OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 625 suits, on his farm of sixty-three acres. He died about 1883. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church, and were noted. for their piety. Politically, he was a Democrat. William Rupright was married in 1859, to Miss Mary Hamman, and they have three children : George J., John William A. and Susan E. George married a Miss Neff, and is also a resident of Austintown township. Like his father before him, the subject of our sketch gives his support to the Democratic party, and he and his wife worship the Lutheran Church, of which they are consistent members. Grandfather Rupright was a soldier in the war of 1812, and during the late rebellion William Rupright made an honorable war record, rendering efficient service in the Union army. J. A. CREED, one of the wealthy farmers of Coitsville township, Mahoning county, Ohio, has a beautiful rural home located on the road that leads to Youngstown. Of Mr. Creed's life and parentage we present the following facts: J. A. Creed was born in England, in August 12, 1842, a son of William and Harriet (Ames) Creed. His parents had a family of nine children, whose names are Sarah, J. A., Elizabeth, Mary, Thomas, William, Henry, Ella, and Harriet. The family emigrated to America in 1848, when the subject of our sketch was six years old, and in Mahoning county, Ohio, they established their home. His father was engaged in the hotel business in England, but after coming to Ohio he turned his attention to the dairy business, in which he was quite successful. Previous to his locating in this country, he had been here as a soldier in the war of 1812. He and his wife were members of the Episcopal Church, and were liberal supporters of the same. She was born in England, in 1816, and is still living. He died in 1881. J. A. Creed was married in 1866, to Caroline V ail,and they have seven children living and three deceased, who, in order of their births, are as follows: Susan H., Emma E., Lottie A., Anna, Edward W., Grace G., Charles J., Arthur, George A. and Flora M. Susan H. died in 1892, Grace G. in 1888, and Arthur in 1885. Mr. Creed has a farm of 150 acres, devoted to general farming and stock-raising. His residence is one of the finest in this section of the country, and the lawn surrounding it is dotted over with flowers and ornamental shrubbery, the whole forming a most delightful home. This farm was formerly owned by the Davis family. Mr. Creed has given especial attention to the raising of fine cattle. In addition to this farm, he also owns business property in Youngstown, he being the owner of the store room occupied by John Lustig. Politically, Mr. Creed is a Republican, and in all the issues of the day he takes an active interest. He has served two terms as Township Trustee. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially, politically and financially, he is ranked with the leading men of the county. CONRAD F. BRENNER, one of the well-known and popular citizens of Youngstown, was born in Fairfield township, Columbiana county, Ohio, May 23, 1858, a son of Conrad M. and Catherine (Siegle) Brenner. The father was born in 626 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Baden, Germany, and came to the United States in 1852. In 1855 he was married at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to Catherine Siegle, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, but who came to America in 1853, at the age of sixteen years. They had nine children. Mrs. Brenner now resides in Youngstown, where her husband died in 1875, aged fifty years. He received a splendid education, was a school-teacher in early life, and was familiarly known as Professor Brenner. He also manufactured an excellent barometer, and was a man of genius. In early life Conrad F. Brenner, our subject, left home to work for himself, and came to Youngstown, Ohio, where he attended the pnblic schools and Hull's Commercial and Business College, also gaining a good business education. He was ambitious to do well in life, and improved an opportunity by accepting employment with John Manning in the nursery business, where he remained five years. For the following three years he was employed in a cream and milk depot, and for the next year worked for William Edwards & Co., having been regarded as reliable and trustworthy by each of his employers, and each of his positions was in a line of promotion and importance. In 1881 Mr. Brenner first embarked in business for himself, opening a general merchandise store at Briar Hill, in company with Fred Weller. This partnership was discontinued four years later by Mr. Weller retiring. Mr. Brenner continued the business alone, which he established as a large and important one, until 1890, when he disposed of his store and became a real-estate and insurance dealer. He afterward gave up this occupation to enter the County Auditor's office.' Mr. Brenner has been a hard worker in the Democratic party, as well as a leader in campaigns, and a wise counselor in the deliberations of the leaders. In recognition of his party services and fitting ability for the position he was appointed Postmaster at Briar Hill, under President Cleveland. Mr. Brenner had been perhaps the most influential in securing the establishment of the Briar Hill post office in 1882. In 1890 he wa's his party's nominee for County Commissioner, and in the electicn ran ahead of his party vote, having been defeated by a very small majority of less than 100 votes. In 1892 he was made his party's nominee for County Auditor, and after a heated contest was elected by.over 1,000 majority, the county having always been known as substantially Republican. He entered that office in September, 1893. In every sense Mr. Brenner is a self-made man, having, by means of energy, pluck and well directed efforts, succeeded in business, and by his genial personality and by rendering aid to all worthy causes and enterprises has made himself a popular man. He is an active And influential member of the I. O. O. F., and of the order of K. of P. In 1880 our subject was united in marriage with Rebecca M. Bayer, an estimable woman. They have had seven children, five of whom still survive. A. J. WOOLF, who has long since gained an enviable reputation at the bar in Youngstown, was born in Berlin township, Mahoning county, Ohio, April 26, 1852, a son of Jacob Woolf, deceased. Our subject attended Hiram College in the year 1871, at which place he completed a commercial course, and in 1872 he entered Mount Union College, where he graduated in 1876; in the meantime be spent a part of a OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 627 year at the Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Woolf taught and attended school alternately, his teaching having been done in Mahoning county, with the exception of the fall and winter of 1873–'74, when he taught in Johnson county, Missouri. He prepared for the practice of law in Youngstown, under the direction of Van Hyning & Johnston, and C. R. Truesdale, Esq., and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio, June 4, 1878. For a number of years after locating in this city, Mr. Woolf served as a member of the Board of School Examiners for Mahoning county. He has always been an active worker for the Democratic party, both in the ranks and on the rostrum. As a speaker he is of great force and eloquence, and hence a power in politics as well as in other causes which he may champion. He has but once sought office,—in 1881, when he was defeated as the Democratic nominee for Prcbate Judge of Mahoning county, in a Republican community. Mr. Woolf was urged to accept the nomination for Congress in the fall of 1892, but, not wishing to neglect his large practice, he firmly refused. Socially, he is a Master Mason, a member of the K. of P., and a charter member of the order of Elks, at Youngstown, of which he was the second Past Exalted Ruler. DANIEL MOHERMAN, deceased, was born in Austintown, Mahoning county, Ohio, October 7, 1808, and was for many years identified with the interests of this place. He was a son of Fredrick and Mary Moherman, and one of a family of nine children. He owned 900 acres of land in this county, was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, and was a prominent factor. in the early development of this section of the country. He affiliated with the Democratic party and took quite an active part in political matters. He was liberal in his support of the gospel and all charitable causes, he and his wife being members of the Lutheran Church. Daniel Moherman was married, February 1, 1850, to Susan Miller, daughter of J. H. and Mary (Stitle) Miller, and they became the parents of seven children: Rachel, wife of William May; Sarah, wife of E. Crum; Jefferson, who married Ida Heintzleman; Maggie, wife of John Buck; Ettie, wife of Edgar Streber; Lydia; and John, who married Ada Crum. Mr. Moherman died July 28, 1892, leaving a widow and large family, besides many friends, to mourn his loss. Mrs. Moherman was born in Canfield, Ohio, October 4, 1819, and is still living. JOHN F. MOHERMAN, one of the enterprising young farmers of Austintown township, Mahoning county, Ohio, was born in Austintown, January 26, 1864, a member of a prominent and highly respected family. He was reared to farm life, and was educated in the Girard high school. Mr. Moherman was married, March 21; 1889, in this township, to Miss Ada Crum, daughter of Nick Crum. Mr. Crum was born in 1830 and for many years has been identified with the various interests of Austintown. He is the owner of mineral springs at this place, the water from which he is selling in paying quantities. He and his wife have a family of children as follows: Nettie, wife of Dill Young; Adell, wife of Edwin 628 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Floyd; Irena, at home; Ada, wife of John Moherman; and Jesse and Grace, both at home. Mr. Crum is a Mason and Odd Fellow; he and his wife are members of the Disciple Church. Mrs. Moherman is an active member of the Disciples' Church. In politics Mr. Crum and Mr. Moherman are both Democrats. The subject of our sketch owns 185 acres of land, which is utilized for general farming and stock-raising. EDGAR STREBER, another one of the prosperous farmers of Austintown township, Mahoning county, Ohio, dates his birth in this township October 23, 1857. He is a son of Frederic and Mollie Streber, and is one of a family of seven children. Frederic Streber owns and cultivates sixty-nine acres of land, and for the past fifteen years has also run a sawmill. