750 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO tendent of the electrical department from 1906 until 1922, and in the latter year assumed his present duties as chief engineer. He is a member of the Iron & Steel Electrical Engineers Association and Electrical Society of Michigan. Mr. Blake married (first) in 189-6, Miss Mary B. Foster, of Kalamazoo, Mich., daughter of Amos B. and Mary (Stevens) Foster, natives of New York City. She died in 1921 and is buried at Kalamazoo. Mr. Blake married (sec-ond) in 1923 Miss Mary Long, of Conneaut, daughter of John and Mary Long. The former died in 1924 and the latter resides at Conneaut. Mr. Blake is a member of the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Elks Lodge. He lives at 578 Main Street. Dr. A. E. Plahy, dental surgeon, is well and favorably known at Newton Falls, Trumbull County, where he has been established in practice since 1933, with offices in the Masonic Temple Building. He was born at Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 4, 1908, the son of Joseph and Mary (Lucas) Plahy. Both Joseph Plahy and his wife are natives of Bohemia. In early life Mr. Plahy emigrated to the United States and settled at Pittsburgh, Pa., where he was employed in the steel mills. He came to Youngstown in 1922 and in the same year located at Newton Falls, where he now resides. His wife came to this country as a girl and settled with her parents at East Chicago, Ill. Later, the family removed to Pittsburgh. To Mr. and Mrs. Plahy were born the following children: A. E., subject of this sketch; J. H.; Margaret; and Evelyn. All reside at Newton Falls. A. E. Plahy is a graduate of the public schools of Newton Falls, and received a degree from the College of Dentistry at Ohio State University in 1933. He immediately estab-lished his present practice at Newton Falls. HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 751 Doctor Plahy is a member of the Kiwanis Club, Xi Psi Phi and Omicron Kappa Upsilon fraternities, and Corydon-Palmer Dental Society, of Youngstown. He is also president of the Newton Falls High School Alumni Association. Abe R. St. Clair. —Associated with the business interests of Ashtabula County, Mr. St. Clair is prominent in the city of Ashtabula as president of the Ashtabula Gasoline & Oil Company. He was born at Conneautville, Pa., June 5, 1870, the son of William R. and Susan (Wallworth) St. Clair. William R. St. Clair was born in England, and his wife was a native of New York. He was a sailor on ocean going vessels and later sailed the Great Lakes. While still a young man he located at Conneautville, Pa., where he spent a number of years as manager of a large sawmill. In 1875 he removed to Jamestown, Pa., and five years later located at Andover, Ohio, as weighmaster for the old Lake Shore Railroad. He died at Andover in 1924 and is buried there. His wife died in 1933 and is buried at Andover. Mr. St. Clair was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair were born three sons: 1. Abe R., subject of this sketch. 2. R. A., engineer, New York Central Railroad Company, lives at Erie, Pa. 3. Raymond, lives on the old St. Clair homestead at Andover. Abe R. St. Clair is a graduate of the public schools of Andover. He spent ten years as a fireman on the New York Central Railroad, and then served as engineer until his retirement from the company's employ in 1921. After a year of leisure, Mr. St. Clair became interested in the oil business and purchased an interest in the Empire Oil Works, at Oil City, Pa. In 1923 he was one of the organizers and incorporators of the O. & P. Gasoline & Oil Company, at Andover, where he operated a super service station. Since 752 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO 1934 the firm has also represented the Ford Motor Company at Andover. Mr. St. Clair was also one of the organizers of the Ashtabula Gasoline & Oil Company, at Ashtabula, and has served as its president since 1927. In 1924 the same group of men founded the Geneva Wholesale Oil & Gasoline Company, at Geneva, and Mr. St. Clair is sales manager of that organization. In the same year they organized the Willoughby Gasoline & Oil Company, at Willoughby, with Mr. St. Clair as vice president. He is a director of the above companies, and is also a member of the Ohio Petroleum Marketers Association, and Ohio State Oil Code, being iden-tified with the Enforcement Commission of Ashtabula County. Mr. St. Clair married (first) in 1891 at Dunkirk, N. Y., Miss Allie Reed, of Ashtabula, who died two years later. She was the daughter of Abner and Mary (Gaugh) Reed. The former was born at Buffalo, N. Y., and died in 1929. The latter is a native of Pennsylvania and lives at Ashta-bula. To Abe R. and Allie (Reed) St. Clair were born two children: 1. Effie, born in 1892, a graduate of Andover High School. She died in 1929, and is buried at Ashtabula. She was the wife of Charles Burns and had two children, Robert and Marian. They live at Andover. Mr. St. Clair married (second) in 1899 Miss Mary Harvey at Tonawanda, N. Y. She is the daughter of Liberty and Sarah (Irwin) Harvey, natives of Conneautville, Pa. The former died in 1881 and the latter in 1924. Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair had no children. Mr. St. Clair is a member of the Rotary Club at Ashta-bula. He has lived at 942 Prospect Street since 1910. His fine home was built with lumber furnished from the old St. Clair homestead at Andover. He is a member of the F. & A. M. of Ohio, Andover, Ohio; the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, serving several HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 753 years as secretary, and the United Commercial Travelers, Council No. 330, Ashtabula, Ohio. Mr. St. Clair has always had a hobby of making furni-ture and doing woodwork. He drew the blueprints and did most of the indoor woodwork for his residence. Fred Daniel Lippman. —Among the able and highly successful attorneys of Youngstown may be mentioned Fred Daniel Lippman, who has offices in the Dollar Bank Building. