HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 675 of Pennsylvania, at Smethport, Pa. Following his admission to the Pennsylvania State bar in 1909, Mr. Ruffalo spent a year in private practice at Smethport. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1910, and has since conducted a general practice at Youngstown. In 1911 Mr. Ruffalo married Miss Edith McGuire, daugh-ter of James and Elizabeth (Goodrich) McGuire, natives of Smethport, both now deceased. Their children are : 1. Elizabeth, a graduate of Gunston Hall, Washington, D. C. 2. John Jr., attends Westminster College. 3. Robert J., attends Kenyon College. 4. Mary Louise, attends Rayen High Schad. 5-6. William T. and Philipps, both students at Yale private school. Politically Mr. Ruffalo is independent. He is a member of the Youngstown Club, and belongs to the Mahoning County and Ohio State bar associations. Fred H. Tout is well and favorably known at Niles, where he is station agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He is a native of Ohio, born at Tiltonville, Jefferson County, March 28, 1883, the son of James and Ella (Scamahorn) Tout. James Tout was a native of England and died in 1888. As a young man he came to the United States and settled first at Youngstown, Ohio, and later at Tiltonville. He was a coal miner. His wife was born in Jefferson County and died in 1897. They are buried at Tiltonville. Mr. Tout was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Their only child was Fred H., the subject of this sketch. Fred H. Tout received his education in the public schools of Tiltonville, and obtained a teachers certificate, although he never followed that profession. He entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as clerk in the freight 676 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO office at East Liverpool. Three years later he was trans-ferred to Rush Run, Ohio, as station agent, and after seven years in that capacity he was sent to Bedford, Ohio. After a year there as station agent, Mr. Tout located at New Philadelphia, and remained there as agent for 17 years. He has been located at Niles since 1930, and is completing 33 years of service with the company. In October, 1911, Mr. Tout married Miss Ella Jones, daughter of Thomas T. and Catherine (Rigg) Jones. They were natives of Jefferson and Washington counties, Ohio. Mr. Jones, a Civil War veteran, died in 1924. His wife died in 1919. They are buried at Hopewell, Ohio. Politically Mr. Tout is a Republican. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Niles, being a member of the official board. He is also affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He is vice president of the Kiwanis Club, and past president of the Rotary Club. R. S. Elliott. —As proprietor of the Elliott Pie Shops, Mr. Elliott ranks among the progressive and successful business men of Warren. He was born at Cortland, Ohio, Aug. 21, 1884, the son of George and Laura (Walker) Elliott. George Elliott was a native of Franklin County, Pa. His early life was spent on a farm in Pennsylvania and he later lived in Trumbull County, being the owner of a farm of 200 acres on the Youngstown Road. He was identified with the hardware business of E. E. Barnes at Cortland for 25 years, after which he lived retired at Warren. He died in 1910. His wife, born in Warren County, Pa., died in 1896. They are buried at Warren. Mr. Elliott was a Democrat, a member of the Congregational Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were born the following children: 1. Mrs. Mary Nesmith, HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 677 lives at Warren, Pa. 2. Hattie, died in 1901. 3. R. S., subject of this sketch. 4. Mrs. Emma Pond, deceased. 5. Mrs. Frances B. Dean, deceased. R. S. Elliott attended the public schools of Portland, Ohio, and as a youth learned the trade of baker in the city of Warren. During 1902-4 he served in the U. S. Navy, and - was stationed in the Canal Zone. After his discharge from the service he located at St. Louis, Mo., and later returned to Warren, Ohio, where he spent eight years as a clerk in the Home Furnishing Store. He established the Elliott Pie Shop in 1922, and has had routes covering the following towns and cities: Sharon, Pa.; Youngstown, Niles, and Hubbard, Ohio. This business he conducted until Jan. 15, 1935. He then established a dairy at the same location, 1105 North Park Avenue, handling butter, milk, cheese, eggs, etc. On July 7, 1909, Mr. Elliott was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Goeppinger, of Newton Falls, Ohio, daughter of Caleb and Louisa (Klinginsmith) Goeppinger. Mr. Goeppinger was born in Wuertemburg, Germany. He spent thirty years as a meat dealer at Newton Falls, Ohio, and died there during 1923. His wife was born at Lawrence-town, Ohio, and died in 1929. To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have been born three sons: 1. Henry, born in 1910, attended Boston Radio School, lives at Warren. 2. Raymond, born in 1916, attends high school. 3. Elmo, a student. Mr. Elliott and his family are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Elliott is the owner of an antique clock which has remained in his family for seven generations. It was made in Germany by George Guthreg in 1732, stands eight feet high and is genuine black walnut. Dials designate the hour of day and date of month. During the Revolutionary War it was buried by its owner during the Battle of German-town, Pa. 678 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Homer Thomas has held the office of city auditor at Niles continuously since 1910, and is numbered among the substantial and progressive citizens of Trumbull County. He was born at Niles, July 8, 1873, the son of Thomas D. and Mary (Rosser) Thomas. Thomas D. Thomas was born in Wales and died at Niles, Ohio, in 1905. At the age of eight years he came to this country with his parents and the family settled at Centerville, Ohio. His father was Rev. D. C. Thomas, a Welsh minister. Thomas D. Thomas served throughout the Civil War, and after the close of hostilities he came to Niles, Ohio, where he was employed during the remainder of his life as a stationary engineer. Mr. Thomas died in 1905 and is buried at Niles. His wife, born at Centerville, Ohio, died in 1900. He was a minister of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Grand Army of the Republic. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were born the following children: 1. Jane, died in infancy. 2. Mrs. William Francis, lives at Youngstown. 3. Mrs. George Selley, lives at Cleveland. 4. Homer, subject of this sketch. 5. Azariah, twin brother of Homer, died in infancy. The boyhood of Homer Thomas was spent at Niles and he was educated in the public schools. About 1908 he left his employment in the mills here to become a candidate for the office of city auditor, and was elected to the office, which he has since very ably filled. Mr. Thomas married (first) Miss Margaret Hutchings, of Niles, who died in 1911. She was the daughter of Richard J. and Margaret (Edwards) Hutchings. Both were natives of Wales and are deceased. Three children were born to Homer and Margaret (Hutchings) Thomas: 1. Walter, born in 1905, a graduate of Niles High School. He married Miss Mary Clark, of Niles, and they have three children: Adelle, Gwendolyn, and Patricia. They reside at Niles. 2. Paul, HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 679 born in 1907, a graduate of Niles High School, attended Oberlin College, and is a graduate of Boston University, where he specialized in the study of religious education. He married Miss Marjorie Reynolds, of South Hadley Falls, Mass. They have no children. 3. Margaret, born in 1909. She is a graduate of Niles High School, and attended Webb-Hayes School of Religious Education, at Washington, D. C. She is now attached to the Rebecca Community House, at Warren. Mr. Thomas married (second) Miss Myrta Hazel Wilson, of Niles, daughter of Asa and Mercy Ann (North) Wilson, natives of Warren and Braceville, Ohio, respectively. The former died in 1931 and the latter in 1924. They are buried, at Warren. Mr. Thomas is a Republican, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Kiwanis Club. He is an active member of the Methodist Church, being a member of the official board. J. W. Sawyer, D. D. S. —One of the leading young professional men of Trumbull County is Doctor Sawyer, of Warren, who has offices in the Robins Theatre Building. He was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, March 5, 1894, the son of C. C. and Hannah (McMann) Sawyer. C. C. Sawyer is a native of Ohio, born at Morrow. He spent his boyhood on a farm and at the age of 16 years located at Portsmouth with the old C. P. & V. Railroad as fireman. Three years later he became a locomotive engineer and spent 30 years in that capacity. Mr. Sawyer then retired and removed to Cincinnati, where he has since owned and managed a hotel. He is a Democrat, a member of the Eagles lodge, and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, being chief of the Portsmouth district for ten years. His wife is a native of Portsmouth, Ohio. Their children are: Dr. 680 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO C. J., a dentist, Dayton, Ohio; Dr. E. H., a dentist, Cincin-nati, Ohio and J. W., the subject of this sketch. Following his graduation from the parochial schools of Portsmouth, J. W. Sawyer attended St. John's Business College. He spent three years in electrical work at Portsmouth and also was employed in the railroad shops. He later entered the Cincinnati Dental College, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1919. His first six months of practice were at Springfield, and he has been located at Warren since 1920. Doctor Sawyer is president of the Warren Dental Society, and belongs to Corydon-Palmer Society, Northeastern Ohio, Ohio State, and American Dental Societies. In 1927 Doctor Sawyer was united in marriage with Miss Mildred B. Fitch, of Warren, daughter of Frank and Mary Fitch, natives of Warren. Their children are: 1. Tom, born in 1928. 2. Elaine, born in 1929. 3. Jimmie, born in 1930. 4. Marilyn, born in 1932. Politically, Mr. Sawyer is a Democrat. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge and American Legion. S. J. Bonham. —As superintendent of schools at Niles, Mr. Bonham is recognized as one of the leading educators of Trumbull County. He was born at Mulberry, Ind., Dec. 19, 1892, the son of Dr. D. M. and Dora (Oldham) Bonham. Dr. D. M. Bonham, now 88 years of age, is still successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Mulberry, Ind. He is a native of Sidney, Ohio, born in 1846. His early life was spent there and in 1876 he was graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College. Until 1885 Dr. Bonham practiced medicine at Sidney, and in that year located at Painters Creek, Ohio, where he remained until 1899. He has since HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 681 been a resident of Mulberry, Ind. Dr. Bonham is a Republi-can, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Order of Red Men, and Knights of Pythias. His wife is also a native of Sidney. Their children are: 1. Cora, deceased. 2. Gail F., engaged in Y. M. C. A. work at Washington, D. C. 3. Ray O., lives at Peoria, Ill. 4. L. G., who died in 1922. 