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a Democrat, as also is his son Edgar. Edgar Streber was married, February 1, 1883, to Miss Ettie Moherman, and he and his wife together own 112 acres of land. Both are members of the Lutheran Church and are active workers in the same. Mr. Streber is a member of the Grange. JACOB LOWER was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, November 14, 1825, a son of John and Sarah (Altoefer) Lower, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. John Lower was a farmer by occupation and succeed well in this calling. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and received in recognition of his services a land warrant, and during the latter years of his life a small pension from the Government. He was a child four years old when his father, Matthias Lower, emigrated to Columbiana county, Ohio, from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Matthias Lower was one of the early pioneers of Ohio. The first trial held in Columbiana county was conducted in his barn, and for three years afterward this was the " Temple of Justice." He was twice married; there were John and Jacob by the first marriage; David, Henry, George, Elias, Catherine and Elizabeth were the children of the second union. He died in 1874, at the age of eighty-two years. From the time he could handle a hoe Jacob Lower has been a tiller of the soil. He began life without any means, having only his energy, pluck and determination to succeed. In 1870, when his oldest son was married, he owned seven hundred acres of choice farming land in Mahoning county, within the borders of Canfield and Ellsworth townships. He has carried on a general agricultural business, but has made a specialty of feeding all the produce of his farm; he has been extensively engaged in the raising of live stock, and has done much to raise the standard in this section of country. He has taken a lively interest in the leading political questions of the day, and has served the people of his township as Justice of the Peace for three years; he has also been Trustee of Ellsworth township for one term. He was united in marriage, September 10, 1846, to Miss Sarah Diehl, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Diehl, natives of Pennsylvania. Henry Diehl died at the age of fifty-one years, and his wife died at the age of sixty-one years. Mrs. Lower is one of a family of nine children: Phillip, deceased; Eliza- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 629 beth, Solomon, Eli, Maria, Catherine, Jefferson and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Lower are the parents of two children: John Henry and Clara. John Henry married Lydia Knauff, and the have two children: Mary and Carrie; Mary is the wife of C. L. Manchester, and they have one child, Warren. Clara is the wife of R. J. Crocket: they have four children: Florence, Perry, Frank, and J. L. Florence is married to Walter Scott Cook, and has one child, Hazel D. Our worthy subject and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they have belonged forty -five years. Mr. Lower has been a member of the I.O.O.F. twenty years. In February, 1890, he removed to the town of Canfield, where he has since resided. He has led a life of untiring industry, and is now resting from his labors in the enjoyment of the accumulation of earlier years. He is a man of strict integrity and honor, and is highly respected where he is known. HENRY D. SMITH is well known in commercial circles of Mahoning coun- ty, as an energetic and progressive merchant of Lowellville, Ohio. His father, Henry Smith, was born in Springfield township, Mahoning ccunty, Ohio, in 1813, a son of Peter and Sophia Smith, natives of Pennsylvania. he resided in his birth-place until about 1845, when he removed to Poland township and settled in Lowellville, where he worked at the carpenter's trade; he afterward bought property and kept a hotel a few years, and, following this, embarked in mercantile trade, opening a stock of goods in the store now occupied by his son: this was in the fifties. He continued the business until his death, April 29, 1871. Politically he affiliated with the Democratic party. Prior to the war he held the office of Postmaster a number of years; he was a man of exemplary habits, and was highly respected. He married Anna M. Dutterer, a native of North Lima, Mahoning county, Ohio, and a descendant of German ancestors; she was a woman of rare force of character, was prominent in the societies of her church (Presbyterian), and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had born to them five children: Martha, wife of J. L. Stewart, of Cleveland; Sophia, wife of Jacob Mohr; Mary E., wife of Robert Erskine, Postmaster of Lowellville, Ohio; Henry D., the subject of this sketch; and one cbild that died in infancy. The mother of this family died November 11, 1892: she was born March 10, 1820. Henry D. Swith was born at Lowellville, Ohio, in 1856, and remained under the shelter of the paternal roof until 1873. He secured his elementary education in the common schools of Lowellville, and attended the business college at Cleveland, Ohio, during a term of six months. When he finished this course he secured a position with the boot and shoe wholesale house of O. A. Childs & Co., which he retained for seven years. He was shipping clerk and stock man for five years, and was traveling salesman for two years. Returning to Lowellville in 1881 he embarked • in trade for himself; he now carries a stock valued at four thousand dollars, and has a large patronage. In addition to his mercantile interests he owns a farm of seventy-eight acres which is in a high state of cultivation. He is a man of superior business qualifications, and his efforts have been rewarded with success. Mr. Smith was married in 1887, to Miss Edna A. Miller, a daughter of F. C. and Julia (Kincade) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania; 630 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mrs. Smith was also born in the Keystone State. Of this union three children have been born: Freda M.; Julia Grace and Henry M. In politics our subject is a strong supporter of the principles of Democracy; he served the people of Lowellville four years as Postmaster, discharging his duties with faithfulness and efficiency. He was elected Mayor of Lowellville in 1890, his administration giving entire satisfaction to the public. He is a member of the Junior Order of U.A.M., and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. His wife is a worthy and consistent m ember of the Methodist Episcopal Church. SILAS SHOOK was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, within half a mile of 1 ere he now resides, June 11, 1850, and has all his life been interested in farming and stock-raising in this county. Mr. Shook is a son of Calvin and Julia (Stambaugh) Shook. Calvin Shook was born in Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1817, and died in 1880. He gave liberally of his means to the support of the gospel, his energy and influence ever being directed in in the right way. His wife was born in Mahoning county. John W. Shook,, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany, and emigrated to this country when a young man. Silas Shook was the second born in a family of three children. His brother, John W., the oldest of the family, is a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, while his sister Sarah is the wife of Henry Reedy. Mr. Shook received his education in the schools of Youngstown. While he has been interested in farming and in other enterprises, he has made a specialty of handling fine blooded horses and cattle. He is a stockholder and director in the Youngstown Street Railway, and also in the Salem Coal Company. He owns 110 acres of choice land adjoining the city of Youngstown, and on this farm has a beautiful residence. He also owns 200 acres of land in Coitsville township, this county. November 30, 1871, Mr. Shook was married to Miss Kate O'Connor, an estimable young lady of much culture and refinement, .and to whose influence and sunny disposition he attributes much of the success he has attained in life. Mrs. Shook was born in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, April 24, 1853, daughter of Patrick and Anna (Carter) O'Connor, both natives of Ireland. Her father died in 1856, at the age of forty, and her mother, now eighty years of age, resides at Mr. Shook's. Mr. and Mrs. Shook have had four children, namely: Anna, born October 11, 1872, is now a student at Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts; Alice, born November 12, 1874, died February 19, 1880; George R., born February 9, 1879, is attending school in Youngstown; and Calvin R., born August 18, 1884, is also in school at Youngstown. OSWALD DETCHON, one of the representative men of Boardman township, Mahoning county, Ohio, was born at this place in 1837, son of Elijah and Eliza Detchon. His parents had a family of six children. His father was a farmer and stock-raiser in this township and owned 104 acres of land here. He was prominently identified with the public affairs of the township at an early day, having served as Trustee, Infirmary Director, etc. Politically, he OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 631 was a Democrat. He and his wife were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and were devout Christian people, giving liberally of their means to the support of the gospel. Oswald Detchon grew up on his father's farm and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. He was married, September 18, 1865, to Miss Sarah Squires, a native of New Castle, Pennsylvania, who was left an orphan when a girl. They have five children; Mary J., James B., Paul C., Aubrey B. and Zelda B. Like his father, the subject of our sketch is a worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. He has served as Supervisor, Trustee, Assessor and Township Clerk, in all of which positions he performed faithfully the duties entrusted to him. He was elected Assessor five times. Mr. Detchon is a member of the Poland Lodge, A. O. U. W., and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. DR. GARDNER FERRIN, a veterin- ary surgeon and the proprietor of a livery, feed, boarding and sale stable, Youngstown, Ohio, is prominently identified with the interests of this place. He was born in Erie county, New York, May 30, 1832, son cf Francis and Laura (Stenbro) Ferrin, natives of Concord, New Hampshire. Francis Ferrin, a farmer by