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born at Corry, in 1892, the son of Bernhardt and Lena (Hoppe) Lippman.. Bernhardt Lippman died in 1911 and his wife died in 1928. Both are buried at Corry, Pa. They were natives of Basheen, Germany, and for many years Mr. Lippman successfully engaged in the mercantile and manufacturing business at Corry. He had emigrated to this country at the age of 18 years. Mr. and Mrs. Lippman's only child was Fred Daniel, the subject of this sketch. The early education of Fred Daniel Lippman was re-ceived in the public schools of Corry, and he received the degree of Bachelor of Science at the University of Pennsylvania, and an LL. B. degree at the University of Pennsylvania and at Youngstown College. He has practiced law in the city of Youngstown since 1923. During the World War Mr. Lippman enlisted for service and served as a machine gunner, later being commissioned second lieutenant and at the close of the war first lieutenant, U. S. Reserves. Mr. Lippman holds membership in the Mahoning County Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association. He is of Jewish faith. Mr. Lippman is unmarried. He resides at 137 Dennick Avenue, Youngstown. 754 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Gustav Adolph Reinhardt. —A leader in his chosen profession is Mr. Reinhardt, who is director of metallurgy and research with The Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company, and he is numbered among the representative citizens of Youngstown. He was born at New Washington, Ohio, April 22, 1881, the son of Louis and Barbara (Metzger) Reinhardt. Louis Reinhardt was a native of Wachenheim, Bavaria, Germany, born Dec. 4, 1834, and his wife was also born in Germany. About 1852 he came to the United States. He returned to Germany in 1872, where he married Miss Barbara Metzger. They came to the United States the same year and settled at New Washington, Ohio. Mr. Reinhardt was a lumber manufacturer and specialized in the manufacture of hand split staves for use in breweries and distilleries. He later manufactured hardwood trim. He was living retired at the time of his death, Jan. 31, 1910. He is buried in Brooklyn Heights Cemetery, Cleveland. His widow resides in Lake-wood. She was born May 9, 1847, near Landau, Bavaria. Their children were: 1. Louise Barbara, married S. V. Palda, lives at Lakewood, Ohio. 2. Edward Louis, deceased. 3. Gustav Adolph, subject of this sketch. Mr. Reinhardt was a Republican, a member of the German Reform Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. Gustav Adolph Reinhardt received his early education in the public schools of Cleveland. In 1905 he was graduated from the Case School of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and in 1913 he obtained the degree of Metal-lurgical Engineer at Harvard University. Mr. Reinhardt was a chemist for six months during 1905 with the Dominion Iron & Steel Company, at Sydney, Nova Scotia, and in the following year he became a chemist with the Ohio works of the Carnegie Steel Company, at Youngstown. During 1906-7 he was chief chemist with the Salem Iron Works, at Leetonia, Ohio ; 1907-9 chief chemist with the Cleveland Furnace Com- HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 755 pany, at Cleveland; 1909-11 chief chemist with Crowell & Murray, at Cleveland; 1912-13 assistant to Dr. Albert Sanveur, professor of metallurgy at Harvard University; 1913-29 metallurgy engineer with The Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company, at Youngstown; and since 1929 he has held his present responsible position as director of metallurgy and research. Mr. Reinhardt holds membership in the following organizations: American Iron & Steel Institute; American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers; American Society of Metals; American Society for Testing Materials (past member executive committee); American Standards Association; Army Ordnance Association; Association of American Steel Manufacturers, president during 1928-30; Institute of Metals (British) ; Iron and Steel Institute (British), Verein Deutscher Eisenhuettenleute; former vice chairman Metallurgical Advisory Board, Carnegie Institute, Technical and Pittsburgh Experiment Station of the U. S. Bureau of Mines; and technical committee, American Iron & Steel Institute. In 1917 Mr. Reinhardt married Miss Emma Jenney Parmeter, daughter of John and Emma (Jenney) Parmeter. Both the Parmeter and Jenney families were early settlers of Vermont and several members fought under General Ethan Allen. John Parmeter was a well known hotel owner in Virginia. He and his wife are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt are the parents of two sons, Louis John and Gustay. Mr. Reinhardt is a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and is affiliated with Ellsworth Lodge No. 505, F. & A. M. (Cleveland); Ashler Chapter, R. A. M., charter member; Buechner Council No. 107, R. & S. M.; St. John's Commandery, K. T., Youngstown; Al Koran Temple, Cleveland; Shrine Club of Youngstown; Struthers Gun Club. 756 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO The family residence is located at 59 Mill Creek Drive, Youngstown. A biography of Mr. Reinhardt may be found in the recent edition of "Who's Who in America." George D. Talbot .