5. Mrs. James Stemen, lives at Crawfordsville, Ind. 6. R. G., lives at Terre Haute, Ind. 7. S. J., the subject of this sketch. Following his graduation from the public schools of Mulberry, Ind., S. J. Bonham spent a year at De Pauw University. He then worked at Piqua, Ohio, and subsequently entered Wittenberg College. On April 28, 1917, he enlisted for service in the World War and was sent to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. He was later transferred to Fort Adams at Newport, R. I., and a short time later to Camp Robinson, Wis. He sailed for overseas duty in November, 1917, and saw active service on seven different fronts, including Tulon, Chateau Thierry, Soissons, St. Mihiel, Pont A'Mousson, Champaign and Argonne. He also served in Germany with the Army of Occupation, and was returned to the United States as a casual. He received his discharge at Camp Mills, N. Y., July 15, 1919. He then resumed his studies at Wit-tenberg College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1920. His teaching career began at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and during 1923-26 he was principal there. In the latter year he came to Niles as principal, and on Jan. 1, 1933, received his present appointment as superintendent of schools. In 1924 Mr. Bonham received the degree of Master of Arts at Indiana University. On Aug. 22, 1922, Mr. Bonham was united in marriage with Miss Helene M. Weaver, of Mulberry, Ind., daughter of Alfred A. and Minerva (Lambertson) Weaver. Both are natives of Indiana and reside at Mulberry. Mrs. Bonham 682 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO is a graduate of Indiana State Normal School, and before her marriage was a teacher for 12 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Bonham have been born two sons: 1. Samuel J., born April 12, 1924. 2. Richard W., born Nov. 27, 1926. Mr. Bonham is a Republican and holds membership in the Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club, American Legion, and Beta Theta Phi fraternity. R. D. MacLean. —Widely known in Trumbull County is R. D. MacLean, who is city engineer of Niles. He was born at Oakmont, Pa., Jan. 27, 1898, the son of Robert C. and Elizabeth (Lee) MacLean. Robert C. MacLean, who died in 1931, was a native of Pittsburgh. His wife was born in that city and died in 1934. They are buried in Allegheny Cemetery. Mr. MacLean was the owner and operator of three coal mines in the Alleghany region until his retirement in 1921. He spent the remainder of his life at Niles. Mr. MacLean was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he was a Republican. To Mr. and Mrs. MacLean were born three children: Marguerite, married Arthur Rudolph, electrical engineer, lives in Germany. 2. R. D., subject of this sketch. 3. Mrs. H. D. Price, lives at Niles. Following his graduation from Oakmont (Pa.) High School, R. D. MacLean attended Carnegie Institute of Tech-nology during 1915-16-17. He then enlisted for service in the World War as a member of the Fifth Engineers, Pitts-burgh. On account of his youth his enlistment was revoked, but he again enlisted Dec. 27, 1917, as a member of the 44th Aerial Squadron, at Dayton, Ohio, subsequently being transferred to the 228th Aerial Squadron, with which outfit he served in France. He also did coast guard duty in England and was discharged from the service Dec. 23, 1918, as a HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 683 member of the 156th Field Artillery. He had served as a machine gunner. After the close of the war Mr. MacLean returned to Pittsburgh and during 1919-20 attended the evening sessions of Carnegie Institute. He then located at Youngstown with the William Wilson Engineering Company, and on Nov. 30, 1920, was appointed assistant city engineer of Niles. He resigned Sept. 30, 1925, and went to Wilmington, Del., with the Interstate Amiesite Company, road paving engineers. He was identified with that concern until July 15, 1932, at which time he returned to Niles by request to assume the duties of city engineer. He is a member of the Ohio Engineers Society, and American Society of Municipal Engineers. On Oct. 27, 1927, Mr. MacLean was united in marriage with Miss Helen Irene Tipper, of Niles, daughter of J. W. and Mary (Naylor) Tipper, the former a native of England and the latter of Sharon, Pa. They live at Niles. To Mr. and Mrs. MacLean have been born two children: Jean Louise, born Aug. 3, 1929, and Robert Tipper, born June 26, 1932. Mr. MacLean is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias. In 1922 he was post adjutant of William McKinley Post No. 106, American Legion. Frank E. Mears. —Identified with the Mears Agency, general insurance and real estate, at Niles, Mr. Mears is recognized as one of the progressive and dependable business men of the city. He was born here, March 15, 1889, the son of John J. and Mary (McCauley) Mears. John J. Mears, deceased, was a native of Lowellville, Ohio, born in 1861. He died in October, 1929, and is buried at 684 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Niles. His wife was born at Buffalo, N. Y., and died in 1907. The early life of Mr. Mears was spent at Girard, Ohio, and he learned the trade of moulder. After his arrival at Niles, he entered the employ of Carter Bros., foundry and machine shops, and remained with that concern for 40 years. Mr. Mears was a Democrat, a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, and belonged to Father Matthews Temperance Society. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mears: 1. John, lives at Sharon, Pa. 2. James, lives at Niles. 3. Mrs. James O'Malley, lives at Detroit, Mich. 4. Frank E., subject of this sketch. 5. Michael M., lives at Niles. 6. Mrs. L. Carron, lives at Detroit, Mich. 7. Joseph, lives at Detroit, Mich. 8. Mrs. Lawrence Doran, lives at Detroit. 9. Cornelius, lives at Warren. 