HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 575 Gensler was superintendent of the Wellston Iron & Steel Company for a number of years. He was a Republican and served as a member of the Wellston City Council. He also held membership in the Baptist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Gensler were born the following children: 1. William, lives at Wellston. 2. John, lives at Detroit, Mich. 3. Elizabeth, married Bryce S. Martin, lives at Struthers. 4. James, lives at Detroit. 5. Strouse, lives at Wellston. 6. Eva, married Austin Stephenson, lives at Wellston. 7. Edwin H., the subject of this sketch. Edwin H. Gensler attended the public schools of Wellston and entered Ohio State University after his graduation from high school in 1919. He was then connected with the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company as engineer in the boiler department, and later became foreman. He served in this capacity with the Republic Iron & Steel Company at Youngstown. Since 1926 Mr. Gensler has been a successful building contractor, and has completed contracts for some of the finest residences at Struthers and in the surrounding community. He holds membership in the Youngstown General Contractors Association, and is secretary of the Struthers Business Men's Association. Mr. Gensler is a member of the Baptist Church and belongs to the Y. M. C. A. Rev. Joseph L. Kostik, who is pastor of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, Youngstown, is one of the city's honored and representative citizens. He was born at Tavarne, Czekoslovakia, Sept. 5, 1890, the son of Joseph and Mary (Popocy) Kostik. Joseph Kostik died at Murray City, Ohio, in 1916 and is buried there. Both he and his wife were born at Tavarne, Czekoslovakia. Mr. Kostik emigrated to the United States 576 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO in 1901 and settled at Murray City, Ohio, where he followed his trade as blacksmith. He was a Republican, a member of St. Phillip's Catholic Church. His widow resides at Youngstown. To Mr. and Mrs. Kostik were born the following children: 1. Anna, married Joseph Cajka, lives in Europe. 2. Rev. Joseph L., subject of this sketch. 3. Rev. John, who is pastor of St. John's Catholic Church, at Whiting, Ind. 4. Margaret, married Louis Schiller, lives at Youngstown, Ohio. 5. Helen, married Joseph Carroll, lives at Youngstown. 6. Emma, married Joseph Toth, lives at Youngstown. 7. Lawrence, lives at Youngstown. 8. Elizabeth, in religion known as Sister Esther, lives at Dayton, Ohio. Joseph L. Kostik is a graduate of the schools of his native land, and in 1914 received a degree from the University of Vienna in Austria. Two years later he obtained the degree of Master of Theology. He had been commissioned a captain in the Austrian Army in 1914 and served at the front during the World War from July 29, 1914, until Feb. 5, 1915. Father Kostik was ordained to the priesthood in 1914 by Bishop Fischer at the Paznaneum Seminary, Vienna, and began his pastoral work after his entrance into the World War. He was a teacher and assistant pastor at Nova-Ves, Iglo, Austria. Following his discharge from the army in 1918 he was attached to Holy Trinity Catholic Church at Nova-Ves until 1920, and in that year came to the United States and located at Cleveland. There he was assigned to St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church as assistant pastor. He came to Youngstown in April, 1922, and at that time built St. Elizabeth's Church, school, and sisters' home. He has continued as pastor until the present time. Father Kostik is identified with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also holds membership in St. Matthew's Society, Sokol Society, and Pennsylvania HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 577 Society of Roman and Greek Catholics. He belongs to the Buckeye Rod and Gun Club. William J. Walsh, who stands among the representative young business men of Mahoning County as proprietor of Walsh Brothers, automobile dealers, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Cleveland, Jan. 30, 1897, the son of William H. and Anna (Welsh) Walsh. William H. Walsh lives retired in Youngstown. He was born at Lowell, Mass., and after coming to Ohio he spent many years in the employ of the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company. His wife was born in Scotland and died March 24, 1932. She is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown. Mr. Walsh is a Republican and holds membership in St. Columba's Catholic Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh : 1. Alvin, World War veteran, lives at Cleveland. 2. William J., the subject of this sketch. 3. Margaret, married Thomas Murphy, lives at Youngstown. 4. George R., lives at Struthers. 5. Marie, married Robert Pines, lives at Youngstown. William H. Walsh is a son of Michael and Mary Walsh, who were natives of Ireland. Michael Walsh served in the British navy, spent several years in Canada, and later located at Lowell, Mass. He served throughout the entire duration of the Civil War. His wife was a nurse during the war. Mr. Walsh is buried in Pittsburgh, and his wife is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown. The education of William J. Walsh was received in the public schools of Struthers. He learned automobile mechanics in the shops of the Dietrich Motor Car Company, of Youngstown, and later served as salesman and service manager for the concern for ten years. He engaged in business at Struthers in 1923, and during 1924-31 Walsh Brothers 578 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO were distributors of the Buick automobile. William J. Walsh became owner of the enterprise in 1926, and since 1931 has had the agency for the Plymouth and DeSoto