HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 925 his wife in 1921. They were members of the Reformed Church. After graduation from the district school, Ralph E. Elser attended North Lima High School, Mount Union College, Kent State Normal School, Hiram College, and Youngstown College. He is the holder of a life certificate to teach both in the elementary and high schools of Ohio. In 1935 he received his Master's degree from Youngstown College. All his life until 1932 has been spent in the teaching profession. His teaching record is as follows: District School in Green Township, 1905-6; Springfield Township rural school, 1906-8; Principal of New Springfield schools, 1908-10; teacher, Struthers public schools, 1910-14; principal of Struthers public schools, 1914-18; assistant county superintendent of schools in Mahoning County, 1918-32. During this latter period he served four years as teacher of Mathematics, Geography and Science in the Canfield Normal Teachers' Training School. In 1932 he became interested in the insurance business, as general agent of the Great Northern Life Insurance Company for northeastern Ohio. In November, 1934, Mr. Elser was elected sheriff of Mahoning County. He assumed the duties of his office on January 7, 1935. Mr. Elser has taken a leading part in Mahoning County politics for many years. He served for ten years as a member of the Mahoning County Board of Elections; for fifteen years as a member of the executive and central committee of the Mahoning County Democratic Committee, and has been Chairman of the executive committee. He has always been a Democrat. On June 12, 1911, Mr. Elser was married to Miss Maud Glenn, daughter of Henry and Lidda (Mentzer) Glenn, all natives of Mahoning County. Mr. Glenn is deceased. Mrs. Glenn now lives in North Lima. Mrs. Elser is a graduate 926 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO of North Lima High School, and was a student at Mount Union College. Before her marriage she was a teacher in the schools of Beaver, Springfield and Boardman Townships. She is assistant matron of the Mahoning County Jail. They have two sons: First, Donald, a graduate of North Lima High School, 1931, and Youngstown College, A. B., 1935; Second, Galen, a graduate of North Lima High School, 1934, now in attendance at Youngstown College. Mr. Elser and his family are active members of Mount Olivet Reformed Church. He was superintendent of the Sunday School during 1905-12, and since 1905 has been teacher of the boys' class, never having missed a Sunday School session for twenty years. Mrs. Elser is church organist, and has taught the Primary department for many years. Mr. Elser is affiliated with Allen Lodge, F. and A. M.; Salem Chapter, R. A. M.; Mahoning County, Ohio State and National Grange; Buckeye Sheriffs Association; Ohio Educational Association; National Educational Association; and Northeastern Ohio Teachers' Association. He served for three years as president of the Mahoning County Teachers Institute, and was also president for three years of the Mahoning County Athletic Association, on whose executive committee he served for fifteen years. Mr. Elser has entered on his duties as Sheriff with the best wishes of the entire county, and the belief that he will give the county the clean and efficient administration which his previous record warrants. James L. McClurkin, D. D. S. —One of the better known young professional men of Trumbull County is Doctor McClurkin, who has practiced dentistry at Girard continuously since the close of the World War, in which he served with the rank of first lieutenant in the Dental Corps. Doctor HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 927 McClurkin was born at Girard, Feb. 24, 1894, the son of James and Mary (Lally) McClurkin. James McClurkin, a native of Ireland, was an early emigrant to this country and settled at Girard, where he spent many years in the employ of the Carnegie Steel Company. He died in 1902 at the age of 48 years and is buried in Liberty Union Cemetery, at Girard. His wife was born at Youngstown, Ohio, and resides at Girard. Their children were: 1. Robert, lives at Tonawanda, N. Y. 2. Thomas, lives at Girard. 3. William, deceased. 4. Mrs. John Kinney, lives at Girard. 5. Anna, lives at home. 6. James L., subject of this sketch. The early education of James L. McClurkin was received at Girard. He attended Western Reserve University, at Cleveland, and in 1917 was graduated from the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois. He served throughout the World War, as mentioned above, and then established his present practice at Girard. On Jan. 15, 1918, Doctor McClurkin married Miss Grace Montgomery, born at Wellston, Ohio, daughter of W. B. and Rose Montgomery. Their children are: Rose Mary; James; Virginia; Florence; Thomas; and Barbara. Dr. McClurkin has always been a Democrat. He holds membership in the Trumbull County Dental Society, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus. He and his family are members of St. Rose Catholic Church, at Girard. Donald DeKlyn Forward, M. D. —A leading physician and surgeon of Ashtabula, Doctor Forward has a wide acquaintance throughout the community, where he is highly esteemed as a representative citizen. He was born at Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1895, the son of George M. and Minnie A. (Kyle) Forward. 