious, upright man, and in his death the family lost a devoted husband and kind father, and the community a most valuable citizen. Until his eighteenth year the subject of this mention spent the greater part of the time in acquiring an education, but before attaining his majority he made a trip to Missouri where 11 followed farming for three years. Returning to Salineville at the end of that time, he accepted a position with McGarey & Black, millers, for whom he managed business for eleven or twelve years. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster of Salineville, taking charge of the office in August, of that year, and has since discharged his duties in a manner eminently satisfactory to all concerned. Mr. Nixon and Miss Lillie Scaife of Pittsburg, were united in marriage in 1875, and to their union two children have been born: Helen and Fannie. Asa republican Mr. Nixon COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 315 has taken an active part in political affairs, local, state and national, and as a citizen is a liberal supporter of all movements having for their object the public good. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Edward Pumphrey, one of the old citizens of Columbiana county, of which he is a native, was born in Wayne township, in the year 1819. He is the son of William and Elizabeth (Shivers) Pumphrey, who were among the pioneers of Columbiana county, moving here from Pennsylvania as early as 1814, settling on a farm in Wayne township. The early life of Edward was spent on the home place, acquiring an education from the primitive resources then at command, and assisting his father with the work of the farm. At the age of eighteen or nineteen, in partnership with a brother, Milo Pumphrey, engaged in the manufacture of barrels which they carried on quite successfully for some years and which they abandoned about 1825, and engaged in farming. They operated in partnership for some time, when Edward purchased his brother's interest and carried on agricultural pursuits in Wayne township, where he afterward sold his farm, and with the proceeds purchased the beautiful place in Washington township, where he now resides. Mr. Pumphrey has accumulated a handsome competence which has enabled him to retire from active life, but he still looks after his farm and manages the business pertaining thereto. He was married in 1844 to Nancy Todd, daughter of Benjamin and Charlotte (Clarey) Todd, natives of Maryland, but descendants of English ancestry, who came to the United States at a very early day. Mr. and Mrs. Todd came to Ohio in pioneer times and made a settlement in Wayne township, not far from New Lisbon. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pumphrey, eight children have been born, five living, viz.: William W., Homer, Edward D., Lizzie and Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Pumphrey are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, belonging to the Salineville congregation, of which Mr. Pumphrey is the oldest communicant. Their oldest son William, when a boy of seventeen years, enlisted in the late war and served the part of a brave and gallant soldier for two years, returning at the end of that time uninjured. He is married and resides in Canton where he is now engaged in the mercantile business. The second son, Homer, is also married and resides at Cannon City, Col., where he holds a position under the state government. Edward and family reside in Denver, Col., where he is engaged in commercial business and real estate. The daughters still reside with their parents. Robert Raffle, a prominent business man of Salineville, dealer in general merchandise, was born in county Durham, England, in the year 1829, and is the on of Ralph and Mary (Dunn) 316 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Raffle. The subject's mother died in 1842, and a short time thereafter he left England, and coming to the United States engaged in coal mining at Tamaqua, Penn., where he remained for a period of three years. At the end of that time he engaged in the mining business at McKeesport, where he remained eleven years, and then came to Salineville, where he was similarly employed about three years. He then abandoned mining and embarked in the mercantile business, which he still carries dn, and which he has conducted with success and financial profit. Mr. Raffle was married in 1851 to Miss Ann Graham, whose parents, William and Elizabeth Graham, were both born in England. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Raffle, of whom the following are living: Mary A., Elizabeth E., Thomas, Sarah, Ralph, Hannah, Robert, William, John, Cora Belle and Myra. All but three of the above children are married, and they all reside in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Raffle are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church, and while not taking much interest in political matters, Mr. Raffle votes the republican ticket. The subject's father, Ralph Raffle, came to the United States, about one year after his son, and settled in Salineville. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in the First Virginia infantry, Company I, for the United States service, and was with the same three years. He located in Salineville, at the close of the war, and died here in 1881. Francis Rogers, freight and ticket agent of the C. & P. railroad at Salineville, was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, in 1832, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy (Melrose) Rogers, both of whom died in the old country. Until eighteen years of age, Mr. Rogers attended the common schools and followed the farmer's occupation, but in 1879 bid farewell to his native heath, and came to the United States, locating first at Cedarville, Ohio, where for some months, he was engaged in the construction of the A. railroad between Columbus and Dayton. In the fall of 1889, he came to Salineville and found employment with the C. & P. railroad company, and upon the completion of that road in 1852, he was given the position of switchman at Salineville. In 1854, he was given entire control of the station at this place, since which time, with the exception of seven years, he has been local freight and ticket agent, the duties of which he has discharged in a manner well pleasing to the company by which he is employed. During the intervals between 1866 and 1873, he was employed in the mercantile business with Messrs. Farmer & Cope, but retired from the firm in the year last mentioned. Mr. Rogers was married in May, 1853, to Mary A. Hoey, daughter of Andrew Hoey of Ireland, to which union the following children have been born: Andrew. H., Thomas A., John F., Jennie S., and Cora E. Mr. Rogers is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a republican COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 317 in politics. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. James Sharp, the most extensive as well as the most successful farmer of Columbiana county, was born on the place where he now lives in Washington township, in the year 1816, the son of James and Nancy (Boyd) Sharp. His early life was spent in acquiring an education in the country schools, and assisting his father on the farm until about twenty-five years of age, at which time, in 1841, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Campbell, daughter of James Campbell, after which he removed to Carroll county, where he remained two years. During this time he rented land but afterward in partnership with a brother, William Sharp, purchased a quarter-section near the homestead upon which they resided until the father's death two years later. The father died February, 1846, and the mother in August, 1845, and after the former date the homestead property reverted to the heirs. At this time James sold his interest in the partnership farm and purchased the homestead, to which he removed in 1847, and upon which he has since resided. Since the latter year he has by reason of his industry, perseverance, and superior business qualifications added to the home place from time to time, until he now owns and controls 1,000 acres of good land, the largest and by far the most valuable farm in Columbiana county. His success is largely due to stock-raising and wool-growing, which have been his chief industries and from the profits of which he has been enabled to acquire such a valuable tract of real estate. Mr. Sharp takes an active interest in all public enterprises and as a republican has wielded a strong influence for his party in this county. He is an earnest member of the United Presbyterian church, as was also his wife during her life. Mrs. Sharp, by reason of her many noble qualities of head and heart, won many warm friends during her life, and in her death, which occurred in 1886, the husband lost a devoted companion, the children a loving parent and the community one of its most valued members. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sharp: Robert C., James P., Martha, and Lile I., all living. William A. Skinner, proprietor of one of the leading mercantile houses of Salineville, is a native of Ohio, born in Belmont county, in thee year 1840, son of Calvin and Anna (Morrison) Skinner, both natives of the same state. When he was five years of. age his parents removed to Morgan county, Ind., where, upon a farm, his early life was passed, attending school at intervals and assisting his father in the fields. At the father's death, in 1853, the property reverted to the heirs, and William being the eldest son, to him fell the lot of managing the farm, and he remained upon the same looking after his mother's in- 318 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. terests until his twenty-fourth year, when he removed to Salineville, Ohio, and engaged in coal mining. He followed this occupation until 1877, at which time he was elected marshal of the town and constable of the township, the duties of which offices he discharged in a satisfactory manner for seven years. He also served the township as trustee of the schools two terms, and upon his retirement from the same, hired as clerk with J. W. Ogle & Co., which continued until 1887, when Mr. Skinner purchased new stock and went into business on his own account. His business venture has been financially successful, and his lines of groceries and provisions, stoves and tinware, are as complete as those carried by any other merchant in the city. Mr. Skinner was married in 1864, in Indiana, to Mary J., daughter of Christopher and Margaret Johnson, of Ohio, but at that time residents of Indiana. Mrs. Skinner departed this life in 1872, and in 1874 Mr. Skinner married his present wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Maple, daughter