350 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY as follows: Julia, born August 10, 1808, married Norris Humphrey and resided in Richfield, Medina county, Ohio, up to the time of her death; Emri A., born March 9, 1810, went south when about twenty-one years of age, and is supposed to have been killed in Mexico; Uriah N., born August 26, 1811, married Maria Reed, of Orangeville, Ohio, where he now resides; Hannah N., born March 6, 1813. married George Fell, and is now living in Orangeville, Ohio; Eve-line, born July 12, 1819, married Lorenzo Dawson, and resided in Circleville, Indiana, until her death; Lucy S., born May 7, 1821, was twice married, first, to Joseph Bushnell, who died in Jefferson, Ohio, about three years afterward, and, second, to William T. Crouse, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, both being now deceased; and George S., the youngest, was born April 1, 1826. The early educational advantages of George S. Case were limited, but he made the best of his opportunities, and by home study and extensive reading when he grew older he managed to secure a store of valuable information. His father's death occurred when he was ten years old, and a few years later' the care of the farm fell upon him. Subsequently he and his mother purchased the interest of all except two of the heirs to the old homestead, while his brother Nelson bought the rest. Mrs. Case remained with her son George S. until her death, and by the terms of her will he became her heir, thus coming into possession of the greater part of the old homestead. In 1849 Mr. Case joined the tide of emigration to California, and upon his arrival on the Pacific coast, engaged extensively in gulch and river mining. He remained there until 1854, when he returned to Ohio. Since that time he has devoted himself to the care and cultivation of his farm. He has also invested somewhat extensively in coal mines in Illinois. March 22, 1855, he married Mary Hoaglin, daughter of Jesse Hoaglin, of Brookfield, Ohio. They had five children, two of whom are still living. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Ida L., born July 27, 1856, died July 14, 1880; Jesse H., born December 7, 1858, and of him further mention is made at the conclusion of this sketch; Mary Eva, was born March 26, 1862, was united in marriage to Fred Chapman, August 7, 1884. and resides in Peoria, Illinois; Cora Dell, born December 5, 1865, died September 5, 1866; and Minnie D., born August 26, 1868, was an invalid from her childhood and died October 16, 1888. Mrs. Case, the mother of these children, was born in Brookfield, Ohio, October 1, 1837. Her death occurred January 11, 1885. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Burgh Hill, and her whole life was characterized by the sweetest of Christian graces. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a true friend. Politically, Mr. Case is a Republican. Fraternally, he is associated with the following orders: Jerusalem Lodge, No. 19, F. & A. M., at Hartford; Mahoning Chapter, No. 66, R. A. M., at Warren ; Warren Council, No. 58, R. & S. M., at Warren; and Warren Commandery, No. 39, K. T., at Warren. Jesse H. Case, only son of the above named gentleman, is one of the most prominent young farmers of Vernon township, Trumbull county, and resides at Burgh Hill. He was born in Vernon, this county, December 7, 1858. After completing his studies in the common schools, he was for several terms a student in the Grand River Institute. December 21, 1881, he married Carrie E. Bates, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 351 daughter of Homer J. Bates, well known in this county. After his marriage he built a comfortable and attractive home near that of his father, and has since devoted himself exclusively to the management of the old homestead farm. Under his skillful supervision and energetic efforts, this place holds rank with the leading farms of the county. It has excellent buildings, fine orchards and spring water, and everything is conveniently arranged for carrying on farming operations in the most approved manner. The lower part of the farm contains a beautiful wooded valley, forming a most beautiful piece of natural scenery. Mrs. Case presides over her pretty home with a most becoming grace and dignity. They have one little daughter, Ivah May, born March 27, 1885. Mr. Case votes with the Republican party. JAMES HARRIS, a conspicuous figure in the history of the rolling-mill business of Trumbull county, Ohio, is a man of sterling worth and is entitled to representation in this volume. Following is a brief sketch of his career from his birth to the present time: He is a native of Staffordshire, England, born December 1, 1822, a son of Henry Harris. His father was a sheet-iron roller by trade, and he served an apprenticeship to the same trade, in which he became remarkably proficient. At the age of twenty-four years he had determined to cast his lot in the New World, and accord. ingly set sail from Liverpool for the United States. He landed at Philadelphia and continued his journey to the West, his objective point being Covington, Kentucky. He arrived in Newport, Kentucky, and there found employment as a roller. After three years in this country he conceived the idea of building and operating a mill on his own account. He chose St. Louis, Missouri, as the location of this venture, and there erected the first mill constructed in that city. It proved an unfortunate selection, as the conditions were not favorable, and the undertaking ended disastrously. Mr. Harris then returned to Kentucky and resumed work as an employe in Covington, where he remained until 1864; he then removed to Youngstown, and a year later to Niles, where he repeated the St. Louis experiment, having associated with him George Harris, William Davis, Alexander Blackford, Cordon Bean and Thomas Jose. He personally furnished most of the money for the undertaking. The business was unfairly managed and finally passed into the hands of creditors, Mr. Harris, being a heavy loser. At this juncture Mrs. Harris came to the rescue; she opened a boot and shoe store in 1871, and for twelve years carried on a successful business, displaying remarkable executive ability and superior business qualifications. Mr. Harris again entered service as an employe, and by 1883 they had accumulated a competence for their declining years. Mr. Harris was married to his second and present wife, Hannah Carpenter, August 19, 1844. They have had a family of nine children: George, who was born November 11, 1845, married 011ie Allison, and has three children: Martha Jane, born April 29, 1847, was married to Jeremiah Reed; Sarah Ann died in infancy; a second daughter named Sarah Ann, born November 6, 1850, was married to Frank Pew; Henry James, born December 7, 1852, married Flora Andrews; Hannah Maria, born October 27, 1855, is the 352 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY wife of George J. Gaylor; Frederick William, born November 29, 1857, married Eliza Hill; Alfred, born April 17, 1860, married Minnie Stull; Charles Grant, born February 2, 1862, is a sheet-iron roller by trade, but is now conducting a jewelry business at Niles in company with his brother Alfred. Mr. Harris is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., having joined thirty-five years ago. In politics he is a Republican. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Leitch. Six of her fourteen children came to America and located in the United States, where four of them have died. WILLIAM S. BENTON, a well-known citizen of Mecca township, Trumbull county, Ohio, was born in Canfield Mahoning county, this State, October 13, 1820. His father, Herman Benton, was born in Salisbury, Connecticut, December 10, 1794, son of James Benton, also -a native of Con- necticut. Herman Benton's mother was before her marriage a Miss Chapman, and she, too, was a native of Connecticut. James Benton and his wife lived and died in their native State. When Herman Benton was a lad of ten years he came to Canfield, Ohio, with an uncle, his mother's brother, who reared him. When he grew up he was married in Boardman, Ohio, to Laura Mason, a native of New York and a daughter of Abner Mason. They subsequently removed to Trumbull county, where they spent the residue of their lives. Herman Benton died in Mecca township at the ripe old age of eighty-three. His wife passed away in December, 1863, aged sixty-nine. The mother was a member of the Baptist Church. For fifteen years Mr. Penton served as a Justice of the Peace. He was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. His whole life was passed on a farm. William S. is the only one of their four children who is now living. The names of those deceased are Oris M., Mary and Emily. William S. Benton was a boy of ten years when his parents moved to Mecca township. Here he was reared and educated. He learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it for a number of years, many of the best buildings in this part of the county being the result of his handiwork. In 1853 he moved to Geauga county, this State, where he lived on a farm for fourteen years. Disposing of his property there at the end of that time, he came back to Mecca township, Trumbull county, and has since continued his residence here. Here he has a nice, well-improved farm and a comfortable home. The greater part of his life has been devoted to work at his trade. He was married May 15, 1844, at Mecca, to Miss Laura Cowdery, who was born in Otis, Massachusetts, daughter of Ambrose and Dencie (Coe) Cowdery, prominent early settlers of Mecca, Ohio. Her parents reared a large family and spent the residue of their lives in Trumbull county. Mr. and Mrs. Benton have two children: Dencie E., wife. of L. B. Davis, of this township, has one son, Claud, also one dead, Bennie; and Charles H., who has been twice married, first to Alice Pierson; and after her death to his present wife, whose maiden name was Emma Belden, also of this township, has three children: Mary, Alice and Mason. Mr. Benton has been a Republican since the birth of that party. He has served for eighteen years as a Justice of the Peace, has filled the office of Township Clerk, and on various occasions has served as delegate to county conventions. He and his wife are OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 353 members of the Congregational Church: Our subject is a Justice of the Peace, which office he has held for eighteen years. He has been teacher of one Bible-class in the Sunday-school for twenty years. EDWARD WAGSTAFF, a member of the City Council of Niles, was born in Wales, January 21, 1847, a son of John and Margaret (James) Wagstaff. The father was born in Wales in 1820. He and his wife emigrated to the United States in 1854, landing in Baltimore, Maryland, and two years later came to Niles, Trumbull county, Ohio. He is a Republican in his political views. The mother departed this life September 10, 1881. She was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. They had nine children: Edward, Thomas, Anna, Margaret, David, William, James, Reece and Mary. The father is living in Niles. Edward Wagstaff, the subject of this sketch, was a lad of five years when he came to the United States. He learned the trade of bricklayer with his father, and has followed that occupation for twenty-seven years. He is also an expert mechanic, and for the past eight years has served as superintendent of all the buildings for the Falcon Iron & Nail Company, filling that position with honor and credit. Mr. Wagstaff owns a fine residence on Church street, also has several other dwellings, and has a fine farm of 135 acres in Vienna township, Trumbull county. In 1868 he was united in marriage with Mary Jane Bean, a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of C. and Mary Bean, the former deceased, and the latter a resident of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Wagstaff have five sons: William J., a brick- layer by trade; Edward Allen, who graduated at the State University of Ohio, in 1893; Joseph G., also engaged at the brickmakers' trade; Frank C., and Harry G. In political matters, our subject affiliates with the Republican party, and for the past six years has been a member of the City Council of Niles, and was a delegate to the Congressional convention. He was made a Mason at the age of twenty-one years, is now a member of Ma-honing Lodge, No. 29, and of Warren Commandery, No. 39, and has served as Master of his lodge. He has also filled all the official chairs in the I. 0. 0. F. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. ALVA A. DRAKE, one of the prominent farmers of Trumbull county, Ohio, was born on the old Drake homestead, in Howland township, February 25, 1829. Jacob Drake, his father, was born in Essex county, New York, in September, 1796, son of Abraham Drake, a native of New Jersey. The Drakes trace their ancestry back to the historic character, Sir Francis Drake. Abraham Drake married Miss Sarah Bell, a native of New Jersey, and in 1804 he and his wife moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio, settling in Howland township, Trumbull county. He and his wife had nine children: Elizabeth, Sarah, Meriam, Jacob, Simeon, Aaron, George, Abraham and Amos. The father of this family died in 1818, on his pioneer farm in Howland township, and the mother passed away at the same place in 1812. Jacob Drake, the fourth born in the above named family, was eight years old at the time that he came with his parents to Ohio, and here he grew up amid pioneer scenes, receiv- 354 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ing his education in this county.- He was twice married. April 11, 1826, he wedded Agnes Anderson, daughter of William and Anna Belle (Kennedy) Anderson, she being of Scotch-Irish descent. They had three children: Amos, Alva A. and Agnes, the last named being deceased. Mrs. Agnes Drake died September 19, 1831, and February 12, 1833, Mr. Drake married Artlissa Lane, daughter of John and Mary (Lowe) Lane. Two children were born to them, namely: George W., a resident of Denver, Colorado; and Emily, who is deceased. Jacob Drake died on the old farm in 1842, and his wife departed this life in 1846. He was a member of the Disciple Church. A. A. Drake was reared on the farm on which his grandfather had settled. He received his education in the common and select schools, and for some time was engaged in teaching. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits on his present farm since 1865. This place was formerly known as the Jacob Grove farm. It contains 250 acres, and is without exception one of the best farms in Trumbull county. It is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. It is well supplied with pure spring water, is fenced into twenty different fields, with lanes arranged so that nearly every field on the farm can be reached without crossing the fields, and all of the buildings are of the best. The residence, built at a cost of $5,000, is beautifully located and surrounded with an attractive lawn, dotted over with ornamental trees and shrubs. There are four barns,one 38 x 82 feet, another 33 x 35 feet. Formerly Mr. Drake was largely interested in the sheep business, his flock of full-blooded Merinos numbering about 500. He soon, however, expects to dispose of his farm and retire from the business. Mr. Drake was married in September, 1860, to Miss Lide Grove, a native of Austintown, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob and Rachel Grove. The great loss of his life was the death of his beloved companion. Mrs. Lide (Grove) Drake,daughter of Jacob and Rachel Grove, was born in Austintown, Ohio, November 13, 1836, was married to Alva A. Drake in September, 1860, and fell asleep at her home in Howland July 9, 1890. Not often has a life been lived that better met in modest grace all the duties of right life. In happy companionship with her husband she had built and adorned a home that held an unusnal charm. She loved nature, and was skilled in art; and, what was better, she loved her fellow mortals, and numbered on her list of friends all good and earnest souls who crossed her pathway. For thirty-five years she had lived as a member of the Disciple Church, a faithful and consistent Christian life. Mr. Drake is also a member of the Disciple Church. In politics, he is a Republican. For thirty-five years he has been a member of Old Erie Lodge, No. 3, A. F. & A. M. He was active in the organization of the Second National Bank of Warren and has been one of the directors of the bank since its organization. C. C. KENNEDY, whose post office address its Cortland, Trumbull county, Ohio, is one of the leading citizens and substantial farmers of Bazetta township. He was born in this township, September 12, 1845, son of W. B. Kennedy whose birth occurred in Berks county, Pennsylvania, September 21, 1812, son of Samuel OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 355 and Jane Kennedy. The Kennedys are of Scotch-Irish descent. W. B. Kennedy was two years old when he came with his parents to Trumbull county, Ohio, settling in Howland township. Here Samuel and Jane Kennedy passed the residue of their lives and died. W. B. Kennedy was reared on his father's farm, was educated in schools of this county, and for some time was engaged in teaching, being ranked with the pioneer teachers of the county. He was married in 1837, in Howland township, by Esquire Samuel King, a well-known Justice of that day, to Eliza Davis, who was born, reared and educated in Bazetta township, daughter of William Davis, Sr., and Ann Luce, his wife. Her parents were among the first settlers of the township. After his marriage, W. B. Kennedy settled in Bazetta township, where he improved a valuable farm, reared his children, and lived for many years. Subsequently he resided in Cortland. He and his wife had five children. Three reached adult years: Prof. A. W. Kennedy, Superintendent of the Girard high school, Trumbull county; Ann, wife of Kennedy Andrews, Warren, Ohio; and C. C., whose name heads this article. Those deceased are Judd and Ella, the former at the age of ten years, and the latter at four. The mother of this family died at the age of sixty-seven years and the father lived to be seventy-five. W. B. Kennedy was a man of some prominence in the county. He was a Republican, and had filled the offices of Clerk, Assessor and Trustee. C. C. Kennedy grew up on his father's farm, and after he had completed his studies in the district school and the school at Cortland he became a student at Oberlin, Ohio, Then for some time he was successfully engaged in teaching. In 1882, he located on his present farm of 143 acres, located two miles from Cortland. This place was formerly known., as the Jackson farm. It is well improved with good buildings, fences, etc., and is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. Everything about the premises indicates the proprietor to be a man of enterprise and his family to be people of culture and refinement. He was married February 25, "1869, to Alice Kellogg, a native of Fowler, Ohio, and a daughter of E. V. and Lucy (Loomis) Kellogg, both deceased. Our subject and wife have three children: Lloyd B., who graduated at the Girard high school at the age of seventeen, was then engaged in teaching at Girard for a short time, and is now engaged in teaching in La Salle county, Illinois; Carl W., at home; and Bessie Lucille, also at home. Mr. Kennedy is a Republican and is one of the active workers in the ranks of his party. He has served as Clerk and Trustee of his township and as delegate to various conventions. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Cortland, and also of the Disciple Church, occupying an official position in the latter. HENRY C. WILSON, who resides on a farm in Champion township, Trumbull county, Ohio, is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Wilson, and was born in Warren township, this county, June 30, 1832. He was reared on his father's farm and his education was received in the district schools and at Farmington. November 10, 1858, he married Miss Elizabeth V. King, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Henry A. King. She died December 1, 1859, leaving one daughter, Elizabeth E., who is now at home with her father. In 1860 Mr. 356 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY son was again married, this time to Miss Rosanna King, daughter of James and Ann King. They were also natives Of Ireland, the family coming to America when Mrs. Wilson was a little child. She was reared in Virginia and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have a family of six children: George T., who is married and lives in Warren township, this county; James W.; Anna L.; Rebecca, wife of Woodward Templeton, of Warren; Harry T.; and Glenn A. Mr. Wilson owns fifty acres of good farming land in Champion township, where he has made his home since 1889. He has lived in Trumbull county all his life, with the exception of one year spent in Linn county, Iowa, and his whole life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. In connection with his farming he is now acting as agent for the Trumbull County Patrons' Mutual Insurance Company. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his wife is a Presbyterian. He is a stanch Republican, and has held various local offices. AUSTIN TIBBITS, one of the esteemed citizens of Trumbull county, Ohio, resides in Weathersfield township. He was born near the place where he now lives, April 16, 1838, son of John Tibbits, a native of Austintown township, Mahoning county, this State, who was a son of Jerry Tibbits, a native of Maryland, and one of the first settlers of Mahoning county. John Tibbits settled in Trumbull county, in 1825. He married Miss Catherine Barnhizel, a native of Liberty township, this county, and a daughter of David Barnhizel, who came here from Pennsylvania. The Barnhizels are of German descent. John and Catherine Tibbits became the parents of seven children, three of whom are living, Charles, Ann and Austin. The names of the deceased are Henry, Sarah, Jerry and William. Both parents are dead, the mother passing away at the age of eighty-two years, the father at seventy-seven years. John Tibbits was a man of many excellent qualities. By occupation he was a farmer, in politics a Republican, and both he and his wife were members of the Disciple Church. Austin Tibbits has the honor of being a veteran of the late war. At Lincoln's call for 300,000 more men, he enlisted, August 12, 1862, in Company C, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Infantry, Ambrose Mason commanding company. He participated in numerous engagements, prominent among which we mention those of Perryville, Chickamagua, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Rocky-face Ridge, Buzzards' Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the battles around Atlanta, Jonesboro, etc. July 20, 1864, he was with his regiment stationed between two batteries, one Union and the other Rebel, and the heavy cannonading on that day so injured his hearing that he has ever since been very deaf. He was with Sherman in his "march to the sea," and through the Carolinas, and took part in the grand review at Washington. On one occasion he had the sole of his shoe shot off. He was honorably discharged June 3, 1865, and at once returned to his home in Trumbull county. Mr. Tibbits was married March 8, 1866, to Miss Laura Jane Leach, daughter of Benjamin Leach, a prominent citizen of this county. After his marriage he settled down to farming, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns seventy-six acres of nice farming land, well improved with good buildings, fences, etc. His resi- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 357 deuce is a modern and model home, and was built in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Tibbits have two children, James and Mary; Cora died June 2, 1891, at the age of six years. Mr. Tibbits is a member of McPherson Post, No. 16, G. A. R. His political views are in harmony with the principles of the Republican party. He and his wife attend the Disciple Church. GEORGE W. BATTLES, proprietor of Summit farm, was born on the banks of Mahoning river, January 31, 1833, a son of Edward Battles, a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. The latter's father, Beriah Battles, was one of the first settlers of Niles, having owned what is now known as the Ward farm. Edward Battles married Catherine, a daughter of George Owrey, a Revolutionary soldier, who lived to be over 100 years old. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Trumbull county. When George Owrey, father of Mr. Battles' mother, returned home from the war of 1812, he found the family in very destitute circumstances, as was the condition of many at that time. He started out for food and rode four days to procure a bushel of corn. When this was consumed, the rye that had been sown the fall previous had got in the dough state. Enough was cut to meet the wants of the family, dried in the sun, threshed and ground into flour by hand process, when it was made into bread, and this with corn sustained the family until other articles of food were procured. Mr. Battles was a farmer by occupation, and a Democrat in political matters. His death occurred at the age of seventy-six years, and his widow now resides at Ravenna, Ohio, aged eighty-two years. She is a wor thy member of the Disciple Church. They had Line children, viz.: Lucy Jane, George W., Mary Ann (deceased), Ben T., Elizabeth, Almira (deceased), Charlotte, Catherine Percilia, and Emery. Ben T. was a gallant soldier during the late war, and wounded in the hand. He now resides in Cortland, Ohio. George W. Battles, the subject of this -sketch, purchased a farm in Allen county, Ohio, in 1868, but eighteen months later sold that place and returned to this county. In 1870 he bought the Summit farm, consisting of seventy acres of high land, where he has fifteen acres in orchard, and a vineyard of two acres. In 1893 he raised five tons of grapes and 800 bushels of peaches. Mr. Battles has a fine residence, two large barns, and all other necessary farm conveniences. He also owns a fine driving team of Kentucky high-grade roadsters. Our subject was married in Trumbull county, at the age of twenty-three years, January 31, 1856, to Maria Scoville, a daughter of Leonard and Emily (Bradley) Scoville. To this union have been born three sons: Frank Hamilton, general manager of the Thomas W. Bowman nursery, of Rochester, New York; Charles E., engaged in the stove and furnace business in Duluth, Minnesota; and B. B., of Niles. Mr. Battles affiliates with the Republican party. He and the family are members of the Disciple Church, in which he has held the office of Deacon since 1877. CARROLL F. CLAPP, of the real. estate, insurance and brokerage firm of Clapp & Barnes, No. 10 Main street, Warren, Ohio, is one of the well-known business men of the city. This firm was established in 1881 by C. F. Clapp and H. J. 358 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Barnes. They first began in the real-estate business and later embodied insurance in their operations. Still later, both parties being connected with the banks of -Warren, they began a brokerage business. At first they did an extensive business in the West, running excursions to Texas, Kansas and other points, but recently they have confined themselves principally to this section of the country. They have handled many hundred thousand acres of land. They are the heaviest insurers in the city, on city property, and represent most of the leading European and American companies, such as the Aetna, Hartford, Liverpool & London, Globe, and Guardian. All together they represent about twenty different companies, the above named being among the most prominent. They do a heavy brokerage business, which, however, is confined to Trumbull county. They also do an abstract business- Both gentlemen have more than ordinary business ability and seem to be especially adapted for the business in which they are engaged. C. F. Clapp, the head of the above firm, has been located in Warren since the spring of 1875. He is a native of Ashtabula county, this State, born in 1847, son of Ichabod and Hannah (McIntosh) Clapp, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively. They are descended from some of the old families of the New England States, their ancestors having originated in England and Scotland. Ichabod Clapp and his wife are both deceased. He was born in 1810, and when a lad of about ten years came to the Western Reserve with his father, Jonathan Clapp, who settled in Windsor, Ashtabula county. There Jonathan Clapp died the following year. He was a farmer. He left 100 acres of timber land, which Ichabod, his only son, inherited and which he developed into a tine farm. Ichabod Clapp not only improved this land, but he also bought and improved other tracts, finally becoming the owner of about 1,000 acres. He and his wife had five children, as follows: Milos S.,superintendent of the Warren Paint Company; Jane M., wife of M. C. Skinner, Windsor, Ohio; Elverton J., a resident of Thompson, Ohio, and Representative to the State Legislature, having been elected in 1890, and re-elected in 1892; Carroll F., whose name heads this article; and DeEtte, wife of George K. Welch, Newcastle, Pennsylvania. The father of this family was one of the leading Republicans of this county, and he and his wife were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. C. F. Clapp spent his boyhood days on the farm, and received a common-school education. For a number of years he taught district school in Ashtabula county, his summers during this period being spent on the farm. He was thus occupied until 1875, when he came to Warren. The first two years of his residence in Warren he was engaged in a general collecting business, after which he turned his attention to dealing in real estate, and his operations were finally merged into his present business. In 1885 he became connected with the Second National Bank of Warren, since which time he has been one of-its directors, and since 1890 he has been vice-president of the institution. He is a stockholder in the Warren Paint Company and also in the Packard Electric Company, having been elected president of the latter company at its organization. He is also a stockholder in the Warren Savings Bank, which he helped to organize. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Old Erie Lodge, No. 3, of which he is Past Master; is a member of Mahoning Chapter; is Eminent OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 359 Commander of the Warren Commandery, No. 39, K. T.; and is Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. He is also a member of the Lake Erie Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Politically, he is a Republican, and is one of the most active workers in the ranks of his party. Mr. Clapp was married in 1891, to Miss Agusta J. Morgan, a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and a daughter of Dr. Hiram Morgan. They are among the leading society people of Warren. JOHN C. JONES, Mayor of Mineral Ridge, was born at Gillsfield, England, March 23, 1861, a son of John and Mary W. (Thomas) Jones, natives of Montgomeryshire, that country, the father born December 5, 1829, and the mother in October, 1839. In 1871, the family came to the United States, locating on a farm at Mineral Ridge, Trumbull county, Ohio, where the father was one of the leading farmers. He was a Deacon of the Congregational Church. His death occurred December 10, 1883, leaving a widow and nine children, seven now living: John C., our subject; Mary J., a graduate of the high school of this city; Charles W., an electrician at Niles; Sarah and Martha M., school-teachers by occupation; David E. and Nellie M. The deceased children were: Elizabeth, who was the wife of J. B. Whitman, and left one daughter, Sarah; and Richard T., who died at the age of twenty-one years. John C. Jones, the subject of this sketch, was reared to farm life, and received his education at the Mineral Ridge high school and the Clifton Academy. At his father's death he was appointed administrator of a large un settled business, but he preformed his part nobly in looking after the interests of his mother and younger brothers and sisters. He has made much valuable machinery, and has received a patent for a separating threshing-machine with a spikeless cylinder, and a barred concave, manufactured by W. A. Woods, which has proved a great success. He also has a patent harrow. In 1893, Mr. Jones was a candidate before the Republican convention for State Representative, and received a good support. he has served as a delegate to different conventions, is a good speaker on the platform, and is one of the leading men of his party in Trumbull county. He is an active member of the Agricultural Society and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. WILLIAM F. THOMAS, a contractor Jand builder of Niles, and a member of the City Council, was born at Penclawdel near Sercea, Glamorganshire, Wales, April 14, 1844, a son of William and Anne (Williams) Thomas, natives also of that place, and members of old and honored families of that locality. The father was accidentally killed at the age of forty-nine years, and the mother died at the age of thirty-five. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife a member of the Episcopalian Church. The father was a son of Griffith Thomas, of Calreithin farm. He was a prominent farmer and butcher, and was not known to miss a day at the market for fifty years. He had thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters. At one time fifty of the Thomas family met at dinner on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas had five children. 360 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY William F. Thomas, the only one of the above family in the United States, came to Niles, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1870, having learned the carpenter's trade in Wales. Afterward he spent four months with relatives in Kansas, and then returned to this city. He has erected many of the large residences and business blocks here, among them being the Reeves block, the public-school buildings, at East and West Niles, the Bouden, Leitch and Reeves blocks, and in 1890 he built the City Hall and the Presbyterian church. Mr. Thomas employs from ten to twelve men, and is considered the most reliable contractor in the city. He was one of the active men in getting the electric light and water works for the city. He owns three good residences and other property. He was married at the age of twenty-four years, January 10, 1868, to Frances Hooper Adams, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Hooper) Adams. To this union has been born four children: Anne E., Helena, Willie R. and Frank H. ,The eldest is a graduate in music, and is now the wife of T. H. Davis, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In political matters, Mr. Thomas is a staunch Republican, and is serving as a member of the City Council for his fifth term. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic order, blue lodge No. 385, and of the I. 0. 0. F., No. 436. Mrs. Thomas is a member of the Episcopal Church. HENRY HARTZELL, of the firm of 1 Hartzell & McNeish, Girard, Ohio, is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. He was born May 6, 1855, son of Aaron and Helen (Lain bert) Herzog (as it is called in Germany). Both his parents are still living. Until he was fourteen his boyhood days were spent in attending school. At the age of fifteen he entered a dry-goods store, in which he was employed until he was eighteen. He then came to America, at once directing his course toward Girard, where he had two brothers engaged in business. He has since been a resident of Girard, with the exception of two years spent in Youngstown, where they had a store. In 1882 he entered into partnership with his brothers in Girard. Previous to this, in 1879, he became a member of the firm of Hartzell Brothers & Wolf, engaged in the mercantile trade at Youngstown. When Mr. Hartzell came to this country he began with nothing, working for his clothes and board and a small salary the first year. Soon his salary was increased, and he saved his earnings until he was able to become a member of the firm. He is now one of the most prosperous merchants of this section of Ohio. Henry Hartzell was married October 31, 1888, to Miss Jennie Schaffner, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, and a daughter of Abraham Schaffner. Their only child is named Leo. They are members of Rodef Sholem Congregation, Youngstown, Ohio. He is also identified with Friendship Lodge, No. 65, K. of P., with the I. 0. B. B., a Jewish organization of Youngstown, and also with the National Union. The Hartzell brothers above alluded to came from Germany to America during the latter part of the '60s, coming here to enter the employ of their uncles, Hartzell and Lambert, of Girard, at that time the leading general merchants in the Mahoning valley. They began work as delivering clerks, worked their way up in the store and saved their earnings, and in 1871 bought out the establishment, which they still partly own. In 1883 they opened a store in Briar Hill, con- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 361 ducting the business under the firm name of Hartzell & Co. In 1890 they came to Youngstown and opened out in business under the firm name of Hartzell Brothers & Co. At Girard they do business under the name of Hartzell & McNeish. The " Co." in the Youngstown business is represented by M. U. Guggenheim, and the names of the Hartzell brothers are Emanuel, Isaac and Henry. Emanuel Hartzell has charge of the business at Brier Hill; Henry, as above stated, is at Girard, and Isaac and Mr. Guggenheim are located at Youngstown. Aside from the business above referred to, Messrs. E. and I. Hartzell are the owners of a large amount of real estate in the towns where their stores are located. They also own considerable bank and other manufacturing stock. These gentlemen are ranked with the leading business men of eastern Ohio. JAMES J. WINANS, a prominent farmer and sawmill man of Mecca township, Trumbull county, has been identified with the interests of northeastern Ohio all his life. J. J. Winans was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, February 12, 1838, son of Jacob J. Winans, a native of New Jersey, and a veteran of the war of 1812, and a grandson of James Winans, a Revolutionary soldier. James Winans and his wife had four sons and three daughters, the names of the former being Isaac, Henry, Jacob J. and James. Three of these sons were ministers, and it is a fact worthy of note that Rev. Isaac Winans made the first Abolition speech that was ever delivered in Ohio. He was one of the most prominent pioneer preachers in this State, and died here, at the age of eighty- eight years. Jacob J. Winans married Elizabeth McAdams. He died in Milton, Ohio, in 1839, aged forty-six years. He left a widow and seven children. Those of this number who are now living are Sarah Thatcher, Oscar, Jane Bemen, and James J. The mother of these children died in 1882. J. J. Winans was reared to farm life, and was educated at Poland, Ohio. When the, Civil war came on he enlisted, October 18, 1861, in Company E, Second Ohio Cavalry, and served under General Custer until the close of that sanguinary struggle. Mr. Winans had a horse shot from under him at the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864, where he received severe injury, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. He entered the service as a private, was in many prominent engagements, was at the surrender at Appomattox and at the grand review at Washington, and when he was honorably discharged at the close of the war it was with the rank of Corporal. The war over, Mr. Winans returned to Trumbull county, and has since been engaged in farming and sawmilling here.. He owns two farms, the total acreage of which is 343 acres. Both farms are well improved with good houses, barns, etc. He is an excellent judge of timber, does his own buying, and for years has carried on an extensive bnsiness at the mill. Last year his milling business amounted to $8,000. In March, 1861, Mr. Winans married Miss Lovira Huntly, who was born and raised in Bristol, Trumbull county, daughter of Calvin and Julia (Fairchild) Huntly. Her father, now at the age of eighty years, is a resident of Warren, Ohio. Her mother died in February, 1892, aged seventy-six. They had thirteen children, eleven of whom are now living. Calvin Huntly and four of his sons 362 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY were in the Civil war, he being a member of the Sixth Ohio Cavalry. Abel Huntly, who served on a gunboat, died during the war at Vicksburg. George and Leigh were in the same regiment with their father, and Scott was a member of the Twenty-third Ohio Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Winans have had eleven children, of whom five sons and four daughters are still living, their names being Sidney, Lone Armstrong, William, Nelson, Bird V., Vernie, Julia, Maud and Tod. James, a railroad employe, was killed in an accident at the age of twenty-two years. Mabel died in infancy. Mr. Winans affiliates with the. Republican party, and is a member of Brook Post, No. 2, G. A. R. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Cortland, Ohio. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Winans is a man in the prime of life, and his many genial qualities make him a general favorite with all that know him. HON. EDMUND A. REED, of Vernon, Ohio, was born in Granby, Hartford county, Connecticut, September 27, 1821. His parents, Allen and Sylva (Haynes) Reed, were born in Connecticut, and his father was a merchant in his native town, Granby. They had five children, namely: Chester, born August 23, 1815, died in Vernon, Ohio, April 19, 1893; Mary Ann, born in 1811, became the wife of Sullivan Allen, and died in Iowa, January 21, 1889; Harriet, wife of Judson J. Barnes, died in Gustavus, Ohio, in 1854; Edmund A., the subject of this sketch; and Charles H., born in 1823, is now a resident of Vernon, Ohio. The Reed family took up their abode in Vernon, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1830, the father having died in Connecticut. After his death the mother was left with her family of little children in indigent circumstances. With that heroism so characteristic of many of our pioneer women she went to work to support her family. As soon as they were old enough they began to depend upon their own resources, and to their individual efforts and the kind care and Christian training of their mother is due the success they attained. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. She lived to see her children occpy honored and useful positions in life, and in 1881, at an advanced age, quietly passed away. Mr. Reed's early educational advantages were limited to the district and select schools of Vernon. By the time he had reached his majority he had acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach, and for four winters he was engaged in teaching, spending his summers working on the farm. In connection with his farming and school-teaching, he was also for some time engaged in speculating in cattle. Mr. Reed has always been a radical Republican and has served his party faithfully. In 1877 his ability and services were recognized by his election to the Sixty-third Assembly, and also to the Sixty-fourth. In 1889 he was elected from the Twenty-third Senatorial District to the State Senate of Ohio. While he was a member of this honorable body he gained the repntation of being a careful legislator, reflecting credit on himself and also on his constituency. During his first term in the Assembly he secured the passage of a bill by which the State line between Ohio and Pennsylvania was resurveyed. Preceding this Mr. Reed held several township offices. For twenty-one years he was a Justice of the Peace, being first elected in OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 363 1857. In 1866 he was elected County Commissioner, and served two terms. Mr. Reed has been a careful student of political economy all his life, is a man of general information and broad and progressive views. He was married in 1848, to Eliza M. Smith, a granddaughter of the original settler in honor of whom Vernon was named. Her father,Havilah Smith, died in Vernon, on the farm on which he was born. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have had three children: Harriet E., born March 6, 1850, married A. T. Gilmore, a farmer of Burgh Hill, this county; Allen, born January 2, 1852, died in his twenty-first year; and Charles E., born in 1855, resides at the old Smith homestead. ROBERT B. VAN FOSSEN, the eloquent young clergyman now in charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Greensburg, is a man who has won the hearts of all with whom he is brought in contact, not only by means of his oratorical powers, but also, and more especially, by that expression of a fellow feeling in the sorrows of others which is of more benefit to the receiver than any amount of material assistance. Mr. Van Fossen was born in Belmont county, Ohio, February 6, 1859, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Perkins) Van Fossen, natives of Ohio, the former having been born April 1, 1818, and the latter, March 14, 1817, and both now reside in Belmont county, upon a farm. Mr. Van Fossen, Sr., is a highly respected farmer and citizen of his township and county, and is the owner of one of the very productive farms in that section of country. A Democrat in politics, he is strong in his adherence to party principles, his chief characteristic being high regard for honesty, justice and truth. His wife is a devout member of the Methodist Church, and carries the principles of her religion into her daily life, being a most faithful wife and mother. The family is of Dutch descent, the founders of this branch having emigrated from Holland to Pennsylvania in the early history of the country. Our subject is the fourth in a family of nine children, eight of whom now survive, the others being: Eliza, who died in infancy; William, who resides in Belmont county; Lydia M. Cash, who also resides in Belmont county; Elizabeth A. Day, who resides in Nebraska; Flora Smith, who resides in Kansas; John, who resides in Harrison county; David and Francis M., who reside with their parents. Dividing his time between the farm and the schoolhouse, our subject in early youth managed to obtain a sufficient amount of schooling to enable hin to enter Lebanon University, and later Scio College, after which he was placed upon the Hampden circuit in Geauga county for one year. His next charge was in Lower Salem, Washington county, where he remained one year, and was then transferred to Masterton, Monroe county, and after remaining two years was placed in charge of the church at Greensburg, where he still remains. Mr. Van Fossen was married, November 13, 1888, to Miss Lizzie R. Dobbs, a daughter of Alonzo and Annie Hobbs, of Belmont county, where they now reside. By this marriage two children have been born,—Wesley Fairbanks and Grace Victoria. The first named was born in Montville, Geauga connty, August 21, 1889, and died March 28, 1893, his death being caused by a fall into a cistern. The little one was a very bright child and was able to quote various passages of Scrip- 364 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ture as readily as his father, it being a practice with the latter to teach him the "golden text," which his retentive memory enabled him to retain, and he was looked upon as a very bright and promising child; and his loss is felt throughout the entire community. The little daughter, born February 4, 1891, is a bright and lovable child, and her pretty prattle cheers the parents in their sad bereavement Mrs. Van Fossen is a devoted wife and mother and an active worker in the church. She belongs to both home and foreign missionary societies .and in every connection of life she has proven herself a sympathetic friend and neighbor as well as an earnest Christian. For the last two years our subject has voted with the moral reform movement, although prior to that he was a Republican. The influence for good exercised by Mr. and Mrs. Van Fossen can not be too highly estimated, and they enjoy the full confidence and esteem of the entire community in which they are such important factors in moral advancement of the people. CHARLES B. OSGOOD.—For the past two years, Charles B. Osgood, the pastor of the Christian Church of Greensburg, has labored among the people of this town, spreading abroad the doctrine of salvation. He was born in Allegan, Michigan, October 27, 1866, a son of James and Julia (Peck) Osgood, natives of Portage county, Ohio, who removed to Michigan in 1865. The father of our subject now resides in Maynard, Iowa, where he is filling a township office, the mother having died about fourteen years ago, after bearing her husband four children, three of which are still living, of whom our subject is the eldest. The second son, William, is now studying medicine at Hiram, while Elliott, who is preparing for the life- of a missionary, is in the junior class at this institution of learning, and has already gained a local reputation as a preacher. After passing through the common district schools of his section of country, our subject spent one year at the Ohio Wesleyan University and three years at Hiram, where he pursued a literary as well as a theological course, being adjudged competent to preach in 1888. He first was stationed at Diamond, where he made fifty additions to the church, and then at Kent, where for six months he was quite successful, and was then sent to Greensburg, where he has since remained. Since coming here he has made 175 conversions, and his work has been greatly blessed, he being considered one of the best evangelists in the country. At a recent meeting held at Orwell the greatest harmony prevailed and the results were such as to satisfy the most enthusiastic. The library of Mr. Osgood is well selected, and here he spends much of his time as possible, studying his books and gleaning from them precious facts and thoughts which he embodies in his stirring discourses. Being an extensive reader he is interested in the events of the day in politics and church, and is a subscriber to several missionary periodicals. Since attaining his majority he has voted the Prohibition ticket, and is greatly interested in all the measures of that party. The marriage of Mr. Osgood occurred March 28, 1893, when he was united to Miss Cordelia Coit, daughter of Samuel and Mary Coit, of Mantua, Ohio, where the former is engaged in farming. Mrs. Osgood supplemented her common-school course by several terms of study at Hiram, and intends to continue the study of art at Hiram, she being OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 365 an artist of considerable ability, and having made some studies from nature which display high order of talent. Mr. Osgood and his most estimable wife are greatly beloved by the people of their congregation, and their influence for good throughout the community cannot be overestimated. Earnest in all he undertakes, and possessing rare powers of exhortation, Mr. Osgood can bring home to people a sense of their own shortcomings as few preachers can, and his work cannot fail of results. WILLIAM IRWIN is a pioneer of the town of Mecca, Ohio, and is the oldest and one of the most prominent citizens of Trumbull county. More than a passing mention should therefore be made of him on the pages of this volume. William Irwin was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 29, 1809, son of Ambrose Irwin, who was born in Ireland, in 1781, and was reared and married there, the lady of his choice being Anna Thompson, also a native of the Emerald Isle. Ambrose and Anna Irwin had one child born in Ireland, and him they named Thomas. Soon afterward the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Maryland, whence they subsequently removed to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. After a twelve years' residence at that place they moved out to Ohio and first settled in Columbiana county. In 1834 they came to Trumbull county and established their home in the woods in Mecca township. That was before there were any roads in this section of the country. Here they built a log cabin and in a humble way began the work of improving a farm and making a home; and here Ambrose Irwin - 25 - and his wife lived for many years and reared a large fam Hy. The latchstring of their cabin door always hung out; a cordial welcome was extended alike to friend and stranger, and the genial hospitality of the Irwin home was well known far and near. Their family was composed of nine sons and two daughters, namely: Thomas, Sarah, William, John, Ambrose, Wesley, James, Thompson, Jere, miah, Stephen, and Mary Ann. The mother departed this life in 1852, aged seventy-two years. After her death the father lived in Vernon township for four years, but returned to Mecca and spent his