650 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY His father owned 400 acres of land here and was engaged in farming and stock-raising. At the time he settled on this land, in 1800, it was all covered with timber, and he spent years of toil in clearing and developing it. In politics he was a Democrat; in religion, a Presbyterian. He was one of the liberal supporters of the church of his choice, and, indeed, was generous in his contributions toward all worthy causes. Robert Cooper was married in 1852 to Catherine Buchannan, daughter of John and Rebecca (Aplegate) Buchannan. They have four children: David-P., who married Mary McLeland, of Youngstown, Ohio; Laura .R., wife of W. B. Carleton, of Girard, Ohio; Sarah J.; and John A., who married Jennie Jackson of Coitsville. Mrs. Cooper was an invalid from 1885 until her dean], June 28, 1893. She was a devoted Christian woman and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cooper owns 104 acres of fine farming land, all susceptible of cultivation, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His political views are in harmony with Democratic principles, and with that party he has affiliated ever since he was a voter. By his many estimable traits of character he has won the friendship and esteem of all who know him, and he has a large circle of acquaintances in the county in which he has spent the whole of his useful and active life. JAMES NEILSON, formerly one of the most prominent and progressive citizens of Youngstown, now deceased, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, December, 1842. His mother died when he was an infant, but the father survived her until 1887, when his death occurred in his native city of Glasgow, be never having been in the United States. Our subject received a common-school education in his native country, emigrating to America when he attained his majority, locating near Columbus, Ohio, where he worked upon his uncle's farm for one year, and then went to Canada, but after about six months returned to Ohio, to accept the position of weigh-master, at the old Powers coal mine. In 1866 the mines were leased by the Andrews Bros., the following year the blast furnaces at Haselton were in progress of erection, and the firm, appreciating the ability of Mr. Neilson, placed him in charge of their books, which position he retained for ten years, when he was made the manager of the furnace in addition to his other duties. In 1880, he became a member of the firm of Andrews Bros. & Co., and in 1887, upon the incorporation of the Andrews Brothers Company, he was elected vice-president and general manager of their extensive iron plant and mines, which position he continued to hold until his death. In 1889 he organized the Youngstown Bridge Company, of which he was made president; the Mahoning Ore Company, operating mines in _Minnesota, of which he was also made president; and became a stockholder and director of the Youngstown Car Manufacturing Company. He also held stock in the Morris Hardware Company, the G. M. McKelvey Company, the Dollar Savings and Trust Company, the Ohio Steel Company, and the Commercial National Bank. When the Mahoning Ore Company was organized in 1892, it was the desire of the late H. 0. Bonnell that its interest be placed in the hands of Mr. Neilson, and it was while engaged in attending to the business of this corporation that his death occurred. During the fall and winter of 1892-'93 he made frequent trips to the ore regions of the OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 651 Northwest, where he was obliged to endure hardships to which he was not accustomed, and -his system became undermined, so that when he was attacked by a severe case of grip he was unable to rally, and his death occurred, May 24, 1893, of heart failure, superinduced by the grip. In 1866, Mr. Neilson was married to Mrs. Eliza Gibson, who had two children by a former marriage, Miss L. Lola Gibson, who resides with her mother, and Dr. R. D. Gibson, a practicing physician of Youngstown. Mrs. Neilson is a most estimable Christian lady, of refined sensibilities, and her cheerful disposition cheered Mr. Neilson's home for over a quarter of a century before he was called away by death. Mr. Neilson joined the Presbyterian Church at twenty-three years of age and continued firm in its principles until the day of his death. A strong temperance man, he advocated every measure tending toward the furtherance of reform and progress. It was during a reception held at his residence in honor of Mr. C. H. Yatman, the evangelist, that the project of building a home for the Young Men's Christian Association was first broached, and since that time the beautiful and substantial building in which their meetings are held has been built. A prominent Mason, he was connected with Hillman Lodge, No. 481, F. & A. M., of which he was Past Master; Youngstown Chapter, No.. 93; St. -John's Commandery, K. T., No. 20; Alcoran Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Cleveland, Ohio, and of the Lake Erie Consistory of Scottish Rite Masons, and through his entire life lived up to the teachings of his order. A kind and affectionate husband, a good neighbor, a thoughtful employer and a most exemplary Christian, Mr. Neilson's death was felt throughout the entire community and the most gratifying notices relative to his many sterling qualities were published in the various newspapers and trade journals of the country. One of the prominent figures in local business circles, his loss is felt throughout the city, for few were the enterprises in which he did not play an important part, either as official or stockholder; and the success attained by him is the result of his energy, combined with his great ability as a manager and his excellent business qualifications. His every act was manly, his friendships lasting, and all who knew him esteemed him for his many virtues. No death in the entire city has ever called forth such sincere expressions of sorrow, and all feel that the community has lost one of its most prominent advocates in this influential and tireless worker, whose success was looked upon as the success of the city. Not content with furthering his business interests, Mr. Neilson was an earnest church member and gave largely of his abundance to those less fortunate. It was his purpose to be personally acquainted with all the men under him, and many of them can recall untold acts of kindness, deeds of generosity and expressions of interest and sympathy, which proved more valuable than material assistance. His employes ever regarded him as their friend, and his death is mourned by none more deeply than those who under his direction earned their daily bread by the labor of their hands. He possessed rare good judgment, was broad-minded and ever willing to utilize his talents for the good of the church and the community at large. His word was always regarded as good as his bond, and none there were who doubted any assertion he might make. A Republican in politics, he supported the measures of that party upon any and all occasions, although he never sought office, preferring to give his sole time 652 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and attention to the direction of his own affairs. At the time of his death he was a member of the Board of Health, having been elected to that office without any previous knowledge of his having been a candidate. He was a rarely gocd man, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, and in his death the city loses one of its best sons. He was companionable in the extreme, possessing an even disposition and pleasant manners, and won the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. His well rounded life, filled with deeds of charity and goodness, that were almost without limitation, is an endearing heritage to all who knew him. THOMAS E. DAVEY, one of the representative citizens of Youngstown, was born in Hamilton, Canada, January 16, 1856, a son of Thomas A. and Sarah A. (Elliott) Davey, natives of England. The father came to America about 1855, as one of a party to survey and establish the boundary line between Canada and the United States. In 1863 he came to Youngstown, Ohio, but in 1877 removed to Portland, Oregon, where he now lives. Thomas E. Davey was reared in this city, where he secured a fair education in the public schools. He began work for himself as a teamster, hauling coal. In 1873 he was employed as clerk in the Union Express office, in this city, in 1879 was made agent for the same company, which afterward merged into the Adams Express Company, and be remained as agent until 1886. Mr. Davey has served four consecutive years as Township Treasurer, and in 1886 was elected County Auditor of Mahoning county, entering that office in September, 1887. He was re-elected in 1889, and his second term will expire in September, 1893. In 1881 Mr. Davey was united in marriage with Miss Ada Holland, of this city, and a daughter of Andrew Holland. She is a granddaughter of Richard Holland, one of the oldest settlers of Mahoning county. Mr. and Mrs. Davey have one daughter. In political matters, our subject affiliates with the Republican party. M. BUCK, who owns and occupies one of the finest farms in Austintown township, Mahoning county, Ohio, is one of the leading men in his vicinity. Mr. Buck is a native of the Empire State. He was born September 29, 1827, one of a family of five sons and five daughters of David and Mary (Moyr) Buck. David Buck was a blacksmith by trade, but for many years was engaged in farming and stock-raising in New York, having removed from Pennsylvania to that State in 1823, accompanied by his wife. The Bucks are of German extraction. David 'Buck was a Lutheran, while his wife was a member of the Reformed Church. Politically, he affiliated first with the Whigs, afterward with the Democrats, and finally with the Republicans. He has a brother who .served in the Revolutionary war. The subject of our sketch was married, in 1854, to Miss Mary A. Gilbert, daughter of John and Maria (Harding) Gilbert. Here by honest toil and good management he came into possession of 280 acres of land, on which he has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. In his early life he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 653 worked for three years, and he was also for some time engaged in the merchandise business. His whole life has been one of great activity, and his accumulated wealth has all been the result of his own efforts. He is a generous and public-spirited man, and contributes freely toward the support of the gospel and various charitable purposes. He is a member, of the Reformed Church, while his wife was an Evangelist. Mrs. Buck was born in 1835 and