of Milton and Mary Maple, the issue of which marriage has been the following children: Francis C., John A., Mary A., Olive B., Lulu M. and one deceased. Mr. Skinner is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and Knight of Maccabees fraternities. He votes with the republican party, and is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also his wife. Joseph Spidel, dealer in boots and shoes at Salineville, was born in Hanover township, Columbiana county, in the year 1859, the son of George and Margaret (Monk) Spidel, natives of Germany, but for a long time residents of this county. His parents being farmers, Mr. Spidel's early experience in life, like that of many other boys, was confined to the routine work of the farm, with attendance at the country schools at intervals during the years of his minority. He resided under the parental roof until 187.4, at which time he left home and engaged with a man by the name of William Asterly, of Mahoning county, with whom he learned the shoemaker's trade, completing the same in 1876. He worked some months at Salem and then removed to Salineville, where he engaged in his trade in partnership with Jonathan Hoffe, with whom he remained about one year, after which he continued business by himself until 1883, at which time he effected a co-partnership with his brother Charles Spidel, in the general boot and shoe trade. This firm continued until 1889, at which time Charles retired and Joseph has since carried on the business with success and financial profit. Mr. Spidel is a member of the Catholic church and votes the republican ticket. Prominent among the successful self-made men of Columbiana county is James Strabley, owner and manager of the Strabley coal mines, at Salineville, who was born in this town in 1859 to Maximillian and Sarah (Smedley) Strabley. His only educa- COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 319 tional training was acquired before his twelfth year, and while still young he entered the employ of the Ohio and Pennsylvania coal company, under James Black, in which capacity he continued for a period of nineteen years, during which time he laid aside from his earnings sufficient means to enable him to engage in business for himself. His first venture in this direction was the purchase from the 0. & P. coal company a lease of a portion of their property known as the Jones and Hayes mine, which he now owns and which he has operated to great financial advantage. In 1889 he accomplished the successful work of penetrating 400 yards of earth to the part of a five foot vein of coal supposed by the former operators to have become exhausted, but which Mr. Strabley found to be highly productive. Since the latter year he has confined his operations to the development of this vein, which has proved profitable beyond his expectations, and his mine is now one of the most successful in this part of the country. Mr. Strabley deserves great credit for the manner in which he has arisen from the toils of poverty and obscurity, to the place he now holds in the industrial and social life of Salineville, a position indeed more envious by reason of the many obstacles he has been compelled to surmount. Financially he is one of the solid men of Salineville, and socially few in the community stand higher in the estimation of the people than he. He is a strong advocate of temperance, a republican in politics, and a devoted member of the Roman Catholic church, as is also his wife. He was married in 1880 to Bridget M. Freeman, daughter of Patrick and Sarah Freeman, who came to America in 1864, and at the marriage of their daughter were residents of Salineville. Mr. and Mrs. Strabley are the parents of five children, four living, viz.: Angelo, Isabelle, Eva and Emma E. H. A. Thompson, a prominent business man of Salineville, senior member of the banking firm of H. A. Thompson & Co., is a native of Pennsylvania, born in the city of Pittsburg in the year 1824. His parents were William and Margaret (George) Thompson, the father a weaver by occupation, which calling he pursued until his death, in 1832. The year after his father's death H. A. Thompson left the parental roof and came to Ohio, locating at Mooretown, where he made his home with an uncle, Thomas George, a prominent farmer of Jefferson county. While here he assisted with the farm work, attending the country schools at intervals in the meantime, and in 1848 purchased land in Carroll county, and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. On this farm he resided for a period of fifteen years. He subsequently disposed of this land and purchased a farm farther west, near the village of Wattsville, where he lived for seventeen years, at the end of which time, in 1880, he sold his real estate and entered the employ of the Salineville Banking company, 320 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. with which he remained one year. After this company had closed its business he became a partner in the banking company of Cope & Thompson, which partnership continued until 1887, when Mr. Thompson purchased his partner's interest, and with a nephew, W. A. Thompson, as partner, under the firm name of H. A. Thompson & Co., has since done a general banking business, the establishment being one of the strongest of the kind in Columbiana county. Mr. Th5mpson has proved a successful