last days here, dying at the home of his son Jeremiah. This large family all reached adult years, the youngest, Thomas, being twenty-eight at the time of his death. Ambrose rrwin, Sr., was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a zealous and active worker in the vineyard of his Master. All who knew him respected him for his sterling character. Politically, he was a Republican. William Irwin was thirteen years old when his parents moved to Columbiana county, Ohio. His education was limited, as at that early age he began working out by alp month. For nine years he gave his wages to his parents. He continued working out by the month for seven years longer, carefully saving his earnings and investing the same in 100 acres of land that joined his father's farm in Mecca. This land was all covered with heavy timber, and as soon as he could make a little clearing he erected a cabin. Here he settled down in life in a humble way, having chosen for his partner Miss Marilla Sillamon, whom he wedded at Youngstown, Ohio, December 7, 1836. She was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, daughter of Elijah and Barbara Sillamon, natives of New England. By industry and good manage- 366 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY anent Mr. and Mrs. Irwin's efforts to improve and cultivate their farm and make a comfortable home were crowned with success. They kept a large dairy and everything they undertook seemed to prosper in their hands. As the years passed by they were enabled to purchase additional land and increase their farm to 297 acres. They improved the whole tract, and in time their primitive buildings gave way to modern and commodious ones. Of their children we make the following record: Elizabeth, who was for many years a popular and successful teacher, is now the wife of Samuel Stover, of Bristol, this county, and has one daughter, Emma; Angeline, wife of William Little, of Greene township, this county has four children: Jerry, Lucy, Walter and Gertie; Lucy Ann, wife of Jason Case, also of Greene township, has three children: Dora, Edie and Clinton; John W., of Mecca township, owns and occupies the old, original farm, a tract of land- comprising 147 acres. He was married May 9, 1872, to Miss Victoria Caldwell, and has two children,—Nellie and Guy. He is one of the prominent men of this place; is identified with the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge No. 707; in politics, affiliates with the Republican party. Clinton Irwin, the next in order of birth in the family of William Irwin, is also a resident of this township, and he, too, owns 147 acres of land, his farm being located just south of that owned by his brother J. W. He was married March 25, 1875, to Miss Sarah Owens. Fletcher, the next son, has a fine farm of 118 acres, located south of the farm just referred to. His modern residence was recently erected, at a cost of $1,500. Like his brothers, he occupies a place among the leading men of the vicinity. He is at present serving as Township Trnstee, and is an active member, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. December 9, 1875, he married Ella Thompson, their three children being Clare, Charlie Roy and William. After fifty-two years of happy married life, William Irwin was bereaved by the loss of his loving companion, who departed this life January 23, 1892. She was a woman whose lovely Christian character won the admiration of all who knew her. She was for many years an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Irwin has been a Trusetee and Steward of the Church for nearly a score of years, and ever since he first established his home in the cabin in the woods his house has been headquarters for the Methodist preachers. Politically, Mr. Irwin was first a Democrat, but has been identified with the Republican party ever since Fremont was a candidate for the presidency. Few families in Trumbull county, or, indeed, in eastern Ohio, are more highly respected than the family of William Irwin. HON. HENRY BISHOP PERKINS.-The biography of a worthy citizen is not only valuable as a means of preserving the record of his life and family history, but also as an example and educator for the present and futuregenerations.. This is eminently applicable to the men whose name is placed at the head of this memoir. Mr. Perkins was born at Warren, Ohio, March 19, 1824, where his life has beenuninterruptedlyy passed. He attended the local schools until the age of twenty, when, owing to his father's death, in November, 1844, there fell upon him the management of his portion of the estate. From early manhood, Mr. Perkins has looked after large and varied OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 367 interests and has manifested a spirit of public enterprise, and on assuming control of his own property, he was at once drawn into public affairs and public favor. His life is a series of public-spirited and beneficent acts in the interest of all that is best in human life. He has always manifested a warm friendship for education, and when the graded school system was introduced at Warren, he accepted a position on the School Board and labored faithfully and efficiently in that cause for several years. He co-operated with his brothers in endowing a professorship in the Western Reserve College, and in other ways has manifested his interest in the cause of education. Inheriting a large estate, Mr. Perkins has necessarily given much personal attention to the same. Although largely interested in various enterprises in connection with his property, he has given much time to his favorite pursuit, that of agriculture, in which direction his tastes tend and to which he has devoted much attention. He served two terms as president of the Trumbull County Agricultural Society, and has twice served on the State Board of Agriculture. He became a trustee of the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College when that institution was established, in which capacity he did able service, and to which position he was subsequently appointed by Governor Foraker. Aside from these interests, Mr. Perkins was a stockholder and director in the old Cleveland & Mahoning Railroad Company. In 1852, he became a director in the Western Reserve Bank, and on the organization of the First National Bank, of. Warren, July, 1863, he was chosen president of that institution, in which capacity he has ever since efficiently, acted, contributing by his known high standard of business integrity and financial ability to the prosperity of that institution. In 1861, he was appointed by Secretary Chase agent for the sale of the first national loan. In 1878, he was appointed by the governor of Ohio as one of three persons to serve with a similar commission from Pennsylvania, to re-establish the boundary line between Ohio and the Keystone State. Mr. Perkins was elected by the Republican party in 1879 to represent the Twenty-third Senatorial District in the General Assembly, of Ohio, and re-elected in 1881. His legislative career was marked by business-like ability and a high sense of justice most refreshing to look upon in this day of superficiality. In 1888, he was Republican Elector for Harrison, and it gave him much pleasure to cast his vote for his father's distinguished friend's grandson. He is now trustee of the Cleveland insane asylum, having been appointed by Governor McKinley. Though active in the political affairs of the country, and taking a deep interest in the success of the principles of the Republican party, Mr. Perkins has never sought office. He inherited the principles of the Whig party, and upon the organization of the Republican party he became one of its leading and zealous advocates. October 10, 1855, Mr. Perkins married Eliza G. Baldwin, a lady of estimable worth of character, and daughter of Norman C. and Mary H. (Palmer) Baldwin, he a prominent, citizen of Cleveland. Four children were born to this union: Mary B.; Alice D., now the wife of Samuel W. Smith, Jr., of Cincinnati; Jacob and Henry Bishop. Mr. Perkins' residence is on the old homestead of his father, and is probably the finest in Warren, and he is noted for his generous hospitality. Mr. Perkins and his family are active members of the Presbyterian Church, to the aid of which he generously contributes. Indeed, there are 368 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY few enterprises in his vicinity which have not felt the enlivening touch of his energy and liberality. His life has been marked by kindness, benevolence and charity. He has been essentially a domestic man, ever a devoted husband and an indulgent, affectionate father. Mr. Perkins' influence has been potential in the growth and development of his native city, and during his long and active life there has been nothing to mar its bright record. Few now; indeed) have lived so long in a community and held intact its esteem and confidence. He has been true to every duty devolved upon him,—true to the illustrious name he bears, and true to the State. The value of such men to a community is beyond calculation; it is such men who make life brighter and the world fairer to look upon; it is such men who build up cities, give tone to society, advance civilization, and glorify our nation. CHARLES R. MAYERS, cashier of the First National Bank, Niles, Ohio, is one of the Most popular and progressive business men of the State, and has attained an enviable reputation as a financier of sound judgment and superior ability. He was born at Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, March 23, 1859, and in his youth received a thorough education in those branches of practical use in the commercial world; he also completed the scientific course of one of the leading educational institutions of Ohio. His vacations were spent either in his father's mercantile house or in his bank, where he had the advantage of training under men of the widest experience. When his college course was completed he entered his father's bank at Millersburg as cashier, and remained there until he came to Niles. Here he organized the First National Bank, of which he is cashier, the capital stock being $50,000, of which he owns $40,000. No bank had ever succeeded at this point; more than once the attempt had been made, but suspension was invariably forced, and it was left to Mr. Mayers to demonstrate the fact that a bank in Niles could succeed. In a recent circular sent out to stockholders of the First National of Niles, a most favorable showing is made. Not a cent of interest or principal has been lost by this institution, and Mr. Mayers has attained a high standing as a conservative banker. Bank Examiner Ford