occupation, emigrated with his parents to New York in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Ebenezer Ferrin, the Doctor's grandfather, was one of a colony, composed of seventeen families, that settled in Erie county, New York. He had the honor conferred cn him of naming the town and he named it Concord, in memory of his old home in New Hampshire. He died at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife outlived him a short time, her death occurring at the age of eighty. They were honest, industrious and frugal, and well typified the worthy old pioneers of their day. Francis Ferrin was married four times. His first wife, the Doctor's mother, died in 1836, aged about twenty-five years. She left two children, Gardner and Uriah. The latter, only four days old at the time of her death, is now a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota. For his second wife Mr. Ferrin married a Miss Dolley, who died of typhoid fever, about 1861, aged twenty-seven, leaving one child. He married his third wife in Genesee, New York, and his fourth wife in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Ferrin was reared and educated in New York. He left his native State November 24, 1862, and went to Albany, Wisconsin, where he remained two years.. For three years he was engaged buying army horses and cattle, buying in large quantities from small dealers. It was not an unusual thing for him to buy 200 horses in a day, and often he bought fifty in a bunch. From his early boyhood he had a fondness for horses, and, indeed, he has spent a lifetime with them. He began reading books pertaining to the horse when he was fourteen, and he still keeps it up. From Wisconsin he went to Chicago in 1866, remaining in that city until 1869, during which time he was in active veterinary practice there with George H. Dadd, at the same time having all the advantages of the Veterinary Institute, including lectures, etc. In 1869 he went from Chicago to Bloomington, Illinois, where he practiced his profession for two years, coming from there to Cadiz, Ohio. While at Cadiz he discovered a proprietary preparation 632 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY for foot rot" in sheep. This remedy proved a perfect success and netted him a handsome sum. He sold the right for Trumbull county for $2,400; Ashtabula county, $750; Geauga county, $350; Lake county, $250; and the State of Vermont for $4,500. This sale was all between 11 a. m. and 2 a. m. the next morning. The right expired many years ago. From Cadiz Dr. Ferrin went to Wellsburg, Virginia, two months later to Mead.- ville, Pennsylvania, where he was subsequently burned out, and May 11, 1874, he came to Youngstown, where he has since practiced his profession and conducted a livery business. He has built three barns in this .city, all of which are still standing. The barn he now occupies accommodates thirty-eight horses, twenty-one of which is owned by him. He runs two hacks to the railroad stations. During his business career here he has won the confidence and respect of all with whom he has dealt, and has gained the reputation of being the best veterinary surgeon in the city, indeed, in northeastern Ohio. Dr. Ferrin was married July 3, 1856, in Buffalo, New York, to Miss Anna J. Morse, a distant relative of the celebrated inventor. Her father, Charles Morse, died in 1879, aged sixty-four years, and her mother, now at the age of eighty-two, is a resident of Wauseka, Minnesota. Mrs. Ferrin is the oldest of a family of six children, the others being as follows: Josiah, a resident of McGregor, Iowa; Julia, Wauseka, Minnesota; Frank, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Joseph, Austin, Minnesota. One is deceased. Dr. Ferrin and his wife have five children: Herbert A., Charles Eugene, Lulu Adel, Ida Bell and Carrie May. The oldest, Herbert A., married Emma Barber, and they have two children, Grace and Jennie. Dr. Ferrin is one of the useful and sub stantial men of Youngstown, and both he and his wife have the confidence and respect of a large circle of acquaintances. He affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Ferrin is a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. PROF. GEORGE FRANKLIN JEWETT. —Among the leading and influential factors in the higher intellectual circles of Youngstown, Ohio, is Professor George Franklin Jewett, who has pursued his studies throughout this country and Europe, perfecting himself in the various branches of intellectual culture. In recognition of his scholarship and ability he was appointed head master of the Mayen school of the city, which position he has filled, most acceptably, since September, 1891, during which time the institution or learning has grown in volume and reputation. Prof. Jewett was born in Middlesex county, Mass., March 19, 1858, a son of Charles F. and Georgeanna S. (Loring) Jewett, both natives of Massachusetts. Our subject is the eldest in a family of five children, two of whom died when fifteen and seventeen years of age, while the remaining two, William and Charles, are still living in the East, engaged in business. Prof. Jewett was educated at the Bridgewater State Normal School, at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, completing a four years' course, after which he entered Harvard University, from which he graduated in 1886, taking a post-graduate course of one year, after his graduation, in chemistry, and so interested did he become in this branch of study that he pursued it at Berlin, Germany, for one year, and is now a OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 633 member of the Berlin Chemical Society. For eight years he taught school in. the States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Louisiana, Kentucky and Ohio, a portion of the time in Harvard University, and has traveled throughont Europe and his own country. Coming to Youngstown, Ohio, in September, 1891, Prof. Jewett took charge of the Rayen school, which is well and favorably known throughout the entire State, and was established by Judge Rayen, one of the leading pioneers of the city, with the following trustees: A. B. Cornell, president; Robert McCurdly, secretary and treasurer; C. D. Hine; H. 0. Bonnell and John Stambaugh, the last two named being now deceased. There are 250 pupils now enrolled on the books of the school at present, while the staff of teachers numbers eight. The course is of four years' duration and the curriculum is fully up to that of any preparatory school in the country, the greatest of care being exercised in the selection of competent teachers. The marriage of Prof. Jewett occurred June 8, 1882, with Miss Abbie B. Fay, a daughter of N. T. Fay, of Freeport, Ohio, and two children have been born of this union, namely: Edith and Helen F. Professor and Mrs. Jewett are both earnest members of the Presbyterian Church, and the former is superintendent of the Sunday-school. Social by nature, Prof. Jewett is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum, being an officer in the latter organization, and is as popular in these associations as he is prominent in literary circles. Prof. Jewett is a teacher of marked ability and is thoroughly competent to fill the position he now occupies, both with regard to his intellectual attainments and his scholarship. He has pursued his profession in all grades and kinds of schools, and to add to his proficiency he has taught in a number of the States of the country in order to learn the latest and most improved methods. He is a man of ripe scholarship and is thoroughly competent to judge of the. merit of a school by seeing the work done by it, and it is his aim to place his school at the head of institutions of this character, and, judging by the marked improvement since his assuming charge, there is no doubt that it is destined to become one of the leading schools of the country. In all of the schools over which he has presided, Professor Jewett's work has been appreciated, and he has been regarded as one of the leading teachers of his age and section. Believing that children can be much more easily governed by love, he exercises but little harshness in dealing with his pupils, with the result that he is beloved by all, and is regarded with the highest esteem and respect. AUGUST KROECK, who owns and runs a carriage shop in Austintown, Mahoning county, Ohio, dates his birth in Germany, October, 7, 1847. His parents, Weshant and Catherine (Hood) Kroeck, had a family of six children, namely: Anthony, August, William, Charles, Phillip and Minnie. The father was a weaver by trade, but during the latter part of his life was engaged in farming and stock-raising. He and his wife were members of the Reformed Church, and were people of high respectability. August Kroeck landed on American soil in 1868, first locating in Youngstown, Ohio, where he was engaged in carriage-making. He came from there to Austintown the fcl- 634 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY lowing year, and here he was for some time in the employ of A. Taylor. In 1872 he established a business of his own, which he has conducted and in which he has been very successful. After becoming an American citizen he identified himself with the Democratic party, which he has since supported. He and his wife are active members of the Reformed Church, and are generous in contributing toward all worthy causes. Mr. Kroeck was married in 1869, to Miss Susan Smith, daughter of Christ and Julia (Wampuler). Smith, she and her brother Phillip being their only children. The Smith family cane from the same German State in which Mr. Kroeck was born, their arrival here being when Mrs. Kroeck was about three years old. They first located in Cleveland, and from there came to Austintown. Mr. and Mrs. Kroeck have five children: Kate, born in 1870; Willie, in 1875; Andrew in 1878; Charles in 1881; and Lewis in 1889. In connection with the history of the Smith family, it should be further stated that Christ Smith was a miner, and that he met his death in the mines by a gas explosion. ABRAM FORNEY, V. S., is one of the most prominent factors in the little town of Sample, Mahoning county, Ohio. He was born in 1841, only child of Solomon and Mary A. (Shafer) Forney. His parents were highly respected people. They were farmers, were members of. the Reformed Church, and in politics the father was a Democrat. Abram Forney was reared on his father's farm, assisted his father in the care of the stock, and his early training fitted him for the profession he subsequently adopted. He took. a three years' course in a veterinary college, graduated with honor, and has since been engaged in practice. He is interested in farming to some extent, for thirty years has conducted a general merchandise business, and also for the past six years has been Postmaster of Sample. He is, like his father, a Democrat, and has filled various local offices, having served as Township Treasurer four years, and as Township Clerk seven years. Dr. Forney was married in 1867, to Miss Amanda Crum, a member of one of the prominent families of this county. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. LEVI CRUM, one of the wealthy men of Austintown township, Mahoning county, Ohio, is a native of this place and has been identified with it all his life. He was born in 1832, son of John and Catherine (Frestermaker) Crum, and one of a family of nine children, six of whom are living: Gideon, Mary, Margaret C., Susan, Amanda and Levi. John Crum owned 240 acres of land in this township, on which he carried on farming and dealt in stock. He and his wife were members of the Reformed Church, and were among the most highly respected of the early pioneers. Both lived to a good old age, his death occurring in 1873, and hers in 1875. Henry Crum, the father of John, was a veteran of the war of 1812. The subject of our sketch was reared on his father's farm, and since he grew up has been engaged in various enterprises. He was a merchant for twenty-four years, was a broker for some time, and has been extensively engaged in farming. he is now the owner of OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 635 400 acres of fine farming land. For the past eighteen years, however, he has been practically retired from active business. Mr. Crum was married February 7, 1857, to Wilmena Winters, a resident of this township at the time of her marriage, she having come here from Germany when she was eleven years old. Her untimely death occurred January 22, 1864. She had two children: Lillie F., born August 6, 1859, is the wife of William S. Fairman, of Youngstown, Mr. Fairman being a salesman for the Standard Oil Company; and Clinton, born January 28, 1861, died March 10, of that same year. March 20, 1866, Mr. Crum married Eunice E. Grove, who was born in Canfield township, Mahoning county, Ohio, December 30, 1831. They have two daughters, Minnie A. and Lulu E. Mr. Cram is a member of the Reformed Church, while his wife belongs to the Disciples' Church. He started in life in moderate circumstances, and by honesty industry and careful economy has succeeded in accumulating a fortune. To-day he is ranked with the leading moneyed men of the county. GEORGE A. BAKER.—The estimate placed upon a city by a visitor is necessarily gauged to a considerable degree by the character and quality of the accommodations he finds in its hotels. The possession of good houses of public entertainment is therefore a most valuable one to a city; and Youngstown is peculiarly fortunate in this respect. Among those that give its good name to the city in this particular, the leading one is the Tod House, which enjoys the special distinction of being one of the best hostelries in the State. This popular hotel is operated by George A. Baker, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, September, 1848, a son of Horace Walker and Elizabeth (Thomas) Baker, both natives of Ohio. The father, a cabinet-maker by trade, after his marriage in his native State, crossed the plains in 1849, and died in California in 1850, of a disease contracted in making the journey. Having been born in 1818, his death occurred in 1850, but his wife survived him until 1891, dying at the age of sixty-six years. Both parents were life-long members of the Methodist Church, in which body they were faithful workers. Four sons were born of this marriage, of which our subject was the third in order of birth, and is now the only one living, the two older ones having died in infancy, and the younger one, Horace, in Delaware, Ohio, in 1854, of cholera, aged four years. Mrs. Baker married a second time, in 1855, in Delaware, Ohio, her choice being Andrew Jackson Crawford, by whom she had four daughters, namely: Mary Elizabeth, now Mrs. W. C. Hilliard; Jennie, now Mrs. E. A. Blakeslee; Annie and Eva, both deceased. Obtaining his education at the common schools of Delaware, Ohio, our subject began supporting himself at a very early age, his first step in this direction being his filling of a clerkship for Jones & Pratt, and later a similar position in Mr. Coxe's grocery store, following which he drove a grocery delivery wagon for two years. At the age of seventeen he entered the employ of the railroad at Corry,. Pennsylvania, and in 1865 was made a messenger boy, and later a telegraph operator. Being advanced as a result of his ability and proficiency he was placed in the freight office of the company, and finally became the general freight agent, for the Buffalo, New New York and Philadelphia Railway in 636 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Buffalo, continuing in this capacity for eight years, when, in 1885, he removed to Youngstown, where he has since resided. The marriage of Mr. Baker occurred in Buffalo, in 1876, to Miss Julia Brewster Hurlbert, a daughter of John Forbes and Maria Hurlbert. The father is deceased, but his widow and son, George Forbes, are operating the Continental Hotel. The other son, William Griswold, is secretary and treasurer of the Bostwick Metal Lath Company, of Niles, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of four children, namely: Horace Forbes, George Albert, Jr., Marie Elizabeth and Crawford Hurlbert. Both Mr. and Mrs. Baker are faithful and consistent members of the Episcopal Church, in which body they are earnest workers. Mr. Baker is a member of Hillman Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 481; Youngstown Chapter, No. 93; St. John Com mandery, K. T., No. 20; Alkoran Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Cleveland, Ohio, and is a Scottish Rite Mason having attained to the thirty-second degree. Although he takes but little interest in politics, Mr. Baker is a Democrat in principle, and is ready and willing to aid in the advancement of his party. The hotel now operated by Mr. Baker, which was leased by him in 1885, upon coming to the city, is the best in the entire city and is attractively and elegantly appointed and furnished throughout in the latest and most modern manner. It contains 156 comfortable sleeping rooms, in addition to a large parlor, dining room, office and other public rooms, while the prices charged are reasonable in the extreme, considering the excellent entertainment furnished, and the house is widely known and popular, enjoying a specially large patronage from visitors from all parts of Ohio and neighboring States, and its rooms are nearly always filled. The efforts of Mr. Baker are directed toward thoroughly satisfactory ser- vice of the traveling public, the table being supplied with the choicest offerings of the market, well cooked and properly served, while a large force of trained attendants looks after the wants of guests in such a manner that those who have once been patrons of the house are permanently attached to it, and return to it on their subsequent visits to the city. Mr. Baker is a pleasant and entertaining host, who looks carefully after the wants of his guests, and under his management the Tod House is steadily growing in favor. The visitor to Youngstown, wishing to enjoy good fare and desirable accommodation will find it to be to his interest to patronize the Tod House. COLONEL LEMUEL T. FOSTER, a farmer and stock-raiser of Youngstown township, Mahoning county, Ohio, was born in Genesee county, New York, October 23, 1824. Jonas Foster, his father, was born in Hebron, Washington county, New York, May 18, 1792, where he grew to manhood, and was married. In his youth he adopted the vocation of farmer. He served in the war of 1812, entering the service as Fife Major, and several times being promoted. Soon after the war he moved to western New York and engaged in farming. From there, in 1825, he removed with his family to Ohio, making the journey by wagon, and locating in Youngstown township, near where his son, the subject of our sketch, now lives. At that time the village of Youngstown was composed of only a few log houses. Once located, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 637 the father engaged in the manufacture of hard wood and poplar lumber, operating two sawmills, and continuing in this business and the handling of realty for a period of thirty-five years. In 1852 he pnrchased 300 acres of land. The place where Colonel Foster now lives was included in the purchase, as also was a part of the present city park. Here the elder Mr. Foster settled down to farm life and spent the remainder of his days. He was a man of strong personality and bore a character above reproach. His opinion was frequently sought on various subjects, and he assisted materially in shaping the destiny of Mahoning county. Politically, he was identified with the Whigs until the birth of the Republican party, after which. he gave it his support. He was a man of strong constitution and great activity. June 29, 1820, he married Miss Lavina Pierce, daughter of Abraham and Lavina (Stoddard) Pierce. She was born in Otsego county, New York, December 13, 1797, and grew up in the home of her aunt at Norwich, Connecticut, her mother having died in 1797. She had the best of educational advantages in her youth, and was twenty-three years of age when she was united in marriage with Mr. Foster. They became the parents cf eight children, a record of whom is as follows: Abby Phoebe, born in Johnstown, New York, July 10, 1821, was married, October 31, 1839, to George H. Haskell, of North Bloomfield, Trumbull county, Ohio; Delia L. born in Johnstown, New York, January 28, 1823, was married, May 27, 1852, to Josiah Dunlap, and died December 10, 1860; Adaline D., born at Youngstown, Ohio, March 14, 1827, became the wife of E. W. Wood, and died in May, 1872; Sarah S.,born March 17, 1829, was twice married, first, March 20, 1851, to James W. Eckman, and, secondly, - 42 - September 13, 1877, to Benjamin McNutt; Laura A., born August 27, 1831, was married, March 25, 1851, to C. Wood, and died in 1885; Orinda S., born November 18, 1841, was married, ,March 6, 1861, to James Crandon. The mother of this family devoted her life to her children, her home, and to church and temperance work. She was in the direct line of descent of the Stoddard family whose ancestry