business man, and in social and public affairs he takes an active part. He has conducted himself in his business and private life so as to command a large circle of friends, and his prosperity fully attests his ability and integrity. Mr. Thompson was married in 1848 to Miss Hannah Graham, of Pennsylvania, and by her he had three children, but one of whom, Maggie, the wife of Prof. F. B. Sawvel, of Youngstown, is now living. Her husband, F. B. Sawvel, holds the position of principal of one of the schools in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are both members of. the United Presbyterian church, and as such have been potent factors in accomplishing much good in Salineville. William A. Thompson, junior member of the banking firm of H. A. Thompson & Co., is a native of Ohio, born in the town of Wattsville, Carroll county, March, 1857, and is the son of R. G. and Jane (Hudson) Thompson. His early life was spent in his native town, in the schools of which he laid the foundation of his education, and later, in 1876, entered Westminster college, New Wilmington, Penn., where he pursued his studies one year. He subsequently attended the Hopedale Normal college, Harrison county, Ohio, one year, and returning to Wattsville, in 1878, was for the next three years engaged in teaching, in which he met with commendable encouragement. Since 1881 he has been a resident of Salineville, where, in 1887, he followed the teacher's profession and book-keeping, having held the position of bookkeeper for some time with the banking firm of Cope & Thompson. He was for a part of one year in the mercantile business in Wellsville with E. H. Wells & Co., and in 1887 effected a co-partnership in the banking business with his uncle, H. A. Thompson, which still continues. Mr. Thompson is public spirited in all the term implies, and as a local politician has wielded a strong influence for the republican party in this county. He possesses superior business qualifications, and in every walk of life has the respect and coirdence of the people of the community. He was married in 1885, to Eva Deveny, daughter of William and Grace (Nixon) Deveny, of Salineville, a union blessed with the birth of two children, Allison D. and Bessie. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the United Presbyterian church. Hon. Joseph F. Williams (deceased), at one time one af the most prominent citizens of Columbiana county, was born in COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 321 Chester county, Penn., August 15, 1809, the son of Edward Williams, an early resident of that state and a descendent of Irish ancestry. Owing to the limited resources at command during the days of his youth, Mr. Williams' scholastic training was of a limited nature, but he made the best of his opportunities, and in time became one of the best informed men Of the community in which he resided. In early life he learned the blacksmith's trade in Wayne township, this county, and became extraordinarily proficient in the same, so much so in fact that he obtained a wide-spread reputation as a maker of fine machinery used in the factories and mills, which in early days, comprised the principal industries of Salineville. September 6, 1832, he married Miss Mary Gilson, daughter of Richard and Martha Gilson, and immediately thereafter removed to Salineville, where he followed his trade very successfully for several years. In 1839, he purchased a farm of 160 acres near Salineville, to which he added at different times and upon which he resided the remainder of his life. He was an able politician, and an energetic worker; in the democratic party. In 1845, he was elected to the state legislature, and served with such credit as a member of -that body that he was returned in 1847, and upon the expiration of his second term was elected to represent Columbiana and Jefferson counties in the state senate, in the deliberations of which body he took a prominent part. He continued agricultural pursuits for some years, and afterward began speculating in oil property in which the was, in the main, successful, although having suffered several serious reverses. Having accumulated a comfortable competence, he retired from active life in 1864 and moved to Wellsville, and after a residence there of nine years returned to the farm where his death occurred December r r, 1882, at the age of seventy-three years. Mr. Williams possessed strong powers of mind, and in him were developed in a remarkable manner those rare traits of character which not only commanded the respect of his fellow men, but which also bound them to him in terms of intimate friendship. He was essentially a self-made man, and in making up a list of Columbiana county's representative citizens, his name would surely be given a very conspicuous place. His wife, who was a fit helpmeet to him during the early years of adversity and the later years of prosperity, was called to her reward on the 3rd day of August, 1879. They were both members of the Presbyterian church, of which, for many years, he was an elder, and to the efforts of Mr. Williams is largely due the success of the Salineville congregation. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, the following are living: Martha J., Richard G., Joseph D., Mary Ann, Sarah Caroline, and Rachel Adaline. The deceased members of the family were Edward D. and John K. 21-A.