—Among the widely known and popular educators of Northeastern Ohio is George D. Talbot, who is superintendent of schools at Chardon. He was born at Willoughby, Ohio, Dec. 22, 1894, the son of Howard E. and Della G. (Hopkins) Talbot. Howard E. Talbot lives retired at Willoughby. He was born in Mentor Township, Lake County, and his wife is a native of Willoughby Township. Mr. Talbot was interested in building and for many years was a successful contractor at Willoughby. He is a Republican and has served as town-ship trustee and school director. He is an active member of the Christian Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Talbot were born four children: 1. George D., subject of this sketch. 2. Paul H., a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy, served throughout the World War, and now holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy, as superintendent of the 12th Naval District, at San Mateo, Calif. 3. Waite W., lives at Willoughby. 4. Margaret, married Howard Havlick, lives at Willoughby. George D. Talbot attended the public schools of Willoughby, from which he was graduated in 1911. During the following year he was a student at Ohio State University. Mr. Talbot then transferred to the University of Wisconsin, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1915. His Master of Arts degree was received at Ohio State University in 1931. In October, 1917, Mr. Talbot enlisted for service in the World War and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio, where he was assigned to the 329th Field HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 757 Hospital, 83rd Division. Later, he was transferred to the 308th Sanitary Train, 83rd Division, and sailed for France with that unit. After active service at the various fronts, Mr. Talbot returned to this country following the close of the war, and was discharged as a sergeant in February, 1919. Since 1921 he has been identified with the teaching profession and has been connected with the Chardon schools, first as a teacher, principal in 1927, and since 1928 has served as superintendent. In 1920 Mr. Talbot was united in marriage with Miss Ethelbelle Campbell, daughter of James and Frances Antoinette (Lapham) Campbell, natives of Mentor Town.. ship, Lake County. Both are deceased. Mr. Campbell was a banker. Mr. and Mrs. Talbot have a daughter, Polly Marie. Mr. Talbot is a Republican; a member of Chardon Post, American Legion; Chardon Kiwanis Club, past president; Chardon Chamber of Commerce; Chardon Lodge, F. & A. M.; Chardon Chapter No. 106, R. A. M.; Painesville Council, R. & S. M.; Northeastern Ohio Teachers' Association; Ohio Educational Association; and National Education Association. Ray K. Thrasher. —A prominent young attorney of Geauga County is Ray K. Thrasher, of Chardon, who was formerly assistant county prosecutor. He was born at Gar-rettsville, Ohio, Feb. 21, 1906, the son of C. R. and Ethel L. (Johnson) Thrasher. A complete biography of Ethel L. Thrasher appears elsewhere in this history. The boyhood of Ray K. Thrasher was spent at Arcadia, Hancock County, and he was educated in the public schools. Following his graduation in 1923 from Chardon High 758 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO School, Mr. Thrasher spent two years at Hillsdale (Mich.) College, and in 1931 he was graduated from the John Marshall School of Law, at Cleveland. Following his admission to the Ohio bar in that year, Mr. Thrasher established his present practice at Chardon. He was made justice of the peace in 1930 and resigned from that office three years later to assume the duties of assistant county prosecutor. He holds membership in the Geauga County Bar Association. Mr. Thrasher was married in 1925 to Miss Marguerite Goodrich, daughter of Fred M. and Sada (Hoyes) Goodrich. They were natives of Chardon and for many years Mr. Good-rich was superintendent of schools here. Both are deceased and buried in Chardon. To Mr. and Mrs. Thrasher have been born two sons: 1. Chadwick, born in 1927. 2. Gary, born in 1930, died in infancy. Politically, Mr. Thrasher is a Republican. He and his family hold membership in the Congregational Church, and he is affiliated with the following lodges and organizations: Chardon Lodge, F. & A. M.; Chardon Chapter No. 106, R. A. M.; B. P. O. Elks, Painesville; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Knights of Pythias; Alpha Tau Omega and Delta Theta Phi fraternities; Chardon Theater Guild, charter member and first president; and Chardon Kiwanis Club, president during 1933. J. Gordon Crowe. —One of the leaders in the public school system of Geauga County is J. Gordon Crowe, who is super-intendent of Auburn public schools. He was born at Warren, Ohio, Oct. 16, 1907, the son of C. W. and Emma (Gordon) Crowe. C. W. Crowe is a well known building contractor of Warren. Both he and his wife were born in Windham Township, Portage County. He was a carpenter by trade and for HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 759 a number of years has been a general contractor. Mr. Crowe is a Republican, a member of the Christian Church, and belongs to the Maccabees. To Mr, and Mrs. Crowe were born three children: 1. J. Gordon, the subject of this sketch. 2. Marjorie, a teacher in the Warren public schools. 