928 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO George M. Forward is a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, as is his wife. They now reside at Ashtabula. Mr. Forward lived in Cleveland for a number of years and also was located for a time at Colorado Springs, Colo., and Rock Island, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Forward's only child is Donald DeKlyn, subject of this sketch. Following his graduation from Shaw High School, East Cleveland, in 1914, Donald DeKlyn Forward entered Oberlin College. He left school, however, in March, 1917, to enlist for service in the World War with the French Army. In October, 1917, having been awarded the Croix de Guerre, he was honorably discharged and then enlisted in the American Army in January, 1918. He was attached to the Quartermaster Corps at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, until April, when he was transferred to Camp Cody, N. M. He subsequently attended an officers' training school at Camp Taylor, Ky., where he received the commission of second lieutenant of Field Artillery in September, 1918. He received his honorable discharge in January, 1919, as a second lieutenant. In 1919 Doctor Forward completed his studies at Oberlin College and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was graduated from the Medical School of Western Reserve University, Cleveland, in 1923, served as an interne at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Cleveland, and one year was resident obstetrician at Cleveland Maternity Hospital. During 1925 Doctor Forward spent six months in study in European clinics and in the following year established his present practice in the city of Ashtabula. He is widely known throughout the state of Ohio as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. He is also a member of the staff of Ashtabula General Hospital. Doctor Forward is especially interested in writing professionally, and is co-author of the following magazine and journal articles: "Peripheral Resistance in Shock", printed in Proceedings of Society for Experimental Physiology, HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 929 Vol. 19, page 190; "Pressure, Pulse in the Portal Vein", published in the American Journal of Physiology, Vol. 60, page 312; "Clinical Observations on the Dynamics of Ventricular Systole", published in the American Heart Journal, April, 1933. Doctor Forward is a Fellow of the American Medical Association and a member of the Ohio State and Ashtabula Medical Societies, Phi Rho Sigma fraternity, and first lieutenant in the Medical Reserves of the United States Army. On Aug. 1, 1918, Doctor Forward married Miss Jessie Harriet Raine. He married (second) on May 30, 1934, Miss Constance Newcomb Burgett, of New Lyme Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio, daughter of George and Caroline (Lamb) Burgett. Edward Selkirk. —A reliable business man of Newton Falls is Edward Selkirk, who is proprietor of the Selkirk Tin Shop, and he is a member of a well known pioneer family of Trumbull County. He was born at Warren, Dec. 1, 1891, the son of William and Priscilla (Smith) Selkirk. William Selkirk was born at Warren, Nov. 19, 1860. In his early life he followed the trade of moulder in the steel mills, and since 1898 until his death Feb. 14, 1935, resided on a farm in Newton Township, Trumbull County. His father was Nicholas Selkirk, a native of Scotland and one of the first settlers of Warren. He served as a captain during the Civil War and spent most of his life in the city of Warren, where he was a machinist. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Warren. Priscilla (Smith) Selkirk, widow of William Selkirk, was born at Salem, Ohio, and is now 73 years of age. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Selkirk: 1. Edward, subject of this sketch. 2. Artemus, born March 10, 1893, a World War veteran, being one of the first 930 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO men to enlist from Newton Township and one of the first 17 to enlist from Trumbull County. He saw three years active service in France. He is a farmer and lives in Newton Township. The early education of Edward Selkirk was received in the public schools of Newton Falls. He farmed for a time, and during 1910 was employed by Hall Brothers, at Newton Falls. He then was associated with the business of E. C. Boom at Warren until 1914, at which time he engaged in business for himself at Newton Falls, where he established a sheet metal business, doing all kinds of sheet metal and tin smith contracting. He is the third oldest business man in point of service in Newton Falls. On Aug. 12, 1913, Mr. Selkirk was united in marriage with Miss Laura Adams, of Niles, Ohio, daughter of Sidney and Comford I. (Scrivens) Adams, of Newton Falls. He is a retired farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Selkirk have been born four daughters: Margaret, Martha, Edna, and Wanda. Mr. Selkirk is a member of the Presbyterian Church, at Warren, and belongs to the Kiwanis Club. Fred M. MacLean, drugless practitioner, has successfully engaged in his profession at Girard since 1920, and has a wide acquaintance throughout Trumbull County. He was born at Woburn, Mass., Oct. 19, 1897, the son of T. A. and Jeanette (Harr) MacLean. T. A. MacLean was a native of Prince Island, Canada, and his wife was born in Pennsylvania. They have been residents of Girard since 1907, and from that time Mr. MacLean was in the employ of the Ohio Leather Company as department foreman until his death Nov. 16, 1934. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. MacLean is Fred M., subject of this sketch. HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 931 Fred M. McLean received his early education in the public schools of Youngstown, having graduated from the Girard Public Schools and the Rayen High School, Youngstown, Ohio. In 1916 he graduated from the Palmer School of Chiropractic. In 1928 he completed graduate study at the Metropolitan College of Physio-Therapy, at Cleveland. His entire professional career has been spent at Girard and he has been most successful. Doctor MacLean married Miss Gladys Zeller, of Girard, daughter of W. J. and Ella M. (Chryst) Zeller. William J. Zeller was born at Girard, Aug. 9, 1873, and is the owner and operator of the largest and oldest mills in this section of Trumbull County. It was founded in 1843 by a Mr. Baldwin and in 1898 was purchased by Mr. Zeller and John H. Chryst. To Mr. and Mrs. Zeller were born two children : Louis C., born Feb. 28, 1898, is associated in business with his father at Girard. He married Miss Alta Jackson, of Warren, Ohio, on Oct. 7, 1932; and Gladys MacLean. To Mr. and Mrs. MacLean have been born three children : Fred, Janet, and Thomas. Mr. MacLean is a member of the Methodist Church, is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and belongs to the Kiwanis Club. He has served as president of the Girard school board and as president of the local Red Cross organization. He also is president of Girard Community Corporation. McKinley Memorial Library, Niles. —On the evening of March 18, 1908, there was held in the First Presbyterian Church of Niles a meeting which proved to be of vast importance in the history of Niles. This was called for the purpose of planning for a public library. A group of public spirited women, members of the Women's Lyceum, literary club of Niles, feeling the need of a library and 932 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO craving its advantages for the residents of their city, had formed what was known as the Niles Library and Reading Room Association, with Mrs. Kate H. Strock as president. They had been active in arousing a similar ambition among others of the community, and now the time had come for definite action. Accordingly, on that March evening an interested group had come together to consider means by which a public library might be organized. In this they had the presence and counsel of Miss Anna L. Morse, at that time librarian of the Youngstown Public Library. Miss Morse advised that of various types of library organization permitted by Ohio laws, a tax-supported free public library should be their goal. On April 8, 1908, the Niles Library Association was incorporated, "for the purpose of raising the intellectual and moral life of the community through a public library and reading room", with the following persons signing as subscribers: J. B. Claypool, Chas. E. Rose, Elizabeth F. Bentley, Myrtle E. Gilbert, E. Thayer Ward, R. Herbert Wilkinson, F. J. Roller, Minnie A. Claypool, Kate H. Strock, Ella M. Leitch, W. A. Thomas, D. J. Finney and A. J. Bentley. A board of nine trustees was elected, consisting of Mrs. Kate H. Strock, Mrs. A. J. Leitch, D. J. Finney, George B. Robbins, W. A. Thomas, A. J. Bentley, J. N. Cowdery, Fred W. Stillwagon and F. J. Roller, with D. J. Finney as president, W. A. Thomas, vice president, F. W. Stillwagon, treasurer, and Mrs. Kate H. Strock, secretary pro-tern, pending the appointment of a librarian who should act as secretary. Appeals for subscriptions to the library fund met with generous response, some 100 early contributors being enrolled as charter members. Clubs, lodges, church organizations and individuals cooperated, some giving benefit entertainments, others contributing money and books. Two hundred volumes were given by the Knights of Pythias, and the HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 933 libraries of the Union Library Association and the Board of Education were contributed. Tax levies of three tenths of a mill each were made by the city council and the board of education, first paid into the library treasury in March, 1909. A large room in the W. A. Thomas building on Furnace street, now State Street, was offered for a time rent free by Mr. Thomas. In this room the library was housed for several years. On Oct. 9, 1908, with Miss Mary P. Wilde, a trained librarian, in charge, the first books were circulated, the library then having 600 volumes on its shelves. At the end of September, 1909, there were 2555 volumes on the shelves, with a circulation for the year of 22,124. On Miss Wilde's resignation in December, 1909, to enter work in a larger field, Miss Emily S. Glezen was elected librarian, assuming this post on Jan. 1, 1910. When in late October, 1911, Miss Glezen resigned to become librarian of the Oil City, Pa., Public Library, she was succeeded by Miss Ida E. Sloan, the present librarian. A momentous event in the history of the library was the building of the McKinley Birthplace Memorial, a part of which was happily planned to house the library. This beautiful building, whose erection was the conception of President McKinley's boyhood friend, the late Joseph G. Butler, Jr., stands as a symbol of service and is a stimulus to the community in its every effort to achieve the highest good. To it Mr. Butler gave much time and thought as well as money, visiting it frequently as long as his health would permit, and on the library's shelves are many books from his private library. Nationally chartered and built by public subscription, the McKinley Memorial Building was dedicated on Oct. 5, 1917. The erection of the library wing of the Memorial was made possible largely through the gift of $50,000 to 934 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO the building fund by the late Henry Clay Frick, this gift being specifically for a library. The library was honored by a visit from Mr. Frick a few weeks before his death in 1921. He expressed himself as much pleased with the library and planned at that time to purchase for it one thousand books, selection to be made by trustees and librarian. This plan was carried out by Miss Helen C. Frick, following her