died in 1890. She left three children, of whom we record that John A. was born in 1854, married Maggie Moherman, and lives in Jackson township, this county; Samuel J. was born in 1859; and Charles C. was born in 1861, and married Louie Harding, of Ellsworth township, Mahoning county. Our subject came to Trumbull county, Ohio, now Ma-honing county, with his parents in 1835 and has been a resident of Austintown township ever since except one year he lived in Trumbull county. HON. I. B. MILLER- -Within the last decade of years the city of Youngstown has materially advanced in commercial and industrial importance, has doubled its population, and now figures as the sixth city, in point of population, in the State of Ohio. To be. Mayor of such a city is not only to hold a position of honor and trust, but also means much responsibility in guarding the interests of scarcely less than 40,000 people. Competent to fill this important office, the citizens of Youngstown so regarded I. B. Miller when they elected him their Mayor in April, 1892. He had been twice elected Justice of the Peace, the first time in 1888; and again in 1891, serving his second - 43 - term when he was elected to the Mayor's office. In this official capacity, sagacity and ability have characterized his administration, under which the city has maintained a commendable condition of affairs. Mrs. Miller was born in Mahoning county, January 18, 1850, a son of Joseph and Jane Miller. The father was born in Virginia, in 1800. He came with his first wife, who bore him several children, to Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1825, where he was engaged in farming. He was afterward married to Jane Jones, who was born in this county in 1804, a Baugh- ter of Edward and Jane (Price) Jones, early settlers of Austintown, Ohio. I. B. Miller, our subject, graduated at the Rayen high school of Youngstown in 1872. He afterward began the study of law with General T. W. Sanderson, and was admitted to the bar in 1873. In the following year he was married to Miss Ella I. Coombs, who, had also graduated in the Rayen high school of Youngstown in 1872, and they have two children, Howard C. and Maud E. Mr. Miller votes with the Republican party, although is liberal in his views, and indorses men and measures best calculated to benefit public welfare. Socially he is a genial spirit and popular member of Elks, Odd Fellows, and K. G. E, WICK TAYLER, who is identified with the real-estate and insurance business of Youngstown, Ohio, and who occupies a leading and influential position in business circles, is a native of the town in which he lives, and was born October 2, 1855. He is a member of one of the most highly respected families in eastern Ohio, his parents being Hon. Robert W. and Rachel K. 654 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY (Wick) Tayler. Of his maternal grandparents we record that his grandfather was Caleb Baldwin Wick, and that the maiden name of his grandmother was Maria Adelia Griffith. Of Hon. Robert W. Tayler, more extended mention will be found on another page of this work. Wick Taylor, ever since reaching manhood's estate and engaging in business, has held a prominent place in public favor. Progressive and energetic, he is a hustler in the true sense of that word. He spent the years of his boyhood in this city and in Columbus, Ohio, where he resided during the war, and since then has spent all his time in Washington city and Youngstown. After Completing his education he was for some time engaged in teaching, first in the country schools of Mahoning county and later in town schools. His career as an instructor began in 1876, and covered a period of several years. In Washington he held for a number of years an important position in the service of the Government. Since coming back to Youngstown and engaging in business pursuits he has done an extensive business in both real estate and insurance. At present his offices are located in Wick's Bank building. In both Washington and his native place he has a special knowledge of and is thoroughly familiar with the real-estate interests, and has much desirable property entrusted to his charge for sale or exchange. As boy and man he has knowledge of the location of every fcot of land in Youngstown and surrounding vicinity, its desirability, its value, and has special facilities for securing abstracts of land titles, having made a special study of titles. In the insurance business he represents some of the leading and old established companies. His unform politeness and his promptness in the transaction of business are important factors in his success, and he never fails to make friends with all those who have any dealings with him. Mr. Tayler is ex-president of the Montgomery Republican Club of Youngstown, the most important political organization in this part of the State. He is a leading Republican politician in this the Eighteenth Congressional District of Ohio. HON. ROBERT WALKER TAYLER, deceasd, for many years First Comptroller of the United States Treasury, was a man of prominence and more than ordinary ability. Of his life the following brief sketch is presented: Robert Walker Tayler was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1812, son of James and Jane (Walker) Tayler. His parents moved to Youngstown, Ohio, in 1818, and his father bought a carding and fulling mill in what is now Mill Creek Park. Robert attended school at Fosterville, the educational advantages at Youngstown being then very crude. While still in his 'teens he officiated as Assessor for Trumbull county, which then included within its limits the larger part of Mahoning county. He also taught school and studied law, and from time to time held several minor positions of im portance and trust. In 1889 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of his county, and held the office two terms. Subsequently he was Mayor of Youngstown, and still later was City Solicitor. During the early " '50s " he was cashier of the Mahoning County Rank. In 1855 he was elected State Senator and was re-elected in 1857, and while holding this office was Major-General of the Ohio State troops. In 1859 he was elected Auditor of State, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 655 which office he held until 1863, when he was appointed First Comptroller of the United States Treasury Department by President Lincoln. This last named position he filled with marked ability up to the time of his death, which sad event occurred February 25, 1878. He faithfully performed the duties in this office for fifteen years, under Presidents Lincoln, Johnson, Grant (two terms) and Hayes. So earnest a worker was he that he went to the office on the day of his death and was at work until two hours before his demise. Previous to the organization of the Republican party in this locality, Mr. Tayler and Judge Hoffman, who were warm personal friends, were among the leading and most prominent Abolitionists. In their struggles for the freedom of slaves they were compelled to keep their counsels well to themselves and hold their own against some very influential people in the county. During his public career, Senator Fessenden, Secretary Chase and Senator Sumner were among Mr. Tayler's best friends. Mr. Tayler was the Centennial Commissioner for the United States Treasury Department to the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1876, and in this position, as in every other, he rendered valued and highly appreciated service. As will be seen from the above, Mr. Tayler did his part, and did it nobly, in one of the most important positions of the United States Government during the most important years of the Nation's history, and his ability and integrity were never questioned for a moment. Mr. Tayler was first married, in 1839, to Miss Louisa Woodbridge, a descendant of the great divine, Jonathan Edwards. Their union resulted in the birth of seven children, of whom we make record as follows: James, who died at the age of nine years; Mary L., who occupies an important position in the office of the First Comptroller of the Treasury Department at Washington; Martha and Susan, who died in childhood; George, for a number of years a commissioned officer in the regular army, died of consumption, in Washington, in March, 1876, aged twenty-seven years; Jeanie, a resident of Washington; and Robert Walker, a prominent lawyer of New Lisbon, and lately the editor and proprietor of the Buckeye State. Mrs. Louisa Taylor died in 1852. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, and hers was a beautiful Christian character. In February, 1854, Mr. Tayler married Miss Rachel Kirtland Wick, daughter of Colonel Caleb Baldwin Wick, of Youngstown, Ohio. She, too, bore him seven children: Wick, an enterprising real-estate dealer in Youngstown; Maria L., who died in 1886; Jacob, who died in infancy; Rachel, an artist; Henry and Lila, twins, the former deceased, and the latter at home; and Louisa, attending Wellesley Ccllege in Massachusetts. MELVIN CARY McNABB, a prominent attorney at law of Youngstown, is a son of L. B. and Mary (Hawn) McNabb, who were born and reared in Mahoning county, Ohio, and both were members of families who were among the very early pioneers of this county. Melvin-C., one of five children, was born at Poland, Ohio, October 14, 1852. His youth was spent on a farm, and he received his education in the Poland Union Seminary. He began school-teaching in 1867, and alternately attended and taught school. As a teacher he was very successful. Mr. McNabb taught 656 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY first in the district schools, in 1868 was principal of the Poland union schools, and later taught at Salem, Ohio. At the latter place he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar at Youngstown by the District Court, April 4, 1877. He immediately took up the practice of his chosen profession in this city, where he has ever since remained, maintaining a remunerative practice, and holding an appropriate place at the bar as a representative lawyer. Mr. McNabb has been Secretary of the Mahoning County Bar Association since its organization, in 1879. In political matters, he is a stanch Republican, and socially is a prominent Knight Templar Mason. September 21, 1884, Mr. McNabb was joined in marriage with Miss Laura Ambler, a daughter of Hon. J. A. Ambler, of Salem, Ohio. To this union have been born two children. Mr. and Mrs. McNabb are members of the Episcopal Church, and are among the leading and representative families of Youngstown. THOMAS W. SANDERSON, a prominent lawyer and citizen of Youngstown, Ohio, was born at Indiana, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1829, a son of Matthew D. Sanderson, who