3. Roberta, assistant attendance superintedent, Warren public schools. J. Gordon Crowe was graduated from Warren High School in 1924 and obtained the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Hiram College in 1931. He is now taking graduate work at the summer sessions of the University of Pittsburgh. His teaching career began as a member of the faculty of Auburn High School in 1931, and he took over the duties of superintendent in the following year. He is an active member of the Northeastern Ohio, Ohio, and National Edu-cation Associations. In 1928 Mr. Crowe married Miss Mabel Haas, daughter of J. P. and Lena (Langton) Haas, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Mr. Haas is deceased and his widow resides at Auburn Center. Mr. and Mrs. Crowe have a son, Richard. Mr. Crowe is a member of the Christian Church and belongs to Phi Gamma Epsilon fraternity. Ethel L. (Johnson) Thrasher. —Having served as auditor of Geauga County since 1922, Mrs. Thrasher has the distinction of being the only woman to ever hold this office in Geauga County and one of two women county auditors in the State of Ohio. She is a native of Ohio, born at Parkman, Nov. 24, 1877, the daughter of Huron E. and Permelia (Gates) Johnson. The early education of Ethel L. Johnson was received in the public schools of Parkman, from which she was 760 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO graduated in 1893, valedictorian of the class. During the next five years she taught school at Welshfield, Ohio. In 1918 she became a bookkeeper in the office of W. R. Davis, lawyer, at Chardon. She then served in the same capacity in the office of H. E. Leach, auditor of Geauga County. In 1922 she was elected auditor of Geauga County, and as mentioned above has continued in office to the present time, being re-elected in 1926, 1930, and 1934. Under her capable administration the office has been thoroughly systematized. Mrs. Thrasher has always been a Republican. On Nov. 27, 1895, Miss Ethel L. Johnson married C. R. Thrasher. Their children were: 1. Mildred M., a graduate of Chardon High School, Hillsdale College, and George Wash-ington University, LL. B. degree, now a prominent lawyer at Chardon. 2. Isabelle, a graduate of Chardon High School and Hillsdale College, taught school at Lakewood, Ohio, now the wife of T. E. Smith, of Lakewood. 3. Max C., merchant, lives at Chardon. 4. Ray K., attorney, lives at Chardon. 5. Thelma, deceased. F. R. Schofield. —As superintendent of schools in Geauga County, F. R. Schofield is a representative and influential citizen of the community. He was born at Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1896, the son of William and Elizabeth (Ramage) Schofield. William Schofield, who died at Youngstown, July 7, 1929, was a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. As a young child his parents brought him to Brookfield, Mahoning County, and later to Cleveland. Mr. Schofield spent many years in Youngstown as a worker in the steel mills, and died there at the age of 66 years. His wife was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and died at Youngstown, Dec. 17, 1932. To Mr. and Mrs. Schofield wee bon three children: 1. Joseph, lives HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 761 at Youngstown. 2. F. R., the subject of this sketch. 3. Walter, lives at Youngstown. Following his graduation from Rayen High School, Youngstown, in 1915, F. R. Schofield entered Adelbert College, Western Reserve University, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1919. He obtained the degree of Master of Arts at the College of Education, Ohio State University, in 1926. In the meantime he spent three years as principal of schools in Auburn Township, Geauga County, and was also principal of schools at Burton for two years. He was elected superintendent of schools in Geauga County in 1926. On Sept. 21, 1920, Mr. Schofield married Miss Julia Ditmansen, of Youngstown, daughter of Martin Ditmansen, deceased. They have a daughter, Ruth Mary, born Oct. 16, 1924. She attends Chardon High School. Mr. Schofield is a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and is affiliated with Euclid Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 599, Cleveland and Chardon Chapter, No. 106, Sigma Nu, and Phi Delta Kappa fraternities. He is secretary of the Chardon Kiwanis Club. During the World War Mr. Schofield served as a member of Company K, First Gas Regiment of the Chemical Warfare Service, and was stationed at Camp Sherman, Ohio. He received his discharge there Dec. 17, 1918. The Ohio Pail Company, of Middlefield, is among the leading industries of Geauga County and Northeastern Ohio. It was organized in 1895 by Joe E. Johnson, Samuel Udell, A. B. Walker, Walter Shellito, and Howard Shellito. The first president of the company was Joe E. Johnson, and Mr. Udell served as vice president and secretary. Until 1919 the company specialized in the manufacture of wooden pails. 762 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO In that year, on account of the scarcity of timber, it became necessary to manufacture steel containers instead of the original wooden pail. Its output includes containers from one to fifteen gallons in capacity. The Ohio Pail Company employs approximately 200 people, many of whom are skilled mechanics, and they also manufacture practically all tools and equipment used in the plant. Its products are shipped throughout the United States and the company has representatives in all principal cities. Present officers of The Ohio Pail Company are: Smith M. Johnson, president; Lugh Johnson, vice president and gen-eral manager ; and Hugh G. Johnson, secretary and treasurer. The Johnson Rubber Company is a division of the Ohio Pail Company. They are manufacturers of extended rubber and moulded rubber, as well as tubing. Output from this plant is used extensively in the manufacture of automobiles. The Middlefield Banking Company is among the leading financial institutions of Geauga County. Its officers are: Hugh G. Johnson, president; Will Cromwell, of Parkman, vice president; and Dale McClurg, treasurer and