father's death. The Thomas building having changed hands, the library was moved in May, 1916, to the Guarnieri block on the McKinley memorial site, since torn down. In the summer of 1917 the library was transferred to its present location in the south wing of the McKinley Memorial Building, planned especially to meet the needs of a modern library. The official name of the library was changed on July 10, 1923, to the McKinley Memorial Library and that of the association likewise to the McKinley Memorial Library Association. At the same time it was decided to adopt the school district form of government. A library levy separate from the school budget is made each year through the Board of Education for the public library, and one member of the library board of seven trustees is elected annually by the Board of Education. The present library trustees are: D. J. Finney, president; P. J. Sheehan, vice president; A. B. Campfield, Mrs. H. H. Hoffman, C. H. Rose, Mrs. Ludwig Sahm and G. H. Trimbur, the librarian acting as secretary-treasurer. The trustees who serve without pay, give generously of their time and interest in conducting the affairs of the library, rendering a definite and valuable community service. With the change of Ohio's tax laws, the library, with others of the state, suffered serious curtailment of its funds for operation especially during the years 1931 and 1932, until the present laws regarding distribution of the intangibles HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 935 tax made provision for adequate financing of libraries, also making possible and mandatory county-wide service on the part of existing libraries. The McKinley Memorial Library now maintains a changing collection of some 300 volumes at the Mineral Ridge Community Library, in addition to the Harrison School station inaugurated in 1930. At the close of 1933 the library numbered 19,452 volumes, with a circulation for the year of 107,707. It is served by a staff of four, namely: Miss Ida E. Sloan, librarian, Miss Nellie M. Holston, Miss Mary V. Walsh, assistants, Miss Marioara Candea, children's librarian, together with two parttime assistants, Miss Olive Copeland and Miss Melva Evans. "Here are books for young and old, for both knowledge and recreation, and it is the library's reading aim to meet the needs of all the people and to grow in usefulness as the years go by." William C. Reilly, vice president of the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company, is not only a native of Youngstown, but a third generation born member of a Youngstown family. He has spent his life time, to date, in the iron and steel business in Youngstown, and in turn has been an active figure in the industry during the years that have witnessed the rise of the Mahoning Valley to a major position in this great branch of manufacturing. W. C. Reilly was born Feb. 6, 1868, on a farm that is now part of the east side of Youngstown. The farm home of his parents was located at the present junction of Valley and Parker streets. He attended the public and parochial schools of Youngstown, and as a boy began work at the 936 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO plant of Brown-Bonnell & Company, now a part of the Republic Steel Corporation. Several years later he accepted a position as bookkeeper for the Mahoning Valley Iron Company, then an independent industry and one of the five iron manufactories of Youngstown. His early training in the iron business, which was already evolving into the steel business, was under Henry O. Bonnell, one of the steel making geniuses of the Mahoning Valley. Following the death of Mr. Bonnell, successive changes were made at the Mahoning Valley plant, until James A. Campbell became its superintendent, about 1895. In 1899 began the era of mergers. The Mahoning Valley Iron Company became a part of the Republic Iron & Steel Company, along with Brown-Bonnell & Company and Andrews Brothers Company at Haselton. James A. Campbell became general manager of the Youngstown District of this company and made Mr. Reilly his assistant. Less than two years later a change of management in the Republic Company forced the retirement of both men, and with them George D. Wick, an active figure in the Republic. The result was the organization of the Youngstown Iron, Sheet & Tube Company, a modestly capitalized institution that is now the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company, with its great plants in Youngstown and other cities. Mr. Reilly, as the first auditor of the company, later became general superintendent and still later vice president in charge of operations. He is today one of the most active figures in this concern. Mr. Reilly resides at 430 Tod Lane. He is a member of organizations in Youngstown and abroad, and he and Mrs. Reilly are active socially in Youngstown. Of his nine children, eight are living: Mrs. F. W. McNamara, Mrs. Elwood Gribben, Fred J., William J. and Cecily Reilly, of Youngstown; Mrs. Eugene McMeel, of South Bend, Ind.; HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 937 Cecil Reilly, of New York City; and Carl V. Reilly, of Cleveland. The parents of William C. Reilly were Captain and Mrs. Charles M. Reilly. Charles M. Reilly was born at Blair's Gap, Blair County, Pa., Aug. 21, 1846, a member of a pioneer family of Central Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of four brothers, all of whom enlisted in the Union Army in the Civil War. Beginning as a drummer boy at 15 years of age, he was regularly enrolled within a short time as an infantryman, serving in this capacity until the close of the war. His service in the Army of the Potomac included participation in the battles of Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and the siege of Richmond. He was mustered out as a captain in July, 1865, when scarcely nineteen years of age, but a seasoned veteran of almost four years of warfare. Mrs. Charles M. Reilly, mother of William C. Reilly, was born in Youngstown on Sept. 10, 1847. She was not only a native of Youngstown, but a daughter of Mary Sheehy Woods, who was born in Youngstown in 1803, one of the first white children born in what is now Youngstown. The family is one with historical American ties. Daniel Sheehy, grandfather of Mrs. C. M. Reilly, and great-grandfather of William C. Reilly, was a soldier in the Revolutionary Army under General George Washington. The wife of Daniel Sheehy was Jane McClain, a native of Ligonier, Pa., and daughter of Robert McClain, also a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Captain and Mrs. Charles M. Reilly were the parents of 12 children, eight of whom are living. In addition to William C. Reilly, the surviving members are Edgar J., Gallitzin I., Albert A., and Irma P. Reilly, all of Youngstown, and Mrs. Peter B. Mulholland and Mrs. Frank R. Stanfield, also of Youngstown, and Lucy M. Reilly, of Chicago. 938 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO Daniel Sheehy. —While Youngstown was founded by and named in honor of John Young, Young and his family never made a permanent home here. One of Young's active associates at the beginning of settlement was Daniel Sheehy, whose power and influence were much more significant than Young's in the early history of the town, and who spent his life there and has numerous descendants living there today. Daniel Sheehy was born in Dublin, Ireland, and was liberally educated and had many of the distinctive oratorical gifts of the Irish. He had come to the colonies during the Revolutionary War. One of his relatives was beheaded because of his religion. Daniel Sheehy's early training was for the Catholic priesthood. He was the leading character of the Irish population in this portion of the Western Reserve, and according to Father Mears of Youngstown, he was the founder of the Catholic Church in this portion of Northeastern Ohio. He had fought as a young officer on the American side of the Revolution. At Albany, N. Y., he had met John Young, who persuaded him to come to the Western Reserve. Mr. Sheehy was assistant surveyor to Isaac Powers. Daniel Sheehy selected 2,000 acres of land, 400 acres being in the eastern part of Youngstown and part of it still occupied by his descendants. The story is told that Young, after setting aside this land to Mr. Sheehy, received a higher offer and tried to annul the bargain. Daniel Sheehy was of a temperament not calculated to submit to any such injustice. He quarreled with Young and as a result was imprisoned in the first jail in Trumbull County at Warren. He was also a ring leader in the quarrel about the alien vote in the county seat case. Daniel Sheehy's wife was quite as determined as he to obtain the land he had bought, and it was through her influence that a compromise was obtained whereby Mr. Sheehy got a deed to HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 939 his 400 acres. Very properly one of the city streets of Youngstown is named after Mr. Sheehy. Daniel Sheehy established his home at what is now Wilson Avenue and Edgewood Street. He farmed there in the early days and in the absence of local mills took his grain by canoe to Beaver, Pa. On one of these trips he met Jane McLain, who was of Scotch descent, and was a woman of high character and in every way a partner to her husband. They had nine children : 1. Robert, said to have been the first white child born in Youngstown, who died at the age of 19 years. 2. Mary, who became the wife of William Woods. 3. Catherine, who married Neil Campbell. 4. Margaret, who married Daniel McAlister. 5. John. 6. Daniel. 7. James. 8. McLain. 9. Jane, who married John Lett. The Sheehy descendants inherited much of the ability and fine character of Daniel and Jane Sheehy. Daniel Sheehy accumulated considerable wealth and gave to his children liberally. His last years were spent in blindness. John Sheehy, a son of Daniel Sheehy, married Anna Kimmel and they had five children. John Sheehy was both a farmer and blacksmith and a prominent Whig in politics. Daniel Sheehy, Jr., married Charlotte Pearson, but had no children. James Sheehy married and had one son who moved to Kentucky and became head of a college at Bardstown. McLain Sheehy lived and died in Youngstown, his wife being Julia Bedell, and their daughter, Mary, married Patterson Hewitt. Earl C. Babcock.—Prominent in the business affairs of Painesville and Lake County is Earl C. Babcock, who is identified with the Babcock Cabinet Shop. He was born here, March 15, 1901, the son of Frank L. and Caroline (Hayward) Babcock. 940 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO A complete biography of Frank L. Babcock appears elsewhere in this history. Following his graduation from the Painesville public schools, Earl C. Babcock was located at Cleveland, where he was employed by Warner & Swasey Company and the National Acme Manufacturing Company. He returned to Painesville during 1927, and in that year became associated with his father's business. They specialize in woodworking, repairing and refinishing, and have a well established business in the city. On Oct. 10, 1923, Mr. Babcock was married to Miss Adalyn C. Roberts, daughter of Edward J. and Daisy Roberts, of Jackson, Ohio. They are the parents of two daughters: Caroline Jean, born Dec. 14, 1924; and Jean Adalyn, born Aug. 19, 1932. Mr. Babcock is a member of the Painesville Christian Church, and Jr. O. U. A. M. Politically, he is a Republican. Harry S. Wylde. —As vice president of the Powell Pressed Steel Company, at Hubbard, Mr. Wylde is representative of the successful business men of Trumbull County. He was born at Detroit, Mich., in July, 1888, the son of Harry and Matilda (Strassburg) Wylde. Harry Wylde, a native of Detroit, engaged in business there for a number of years as the proprietor of a retail furniture store. He died in that city in 1894. His widow resides at Hubbard. Both held membership in the Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Wylde were born two children: 1. Harry S., the subject of this sketch. 