Columbiana County Ohio Biographies and Biographical Sketches - Surnames A-B

Transcribed by Jeffrey Tooley

Columbiana County Ohio biographies and biographical sketches - surnames A-B, extracted from Columbiana County, Ohio history books.

JOEL ARMSTRONG Biographical Sketch

Joel Armstrong first saw the light on the morning of Aug. 9, 1808. His native element was the farm. He was born on a farm in Columbiana County. To agricultural pursuits alone he devoted bis earliest and his latest labors, and no other business had sufficient charms to draw him away from his plow. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Fayette Co., Pa., April 26, 1821.

The family of Mr. Armstrong consisted of eight children, of whom six are living. Ann P., born Dec. 1, 1838, died Aug. 17, 1873. Elizabeth T., born Feb. 18, 1840, was married to J. W. Templin, Oct. 18, 1860, living in Mahoning County; Win. T., born March 2, 1842, was killed at the battle of Perryville, on the 18th of October, 1862; Martha D., born Feb. 13, 1844, married to J. B. Templin, living in Nebraska; S. H., born Sept. 26, 1846, married Addie, daughter of Mathias Johnson, living on the homefarm ; Sarah S., born Sept. 29, 1848, married to W. H. Arnold, living in Salem; Charlotte, born Sept. 23, 1850, living at the old home; R. S., born June 21, 1853, living at the old home.

Joel Armstrong died Feb. 10, 1865; Mrs. Joel Armstrong is still living. She, with three of her children, above mentioned, live at the old home. This farm was entered by the father of Joel Armstrong in 1805, owned by Joel, and is now in the hands of the third generation, the son, S. II., who inserts the view of this old and much loved home. Many pleasant associations cluster around a home like this, when the forefather left a home, perchance, of comparative ease and comfort, and came to an almost unsettled country to endure the privations and hardships incident to new settlers, till his steady and earnest toil was rewarded by the blessings and crowned, with the many bounties of Providence. Great changes grow out of steady and constant strokes; the sturdy forest is laid low, and there in time is reared the pleasant home, with all its cherished adornments. [History of Columbiana county, Ohio With Illustrations And Biographical Sketches, Some Of Its Prominent Men And Pioneers., Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & Co., 1879.]

A. R. ARTER Biographical Sketch

Prominent among the pioneers of Columbiana County we find the name of Michael Arter, who came to New Lisbon (the county-seat) in 1805. He was born in Maryland, and came here, with his parents, when ten years of age. In 1816 he married Lydia, daughter of Joseph Richardson. The father of Mrs. Arter was one of the best-known public men of the State of Ohio, having been elected to the Legislature and Senate of the State, serving as speaker of the latter for some time.

Michael Arter moved from New Lisbon to Hanover in the year 1816. There was then only one house in the place, the whole surrounding country being at that time almost entirely unsettled. He held many prominent positions in the county. In all these he acquitted himself to the satisfaction of those who had confided their trusts to him. He was the father of seven children, — five sons and two daughters, — viz.: Joseph R., born in New Lisbon, Oct. 18, 1817; now living in New Lisbon; Inis held some prominent positions, viz.: clerk of court of Columbiana County and State revenue collector for Eastern Ohio during the Rebellion. D. A., born Jan. 3, 1820; now living in Canton, Stark Co., 0.; a prominent physician and surgeon. A. R., born Feb. 11, 1822; now a merchant in Hanover, Columbiana Co. Jane K., born Jan. 8, 182-1; deceased. Jason R., born Dec. 12, 1825; served two years as surgeon in the army, under Gen. Thomas; died 1873. Catharine A., born April 30, 1828; married to Rev. J. Wright, a Methodist minister; now living in Cardington, 0. T. J., born July 22, 1830; held the offices of United States assessor and collector during the Rebellion; is now living on the old farm, first bought by his father. A. R. Arter, the third son, — who contributes this family history, — learned the tanning trade when quite young, and took charge of his father’s tannery until 1845, when he married Mary, daughter of Elimelech Swearingen; from this union were born seven children, — six sons and one daughter, — viz.: Leonard, born Aug. 3, 1846; served in the Union army during the Rebellion; escaped the dangers of the battle-field and sickness of the camp; reached home in safety; died June 19, 1870. Alonzo, born Feb. 3, 1850; died July 22, 1859. Newton S. and Norman R. (twins), born Nov. 24, 1862; Newton S. died June 8, 1863. Elbert E. and Gilbert M. (twins), born June 27, 1865.