says: " This bank pays the largest dividends and has as good a selection of papers and other securities as any bank in the State." Reviewing the ancestry of this clever financier, it is learned that his father, Louis Mayers, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, born in 1811. In 1840 he left the fatherland and crossed the sea to the New World; he located in Holmes county, Ohio, and with a small capital and limited experience in commercial affairs embarked in mercantile trade; by close application and strictly fair dealing he won a good patronage, and began to accumulate a little surplus. In time he took the position of leading merchant, which he .held as long as he conducted business. In his old age he turned over to his sons the establishment he .had built up by years of in- dustry, but, preferring some activity he founded the Exchange Bank, with his son, Charles R., as cashier. He was a man of genial disposition, winning many friends whom he retained through life. His death occurred in August, 1883. He was married to Sarah, daughter of Anson and Rebecca (Cook) Wheaton; her maternal grandfather was an English officer and fought under Gen- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 369 eral Howe on the Brandywine. Sarah Mayers was born March 23, 1820, and died December 26, 1891; she was a woman of rare traits of character, possessing a great love for humanity and a deep sympathy for the sufferings of mankind. September 26, 1883, Charles R. Mayers was united in marriage to Libbie L., a daughter of A. and Percilla P. (Wade) Taylor, the former proprietor of one of the largest flouring mills in the State, and owner of mills in Toledo, Loudonville, Mount Vernon and Massillon. Mr. and Mrs. Mayers have one child, Urania B. Mr. Mayers is a member of the Masonic order, and he and his wife belong to the Christian Church. MARTIN BETTEKER is ranked with the successful and well-known men of Mecca township, Trumbull county, Ohio, and as one of the representative men of his township, we make biographical mention of him as follows: Martin Betteker was born in Germany, February 26, 1848, son of Godfrey and Rachel Betteker, both natives of Germany. The Betteker family emigrated to America when Martin was a -lad of six years, and located in Pennsylvania, first in Delaware township, in Mercer county.. From the latter county they removed to Mecca township, Trumbull county, Ohio. The mother died in 1877, and the father passed away ten years later. Godfrey Betteker was twice married, his wives having been sisters. Martin Betteker owns and occupies a fine farm of 109 acres, all well improved. He has a comfortable frame house and commodious barn, the latter built in 1886, being 37 x 48 feet in dimensions. He carries on general farming, raises considerable stock, and also keeps a dairy. Mr. Betteker was married October 6, 1878, to Mary J. Beman, who was born in the house in which they now live, daughter of Selby Beman, a prominent citizen of this township for many years. Selby Beman was born in Connecticut, son of Captain Bethuel Beman, also a pioneer of this county. Captain Be-man settled here in 1833, was largely interested in farming, and was for many years a popular and successful teacher. He died in Leon, Ohio, while on a visit to that place. Selby Beman married Mary Reed, who was born in Williamsfield township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, May 21, 1823, daughter of Deacon Ira Reed, a prominent citizen of Trumbull county, and Mary (Smith) Reed, his wife. She was reared on the farm on which Mr. Betteker now lives. Selby Beman died April 10, 1862, and his widow passed away May 29, 1886. They reared the following children: Sophia, born January 22, 1845, married Charles Bacon; resides in Hartford, Ohio; reared five children,—Lewis, Fred, Clara, Collins and Emma, who died at the age of nineteen years. Matthew Beman, born July 29, 1848, married Olive Curtis; he is a contractor and builder, and a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska. They reared three children,—Selby, Clara and Lena. Mary J. Beman was born April 24, 1851; married Martin Betteker, who still lives on the old homestead; has one child, Mary, born January 28, 1887. Bethuel was born June 26, 1853, and died at the age of twenty-one months. Clara was born May 11, 1856, and died October 1, 1887. Selby Beman carried on farming, and also was engaged in house-moving. He and his wife were members of the Congregational Church. Captain Bethuel Betnan, born 370 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY January 17, 1784, at Hartland, Connecticut, and his wife, nee Hannah Selby, was born April 14, 1789; was married January 1, 1811, and had nine children: Almerine, born December 6, 1811, married John Cowdry; had one child, John. Sophia, born October 3, 1813. married Jeremiah Selby ; lived in Cincinnati; had two children, one dead; Sophia lives in Philadelphia. Jenett was born November 4, 1815; married Dr. A. N. Read; had two children, Beman and Amelia. Selby was born May 3, 1819; married Mary Read, March 6, 1844; had five children. Hellen was born August 12, 1821; married George Liddle; lived in New York city; had two children; Jennie lives in Leon, Ohio; Hannah, at Mecca. Bethuel was born March 9, 1824; married Rhoda A. Powers; lived in Youngstown. Hannah A. was born May 28, 1826; married John Haughton ; reared three children, all of whom are deceased. Oscar F. Beman, born March 21, 1829, married Mary J. Winans; had three daughters, Altha, Hellen and Nora. Webster D., born November 28, 1835, married Jenett Dickson ; had one son, Harry; lived in Cortland, Ohio. All have passed away except two, Mrs. Hannah Haughton and Oscar F., both of Leon, Ashtabula county, Ohio. LEWIS DURST, one of the leading citizens of Trumbull county, Ohio, was k born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1826, son of William and Catherine (Reap) Durst, both of whom passed the closing years of their lives and died in Champion Ohio. His father died in 1860 at the age of seventy-six years; his mother, in 1870, aged eighty-five. They had a family of nine children, namely: Elizabeth, widow of Moses Sprinkle, of Ashtabula county, Ohio; Daniel, a resident of Cortland, Ohio; Mary, widow of P. Inman; Phoebe, deceased, was the wife of Andrew Reidesill; William, who died in Bazetta township, this county, in 1891; David, a resident of Champion, Ohio; Joseph, deceased; Lewis, whose name heads this article; and Catherine, wife of Jacob Bailey, of Rock Island, Illinois. It was about 1828 that the Durst family arrived in Champion township, Trumbull county Ohio, there being at that time only three township, near the site of the Infirmary, and on familes in the township. William Durst selected a location in the southern part of the 113 acres of land he set his stakes and established his home. This section of the country was then all covered with heavy timber, and the work of improving a farm here was no small undertaking. He went to work with a will, however, and, as the years rolled by, the forest gave way to well-cultivated fields, and his farm became one of the finest in the pioneer settlement. Here he spent the rest of his days, and here he died. He not only improved his farm, but he also came into possession of and developed other land; at the. time of his death being the owner of about 430 acres. He was eminently a self-made man, having come out to Ohio, bringing his family in a wagon, and having a capital of only $400. He was, all his life, prominently identified with the best interests of the community in which he lived. Politically he was a Democrat; religiously a Lutheran. Lewis Durst was two years old when his parents settled in Trumbull county. Here he was reared and educated. For several years he was engaged in sawmilling but for the past thirty years his energies have been devoted to general farming. His home farm comprises seventy-six and a half acres. He OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 371 has given several hundred acres to his children; the amount given to each being valued at $1,250. He located on this farm in 1862. For a number of years he gave special attention to the dairy business. Lewis Durst was married December 2, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Moyer, of Lords-town, Ohio, born in 1830, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Moyer. They have six children: Edward L., a resident of Champion township, this county; Charles W., a prominent physician, of St. Elmo, Illinois; William A., the proprietor of a meat market in Warren, Ohio; Allison L., engaged in farming and sawmilling in Champion township, this county; Carrie E., wife of Sherman Hardman, resides south of Newton Falls, Ohio; and Mamie, wife of B. Kincaid, baggage-master at Warren, Ohio. For forty-four years Mr. Durst has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is also a member. Politically, he is a Democrat. Edward L. Durst, son of the above-named gentleman, was born in the eastern part of Champion township, Trumbull county,. Ohio, February 27, 1851. He was reared to farm life, and was educated in the public schools, with a finishing course at West Farmington. For a number of years he has spent his summer months at farm work, and during the winter has taught school; altogether having taught twenty-four terms, in four districts. He owns fifty acres of land, located on the State road, in the western part of the township, this place being well improved with first-class buildings. He was married in Champion, January 1, 1873, to Miss Martha Templeton, daughter of William and Mariah (Shafer) Templeton, the date of her birth being September 13, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Durst have three children: Emerson E.; William S., and Bernice M. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his wife and two sons belong to the Disciple Church. Mr. Durst has filled the office of Township Assessor, having been elected to this position by the Democratic party. G. H. CRANAGE, one of the highly respected citizens of Champion township, Trumbull county Ohio, was born in Warren, this State, March 10, 1852, son of Benjamin and Eliza (Caldwell) Cranage, residents of Warren. He was reared and educated in his native town, and there learned the shoe business, in which he was engaged for about twelve years, in company with his father. He then came to his present location in the northwest part of Champion township, where he has a farm of 123 acres, sixty-five acres of which extend over into Bristol township. Here he carries on general farming and also runs a dairy. G. H. Cranage was married September 18, 1880, to Miss Ella Anderson, daughter of John and Catherine (Hyde) Anderson, and they have two children; Hazel I. and George B. Mrs. Cranage is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John Anderson, the father of Mrs. Cranage, died June 9, 1885. He was born in county Antrim, Ireland, March 5, 1817, and was married November 14, 1844, to Catherine Hyde, a native of Montgomery county, New York, who was born November 19, 1817, and died October 9, 1886. Mr. Anderson left his native land when he was about twenty years of age, and his marriage, just referred to, occurred in Farmington, Ohio, his wife having come to Trumbull county,. 