Mahoning County OH

The Genealogy of Joseph Strock

Canfield Ohio Fair in 1906

This book touches on Joseph Strock’s origins in Wurtemberg, Germany, his migration to America, and his role during the Revolutionary War. It also explores his descendants, with careful attention to correcting past errors and clarifying uncertainties in the family narrative. Though minimally documented, it was extensively researched, and as such, The Descendants of Joseph Strock of 1757 remains a valuable resource for those seeking to research the genealogy of Joseph Strock.

Biography of James H. Wright

James H. Wright, born on February 6, 1827, in Trumbull County, Ohio, is a prominent grain buyer in Arthur. He hails from a Scotch-Irish family, with his father, Rev. James Wright, being a Presbyterian minister. After relocating west in 1857, Wright engaged in farming before starting a grain business in Hindsboro in 1873, later moving to Arthur in 1886. Married to Sarah E. Rogers, they have seven children. An active community member, he has been an Odd Fellow since 1852 and served as president of Arthur’s town board.

Slave Narrative of Melissa (Lowe) Barden

Mrs. Melissa (Lowe) Barden, an ex-slave born on a Georgia plantation, reflects on her life as she nears 90 years of age. She recounts her love for her master, David Lowe, although she resented him for selling her mother. After the Civil War, she and her mother sought freedom, but only Melissa was ultimately found. She cherishes memories of dancing and singing with fellow slaves. Now residing in Youngstown, Ohio, with her daughter, Melissa is blind but remains in good health.

Biography of Paul J. McBride

Paul J. McBride, born June 8, 1860, in Pennsylvania, exemplified a diverse career before becoming Kansas’s State Labor Commissioner in 1915. His experiences ranged from being a machinist and farmer to an engineer for the Rock Island Railway. McBride’s early life was shaped by his father’s adventurous spirit and his modest education. In addition to his political service, he was active in labor organizations and the Masonic fraternity. He married Frances Marshall in 1892, and they had one son, Paul Francis, a graduate in electrical engineering.

Slave Narrative of Angeline Lester

Angeline Lester, born around 1847 on a Georgia plantation, recounts her early life as a slave. After her father was sold and her family separated, she moved between different plantations during the Civil War. Following the war, they were informed of their freedom but could only take minimal belongings. Eventually, Angeline rejoined her father and worked for various white families. Now residing in a dilapidated home in Youngstown, Ohio, she remains in good health and continues to work diligently for De Laud.

Slave Narrative of Mrs. Melissa (Lowe) Barden

Mrs. Melissa (Lowe) Barden, who resides in Youngstown, Ohio, was born on David Lowe’s plantation in Georgia and estimates her age to be around 80 or 90 years. She recalls her master as kind but harbors pain over her mother’s sale. After the Civil War, her mother sought her out, but only Melissa was found. She remembers happy moments of dancing and singing on the plantation. Currently, she lives with her daughter, Nany Hardie, despite being blind due to cataracts.

Slave Narrative of Mrs. Phoebe Bost

Mrs. Phoebe Bost, born on a Louisiana plantation near New Orleans, recalls her difficult childhood under two cruel masters. Sold at a Baltimore auction, she eventually gained freedom and adopted the name of her last master, Mooney. Working as a nursemaid, Phoebe endured harsh treatment and was denied leisure activities. Now residing with her daughter in Campbell, Ohio, she reflects on her past hardships, displaying resilience as she approaches her nineties.

Biography of Amasa B. Campbell

Amasa B. Campbell, born on April 6, 1845, in Ohio, is a prominent figure in Idaho’s mining industry. He began his career as a clerk, gaining valuable experience before moving west to work for the Union Pacific Railway. Drawn to mining, he engaged in prospecting throughout the West until co-founding a syndicate in Youngstown to develop mining properties in Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene district. A self-made man, Campbell’s success stems from hard work and business acumen, and he remains committed to education and community service. He married Grace M. Fox and has one daughter.

Biography of Nathan Brobst

Nathan Brobst, a pioneer farmer in Shawnee County, Kansas, was born on November 13, 1840, in Ohio. He experienced the rugged life of the West, traveling to Salt Lake City, prospecting for gold, and engaging with diverse cultures. In 1866, he married Mary Yager, and they raised four children on their homestead in Topeka. With a commitment to hard work, he transformed 160 acres into a prosperous estate. An industrious, modest man, he contributed to his community while embodying strong moral character throughout his life. Brobst passed away on May 3, 1910.