was of Scotch lineage and a farmer by occupation. He died at Youngstown, in 1864. The mother of our subject, nee Mary Wakefield, was a daughter of Thomas Wakefield, who was born at the town of Wakefield, England, the scene of Oliver Goldsmith's tale of the Vicar of Wakefield. Thomas W. Sanderson, our subject, came with his parents to Youngstown, Ohio, at the age of seven years, where he grew to man's estate, and attended school. He also entered the college at Bardstown, Kentucky. In early life he was urged by his friends to prepare himself for the profession of law, which was suited to his tastes, and, being ambitious to lead a professional life, he decided on that vocation. He began reading law under the directions of William Ferguson, at Youngstown, and in 1852, when scarcely twenty-three years of age, was admitted to the bar by the District Court at Canfield, then the county seat of Mahoning. While studying law Mr. Sanderson also spent much time in civil engineering, and for a time after his admission to the bar followed that occupation. In 1854 he began the practice of his chosen profession, in company with his brother-in-law, Francis E. Hutchins, with whom he remained but a short time. Soon after entering the practice of law he took appropriate rank at the bar, and in 1856 was elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney for Mahoning county, where he served one term. At the opening of the Civil war he had gained a large clientage and an enviable reputation at the bar, but he gave up his practice to enlist in the struggle to maintain the Union. In 1861 Mr. Sanderson became Lieutenant and Adjutant of the Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, remained in service over four years, participated in the last realistic panorama of the rebellion, and passed through several promotions to that of a Brigadier General, in 1864. During the years of 1864—'65 he was in command of brigades and divisions. He was with General Rosecrans from Stone river, and participated in nearly all the actions in which the army of the Cumberland was engaged. Mr. Sanderson took part in the battles of Franklin, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, battles about Atlanta, Waynesborough, Resaca, Averysborough and Bentonville, was with General Sherman on the march to the sea, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 657 and on through the Carolinas until the surrender of General Johnston. At Bear Creek Station, south of Atlanta, on the second day of Sherman's march to the sea,General Sanderson, with one brigade of cavalry against three divisions of General Wheeler's Cavalry, secured a dashing victory. He was gallant in action, for which he was made a Brigadier General. After the close of the struggle General Sanderson returned to the practice of law at Youngstown, and now ranks as one of the leading lawyers of the State. He has ever been a well defined Republican in politics but has always refused to enter the arena as a candidate for civil office. In 1872 he was a delegate at large from the State of Ohio to the National Republican Convention which nominated General Grant for re-election as President. As a railroad lawyer Mr. Sanderson has done much successful practice for several companies, and has won an enviable reputation for such form of practice. As a business man he is practical and successful, and is shrewd and accurate as a planner and calculator. He is vice-president of the Commercial National Bank of Youngstown, and is also interested in several other business concerns. Mr. Sanderson was married December 19, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Shoemaker, of New Castle, Pennsylvania. They have one child, a daughter. SAMUEL PRICE, one of the oldest agriculturists of Youngstown township, Mahoning county, Ohio, was born on the farm where he still resides, November 2, 1815. His parents were James and Hannah (Kyle) Price, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively; the father emigrated to Ohio in 1809, coming through Pennsylvania, where he was married; the journey was made by team in the true pioneer fashion. Joshua Kyle, brother of Mrs. Price, bought a large tract of land in Ohio, and Mr. Price purchased a portion of it, a body of eighty-two acres; it was heavily timbered, but he bravely went to work to clear it and reduce it to cultivation. He established a home where fourteen children were born, ten of whom grew to mature years. He died April 13, 1869, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He was a Deacon in the Baptist Church for many years, and his wife also was a devout member of that society. Their two older children died in infancy; John, the third, is also deceased; Mary, wife of George Hull, is deceased; Jesse survives; Dorcas is the wife of James Gordon; Samuel is the subject of this notice; Ann is the widow of Giles Bates; Jane is the widow of Andrew Shields; Olive is the widow of James Shields; Bryson is deceased; Betsey, wife of S. K. Shedd, is deceased; two other children died in infancy. Samuel Price was reared to the life of a farmer, and in early life became accustomed to the hard labor of tilling the soil on the frontier. For seventy-eight years he has resided in one place around which cluster many hallowed associations. He was married April 25, 1839, to Miss Lydia Stewart, a daughter of Thomas and Lydia Stewart, both of whom died many years ago. Mrs. Price is the youngest of a family of four children: Eleanor, wife of Matthew Kerry, died at the age of eighty years; Margaret died in girlhood; Alexander is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Price are the parents of three children: Margaret married Perry Wehr, and they have three sons, Myron, Paul and Ranney; James, County Commissioner of Mahoning county, married 658 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Dolly Predmore, and they have three children, Samuel, Ned and Margery; Eleanor is the wife of Walter A. Beecher, and their two living children are George and Ward. Mr. and Mrs. Price celebrated their golden wedding in 1889, and the bride and groom of 1839 were the only ones present who had assembled to witness the event of fifty years before. Mr. Price has carried on a general agricultural business for many years, changing his crops and giving more or less attention to certain branches of husbandry as the times have demanded; at one time he raised a great many sheep, but this business was broken up by the savage dogs that roamed the country, destroying all sheep that were not protected. Politically he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and has supported that ticket since 1861. He is a man of strong convictions, and always has the courage to speak for the side of law and order, justifying his reputation for the strictest integrity. J. M. JACKSON, one of the prominent men of Coitsville township, Mahoning county, Ohio, was born in Pennsylvania, August 5, 1828, son of John and Jane Jackson. His father was born in 1800 and died in 1868; was a farmer, stock-raiser and lumber-dealer; was a Democrat in politics, and took an active interest in public affairs, serving as Justice of the Peace several years. He was a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church, of which he and his wife were consistent members. She was born in 1800 and died in 1879. Their marriage occurred in 1821. The names of their nine children are as follows: Eliza, Ebenezer, Cyrus, J. M., William J., Nancy, Caroline, J. C., and Rachel. Only three of this number are now living,---J. M., William J. and Nancy. One of the sons enlisted in the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1862, and died after a service of twenty-three months. J. M. Jackson was married in 1852 to Rebecca Roberts, one of the four children of Thomas and Mariette Roberts. They have four children, namely: Mariette, wife of James McBride, is a resident of Pennsylvania; S. D. L., who married a Miss McBurney; Eliza J., wife of John A. Cooper; and John C., who married a Miss Clingan. During his early life the subject of our sketch was engaged. in teaching school, beginning when he was fourteen years of age and continuing that occupation until he was twenty-two. In March, 1864, he enlisted in in the Union army, and as Captain of Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio Regiment, he served until the close of the war. He has always given his allegiance to the Democratic party. He has been the choice of his party for County Commissioner, J ustice of the Peace, and Township Clerk, in all cf which positions he has rendered efficient service. Mr. Jackson has taken the Knight Templar degree in Masonry. Few men in Mahoning county are better known than he. JOHN G. SHIELDS owns ninety acres of land in Coitsville township, Mahoning county, Ohio, the farm upon which his grandfather Shields settled at an early day, and where his father also lived for a number of years. Mr. Shields is here engaged in farming and stock-raising, his specialities being fine road horses and poultry. Formerly he was for fifteen years engaged in the manufacture of fire brick, and OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 659 for two years he dealt in lumber, having lumber interests in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and also here in Mahoning county. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and his father John Shields, was the first anti-slavery man in this township. During the war the subject of our sketch was in the service several months in 1863, being a member of Company I, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, and being honorably discharged in September of that year. Mr. Shields was married in 1870 to Mary J. Anderson, who was born in 1848, and who died November 1, 1873, leaving two children: J. Carey, born in 1871, and Anna J. in 1873. Miss Anna is now about completing her education as professional nurse at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a young lady of many estimable qualities. Mrs. Shield's father was captain of a company in the One Hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment, and was killed at Hilton Head, South Carolina, by a sharpshooter. Mr. Shields is also a member of the Presbyterian Church. JEFFERSON S. MOHERMAN, one of the prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of Austintown township, Mahoning county, Ohio, is a native of this place and a son of one of its early pioneers. He was born in 1857, received a fair education, and when he grew up was united in marriage to Ida L. Heintzelman, daughter of Jesse and Mary Heintzelman. Her parents have two children: Ida L. and Jurilla. Her father is one of the wealthy farmers and stock-raisers of the township, owning and operating 217 acres of land, and also being engaged in the manufacture of cheese. Mr. Moherman's farm comprises 175 acres, and is devoted to general farming and stock-raising, horses being his specialty. Mr. Moherman and his wife are members of the Grace Lutheran Church, to which both her parents belonged. In politics he is a Democrat. He is ranked with the leading farmers of the township, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. HON. L. C. OHL, one of the prominent men of Mahoning county, Ohio, resides in a beautiful rural home in Austintown township. Of him we make biographical mention as follows: L. C. Ohl was born in the county in which he now lives in the year 1857, son of David and Elizabeth (White) Ohl. The other members of his father's family are: E. G., a resident of Geauga county, Ohio; A. N., of Mineral Ridge, Trumbull county, Ohio; Julia, James E. and Michael, at home; and Jennie, wife of William Ewing, who resides at Youngstown, Ohio. David Ohl was a millwright by trade, at which he worked for a period of thirty years. He also carried on farming operations, being the owner of 200 acres of land. He was born in 1813 and died in 1890, and his wife, born in 1829, is still living. He was a Republican in politics, and was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which church his widow has also been a member for many years. L. C. Ohl was reared on his father's farm, had the benefit of good educational advantages, and for eight years was engaged in teaching. He has all his life been identified with the Republican party and been an active worker in its ranks. He has served as Rep- 660 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY resentative of the county, and on two occasions has been the choice of his party for a position in the State Senate, where he performed his duty in a manner that reflected credit on himself and also on his constituents. He is a member of the Masonic order and also of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Ohl was married December 23, 1891, to Miss Elizabeth Armour, of Millersburg„, Ohio, daughter of a Probate Judge and retired lawyer. They have one child, Thomas A., born November 13, 1892, named in honor of his grandfather Armour. The Ohls are among the most prominent people of eastern Ohio, they having come to this State from Pennsylvania at an early day, where they were also ranked with the leading families of their vicinity. JACOB BLOSSER, a well-known farmer of Beaver township, Mahoning county; Ohio, was born here in the year 1830. He is a son of John and Barbara (Kagi) Blosser, and one of a family of twelve children, seven of whom are living: Anna, wife of John Baer; Mariah, wife of Peter Bassinger; Susan, wife of C. Stouffer; Noah, Enos, Joel and Jacob. The father of this family was born in Virginia, came out to Ohio in 1827, and was prominently identified with the early history of this part of Mahoning county. He died here at the age of eighty years. His wife passed away a number of years ago. They were active members of the Mennonite Church. Politically, he was a Republican. He was by trade a blacksmith and wagon-maker, but was for many years engaged in farming and stock-raising here. He owned 330 acres of land. Jacob Blosser was married in 1863 to Miss Barbara Printz, a native of Springfield township, this county, and a daughter of Joseph Printz, a prominent farmer and miller. Her parents were Lntherans. Mr. and Mrs. Blosser have three children: Lydia, wife of Menno M. Weaver; Susan, wife of Ivester R Guy; and Henry, who married Mary Detwiler. Mr. Blosser was reared on his father's farm, and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. He owns 180 acres of excellent farming land, and has one of the prettiest homes in the township. His residence is located on a natural elevation and commands a magnificent view of the surrounding country. He has all the latest improvements in the way of farming machinery, etc. Politically, Mr. Blosser is an ardent Republican, and takes an active interest in the politics and other issues of the day. He and his wife are members of the Mennonite Church. JOHN SHAW - Among the worthy and enterprising citizians ctizens Scotland has contributed to our soil is John Shaw, the subject of this sketch, whose birth occurred in Sterlingshire, Scotland, February 18, 1857. His parents, John and Jane (McClain) Shaw, were natives of Ireland and worthy, good people. The _McClain family originally came from the highlands of Scotland to Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, desiring to rear their young family in a land where opportunities to rise would be given them, left Scotland in 1864, and made their way to the new land of promise. Upon their arrival in America they proceeded to Ohio, settling first in Mahoning county, and later in Trumbull county, NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 661 where Mr. Shaw engaged in coal mining for some title prior to embracing farming as an occupation. After having spent a useful and active life, he is now living retired from active labor, enjoying the fruits of his years of toil. To Mr. Shaw and his good wife six children were born, of whom our subject was the second in order of birth. John Shaw, Jr., our subject, enjoyed the additional educational advantage of attending the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, for one year, in addition to the opportunities afforded by the country schools of his neighborhood. Before finishing his course at Lebanon Mr. Shaw engaged in coal mining, and followed that calling for a number of years, but in 1881 came to his present location, engaging in the employ of C. E. Andrews as bookkeeper and private secretary, having charge of the buying and selling of goods of his large business, in which capacity he gives the most entire satisfaction. The marriage of Mr. Shaw occurred December 28, 1887, to Miss Carrie E. Logan, the daughter of Matthew Logan, one of the leading and influential citizens of this city. In political matters Mr. Shaw is a firm ad. vocate of the principles of the Republican party, giving his influence toward the development and advancement of its best interests. An enterprising and progressive man, his energies are directed to the furtherance of his employers' interests, and in consequence the success which he has gained has been worthily and deservedly attained by a strict adherence to duty. In all the relations of life Mr. Shaw has proven himself worthy of the good old stock from which he springs, while his pleasant, genial manner has won for him many friends among those to whom he is known. His cheerful performance of all tasks assigned to him and thorough knowl edge of the subject in hand have gained the confidence of Mr. Andrews, by whom he is employed, and he is justly regarded by all with whom he has business relations as the right man in the right place. JOHN STAMBAUGH, SR. - It must I always stir the emotions and arouse the heart to a sense of the deepest gratitude to trace the history of any man or woman who has justly earned the title of " pioneer," be it in civilization, science or art. The path is never an easy one, and those sturdy souls who assumed the burden of felling the forests and subduing the wild lands, reducing all to a state of luxuriant fertility, have, indeed, won the right to be recorded among the heroes and heroines of the world. Among the early settlers of. Youngstown, Ohio, was John Stambaugh, Sr., who emigrated with his wife and one child from Perry county, Pennsylvania. He belongs to one of the old families in America, the founder of which in this country was Philip Stambaugh, who came from Stambaugh, Bavaria, situated thirty miles east of Munich. Philip was one of the younger children of his father's family, and received his portion in money. He came to America about 1741 and became a subject of Great Britain, in Philadelphia, in 1765, under the act of King George, by which he was obliged to be a resident of the same county seven years before he was eligible for naturalization. He bought land in Albany township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and also fifty acres, on a portion of which Philadelphia now stands, and on which he built a church, the deed, dated July 10, 1770, being now in the possession of his descendant, George G. 662 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Stambaugh, of Philadelphia. Phillip's three sons in this country were Daniel, Jacob and Philip, besides whom he had seven daughters, whose names are unknown. It is not known which of these three sons is the ancestor of this sketch. All were of high standing. One of these brothers had a son, John, who was the father of our subject. An own uncle cf Mr. Stambaugh, of this notice, was also named Philip, and he settled in the Keystone State, whence he afterward removed to Ohio, settling in Poland township, Mahoning county, and there died at the residence of his son, the late Philip Stambaugh, of Poland. John, previously mentioned as the father of of the subject of this sketch, settled in the Keystone State and reared eleven children: Jacob, Daniel, Philip, Martin, Samuel, William, Henry, David, and John, whose name heads this notice; the name of one brother and sister having been forgotten. Of these John was the youngest. The subject of this sketch was the first in Ohio to begin the development of one of her greatest industries. Among the first coal mines in the State was one opened on his land by his son, William, and nephew, Jeremiah Stambaugh, which was opened and operated at Briar hill. Wood, with which the country was abundantly supplied, was then the most popular fuel, and the only patrons for the new combustible were black-, smiths and a few settlers. Coal wagons came for many miles to haul away the product, and later canal boats did the same, while finally thousands of car-loads were hauled away on the railroad. John Stambaugh, Sr., was married to Sarah, a daughter of Samuel Beaver. Both parents died when she was a child, and she was reared by an uncle, Solomon Beaver, a great and good man, widely and favorably known for his many acts of kindness. Her brothers and sisters were: Samuel; Sohn; Mary, wife of David Lcopher; Peggy, wife of William McClure; and Betsey, married to John Owens. Mr. and Mrs. Stambaugh had thirteen children, two of whom died in infancy: Samuel died unmarried, his death being the result of a fall; William, Mary, Martin, deceased ; Sarah; Julia, wife of Calvin Shook; John, deceased; Arabella, wife of General Ford; Jacob, Daniel B. and David, deceased, the later of whom was married to Sarah Fitch. Mr. Stambaugh, of this notice, died in 1874, aged seventy-five years, and his worthy wife died in 1853. Both enjoyed the highest esteem of their associates, by