cashier. W. E. Morris is secretary of the Board of Directors, which includes: E. H. Bryden, of Middlefield; John Ohl, of Park-man; Bert Caldwell, of Middlefield; and Walter Clark, of Middlefield. Hartley C. Parsons. —Among the men of business prominence in Geauga County is Hartley C. Parsons, who is busi-ness manager of Geauga Publishers, Inc., at Chardon. He was born at Chardon, April 15, 1877, the son of Wilder C. and Laura M. (Stephenson) Parsons. Wilder C. Parsons was born in Hambden Township, Geauga County. As a young man he became interested in the jewelry business at Chardon and continued as one of HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 763 the city's leading merchants until the time of his death in 1929. Mr. Parsons was a Republican and served for six years as postmaster of Chardon and for one term as member of the village council. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Church and served as a member of the official board for many years. His lodge affiliations were: Chardon Lodge No. 93, F. and A. M., Past Master; Chardon Chapter No. 106, R. A. M., Past High Priest; and Painesville Commandery No. 29, K. T., Past Commander. Laura M. (Stephenson) Parsons was a native of Missouri, born in 1856. She was widely known as a successful playright and received royalties on the following productions: "District School of Blueberry Corners," "Aunt Jerusha's Quilting Party," "Old Maids' Convention," and "Scenes in the Union Depot," and others. She also produced songs, being the author of "Priscilla at Her Spinning," "Outside the Old Church Door." Mrs. Parsons was an active and prominent member of the Methodist Church at Chardon. In its behalf she organized a candy club, members of which made and sold candy each Saturday night in Chardon over a period of several years. In this unique manner the sum of $2,000 was made and applied on the church debt. Mrs. Parsons died in 1925. Both she and her husband are buried at Char-don. Their only child was Hartley C., the subject of this sketch. After his graduation from Chardon High School in 1896, Hartley C. Parsons attended the University of Michigan. He later became well known as a candy manufacturer at Chardon, and in 1905 became assistant manager of the Geauga Printing Company. He continued as general man-ager of the business from 1909 until 1929, at which time he disposed of his interests. He has been identified with the Geauga Publishers, Inc., as business manager since February, 1933. 764 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO In 1913 Mr. Parsons married Miss Edna E. Hickox, daughter of Charles H. and Clara Hickox. They are natives of Russell Township, Geauga County, and reside at Chagrin Falls. Mr. Hickox, retired, was a well known building con-tractor and for several years served as justice of the peace'. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons are the parents of five daughters: 1. Dorothy, married Henry Knapp, lives at Chardon. They have a son, Richard Elliott. 2. Esther L., attends Mount Union College. 3. Edna Louise, attends Chardon High School. 4. Jeanne Marie, a student. 5. Priscilla Ann, a student. Mr. Parsons has always been a Republican, and for four years was chairman of the Republican Central Committee. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Chardon Lodge No. 93, F. and A. M., and Order of Eastern Star, Ruby Chapter No. 4. He also is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Hon. Joe E. Johnson. —A business leader and public spirited citizen, Joe E. Johnson, deceased, was an important figure in the affairs of Middlefield, where he was founder and president of the Ohio Pail Company. He was born here in 1867, and died March 13, 1933, the son of M. J. and Almira (Grant) Johnson. The early education of Joe E. Johnson was received in the public schools of Middlefield and he was a graduate of Hiram College. As a young man he became interested in the sale of farm machinery and represented a well known Akron manufacturer for several years. He later conducted a general mercantile business at Middlefield and in 1895 organized the Ohio Pail Company, manufacturers of wooden pails, and Mr. Johnson served as its president until his death. The plant was destroyed by fire in 1917, and again in 1919. HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 765 It was both times rebuilt. A debt in 1923 of $100,000 was reduced and completely paid off by 1928, and an additional $100,000 worth of improvements was made in the plant and its equipment. During those five years the plant was operated on a 16-hour day continuously. At the time of his death Mr. Johnson was also president of the Johnson Rubber Company, president of the Toledo Rubber Products Company, director of the First National Bank of Burton, and president of the Middlefield Banking Company. Mr. Johnson married Miss Hattie Smith, of Middlefield. Their children were: 1. Smith M., who is president of the Ohio Pail Company. 