cars. Mr. Walsh is a Republican, a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, and belongs to the Southern Hills Country Club, and Kiwanis Club, past president. He also has served as president of the Struthers Business Men's Association, and holds membership in the Mahoning County, Ohio State, and National Automobile Dealers' Association. Carl W. Ullman, who stands among the representative young business men of Youngstown as executive vice president of the Dollar Savings & Trust Company, is a native of this city. He was born Feb. 8, 1892, the son of Edward D. and Fredericka (Seeger) Ullman. Edward D. Ullman, who died in Youngstown, in 1901, is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. He was born in Germany and at an early age emigrated to this country as an orphan. He settled at New Springfield, Ohio, and later located at Youngstown, where he became circulation manager for the German newspaper, "Rundschau", owned by Webb & Maag. Later he was advertising manager of the Youngstown "Vindicator". Mr. Ullman was a Republican, a member of the First Reformed Church, and belonged to Western Star Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M., and Knights of Pythias. Fredericka (Seeger) Ullman is a native of New Springfield and resides at Youngstown. To Mr. and Mrs. Ullman were born five children: 1. Dora, married Alfred E. Reinman, lives at Youngstown. 2. Bert J., who died in 1931, was circulation manager of the "Vindicator". 3. Elizabeth, the widow of Philip Kreuzweiser, lives at Youngstown. 4. Myron E., a graduate of the University of Chicago, a prominent lawyer in Youngstown. 5. Carl W., the subject of this sketch. HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 579 Carl W. Ullman attended the public schools of Youngstown and in 1911 was graduated from Rayen High School. He then received the degree of Ph. B. at the University of Chicago in 1915. He was identified with the Salem (Ohio) Chamber of Commerce as secretary during 1915-17, and in April, 1917, went to California as secretary of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce. In the fall of that year, however, he enlisted for service in the World War and attended the Officers' Training School at Praesideo, Calif. He was later transferred to Camp Sherman, Ohio, and traveled throughout the country in the interest of army organization work. After his discharge from the service Mr. Ullman was secretary of the Chamber of Commerce at Richmond, Ind., during 1918-19. He has been identified with the Dollar Savings & Trust Company since April, 1919. He began as clerk, later was made assistant trust officer, trust officer, and general counsel. He was admitted to practice law in the state of Ohio in 1924. In 1932 Mr. Ullman became chairman of the reorganization committee of the bank, and on May 18, of that year was elected executive vice president and director. Mr. Ullman was married in 1919 to Miss Miriam Staff, daughter of Dr. G. F. and Anna (Sigler) Staff, natives of Meadville, Pa. Dr. Staff is a leading physician in that city. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ullman have no children. Mr. Ullman has always been a Republican and holds membership in the First Reformed Church. His lodge and club affiliations are: St. Alban's Lodge, No. 667, F. & A. M.; Youngstown Chapter, No. 93, R. A. M.; Beuchner Council, No. 107, R. & S. M.; Lake Erie Consistory, 32nd degree; Aut-Mori Grotto; Al Koran Temple; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 51; Lincoln House fraternity; Youngstown Club; Y. M. C. A.; Youngstown Country Club; Mahoning Country Club; Mill Creek Riding Club; Torch Club; Mahoning County, Ohio State, and American bar associations. 580 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO George R. Walsh. —Identified with Walsh & Roberts, real estate and insurance, Mr. Walsh is recognized as one of the able young business men of Struthers and Mahoning County. He was born in Youngstown, March 26, 1902, the son of William H. and Anna (Welsh) Walsh. William H. Walsh lives retired in Youngstown. He was born at Lowell, Mass., and after coming to Ohio he spent many years in the employ of the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company. His wife was born in Scotland and died March 24, 1932. She is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown. Mr. Walsh is a Republican and holds membership in St. Columba's Catholic Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh: 1. Alvin, World War veteran, lives at Cleveland. 2. William J., lives at Struthers. 3. Margaret, married Thomas Murphy, lives at Youngstown. 4. George R., subject of this sketch. 5. Marie, married Robert Pines, lives at Youngstown. William H. Walsh is a son of Michael and Mary Walsh, who were natives of Ireland. Michael Walsh served in the British navy, spent several years in Canada, and later located at Lowell, Mass. He served throughout the entire duration of the Civil War. His wife was a nurse during the war. Mr. Walsh is buried in Pittsburgh, and his wife is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown. George R. Walsh has spent practically his entire life at Struthers. Following his graduation from Struthers High School in 1921 he attended Ohio University. He then became interested in the automobile business during 1924-25 as one of the owners of Walsh Brothers Company, Buick dealers. However, since 1927 Mr. Walsh has been a member of the insurance and real estate firm of Walsh & Roberts. He is secretary of the Struthers Real Estate Board, and first vice president of the Struthers Business Men's Association. In 1926 Mr. Walsh married Miss E. Catherine Votaw, HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 581 daughter of George E. and Emma (Smith) Votaw, natives of Salem, Ohio. Mr. Votaw is connected with the Salona Supply Company, at Salem. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh have a daughter, Jeanne Kathleen. Mr. Walsh is a Republican and a member of the city planning commission. He also belongs to the Kappa Psi Alpha fraternity. Raymond A. McBride. —Identified with the firm of McBride Motors, who have the agency for the Chevrolet automobile at Lowellville, Mr. McBride is numbered among the substantial citizens of Mahoning County. He is also a member of the faculty of the Fifth Street School, at Struthers, having formerly been principal of the Highland Avenue School there during 1918-30. Mr. McBride was born on the old McBride homestead in Mahoning Township, Lawrence County, Pa., Nov. 18, 1896, the son of J. Freeman and Cora (Flickinger) McBride. J. Freeman McBride, who died March 13, 1920, was a native of Pennsylvania. He was a building contractor and spent many years in business at Lowellville, where his widow resides. He was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Knights of the Maccabees. To Mr. and Mrs. McBride were born three sons: 1. Raymond A., subject of this sketch. 2. Leland. 3. Harry. Both are connected with McBride Motors, at Lowellville. Raymond A. McBride's paternal grandparents were Dickson and Celesta (McFarlin) McBride, natives of Lowellville and New Bedford, Pa., respectively. They are buried in the family cemetery of the Mahoning United Presbyterian Church, at Lowellville. Dickson McBride served for two years in the 117th Pennsylvania Volunteer Artillery during the Civil War. His father was Samuel McBride, a black- 582 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO smith by trade, who was employed in the construction of the old Beaver Mahoning canal. Raymond A. McBride is a graduate of Lowellville High School, class of 1915. He attended Kent Normal School and Youngstown College, and began his teaching career at Poland Hill School No. 6 during 1915-17. He was then connected with the Lowellville public schools during 1917-18. As mentioned above, he later was principal and now a teacher in the Fifth Street School at Struthers. He has been identified with the automobile business at Lowellville since 1924 and is associated with his brothers. They have been Chevrolet dealers since January, 1933. In 1926 Mr. McBride was united in marriage with Miss Marjorie Ries, daughter of Ervin and Mary Ries, of Clinton, Ohio. Mr. Ries is a retired farmer. Mr. McBride has served as president of the Lowellville Board of Education, and is a member of the Ohio Educational Association and National Educational Association. He and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church. George M. Wheeler, who is identified with the G. M. McKelvey Company, as manager and buyer in the Men's Clothing department, is one of the able and highly successful business men of Youngstown. He was born at Greenville, Pa., Nov. 2, 1879, the son of Joshua and Mary Emeline (Mowry) Wheeler. Joshua Wheeler has lived retired since 1916. Both he and his wife are natives of Mercer County, Pa., and reside at Greenville. He spent many years in the employ of the Bessemer Railroad Company, and retired as superintendent of construction. Mr. Wheeler is a Democrat, a member of the German Reformed Church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Four sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler: HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 583 1. Fred, lives at Erie, Pa. 2. George M., the subject of this sketch. 3. J. Earl, lives at Boston, Mass. 4. Ralph, deceased. George M. Wheeler obtained his education in the public schools of Greenville, from which he was graduated in 1896. He then became a clerk in the clothing store of Felstein & Walk, at Conneaut, Ohio, and in 1897 entered the employ of T. W. Morrow, clothier, at Niles, Ohio. He has been identified with the business of G. M. McKelvey since 1907, having begun in a clerical capacity. As mentioned above, he is at present manager and buyer in the Men's store. In 1898 Mr. Wheeler married Miss Harriet R. Russell, daughter of Stephen and Alma (Scheible) Russell, natives of Germany. The former is deceased and the latter resides at Niles. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have a daughter, Elizabeth. She is a graduate of Niles High School and Ohio State University. She married P. Floyd Bixler, and lives at Dover, Ohio. Their children are: Patricia; Floyd, Jr., deceased; Marilyn; and Samuel Christian. Mr. Wheeler is an active Republican, being a member of the Republican Central and Executive committees of Trumbull County. He holds membership in the Christian Church and B. P. O. Elks. A. Murray Cunningham, III. —One of the prominent citizens and able young business men of Mahoning County is A. Murray Cunningham, III, of Lowellville, who is associated in business with his father, Arthur M. Cunningham, furniture dealer and funeral director. Mr. Cunningham was born at Lowellville, March 28, 1910, the son of Arthur Murray and Marcia (Erskine) Cunningham. Arthur Murray Cunningham is a native of Ohio, born at Westcovers Corners, Campbell. During the administration 584 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO of President Theodore Roosevelt he enlisted and served in the U. S. Navy. His entire business career has been spent at Lowellville, where he at first was associated with his brother. Since 1932 Mr. Cunningham's son, A. Murray, the subject of this sketch, has been his business associate. Mr. Cunningham is a Republican, a member of the Christian Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Kiwanis Club. He is district governor, past president and one of the organizers of the Lowellville Exchange Club. He is also commissioner of Mahoning County Council, Boy Scouts of America. His wife is a native of Lowellville. Their children are : 1. A. Murray. 