2. Matilda C., married Charles Evans, lives at Hubbard. The boyhood of Harry S. Wylde was spent in Detroit, and in 1907 he was graduated from University school, Cleveland. During the following eight years Mr. Wylde was HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 941 identified with the Hydraulic Pressed Steel Company, of Cleveland, after which he spent two years with the Willys-Overland Company at Toledo. He then became office manager of the pressed steel department of the Youngstown Iron & Steel Company. In 1920, in association with William J. Powell, Mr. Wilde organized and incorporated the Powell Pressed Steel Company, with Mr. Powell as president and general manager, and Mr. Wylde as vice president and sales manager. He is also a director of the Hub-Way Manufacturing Company, at Hubbard. Mr. Wylde married (first) in 1910, Miss Theora Miller, of Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of Mrs. Ella (Jacobs) Miller, a native of Norwalk, Ohio. The latter died in 1926 and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland. Theora (Miller) Wylde died in 1921 and is buried in Belmont Cemetery, Youngstown. She was survived by the following children: Harry S., Jr.; Robert, attends Miami University; Edwin, Barbara; and Adelle. Mr. Wylde married (second) in October, 1923, Miss Lillian Murray, of Utica, N. Y. No children were born to this union. Politically, Mr. Wylde is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Kiwanis Club, and Mahoning County Country Club. Lester W. Donaldson. —Among the most popular of the younger lawyers of Lake County is Lester W. Donaldson, of Painesville, who is assistant prosecuting attorney. He was born at Mechanicstown, Carroll County, Ohio, May 21, 1900, the son of George H. and Nettie (Rowley) Donaldson. George H. Donaldson and his wife are natives of Carroll and Columbiana counties, Ohio, and are now residents of Carroll County. The Morgan raid ended near the old Rowley homestead at Lisbon, and the Rowley family is among 942 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO the oldest in that section of Ohio. Two children were born to George H. and Nettie (Rowley) Donaldson: Lester W., the subject of this sketch; and Lois, who is employed by the American Addressograph Multigraph Company, at Cleveland. Lester W. Donaldson was reared and educated in Carroll County, and was a member of the Minerva High School class of 1918. He then attended Wooster College, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1924. He obtained the degree of LL. B. at Western Reserve University in 1927 and until his appointment as assistant prosecuting attorney of Lake County, Jan. 1, 1933, Mr. Donaldson engaged in private practice at Painesville. On March 4, 1922, Mr. Donaldson married Miss Colleen Grant, of Mechanicstown, Ohio. They have a daughter, Mary, born March 22, 1924. Politically, Mr. Donaldson is a Republican, and he has held numerous party organization offices. He is a Mason and belongs to the Kiwanis Club and American Legion, having served with the Student Army Training Corps at Wooster College during the World War. The Donaldson family hold membership in the Congregational Church. Richard V. Clifford, M. D. —One of the most prominent young physicians and surgeons of Trumbull County is Doctor Clifford, who has a large and successful practice at Girard. He was born at Greenville, Pa., Oct. 15, 1906, the son of James Frederick and Julia (Kearney) Clifford. James Frederick Clifford is a native of New York City. He spent 55 years in the employ of the steel mills of the Carnegie Steel Company and since 1931 has lived retired at Girard. His wife was a native of Crossingville, Pa., HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 943 and died Nov. 18, 1934. They were the parents of nine children. A son, Robert T. Clifford, is a druggist at Girard. He was graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1931. The early education of Richard V. Clifford was received in the public schools of McDonald, and he is a graduate of the Duquesne University at Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Science degree. In 1931 he graduated from Medicine at Georgetown University at Washington, D. C. He served as interne at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown, before coming to establish a private practice at Girard during 1933. He is now a member of the staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown. On Dec. 2, 1933, Doctor Clifford was united in marriage with Miss Florence G. Navin, of Youngstown, a graduate of St. Elizabeth Hospital Nurses School, and a registered nurse for nine years before her marriage. She now assists her husband in his professional work. She is the daughter of John and Bridget (Kinney) Navin, both of Youngstown. They are deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Clifford have one child, Jane Susan, born Sept. 13, 1934. Doctor Clifford is identified with the Trumbull County Medical Society, and Mahoning Valley Medical Society. He holds membership in St. Rose Catholic Church, at Girard, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Kappa fraternity. Edgar Allan Park. —A veteran of the World War, Mr. Park is one of the well known and dependable business men of Painesville, where he is manager of the Ohio State Liquor Store. He is a native of Ohio, born at Manchester, July 16, 1896, the son of Thomas and Kandas (Tucker) Park. Thomas Park was a farmer. He served throughout the Civil War as a member of the 7th Ohio Cavalry, having enlisted at the age of 17 years. Both he and his wife were 944 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO natives of Manchester, where they are buried. Their children were: 1. Ethel, married V. E. Templeton, insurance and district manager, lives at Lima, Ohio. They have a daughter, Elizabeth and son, Charles. 