traces to the year 1066. In the office of Heraldry, England, the following origin of the Stoddard family is found: William Stoddard, a knight, came from Normandy to England in 1066 A. D. with William, the Conqueror, who was his cousin." In 1639 Anthony Stoddard emigrated from England to America and located in Boston. He was a representative in 1650, 1659 and 1660 and for twenty successive years after. He was the founder of the Stoddard family in America. From this origin follows a long line of very prominent people, representing almost all the professions, and including many of the most prominent men of the nation, among whom we mention President Franklin Pierce, William T. Sherman and Major Amos Stoddard. The last named was appointed Governcr of the Territory of Louisana, under President Jefferson, which office he held until the war of 1812. In that war he was engaged as Major of Artillery and lost his life at the battle of Fort Meigs. The mother of our. subject died December 18, 1882, at a very advanced age, and the father passed away January 8, 1883. Lemuel T. Foster was reared in Mahoning county, Ohio, his boyhood days being spent in his father's mill, on the farm, and in attending school. He improved his early educational advantages, and when he grew up he was employed for several years as teacher of the village school. He remained at home 638 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY with his parents until his marriage, which event occurred March 11, 1869, the lady of his choice being Miss Florence E. Lanterman. She was born near Ycungstown, Ohio, in 1843, her family and the -Fosters being neighbors, and in the schools of Youngstown, Canfield and Poland she received her education. She became the mother of two children: Una L., born December 15, 1869, and Ina W., July 11, 1871. Mrs. Foster's untimely death occurred June 19, 1873. In 1878 Mr. Foster married Miss Susuanah B. Alexander, who was born March 28, 1848, daughter of William and Elizabeth Alexander. Her mother died when she was quite small. Mrs. Foster's great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and the town of Alexander in Virginia was .gamed in honor of him. Her father, William Alexander, was an extensive iron manufacturer in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He is now located at Albuquerque, New Mexico, having charge of the great smelters at that piece. He is an only son of Frank Alexander. Being deprived of a mother's loving care in early life, Mrs. Susuanah Foster was reared by her aunt in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where she had the best cf educational advantages. After her marriage she came to live in her present beautiful and luxurious home, and is now the mother of six interesting children, namely: Charlie L., born June 14, 1879; Eliza L., July 22, 1880; Alice W., November 6, 1881; U. B., born October 18, 1884, died October 6, 1887; Grace A., March 17, 1886; Bessie B., January 24, 1890; and Helen, September 18, 1891. Mrs. Foster has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church since her girlhood days. Of her father's family we further record that she is an only daughter and that she has two brothers. Her brother, Charles, is one of the substantial business men of Los Angeles, California, and is ranked with the leading iron factors of the Pacific slope. Her other brother, William C., has a position in the post office at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Her great-great-grandfather (maternal), Nicholas Clemans, emigrated from Germany to this country in colonial times, and was a member of General Washington's army corps, succeeding to several promotions therein. Colonel Foster has spent the whole of his life near Youngstown, and has witnessed the marvelous development which has taken place here the past half century. The city limits of Youngstown now reach out to the borders of his beautiful country home. He has been a large land-owner, and has been at the head of many prominent business enterprises here. Much of his land is underlaid with valuable coal deposits. He has been an active politician all his life, being identified successively with the Whigs, Republicans, Greenbackers and Populists, in the councils of which he has been a prominent factor. He has held three commissions as Justice of the Peace, covering a period of nine years, and has held many county and township offices. In 1877 he was nominated for Congress by the Greenback party, and made a close run, being, however, defeated. He was made Chairman of the State Central Committee in 1879. Again, in 1878 and 1880, he was the nominee of the Greenback party for Congress. At the outbreak of the Civil war he organized a cavalry regiment, and was elected Colonel of the same, serving as such until the war closed. After the war he organized the State Militia, and was elected Colonel of the First State militia. He was in the first convention that nominated Fremont for the presidency, held in Philadelphia OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 639 in June, 1856; was a member of the State Convention that nominated Salmon B. Chase for Governor; was a delegate to the first county convention ever held in Mahoning county. He was the choice of the People's party for Senator in 1891, and, was defeated by only a very small majority. Colonel Foster is a man of generous impulses, and has been liberal in his support of public institutions. He donated twenty acres of valuable land to the Mill Creek Park. In his home, surrounded by his charming wife and interesting children, he finds his chief happiness. Their hospitality is of the truest type, and is unbounded. In the Colonel's well-filled library are no less than 2,500 choice volu rues. HON. D. M. WILSON.—For many years one of the most prominent figures of the Ohio bar was the Hon. D. M. Wilson, whose ability as an advocate gained for him a wide and enduring reputation, and his loss was deeply felt throughout the State, all uniting in mourning his death. Social by nature, his genial, pleasant manner won for him the confidence of all with whom he was brought into contact, and he numbered his friends by legions. The birth of this popular and influential man occurred in 1823, in Medina county, where he was admitted to the bar tit the age of twenty-one, after studying law in the office of one of the leading law firms of the county. Removing in 1862 to the county seat of Mahoning county, his ability enabled him to immediately assume a position of leader-ship among the jurists of the county, and he soon built up a large practice. His appeals to the jury seldom failed of success, and his eloquent periods, his flashes of wit and invective have become cherished traditions at the bar of Mahoning county. Strong in his adherence to his party colors, Mr.Wilson upon several occasions was chosen by the party leaders as candidate for positions of trust and honor, and nothing but the strong and overwhelming majority of the Republican party prevented his election, his popularity being demonstrated by the fact that he polled a much larger vote than his party's strength. In 1863 he was the candidate for Attorney-General of the State, and in 1874 for Congressman from this district, and in each case his campaign -was marked by the hot contest it was necessary for the Republican party to make in order to defeat so popular a man, his candidacy making a change of over 3,500 votes in the district. His many admirable qualities, combined with a rare intelligence and great eloquence, made him the idol of his party, and, in his prime, almost invincible before a jury, while his honorable methods of dealing commended him to the esteem of his opponents. As a member of the last constitutional convention of Ohio Mr. Wilson's eloquence was exercised in behalf of measures calculated to be of benefit to the State at large, and the influential position he cccupied in that body was one of prominence and leadership, although the best ability of the State was here congregated. An amusing incident of Mr. Wilson's readiness at repartee is recounted in the Cleveland Herald of that day, showing his wit and humor. It was while he was a member of the convention, when he was discussing the propriety of taxing church property, that he made a speech which rendered him famous for some time to come., During the speech he said that the convention had been wrestling with the question of taxing 640 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY church property for a long time, and that finally Mr. Foran had come to him and requested him to make a speech upon the subject, but that he did not feel competent to discuss the subject; but that not being taken for an answer, he was now before them, to argue upon a subject about which he knew little, or nothing. He would begin his speech by saying that he loved his own church, but that he did not care what was done with the rest of them. Upon being asked to which denomination he belonged, he made answer: " The lovely green sward is the carpeting of my church, the heavens are the covering, the stars the chandeliers, the angels the choir, the deep-toned thunder the organ, and the great Jehovah the High Priest. You fellows build your little brick, stone and wooden churches inside of mine, and we don't even charge you ground rent." In referring to this speech afterward he said that he did not know what bearing his remarks had upon the subject, but that they were greeted with shouts of laughter, and he sat down satisfied that he had said what was requisite. At one time Governor McKinley studied law under Mr. Wilson; and the acquaintanceship thus began was continued throughout the latter's life. He was also a warm friend of General Garfield, and at one time a partnership was contemplated between them. Mr. Wilson was married in 1871 to Miss Griselda E. Campbell, daughter of Thomas Campbell, of Old Town, Trumbull county, Ohio. To this union one child was born, Francis Sermce, now in the junior year at Adelbert College in the law department, at Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Wilson is a devout and faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, in which body she is a faithful worker. During the last five years of his life he was associated in the practice of law with his nephew, James P. Wilson, of the Mahoning county bar. The death of Mr. Wilson occurred February 11, 1882, and his loss produced an expression of the most sincere sorrow from all with whom he had been brought in contact. Possessing both physical and intellectual advantages far beyond