10. Mrs. Paul Bush-man. 11. Miss Margaret, lives at Niles. Following his graduation from the parochial schools of Niles, Frank E. Mears took correspondence work in law at Chicago University. He entered the employ of P. E. McCormick, grocer, at Niles and was identified with that concern as manager of the business during 1905-10. The company did an average business of $200,000.00 annually and employed ten clerks. In 1911 Mr. Mears went with a wholesale supply tailoring company but the following year was recalled to the McCormick Company and continued as manager of the business until 1918. In June, 1912, he suc-cessfully passed the postal examination, and has since held a government position in that department. Since 1910 Mr. Mears has also been interested in the real estate business and in 1921 he became a member of the firm of Whitehouse & Mears. However, in 1928, the partnership was dissolved and at that time Mr. Mears established the Mears Agency, with offices in the Clingan Building. He increased his office space during 1930. The company specializes in commercial leases, rentals and appraisals, and has under its management HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 685 145 buildings, apartments and residences. Mr. Mears has always been a strong advocate of organized labor and has supported the union. In October, 1910, Mr. Mears was united in marriage with Miss Margaret B. Pfister, of Dover, Ohio, daughter of Sebastian and Mary (Baumbeck) Pfister, natives of Buffalo, N. Y. The former died in 1928 and the latter in 1924. To Mr. and Mrs. Mears were born five children : 1. Marie J., born July 19, 1911. 2. Alma A., born April 30, 1913. 3. Myron A., born March 21, 1914, is a licensed pilot and is stationed at the Los Angeles airport. 4. Francis E., born May 20, 1915.' 5. Robert, born Aug. 15, 1919, died in infancy. Mr. Mears is a Democrat, a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Trumbull County Real Estate Brokers Association, being a member of the executive board and is now serving as a director of Niles Board of Trade. J. B. Lane. —Prominent in the business affairs of Mineral Ridge is J. B. Lane, who is identified with the Lane Funeral Home, and he is numbered among the representative citizens of Northeastern Ohio. He was born at Cleveland, Ohio, March 8, 1886, the son of Joseph and Margaret (Daniels) Lane. Joseph Lane was a native of England and his wife was born in Wales. She died in 1921 and is buried at Mineral Ridge. Mr. Lane was a mining engineer and as a young man came to the United States and settled at Cleveland, Ohio. After four years he went to Australia, where he met with an accidental death in 1888. Shortly after the death of her husband, Mrs. Lane returned to this country, where she later married William Burford, of Mineral Ridge. He was a native of Wales, who had come to this country with his 686 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO parents about 1855. The family first settled at Scranton, Pa., and later came to Mineral Ridge, where the father of William Burford engaged in the cabinet making business. It later developed into an undertaking and furniture business and the son, William Burford, succeeded to its management upon the death of his father. The latter remained as proprietor of the business until his death in 1913, and his step-son, J. B. Lane, has since been owner of the funeral home. To William and Margaret Burford were born four children: 1. William, Jr., lives at Mineral Ridge. 2. Edgar, lives at Girard, Ohio. 3. Daniel, lives at Girard. 4. Mrs. Sadie White, lives at Youngstown. J. B. Lane was reared and educated at Mineral Ridge, and following his graduation from high school in 1904 he attended Warren Business College. He then spent four years in the employ of the Holzer Electric Company, at Warren, and five years with the Thomas Steel Company, at Niles. In 1913, upon the death of Mr. Burford, as mentioned above, Mr. Lane took over active management of the business after his graduation from the Cincinnati College of Embalming. In 1934 the furniture business was discontinued. A modern, well appointed funeral home is conducted by Mr. Lane and he is recognized as a leader in his chosen profession. He holds membership in the Mahoning and Trumbull County Funeral Directors Association, and Ohio Funeral Directors Association. In 1913 Mr. Lane was united in marriage with Miss Hallie Cline, of Mineral Ridge, daughter of O. L. and Charlotte (Woolf) Cline. The former died in 1930 and the latter in 1927. They are buried at Warren, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lane have three children: 1. Charlotte Woolf, born in 1915, attends Ohio Wesleyan University. 2. Marguerite Phyllis, born in 1918, attends high school. 3. Joseph O., born in 1924. HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 687 Mr. Lane is an elder of the Mineral Ridge Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Kiwanis Club. He has served as school director for 12 years. Mrs. Lane was a teacher before her marriage and is a graduate of Beaver Falls (Pa.) College. She was one of the founders of the local Parent-Teacher organization, and served as its president for five years. She also was president of the Trumbull County Parent Teacher Association for two years. While president of the local group, Mrs. Lane had a membership which was second largest in a rural district in the state of Ohio. She was instrumental in having the free dental clinic established in the Mineral Ridge High School. She has also been chairman of the Child Welfare Magazine for five years. She is local correspondent for the Youngstown Vindicator and the Warren Tribune Chronicle. J. H. Rosensteel. —As city treasurer of Niles, J. H. Rosensteel