2. George, born March 13, 1913, attended Hiram College, now a student at the Cleveland School of Embalming. 3. Ralph, a graduate of Lowellville High School, class of 1933. 4. Robert, a student. Arthur Murray Cunningham II is a son of Arthur Murray Cunningham. The latter was born at Kittanning, Pa., and was a patternmaker by trade, being employed in the old Andrews Mills. He served throughout the entire period of the Civil War and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is buried at Youngstown. Following his graduation from Lowellville High School in 1927, A. Murray Cunningham III took graduate work at the Y. M. C. A. High School in Youngstown. He attended Hiram College, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Western Reserve University. Since his early youth he has been identified with his father's furniture and undertaking business at Lowellville, and since 1932 has been a partner, as mentioned above. In 1933 Mr. Cunningham married Miss Alberta M. Callahan, daughter of Charles J. and Lina Callahan. The former was born at Niles and the latter at Warren, Ohio. They are residents of New Castle, Pa., where Mr. Callahan is employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mr. and HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 585 Mrs. Cunningham have a son, A. Murray IV, born Aug. 15, 1934. Mr. Cunningham is a Republican, a member of the Christian Church and belongs to the Sigma Nu fraternity. Richard B. Wilson. —Prominent among the younger attorneys of Youngstown is Richard B. Wilson, who has been established in practice in this city since 1915. He is associated with the firm of Henderson, Wilson, Mason & Wyatt, with offices in the City Bank Building. Mr. Wilson was born here Dec. 3, 1888, the son of James Preston and Frances E. (Patton) Wilson. A complete sketch of James P. Wilson appears elsewhere in this history. Following his graduation from Rayen High School in 1908, Richard B. Wilson entered Brown University, where he received the degree of Ph. B. in 1912. He was graduated from the Law School of Columbia University in 1915 and was admitted to the Ohio State bar at that time. For a time he was identified with the firm of Arrel, Wilson, Harrington & DeFord, later being a partner of his father, the firm being known as Wilson & Wilson. It was subsequently reorganized as Wilson, Hahn & Wilson, later became Wilson, Hahn, Henderson & Wilson, and for a number of years has been known as Henderson, Wilson, Mason & Wyatt. Mr. Wilson was married March 22, 1931, to Miss Minnie Good. Politically Mr. Wilson is a Democrat. He holds membership in St. John's Episcopal Church and belongs to Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, and Exchange Club. He also is a member of the Mahoning County and Ohio State Bar Associations, and Kent Moot Court, and belongs to the B. P. O. Elks, Youngstown Lodge No. 55. 586 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO James Preston Wilson. —Among Mahoning County's most prominent attorneys and outstanding citizens was James Preston Wilson, of Youngstown, who died in this city, Dec. 9, 1933. He was born at Lyons, Iowa, Feb. 6, 1857, the son of James T. and Harriet (Hawes) Wilson. James T. Wilson was admitted to the Ohio State bar in 1850 and practiced law in Cleveland for many years. The early life of James T. Wilson was spent in Cleveland, where he received his elementary education. He was graduated from Central High School, Cleveland, in 1875. He then studied law in the office of the late Judge Rufus P. Ranney, after which he spent two years in the College of Law at Columbia University. Following his admission to the Ohio State and New York State bars in 1878, he began the practice of law with his uncle, the late DavidM Wilson, of Youngstown. He was associated with various law firms and at the time of his death was senior member of the firm of Wilson, Hahn & For more than 45 years Mr. Wilson was legal representative in Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania for the New York Central Railroad and associated roads, including the Lake Erie & Eastern, and the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroads. He was also one of the original group of attorneys who organized the Mahoning County Law Library in December, 1904. He was named a trustee on the first staff and was elected in 1906 as vice president of the library. Throughout his life he continued his interest in its success. Mr. Wilson was a stanch defender of the ethics of the law profession and once declared in an interview that "what Youngstown needs most is fewer damage cases and greater regard for life and limb." In 1887 Mr. Wilson married Miss Frances Eliza Patton, daughter of Dr. Thomas Patton, former editor and owner of the Youngstown Vindicator. They were the parents of HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 587 three sons: 1. Richard B., attorney, Youngstown. 