the average, Mr. Wilson was a man calculated to win the hearts of all, while in his profession he easily ranked at the head as a successful advocate. His name will live long in the memories of the people of the State as a synonym of all that is most cordial, most sincere and honorable, and his useful 'and active life will serve as an example of what can be accomplished by the exertion of the golden gift of eloquence in the right channel. MATHEW H. SHAY, locomotive engineer on the Erie Railroad, was born in Schuyler county, New York, June 10, 1843, a son of B. L. and Mary (Lowers) Shay. His father was a native of Connecticut, and was descended from New England ancestors; he was born December 27, 1816, the second of a family of nine children. When a young child his parents removed to New York, and the remainder of his life was spent within ten miles of Watkins. For tweniy-eight years he was one of the most faithful employees of the Erie & Northern Central Railway Company, and served as baggage-master at Watkins; he was for years a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and commandry. For a number of years he was the leader of the gospel temperance movement in OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 641 Schuyler county, New York, and it was in the role of temperance reformer that Deacon Shay was best known. He was a member of the Christian Church at Pine Grove nearly half a century, and was a most devoted laborer in the cause of his Master. Months prior to the inauguration of the Murphy movement, he was prominent in opening the work in Watkins and Schuyler counties. When the pale visitant came, September 2, 1878, he was found busy in the cause he loved so well. Being admonished a few days before his death that he was going beyond his strength, he replied: " I shall continue to fight while I live; if I die, let this 'inscription be placed upon my monument, He fought whisky until his death.' " From the Elmira, Advertiser comes the subjoined tribute to the memory of this good man: "The death of this apostle of temperance was a most fitting and glorious consummation of a well rounded Christian life. A temperance landmark is gone. One of the lion-hearted leaders of Schuyler has gone to his reward. He died like John Quincy Adams, at his post and with his harness on. No more significant ending could have been selected for such a life than that granted by God to Deacon Shay. " His towering form and gray head have been foremost and conspicuous during all the sessions of this camp-meeting (his death cccurred at the North Hector camp-meeting grounds), and his voice has been prominent among all the wealth of talent and eloquence that has distinguished this meeting." Deacon Shay was twice married. By his first wife, Mary Lowers, were born six children: Charles T., William, Solon, Mathew, Marvin and Maggie. Mathew, the subject of this notice, is the only surviving one. Mary Lowers Shay was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and was brought to this country by her parents at the age of eight years; she died in 1854. Mr. Shay was married again, June 11, 1855, to Samantha J. Drake, who still survives; eight children were born of this union: Fremont, Maryetta, Henry, Frank M., George B., Climena, Leella and Albert. Whether as husband, father, neighbor or friend, Deacon Shay was a most admirable character, a man whose virtue so far transcended the weakness common to our human nature that the former will be remembered and beam forth in living light when the latter is wholly forgotten. His funeral was the largest ever held in Watkins; business houses, saloons and all places of trade were closed to do honor to one whom all respected in spite of political and other differences. Mathew Shay, son of the above, was educated in the common schools; he began his career as a railroad employee at the age of sixteen years, but it was five years before he took charge of an engine; he served eight months as engine dispatcher before assuming the responsibility of an engine. He has been in the employ of the same road thirty-four' years, although he has served in different divisions. He has never met with an accident in which the blame has been attached to him, a record probably without a parallel, considering the length of time he has filled the position. In 1865, Mr. Shay came to Youngstown, Ohio, and has since resided here with the exception of short intervals. In 1892, he was nominated by the Prohibition party for Mayor of Youngstown; he made a strong race, all parties polling their full strength. He naturally drew to his support a large force from the ranks of workingmen with whom he is in sympathy, and who recognized 642 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY that he had no political ambitions to further, but the result of the election showed his defeat. He is a man of the strictest integrity, a worthy son of an honored sire. He was married in 1864, to Helen S. Marks, a daughter of Richard and Parnell (Redfield) Marks of New York State. Mr. Shay and his wife have reared two children, the son and daughter of Isaac and Julia Owen; Mrs. Owen was a sister to Mrs. Shay, and the children are Helen and Harry. Miss Helen Owen is a very accomplished teacher, and holds a high position as an educator in the Greenville College, Greenville, Illinois. Richard Marks died at the age of eighty- and four years, nd his wife died in 1867; they had three children, Mrs. Shay, Mrs. Julia Owen, and Dr. Richard T. Marks, a practicing physician of Erie, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Shay is an ardent worker in all reforms; she is State superintendent of the railway work of the W. C. T. U., is superintendent of the jail and prison work, and is superintendent of the Coffee House Mission. Mr. Shay is an ardent Prohibitionist. He is a man of deep convictions, positive in his views, which he voices with readiness, and a consistent Christian. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and is chairman of the General Committee of Adjustment, a position he has filled to the entire satisfaction of the officials and employees of the road alike. JOHN S. LETT, foreman of the round-house of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad at Youngstown; Ohio, is a native of this city, born August 24, 1845. His parents, John and Jane (Shehy) Lett, were also natives of the Buckeye State. He acquired a common-school education in Youngstown, and was reared to the occupation of a farmer, following this calling until interrupted by the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted January 12, 1864, in Company H, Tenth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and 'before the end of the war had participated in seventy-three skirmishes and battles. His first engagement was at Tunnel Hill, and afterward he was in the siege of Atlanta, and was with Sherman on his immortal march to the sea; he was not wounded, but his horse was shot from under him at Waynesboro, Georgia; he also escaped imprisonment, but very narrowly; at Flint river his comrade, James Johnston, who was by his side, was captured, and died in Andersonville. He was with Kilpatrick on his noted raids, and through his entire term of service was known as a most courageous and loyal soldier. He was honorably discharged August 9, 1865, bearing a record second to no man who offered his life in defence of the 6, stars and stripes " of the Union. He was detained in North Carolina and did not participate in the grand review at Washington. When hostilities ceased Mr. Lett returned home, and until the spring of 1866 was employed by his father. He then began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed thirteen years. In 1879 he entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, and seven months later he was appointed acting foreman; he has been the regular foreman since January 1, 1890. He has discharged his duties with ability, and by his unwavering fidelity has won the confidence of all the officials of the road. Although he has no taste for politics as a profession he is an ardent supporter of Republican principles. Mr. Lett was united in marriage September 12, 1866, to Miss Mary J. Christy, a daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth Christy. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 643 Miss Christy was the veritable "girl he left behindhimn " when he donned " the blue " and went away to fight his country's battles. Mr. and Mrs. Lett are the parents of one child, Anna S., the wife of Frank B. Howson; Mr. and Mrs. Ronson have one daughter, Mabel L. Our subject and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. and the O. A. R. He is one of the valued citizens of Youngstown; he has been remarkably successful in his line of work, and is worthy of the respect he enjoys. JOHN SMITH - Among the reliable and responsible business men of the city of Youngstown is found Mr. John Smith, who is a member of the firm of John Smith's Sons, brewers. Mr. Smith was born in England, in 1842, a son of John and Hannah (Barnett) Smith, who were born, reared and married in England. In 1842 the father came to the United States with his family, and after prospecting over thecountryy for some time located at Pittsburg, where he was employed as manager of a rolling mill. Later he filled the same position in a rolling mill at Cincinnati, Ohio, coming to Youngstown in 1846, where he established a brewery, having learned the trade in his native land. At the inception of the business the plant was a very small one, the capacity being but three barrels, and was operated in a small building which is now used as a cooper shop, and was the pioneer brewery of Youngstown, it being the only establishment of its kind here for many years afterward. In 1868 the brick building with a frontage of 200 feet on West Federal street was erected and used as an ale brewery, and in 1878 the large brick beer brewery 200 feet in length, extending to the rear of the ale brewery, was erected, each building being three stories high with large underground vaults. The present yearly ea pacity is 35,000 barrels, which indicates the progress which has been made since the inception of the business. Upon this pioneer foundation has been built a structure of immense proportions, and the popularity of this firm's products throughout the country is due to the enterprise and energy of the management. Keeping pace with the times by the addition of all improved machinery and methods, the firm have now the best and latest appliances and facilities for brewing and