2. Edith A., married Howard Smith, lives at Worcester, Mass. Mr. Johnson was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and took a prominent part in church affairs. He also belonged to the Knights of Pythias. Ever interested in the welfare of the community in which he lived, Mr. Johnson sought to do all in his power to promote those things which would benefit his fellow citizen. When Middlefield was first incorporated he was selected as its first mayor, and served with distinction. Smith M. Johnson. —As president of the Ohio Pail Company, at Middlefield, Mr. Johnson is recognized as one of the prominent business men and representative citizens of Geauga County. He was born at Middlefield, March 24, 1894, the son of Hon. Joe E. and Hattie S. (Smith) Johnson. A sketch of Joe E. Johnson appears elsewhere in this history. Smith M. Johnson was educated in the public schools of Middlefield and was graduated from Middlefield High School in 1911. He spent two years at Ohio Wesleyan University, attended the Cleveland School of Art, and was a 766 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO student of Carnegie Institute of Technology for one year. In the spring of 1915 Mr. Johnson went to California, making the trip on a motorcycle and financing himself by painting signs en route. Later in that year he became identified with the Ohio Pail Company, at Middlefield. His father was president of the company. In 1917 Mr. Johnson attended the Marconi Wireless School in New York City and subsequently became a wireless operator on the S. S. Muskogee, which plied between New York, England, and France during the World War. After the close of the war he was wireless operator on the steamship "Huron," on the Great Lakes. Early in 1920 Mr. Johnson went to Cuba on a vacation as radio operator on the steamship McCreary County. He returned to Middlefield during the same year as vice president of the Ohio Pail Company, and succeeded his father as president of the corporation at the latter's death, March 13, 1933. He has developed the present steel pail which is manufactured at Middlefield and holds patents on most types of steel pails manufactured today. Altogether, Mr. Johnson has a total of eleven patents. Since May, 1927, he has also been identified with the Johnson Rubber Company, and has served as president since 1933. During 1932 the Toledo Rubber Products Company was moved to Middlefield, and during the following year Mr. Johnson became its president. He is also a director of the First National Bank at Burton. In 1922 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Lora Crittenden, daughter of T. H. Crittenden of Middlefield. Mr. Johnson has always been a Democrat and at the present time is serving as a member of the village council. He was chief of the Middlefield Fire Department for 13 years, and has also been chief of the police department. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the Middlefield Board of Trade, and Geauga HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 767 Country Club, of which he is president. He holds membership in the Central Y. M. C. A. at Cleveland, and is a director of the Business Men's Art Club of Cleveland. He is prominent as an amateur photographer and is also a painter of note, having exhibited his work at numerous private showings in Cleveland. Maurice Arthur Fox, who is superintendent of schools at Parkman, has an outstanding record in educational work in Geauga County. He was born at Burton, Ohio, Jan. 16, 1906, the son of G. B. and Lottie D. (Doolittle) Fox. G. B. Fox has been president of the First National Bank of Burton for many years, and is one of the community's prominent business men. He was born in Troy Township, Geauga County, and his wife is a native of Burton Township. Both trace their ancestry to the Revolutionary War period, and Mrs. Fox is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. After receiving his early education in the district schools of Geauga County, G. B. Fox received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Hiram College. For several years he was interested in the insurance business at Burton, and he then became cashier of the First National Bank. As mentioned above, he has held the office of president for many years. Mr. Fox is a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There are three children in the Fox family: 1. Maurice Arthur, the subject of this sketch. 2. Marjorie, a graduate of Oberlin College, married J. H. Wieland, lives at Shaker Heights, Ohio. 3. Isabel, attends Earlham College. After his graduation from Burton High School in 1923, Maurice Arthur Fox was graduated from Hiram College in 1927 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and Ohio State 768 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO University, from which he received the degree of Master of Arts in 1932. He was identified with the Thompson public schools during 1928-29, was superintendent of Middlefield schools during 1929-32, and came to Parkman in 1932 as superintendent of schools. He is a member of the Northeastern Ohio Teachers Association, Ohio Education Association, National Education Association, and the Geauga County Board of School Examiners. In 1929 Mr. Fox was united in marriage with Miss Ethlynn Lampson, daughter of L. E. and Josephine (Miller) Lampson. In early life Mr. Lampson was a merchant at Middlefield, Ohio. He is now engaged in general farming. Mrs. Fox is a graduate of Oberlin Kindergarten Training School. Mr. Fox is a member of the Congregational Church, is affiliated with Village Lodge, No. 274, F. and A. M., Master; Chardon Chapter No. 106, R. A. M., and Painesville Council No. 104, R. and S. M. L. J. Smith, who is one of the leading citizens of Canton, is superintendent of schools in Stark County. He is a native of Ohio, born in Morgan County, Sept. 1, 1894, the son of Joseph and Juniata (Coburn) Smith. Joseph Smith was born in Morgan County, Ohio, and his parents were natives of New England. He was a well known nurseryman and served as county surveyor for eight years. Juniata (Coburn) Smith was born in Morgan County, and resides at Zanesville. Her grandfather was Isiah Coburn, one of the first settlers of Marietta and a soldier of the Revolutionary War. He came to Ohio from New England. His son was Leonidas Coburn, who served through-out the Civil War. He was county commissioner of Morgan County for four years. He was a farmer and miller. HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 769 L. J. Smith acquired his early education in the public schools of Morgan County and in 1913 was graduated from Randolph High School. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Ohio State University in 1917 and during the World War served in France for 12 months as a member of the 37th Division. He taught school in Fulton County for seven years and in 1926 Mr. Smith received the degree of Master of Arts at Cornell TJniversity. He then came to Canton as assistant superintendent of county schools and three years later was elected superintendent. On June 20, 1934, Mr. Smith married Miss Ruth Snyder of Canton. By a former marriage he has two daughters, Marilyn and Priscilla. Mr. Smith is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Canton, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Canton Consistory, A. A. S. R., 32nd degree, Nazi Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R., and Canton Consistory. He also holds membership in the Junior Order of American Mechanics and National Grange. He is a member of Stark County Education Association, Northeastern Ohio Teachers' Association, Ohio Education Association, and the National Education Association. He is also a member of National Superin-tendents' Association. Hugh Grant Johnson. —One of the substantial and widely known citizens of Geauga County is Hugh Grant Johnson, who is president of the Middlefield Banking Company and secretary-treasurer of the Ohio Pail Company at Middlefield. He was born there, the son of M. J. and Almira (Grant) Johnson. M. J. Johnson, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was a native of Ohio and a member of a prominent pioneer family of Geauga County. His birth took place at 770 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Johnson's Corners, which was named in honor of Joseph Johnson, his father, who had come to Ohio from Lancaster County, Pa. The family was originally from Connecticut. M. J. Johnson engaged in farming in early life and later conducted a dairy and cheese manufacturing business. After the close of the Civil War he became interested in the mercantile business at Middlefield, and at the time of his death in 1900 he was numbered among the city's leading business men. His wife was also a native of Geauga County and a member of a pioneer family. She died in 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are buried in Middlefield Cemetery. Their children were : 1. Carrie, died at the age of 24 years. 2. Joe E., deceased. 3. Lenna, married Lee Morrow, lives at Youngstown. 4-5. Hugh and Lugh, twins. The latter died at the age of four years. Hugh Grant Johnson received his education in the public schools of Middlefield, from which he was graduated in 1896. He then entered Buchtel College, at Akron. He is a graduate of Spencerian Business College, Cleveland. Throughout his business career Mr. Johnson has been identified with the Ohio Pail Company as secretary and treasurer. In 1905 the company purchased 6,000 acres of land at Elkins, W. Va., and Mr. Johnson was in charge of that plant during its existence. The Elkins branch operated a band sawmill, pail factory, and refrigerator factory, but was closed in 1914, and since that time the company's entire business interests were centered at Middlefield. On June 19, 1901, Mr. Johnson married Miss Viola Donaldson, of Middlefield, daughter of Simon Donaldson. They are the parents of two children : 1. Lugh Madison, a graduate of Middlefield High School and Ohio Wesleyan University. He is vice president of the Ohio Pail Company, and vice president and general manager of the Ohio Rubber Company. He married Miss Ruth Weaver, of Sebring, Ohio, HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 771 daughter of H. D. Weaver, and they have a daughter, Marilyn. 2. Marian, married Dr. Philip Pease, lives at Chardon. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he served as Sunday school superintendent for ten years. He is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and Masonic Lodge. Mr. Johnson has served as a member of the Middlefield School Board, and has always taken a prominent part in civic affairs. R. W. Poole. —As superintendent of Russell Centralized Schools, at Russell, Mr. Poole holds an important position in the educational life of Geauga County. He was born at Edgerton, Williams County, Ohio, June 22, 1900, the son of H. L. and Suzanne (Lane) Poole. H. L. Poole is among Edgerton's representative citizens and successful business men. He is president of the Edger-ton State Bank, president of the Oak Manufacturing Company, president of the Airline Provision Company, and president of the Royal Elkhorn Coal Company. With his sons, he also owns and operates the Edgerton Elevator. Mr. Poole was born in St. Joseph Township, Williams County, Ohio. His father was a tile manufacturer. Mr. Poole is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and has the following lodge affiliations: Edgerton Lodge No. 357, F. & A. M.; Bryan Chapter, R. A. M.; Bryan Commandery, K. T.; and Zenobia Temple, at Toledo, Ohio. There are four children in the Poole family, as follows: 1. Charles Lane, lives at Chicago, Ill. 2. W. H., a World War veteran, lives at Edgerton. 3. C. E., a World War veteran, lives at Edgerton. 