300 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY early New England settlers. His parents subsequently returned to NewYork and died in that State. R. A. Cobb came to Warren when he was eighteen years old, and for a number of years was employed as clerk in a drug store, leaving the drug business to engage in his present occupation. In 1879 Mr. Cobb was married, in Warren, to Miss Lucy Stiles, daughter of W. R. Stiles, a resident of this city. They have three children: William S., Norval H., and Bessie M. Mr. Cobb is both a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and Republican in politics. MASON A. DEAN has been a resident of Mecca township, Trumbull county, for the past forty-four years, and is ranked with the prominent men of his vicinity. As one of the representative men of the county, we make biographical mention of him as follows: Mason A. Dean was born in Canfield, Mahoning county, Ohio, September 25, 1824, son of Hiram Dean, and grandson of William Dean, both natives of Connecticut. When Hiram Dean was eleven years old his father emigrated to Ohio and settled in Ma-honing county, where he bought 160 acres of land, which is still known as Dean hill. William Dean was married three times, and had two daughters and four sons by his first wife, and one daughter by his second wife. Hiram Dean grew up on his father's pioneer fat m and received his education in a log schoolhouse near by. He was married at Boardman, Ohio, to Ruby Mason, also a native of Connecticut, daughter of Abner Mason, of that State. Hiram and Ruby Dean spent the rest of their lives in Canfield, each dying at a ripe old age. They had seven children, two of whom are now living: Mason A., whose name heads this article, and Mary, wife of A. Bridsley, of Canfield. The names of those deceased are as follows: Austin, who died in Mecca; Priscilla Chidester, in Canfield; Benjamin, who was a member of the Twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry during the Civil war, died of a chronic disease; and William and Minerva, who died in childhood. The parents were both worthy members of the Discple Church. Mason A. Dean was reared in Canfield, and remained there until lie came to his present location in Mecca township. Here he owns 209 acres of land, one of the finest farms in all the country around, which he rents. He also owns thirty-four acres adjoining the village of Mecca. His spacious residence with its twelve rooms, broad veranda, and bay window, built at a cost of $2,000, is one of the best and most attractive places in town. Mr. Dean was married in 1849, in Mecca, to Miss Elizabeth Davidson, a member of a highly respected family, and a woman of rare social and domestic qualities. To her timely assistance and cheerful companionship he attributes much of the success he has attained in life. She was born in Boardman, Mahoning county, Ohio, January 20, 1827, daughter of Samuel and Betsey (Drake) Davidson, both natives of Connecticut. Her father was twice married, and by his first wife had four children: George, Elizabeth, Henry and May. The mother of these children died in 1835. For his second wife he wedded Mrs. Martha Mason, nee Chaffee, daughter of Thedosia (Fletcher) Chaffee. By this second marriage he had four children, three of whom, Lurena; Elwood and Flora, are living. Luvina died at the age of four years. Samuel Davidson lived to be seventy-five years of OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 301 age, and died at Bristol, Ohio, where his widow still resides. He was a member of the Disciple Church. Mr. and Mrs. Dean have reared two children; Emma Stone Dean, who came into their home when she was two years old, and Ruby, a niece, whom they adopted in infancy. The former has been twice married, her first husband being Mr. L. Belden; her present husband, Charles Benton, of Mecca. Ruby is now the wife of E. Shafner, and lives in this township. Miss Leda Belden now makes her home at Mr. Dean's. Mr. and Mrs. Dean are members of the Disciple Church, and his political views are in accord with Republican principles. He is one of the highly esteemed citizens of Mecca township. ASAHEL BELDEN.—With the migratory spirit which so animates the average American of this progressive nineteenth century, it is really refreshing to encounter an incident where a person has been content to remain upon the ancestral acres and in the locality where first he ope'd his eyes to view "a naughty world." To have attained honor "in one's own country" implies a life of rectitude and a regard for those with whom his lot is cast. Long-time acquaintances are invariably the most exacting and the most critical, and tributes of respect and honor come from them not in overleaping tumult, but rather "grudgingly and of necessity." Thus to a man who has passed his entire life in one province, a rigorous test is applied. Such have been the circumstances in the case of one whose name initiates this paragraph. Asahel Belden, son of Asahel and Anna (Bruce) Belden, was born in Farmington township, Trumbull county, - 21 - Ohio, December 12, 1818. His parents were natives of Connecticut, the father having been a tinner by trade. In the remote days of 1813, when Ohio yet stood upon the frontier and was yet given over to the wind-swept and virgin forests, this Asahel Belden, Sr., with his wife and one child, left the old eastern home, and with his rude pioneer equipment which was that utilized by those who made this change, he set forth for Ohio, six weeks being consumed in the journey. He first settled on wild land and built the first log house in the vicinity. After clearing a farm he returned to New Jersey, where he died, at the age of thirty-one years. His widow subsequently married J. W. Belden, a brother of her first husband. She died on the old farm, aged seventy years. Our subject was one of three children of the first marriage, and by the second marriage his mother had eight children. He is the only survivor. He remained at home until he attained his majority, having been accorded only such educational privileges as were afforded by the early district and subscription schools. In his life on the farm he had become familiar with the details and arduous duties of pioneer husbandry, and at the age of twenty-one years he commenced working on a farm by the month, continuing in such occupation for seven months, at a salary of $11 per month. He then widened his field of action, by taking contracts for cutting wood and clearing up wild land. In the course of time he bought a farm of unreclaimed land, cleared and improved the property and sold at a profit. This operation was once or twice repeated, and by unflagging industry and the careful conservation of all financial resources, however meager, he succeeded in making for himself a home and in attaining a position of independence. 302 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mr. Belden was born at. Farmington, December 12, 1818. He was married September 20, 1843, at Farmington, to Sarah, a daughter of Hiram and Sally French. They had four children: Alphonzo W., born November 19, 1848; Alpheus, July 17, 1851; Flora Inez, January 28, 1859; Austa, June 30, 1864; all living but Alpheus and Flora. Mrs. Sarah Belden was born August 27, 1820, and died April 16, 1889. Mr. Belden supports the principles of the Republican party. Both he and his wife were believers in the Spiritualistic faith. Asahel Belden, Sr., came with his father David Belden, to Ohio. His wife was Lois Wolcott. Three brothers of Asahel, Sr., accompanied him to Ohio, Burridge, Harvey and David, all locating in the same township. The two former lived and died there, and the latter died in Kansas. Burridge had six children: Daniel, Selma, James, Sarah Ann, Lois and Susan. Harvey had eight children: Amney, Harry, Calvin, David, Ozro, Andrew, Kingsley and Elvira. David had six children: Ansel, Lucius, Lucina, Hamlet, Waldo and Celeste. WILLIAM HATCH SMILEY, a member of the law firm of Taylor, Upton & Smiley, Niles, Ohio, is prominently identified with the more recent history of Trumbull county, and is well worthy of representation in this volume. He is a native of the Pine Tree State, born at Oakland, Kennebec county. In his youth he entered the office of the Lewiston (Maine) Journal, performing the duties of that most indispensable personage, the " printer's devil." Later, as a journeyman, he was employed in many of the largest cities of the Union. His career as a printer ended in the Government printing office at Washington, District of Columbia, from which he was transferred to a War Department clerkship. Then came the opportunity to prepare himself for a profession; he took a course in the Columbia Law University as a night pupil, and continued his studies successfully to the end of the course, taking a diploma and a degree in 1883. At the same time he was also doing work for various publications in both prose and verse, the latter receiving the most commendatory notice in the leading journals of the North. He wrote many editorials for Washington papers during this time, and thus was brought into the most friendly relations with the members of the press. He was present as a newspaper correspondent at the execution of Charles J. Guiteau, the murderer of Garfield, and at many other notable events. In the spring of 1884 he resigned his position in the War Department, and came to Warren, Ohio, where Ire purchased the Tribune, which he conducted seven years as an uncompromising Republican paper. This journal, under his editorship, stood at the head of and was a model for the country press; was a powerful lever in rolling up Republican majorities, and was a strong force in creating Republican sentiment. He was active in Republican club work, was one of the organizers of both the Nineteenth District Garfield Club and the Giddings Club of Warren, and was the first president of the latter organization. Both these clubs have 'become permanent institutions. In 1891 he disposed of the Tribune, in order to devote his entire time to the practice of his profession, associated with Hon. Ezra B. Taylor and Mr. George W. Upton. He is studious and well read in the law, and is held in high esteem by his brothers at the bar. Mr. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 303 Smiley has been much upon the stump, and is in great demand as a forcible and effective speaker. At the first annual banquet of the Republican League, held in Columbus, Ohio, where spoke Senator Sherman, General Alger, Governor Foraker, General Gibson and Judge West, Mr. Smiley had the honor to deliver a speech which was received with tumultuous applause. Be is widely traveled in the East, West and South, and being a close observer of people and things has gathered a vast amount of the most interesting information concerning the people of his own country. The Smiley family is of the old, substantial Quaker stock, coming from England in the early settlement of New England. Charles A. Smiley, father of William II., a native of Sidney, Maine, was an editor on the staff of the Portland Transcript. He enlisted in the Union army, and died in the service. He married Sarah, daughter of William Hatch, and to them were born two daughters and a son: Helen and Florence, residents of Oakland, Maine, and William Hatch Smiley. GEORGE HASSEL has resided on his ( present farm in Brookfield township, Trumbull county, Ohio, since 1868. Of German birth, he possesses the characteristics of his countrymen, being classed with the thrifty men of his vicinity. Mr. Hassel was born in Germany, November 12, 1834, son of Conrad and Margaret Hassel, and one of their ten children, eight of whom are living. His father served some time as a soldier in the German army, was afterward a coal miner, and still later a farmer. He was a straightforward, honest and upright man. George Hassel landed in America in 1853, and located in Sharon, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in coal mining. He came to his present location in 1868. He continued mining until fifteen years ago, since which time he has devoted all his energies to work on the farm, cultivating his own land and also working for others. Mr. Hassel married Eliza Dresch, and their children are as follows: George, Conrad, Charlotte, Gus, Charles, Louis, Katherine, Eliza and Amelia. Two of their children are deceased. The second son, Conrad, has been a Clergyman of the Reform Church for the past four years. He and his wife are active members of the Reform Church and are liberal supporters of the same. He is a Republican, and at one time was identified with the I. O. O. F.    JOHNSON GROVES, who for thirty-five years has been the village blacksmith of of Brookfield, Ohio, was born at this place, April 16, 1833, son of James and Ann (Caulfield) Groves. His parents had a family of seven children, all of whom are living. Their names are John, William C., Johnson, James W., Freedon K., Mary and Earnest A. The father was a native of Ireland and a weaver by trade. He was one of the very earliest settlers of Brookfield township, Trumbull county, and took an active part in shaping affairs here. He was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Disciple Church. Johnson Groves was reared at his native place. In 1850 he entered upon a three years'. apprenticeship to the blacksmith trade, and after he had served his time, worked two years longer for the same company. He then set up in business for himself at Brookfield, where he has since continued at the anvil. 304 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY He was married, in 1857, to Harriet S. Bishop, who was born June 29, 1836. They had four children, namely: Curtis, born in 1857, died in 1858; Carrie E., who married William M. Stewart, has two children: Charles H., married Bertha M. Taylor and is a resident of Brookfield; and Anna F., who lives with her father. Mrs. Groves departed this life January 31, 1893. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, was a true Christian woman and was beloved by all who knew her. Mr. Groves is a Presbyterian and a Republican. He is generous and active in church work, and takes a commendable interest in the public affairs of his town. He served as Township Assessor four years. SAMUEL CARLILE, Postmaster of Cortland, Ohio, is probably one of the best-known men in this part of Trumbull county. Like many of our prominent and distinguished men, he comes from the north of Ireland, Belfast being his native place, the date of his birth, January 20, 1834. William Carlile, his father, was also a native of Belfast, and his mother, nee Eleanor Cooper, was born at Dundonald, county Down, near Belfast. William Carlile was born on Lord Dufferin's estate. In 1848 the Carlile family emigrated to the United States and located in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas county, Ohio. This family was composed of five daughters and two sons: Mary Jane, Agnes, Eliza, Samuel, Sarah, William J. and Margaret E. The father was a man of education, was a painter by trade, and was engaged in teaching for some years in Belfast. He died in Ohio at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Samuel Carlile was educated in his native city and at New Philadelphia. In 1853 he came to Trumbull county and engaged in work at his trade, that of plasterer, which he has followed most of his life. He was married September 28, 1855, in Bazetta township, this county, to Emily Headley, born and reared here, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Blair) Headley, prominent pioneers of the township, both natives of Pennsylvania, and both now deceased. 1r. and Mrs. Carlile have four children, namely: William, a resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania; Lizzie, wife of J. H. Post, of Cleveland, Ohio; Ella, wife of Alva Greenwood, of Fowler, Ohio; and Fred R., at home. Politically, Mr. Carlile is one of the active Democrats of this part of Trumbull county. He was chairman of the county convention in 1892, and has served as delegate to both county and State conventions. He received the appointment as Postmaster of Cortland in 1885, and served during Cleveland's first administration; was re-appointed in May, 1893, and is still filling the office to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. His office is neat, clean and tidy, and his two clerks, Fred R. Carlile and Miss Ella Powell, are both efficient and accommodating. He is one of the official members of the `Congregational Church, and is also a Knight of Pythias. JOHN JACOBS, is another one of the thrifty farmers of Brookfield township, Trumbull county, Ohio, who is of German birth. Of him and his family we make the following brief record: John Jacobs was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 23, 1854, son of David and Bar- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 305 bara Jacobs, the former born in Germany, February 2, 1800, died in his native land September 1, 1870, and the latter, born at the same place April 14, 1815, died there October 2, 1864. They had a family of six children, namely: Elizabeth, born in 1833, was married, in 1852, to John Steinert; Margaret, born January 15, 1838, was married, in 1862, to Andrew Helder; George, born in 1839, married Barabara Fincel, and lives near the subject of this sketch; Anna M., born in 1845, is the wife of John Bates. John was the fifth born, and the sixth is deceased. David Jacobs was engaged in farming and stock-raising all his life, and for some years also operated a distillery. He acquired a competency and occupied a prominent position in the community in which he lived, having filled various local positions of prominence and trust. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, as also were his wives. He was married three times, but survived all of his wives, and when he died left his wealth to his children, the subject of our sketch receiving about $2,500. John Jacobs landed on American soil June 29, 1871, and since his arrival here has been engaged in farming in Brookfield township, where he owns forty-eight acres of land. He makes a specialty of raising sheep, and also keeps some good horses. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics is a Democrat. HON. EZRA B TAYLOR.—In every generation there arise those who tower above their fellowmen, whose superiority draws to them that deference which mankind naturally yields to great ability, men who are destined to become leaders and directors of public thought and framers of popular sentiment, and such is Hon. Ezra B. Taylor, of Warren Ohio. Before entering into a review of the career of this distinguished citizen, it is fitting that reference to his parentage should be made. His parents were Elisha and Theresa (Couch) Taylor, who came from Berkshire county, Massachusetts, to Ohio in 1814, and settled in Nelson township, Portage county. They were poor, and the difficulties and hardships incidental to pioneer life, necessitated hard struggling. To them came the most common blessing to the poor, a household of children, and July 9, 1823, their son, Ezra B., was born. In those days school facilities on the frontier were slight, and the subject of this sketch was at a great disadvantage in securing a thorough education. He attended the district school of his vicinity during the winter months until he was seventeen, but the greater part of his education was obtained by self-culture and close application at home. He early in life manifested a love for books and a decided ability in the acquirement of knowledge. He soon became ambitious to fit himself for a professional career, and predilection led him to the study of law, which he began at an early age,—a profession suited to his temperament and character of mind and one affording greater opportunities for distinction to the ambitious. This study he pursued under the instruction of Hon. Robert F. Payne, then of Garrettsville, Ohio, and such was his progress that in 1845, at the early age of twenty-two, in spite of many disadvantages, Mr. Taylor was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the State, at Chardon. In 1847, Mr. Taylor settled at Ravenna, Portage county, where he was engaged in the active practice of his profession until 1861, 306 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in which year he removed to Warren, which has ever since been his home and where, he has spent many years in the prosecution of his professional work. He soon obtained prominence in his calling and grew in popular favor both as a citizen and lawyer. So much so was this, that, in 1849, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Portage co unty, the duties of which responsible position, it is needless to say, he discharged with integrity and ability, alike creditable to himself and to the wisdom of those who saw fit to entrust them to his competent hands. Responsive to the call of his country in need, Mr. Taylor enlisted, in 1864, as a private in the One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards, who served three months, and so great was his popularity in the regiment that it elected him its Colonel after his return home. On settling in Warren, in 1862, Mr. Taylor formed a partnership with L. C. Jones, in the practice of law, which union was dissolved in 1876. In 1877, on the death of Judge Servis of the Court of Common