2. Edgar Allan, subject of this sketch. Edgar Allan Park attended the public schools of Ada, Ohio, and was graduated from high school there in 1914. He then spent two years at Ohio Northern University, where he specialized in the study of Pharmacy. On May 14, 1917, Mr. Park enlisted for service in the World War and attended the first officers' training school at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Ind. He received the commission of second lieutenant and was assigned to the 331st Infantry, 83rd Division, at Camp Sherman, Ohio. He later sailed for France, June 3, 1918, and saw active service in the LeMans sector. He was afterward transferred from a machine gun company to the personnel department and acted as assistant personnel adjutant until his discharge, Feb. 8, 1919. Mr. Park then returned to the drug business and in June, 1919, successfully passed the Pharmacy Board examinations. He then located at Lancaster, Ohio, for two years as a pharmacist; at New Carlisle, Ohio, for two years; at Ada, Ohio, for five years; and in 1928 he came to Lake County as manager of a drug store at Fairport Harbor and later the Corner Pharmacy at Painesville. He continued in that capacity until 1932 and in that year became interested in the general insurance business as district manager for the Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company. He received his present appointment as manager of the local State liquor store on March 30, 1934. Mr. Park married (first) Miss Helen Thompson. They had a daughter, Elizabeth, born Jan. 23, 1924. He married (second) Miss Beatrice Jones, on April 29, 1934. She is a native of Painesville. HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 945 Mr. Park is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, and American Legion, New Carlisle Post, Past Commander. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. William Hart. —A member of one of the oldest and most prominent pioneer families of Lake County, William Hart is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of Mentor, where he is proprietor of the Canfield Service Station. He was born at Mentor, Jan. 13, 1871, the son of Arthur Payson and Helen (Mapes) Hart. Arthur Payson Hart, who died at Mentor, April 12, 1922, was a highly successful farmer of Lake County for many years. He was born in Lake County on the old Hart homestead, near Mentor, June 7, 1844, the son of Stephen Horatio and Lucretia (Ring) Hart. Stephen Horatio Hart was the son of Chester Hart, who came to Ohio from Winsted, Conn., by ox-team in 1822 and settled at Mentor. In 1828 Chester Hart obtained a tract of government land, which became the pioneer Hart homestead. On July 15, 1870, Arthur Payson Hart married Miss Helen Mapes, who was born at Mentor, Aug. 20, 1853. She was the daughter of Martin and Fanny Mapes. Martin Mapes was born at Concord, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1807, and his wife was born at Chagrin, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1828. The Mapes family also were early settlers of Mentor. Arthur Payson Hart was a Democrat and served for 19 months during the Civil War as a member of the Second Ohio Cavalry. His widow, Helen (Mapes) Hart, resides at Mentor. Their children were: 1. Martin, deceased, was an engineer on the New York Central Railroad. 2. Stephen, lives at Mentor. 3. Charles, lives at Madison. 4. George, farmer, lives at Mentor. 5. William, subject of this sketch. 946 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO 6. Harry, farmer, lives at Chardon. 7. Susan, married S. H. Widdows, lives at Shaker Heights, Ohio. 8. Nellie, married Ralph Creedon, lives at Mentor. William Hart attended the Mentor public schools. As a youth he was interested in general farming and later spent 15 years in the rural mail service out of Mentor. Later, he was interested in business at Cleveland, where he owned and managed a garage business. Since 1927 he has been proprietor of the Canfield Service Station at Mentor. On Jan. 17, 1906, Mr. Hart was united in marriage with Miss Nina Reynolds, daughter of Charles and Ada Reynolds, both deceased. They are buried at Elyria, Ohio. Mr. Hart is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. James R. Locker. —Having served as mayor of the village of Mentor since 1911, Mr. Locker has the distinction and honor of holding this particular public office longer than any other official in the state of Ohio. He was born here, May 10, 1871, the son of James and Anne (Haley) Locker. James Locker, deceased, was a native of England. He was married in Ireland and emigrated to this country about 1867. He spent half a century in the employ of the old Lake Shore Railroad Company as a shop foreman. He and his wife are buried at Mentor. Their children were: 1. Bridget, lives at Mentor. 2. Ann, married Thomas Maloney, retired farmer, lives at Mentor. 3. Elizabeth, lives at Mentor. 4. John, lives at Painesville. 5. James R., subject of this sketch. 6. Henry, retired railroad engineer, lives at Cleveland. 