In 1863, A. R. Arter helped to organize the 18th Ohio Battalion, and was commissioned a captain by Gov. Todd. At the call of Gov. Brough, May, 1864, this battalion responded and reported at Columbus, and with part of the 69th Battalion organized and formed the 143d Ohio Regt.; was mustered into the United States service on the 13th of May, and on the 15th left for Washington City; on its arrival was assigned to Gen. Hawkins’ Div., 22d Army Corps. A. R. Arter was assigned full command of Fort Slocum, one of the most important points, at the head of Seventh Street, which was held with honor by four companies until the regiment was ordered to embark for Bermuda Hundred; there it was assigned to the 10th Army Corps, and placed in the entrenchments around Richmond and Petersburg where it remained in active service until relieved from duty, and, proceeding to Camp Chase, 0., was there mustered out of the service. Mr. Arter then left for home with his command, and has since been enjoying a business life in a quiet way.

Elimelech Swearingen, father of the wife of A. R. Arter, was born in Beaver Co., Pa., Dec. 31, 1791. When about sixteen years of age, moved to Columbiana Co., 0., where he resided until his death, July 20, 1869. Mr. Swearingen married Sarah Wilcoxon, June 14, 1810. From this union were born thirteen children, — five sons and eight daughters, — viz.: Mary A., born May 15, 1811; died Feb. 14, 1821. Rebecca, born Feb. 4, 1813; was married to John Eidley, of Hanover, 0.; died May 26, 1865. Ruth, born Jan. 17, 1815; died May 20, 1875. Elimelech, born November, 1816; married Martha Hurford, of Canton, 0.; died August, 1862. Virlinda, born Oct. 14, 1818; was married to Richard Aten, of Wellsville, 0. George W., born Sept. 14, 1820; married Matilda Chapman, of Virginia; is now a practicing physician in Bedford, Taylor Co., Iowa. Elizabeth A., born Aug. 26, 1822; was married to A. Hurford, of Canton, 0.; died Aug. 21, 1843. Daniel, born Feb. 23, 1826; married Hannah Chambers, of Steubenville, 0.; now residing on a farm near Indiana, county-seat of Indiana Co., Pa. Lucinda, born Sept. 1, 1828; was married to 0. G. Russell, of Wellsville, 0.; died March 13, 1858. Henry H., born July 17, 1830; married Maggie Poulton, of Columbiana County; she died Jan. 17, 1868. He then married Jennie Steele, of Carrollton, 0.; is now living in Hanover, 0.; engaged in mercantile business. Greenberry, born Jan. 21, 1833; married Sarah Swearingen, of Columbiana County; resides at Kensington, Columbiana Co., 0.; engaged in mercantile business. Sarah, born March 1, 1836; resides at the old homestead. [History of Columbiana county, Ohio With Illustrations And Biographical Sketches, Some Of Its Prominent Men And Pioneers., Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & Co., 1879.]

REV. ISRAEL ARCHBOLD Biography

Rev. Israel Archbold was born November 24, 1807, the eleventh in a family of twelve children, his father dying when he was eleven years old. Soon after becoming of age he left his Virginia home and for a time taught school in Washington county, Ohio. March 1, 1834, he was licensed a local preacher at Marietta, preaching for a time on the Parkersburg circuit in place of a minister who was ill. September 25, 1834, he was married to Frances Foster Dana at Newport and in 1857 was appointed to Hanover circuit. He died May 18, 1860, his remains being interred in Hanover cemetery, but were later removed to Woodlawn at Titusville, Pa., where they rest beside those of his devoted wife. Of his marriage was born seven children: William Dana, James Edward, Phebe Maria, Charles Wesley, Mary Elizabeth, John Dustin and Frances Ann. Mr. Archbold was a kind, loving husband and father, a man of great frankness, tender sympathy and unbounded generosity. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

CAPT. A. R. ARTER Biography

A. R. Arter was the third son of Michael Arter, Hanover pioneer, and early in life learned the trade of a tanner, taking charge of his father’s tannery. Married Mary, daughter of Elimalech Swearingen, in 1845. Assisted in organizing 18th Ohio BattallioD in 1863, and was commissioned a captain by Governor Todd. At call of Gov. Brough, May 1864, this battallion reported at Columbus, and with part of 69th battallion organized and formed the 143rd Ohio regiment, and was mustered into service May 13, and dispatched to Washington city, where it was assigned to Gen. Hawkins’ division, 22d army corps, Capt. Arter being assigned full command of Fort Slocum, an important army point. Later his command was assigned to the 10th army corps, and placed in entrenchments around Richmond and Petersburg, where it remained in active duty until relieved and was mustered out of service. Of his marriage union seven children, six sons and one daughter were born. One son, Leonard, born 1846, was also a soldier in the Civil war, he dying in 1870. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