Pleas, Mr. Taylor was tendered the vacancy thus occasioned, but declined the offer. He was subsequently greatly surprised to learn that nearly every lawyer, both Republican and Democratic, in the sub-district composed of Mahoning, Trumbull and Portage counties, had signed a petition for his appointment, which the Governor made and Mr. Taylor accepted. Judge Taylor was elected, in the fall of the same year, to succeed himself, and re-elected continuously on the bench until 1880. He honored his office and has always enjoyed the profound respect of the bar and the people. As a jurist, he was clear headed, impartial, quick to discern the merits of every case, and the manner in which he dispatched the business won for him the distinction of being one of the ablest judges who ever presided at this court. Since the founding of the Republican party, Judge Taylor has been an earnest and efficient Republican, having rendered valuable service in many hard fought compaigns. He is cool and sagacious in counsel and a forcible and eloquent speaker, the strength and purity of his diction and his skill and force in the presentation of facts and arguments, rendering his addresses both interesting and powerful. In the winter of 1880, when the lamented General Garfield, who had for so many years ably represented the Nineteenth Congressional District in Congress, was elected United States Senator, the Warren Tribune proposed that Hon. Ezra B. Taylor should become General Garfield's successor in Congress. This suggestion was received with much favor, and Judge Taylor soon became a leading candidate, although he took no part in the canvass preceding the nominating convention, but confined his attention entirely to his duties as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. As his competitors for nomination to Congress were Hons. S. A. Northway, and W. P. Howland, of Ashtabula county; Hon. Peter Hitchcock of Geauga county; and Hon. J. B. Burrows, of Lake county; all good and popular men, it is not only a 'sigh tribute to Judge Taylor's standing, but also a fair index to his friends' enthusiastic work, that he received the nomination by the District Congressional Convention, held at Warren, August 12, 1880. On receiving the nomination, Judge Taylor resigned his position on the bench and took an active part in the campaign preceding the election. It must be remembered that General Garfield was a member of Congress when he was elected United States Senator, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 307 and before he had been qualified as such and elevated from his place in Congress, he was elected to the Presidency. Judge Taylor, having been triumphantly nominated and elected to the Forty-Seventh Congress, was also nominated, without opposition, and was elected to fill General Garfield's unexpired term in the Forth-Sixth Congress. For thirteen years thereafter, Judge Taylor served in Congress. In 1892 he was strongly urged to again accept the nomination of his party for Congress, but for personal and family reasons, he positively declared his purpose to withdraw from public life, and hence Hon. S. A. Northway, of Ashtabula county, became his successor in Congress. As a member of Congress, Mr. Taylor was modest and seldom made speeches. Nevertheless, he was an unflagging and efficient worker, and did more to shape legislation than many members who made more noise. In the Forty-Sixth and Forty-Seventh Congresses, he served on the Committee of Claims; and in the Fifty-First and Fifty-Second Congresses, he was on the Committee of Manufactures. In the Fifty-Second Congress, he was a member of the Committee to investigate the Homestead riot, of Pennsylvania, and the sweating system of making clothing, cigars, etc. In the Forty-Seventh Congress, Mr. Taylor was one of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, and in the same Congress, he was appointed a member of the Judiciary Committee, on which he served during the whole of his stay in public life, acting in the Fifty-First Congress as chairman of that committee. His work as a member of the Committee on the Judiciary, consisted largely in examining and settling questions of law, constantly arising, for the purpose of avoiding bad and unconstitutional legislation. He was regarded by his fellow-members as one of the ablest and most efficient of committeemen. During the discussion of the bill to restrict Chinese immigration, Mr. Taylor delivered a speech in the Forty-Seventh Congress, against the bill. His speech attracted much attention and called forth as much, if not more, praise than any other speech delivered during the long and able debate on Chinese bills. After his first Congressional election, Judge Taylor never had any contest far a renomination, but was renominated by acclamation each and every time, and it is believed this would have been repeated in 1892, had he not strenuously declared that he would not again enter the race for Congress even though his party should renominate him. It is worthy of note that the same Congressional District was represented successively by Hon. Elisha Whittlesey twenty years, by Hon. Joshua R. Giddings for twenty-one years, by General Garfield for seventeen years, and by Mr. Taylor thirteen years, a length of time in the aggregate for four successive incumbents almost unparalleled in the history of the United States. Since his retirement from Congress, Judge Taylor has given his entire attention to his law practice in Warren, having associated with him his son-in-law, George W. Upton, a lawyer and citizen of excellent reputation. In 1849, J udge Taylor was married in Ravenna, Ohio, to Harriet M. Frazier, a lady of education and refinement, and they had two children, a daughter and son. The former is now the wife of Mr. Upton. She is highly educated and has gained quite a reputation in literature as a writer, several of her productions having been favorably received, but perhaps the most praiseworthy of her works 308 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY is that devoted to the lives of the Presidents of the United States and their families, which was published by D. Lathrope, of Boston. She has throughout her life been devoted to her father, and while he was in Congress, she was in Washington with him, where she became a favorite in society, both on account of her literary ability and her amiability of character. H. K. Taylor, the Judge's son, is a representative lawyer of Youngstown, Ohio, and bids fair to emulate his father, if not in honors at least in ability. In 1876, Judge Taylor was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who had been for so many years a devoted mother and friend, since which time he has found his greatest consolation in the society of his children, who are in every way a blessing and a joy. HON. JOHN N. ENSIGN, Mayor of Newton Falls, and one of the popular and self- made men of Trumbull county, Ohio, was born in Simsbury, Hartford county, Connecticut, April 2, 1819. Erie Ensign, his father, was a native of Connecticut and passed his life and died in that State. He was a tinner by trade and was also engaged in agricultural pursuits for some years. His wife, nee Lucretia Humphrey, also a native of Connecticut, died at the home of her son John N. at the advanced age of eighty-three years. John N. was the third born in a family of five children. He has one sister and one brother living. The Ensigns are of English ancestry. Our subject's great-grandfather, Lieutenant Nathaniel Humphrey, was an officer in the Revolutionary war. John N. Ensign spent the first sixteen years of his life on the farm. He then entered upon a five years' apprenticeship to the tinner trade. In the meantime he had spent his leisure hours in study, and at the end of five years lie went to New Jersey and taught a winter school. Returning home, he spent the following year and a half as clerk in a general merchandise store. About this time he was married, and after his marriage he taught another term of school. He then rented a farm for one year, after which lie came to Newton Ealls, Ohio, and opened a tin shop and started peddlers on the road. This was in 1844. He conducted business here for nearly half a century, finally selling out about 1890. Mr., Ensign's whole business career has been characterized by earnest activity and strict integrity. Few men in this part of Trumbull county are better known than he. In 1870 he was elected a Justice of the Peace, and has served ever since as such with the exception of one term. He has always been a Democrat and has been elected to office on that ticket in a township that is strongly Republican. He has served as Mayor of Newton Falls for three years. He has also filled the position of Township Clerk and other local offices, and in educational affairs he has taken a deep interest and been an active worker. Mr. Ensign is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, affiliating with Lodge No. 255 of Newton Falls, in which he has filled every chair. Mr. Ensign married Miss Sarah P. Russell, a native of Hartford county, Connecticut. She is one of a family of ten children, her parents being David and Harriet Russell, who passed their lives and died in Hartford county. Mr. Ensign has three children: Ellis, Harriet and Charles A., all married and settled in life, Harriet and Charles A. each having two chil- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 309 dren. Ellis and Charles A. are druggists of Youngstown, Ohio, and are among the prominent business men of that place. Mr. Ensign is truly a self-made man. When he arrived in Ohio he was without means and borrowed money to start in business. His success in life is due solely to his energy and good management. WILLIAM C. ALLISON, a prominent lumber dealer and manufacturer of Niles, is a native of the State of Ohio, and was born in the town in which he now resides, December 25, 1855. His father, Amos Allison, was born in Pennsylvania in 1807, and fifty years ago emigrated to Ohio and established himself in Columbiana county; he was a moulder by trade, and followed this vocation several years after his removal to this State; he was employed at the old Heaton furnace, at Niles, but during the last years of his life was in the employ of the N. Y. P. & O. R. R. Co., at this point as agent. In the discharge of his duties here he met with a terrible accident, which necessitated the amputation of his leg and finally caused his death, which occurred in 1862. While residing at Weathersfield he served the public as Justice of the Peace, and was a capable and efficient officer. Amos Allison was one of a family of five children: Nancy was the wife of William McKinley, Sr., father of Ohio's illustrious Governor; Obediah; Abbie, wife of Abner Osborn; and Sarah, deceased; Amos married Hannah Van Houten, a pioneer of Trumbull county, to whom were born four children: Mary, wife of B. L. Satterfield, a partner of W. C. Allison; Abner C., of Cleveland; Olive, wife of George Harris, a sheet-iron roller, and William C., the subject of this biographical sketch. In his youth Mr. Allison was employed in the roller mills, and mastered his trade of sheet-iron roller, which he followed without interruption for twelve years; two years of this time he was with the Philadelphia Iron & Steel Company, and the remainder was spent with the Ward Iron Mill Company, of Niles. In 1885 he left the mill and embarked in the lumber business, under the firm name of Allison & Company. He is one of the largest dealers in the county, and does an immense amount of manufacturing, the products of his mill being sash, doors and blinds. Possessed of sound judgment and superior ability, he has rapidly made his way to the front, and is recognized as a most valuable member of commercial circles. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Allison was married at Niles, Ohio, April 27, 1883, to Miss Kate Erwin, a daughter of David Erwin, a lumber and coal dealer of this place; one child has been born to them, a son named Erwin. Mrs. Amos Allison, mother of W. C., died May 7, 1893; she was followed to her last resting-place by a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives; she was a woman of much force of character, and was held in high esteem. ISAAC GRANGER, a farmer and stock raiser of Liberty township, Trumbull county, was born in Hubbard township, this county, January 1, 1842, a son of Jared Granger, a native of Connecticut. The latter's father, Benjamin Granger, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He came to Howland township, Trumbull county, Ohio, when Jared was quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Granger had five children, viz.: Jared, 310 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Harold, George, James and Mary. Jared married Elizabeth Swager, a daughter of Henry Swager. They had two sons, Lemuel and Isaac, both of Liberty township. The father died in 1858. He was a Democrat in his political views, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Isaac Granger, our subject, worked at the carpenter's trade for a time in early life. September 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the regiment being attached to the Fourth Army Corps. He was wounded at Stone river, December 31, 1862; was appointed Corporal July 20, 1863, and was honorably discharged June 9, 1865. He participated in the battles of Chicamauga, Missionary Ridge and Rocky Face Ridge, Pickett's Mills, Kenesaw Mountain, the siege of Atlanta, Lovejoy and Jonesboro; he then took part in the campaign against Hood and fought in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. As before stated he was wounded at Stone river; was taken prisoner on the hospital transport, was robbed, and with others, allowed to go. After the close of the struggle, Mr. Granger returned to Trumbull county, and for the following seven years was engaged in the mercantile business at Sodom. He then purchased seventy acres of land three miles northeast of Church Hill, where he is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has one of the best improved farms, and is one of the most successful business men in Trumbull county. September 7, 1865, at Church Hill, Mr. Granger was united in marriage with Elizabeth, a daughter of George and Catherine (Loy) Hood. The parents had four children, Timothy, Lemuel, Zenas and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Granger have three children, George L., a resident of Briar Hill; Frank L. and Edna B., at home. Mrs. Granger is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject affiliates with the Republican party, has served two years as Township Assessor, and in 1891 was elected to the position of Township Trustee. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post, No. 29, of Youngstown. S. F. SMITH, was born on the farm on which he now lives, in Mecca township, Trumbull county, Ohio, on Christmas day, 1854. Joseph N. Smith, his father, born in New London, Connecticut, November 22, 1814, was a son of William Smith, a native of Preston, Connecticut. The latter was a soldier in the war of 1812. The maiden name of grandmother Smith was Betsey Wilber, and she, too, was a native of Connecticut. It was in July, 1833, that the Smith family emigrated from Connecticut to Ohio and established their home in Mecca township, Trumbull county. Here Joseph N. Smith was subsequently, married to Belinda Walker, daughter of Jonathan Walker, a veteran of the war of 1812, and a prominent pioneer of Bristol, Ohio. They in time became the parents of three children, of whom we record that Zelinda is now the wife of Henry Williams, a resident of Mecca township; Simareus L. Smith died in 1871; and S. F. Smith is the subject of this sketch. The father died August 10, 1872, having been killed ' by lightning( and his widow still resides on the old home place. He was a Republican and a Methodist, was honorable and upright in all the walks of life, and was one of the highly respected citizens of the community in which he lived. S. F. Smith grew up on the farm, has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 311 and since his father's death has had charge of the old home farm. This place comprises 143 acres, is well improved and kept in the best of order. His education was limited to the common schools, but by reading and home study he has acquired a store of useful information, and keeps well posted on current topics. He is one of the leading Republicans of this place, and is now serving as Justice of the Peace. DR. C. S. WARD, an eminent physician of Warren, Ohio, was born at Geneva, Ohio, March 28, 1854. Columbus Ward, his father, now a resident of Pasadena, California, was for many years a representative citizen of Warren. He was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, May 29, 1834, son of William and Mary (Williams) Ward, both natives of New York State, and both having died in Geneva, Ashtabula county, Ohio. William Ward was a farmer and miller. It was early in the twenties that he located in Ashtabula county. There he and his wife reared a family of seven children. Columbus Ward's early life was spent on his father's farm, and when he grew up he was engaged as traveling salesman for a Cleveland house, continuing thus occupied until 1865. That year he located in Warren and for some time afterward was engaged in bookkeeping. For eight years he was Mayor of the city. Since 1888, he has resided in California. The doctor's mother, nee Hannah Jaquays, was born in New York State, daughter of William and Lucy (Shepherd) Jaquays. She died in 1888, at the age of fifty-four years, leaving four children, Clarence S., Augustus J., William C. and Almond G. Dr. Ward began studying medicine in the office of Dr. McQuistin, of Warren, and afterward studied under the instructions of Dr. D. B. Woods, also of Warren. He then entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he completed his course and graduated in 1874. He is also a graduate of the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city. He began the practice of his profession at Warren, and after he had been there about a year was offered and accepted a hospital practice in New York. A year later he returned to Warren, and has since been conducting a successful practice here, now being associated with Dr. D. B. Woods. He is a member of the State and County Medical Societies, and also of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 90. For a number of years he served as pension examiner. Dr. Ward has built up a successful practice here, and is regarded as not only a skillful physician but also as a most worthy citizen, having the confidence and respect of all who know him. He was married January 4, 1883, to Miss Lucy Wilcox, of Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of Darwin and Rosanah Wilcox. Their only child, Edith, is now nine years of age. Both the Doctor and his wife are popular in the social circles of Warren. T. N. ROBBINS has long been connected with many of the leading interests of Niles, Ohio, and is fully entitled to representation in this volume. The first member of the family to settle in Ohio was Josiah Robbins who located in Mahoning county in 1800. He and his father were engaged in ship-building on the eastern shore of Chesapeake bay, but he abandoned this oc- 312 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY cupation and went to Philadelphia where he was married; then he went to Brownsville, Pennsylvania, and was there engaged in building flat-bottom boats for emigrants to Ohio and Kentucky; he removed to Youngstown township, Mahoning county, where he died at the age of eighty-six years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and did gallant service. His wife, Sarah Newport, was of Quaker stock; they had a family of six children: Benjamin, Noble, Josiah, Matilda, wife of Mr. Cleveland, Mary Ann, wife of Ray Noble, and one daughter who married John Baldwin. The father of our subject, Noble Robbins, was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, in .1799, on February 8; he was reared to manhood upon a farm in Youngstown township, Mahoning county, Ohio, and followed agricultural pursuits through life. He secured a fair English education, became a prominent man in his community, and served as Trustee of his township a number of years. He was a consistent member of the Disciple Church, and a man highly esteemed by all who knew him. He died in May, 1868, and his remains lie buried in the Union cemetery in Niles. His wife Adaline De Wolf, was a daughter of Joseph De Wolf, a farmer of this county, an early settler here, having emigrated from Connecticut. T. N. Robbins was born in Youngstown, Ohio, August 23, 1832, and was early inured to the hard labor of the farm. He attended the common and select schools of Niles, and when he began an independent career purchased a farm near Niles; he still owns ninety-eight acres which he has placed in a high state of cultivation. Politically he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party; he has served as Trustee of his township eleven years, and in 1889 was appointed Postmaster of Niles by President Cleveland, and served in this capacity four years, going out February 15, 1893. He is now acting Postmaster for the sureties of the late incumbent, deceased. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity four years. Mr. Robbins was married at Niles, Ohio, in 1859, to Olive, daughter of Thomas Pew, a pioneer settler of Trumbull county. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins are the parents of three children: Addie M., wife of Thomas E. Thomas; Thomas P.; and Horace S.; the two sons are engaged in business in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Robbins is a man of excellent business qualifications, is progressive in his views, and worthy of the confidence reposed in him by the entire community. GEORGE H. QUINBY, one of the re- presentatives of the Quinby family of Warren, Ohio, is a man who is prominently identified with the various interests of this place. He was born in Warren, April 13, 1852, son of Samuel and Emma B. (Bennett) Quinby, and in his native town he grew to manhood, receiving a high-school education here, and also attending the Dennison University at Granville, and taking a business course at Pittsburgh. When he was twenty-six years old he was elected a member of the Warren Board of Alderman of which, by reelection, he remained a member twelve years three successive years of that time being President of the Board. Immediately after his retiring from the office of Alderman, he was elected City Clerk, which position he filled three years. He is a stanch Republican, always found allied with the best elements of his party, and is an active worker in local politics. With various business en- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 313 terprises of Warren he is also prominently connected. He is Superintendent of the Warren Water Company, and also of the Warren Electric Power Company. In short, there are few more active and energetic business men in the town than George H. Quinby. He was married March 4, 1876, to Miss Sophia S. Moore, of Geauga county, Ohio. Their residence is located at No. 201 West Market street. REV. WILLIAM J. WILLIAMS, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public of Girard, was born in North Wales, August 24, 1844, a son of William and Elizabeth (Griffith) Williams, both of whom died in that country. They were the parents of six children, three now living, two daughters and one son. William J. Williams was reared in his native country, and was employed in the slate quarries and in a wholesale dry goods store. He came to America in 1869, and entered the Colgate Academy, at Hamilton, Madison county, New York, graduating six years later, in 1877. In the fall of the latter year Mr. Williams located in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was ordained a Baptist minister, and filled the pulpit in the Wiere Street Baptist Church in that city for two years. He next returned to Wales, traveled through Europe for a time, but in 1880, returned to America, locating at Church Hill, Trumbull county, Ohio. He was pastor of the Baptist Church in that village until 1883, and in that year came to Girard. Mr. Williams filled the pulpit in the church there until 1892, when he was obliged to resign his position on account of his wife's health, but still fills appointments at other places. He has filled the position of Justice of the Peace of Girard since April 1888, and has also dealt extensively in real estate, in a collection business, and is fire insurance agent for the Boston Dwelling House and London Companies. Mr. Williams was married in Wales, March 14, 1880, to Jane Owens, a native of that country. They have two sons: William 0. and Hugh G. Mr. Williams is a member of the A. 0. F. of A., in which he now holds the position of Trustee. In politics he is a Republican. He has been a hard and faithful worker in the church; is a public-spirited citizen, has given much attention to the growth and development of the town and stands high in the esteem of its citizens. REV. JAMES J. STEWART.—The St. Rose Catholic Church of Girard, Ohio, was erected in 1891–'92, under the supervision of Father J. P. Barry, of Briar Hill, at a cost of $6,600. The building is 80 x 60 feet, with a seating capacity of 700, and the church contains a membership of seventy-five families. The first mass administered was by the present pastor, Father James J. Stewart, May 1, 1892, when he took charge of the work at this place. The church was dedicated May 15, 1892, by Bishop Hartsmann, of Cleveland, Ohio. July 14, 1892 of that year, under the present pastor, an organization of the Brotherhood of Knights was completed, comprising most of the young men of the parish, with a membership of forty. June 11, 1893 the St. Rose Institute was organized, with a membership of fifty young men and thirty ladies. The parsonage was erected by Father Stewart in the 314 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY winter of 1892, was completed in January, is a frame structure and comprises ten rooms. In addition to the work in Girard, Father Stewart attends a church of twenty families at Mineral Ridge, and one at Canfield, Ohio. Rev. Father J. J. Stewart was born in Cleveland, October 6, 1864, a son of James and Elizabeth (McCormick) Stewart, natives of Ireland, who still reside in that city. Our subject, the eldest of a family of six children, attended the St. Columbia Academy, Cleveland, and next attended the St. Charles College at Ellicott City, Maryland, graduating at that institution in 1886, and then spent about six years in St. Mary's Seminary, at Cleveland. Father Stewart was ordained April 8, 1892, by Bishop Hartsmann, and said his first mass April 10, 1892, at the Church of the Holy Name, Cleveland. He was immediately called to his present charge at Girard, Trumbull county. Father Stewart is a young man of more than ordinary ability, and is an indefatigable worker in his chosen labors. He has accomplished much for one so young for the Church, and it will not be long before he will take front rank among its successful servants. WILLIAM BRONSON, one of the representative farmers of Trumbull county, Ohio, was born in Newton township, this county, June 23, 1832. His father, Dr. Tracy Bronson, was born in Middlebury, Connecticut, and came to this county as early as 1814, settling near where the subject of this sketch now lives. A year later he bought 128 acres of land, which has been increased to 170 acres. At the time of purchase the place had been slightly improved, having a log house upon it and in that house he made his home until 1828, when he erected the residence in which his son William now lives. He was a graduate of Yale College and was for many years engaged in the practice of medicine; retiring from active duties of his profession about ten years before he died. His death occurred October 27, 1859, at the home of his son William. He was a prominent man throughout this part of Ohio, was an honored member of all the medical societies here, and had an honorary degree bestowed upon him by the Jefferson College of Philadelphia. Dr. Bronson was also prominent in political affairs, being first a Whig and afterward a Republican. He filled various township and 'county offices and also served four years in the State Legislature of Ohio, 1837—'38—'39—'40. He was married, November 16, 1817, to Mary Freeman, a native of Dutchess county, New York, who came to Ohio with her parents when a babe. Her father and mother, Robert and Betsey Freeman, were among the earliest settlers of Braceville township, this county, and each died here at an advanced age. Dr. Bronson's wife died on the home farm May 11, 1833. They had four children, three sons and one daughter. Two of the sons, William and Henry, survive. The other brother, James, studied medicine under the tutorage of his father, graduating at the Cincinnati College of Medicine. He practiced at Newton Falls, where he gained considerable prominence as a skilled physician, and where he died at the age of fifty-six years. The Bronsons are of Scotch descent. Traditional history says that four brothers of that name came over to this country from Scotland and took claim to a large tract of land in the Northeastern States. Their descendants have spread out over the various States of the Union. Asal Bronson, the OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 315 grandfather of our subject was a Revolutionary soldier, and for services rendered in that war received a land warrant. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Upson, were both natives of Connecticut, where they died at the advanced ages of ninety-four and ninety-three years respectively. William Bronson attended the district schools until he was sixteen years old, after which he went to a select school for four or five terms. He then spent a short time in Ellsworth, Salem and Cincinnati. At the age of twenty-one he entered the civil engineer service, in which he was engaged for three years, being with the party that surveyed the Mahoning railroad. After his marriage he rented the home farm and settled down on it. His step-mother died February 18, 1866, and after her death he bought out the other heirs, and has since continued to operate this farm. His father accumulated quite a fortune in his lifetime, and in addition to what he inherited from his parents, William Bronson has by good management and careful investment made considerable money. He was married December 5, 1854, to Miss Emeiine E. Blair, who was born in Aurora, Portage county, Ohio, July 8, 1834, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Taylor) Blair. Her parents, natives of Massachusetts, came to Ohio, in 1804, and settled on wild land in Portage county, where they passed the residue of their lives and died. Her father died in 1858 at the age of seventy-five. Three of their children are still living. All were farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Bronson have had five children, of whom record is made as follows: Mary E., born September 14, 1855, was married, and died in 1880, leaving two children, Hattie R., born August 18, 1858, married George Pallerson, and has one child; Freeman T., died at the age of twenty-two months; Elizabeth F., born November 9, 1868, married M. Force, and has one daughter, Elizabeth F.; and Tracy J., born May 5, 1873. Mr. Bronson has filled nearly every office of local importance, and for eighteen years served as Justice of the Peace. He has been a Republican ever since the party was organized, and has frequently served as delegate to conventions. He was at one time president and a director of the Trumbull County Fair Association. In 1857 he was made an Odd Fellow, and has since been a member of Newton Falls Lodge, No. 255, I. 0. 