2. James Taylor, New York City. 3. Harold L., who died in 1931. Mr. Wilson, a life-long Democrat, was always a strong wet advocate. He bitterly opposed prohibition and took part in a hard fight to keep the prohibition amendment out of the constitution. He was a member of the special repeal committee which met at Columbus, on December 5th, and lived to see the day when repeal became effective. He is reported to have shouted "Yes, indeed," when it came his turn to say whether or not he was in favor of repeal. Mr. Wilson was a member of the original committee which drafted a city home rule charter in 1913. He served as counsel for the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District. Mr. Wilson was a wide and discriminate reader of literature of the better sort, aside from his profession. He served for more than 20 years as a trustee on the board of the Reuben McMillan Free Public Library, and also a number of terms as its president. As a writer, Mr. Wilson also gained considerable repute, being the author of many essays, briefs and monograms, and a successful collection of plays. His brother, Will Ranney Wilson, and himself, collaborated on a play, "Among the Pines," and he wrote a play, "Sybil," both of which were very successful. "Among the Pines" was produced in Youngstown and also in New York City a few years ago. Will Ranney Wilson also was a former city editor of the New York Times. In 1916 Mr. Wilson was given an honorary degree of Master of Arts by Brown University in recognition of his work in law and writing. Mr. Wilson was a prominent member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Youngstown, and served as vestryman and chairman of the committee which raised a fund of $35,000 to refurnish the church. He was senior warden of St. John's Church for many years, and was serving as such at the time 588 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO of his death. He served as first president of the Torch Club, was president of the Youngstown Playground Association, and held membership in the Youngstown Chamber of Commerce and Exchange Club. He also belonged to the Mahoning County Bar and Ohio State Bar Associations. Mr. Wilson was vice president of the Union National Bank and a director of the Central Savings & Loan Company. T. Roy Gordon. —One of the best known men of Mahoning County is T. Roy Gordon, mayor of Campbell, and treasurer and manager of T. Roy Gordon, Inc., automobile dealers. He was born at Campbell, Dec. 18, 1887, the son of William and Anna (Pugh) Gordon. William Gordon was a native of Youngstown. In early life he was a farmer. Later, he worked as a blacksmith in the old car works, at Hazelton, Ohio, and then was employed in the same capacity by the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company in their Campbell plant. He died in 1921 and is buried at Hubbard, Ohio. His widow resides at Campbell. Mr. Gordon was a Republican and he served as a member of the first council in the village of Campbell. There were four children in the Gordon family: 1. William, Jr., lives at Campbell. 2. Linnie, married Irvin Jean, lives at Youngstown. 3. T. Roy, subject of this sketch. 4. Elizabeth, married D. C. Fitzgerald, lives at Cleveland, Ohio. T. Roy Gordon attended the Campbell public schools and also was enrolled for three and one-half years in the Y. M. C. A. schools. During 1901-13 he was identified with the Campbell works of the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company, where he learned the trade of machinist. From 1913 until 1915 he was a clerk in the Campbell post office, and in the latter year he was appointed assistant postmaster. He served in that capacity for a period of four years, and in HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 589 1919 was made postmaster. Mr. Gordon continued in office until 1923, at which time he resigned to assume the duties of mayor of Campbell. He continued to hold the latter office until 1930. He then established the T. Roy Gordon, Inc., and became authorized Ford dealer at Struthers, being treasurer and general manager of the business. The agency was removed to Campbell in 1931. Since 1933 Mr. Gordon has been mayor of Campbell. Mr. Gordon married Miss Margaret A. Nestor, daughter of John and Mary Nestor, of Wales. Both are deceased and are buried in Youngstown. Mr. Nestor served for many years as justice of the peace. To Mr. and Mrs. Gordon were born four children: 1. Virginia, attends Memorial High School. 2. William, III, attends Memorial High School. 3. Betty. 4. Jacqueline. Mr. Gordon has always been a Republican. He has been a member of the Republican Central Committee and Republican Executive Committee. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and Elks Lodge. He also belongs to the Mahoning County Automobile Dealers Association, Ohio State Automobile Dealers Association, and National Automobile Dealers Association. P. C. Popescu. —Widely known in the city of Youngstown, where he resides, is P. C. Popescu, who is branch manager of the City Trust & Savings Bank, at Campbell. He was born at Hermannstadt, Roumania, July 8, 1897, the son of Aurel and Mary (Albini) Popescu. Aurel Popescu and his wife were born in Hermannstadt, Roumania. He died in 1932 and is buried in his native land, where his widow still resides. Mr. Popescu was a graduate of the University of Vienna. He conducted a successful business at Hermannstadt, being the owner of a large depart- 590 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO ment store. He was president of the Chamber of Commerce, and held membership in the Royal Order of the Roumanian Cross. He and his wife belonged to the Roumanian Orthodox Church. Their children were: 1. Mary, married Carl Gluckselig, treasurer of a German bank at Hermannstadt. 2. Nellie, at home. 3. P. C., subject of this sketch. 4. Minerva, married Dr. Neagoe, an officer in the Roumanian Army. 5. Stella, at home. P. C. Popescu attended the grade schools of Hermannstadt, and in 1913 was graduated from the Royal Hungarian High School. He then came to the United States, and settled at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he studied. During 1916- 19 he was a student at Northwestern (Ill.) University, and he then spent two years at the Youngstown College of Law. He began his banking career with the Indiana Harbor State Bank, now the United States National Bank, as a receiving teller. Early in 1920 he returned to Roumania and was married there. Upon his return to this country he located at Youngstown as teller with the Peoples Bank of East Youngstown. It was in 1923 that he became identified with the foreign exchange department of the Colonial Trust Company, at Farrell, Pa., and the following year he became manager of the savings and foreign department of the City Trust & Savings Bank, Campbell, and on Dec. 2, 1932, Mr. Popescu became branch manager of the City Trust & Savings Bank, at Campbell. In 1920 Mr. Popescu was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tintorescu, daughter of Vasil and Matilda Tintorescu, natives of Roumania. Both are deceased. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Popescu is Florence. She is a student in the public schools. Politically, Mr. Popescue is a Republican. He is secretary of the Campbell Business and Professional Men's Association, and a committee member of the University of Pitts- HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 591 burgh, Cathedral of Learning. He and his family are active members of the Roumanian Orthodox Church, and he belongs to the Fratia Roumana Society. Al L. Henderson, who is superintendent of schools at Boardman, is among the widely known educators of Mahoning County. He was born on a farm in Salt Creek Township, Wayne County, Ohio, June 10, 1893, the son of Silas and Mary (Ballagh) Henderson. Silas Henderson and his wife were natives of Holmes County, Ohio, and died in 1921 and 1932, respectively. They are buried at Fredericksburg, Wayne County. After his marriage Mr. Henderson purchased a farm in Salt Creek Township, Wayne County, and spent the remainder of his life there. He was a general farmer and stockman. He was a Republican, a trustee of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Past Noble Grand. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Henderson was Al L., the subject of this sketch. Following his graduation from the district schools of Wayne County, Al L. Henderson attended Fredericksburg High School. In 1910 he was graduated from Wooster Academy, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wooster College in 1914. He has also taken graduate work at that institution. During 1914-16 he was a teacher of science at Wadsworth High School, and the next two years was principal of the high school at Sebring, Ohio. Upon his enlistment for service in the World War in 1917 Mr. Henderson was rejected, and during the following year engaged in general farming. He became principal of Boardman High School in January, 1919, and assumed the duties of superintendent three years later. He holds membership in Northeastern Ohio Association of School Teachers, Ohio State 592 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Superintendents Association, Ohio Association of School Teachers, Ohio State Educational Association, and National Educational Association. In 1926 Mr. Henderson was united in marriage to Miss Esther Heintzelman, daughter of Henry and Minnie (Osborne) Heintzelman, natives of Mahoning County and residents of Boardman. Mr. Heintzelman is a retired farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson attend the Methodist Church at Boardman. Young Men's Christian Association. —As the concentration of people in cities developed rapidly with the coming of the industrial age, young men in large numbers left country and village to seek work and homes in the production centers. In Youngstown a small group of earnest Christian young business and professional men became greatly concerned about the welfare, especially religious, of the young men, and sought ways of being of service to them. Early meetings to discuss ways and means were held in the seventies at the home of Dr. R. D. Gibson. In 1882 the Association began to crystallize, and religious meetings were organized and conducted twice a week in reading room hall (just south of the present building on Federal Street). This early service soon led to the conclusion that to insure real Christian manhood, the physical, social and mental welfare must be linked with spiritual welfare, and soon quarters were secured in the Bushnell block, and a gymnasium was built in the rear. After experimentation and discussion, articles of incorporation were drawn up and signed by 33 of the then 50 members, and became effective October 1, 1884. It was soon evident that the boy must be safeguarded; that formation was better than reformation, and a Junior Branch was added. The 50 HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 593 members rapidly grew to several hundred in the then new quarters. A building designed for the new all-round program became imperative if the organization was to grow in volume and quality of service. With the spirit of evangelism strong, the trustees invited Rev. Charles Yatman to conduct meetings and raise funds, and all had the pleasure of dedicating one of the first especially designed buildings in the world early in the fall of 1892, at the corner of Champion and Federal streets. The membership jumped to 1,100. As the city grew the need grew and not only boys and young men, but business men found a place of protection, general development and spiritual growth. Larger facilities for special education, both day and evening were needed; young men away from home needed safe, sanitary, moderate priced rooms, new athletic, health and aquatic features became standard, so Youngstown, with her usual courage, furnished the new facilities which were needed and had been proven valuable—and today-5,000 men and boys are being served the year round at—Central Branch; Youngstown College; West Federal Street Branch; McDonald Branch; Camp Fitch and the Newsboys Club. Ten thousand non-members each year use the facilities to promote all kinds of personal, club and community betterment. It has long been recognized that spiritual values may be found wherever men gather together under the influence of Christian leadership. It is the earnest desire of the officers of the Y. M. C. A. that the facilities of the "Y" be used to promote Christian fellowship, to develop activities which interest the young people of our city, and to provide the highest leadership possible for all activities. The program during the past year has reached a larger number than ever before in the history of the Y. M. C. A.