DAVID ARTER Biography

David Arter, son of John and Catherine Arter, was born in Emmetstown, Maryland, March 10, 1803, and came to Lisbon with his parents in 1805. Five years afterward the father died and left his wife and six children with small provision for their support. There were no public schools then, and educational advantages were very limited. He served an apprenticeship of five years at the cabinet making trade, and then started for Detroit, which was then the far west. There he spent four years working at his trade, returning each year to visit his widowed mother, walking to and from Cleveland, then a small village. At the earnest solicitation of his mother, to have him near her, he left Detroit and settled in Hanover, then supposed to be a promising town. He entered the dry goods business, and by his energy and industry succeeded in establishing a prosperous business.

In 1832 he married Charlotte, daughter of Judge Laffer, of Sandyville. This was a very fortunate marriage, and for more than fifty years they lived happily together in the home they built during the first year of their married life. His wife was a member of the church, and in 1838 he also united. Their house was a preachers’ home, and they were zealous supporters of the Methodist church in all its departments.

Charlotte Laffer Arter was born January 1, 1811. She was the daughter of Judge Henry Laffer, of Sandy ville. Of strong Christian character, a devoted wife and mother. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

J. CHARLES ARTER Biography

J. Charles Arter has the unique distinction of being the first American to whom the honor of painting the pope has ever been given. So great was the success that the gratified pontiff exclaimed, when the portrait was finished, “It is myself.” Thereupon he blessed the artist and his work ty the papal benediction, which wen translated, reads: “May the Mcst High God grant you His every favor and blessing,” and signed his name, Pope Pius. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

MICHAEL ARTER Biography

Michael Arter, pioneer, many years prominent man in Hanover, moved from New Lisbon to the village in 1817. He was tanner by trade, establishing himself in business soon after arrival, and carrying on the work until 1849, when he was succeeded by his son, A. R. Arter. Mr. Arter was active in anti-slavery movements, his home being important station on “underground railroad.” He filled many positions of trust, was treasurer Sandy & Beaver Canal Co., commissioner of his county, and justice of the peace. He was also the first mayor of the town. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

T. J. ARTER Biography

T. J. Arter was born in Hanover, July, 1831, where he resided until his death, December 30, 1906. On July 7, 1849, he was married tjo Sarah Charity Whitacre, who was born in Minerva, Stark County, April 4, 1831. To them were born six children, Mrs. D. M. Marsh, Mrs. E. C. Norris, Mrs. C. H. Newman, O. W., J. C. and J. J. Arter. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

THEODORE ARTER Biography

Theodore Arter, oldest son of David and Charlotte Arter, was born June 30th, 1833. He received his education in Hanover schools and Spencerian College at Pittsburg. When a young man in Hanover he was associated with his father in the mercantile business. Responding to his country’s call in the sixties, he enlisted, and was made adjutant of the 143rd Ohio regiment. In 1869 he left Hanover for Cleveland, several years later associating himself with the Standard Oil Company, in the lumber department, which position he still holds.

Susan Pritchard Arter, daughter of Judge Reasin Pritchard, was born in Sandyville, January 20, 1834.

She was married to Theodore Arter in 1857, and spent twelve years of the most active. of her life in Hanover, when the family moved to Cleveland. She has always been a worker in the Methodist church, devout, helpful, and full of hospitality. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

HENRY ATEN Biographical Sketch

This gentleman was a descendant of an old German family who emigrated to this country prior to the Revolution, and settled in what is now the State of Maryland, where our subject was born, Sept. 23, 1773. On account of the unsettled state of affairs at that time, he had no opportunity of receiving a good education; in fact, spending only three days in actual study.

He was married in 1804 to Mary Morgan, a native of Pennsylvania. With his young wife, in the same year, he came to the town of Wellsville, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and located on the farm now owned and occupied by his son.

In 1811 he erected a fine stone residence on his property, it being the first one built in the county. The building is still standing in a good state of preservation, but was remodeled and repaired by his son in 1874. He had a family of six children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Charles M., born Aug. 14, 1805, who is a resident lawyer at New Lisbon; Richard, born Jan. 30, 1810, a retired farmer, living at Wellsville; Henry, born Oct. 3, 1814; Catharine A., born Aug. 11, 1817, the widow of Albert G. Cattell, formerly of Wellsville.