has a wide acquaintance in the city where he has en-gaged in the insurance business for many years. He was born at Neville Station, Pa., Dec. 16, 1877, the son of Jacob S. and Margaret C. (Black) Rosensteel. Jacob S. Rosensteel, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. Both he and his wife were natives of Allegheny County, Pa. He enlisted and served as a member of Company F, Pennsylvania Light Artillery. Mr. Rosensteel was a black-smith by trade and for a number of years was in charge of forging for the A. J. Nellis Company, Alleghany, Pa. He later went to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he spent eight years as the proprietor of a grist and saw mill. He then returned to Pennsylvania as a representative of the Singer Sewing Machine Company at New Brighton, and in 1895 688 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO came to Niles with the Niles Mine & Mill Supply Company, manufacturers of coal mining equipment. This concern was later reorganized as the Niles Forge & Manufacturing Com-pany, and Mr. Rosensteel continued in its employ until his death, April 14, 1914. His wife died in 1928. Both are buried at Niles. Mr. Rosensteel was a Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. By a former marriage, Jacob S. Rosensteel had two children: 1. Edward W., lives at East Liverpool, Ohio. 2. Mrs. R. C. Padgett, lives at Mansfield, Ohio. J. H. Rosensteel attended the public schools of New Brighton, Pa. He then studied mechanical dentistry at Toledo, Ohio for a time and in 1896 came to Niles. In the following year he entered the employ of the Niles Mine & Mill Supply Company. He was graduated from the Warren Business College in 1899, and subsequently became a book-keeper in the offices of the Niles Firebrick Company. He then became connected with the Thomas Steel Company at Niles, during 1907-12, and at the same time had become inter-ested in the general insurance business in this city. Since 1913 Mr. Rosensteel has devoted his entire time to insurance. He has had offices in the Niles Bank Building since 1930. He was elected city treasurer of Niles in 1916 and has continued in that office until the present time. He is also treasurer of Niles Union Cemetery Association. On Sept. 4, 1901, Mr. Rosensteel married Miss Evelyn A. Harris, of Niles, daughter of Henry J. and Flora (Andrews) Harris, natives of Covington, Kentucky and Trumbull County, Ohio respectively. They are residents of Youngstown. Mr. Harris spent 40 years as a sheet mill roller and is a member of one of the oldest families of Niles. His father was James Harris, who built and owned the first sheet mill in the city. The family homestead was located on the present HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 689 site of the Niles Bank Building. Evelyn (Harris) Rosensteel is a graduate of Niles High School and Brown's Business College, Youngstown. Mr. Rosensteel is a Republican and takes a prominent part in civic affairs. He is a member of the Niles Board of Trade which he has served as secretary. He was director from Jan. 1, 1923 until Sept. 1, 1923, when he became secretary. He resigned July 1, 1934. He was one of the organizers and a charter member of the Niles Kiwanis Club, which was founded in 1922, being one of the first five mem-bers. He held the office of secretary-treasurer until January, 1923, and since September 1, 1923, has continued in the office of secretary. George T. Stiver. —One of the highly successful young business men of Trumbull County is George T. Stiver, associated with Stiver Chevrolet Company, dealers, at Hubbard. He was born at Flemington, Pa., Aug. 17, 1896, the son of G. O. and Emma J. (Klinefelter) Stiver. A complete sketch of G. O. Stiver appears elsewhere in this history. George T. Stiver attended the public schools of Flemington and New Castle, Pa., and is also a graduate of Youngstown Business College. He became interested in the automobile business in 1918 and during the following ten years engaged in service work at Warren, Niles, and Cleveland. He has been associated with his brother, Charles H. Stiver since 1928, and they are recognized as leading automobile dealers of this section. In 1925 Mr. Stiver married Miss Bertha MacMillan, of R. D. 1, West Middlesex, Pa., daughter of A. J. and Hettie (Wilson) MacMillan. Their address is R D 1, Middlesex, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Stiver have been born four sons: 1. James 690 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Wilson, born in 1926, died in 1927. 2. Richard. 3. Alonzo. 4. Glenn. Mr. Stiver is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Hubbard Grange, and Kiwanis Club. He and his family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Hon. Charles Frank Smith. —Successfully engaged in the practice of law in Ohio for more than a quarter of a century, first in Columbiana County, but more recently in Youngstown, Judge Charles Frank Smith today is, and for many years past has been, one of the best known members of the Mahoning County bar. He has ranked especially high as a successful and resourceful corporation and public utility lawyer, and is a director of a large number of important corporations. His recent appointment on Aug. 21, 1934, to the Court of Appeals further attests his ability and usefulness in the community where he has spent so many years. Charles Frank Smith was born in White County, Ind., Jan. 3, 1879, a son of Joseph and Katherine (O'Reilly) Smith, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ireland. The father was a farmer. Charles Frank Smith received his early education in the public schools of Indiana and in 1895 graduated from the high school at Brazil, Ind. He then took up the study of law at the Law School