bottling their different kinds of beer, they in an ufact u ring lager, export, Pilsener and Bavaria. The last is a favorite remedy with many physicians for debility, and is used in cases of convalescence. This establishment is one of the largest and most popular to be found on the Western Reserve, and in its every department are to be found the most improved and thoroughly modern machinery and appliances, the firm sparing no expense or effort to meet every requirement of modern demand. The Smith brothers are among the city's most progressive and substantial business men, and both have held reliable positions under the city government. For six years our subject served most acceptably on the water-works board, and was one of the committee who purchased, for the use of the city; the Worthington and Dean pumps. He is also president of the Incandescent Light Company, whose plant cost over $90,000; a director of the Artificial Gas Company, whose plant is valued at $300,000, and is a stockholder in the Youngstown Opera House. Mr. Smith was married April 1, 1892, to Miss Eva Evans, a native of harpsville,; Pennsylvania, who is a member of the Lu- 644 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY theran Church. Social by nature, Mr. Smith has connected himself with the Knights of Pythias and the order of Elks, and is as popular in this connection as he is prominent in business circles. Although he takes but little interest in politics, Mr. Smith is a good Republican, and upholds the party ticket upon all occasions. In both social and business circles, Mr. Smith occupies a leading and influential position, and he has gained the confidence and respect of the entire community, by his strict integrity, his uprightness in living and his superior business qualifications.   WILLIAM CORNELIUS.—Held in the highest esteem by his fellow. citizens, William Cornelius can look backward over a lifetime spent in the honorable discharge of whatever duty was presented to him. His present position as Treasurer of the Youngstown Stone Company, of which he was the promoter, is filled to the credit of himself and the advancement of the material welfare of the company. Mr. Cornelius was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1840, a son of Maxwell and Mary (Anderson) Cornelius, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland respectively. During his lifetime his father was a prominent farmer of Pennsylvania who employed the best methods in the pursuit of his chosen occupation. His death occurred in 1884, when he had attained the age of seventy-three years, his wife still surviving him at the age of eighty-three years. She came from Ireland at an early date, and both she and her husband were devout members of the Presbyterian Church. Of the eleven children born to this union our subject was the fourth in order of birth, the others being Margaret, who died at the age of nine years; Elizabeth, widow of William Lemmon, who now resides in Pittsburg; Jesse, who is a farmer of New Castle, Pennsylvania; James, a farmer of Tazewell county, Illinois; our subject; Maxwell, a clergyman of the Presbyterian Church in Washington, District of Columbia, who had the degree of LL. D. conferred upon him many years ago, and died in 1893, at the age of fifty-one years; Margaret, wife of H. F. Austin, who resides in California; Mary A., wife of D. J.. Thompson, who resides in Youngstown; Jennie D., wife of Benjamin Whislar, a resident of Illinois; Martha, wife of Samuel Fox, a resident of California; and Samuel A., pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Oil City, Pennsylvania. The educational advantages of our subject, were limited to the public schools of Pennsylvania, and after a number of years devoted, to agricultural pursuits, in 1869 he removed to Ohio and operated a flour and feed store and afterward a boot and shoe establishment for about eight years in Youngstown. At the end of that time he became vice-president and treasurer of the horse and electric street-car lines of the city, and later organized the Youngstown Stone Company, of which he is the efficient treasurer. In addition he is agent for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, one of the oldest and most reliable companies in the country, and in this connection, as in all others, he displays a remarkable amount of business sagacity. From 1880 to 1885 Mr. Cornelius served as Treasurer of Mahoning county, having been elected during the Garfield campaign. Prior to this he served as Trustee of the township for two terms, being elected for the first time in 1875. He is also a director in the Second National Bank and the Dollar OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 645 Savings Bank of Youngstown, and is prominently identified with various important business interests of the city. Mr. Cornelius was married in 1864 to Miss Mary Swisher, a resident of Pennsylvania, who has borne him two children: Sarah H., wife of B. C. Vaughn, a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and Ralph E., a clerk in the Second National Bank. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Cornelius is an ardent adherent of the principles of the Republican party. Upright and honorable in all his dealings, by a strict adherence to the line of duty he laid down for himself at the outset of his business life, Mr. Cornelius has been enabled not only to amass a competency for himself but also to gain the full confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. T, McNAMARA, JR., a member of the law firm of Justice & McNamara, Youngstown, Ohio, was born in Trum bull county, this State, December 26, 1865. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (McMahon) McNamara, are both natives of the Emerald Isle, the father born at Kilmihill, county Clare, the mother at Milltown Malbay, same county. They both came to this country when quite young, and were married in Ohio. Thomas McNamara, Sr., was reared on a farm in Ireland, landed in America with £1 of English money in his pocket, and at once secured employment on the railroad. Later he worked in furnaces and rolling mills at Niles, Ohio, and while there he invested some of his earnings in real estate, which netted him a handsome sum. From Niles he moved to Howland, Trumbull county, Ohio, and purchased a large farm, on which he still resides. He is a hard-working man, is unassuming in his manner, and is noted for his strict integrity, his word ever being regarded as good as his bond. His father, James McNamara, belonged to a large and influential family in county Clare, and was regarded as something of a chieftain in his immediate vicinity, on account of his great height,—six feet and seven inches. He was a Roman Catholic of the stanchest kind. Although he was proffered at many times lucrative Government positions, as well as those of trust and honor, if he would forsake the religion of his forefathers, he scornfully refused them all, preferring rather to be a plain, simple peasant than to relinquish the faith to which he was reared. The children of Thomas and Elizabeth McNamara are seven in number and are as follows: John C., now engaged with the firm of the Sykes Iron & Steel Roofing Company, Chicago, Illinois; Mary, a mein her of the home circle; T., the subject of this sketch; Miss B. E., at home; Michael D., who resides with his parents and is engaged in farming; Nellie, who has just completed her education, having made a specialty of music, is also at home; and James R., the youngest. The father of this family is now fifty-five years of age, and his wife is fifty, both in the prime of life. Mrs. McNamara's father, Thomas McMahon, was a man of very fine natural ability. In his day in Ireland, the British Government looked with a jealous eye upon the education of the Irish people, but, although this difficulty existed, Mr. McMahon found time and devised means to secure for himself a good education, until he was looked upon in the neighborhood as the finest scholar in that vicinity. He was educated for the 646 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY priesthood, but abandoned that to pursue a worldly course. Ile reared a large family, some of whom are in Australia, a few in America, and the others he buried in the old family churchyard in Ireland. The subject of our sketch spent his youth in the district schools of his native county, studied at home and made the best of his advantages, thus acquiring sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach. Then for five years he taught during the winter, spending his summers during this time attending the Northwestern Ohio University at Ada. In September, 1890, he came to Youngstown and began reading law in the office of Johnson & Justice, which was regarded as one of the leading law firms of the city. Shortly afterward he went to Cincinnati, passed the necessary examination and was admitted to the senior class of the Cincinnati Law College. At the time of his graduation he was one of six who were selected out of a class of 100 to compete for a prize in a forensic discussion at commencement. While Mr. McNamara was reading law in Cincinnati, M. W. Johnson, of the firm of Johnson & Justice, died, and as soon as his studies were completed he at once formed a partnership with Mr. Justice, his former preceptor, and the firm has since been Justice & McNamara. Politically, he is identified with Democratic party. He was a candidate for the Legislature in 1890, but although he ran far ahead of his ticket was defeated. Ever since he came to Mahoning county Mr. McNamara has taken an active interest in politics, and is now serving as President of the Jefferson Club, and as Secretary of the County and Executive Committees. He was tendered the nomination for Prosecuting Attorney in 1893, but declined. Mr. McNamara is naturally of superior ability, and has an unusual legal acumen, supplemented by excellent trailing in a good law school and a good law firma He easily bids fair to make his way to prominence in his chosen profession. His high sense of honor and uniform courtesy have gained.for him the universal esteem of 'his fellow men. He is a worthy and influential citizen, a man of good literary judgment and taste, and an able and honorable counselor. WILLIAM SHAW ANDERSON, one of the ablest, most eloquent and successful attorneys at law in Ohio, was born at North Jackson, Mahoning county, December 31, 1847. His father, the late David Anderson, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, in 1816, and came to this country in 1832. He was married in New