Henry Aten was an old-line Whig in politics, but on the formation of the Republican party lie joined its ranks, and has never deviated from its principles. In religious belief he was a prominent member of the First Presbyterian church of Wellsville. He lost his companion Sept. 4, 1846.

He died April 28, 1876. For over a century was he permitted to live. Born a subject of Great Britain under the reign of George III., he witnessed the unsuccessful attempt of that king to subjugate the American colonies, and lived to see established a substantial republic, which has withstood the treason of traitors, and stands paramount to-day among the leading nations of the world.

Henry, the youngest son of this worthy old patriarch, is a native of the county and land of his father’s adoption, being born Oct. 3, 1814. His father having been always employed in farming, Henry’s attention was early turned to agricultural pursuits, which have been his occupation throughout life, and he is now the possessor of a farm of one hundred and seventy acres, well situated, and one of the best producing in the county. He was married, Jan. 8, 1867, to Eliza A., daughter of John and Ann (Russell) Dcver, who emigrated in 1855 to Yellow Creek township, Columbiana Co., from Beaver Co., Pa., she being born at the latter place April 14, 1843. Their family at present consists of three children, viz.: George McConnell, born Nov. 24, 1867; Carrie P., Feb. 2, 1869; Lydia J. F., Feb. 24, 1877. Republican in politics. Himself and wife are both active and useful members of the First Presbyterian church of Wellsville. [History of Columbiana county, Ohio With Illustrations And Biographical Sketches, Some Of Its Prominent Men And Pioneers., Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & Co., 1879.]

THOMAS BAXTER Biography

Thomas Baxter came to Hanover from Pittsburg in 1843, being induced to do so by his friend, Charles Atwell. He commenced the tin and stove business in the building with the large porch in front, opposite Icke’s Hotel, (building afterwards owned by McCrea as a cabinet shop). Later he built the house now owned by Taylor Temple. When he arrived in Hanover the canal was being built, and it was quite a prosperous town.

Mr. Baxter moved to Salem in 1859, disposing of his business to Vineca & Pritchard.

He was at different times a member of the school board and of the town council, and took an active part in the town affairs. Was one of the building committee when the school house cn the hill was built. He died in Mansfield, Ohio, 1893, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died six months later in the same year. To them were born eight sons — three of them have since died. The others, with one exception, live in Mansfield, Mr. Emett Baxter living in Cleveland, Ohio. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

ALEXANDER CROZIER BELL Biographical Sketch

Alexander Crozier Bell, Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, was born May 29, 1804, at Stony Point, near the town of Demare, County Down, Ireland. He was the son of Thomas and Martha (Crozier) Bell, who were natives of that county.

His mother died at the age of about thirty. His father died in the city of Pittsburgh in 1856, in his one hundredth year.

In 1816, Alexander C. Bell, Sr., came to America and located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa., where he resided for a period of forty-one years, being engaged for several years as superintendent of one floor in the cotton-mills of James Adams (his uncle), and later in the wholesale grocery trade on Liberty Street.

In 1842 he married Miss Mary Frazer, daughter of John and Martha (McClucken) Frazer, who was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1816.

Alexander Crozier Bell, Jr., was born July 13, 1844, in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa. His education was obtained in the Fourth Ward schools of that city, which he attended until he arrived at the age of twelve and a half years.

In January, 1857, he moved with his parents to Columbiana, Ohio. At the age of thirteen he went to Mansfield, Ohio, and learned telegraphing, and was the first to open a telegraph key in Columbiana.

He has been in the employ of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway Company, and Pennsylvania Company ever since he came to Ohio, either as telegraph operator, freight or passenger agent.

He has been a prominent member of both the Masonic and Odd-Fellow orders, having for three successive years represented Allen Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 276, in the sessions of the Grand Lodge of the State. He was one of the charter-members of Panora Lodge, No. 410, I. O. O. F. ; has held the various offices in the lodge, and served one year as District Deputy Grand Master of Columbiana County.

Although comparatively a young man, he has been an active worker in the Democratic party, and has been a delegate to several State and county conventions. In 1878 he was nominated for the office of clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and although his party was very largely in the minority, both in his township and county, his majority in his own township was seventy-one.

In 1876 he was elected mayor of the village of Columbiana, and re-elected in 1878, and in the discharge of the responsible duties of the office has been a faithful and efficient officer, guarding with care the best interests of the place, both morally and financially.