0. F., in which he has filled every chair. He is also a member of the Koyal Arcanum and of several other organizations. GEORGE KEEFER, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Trumbull county, Ohio. Be was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and when a young man learned the trade of milling in his native county. About 1830 or 1831 he came to Ohio and located in Jackson, Mahoning county, where he spent probably about twenty years, and where he was united in marriage to a Miss Deihl. Some years later his wife died, leaving three children, viz.: Simon, a resident of Cambria Mills, Hillsdale county, Michigan; Phoebe, wife of Henry Helsley, of Southington, Ohio; and Sallie, wife of Benjamine Youngsimer, of Medina county, Ohio. Mr. Keefer's second marriage was to Miss Mariah Ohl, a native of Mahoning county. She died in Champion, Ohio, in 1880, aged eighty years. By his second wife Mr. Keefer had six children, namely: Polly, deceased ; David, deceased; Henry, of whom further 316 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY mention is made in connection with this sketch; Elizabeth, widow of David Dillon; Bailey, deceased; and Lucinda, also deceased. Mr. Keefer improved a fine farm of 100 acres in Southington township. The closing years of his life were spent in Champion, where he died in 1881, aged eighty-four years. He started in life a poor boy, and by honest industry was enabled to secure a competency, being in well-to-do circumstances at the time of his death and being ranked with the leading men of his township. In politics, he was a Democrat; in religion, a member of the German Reform Church. He left to his children not only a snug little fortune, but also the heritage of a good name. Henry Keefer was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, November 8, 1836, and was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education in the common schools of that period. At the age of twenty he began work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed until a few years ago. During his active career as a contractor and builder he erected many of the most important buildings throughout the county. Since 1861 he has made his home on his present farm, sixty-four acres in extent, and well improved with good buildings, etc. His entire surroundings bespeak thrift. Henry Keefer was married in 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Templeton, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, daughter of William and Mariah (Shafer) Templeton. Mrs. Keefer died in 1877, leaving four children: William S., a resident of Champion, Ohio; Ruth, wife of Homer Jones, of Mesopotamia, Ohio; Lois, at home; and Christopher N., also at home. In 1879 Mr. Keefer wedded Miss Helen Eggleston, who was born in Trumbull county, daughter of Cornelius and Louisa (Mervin) Eggleston. They have four children: Lula, 'del, Blaine and Henry. Politically, Mr. Keefer is a Republican, and is now serving as Township Trustee and also as Township Treasurer. In connection with his farming, Mr. Keefer has also for the past two years been engaged in saw-milling, operating a portable mill. DANIEL HINE, one of the leading citizens of Johnston township, Trumbull county, Ohio, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this township. He was born on the old farm where he now lives, June 1, 1860, son of Josiah Hine, deceased. Josiah Hine was born in Connecticut, May 23, 1803, son of Daniel Hine, Sr., born in Connecticut, May 30, 1776, son of Daniel Hine Sr., also a native of Connecticut, born in 1850. The elder Daniel Hine married Mary Stowe, and his son Daniel married Laura Finney, the wife of each being a native of Connecticut. Daniel Hine, Sr., and his wife passed the greater portion of their lives in their native State and died in Shalersville, Portage county, Ohio, the former in 1828 and the latter in 1812. Their son Daniel and his wife, in company with three other families, came out to Ohio in 1805 and settled in the vicinity in which the subject of our sketch noW lives. This company had four teams of horses and oxen, and were forty days in making the journey from Connecticut to their destination. Here in the wilder- ness the Hine family began the erection of a log cabin, and before it was completed Daniel Hine had the misfortune to have his leg broken. Daniel and Laura Hine had six children: Josiah, Wealthy, Lester, Niram, Chauncey and Lucinda. The mother of this family died September 15, 1851, and the father died January 19, 1859. BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 317 Josiah Hine was only two years old when he came with his parents to this township. he was married March 5, 1848, to Desire B. Pitcher, who was born in Norwich, Connecticut, January 27. 1822, daughter of Ephraim and Desire (Brown) Pitcher, natives of Con•necticut, who came to thConnecticut846. Her father died here at the age of seventy-eight years. She was one of a family of five children. Josiah and Desire B. Hine had five children, three of whom are now living: George, a resident of Kansas; Mary; and Daniel, the subject of this sketch. The two who died were Oren and Loren, twins, the first dying at the age of two years and the second at eight months. Josiah Hine died July 26, 1879. He was a successful business man, took an active interest in educational and other public affairs, and was a consistent member of the Congregational Church. The Hine farm comprises 278 acres, is well improved with nice residence, commodious barn, and other farm buildings. Stock of all kind is kept on the farm, a dairy being one of the important features. Daniel Hine has the entire management and supervision of this farm. He is a stanch Republican, an enterprising and progressive young man, and is following in the footsteps of his honored father, having the respect and confidence of all who know him.A ALBERT A. WHEELER, the able president the Western Reserve National of Bank, of Warren, Ohio, and a widely known and respected citizen, was born in Trumbull county, October 22, 1826. He comes of good old New England stock of 22 English ancestry, his grandfather, Simeon Wheeler, a pioneer of Ohio, having been born in Connecticut. The latter came to the Western Reserve in 1804, when it was a wilderness, being among the first to plant those seeds of civilization which have since attained such a marvelous growth. He and his family settled in Brookfield township, Trumbull county, which continued their home for many years. The devoted wife and mother died here, and when past eighty years of age the father went to Michigan to reside with his son, Niles Wheeler, in which State the old gentleman died. He was the father of three sons and two daughters, of whom Alfred Wheeler, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Connecticut and was four years of age when the family removed to Ohio. Alfred was re red on the home farm of his father, and aft&ward married Sabra Andrewafterwarda native of Connecticut, whose parents removed to Trumbull county about the same time as her husband's family. The young couple settled on the father's old homestead, where they passed their lives. Alfred Wheeler was a clock maker, but farming was his main occupation. He and his worthy wife reared four sons and two daughters. This worthy couple survived to a good old age, the father dying on the old homestead in 1879, aged seventy-nine years, and the mother living until 1892, reaching the advanced age of eighty-eight years. They were well and favorably known in the community which was their home for so many years, and died regretted by all who knew them. The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm until sixteen years of age, and gained a good common-school education. At the age mentioned he fame to Warren and began learning the tinner's trade, at which he worked for three years, receiving for the 318 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY first year $50 and his board, which was increased the second year to $75 and board, and this raised to $100 and board during the third year of his apprenticeship, a compliment to his acquired expertness. He afterward worked a year for the Howard Brothers, who went out of business at the end of that time, after which Mr. Wheeler worked on a salary for others in his vicinity until 1847. He then accepted a position with William Reaves, proprietor of a flat-boat plying between Beaver, Pennsylvania, and New Orleans, being engaged at a salary and working at his trade in the towns and cities on the river, tying the boat up at the landings where they did work. From this trip Mr. Wheeler returned in 1848 to Warren with $200, which he invested in the tinware and stove business with B. P. Jameson, with whom Mr. Wheeler became a partner, which connection was profitably continued for twenty-one years. At the end of this time, in 1869, Mr. Wheeler retired from this business, buying the building which they had occupied and disposing of the stock to other parties. He has been president of the Western Reserve National Bank since its organization in July, 1885, and much of that institution's prosperity may be attributed to his well-known reputation for uprightness and thorough financial ability. He has been administrator and trustee of several estates, in the management of which he has shown his usual exactness in business affairs. In 1856 Mr. Wheeler was married to Sarah Jane. Gaskill, a worthy lady, and they have three daughters: Lillie L., who was married to Eugene Chase, deceased, and she has one child, Eugenia, her second husband being J. L. Abell; Anna married Albert Bogg, of Detroit, Michigan, and they have three children, Gertrude, Mary and Earl; Mary, is now Mrs. Howard Ingersoll, of Warren, and one child, Raymond, has been born to them. Although not active in politics, he is a firm advocate of Republican principles. He is particularly notable for the highest honor and most exalted public spirit, always prompt to aid any enterprise tending to advance the interest of his community and increase the welfare of the people. A. P. KING has been a resident of Mecca township, Trumbull county, Ohio, since 1877. He was born in Portage county, this State, October 8, 1849, son of John R. King, a prominent citizen of this place, who died in 1877, at the age of sixty-six years. John R. King was born and reared in Massachusetts, and was educated in Bennington, Vermont. He was twice married. By his first wife, nee Alcista Miles, whom he wedded in Bennington, he had three children: Lewis, David M. and Chester. The last named served all through the war as a member of the Second Ohio Battalion, under Captain Conklin, and is now a resident of California. The mother of these children died in 1836. His second wife, whose maiden name was Hannah A. Montgomery, was a daughter of Robert Montgomery, a Revolutionary soldier. She died in Mecca township, January 21, 1892, at the age of seventy-nine years. This union resulted in the birth of ten children, four of whom died in childhood. Those living are Augusta P., Horace M., George E., Rose Ellen, A. P. and Elmer P. John R. King was one of the pioneer farmers and stock men of Portage county, Ohio. In 1863 he removed to Jefferson county, Montana, and located fifty miles south of Helena, where he remained until 1877, the time of his death. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 319 A. P. King was reared and educated in Portage county. He was fourteen when he went with his father to Montana, where his youth and early manhood were spent in assisting his father on their stock ranch. In the fall of 1876 he and his father returned to Ohio, and here he has continued to reside. He owns two good farms, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. His commodious two-story residence is beautifully located, and is a most delightful rural home. Mr. King was married, in 1879, in Mecca, to Miss Grace Lake, 'daughter of Harmon and Abigail Mary Lake, and they have six children, as follows: Minnie Pearl, Rose Belle, John R., Robin P., Linus L. and Ellis. Mr. King is in the prime of life, is a man of genial disposition, and is generous and public-spirited. He is one of the most active workers in the ranks of the Democratic party in Mecca township, and has served in various local offices, being at present Township Treasurer. He is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 529, at Cortland. HON. CHARLES H. STROCK, Niles, Ohio, is one of Trumbull county's favorite sons, upon whom she has conferred high honors. His career has shown that in him her hopes were not misplaced and that her pride in his achievements was justifiable. In tracing the lineage of the family it is found that they originated in Wurtemburg, Germany, and that the name was formerly spelled " Strauch;" to conform more nearly to the English pronunciation the spelling has gradually been changed to the present form. The first member of the family who came to America was Joseph Strauch : he was a lad of twelve years when he reached Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and there he lived for many years. Espousing the cause of his chosen country as his own, he gave his service to secure American independence and the blessing of liberty to the people. After the war of the Revolution was ended he married the widow of a Hessian soldier, and about the year 1812, he emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Austintown, Mahoning county, where he died and where his remains he buried in the Canfield grave-yard. His son, Samuel, was the grandfather of the Hon. C. H. Strock. He was a man of fine physique, large, strong and muscular, well fitted to endure the toil and labor of farming on the frontier; he made neither a political nor military career for himself. He was buried in the old Dutch graveyard south of Newton Falls. He married Polly Brunstetter, who also sprung from Revolutionary stock, and to them were born four children: Gideon, Amanda, who married Jacob Best; Levi, who died in youth, and Joseph, a resident of Newton township. Gideon Strock was born in Austintown town, ship, Mahoning county, Ohio, and there grew to man's estate; he was a farmer by occupation, and spent the most of his life in Newton and Kent townships in his native county. He married Sarah Gamber, a daughter of Peter. Gamber, one of the early settlers of Austin, town. To Gideon Strock and wife were born six children: Mira O., the wife of Captain J. H. McFarland; Mary A., wife of J. E. John, son; Charles H., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of Ancil Johnson; Alice, wife of Charles E. Carlisle, and Elmer E. C. H. Strock was born in Newton township, November 10, 1849, and was not from under the protecting shadow of the parental roof until he had attained his fifteenth year. tie then went to work in Braceville township as a farm hand, and continued farm work 320 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY until the fall of 1865, when he went to Michigan, and was employed in the lumber regions for a year and a half. At the end of that time he returned to his home, and until 1878, was engaged in studying, farming and teaching as circumstances favored. Having determined upon the law as a profession young Strock began to prepare himself for the bar. After a hard year's work in the office of T. H. Gilmer, of Newton Falls, he continued his studies under the direction of Gilmer & Jones, attorneys of Warren, Ohio, and remained with them until his examination and admission to the bar, May 5, 1880, at Columbus, Ohio, being the first man admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court from Trumbull county. On the first day of August thereafter he came to Niles, Ohio, where he opened his office and where he has since taken a leading place among the attorneys of Trumbull county. His energy and ability soon brought him to the notice of the public, which is not slow to attest its approbation and appreciation of individual worth. In 1880 he was the choice of the Republican party for. City Solicitor, and he discharged the duties of this office with so much intelligence and perception of the best interests of the people that he was re-elected six successive terms, serving in all twelve years. Mr. Strock's fore-fathers were Democrats ‘‘ of the deepest dye" and when he cast his first vote for General U. S. Grant, his aged grandfather looked upon the act in the light of a direful calamity, which he Made a strenuous effort to prevent. In 1889, a spirited contest occurred in Trumbull among several able men for the office of representative to the General Assembly of the State. Mr. Struck was the choice of the Republican nominating convention, and was triumphantly elected. In 1891, his candidacy for the same office was endorsed without opposition. As a legislator he was active, outspoken and aggressive. Cognizant of the wishes and desires of his constituency, his energies were bent toward securing legislation that would advance their welfare. He was an efficient member of the committees on Election and Insane Asylums, being chairman of the former. October 5, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Kate H. Hills, a daughter of Chester Hills, a prominent attorney of Medina, Ohio; three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Strock, Cora Bee, Bessie and Thomas G. In his social relations Mr. Strock is connected with the I. 0. 0. F., the Knights of Pythias, and the Elks, Young Aaron Lodge, No. 55. JOHN B. RAMSDELL, a resident of Cortland, Trumbull county, Ohio, was born at Bristol, this county, May 21, 1841, and was the only child of Gideon Ramsdell, a native of Vermont, who came to Ohio in 1834 and settled in Bristol township, Trumbull county, where he was married to Hannah Cummings, a native of Bristol, and a daughter of James Cummings, who settled in Bristol in 1804. The subject of our sketch was left an orphan at the early age of three years, and was reared by his uncle, Edson Hescock, who married Gideon Ramsdell's sister. Mr. Hescock was a man highly respected in this county, and he did a good part by the little orphan who had come into his home. At the age of sixteen John began to learn the trade of shoemaker, that being Mr. Hescock's trade, and under him he served an apprenticeship. When the Civil war came on John's ambitious young spirit was fired with patriot- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 321 ism, and he at once responded to his country's call for troops, enlisting at Bristol, August 2, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Infantry. His great-grandfather had served in the Revolutionary war and his grandfather in the war of 1812, and his record in the Civil war is one of which his posterity may well be proud. At Lincoln's call for "300,000 more" he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Infantry, and his service covered a period of about three years, two years and eight months of which time be served as color guard. He was in the battle of Perryville; was at Milton, Tennessee, and made a forced march of 120 miles to Stone river, arriving at that place too late to take part in the battle. Ile also took his share of service at Chickamauga„ Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Ringgold, Dalton, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, New Hope Church, Peach Tree Creek; assisting at the siege of Atlanta, was in the famous raid after General Hood, returning to Atlanta by way of Rome and Kingston, this being the second visit to Kingston. At Atlanta the company again joined Sherman's main army. After burning Atlanta they started for Savannah, Georgia, taking part in the battles of Thomas Station andWaynesboro before arriving at Savannah. After staying in Savannah a month for supplies and for rest, which was greatly needed, as they had been without communication for a period of seventy days, they took up the line of march through the Carolinas, and were present at the capture and burning of Columbia, South Carolina. They then marched to Goldsboro, where they rested for two weeks, receiving supplies and communications. Leaving this place for Raleigh, North Carolina, they were met by the officials of the city, who surrendered it without resistance. After a week's rest they left for Holly Springs, waiting at this place for the terms of surrender to be made between General Joseph Johnston and General Sherman at Greensboro, North Carolina. After the surrender of Johnston, there being no resistance, they marched to Richmond, Virginia. After viewing the places of interest in the city during a stay of a week they left for Washington, District of Columbia, where they had a grand review of the army of the Potomac and Sherman's army. Thus ended the famous march which was begun at Atlanta, Georgia, November 7, 1864, and ended May 19 at Washington, District of Columbia. General Sherman is authority in stating the distance traveled to have been 1,850 miles. He was slightly wounded by a ball at Perryville. He received a sunstroke while in the service, and is now a recipient of a pension. After his honorable discharge at Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Ramsdell returned to Trumbull county. About a year and a half later he went to Indianola, Iowa, where he was engaged in business two years. At the end of that time he returned to Ohio, and to the home of his uncle and aunt, whom he cared for until the time of their death, repaying in a measure for the kindness they had bestowed on him. Mr. Ramsdell has been married twice. In 1868, at Bristol, Ohio, he wedded Louise Huntley, a native of Canandaigua, New York, daughter of Calvin Huntley. Five children were born to them: Eva J., Bert E., Frank H. and two that died in infancy. Eva J. and Frank H. died in 1888, leaving Bert the only survivor. Mrs. Ramsdell died August 4, 1889. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a woman whose pure Christian character was admired by all who knew hers 322 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY At Bloomfield, Trumbull county, Ohio, March 20, 1892, Mr. Ramsdell was wedded the second time, being united to Mrs. Emma J. Towns, whose former home was Olean, New York, and a native of that State. A relative, on the maternal side, of Colonel Don Piatt, Mrs. Towns was the widow of a soldier who was killed at the siege of Charleston, South Carolina, and buried at that place. Mr. Ramsdell is an ardent Republican, and a member of Books Post, No. 2, G. A. R., at Bristol. He took an active part in organizing this post. He was made a member of Masonic Rural Lodge, F. Si A. M., Bloomfield, Ohio, in 1867, and was at one time associated with the order of American Mechanics. Rehm. all the characteristics of the old soldier, is frank, cordial, genial, and is well liked by all who know him. LEROY W. SANFORD, the popular proprietor and manager of the Sanford k Hotel, Niles, Ohio, one of the best appointed and most home-like hotels in the county, was born in Vienna township, Trumbull county, this State, November 23, 1830. Samuel E. Sanford, his father, was born in Oswego, New York, in 1798, and when quite young joined the westward tide of emigration, traveling until he found a place that suited him. He was employed for a time by Justin Eddy, of Ravenna, Ohio, but afterward made a permanent settlement in Trumbull county, where he bought a farm, for which he paid by clearing another. He married Dorcas Alderman, a native of Connecticut and a descendant of an old and respected New England family. Her father, Timothy Alderman, came overland alone from Connecticut to the wilds of Ohio in 1804, when the Buckeye State was covered with a primeval forest, haunted only by the Indian, and an abundance of wild game, which lived undisturbed in their leafy haunts. Two years later he returned to Connecticut for his family and they settled in Brookfield. He was a man of energetic and progressive disposition, and became a prosperous man and prominent official of his township, serving in his public capacity as he did in his private affairs, with integrity and impartiality, without fear or favor, thereby engaging the esteem of all who knew him. He was the father of nine children: Ruby, Chauncey, Riley, Phoebe, who married Calvin Phelps; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Lester Marvin; and three other daughters whose names are unknown to Mr. Sanford; besides Dorcas, mother of the subject of this sketch. When Mr. Sanford married, his ox was almost his only possession, proving indeed a most indispensable means for obtaining a livelihood in those pioneer days, when hauling and rough farm work were done almost entirely by this means and such work was largely in excess of all other. By industry and economy this young couple were prospered and lived to become prominent and influential people of their community. They had seven children: Lorinda Ruth, who married John S. Williams, of Vienna township, Trumbull county; Elmer, who died in Illinois; Erastus, married and living in East Dubuque, Iowa; L. W., whose name heads this sketch; Lorena; Minerva, who died aged three, and Noble F., residing near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch remained on his father's farm until he reached his twentieth year, when, induced by the discovery of gold in California, he packed his effects and with OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 323 a small amount of money, proceeded, via the Isthmus of Panama, to the Golden State. He was engaged in mining in and about Santa Cruz, Forest City and other places on the coast, until 1857, when he returned by the same route to his home in Ohio, richer in experience than in gold. After three years on the farm, Mr. Sanford started the Oil Spring Hotel in Mecca, which he successfully conducted eight years. Disposing of it advantageously at the end of that time, he bought, in 1868, his present property, changing the name from the American House to the Sanford House. Under its present management, this neat and commodious hotel fills a long felt want of the city, furnishing comfortable and homelike accommodations at a very reasonable charge. During his residance in Niles, Mr. Sanford has been most active in its interests. He has invested largely in real-estate and is a stockholder and director in the Niles Spouting and Roofing Company, one of the largest corporations in this vicinity. He has also assisted in an official capacity in the city goverment, and is justly recognized as a progressive and public spirited citizen. He is one of the old wheel horses in local and county matters, his face being a familiar one at the conventions of the Republican party in Trumbull county. He was a delegate to the Republican State Con vention which nominated Foraker for a third term, although he did not consider it good policy to support him in the convention. In March, 1859, Mr. Sanford was married to Mary A. Wagner, an estimable lady, daughter of Henry Wagner, a Pennsylvania German, who settled in Brookfield township, Trumbull county, in an early day. He was the father of five children, three of whom survive: Lottie, Addie and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Sanford have no children. Fraternally, Mr. Sanford is a Royal Arch Mason, belongs to the Knight Templars and the Mystic Shrine. He has been for many years Treasurer of the Mahoning Lodge No. 394. In his various capacities of business mai, citizen and public official, his actions have been characterized by uprightness and sincere devotion to the interests of his community, and he justly enjoys the universal esteem of his fellow men. WILLIAM N. CASE, one of the substantial and well-known men of Mecca township, Trumbull county, Ohio, was born on the old Case homestead, near the center of this township, May7, 1839. His father, Solomon Virgil Case, a native of Connecticut, came to Ohio about 1836, and settled in Mecca township. His first wife died at the age of fifty years, and he lived to be eighty. He was a farmer all his life. The subject of our sketch is the youngest of the nine children of his first wife, and by a subsequent marriage he had one daughter, Mary. W. N. Case was reared on his father's farm, and early in life was taught lessons of industry and honesty, and to his early training he attributes the success of his later life. He has all his life been engaged in agricultural pursuits and by his own honest toil has accumulated a competency. His farm comprises 100 acres of Mecca township's choicest soil, and is well improved with buildings, fences, etc. This farm is especially adapted to stock-raising, and is chiefly devoted to that purpose. His two-story residence, with its spacious porch, is located twenty rods back from the highway, and it presents somewhat 324 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the appearance of a Southern home. Every thing about the premises at once indicates the proprietor to be a man of thrift. Mr. Case was married, December 24, 1890, to Miss Rebecca Kier. She was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, daughter of James and Jane (Holstein) Kier, both natives of. Pennsylvania, and both deceased. Her parents had seven children, of whom three are living: Margaret Kier, Sarah McCracken and Rebecca Case. The names of her deceased brothers and sisters are Mary, Arbella, Samuel and William. Her father was a saddler and harness-maker by trade, a Democrat in politics, and in religion was a United Presbyterian. Mrs. Case is a United Presbyterian and her husband is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Case is a Republican. JAMES COOK, who has been identified with the interests of Mecca township, Trumbull county, Ohio, since May, 1832, is ranked with the prominent and leading citizens of the township. Of his life we present the following brief sketch: James Cook was born in Locke, Cayuga county, New York, July 21, 1821. His father, Nathan Cook, a native of that same place, was born in 1800, a son of James Cook, a n ative of Connecticut and a veteran of the Revolutionary war. The latter was one of the early settlers of Cayuga county, New York, whence he and his wife, who before her marriage was a Miss Brown, came out to the Western Reserve and settled in Mecca township, where they both died, and are buried. He lived to the advanced age of ninety. The names of their children are John, Nathan, Zachariah, Samuel, Amos, and Lois. Nathan Cook was reared and educated at Locke, New York, and at the age of nineteen years married Permelia Hadlock, daughter of James and Nancy Hadlock, her father being one of the old Tories of that county, her mother a native of Scotland. Her father and mother removed from New York to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where they died at the ages of ninety-three and ninety-seven years respectively. Nathan Cook and his wife came out to Ohio and settled in Mecca township before any road had been cut through to their farm, the same farm, on which the subject of our sketch now lives. Here the mother died in April, 1846, leaving a family of seven children, viz.: Asa, a resident of Michigan; James, the subject of this sketch; Nathan, deceased; Lois, a resident of Hebron, Nebraska; Betsey, of Michigan; Joseph, deceased; and Uphema, of Iowa. The father of this family died November 18, 1888, aged eighty-eight years. He was a farmer by occupation, and in politics was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. James Cook was a lad of eleven years when he came with his parents to Ohio. Here he grew up, and was educated. With the exception of three years spent at Pierpont, Ashtabula county, Ohio, he has lived on his present farm since he was eleven years old. His home here is one of the most attractive rural places in this part of the country. The residence is beautifully located on a natural building site, is surrounded by a pretty lawn, and is shaded by tall pines and other evergreens. The farm comprises ninety acres, and is situated very near the center of the township. Mr. Cook was married, September 2, 1844, in Ashtabula county, to Permelia Cole, who, like her husband, was born in Cayuga county, New York. Her parents, Ezra and Mercy