372 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Ohio, with her parents in 1818, she being then less than a year old. Mr. Anderson, and his wife, were both devoted Christians. He succeeded in clearing up a fine farm here, and in his various undertakings was successful. Of their children we record that Oliver is a resident of Champion township, this county; Ira is deceased; Clinton died in early childhood; Lida and Ella, twins, are both married and settled in life, Lida being the wife of R. L. McFeitrich, of West Farmington, this county, and Ella being the wife of Mr. Cranage, of Champion; Mary is deceased. Of Mr. Anderson, it should be further stated, that he was the youngest of a family of four children, and was the first of that number to seek a home in America, the others following and becoming prosperous and happy in this land of the free. HORACE P. BASSETT, formerly proprietor of one of the leading livery stables in Warren, Ohio, is a native of Portage county, this State, born June 17, 1838. William and Eloise (Welton) Bassett, the parents of H. P., were natives of Connecticut. William Bassett drove an ox team from Connecticut to Ohio as early as 1817, and settled on a tract of wild land. Here he cut away the forest and developed a farm of 266 acres, and on this farm he passed the rest of his life, and died at the age of eight-five years. He was a prominent man in this county, and for some time served as Captain of militia. He was in the war of 1812, having entered the eervice when he was sixteen years old. The Bassett family are descended from an old English family that settled in New England at an early day. William Bassett was a prominent member of the Free-soil party, and he also took considerable interest in the educational affairs of his day. He was a man of great prowess, was a great wrestler, and was known all over the country for his remarkable physique. His wife died at the age of eighty-seven years. She was a member of the Episcopal Church. Of their four children we make record as. follows: William, a farmer near Kent, Ohio, was for many years a railroad conductor, and is now prominently identified with local affairs; Harriet, deceased ; Edward W., a railroad conductor for many years, was employed as express messenger at the time of his death, which occurred at Kent in 1887; and Horace P., with whose name we begin this sketch. Horace P. Bassett remained on his father's farm until he was twenty years old, receiving his education in the public schools and at Hiram College. At the, age of twenty he accepted a position with Harris, Hanford & Co-, dealers in blank, books, papers, etc., and for two years was employed as their traveling salesman. In 1860 he came to Warren, and was soon afterward employed as traveling salesman for James B. Dunlap, grocer, in whose employ he remained three years. He was then employed by another grocery. firm, Anderson & Rupps, with whom he continued until 1864. That year he engaged in the livery business, succeeding A. S. Robins, which business he continued up to May, 1898. In 1873, he combined undertaking with his livery business, and carried on both until January, 1893, when he sold the undertaking department to Taylor & Pierce. Mr. Bassett is an authority on horses, his opinion frequently being sought and always valued. He owns a fine stallion, known far and near as " Black Allie." OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 373 Mr. Bassett also devotes considerable time to looking after his farm, in Portage county, of 340 acres. He and his brother William own the old home place. He is also interested somewhat in the life-insurance business, representing the United States Life Insurance Company. Politically, Mr. Bassett is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Erie lodge, No. 3; I. O. O. F., No. 29; K. of P., No. 90; and American Mechanics, No. 4. He is Past Grand in the I. O. O. F. and Past Chancellor of the K. of P. Mr. Bassett was married in 1860, to Miss Justine L., daughter of Washington Brewster, a native of Summit counfy, Ohio. They have had four children, three of whom are living: Jennie B., Charles H. and Helen J. William is deceased. Jennie B. is the wife of E. W. Christy of Cleveland, Ohio, manager of the United States Life Insurance Company. HON. WILLIAM T. FEE, Mayor of Warren, Ohio, was born in Trumbull county, this State, May 6, 1854, son of Dr. William M. and Mary (Barnheisle) Fee. Mr. Fee's maternal ancestors came from Pennsylvania to Ohio about the year 1812 and settled near Girard, where his mother was born. Her father, Martin Barnheisle, was a farmer and one of the leading men in the southern part of Trumbull county. He died and is buried at Girard. His father, Henry Barnheisle, a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania, is also buried at Girard. Martin Barnheisle had one son and four daughters. This son, George, a soldier in the Rebellion, was killed at Missionary Ridge, while his son Martin, a lad of seventeen years, died from the effects of a wound received in the second battle of Bull Run. The boy was shot in the leg, lay on the battle-field nine days, was then taken by the Rebels, and after a second amputation he finally died. The name of Barnheisle has become extinct in this part of Ohio. Dr. William M. Fee, the father of our subject, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1822, a son of John Fee. John Fee was born in Ireland in 1788, and came alone to America in 1818. Soon afterward, however, his father having died, his mother converted all her possessions into a stock of goods which she started to bring to this country in order to establish her son in business here. She also brought her other children with her. The vessel in which she sailed was wrecked and all her possessions were lost. She and her children, however, were saved, as were the crew and other passengers, they being picked up by an English vessel and carried to Quebec. She and her children settled there and from them descended a large family of Fees. John Fee located at Niles, Ohio, about 1840, coming hither from Mercer county, Pennsylvania. He is a remote descendant of the French Huguenots. His wife, nee Eliza Smith, was a granddaughter of Thomas Nelson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. She was a native of Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania. They had one daughter and three sons. The daughter married and settled in St. Paul, Minnesota. Wesley, the eldest son, locafed in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he died, leaving one son. David Fee went to California in 1849, was for many years general engineer for the Pacific Steamship Company, became wealthy, and is now living retired at Victoria on Vancouver island, British Columbia. 374 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Dr. William M. Fee was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, as already stated, the date of his birth being 1822. His boyhood days were spent in attending school and clerking in a store, and in 1840 he came to Ohio with his parents. He began the study of medicine under the instructions of Dr. John Loy, attended lectures in Cleveland, and after completing his medical course entered upon the practice of his profession at Niles, where he remained until 1859. His failing health at that time necessitated a change of location and he removed to Franklin, Pennsylvania. In 1884 he went to Indian River, Florida, where he has since conducted a successful practice. He was married in Girard, Ohio, and he and his wife reared a family of five children: Frank H., a hardware merchant in Florida; Emma, wife of J. P. Dutton, Wolcott, New York; William T., whose name heads this article; Nellie, wife of C. P. Leitch, of Fort Grant, Arizona, died in 1892; and Addison S., an orange-grower of Florida. William T. Fee was reared in Ohio and Pennsylvania, receiving excellent educational advantages from the public schools of these States and at Oberlin College. He was graduated at La Fayette College with the class of 1876. Then he went to Germany and spent some time in the University at Gottingen, and traveled extensively over the continent, returning to America in 1878. While in college Mr. Fee gave special attention to oratory, on several occasions carrying off the prize. Upon his return to America he began reading law in the office of Hon. Brossius, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. That winter he came back to Niles, and the following spring, 1879, he was admitted to the bar at Warren and formed a partnership with Attorney Calhoun. In the spring of 1880 he was elected City Solicitor of Niles. In 1881 he came to Warren, where he again joined Mr. Calhoun, who had come here the previous year. They practiced together until March, 1885, when Mr. Calhoun went West and Mr. Fee continued alone. In 1891, be was elected Mayor, to which office he was reelected in 1893. He is now serving his second term in that office. Mayor Fee has made an efficient officer, carefully guarding the interests of the city and the people, with with whom he is very popular. He is a man of pleasing address, generous in disposition and true in his friendships. He is a stanch Republican; is Past Chancelor of the K. of P. Lodge, No. 90; a member of Old Erie Lodge, and the present Senior Warden of Ma-honing Chapter, No. 66, and Warren Commandery, No. 39, and is also a member of the Senior and Junior Orders of American Mechanics. Mr. Fee was married March 1, 1882, to Miss Margaret D. Semple, a native of Easton, Pennsylvania: They have two sons,—Warren II. and Clarence E. The Fee family attend the Presbyterian Church. F. B. MINER, M. D., is one of the promising young physicians and surgeons of Warren, Ohio. He has but recently entered upon his professional career, and with his natural ability, his education, and his special adaptability for the profession he has chosen, he starts out with bright prospects. Dr. Miner was born in Vienna, Trumbull county, Ohio, January 28, 1865, and was reared in Warren, receiving a high-school education at this place. He then entered