He possesses rare business qualities, an impulsive nature, and positive will, to which much of his success in life may be attributed. [History of Columbiana county, Ohio With Illustrations And Biographical Sketches, Some Of Its Prominent Men And Pioneers., Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & Co., 1879.]

HIRAM BELL Biographical Sketch

Hiram Bell, the subject of this sketch, was the great-grandson, on his maternal side, [of Thomas Buzby, who was born in England ; moved to America, and settled in Rancocas, Burlington County, N. J. Married and raised a family of six children, viz.: Joseph, Thomas, Amos, Isaac, Daniel, and Mary.

Isaac married Miss Martha Lippincott, of the vicinity of Philadelphia, Pa. She died at an early age, leaving two children, — Nathaniel and Martha. He afterwards married Naomi Owen, daughter of Rolan and Prudence Owen, formerly Prudence Powell. She died leaving seven children, viz. : Rachel, Prudence, Mary, Isaac, Martha, ‘Joseph, and Rebecca. He afterwards married Sarah Alberson, by whom he had one child, Sarah.

His daughter Martha, by second wife, married Smith Bell, son of Thomas and Thamer (Smith) Bell, of Delaware. They moved to Columbiana County in 1805, and located in Elk Run township, two and one-half miles southwest of East Fairfield, where they resided until their death. There were born to them twelve children, six of whom are still living, viz. : Sarah, Hiram, Smith, Mary, Robert, and Martha, all owning homes within seven miles of where they were born.

Hiram married Martha Freed, only daughter of George Freed, and granddaughter of Jacob Freed and Samuel Kemble, of Columbiana County, May 30, 1849. They have had born to them nine children, viz. : Sydney, Lewis, Naomi, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Mulford, Anna, Clifton, and Norman, seven of whom are still living, the two latter having died in infancy.

In 1877 Hiram Bell was elected commissioner of the county for a term of three years, which office he now holds. He has been successful in his business enterprises, and holds to a large degree the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances. [History of Columbiana county, Ohio With Illustrations And Biographical Sketches, Some Of Its Prominent Men And Pioneers., Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & Co., 1879.]

H. C. BRECKENRIDGE Biography

H. C. Breckenridge came to Hanover in the fall of 1854, and was engaged to teach school the ensuing winter, the term beginning about November 1 and ending middle of the following June, receiving for his salary the princely sum of $38 per month. He taught two years, the first year in the old Presbyterian church on hill, the second in school house that was burned.

Mr. Breckenridge says the two years spent in Hanover were about the most pleasant of his life, and that he always looks back to the time with pleasure. Numerous of his pupils have made success in life. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

GEORGE BROWN Biography

George Brown, son of John and Elizabeth Brown, married Mary, daughter of Jesse and Emily Sinclair. To this union were born nine zhildren — Gertrude Brown Jackson, Kitty Brown Jackson, Lida Brown McClury, George D., Olive Brown Caster, Minnie Brown Totten, Jessie Brown Taylor, John J., and Ada Brown. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

SAMUEL M. BURSON Biography

Samuel M. Burson, whose portrait is here shown, is the oldest continuous business man in Hanover, engaging in the drug trade in February, 1878, and with exception of from 1887 to 1898, when he was in real estate pursuits in Cleveland, has ever followed the life of a compounder of drugs and medicines in the village.

Mr. Burson is a son of the late Abraham and Nancy Burson, and was born on a farm two miles northwest of Hanover, February 6, 1857. His grandfather was James Burson, who came from Gree.i county, Pa., to Butler township, near Winona, in 1802. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

Mr. Burson enjoys a large acquaintance and is a man of splendid business and literary ability, contributing numerous historical sketches to magazines of the day. Although a relative of the old Kentucky pioneer, Daniel Boone, he never became famous as a hunter or Indian fighter, and was never married, still looking, he ta„s, for the best end of a matrimonial bargain. James Burson, of Rocky Ford, Col., Mrs. Mary Graham, of Cleveland, and Mrs. Lizzie B. Sharp, of Salem, are brother and sisters. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

SAMUEL BYE Biography

Samuel Bye, son of Samuel and Ruth Ann Bye, married Lydia Bell, daughter of Hiram and Rebecca Ann Gaver. To this union were born nine children: Frank W., Anna Bell, Hiram Graver, Ezra Bailey, Lycurgus Homer, William Samuel, John Jacob, Howard King and Ida Verna. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

[ Surnames C-F ]