Biography of Thomas K. Tomson

Thomas K. Tomson, an esteemed ante-bellum settler of Kansas, passed away on November 2, 1910, at eighty-five. Born in Ohio in 1826, he initially trained as a tinsmith but became a successful farmer and stockman in Kansas. After moving westward in 1860 due to tensions surrounding slavery, he settled in Dover and significantly contributed to livestock improvement in the region. A community-oriented individual with a deep compassion for others, his legacy endures through his children and the positive influence he had on those around him.

Biographical Sketch of Frank Emory Bunts

Frank Emory Bunts, born on June 3, 1861, in Youngstown, Ohio, was a prominent surgeon and educator. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1881 and serving in the Navy until 1883, he earned his M.D. from Western Reserve Medical College in 1886. He married Harriet E. Taylor in 1888 and became a professor of surgery at his alma mater in 1893. Bunts was active in several medical associations and held memberships in various clubs, reflecting his engagement in both professional and civic life.

Biographical Sketch of Harrison W. Ewing

Harrison W. Ewing, born on July 26, 1874, in Milton, Ohio, was an accomplished attorney. He graduated from Cleveland Central High School and later attended various institutions, earning his LL.B. in 1899. Ewing married Elmyra C. Lucas in 1903 and had one daughter. He was admitted to the bar in the same year and was involved in several law firms throughout his career. A prominent member of the Cleveland legal community, he also participated in various fraternal organizations and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Biographical Sketch of John Hessin Clarke

John Hessin Clarke, born on September 18, 1857, in Lisbon, Ohio, was a prominent lawyer and Democratic figure. He graduated with an M.A. from Western Reserve College in 1877 and was admitted to the bar in 1877 after studying law under his father. Clarke practiced in Lisbon and Youngstown, where he was also involved in journalism. In 1897, he moved to Cleveland and joined the firm Williamson, Cushing & Clarke, focusing on railroad law. He was appointed general counsel for the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad and was active in various civic organizations.

Biographical Sketch of William McKinley Duncan

William McKinley Duncan, born on May 19, 1873, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a prominent lawyer. He was educated in public schools and at Cornell University. Duncan married Viola Deetrick in 1899 and had three sons. Admitted to the bar in 1894, he joined the firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey in 1911 and notably represented the Eastern Trunk Railroad in arbitration. He also served as receiver for the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad and was active in various clubs.

Biographical Sketch of John H. Price

John H. Price, born on July 31, 1878, in Youngstown, Ohio, was an accomplished attorney and veteran of the Spanish-American War. He graduated from Raven High School, Mt. Union College, and pursued law at Western Reserve and Ohio State University, being admitted to the bar in 1903. Price held various leadership roles in the Republican Party and was a senior member of the law firm Price, Alburn & Daoust. He was also active in civic organizations and fraternal societies, and married Flora Staats, with whom he had three children.

Biographical Sketch of Rudolph A. Koch

Rudolph A. Koch, born in Germany on March 19, 1870, immigrated to the U.S. and established himself in Ohio. Starting as a dry goods clerk, he advanced to a traveling salesman specializing in church supplies. In 1894, he founded The R. A. Koch Co., which became the largest of its kind in northern Ohio. A family man with nine children, Koch was involved in various civic and charitable organizations and was noted for his interests in baseball, rare books, and social economics.

Biographical Sketch of Frank M. Kirk

Frank M. Kirk, born on November 3, 1863, in Jackson, Ohio, was educated in local public schools and at Mt. Union and Meadville Colleges. He began his career in the coal industry with the Young Harrington Coal Co. before establishing his own business. In 1898, he partnered with James H. Woods, forming the Kirk-Woods Coal Co. Kirk held various prestigious roles, including president of the Kirk-Latty Manufacturing Co. and treasurer of the Hazel Kirk Gas Coal Co., while actively participating in numerous organizations and clubs.

Biography of Charles Reynolds Love

Charles Reynolds Love, born August 23, 1848, in Pennsylvania, was a prominent Topeka businessman known for his generosity and strong character. He moved to Kansas in the late 19th century, initially living on a farm before transitioning to a successful career in wall paper and interior decorating in Topeka. A devoted family man and community member, Love was involved in various fraternal organizations and the Methodist Church. He passed away on April 15, 1910, leaving a legacy of kindness and business acumen, along with his daughter, Bertie, who also contributed significantly to society.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas H. Wilson

Thomas H. Wilson, born on October 9, 1841, in Liberty, Ohio, was a prominent banker with a modest education. He married Louise Fellows in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1863 and had two sons. Wilson began his banking career in 1860 as a clerk and later moved to Cleveland in 1888, where he served as cashier and then vice president of First National Bank. A trustee at Calvary Presbyterian Church and a Chamber of Commerce member, he was esteemed for his banking expertise in Northern Ohio.