Castle, Pennsylvania, to Hannah L. Shaw, a daughter of Dr. William Shaw, an able physician and early settler of that city, where Hannah L. was born in 1816. She died in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had two sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was the eldest in order of birth. The father was a successful business man and a highly respected citizen. He always took an active part in politics, first as a Whig and afterward as a Republican. William S. Anderson, the subject of this sketch, was reared at North Jackson, Mahoning county, Ohio, received a fair literary education, and his youth was spent on a farm and in a store of his father, who was fcr forty years a leading merchant at North y. Jackson, where he settled about 1846. Early in life William S. entered upon the practice of law, having been admitted to the OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 647 bar in 1870, and for a time followed his profession in Niles, Ohio. He afterward went to Canfield, and in 1876, when the county seat of Mahoning was changed to Youngstown, Mr. Anderson came to this city. He is now a member of the firm of Jones & Anderson, and they have a very large clientage. Mr. Anderson has gained a well earned and wide spread reputation as a criminal lawyer, and as to the general practice of law it may be truthfully said that he has long since held a very high and appropriate rank in the profession. In 1876 he was united in marriage with Louise Shields. They have had five children, four of whom still survive. In political matters, Mr. Anderson affiliates with the Republican party, and, sccially. is a member of the K. of P., and the Elks. HON. E. M. WILSON, one of the most 1 popular men who have figured in public life in Mahoning county, also one of the ablest members of the bar at Youngstown, was born at Shalersville, Portage county, Ohio, January 17, 1846, a son of Charles and Ether S. (Hancock) Wilson, natives of Massachusetts, and of Scotch and English origin. The mother died when her son was about four years of age, and about sixteen years afterward the father also departed this life. E. M. Wilson grew to man's estate in Shalesville, where he attended the public schools, and later spent two years in Hiram College. Be subsequently took a law course at Cleveland, was admitted to the bar in 1874, and two years afterward came to Youngstown, where he soon gained an enviable reputation in his profession. In politi cal matters Mr. Wilson takes an active part in the Democratic party, and in 1887 was made the nominee of his -party for Probate Judge. He was duly elected, and in 1890 was re-elected to that position. Being twice elected to that office as a Democrat, in a Republican county, is indicative of his personal popularity and evidence of the confidence his fellow-citizens have in his ability. Mr. Wit son is a modest and unassuming man-, and honest and earnest in his profession. JAMES K. ORR, Sheriff of Mahoning county, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, May 7, 1846, a son of James and Elizabeth (Bell) Orr. The mother was born in Mahoning county, a daughter of a pioneer settler of this county. The father was born and reared in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and was of Irish ancestry. James K. Orr, one of six children, was reared on a farm, and received a fair education. At the age of sixteen years he began railroad work, and for twenty-three years was in the employ of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railrcad. He also worked four years for the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad. Mr. Orr was employed as conductor for over twenty years, and was serving in that capacity when he was elected Sheriff of Mahoning county, in the fall of 1892. He was elected as a Democrat in a Republican county, and the fact that he received a flattering majority is cited as evidence of his popularity. During the late war Mr. Orr served four months after 1864 as a private in Company F, One Hundren and Fifty-fifth Ohio Regiment. In 1874 he was united in marriage with Miss Ella McClure. Mr. Orr is a Master Mason, and is also a popular member of the 648 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY order of Railway Conductors, and of Tod Post, G. A. R. In political matters he has always been a stanch Democrat. His character is that of a sincere, unassuming man, and he enjoys the esteem of a wide acquaintance. WILLIAM McCOY, Recorder of Mahoning county, was born at Canfield, Ohio, October 9, 1856, a son of John and Mary (Flannery) McCoy, natives of Ireland, who came to the United States in early life. They were married in this country, and soon afterward located at Canfield, where they have lived for over forty years. They are the parents of ten children. William McCoy was reared and educated in his native place. He began railroad work at an early age, and has spent over twenty years at that occupation. He has always been an active worker in the Democratic party, and was fittingly chosen by his party as a candidate for Recorder in the campaign of 1892. Mr. McCoy is a popular citizen, and an influential brother of Railway Trainmen, also a member of the order of Railroad Conductors. In 1882 he was united in marriage with Miss Bright M. Shields, a native of West Austintown, Ohio. JAMES D. SHIELDS, one of the well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers of Coitsville township, Mahoning county, Ohio, is a native of this place, born January 24, 1831, son of John and Sarah (Davidson) Shields. His parents had four children, the other three being Ann J., John G. (of whom reference is made on another page of this volume), and Ambrose. The father of this family owned 254 acres of land here, and was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising for a number of years. For sixteen years he was engaged in the milling business. In public affairs he took a prominent and active part. He served as County Commissioner and as Justice of the Peace, and in the United Presbyterian Church he was a leader. Politically, he was a Republican, after that party was organized. He was born in 1804, and lived to an advanced age. James D. Shields was reared on his father's farm, and has all his life been more or less engaged in farming arid stock-raising. he and his brother John G. were for some time engaged in the manufacture of fire brick. At this writing he is the owner of 142 acres of fine farming land, all under cultivation. He was the first agent for mowing machines in this vicinity, he having the agency for the Kemp manure-spreader of Syracuse, New York. September 1, 1862, Mr. Shields enlisted in Company B, Nineteenth Ohio Regiment, and rendered efficient service until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He was in the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga. He was hospital nurse for a year and a half, and for some time served as steward in the hospital. He is one of four that enlisted from Coitsville. He was married in 1865, to Miss Mary Gilchrist, daughter of James and Grace (McCleland) Gilchrist, and one of a family of three children, the other two being James and Rebecca. Her father was a prominent and well-to-do contractor of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he owned considerable property. He was a man whop character was above reproach, and all who knew him respected him for his many excellent quali- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 649 ties. Above all, he was a true Christian man. He died in 1853, and his wife survived him until February 10, 1876. Mr. Shields is a Republican, and a member of the G. A. R. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, as also were his parents and hers. FREDERICK BIXLER, a retired farmer and business man of Youngstown, Ohio, is one of the early settlers of Mahoning county. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, November 27, 1822, and remained there until he was eighteen years old. He then Came to America and located in Pittsburg, where he learned the trade of butcher, working for wages eight years. After that he set up a shop for himself, and in 1853 came from there to Youngstown, Ohio, arriving here January 1, and soon afterward opened a meat market on Federal street, the present location of the Wicks Bank. There he continued in business until 1867. He purchased the place where he now lives in 1856, this property being on an extension of Mahoning avenue. In 1867, when he retired from the meat market, he turned his attention to the cultivation of his farm, and has since lived somewhat retired. Mr. Bixler was married in 1848 to Miss Catherine Lappe, daughter of George Lappe, a tanner of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. She was born in Germany, and when quite young Caine with her parents to this country, settling in Allegheny, where she was reared and was educated in her native tongue. They became the parents of four children, namely: Amelia, born in 1850; Charles, 1852; Bertha, 1857; and Albert, 1859. Charles, a successful business man, runs a bakery on West Federal street, owns a nice home near his father, and has a wife and six children. Albert is now superintendent of the Marion Cracker Company. At fifteen years of age he engaged as office boy in a bank, where, by meritorious promotion, he became bookkeeper and then teller, and when he was only sixteen received a salary of $1,000 per year. He was married when in his twenty-fourth year, to Miss Susie Gruerwick, of Pittsburg, and they have two children, Emma and Reno C. He was one of the founders of the Y. M. C. A. at Youngstown; also founded the chapel at Allegheny; has all his life been an active Sabbath-school worker. Mr. Bixler's daughters are both accomplished women, and Miss Bertha has .been engaged in teaching music for some years. Mr. Bixler was naturalized in 1846. He cast his first vote for Zachariah Taylor and his last vote for Benjamin Harrison. He has seen the complete developmeut of the town in which he is quietly spending the closing years of his life, the possessor of a comfortable home and a competency, surrounded by his family and many warm friends. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church. ROBERT COOPER, of Coitsville township, Mahoning county, Ohio, is prominently identified with the agricultural interests of this place and is ranked with the most highly respected citizens here. Mr. Cooper was born in the township in which he now lives, July 23, 1827, the eleventh in the family of twelve children of David and Rebecca (Armstrong) Cooper.