of the University of Indianapolis, from which he was graduated in 1899. In the following year, 1900, he was admitted to the Indiana State bar, and four years later to the Ohio State bar. Still later, he was also admitted to practice in the U. S. District Court and the U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. For the first few years after his admission to the Indiana bar, Mr. Smith did not engage actively in the HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 691 practice of law, but was identified with the general insurance business in Indianapolis. In 1904 he came to Salem, Colum - biana County, Ohio, and there became associated in the practice of law with Lewis P. Metzger. For exactly 16 years the firm of Metzger and Smith was one of the leading law firms of Salem. At the end of this period Mr. Smith with-drew from the firm and removed to Youngstown, becoming at that time a member of the law firm of Harrington, de-Ford, Heim and Huxley, the name of which has since been changed to Harrington, Huxley and Smith. While still a resident of Salem, Mr. Smith served one term as city solicitor of Salem, and for about five years as referee in bankruptcy for Columbiana County. Since coming to Youngstown, Mr. Smith has carried on a general practice, but since about 1925, he has devoted himself chiefly to the practice of corporation and public utility law. His equity practice, too, is quite extensive. In 1930 he was counsel in the famous 'Youngstown Sheet and Tube-Bethlehem Steel merger trial, one of the largest and most important equity cases ever tried in the state of Ohio. He is a director of the Bessemer Lime Stone & Cement Company, Youngstown Municipal Railway Company; Ohio Quartz & Products Company; Pennsylvania-Ohio Coach Company; Chenango Valley Traction Company; Newcastle Electric Street Railway Company; Ohio Leather Company; Union National Bank; American Electric Light & Power Company, and several other corporations. During the World War Judge Smith served as a member of the legal advisory board of Salem under the selective service act. In politics he is a supporter of the Democratic party, and in 1928 and 1932 was a delegate to the National Democratic conventions. Mr. Smith (1933) was a representative of the 19th Congressional District on the Democratic State Executive Committee and was formerly Democratic State Central Committeeman. 692 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Mr. Smith is a member of the Youngstown Chamber of Commerce, Youngstown Country Club, Mahoning Valley Country Club, Youngstown Club, Youngstown Lodge No. 51 B. P. O. Elks, Youngstown Lodge F. & A. M., Salem Chapter, R. A. M., Salem Commandery K. T., Salem Council R. & S. M. and Al Koran Temple, Cleveland, 32nd degree Mason, member of Lake Erie Consistory. Mr. Smith married Miss Franc Bradbury, a native of Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio. She is the daughter of William and Mary A. Bradbury. Their daughter, Virginia L., is a graduate of Rayen High School, Lake Erie College, at Painesville, Ohio, and Webber College, at Boston, Mass., class of 1931. She married Fred B. King. James J. Kramer is one of the well known young business men of Niles, where he is interested in the coal business. He was born here Sept. 20, 1901, the son of Felix and Margaret (O'Toole) Kramer. Felix Kramer was born at Rome, N. Y., and his wife was a native of England. Both died in 1931. He was a glass-blower by trade and after locating at Niles spent ten years in the shops of the Globe foundry. He later established a retail coal business in the city and became associated with his sons in the enterprise in 1920. It was thereafter known as Kramer Brothers. They also became well known florists. Mr. Kramer was a Republican and held membership in St. Stephen's Catholic Church. There were two sons in the Kramer family, James J., and Felix, Jr. James J. Kramer has always lived at Niles. He is a graduate of the public schools and has spent his entire business career in this city. Since 1932 he has been manager of the coal business and also is a retail florist. Since that year his brother has owned and operated the greenhouse. HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 693 In 1925 Mr. Kramer married Miss Loretta Hubar, of Clarion, Pa. They have no children. Mr. Kramer is a Republican and holds membership in St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Dudley C. Smith. —As president of "Dud" Smith, Inc., superservice station, Mr. Smith, who is a veteran of the World War, is numbered among the dependable and successful business men of Niles. He was born at Kent, Ohio, Oct. 19, 1895, the son of T. F. and Nannie (Cone) Smith. T. F. Smith has spent his entire life at Kent, Ohio, where he is identified with the Erie Railroad Company as lumber inspector. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife was born at Kent and died in 1928. She is buried in Standing Rock Cemetery, Kent. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had two sons: 1. Dudley C., the subject of this sketch. 