—an ever-growing, ever-developing program to meet the needs of boys and young men of the Mahoning Valley. Leisure 594 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO time groups are formed, fully accredited courses are offered in high school, college or post-graduate work, cultural groups meet regularly at the Y.; hobby clubs follow their own inclinations and develop their own interests, in addition to the physical program of the association which is known so well. Permeating all this, a Christian influence and direction which will lead to more abundant living. Officers past and present are celebrating this fiftieth anniversary of continuous service in 1934. Board of directors are: J. E. Bennett, president; Russell McKay; W. C. Stitt; Sidney J. Collins; Philip H. Schaff; J. Howard Parker; Claud J. Johnson; J. C. Argetsinger; Myron Arm, II; J. C. Barrett; R. M. Bell; W. E. Bliss; J. Fearnley Bonnell; George C. Brainard; Dr. W. H. Bunn; W. C. Conger; C. N. Crandall; B. F. Fairless; W. D. Griffith; W. J. Gutknecht; W. S. Goode; F. E. Hearn; H. M. Hurd; F. H. Loomis; Hugh Manchester; Olin Masters; L. N. McDonald; James L. Wick, Jr.; Philip Wick; and Paul B. Davies, general secretary. James Eugene Bennett. —Few men are as prominent in Mahoning County as James Eugene Bennett, who is successfully engaged in the practice of law at Youngstown, with offices in the Union Bank Building. He was born in this city, March 30, 1889, the son of James H. and Frances E. (Weakley) Bennett. Dr. James H. Bennett, retired, was a leading physician and surgeon of Youngstown for a number of years. He and his wife are natives of Pennsylvania, born at North Sewickly, and Grove City, respectively. Both are graduates of Grove City College, and Dr. Bennett is a graduate of Western Reserve Medical School. He is a Democrat, a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and the Masonic lodge. He also holds membership in the Mahoning County, HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 595 Ohio State, and American Medical Associations. To Doctor and Mrs. Bennett were born four children: 1. James Eugene, the subject of this sketch. 2. Wendell H., M. D., a graduate of Cornell University, B. A.; and Western Reserve University, M. D. He is engaged in practice at Youngstown. 3. Franklin S., deceased. 4. Ida Josephine, married H. Kendall Datson, lives at Youngstown. After his graduation from Rayen High School in 1906, James Eugene Bennett entered Cornell University, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1911. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School, class of 1916. He was president of his senior class both at Cornell and at the Harvard Law School. Until his enlistment for service in the World War he was associated with the law firm of Hine, Kennedy & Manchester. He attended the Officers Training School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, where he received the commission of captain of artillery, being assigned to the 344th Field Artillery, 90th Division. He saw service in France and also served in Germany with the Army of Occupation, being discharged April 21, 1919. On his return to Youngstown Mr. Bennett resumed his former connection with the firm of Hine, Kennedy & Manchester, which was later reorganized as Manchester, Ford, Bennett & Powers. Mr. Bennett is past president of the Mahoning County Bar Association, and holds membership in the Ohio State and American Bar associations. He is a director of the Dollar Savings & Trust Company. In 1917 Mr. Bennett was united in marriage with Miss Marion Osborne, daughter of George S. and Olive B. Osborne, the former a native of Danbury, Conn., and the latter of Tonawanda, N. Y. Mr. Osborne is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are the parents of four sons: 1. James Eugene, Jr., attends Poland High School; 2-3. George O. and Hugh N., twins. 4. Franklin S. 596 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Mr. Bennett is a Democrat, a trustee of Central Christian Church, and a member of the American Legion, and Youngstown Club. He also served as a member of the Youngstown Board of Education and is president of the Youngstown Y. M. C. A. G. M. Barton. —As the able supervising principal of the Poland Village School District, Mr. Barton has a wide acquaintance throughout the community and is highly esteemed. He was born at Kingsville, Ashtabula County, Jan. 8, 1888, the son of Henry and Abbie (Coursen) Barton. Henry Barton was a native of Vermont and his wife was born near Espyville, Pa. He was a merchant and for a number of years conducted a business at Kingsville, Ohio, where he died Jan. 15, 1890. His wife died in 1900. Both are buried at Kingsville. Mr. Barton was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Barton were born the following children: 1. Rex, lives at Ashtabula. 2. Daisy, married G. L. VanNostrand, lives at Ashtabula. 3. Mollie, married C. L. Silvius, lives at Ashtabula. 4. G. M., the subject of this sketch. 