7. Margaret, married George Dougherty, lives at Madison, Ohio. James R. Locker acquired a public school education at Mentor. He spent 20 years in the employ of the Lake Shore Railroad, being employed as brakeman and later as con- HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 947 ductor. Mr. Locker served as marshal of Mentor for a time, was head of the Travelers Aid Society between Cleveland and Ashtabula for 25 years, and deputy sheriff of Lake County for 20 years. He also spent a number of years as a member of the village council and for 15 years was a member of the Lake County Board of Health. As mentioned above, he has been mayor of Mentor since 1911. At the time of his inauguration the village was in debt to the amount of $22,000. It is now free from debt with payment of outstanding bonds not maturing until 1937, being made in 1931, thereby saving the village $907.50 in interest. Taxes have been decreased 54% and the village maintains free garbage collection service. Sewers have been constructed, a street lighting system installed, and a fine paving program completed under the efficient administration of Mr. Locker. The village population has increased during that period of time from 610 to 1589. Politically, Mr. Locker is a Democrat. Earle Franklin Gongwer. —One of the better known and highly successful young business men of Lake County is Mr. Gongwer, ice cream manufacturer, and owner of the Gongwer-Frizzell Company, of Painesville. He was born at Ashland, Ohio, April 7, 1900, the son of Peter and Stella (Redding) Gongwer. Peter Gongwer lives retired at Ashland. He is a native of that city, as is his wife. For many years he was identified with the Ashland Sanitary Dairy as owner and manager. To Mr. and Mrs. Gongwer were born the following children: 1. Florence, married Dr. Earl Smith, lives at Ashland. 2. Clifton P., associated with D. M. Reed as owners of the Ashland Sanitary Dairy. He married Miss Fay Budd, of Ashland, where they reside. 3. Margaret, lives at home. She 948 - HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO taught in the American schools in Egypt for three years and five years in Bulgaria, and has also traveled extensively throughout the world. 4. Earle Franklin, subject of this sketch. 5. Fay, married J. B. Lentz, who is also identified with the Ashland Sanitary Dairy. They have two children. Earle Franklin Gongwer received his education in the public schools of Ashland and was graduated from high school in 1917. He then became associated with his brother, Clifton P. Gongwer, in the management of the Ashland Sanitary Dairy. They are successful ice cream manufacturers. Mr. Gongwer continued as manager of that business until 1925, and then he came to Painesville as one of the organizers of the Painesville Ice Cream Company. During the following year he entered into a partnership with Ralph E. Frizzell, as owners of the Gongwer-Frizzell Company, ice cream manufacturers. In 1931 Mr. Gongwer became sole owner of the enterprise. The Gongwer-Frizzel Company has enjoyed a steady and profitable growth since the date of its organization in 1925. Originally, the company employed only three men, operated one truck, and owned one freezer. The concern now owns a fleet of 11 motor trucks, employs 23 men, and has over 200 dealers as their distributors. Three retail stores are also operated by the company. One freezer alone has a capacity of 260 gallons per hour. During the peak of the ice cream season the Gongwer-Frizzell Company manufactures 1800 gallons of ice cream daily. Mr. Gongwer is also identified with Edward Rooney in the management of the Home Dairy, which supplies milk to the retail trade of Painesville and Willoughby. In 1919 Mr. Gongwer was united in marriage with Miss Dorothy Frances Gardner, of Ashland, daughter of John W. Gardner. Mr. Gardner is interested in the insurance business at Ashland. His wife is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. HISTORY OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 949 Gongwer have been born four daughters: 1. Rosemary, born in 1920. 2. Marjorie May, born in 1921. 3. Bonnie June, born in 1923. 4. Shirley Ann, born Oct. 10, 1934. Mr. Gongwer and his family are members of the Congregational Church. He is affiliated with the Masonic and Elk lodges and belongs to to the Oweesa Hunt Club of Quebec. He is a director of the Painesville Chamber of Commerce and vice president of the Lake County Fair Board. The father of Stella (Redding) Gongwer, named Peter Redding, served throughout the Civil War and died at the age of 89 years. He was a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic and donated the G. A. R. hall at Ashland to veterans of the war, in which he maintained an active interest during his life. Elmer H. Schultz. —As president of Wayside Gardens, at Painesville, Mr. Schultz ranks among the leading and most successful nurserymen of Northeastern Ohio. He was born at Cleveland, Ohio, June 19, 1898, the son of John A. and Lena (Rickert) Schultz. John A. Schultz resides at Mentor. He and his wife are natives of Cleveland, and during his active business career Mr. Schultz was identified with the Robert F. McKenzie Company, candy manufacturers, as vice president and superintendent. During the last 15 years he has lived retired at Mentor. To Mr. and Mrs. Schultz were born two children: 1. Elmer H., subject of this sketch. 2. Clara, married Frank Jay, lives at Mentor. At the age of seven years, Elmer H. Schultz moved from Cleveland to Mentor with his parents. Following his graduation from Painesville High School in 1916, Mr. Schultz became associated with Wayside Gardens in partnership with a Mr. Gates. Four years later he entered his present