2. Frank Kenneth, lives at Detroit, Mich. After his graduation from Kent High School in 1913, Dudley C. Smith was employed by the Evans Company, con-tractors, for one and one-half years. He then spent 13 years with the Mason Tire & Rubber Company, and at various times held the positions of manager of the Cleveland, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Philadelphia branches. He has the distinction of having built the company's first tire and purchasing its last, when the business was liquidated in 1929. In May, 1917, Mr. Smith enlisted in the U. S. Army and served at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, with the 112th Engineers as sergeant bugler and drum major. Six months later he was transferred to Camp Sherman, Ohio, where he was discharged in February, 1919. Since 1927 Mr. Smith has been identified with the Super Service Station at Niles. It was incorporated in 1932, with Mr. Smith as president, his wife as vice president, secretary and treasurer, and his brother- 694 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO in-law, Edward J. Williams as vice president. The business is located at South Main and Second streets, Niles. On July 12, 1917, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Laura Jeffries Williams, of Niles, daughter of Arthur D. and Ellen (Jeffries) Williams. The former was born at Niles and died in 1927. The latter is a native of Wales and lives at Niles. Mr. Williams was a highly esteemed and widely known citizen of Niles. He was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Order of Red Men, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Laura J. (Williams) Smith is a grad-uate of Kent State Normal School and taught school before her marriage. There are two children in the Dudley C. Smith family: 1. Elouise Blanche, born in December, 1919. 2. Dudley Woodbridge, born in May, 1923. Both were born at Kent, Ohio. Mr. Smith is a prominent member of the Christian Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Eagles lodge, Kiwanis Club, Niles Board of Trade, Boy Scouts of America, and American Legion, Wm. McKinley Post No. 106, commander. Donald A. Gross, M. D. —One of the leading physicians and surgeons of Trumbull County is Dr. Gross, who has engaged in practice at Hubbard since 1920. He is a member of the Trumbull County, Mahoning County, Ohio State, and American Medical associations, and is also a member of the staff of Youngstown City Hospital. He was born near Montgomery, Lycoming County, Pa., Dec. 6, 1896, the son of William Henry and Cora (Hess) Gross. William Henry Gross was a native of Lycoming County, Pa. His early life was spent as a farmer and he later engaged in the manufacturing business at Montoursville, Pa., being the organizer of a table factory there in 1906. He HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 695 met with an accidental death by drowning July 3, 1912, in a futile attempt to rescue his daughter, Catherine. They are buried at Montoursville. Mr. Gross was a Democrat, a 32nd degree Mason, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His widow resides at Montoursville. There were four children in the Gross family : 1. Donald A., the subject of this sketch. 2. Catherine, deceased. 3. Eleanor, widow of Lawrence Klepper, lives at Montoursville. 4. Allan, who died in 1907, at the age of two years. After his graduation from Montoursville High School in 1914, Donald A. Gross attended Lycoming State Normal School at Muncy, Pa. He then entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine there in 1919. He then served as interne at the Youngstown City Hospital for one year before locating at Hubbard in 1920. Due to ill health Dr. Gross spent three months at Saranac Lake, N. Y., and nine months at Long Beach, Calif., and resumed his practice at Hubbard in August, 1933. Dr. Gross was married Aug. 9, 1922, to Miss Alma Marie Daley, of Youngstown, a graduate of Youngstown Hospital Nursing School. She is a registered nurse and before her marriage engaged in emergency work at the Republic Rub-ber Company, Youngstown. She is the daughter of Charles J. and Alice (Shaw) Daley, natives of Boston, Mass. Mr. Daley is a captain in the fire department of Youngstown, having served 40 years. To Doctor and Mrs. Gross have been born four children: 1. William H., born June 9, 1923. 2. Mary Alma, born July 19, 1925. 3. Martha Ann, born Nov. 22, 1927. 4. Donald A., born March 26, 1929. Dr. Gross served during the World War with the U. S. Naval Reserve Corps, and continued as a member of the Reserves until 1924. He is a member of the American Legion, Hubbard Post. 696 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Dr. Gross is affiliated with the Elks Lodge and belongs to the Youngstown Country Club, Alpha Kappa Kappa Medical fraternity, and Kiwanis Club, having served as president of the latter organization during 1933. B. F. Cramer who is proprietor of Cramer's Dairy, at Niles, is one of the community's well known citizens. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., April 30, 1874, the son of P. M. and Louisa (Husband) Cramer. P. M. Cramer was born in Somerset County, Pa., and died at Niles in 1930. His widow is also a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Cramer was a Republican and held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cramer: 1. B. F., the subject of this sketch. 2. I. O., lives at Niles. 3. Mrs. E. J. Buttermore, lives at Niles. 4. Warren, lives at Uniontown, Pa. 5. Mrs. John B. Graft, lives at Niles. 6. Leroy, lives at Niles. 7. William, who died in 1913. B. F. Cramer was reared arid educated at Scottsdale, Pa. He spent 42 years in the steel mills of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and has been a resident of Niles since 1912. During 1912-34 he was employed by the Republic Steel Company, and in the latter year he resigned to devote his entire time to the management of his dairy business, which he had organized in 1932. He is also a dealer in dairy products. Mr. Cramer married (first) in 1897 Miss Anna Pyle, of Scottsdale, Pa., who died in 1901. She was the daughter of Nelson and Etta (Feightner) Pyle. The former died in 1929 and the latter resides at Scottsdale. To Mr. and Mrs. Cramer was born a son, Archie L., born Nov. 30, 1898. He married Miss Ella Kyle. B. F. Cramer married (second) Miss Bessie Yantz, of Pittsburgh, Pa., daughter of William and Marie (Wilkes) Yantz. Both were natives of Cumber- HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 697 land, Md. The former died in 1923 and the latter resides at Niles. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have two adopted children, Ruth and Romaine, twins, born May 19, 1915. Ruth, married Eugene Carlton, and they reside in Girard, Ohio. The Stewart family of Hubbard. ---One of the earliest and most honored pioneer families of Trumbull County is that of A. L. Stewart, who came to the hamlet of Hubbard in 1850. In that year he opened an undertaking establishment on the site where the home of Dr. W. H. Button now stands, and members of the family have continued to render funeral service to the community to the present time through three generations. In the early days no great factories for the manufacture of caskets existed and thus it was necessary for each undertaker to manufacture coffins, as they were then called, and as local demand required. Mr. Stewart was a cabinet maker, and engaged in the manufacture of furni-ture and in the construction of such coffins. All of this work was entirely skilled hand labor, and in his work A. L. Stewart was assisted by Jehiel Clingan, whose daughter he married in 1853. To this marriage was born one son, C. R. Stewart. After the death of his wife in 1856, A. L. Stewart with his son moved to the old Stewart farm in Vienna Township to live with Mr. A. L. Stewart's mother. This farm is located near the four corners of Vienna, Brookfield, Hubbard, and Liberty Townships, a part of it now being occupied by the Foster estate. There he erected a building and continued his business of undertaking and furniture making. An early hearse used by Mr. Stewart, was also built by him, and to present day eyes it would have been an odd looking vehicle. It consisted of a box about ten feet in length, three feet in width, and 30 inches in height. The roads of the early days did not make it advisable to use any glass in hearse con- 698 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO struction, but the sides were paneled. It was drawn by horse. Later, Mr. Stewart purchased a new and more up-to-date hearse which had high black plumes on each corner and oval glass on sides and rear. Mr. A. L. Stewart later married and continued his business until his death in 1879. His widow carried on the business with the assistance of W. R. Denison until 1890, when it was taken over by C. R. Stewart, son of the founder. He purchased equipment appropriate to the day and located in Hubbard in the building now occupied by Salows garage. He later removed the business to 412 West Liberty Street. In 1918 both the furniture and undertaking business were moved to a new building at 19 North Main Street, where both lines were carried on under "the name of C. R. Stewart & Sons. Here the business was carried on until 1926, when the mortuary activity was assumed by Earl S. Stewart, eldest son of C. R. Stewart. At this time the Jewell property at the corner of Fifth avenue and West Liberty Street was acquired and became the funeral home. C. R. Stewart, who is now retired, watched the business of his father grow from the bottom and was careful to ever preserve the high standards as set up by the founder. He also laid the foundation for the C. R. Stewart & Sons furniture store and brought that business to a high point in business standards. Charles H. Stiver, who is identified with Stiver Brothers, Chevrolet dealers, is numbered among the progressive and representative business men of Niles. He was born at Flemington, Pa., June 30, 1891, the son of G. O. and Emma J. (Klinefelter) Stiver. G. O. Stiver was a native of Pennsylvania, born at Jersey Shore. He died in 1927 and is buried in Belmont Cemetery, HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 699 Youngstown. By trade Mr. Stiver was a blacksmith and wagonmaker, and for a number of years engaged in business with his brothers as proprietors of the Stiver Wagon Works. He later lived at New Bedford, Pa., and engaged in farming there until 1918, at which time he retired and located at Youngstown. Mr. Stiver was a Republican and held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His widow was born at Madisonburg, Pa., and lives at Youngstown. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. G. O. Stiver: 1. John P., lives at Youngstown. 2. W. O., lives at Hubbard. 3. Mrs. J. R. Halls, lives at Youngstown. 4. Myrtle, widow of H. T. Herrick, lives at Youngstown. 5. Mrs. Edward Jacobs, lives at State College, Pa. 6. Verda, widow of W. O. Seitz, lives at Youngstown. 7. Mrs. Lloyd Mitchelltree, lives at Pulaski, Pa. 8. Charles H., the subject of this sketch. 9. Kline H., a World War veteran, connected with the Stiver Chevrolet Company, at Hubbard. 10. George T., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 11. Shuman, locomotive engineer, with the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company, at Youngstown. Following his graduation from high school at Flemington, Pa., Charles M. Stiver attended Central State Normal School at Lock Haven, Pa. During 1909-22 he engaged in general farming, and in the latter year became a Ford automobile dealer, at Hubbard, Ohio. In 1928 he engaged in business for himself in partnership with his brother, George T. Stiver, and they became Chevrolet dealers at Hubbard. Since May, 1932, they have also conducted a Chevrolet business at Niles, Ohio. Charles H. Stiver is in charge of the Niles business and removed with his family to this city in September, 1932. In 1923 Mr. Stiver was united in marriage with Miss Neva Stewart, of Hubbard, daughter of C. R. and Ella (Mitchelltree) Stewart, natives of Hubbard, Ohio, and Pulaski, Pa., respectively. Mr. Stewart resides at Hubbard.