5. Hazel, married F. M. Stoll. The boyhood of G. M. Barton was spent at Kingsville, where he attended the public school. After his graduation from Kingsville High School in 1905 he was employed for one year in the meter department of the Ashtabula Gas Company. He then attended Ohio State University for one year, and during 1907-10 engaged in business with his brother at Ashtabula. His second year of college work was at Ohio State University in 1910-11, and during 1912-13 he was a member of the faculty of Scienceville High School at Youngstown. He was then principal of Coitsville Center School at Coitsville, Ohio, during 1913-14, and in 1914 Mr. Barton was HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 597 appointed principal of Boardman High School. He served as superintendent of the Boardman public schools from 1918 until 1920, and later resumed his studies at Ohio University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education in 1924. During the following two years he was a member of the faculty of Ashtabula High School, spent 1926 as a teacher at Memorial High School, Campbell, Ohio, and resigned from that school in 1929 as assistant principal. He became principal of Poland High School in that year, and since 1934 has been supervising principal of the Poland Village School District. Mr. Barton is a member of the Ohio Education Association, National Educational Association, Mahoning County Teachers Association, and Northeastern Ohio Teachers Association. In 1913 he founded the Mahoning County Athletic Association, and served as its first president during 1913-14-15. He has also held that office since 1930. In 1915 Mr. Barton married Miss Gertrude Rose, daughter of J. W. and Mary M. Rose, natives of Belmont County, Ohio. They are residents of Alliance, where Mr. Rose is a retired merchant. To Mr. and Mrs. Barton were born three children: 1. Dorothy. 2. Abbie Jean, both deceased. 3. Robert, attends Seminary High School, at Poland. Mr. Barton is an independent voter. He holds membership in Trinity Methodist Church. Jesse R. Williams. —One of the highly successful business men of Mahoning County is Jesse R. Williams, who is identified with the Williams Funeral Home at Canfield. He was born at Braceville Center, Trumbull County, Feb. 12, 1883, the son of E. R. and Almira (Kale) Williams. E. R. Williams lives retired at Braceville. He was born at Vienna, Trumbull County, in 1854, and his wife was a 598 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO native of Newton Falls, Ohio. She died in December, 1929, and is buried at Braceville. For a number of years Mr. Williams was a dealer in building supplies. He is a Republican and has served as township clerk and constable. He is a member of the Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born five children: 1. Clyde, lives at Warren. 2. Angie, married Arthur Smith, lives at Braceville. 3. Jesse R., the subject of this sketch. 4-5. Artie and Archie, twins, born in 1889. The former lives at Warren and the latter at Braceville. Both served in France during the World War as members of the 28th Division. Jesse R. Williams is a graduate of the public schools of Braceville. He learned the trades of wagon-maker and blacksmith, and for several years owned and operated shops at Braceville and Uniontown, Ohio. He subsequently became the Ford automobile agent at Uniontown. He then became interested in the undertaking business with J. R. Gardner at Uniontown, and later spent seven years in the establishment of Stewart D. Robinson, funeral director, of Uniontown: Upon the death of Mr. Robinson, the business was purchased by Mr. Williams, who became a licensed embalmer and funeral director in 1923. He removed to Canfield in 1927, where he has a well appointed funeral home. He holds membership in the Mahoning County, Ohio State, and National Funeral Directors Association. In 1909 Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Miss Elma Butturff, daughter of Rev. David H. and Jennie E. (Sly) Butturff, the former a native of Galion, and the latter of Milan, Ohio. Rev. Butturff, a retired minister of the Evangelical Church, is a member of the Northeast Ohio Conference, and until his retirement in 1932 had pastorates in the following counties: Wood, Henry, Fulton, Allen, Trumbull, Summit, Starke. There are five children in the Butturf family: 1. Clarence, lives at Lima. 2. Gertrude, mar- HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 599 ried Sherman Johnson, lives at Akron. 3. Susie, married H. S. Fusselman. 4-5. Alma and Elma, twins. The former married Ford E. Kepler, of Akron. The latter is the wife of Jesse R. Williams. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born two sons: David H. and William J. Mr. Williams is a Republican and has held the offices of deputy sheriff and constable. He is a trustee of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Canfield Community Club. Andrew L. Button is among the widely known and highly esteemed citizens of Youngstown, where he is executive secretary of the Mahoning Valley Industrial Council, 802 Union Bank Building. He was born at Franklinville, Cataraugus County, N. Y., July 20, 1875, the son of David M. and Emily (Adams) Button. The early education of Andrew L. Button was received in the public schools at Allegheny, N. Y., and in 1894 he was graduated from Ten Broeck Academy. During the following four years Mr. Button taught school at Machias and Allegheny. He then entered Oberlin College, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts there in 1903. He has also taken graduate work at Harvard University. Mr. Button served as principal of Oberlin High School during 1903-05, and in the latter year became a member of the faculty of Rayen High School, Youngstown. He remained there as a teacher from 1905 until 1917, and in the latter year became assistant treasurer of the Trumbull Steel Company, at Warren. He resigned from that firm in 1925 as secretary, and assumed the duties of executive secretary of the Trumbull County Manufacturers Association. He has held his present position as executive secretary of the Mahoning Valley Industrial Council since 1931.