whom their death was greatly mourned, their influence for good being wide and thorough, and destined to endure as long as virtue is loved and civilization shall be found in the land. Mr. Stambaugh settled at Briar hill a few years after Judge Tod, and the families became the warmest of friends. Mr. Stambaugh and his family made the journey from Pennsylvania in wagons, and the illness of the child on the.way added to the dreariness of the trip, causing the parents much concern and uneasiness. Mrs. Stambaugh once described her first meeting with Mrs. Tod in the following language: "On coming to our new home, after many weeks of weary travel with a sick child, we moved into our cabin. We were greatly fatigued, indeed, almost sick from worry and exhaustion. The sick child grew worse and hope was fast yielding to despair that afternoon when there came to our view what has ever since been one of the most pleasing recollections of my life; while we were feeling lonely and discouraged, in a strange land; with sickness and no acquaintance, I looked out, and only a few rods from OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 663 our door was a woman coming to our cabin; it was Mrs. Judge Tod; she was the first woman I had seen since our arrival. She was a noble soul, possessed of much kindliness and good sense. Her visit was of the Good Samaritan order, giving the balm of good cheer and the oil of consolation." Certainly few visits were ever made that were more salutary in their effect. These women from that day were fast friends, and performed for each other many loving deeds and many a gentle service. Mrs. Stambaugh watched many an hour with her beloved friend in the latter's last illness. Mr. Stambaugh became prominently identified with the business enterprises of the frontier settlement, associating himself with many useful industries and forwarding in every possible way the best interests of the community. Although there was a succession of failures and successes, he never lost faith in the future of Youngstown, and always returned to his home there with renewed confidence in her resources. His well directed efforts and untiring industry placed him in the front ranks of business men, and an unwavering integrity won the confidence of his fellowmen, which he retained to his dying day. Be passed to the great unknown, highly deserving the reward vouchsafed to the " pure in heart." GABRIEL C. DAVIS, who has mercantile interests both at Mineral Ridge and at Cornersburg, Ohio, was born at the former place, April 12, 1864, son of WilliaM Edward and Maria E. (Evans) Davis. William E. Davis was born in Wales in 1821, came to the United States in 1856, and in this country spent the rest of his life, and died in 1873. He was a coal miner and fanner by occupation, and his religious affiliations were with the Saturday Saints. The mother of our subject, also a native of Wales, landed in America a few months after her husband came here. She is still living, and is now a resident of Girard, Ohio. Gabriel C. Davis is one or a family of twelve children, the others being as follows: Annie E., single, lives with her mother at Girard, Ohio; John W., who married Annie E. Davis, lives in Salem, Oregon; David S., married Rosa Belle Beal, and lives in Long Valley, Boise county, Idaho; Mary, wife of C. S. Moggs, residing at Paris, Clarke county, Ohio; William E., who married Gwennie Morgan, resides in Crawford county, Kansas; Jennie, deceased ; Benjamin E., who married Ida E. Thrasher, lives in Cornersburg, where he has charge of our subject's store; Henry and Edward, deceased; Henry (2) who conducts a hardware business at Girard, and is a resident there; and Sarah, deceased. Gabriel C. Davis attended the schools of his native town until he was nearly fifteen years of age, aud at that time began clerking in a general store there for C. F. Whitney, remaining in his employ three years and three months. At the end of that time, in partnership with his brother, Benjamin E., he opened a general merchandise store at Mineral Ridge, and this store they had conducted only four months, when both the building and stock went up in flame. They had purchased some goods which had not yet been received at the time of the fire, and upon their arrival they rented a vacant house and in it opened up this stock. Soon after this Gabriel C. accepted a situation as traveliug salesman for B. Danne, Miller & Co., of Canton, Ohio, handling coffee and spices, and remaining with them ten months. Then he 664 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY opened up a stock of groceries at Mineral, Ridge, and conducted a grocery business for two years and a half. In the summer of 1887 he disposed of this establishment, and in the spring of the following year opened a grocery queen's-ware, flour and feed store in Girard, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Edmund Morgan, under the firm name of Morgan & Davis. This firm continued for six months, when Mr. Davis bought his partner's interest and for about a year ran the store alone. He then sold out and removed to the Pacific coast, and in Whatcom county, Washington, took up a pre-empticn claim of 160 acres, eight miles from the British America line. After ;pending six months on this claim, be went by vessel to Seattle. where he secured a clerkship in the commission store of H. R. Hammond & Co., and where lib remained about seven months. After that we find him back at Mineral Ridge, Ohio. Here, March 15, 1890, he purchased J. D. Strouse's stock of general merchandise at Cornersburg, and April 1, of the same year, was appointed Postmaster of this place, being the present incumbent of the office. In May, 1893, he bought property at Mineral Ridge, and in September opened up a stock of general merchandise. He himself conducts the store at Mineral Ridge, while his brother has charge of the one at Cornersburg. Mr. Davis was married, on the night of his twenty-third birth-day at the bride's home at Mineral Ridge, Ohio, to Miss Rhoda M. Morgan, who was born in Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. February 20, 1863, daughter of Daniel and Rhoda (Morris) Morgan. Daniel Morgan was born in Wales in 1820, came to the United States when a young man, and has been coal miner all his life. His wife, also a native of Wales, was born in 1825. They had a family of six children, of whom we record that their son, Edmund, who married Sarah A. Davis, lives in Youngstown, Ohio, where he is a member of the firm of Baldwin, Morgan & Co.; and and that four of their children: Leah, Mary J., and two infants, are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two. children: Roy, born January 30, 1888, in Mineral Ridge, Ohio; and William Edward, born in Cornersburg, Ohio, April 3, 1892. PETER CHRISTOPHEL, a prosperous farmer, residing in Beaver township, Mahoning county, Ohio, dates his birth in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1826. He traces his paternal ancestry back to Christopher Christophel, who removed from the Netherlands to Palatinate (or Pfalz), Germany, in 1664. This ancestor was the father of Hubertes Christophel, who was the father of Christopher Christophel, father of. John Christophel, father of Matthias Christophel, father of Jacob, who was born January 1, 1783, and who was the father of our subject. Peter is a son of Jacob and Susanna (Neff) Christophel, one of a family of six children, three of whom are living. Jacob Christophel was a man of some prominence in the vicinity in which he lived in Pennsylvania. He was a weaver by trade, but for many years lived on a small farm. It was as a minister of the gospel that he was best known, he being identified with the Mennonite Church. He was married three times, and bad a large family of children. Catherine, the only child by his first wife, was born in 1814 and died in 1829. The six children by his second wife are as follows; Elizabeth, born in 1818, died in infancy; Christian, born February 16, 1820, died in OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 665 1883; John, born January 7, 1822; Mary, born November 27, 1824; Peter, the subject of this sketch, born August 2, 1826; and Barbara, born August 31, 1828. The mother of these children died in August, 1830. For his third wife Mr. Christophel married Barbara Bear, in 1832, and they had seven children; Elizabeth, born in 1833; Anna, born in 1834, died in infancy; Joel, born in 1836; Henry, born in 1837; Susanna, born in 1840; Daniel, born in 1842; and Joseph, born in 1844. Peter Christophel was married November 15, 1853, to Miss Mary Lehman. Their union resulted in the birth of five children, as follows: Aaron, born February 12, 1857; Elizabeth, August 8, 1858; Lydia, April 4, 1860; Mary, May 25, 1862; and Noah, December 26, 1864. Mr. Christophel owns 143 acres of land and is comfortably situated. He takes an active interest in the public affairs of his vicinity, but has never been an office-seeker and has never held any office save that of School Director. He and his wife are members of the Mennonite Church. LEWIS V. SCHNURRENBERGER, who has for many years been identified with the interests of Greenford township, Mahoning county, Ohio, is a son of John Schnurrenberger, also a native of the Buckeye State. The father was born in Green township, Mahoning county, and there passed his entire life. At the age of nineteen years he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and served an apprenticeship of three years; he followed this vocation between ten and fifteen years, and then rented his father's farm. He and his three brothers engaged very extensively in agricultural pursuits, purchasing three farms, and carrying on a successful business until 1891, when they dissolved partnership. He and his brother, Joseph C., continued together in business until the death of the former. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, and served three terms as Assessor of his township. He was a man of generous impulses and a liberal supporter of the church, although he was not a member. His parents, Conrad and Elizabeth Schnurrenberger, were natives of Germany and Kentucky respectively. Conrad Schnurrenberger emigrated to America about the year 1820, and settled in Beaver township, Mahoning county, Ohio, removing to Green township in 1833. His parents were John and Barbara Schnurrenberger, also natives of Germany, who emigrated to America. John Schnurrenberger was united in marriage June 25, 1863, to Eliza Jane Zimmerman who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1841; she was the daughter of Peter Zimmerman, a native of the United States. Two children were born of this union, Lewis V. and Joseph H. The latter married Maude Gilbert. Lewis V. was born August 13, 1864, in Green township, Mahoning county, Ohio, and continued a member of the household of his parents until 1888. He was a student in the Canfield normal school, and afterward taught school three terms in his native township; he was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and gave his attention to this calling until 1890. He was married in 1888, to Anna M. Wyght, a native of Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and a daughter of James M. and Margaret (White) Wyght, natives of Ohio. Two children have been born to our subject and wife: Edna M. and Merl J. 666 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY In 1890; Mr. Schnurrenberger engaged in the drug and grocery business at Greenfcrd, and has met with satisfatory results in this undertaking; he owns one-fourth interest in 250 acres of good farming land, and also some town property. He is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and is now serving his second term as Township Treasurer. He has been a member of the School Board, and has always encouraged those movements which have tended to advance the interests of the general public. He is a member of Greenford Lodge, No. 514, K. of P. Mrs. Schnurrenberger is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and while her husband is not a member, he is in full sympathy with the work of the church, to which he contributes a liberal support. ANDREW W. SCHILLER, M. D., is a rising member of the medical profession, and has a promising future before him. He traces his lineage to sturdy German stock, and has inherited those qualities and powers of mind that are satisfied only when success is attained. His father, Israel Schiller, was born in Stuttgart, Germany, February 14, 1809, a son of Christian and Magdalene Schiller, also natives of Germany. The first members of the family who emigrated to America, sailed in 1817; they were shipwrecked and drifted to Norway, making another start from that country; Israel Schiller was on this voyage, being then a lad of eight years. His parents settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and there he remained until fifteen years old. He was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, and became a contractor and builder. In 1832 he removed to Mahoning county, Ohio, and settled in Springfield township, where he engaged in farming, and continued this pursuit until within a few years of his death. He retired to Petersburg and there passed his last days in quiet comfort. He was a man of unusual force of character, and was recognized as a leader among men. His death occurred Easter, 1891. His wife, Eleanor Hawn, was born in the State of Pennsylvania in 1814, and was brought to Ohio by her parents, who settled in Springfield township, Mahoning county. She is now a resident of Petersburg. Israel and Eleanor (Hawn) Schiller had born to them a family of twelve children: Maria, wife of Carter Hartung, has a family .1 three children: Ella, Henry and Albert; Martha is deceased; Gideon, a druggiest of Petersburg, married Lizzie Stevenson, and has three children: Israel, Maude and Paul; Kate, wife of George W. Penn, has three children, Clement, Albert and Mabel; Sabille resides with her mother; Dr. Silas Schiller married Ellen Wilker, and they have four children: Frederick, Dorothea, Harley and Grace; Eliza H. is the wife of Tobias Height; Tobias married Elizabeth Dressel; Della is a milliner in Petersburg; John H. married Lizzie Konesal, and has two children, Gertrude and Carl; Ira died at the age of thirty-seven years; Andrew W. is the subject of this notice. Dr. Schiller was born July 27, 1860, in Springfield township, Mahoning county, Ohio, and lived on the old homestead with his parents until 1881. He received his literary education in the college at New Castle, Pennsylvania, and then began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of his brother, Dr. Silas Schiller at North Lima. Entering the Western Reserve Medical College in 1879, he was graduated in 1882, and returned to Lima, where he had charge of OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 667 his brother's practice for one year. In 1883 he came to Greenford, and has established himself among the progressive and advanced physicians of the county. He was married May 2, 1883, to Attie Fleckinger, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Beard) Fleckinger, natives of Mahoning county; Mrs. Fleckinger is deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Schiller are the parents of three children: Arthur W., Edna I. and Royal L. In Politics the Doctor is identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Ohio State, the Mahoning County and the Union Medical Associations. W. F. CARSON, M. D., a well known physician of Berlin Centre, Mahoning county, Ohio, is a graduate of the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, and has had a very successful career as a member of the medical profession. The following lines contain a brief outline of his personal history. Be was born in Berlin township, Ohio, January 28, 1856, a son of George and Catherine (Gross) Carson. His father is one of the pioneers of Berlin township. He was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, August 19, 1812. In 1823 his father moved westward in covered wagons Over the Alleghany mountains tc Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and in 1832 removed to Trumbull county, now Mahoning county, Ohio, and settled on the Fitch farm, now owned by the heirs of Jacob Woolf. In 1835 he married Catharine Gross, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, July 17, 1818. After his marriage he settled near Shilling's Mills, on a farm which he afterward cleared and improved, where he resided until he moved to the center of Berlin in November of 1863, just thirty years. ago. The same fall he was elected Justice of the Peace and he held that office continuously since with the exception of only a few months. Mr. Carson, besides his farm at the center of Berlin, still owns a part of the farm on which he originally settled near Shilling's Mills. He is still hale and hearty and does the most of the work on both his farms. He has always been an intelligent and industrious farmer and has prospered in his business. Mr. and Mrs. Carson have had eleven children, five sons and six daughters, one dying young. Two of their sons were in the late war. U. W. volunteered at the first call of troops in 1861, going out with the Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and serving about two years, when he contracted camp diarrhoea and was discharged. Regaining his former good health, he returned to the army and was chosen Captain of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio National Guards. David was also out in the same regiment. Dr. Carson, the tenth-born of the family, received his elementary education in the public schools, and later became a pupil in Mt. Union College. When he had finished the course of one of the departments of this institution he joined the ranks of the great army of educators, and taught in the public and select schools for a number of years. Having determined to enter the medical profession he began to study in this line in 1879, under the direction of 1)r. Callahan of Alliance, Ohio, a prominent physician of that place; later he was under the preceptorship of Professor Webster, of Deerfield, Ohio. In 1883 he was graduated at the Cincinnati 668 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Eclectic Medical College, and in a class of seventy-three stood second in grades, having an average per cent. of ninety-seven and three-fourths. He afterward took a special course of lectures on the eye and ear at the Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati. Returning to Berlin the Doctor engaged in practice, and for ten years has been steadily rising in the profession. A thorcugh student, he has always kept abreast of the times, and is well posted upon all the improvements in methods and in the latest discoveries in the science. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, and is deservingly popular, enjoying an extensive practice. Outside his profession he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, being Past Chancellor of Lodge No. 235, and has been Chancellor of the same for the past three years. Dr. Carson was united in marriage, in 1886, to Ola M. Hawkins, a daughter of L. E. Hawkins, of Berlin township. Mrs. Carson was a student at Mt. Union College, where she received a superior education. The Doctor and his estimable wife have one child, a son named Lothair Jay. They occupy a handsome residence, which Dr. Carson erected in 1887, at a cost of $2,500. WILLIAM B. ELLIS.—In all great cities of the country there has been a notable improvement in the quality, no less marked than the increase, in the number of buildings, and this is specially true of Youngstown. The city, therefore, presents special advantages for the operation of expert architects, and in Youngstown the profession is ably represented by men of practical knowledge and artistic skill Whose efficiency is attested by work of the highest merit in all the essentials of design, and in execution in accordance with the advanced principles of modern architecture. Prominent among these is William Ellis, who was born in Fermanagh, Ireland, a son of William and Ann Ellis, both natives of Ireland. The father of our subject was an architect and builder in his native land, executing contracts for many important and handsome public buildings, residences of the nobility, churches, mills, etc. A member of the Established Church, in which he was Church Warden, he died at the age of seventy years, honored and esteemed by all. His wife died in 1892, aged ninety years, having long been connected with the same church as was her husband. The Ellis family is of English extraction, the founders of the race in Ireland, having come to this country from England during the reign of George II. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ellis numbered eleven, four sons and seven daughters, of whom our subject was the fifth in order of birth. After completing a high school course in his native land, our subject entered the office of a Mr. Armstrong, a prominent architect of London and perfected himself in his profession, of which he had learned the practical details, combined with carpentering and building, under his father. Resolving to seek wider fields of operation, Mr. Ellis, with two brothers and two sisters, came to America in 1860, locating in Pittsburg, but later he removed to Youngstown (1861), and thence to Middlesex the following year. At this time, fired with patriotic zeal, he volunteered in a Pennsylvania regiment and served his three months' term of enlistment, doing guard and garrison duty. Notwithstanding the fact that he was subjected to many hardships, Mr. Ellis passed through his term of service without any OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 669 serious inconvenience, and after his honorable discharge he returned to Middlesex, where he remained until 1864, at which time he proceeded to Youngstown and purchased in partnership with his brother a planing-mill, which was operated for two years under the firm name of Ellis, Holois & Company. He then sold his interest to his associate. After making an extended tour of Scotland, England and Ireland, remaining abroad for one year, he returned to Youngstown, where he has since remained, most successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Ellis was married in 1873 to Miss Frances Johnston, a native of Youngstown and a daughter of Moses and Lydia Johnston. For many years Mr. Johnston was a prominent merchant of this city, both he and his wife being still alive, each aged about seventy-five years. Mrs. Ellis is one of a family of six children, of whom four daughters still survive, the two sons being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are the parents of four bright and interesting children: William J., now attending Rayen high school, a member of the class of 1895; Robert; Bruce; and Edith. The family are attendants of St. John's Episcopal Church of Youngstown, in which they are earnest and energetic workers. Social by nature, Mr. Ellis is a live and active member of the Masonic order, having connected himself with this body in Ireland: Being thor- oughly conversant with-all the issues of the day, Mr. Ellis gives his influence and vote to the candidates of the Republican ticket, and is steadfast in his adherence to the principles of that party. Being an architect of the highest order of ability, as the structures he has designed attest, Mr. Ellis has furnished plans and specifications for many of the leading buildings of the city, his work giving at all times the most entire and uni- - 44 - form satisfaction. Combining artistic designing with practical ideas in sanitation and other features of utility demanded by modern progress in the art, Mr. Ellis has gained widespread prominence in his profession and is recognized as one of its leading and representative exponents in the entire State. Pleasant and genial in manner, Mr. Ellis is as popular in his social relation as he is prominent in business circles, and the success which has attended his efforts has been most justly and deservedly obtained by his years of persevering labor. JAMES DAVIDSON, deceased, was a son of James Davidson, Sr., who was born at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and subsequently moved to Lawrence county, same State, and lived there until his death. He was a farmer by occupation, and was very prosperous. In politics he supported the Republican party; he was a ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a man universally respected. He married Mary Adams, a native of Ireland, who came to this country and settled in Pennsylvania. They reared a family of eleven children, as follows: William, deceased, married and had a family of nine children,—Sam, Jane, Mary, Eliza, Ellen, James, Nancy, Flora and William; Mary, deceased, was the wife of James McCord, deceased, and they had eight children,—William, Margaret (deceased), Ellen, Rachel, John, Blaine, Elizabeth (deceased) and Emily, of whom Margaret, deceased, was the wife of William Woods, now dead, and the mother of seven children,—James, Eliza, William, Nancy, Amanda, John and Ella; Matthew married Rachel McCord, deceased, and they had four children,—James, John, 670 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Jennie and Alice; Isabella, deceased, was the wife of Robert Woods, deceased, and they had seven children,—Eliza, Mary, William, Davidson, Nancy, Emma and Robert; John B., deceased, whose first wife was Catherine Butler, now dead, and second wife was Sarah Frame; James is the subject of this sketch; Nancy, widow of John Norwood, is the mother of four children,—Daniel, Jennie, Thomas and John; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Wilson Justice, now deceased, and bore him four children,—Mary, Jennie, James and Daniel; Daniel married Julia Heasley; Jane resides with her brother Daniel. James Davidson was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, June 7, 1820, and there resided until a youth of fifteen years. Entering the employ of Robert Fullerton, he was engaged in farming for some time, and then was apprenticed to learn the shoemaker's trade; he followed this vocation in Poland, Ohio, removing thence to Lowellville, where he opened a shop and worked at his trade until 1870. He purchased a farm of 112 acres, one mile east of Lowellville, and removing to it resided there five years; at the end cf that time he went to Lowellville, where his widow now resides. When he began the struggle of life for himself, in 1835, he invested the capital with which Nature had supplied him,—energy, thrift and determination; with these reliable qualities he established himself in the world, and at the time of his death his estate was assessed at $40,000. Mr. Davidson was married in 1857, to Lovinah Nessle, a native of New York, and the daughter of Isaiah and Margaret (Altenburgh) Nessle, also natives of the Empire State; she was on a visit to Ohio, and there met and married her husband. Four children were born to them: Margaret, wife of Alonzo Lowry, is the mother of one child, Harriet; Thomas, deceased, married Margaret Kreusch, and to them were born two children, Lena and Sallie; Mary, wife of John G. Erskine, has one child, Davidson; Daniel, the youngest, is the subject of a separate sketch appearing on another page of this volume. James Davidson died November 12, 1891, lamented by the community of which he was a valued citizen. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party. Ile was a ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church, to which he had made generous contributions for many years. JOHN STAMBAUGH.—The life record of him whose name appears above has been one of more than usual interest, and his career was of such benefit and wielded such a wide influence in the city of his nativity, also in the surrounding country, that his biography will convey some idea of his usefulness in different ways in the various walks of life. His great integrity and uprightness of character won for him the honor of his contemporaries, and his clear, analytical and well trained mind in business affairs and his quick perception brought him into a very pleasant and valuable recognition. His activity and keen business foresight led him into many important enterprises which hAve been of permanent benefit to the community, and his generous impulses won him many friends, whom he rarely lost. His manly character and true worth inspired confidence and a faithful performance of duty secured its continuance. He was modest in his estimate of himself, never forced himself on public attention, was diligent in business, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 671 amassed a large fortune and gave freely to all benevolent enterprises. In social life he was highly esteemed for his cordial and agreeable manner, and in the domestic circle he was a model husband and father, loved his family with extreme devotion and made their happiness and comfort his chief aim and object in life. Mr. Stambaugh was born at Briar Hill, March 8, 1827, a son of John and Sarah (Bower) Stambaugh, of whom an extended notice is given elsewhere in this book. Our subject attended a business college in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he obtained a very thorough education in practical business methods. After returning home he engaged in the coal business operated by Mr. Tod: he attended to the outside business. His heirs are still connected with this same coal and iron interest, which is among one of the lead-business enterprises of the city. Throughout his entire business career, Mr. Stambaugh maintained the same high standard of action set up by him at the outset, by means of which he gained the confidence of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and was regarded as one of the leading and representative exponents of the coal and iron interest of Youngstown. Mr. Stambaugh was married September 12, 1854, to Miss Caroline Hamilton, daughter of William and Mary (Hull) Hamilton, the former of whom was a native of New Jersey, of English extraction. He was a farmer by occupation and participated in the war of 1812. In the early portion of this century he came to Ohio, marrying his wife in Berlin township, Mahoning county, his death occurring in 1846, after a protracted illness. His wife's parents were of German extraction, who emigrated from their native land and settled in Mahoning county upon a farm. His wife died in 1832, at the age of forty, years, after bearing her husband nine children, of whom Mrs. Stambaugh was the youngest and the only one now living, the others being: Eli, who married Mary Myers, and died in 1892: his wife now resides in Youngstown and his children are Julia, wife of William Thornton, who resides at Crab Creek; Lydia, who died at the age of twenty-four, in 1861; Sarah, who married William Ward, and died at the age of thirty-five years, leaving a family of four children. The second child in the family of which Mrs. Stambaugh is a member was Emanuel, who married Catherine Deeds of Youngstown, who is now living, aged eighty-four years, her four sons being: Homer Hamilton, B. Frank, Wilson S. and Chancey; Lydia, wife of James Fowler, who died in 1892, aged seventy-eight years, leaving four children: 0 rinda, deceased; Caroline; Ralph; and Sarah, wife of Wick Grans, a druggist of Youngstown; Sarah, wife of John Fowler, who reared a large family, all of whom is now deceased, she surviving them at the age of seventy years; William, who married Laura Shuman when twenty-eight years of age, is now deceased, as is also his wife; Andrew died unmarried at the age of forty-six years; Horace died in infancy; Jesse married Laura Fredmore, but died at the age of sixty-two years, leaving three sons, Charles, William and Frank: his wife still survives him, being a highly respected resident of Youngstown; and Mrs. John Stambaugh, who is the youngest. Mrs. Stambaugh is a lady of a high degree of culture and refinement who has enjoyed the advantages accruing from extensive travel, having accompanied her husband to Europe twice. She is a most worthy and highly respected lady, and has sustained most nobly the character of a devoted wife of 672 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY one of Youngstown's most highly esteemed and valued citizens. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stambaugh are: Grace G., who attended schcol in Paris while her parents visited Spain. She has also traveled throughout Italy, England, France, Scotland and Germany, and she is a most highly cultivated and charming young lady. The second child, Henry Hamilton, is one of the owners of the Briar Hill Furnace and makes his home with his mother. He attended Cornell University but left in his senior year, owing to ill health. John married Cora Bunts of Cleveland, by whom he had two children, Carolina and John. A graduate of Cornell University he enjoyed the additional advantage of a year's study in Europe, and is now a member of the firm of William Tod & Co., attending to the business of the house upon the road. George, the youngest child, is connected with the firm of Stambaugh Brothers, stock farmers, and also makes his home with his mother. Mr. Stambaugh made five different trips to Europe, the first one being in 1876, the succeeding ones being taken for his health; and during two of these he was accompanied by his entire family, they visiting the leading points of interest throughout Europe. During the winter of 1887 and 1888 the family were located in France, and they also spent three seasons, those of 1885, 1886 and 1887, at the Camesbad Springs, in Bohemia, the object being the betterment of Mr. Stainbaugh's health. Social by nature Mr. Stambaugh connected himself with the Masonic order, and was as popular in this association as he was prominent in business circles. In politics Mr. Stambaugh was a pronounced Republican, advocating all measures calculated to advance the interests of that organization. Mr. Stambaugh went to New York city upon a business enterprise, and while there died, March 5, 1888, aged sixty-one years. So universal was the expression of grief at his demise that a few extracts are here made from the articles published relative to him and his life in the leading papers of the day. One of the Youngstown's dailies published March 8, 1888, said: "Mr. Stambaugh was one of Youngstown's most enterprising and successful business men and one of the most public-spirited citizens. In business he was shrewd, exact and just; he was generous to a fault and took pleasure in assisting his friends wherever they were in need of help. He was liberal in his support of deserving public enterprises and charities. Among his many generous donations were the giving of a lot upon which to erect the city hospital, and his liberal support of that institution during and after its erection. He was of a retiring disposition and studiously avoided public mention. He was a man of unsullied honor and rigid integrity, and his whole business and private life was blameless. Mr. Stambaugh was born in an old log cabin on the old Stambaugh property at Briar Hill. His father, John Stambaugh, was a substantial farmer and reputable man. Young Stambaugh's boyhood days were spent mostly on his father's farm. As a young man, he entered the office of Tod & Ford, operating a coal mine at Briar Hill as bookkeeper. Shortly afterward he associated himself with Richard Woolley, who died in 1874, in the mining business, and with him mined coal by the ton at Briar Hill and later at Weathersfield. The business prospered and Mr. Stambaugh embarked in the dry-goods trade here with P. W. Keller, who afterward removed to Sharon, Pennsylvania, and died there. In 1888 or 1889, our subject, with Governor Tod, built and began operating the Tod blast OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 673 furnace at Briar Hill. From this on his business enterprises extended and prospered until the time of his death, when he was a very wealthy man. He was interested in a great many enterprises both in Youngstown and elsewhere. When his health began to fail him several years before his demise, he began curtailing his business interests, but his interests were still nearly as large as ever at the time of his death. He had been abroad several times for the benefit of his health, on each occasion remaining some length of time. He returned from his last trip to Europe in the summer of 1887, greatly benefited in health. A delegation of the citizens of Youngstown, consisting of J. G. Butler, Jr., H. O. Bonnell, Henry Tod, Paul Jones, D. B. Stambaugh, John Ford, Nelson Crandall, William Tod, Paul Wick and others, went to meet the train at Leavitsburg. A special train at Leavitsburg was made up and conveyed the remains with the sorrowing relatives and friends to the city. Upon opening the casket the remains were found in excellent condition and the deceased had the appearance of having fallen into a gentle sleep. He died at the Gilsey House, New York city, March 5, 1888. At the time of his death his daughter Grace and Mr. George Tod were with him. Mrs. Stambaugh and Tod Ford left Youngstown on Sunday but did not reach New York until Monday evening a few hours after he had passed away. His sickness only dated from the Thursday previous to his demise. When a physician was called his disease, pneumonia, the result of a severe cold, would not yield to treatment, and he was unconscious most of the time until death ended the struggle., When Mr. Stambaugh died every honest worthy citizen lost a friend and not one an enemy. As a man of business, his enterprise, his shrewdness, his sterling integrity made his counsel, his favor and his help to be eagerly sought for, while his broad public spirit led him to share in every public enterprise that would benefit the community, and his name and his capital are found in many of our manufacturing interests. And yet in all the details of his vast business his reputation for calm judgment, impartial justice, and sterling honesty have remained absolutely unquestioned. He was incapable of anything that had in it the least shadow of meanness. Would that all public men would live so as to deserve such a testimony. The solicitor for his gifts to the amelioration of suffering, or for the benefit of the poor never appealed to him in vain, and his gifts were not meager, but measured always by the need. The city hospital stands as a monument to his liberality, and as a tribute to his memory it should never be allowed to beg its way. Very many are the families among the poor which are ready to speak of his goodness and kindness, so freely and so quietly given, and almost every church building in the city has his name among the donors. There is one class especially who earnestly desire a place in the tribute to the memory of the subject of this sketch: 'tis the old soldiers of 1861—'65. During the war Mr. Stambaugh and Mr. Richard Woolley were in business in Briar Hill, Ohio. All around them were little, homes in which were wives and children left by brave men who had gone to the front to battle for their country. These humble homes were the care of these liberal gentlemen, and they never allowed the coal house to go empty, or the larder to be impoverished, or the children to be in want of clothing. A trustee also in the Rayen school. He now sleeps his last sleep in the Oak Hill cemetery, and the ever murmuring waters of the Mahoning chat 674 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY their perpetual requiem to an indulgent father, a true and affectionate husband, a kind neighbor, and a most worthy citizen in that many-peopled city of the lamented dead." JOHN VAN FLEET.—John Van Fleet, I now deceased, enjoyed the distinction of being one of the pioneers of Youngstown, having come to this city March 6, 1826, a little more than sixty-seven years ago, and was identified with the growth and progress of the city from that date until the time of his death, being numbered among its most prominent and prosperous citizens. Mr. Van Fleet was born in Mercer, now Lawrence, county, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1807, a son of Richard and Sarah Van Feet, natives of the same State. Six sons and six daughters were born to this family, all of whom grew to mature years, although our subject outlived his other brothers by several years, four of his sisters still surviving, namely: Sarah, widow of Jonathan Rigs, who resides near Hubbard; Hannah, widow of J. Hutchinson, who also resides near Hubbard; Rebecca, wife of Henry Kyle, of Pulaski, Pennsylvania; and Eliza, wife of Adam Sheriff, residing near New Bedford, Pennsylvania. Our subject was reared upon the farm and came to Youngstown, as before stated, in 1826, when he apprenticed himself to Wilson S. Thorn, a tanner, purposing to learn that trade. After serving out his time he purchased his employer's interests and operated the business until 1870, it being located at the present site of Orr's undertaking establishment, Gibson's livery stable and the rear of the opera house. Later, he was engaged in handling leather and findings on Federal (West) street until 1878. The sturdy lion- esty with which Mr. Van Fleet was imbued was carried into his business relations, and this trait of character secured him a large and lucrative trade. His reputation for honorable dealings was so great as to attract purchasers from Pittsburg, Cleveland and other cities, and in all his relations with his fellow men he maintained the same high standard of action. His successful business life may be solely attributed to his ability, industry and honesty of purpose, combined with his strict integrity and excellent business sagacity. Beginning at the bottom he worked his own way upward to fame and fortune by his indomitable energy, his pleasant and easy manners, his strict integrity and unquestioned reliability. By the quotation of uniformly moderate prices and the pursuance of honorable and upright methods, he was enabled to build up a trade which increased year by year and accumulated a competency upon which he retired when still of an age to be able to enjoy it. Mr. Van Fleet was a member of the first Board of Education ever elected in the city, and under the circumstances his election was a great honor, inasmuch as he was one of the first projectors of the public-school system in this portion of the State. In order to effect the progress in this direction that he desired, he was instrumental in passing through the State Legislature such measures as were necessary for the levying of taxes for school purposes, making the educational institutions public instead of private. In order to establish the public school system in Youngstown he circulated petitions, and to him more than to any one person is due the credit of the unexcelled public-school advantages enjoyed by the youths of this city. Had his lite been spared, he would have been offered an additional honor by reason of the