4. R. W., subject of this sketch. The boyhood of R. W. Poole was spent at Edgerton, where he attended the public schools. In 1919 he was graduated from Bryan High School, and five years later he re- 772 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO ceived the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Northern University. He also has taken graduate work at Ohio State University. During 1924-25 Mr. Poole was coach at Grand Valley (Colo.) High School, and the following year was spent in travel throughout Florida and South America. He then became principal of Edgerton High School in 1926-27, and in 1927 he came to Russell as superintendent of schools. He is a member of Northeastern Ohio, Ohio, and National Educational Associations. In May, 1930, Mr. Poole was united in marriage with Miss Aline Schellenbaun, daughter of J. J. and Florence Schellenbaun, of Marion, Ohio. Mr. Schellenbaun is retired. Politically, Mr. Poole is a Republican. He holds member-ship in the Methodist Church, and belongs to Edgerton Lodge No. 357, F. & A. M.; Bryan Chapter, R. A. M.; Bryan Council, R. and S. M.; Al Koran Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Cleveland, Ohio, and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Paul S. Gardner. —A representative and highly esteemed citizen of Geauga County is Paul S. Gardner, who is superintendent of schools at Bainbridge, and he is also a veteran of the World War. He was born at Lisbon, N. Y., the son of Rev. Davis and Maude (Sampson) Gardner. Rev. Davis Gardner is a native of Ontario, Canada, and his wife was born in New York. They are now residents of Central Square, N. Y. At the age of eight years Reverend Gardner came to the United States and settled at Syracuse, N. Y. He is a graduate of Cazenovia Seminary, and has had charges in New York and Ohio as a minister of the Congregational Church. He is now retired. To Rev. and Mrs. Gardner were born the following children: 1. Grace Dickerson, a graduate of Buffalo Normal College, lives at Akron, Ohio. 2. Paul S., subject of this sketch. 3. Esther, de- HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 773 ceased, was a graduate of Buffalo Normal College, married Thomas Gary, of Pittsburgh, Pa. 4. Ralph, a graduate of Syracuse University, teacher, lives at Bergen, N. Y. 5. Don-ald, attended Syracuse University, agriculturist, lives near Syracuse, N. Y. 6. Stanley, attends Kent State College. Paul S. Gardner obtained his early education in the public schools and in 1915 was graduated from Brushton (N. Y.) High School. He then taught in the district schools of Franklin County, N. Y., and on Dec. 5, 1917, enlisted for service in the World War, as a member of the U. S. Marine Corps at Paris Island. He was assigned to the 74th Company, 6th Regiment, Second Division, and served in France in four major engagements, being severely gassed at Belleau Wood. He received his discharge on June 30, 1919. Mr. Gardner resumed his teaching in Franklin County, N. Y., and subsequently attended St. Lawrence University for two years. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Syracuse University in 1924, and has almost completed work on the degree of Master of Arts at Western Reserve University, Cleveland. During 1924-26 Mr. Gardner was a teacher in the Burton (Ohio) public schools, and he came to Bainbridge as superintendent in 1926. He holds member-ship In the Northeastern Ohio Teachers' Association, Ohio Education Association, and National Education Association. In 1926 Mr. Gardner married Miss Clarissa Hull, daughter of L. R. and Verdine Hull, of Ohio. They are now residents of Los Angeles, Calif. Mrs. Gardner is a graduate of West-ern Reserve University, taught one year at Burton, Ohio, and four years at Bainbridge. She also was a member of the faculty of Central High School, Cleveland, for 14 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have been born two sons, Paul and Ralph. Mr. Gardner is a Republican, a member of the American Legion, and belongs to Zeta Alpha Phi fraternity. 774 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Neil C. McNicol. —One of the best known young business men of Columbiana County is Neil C. McNicol, who is owner of the McNicol Firestone Service Station, and vice president of the D. E. McNicol Pottery Company. He has spent his entire life at East Liverpool, and was born there, Nov. 8, 1891, the son of Daniel E. and Honora (Cronin) McNicol. Daniel E. McNicol, deceased, was a well known citizen and substantial business man of East Liverpool. He was born there, Feb. 25, 1856, and died Feb. 15, 1931. He is buried in St. Aloysius Cemetery, East Liverpool. Mr. McNicol was educated in the parochial schools and was a graduate of Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He became a prominent figure in the pottery industry and in 1874, in association with his father, John McNicol, and uncle, Patrick McNeil, was active in the organization of a pottery, known as McNicol & Burton Company. They were specialists in the manufacture of yellow ware, and continued under that firm name from 1884 until 1892, when John McNicol purchased the entire plant, which was carried on as D. E. McNicol & Company until the death of Mr. McNicol in 1931. The East Liverpool plant was then closed. A branch had been opened in 1914 at Clarksburg, W. Va., and that still operates there, with Hugh L. McNicol as president; Neil C. McNicol as vice president; and D. E. McNicol, Jr., as secretary and treasurer. The company manufactures vitrified china for hotel and restaurant use, and it is one of the largest china manufacturing plants in the United States. Daniel E. McNicol was a Republican, and a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church. He was an ardent sportsman and lover of horses, and had a fine stable. Honora (Cronin) McNicol was born in Ireland, Feb. 25, 1859, and died April 2, 1926. She is also buried in St. Aloysius Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. McNicol were born the following children: 1. Mary S., unmarried, lives at 345 West 5th Street, East Liverpool.