Columbiana County Ohio Biographies and Biographical Sketches - Surnames O-S

Transcribed by Jeffrey Tooley

Columbiana County Ohio biographies and biographical sketches - surnames O-S, extracted from Columbiana County, Ohio history books.

MOSES OYSTER Biographical Sketch

Moses Oyster was born in Columbiana County, Feb. 4, 1822. He and his wife are both of German descent. His father, Samuel Oyster, was born in the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Samuel Oyster was a very energetic, hard-working man. During his life he purchased one thousand and fifty acres of land which he divided among his children, giving to each eighty acres. His death occurred in 1847; his wife died in 1836. Moses Oyster received an ordinary English education in the common schools of this State, engaging much of the time in manual labor. His first purchase was sixty acres of land in Smith township, Columbiana (now Mahoning) County. He owned this farm about ten years. Selling it to his brother Eli, he again bought sixty-six acres in the same township; on this farm he now lives; he has since added to this until he now has a fine farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres.

When Mr. Oyster first commenced life for himself he worked at such work as he could at that early day find to do, farming and ditching for his neighbors when they needed help, working for the sum of fifty cents a day. In the year 1845, June the 19th, he married Elizabeth, daughter of - George and Mary Kimes; they have had a family of twelve children. On the 20th day of October, 1852, death entered the family circle and removed one of the children. Few families can surround the hearthstone and not find some “ vacant chair.” In religion, Mr. Oyster is a liberal, believing the highest type of Christianity and the truest religion consists in doing right. His wife is a member of the Disciples church, which he attends. He is in politics a Republican.

It is the earnest wish of the many friends of Mr. Oyster that he may live long to enjoy the many comforts and blessings of life, well earned by upright industry and honest dealings. [History of Columbiana county, Ohio With Illustrations And Biographical Sketches, Some Of Its Prominent Men And Pioneers., Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & Co., 1879.]

MRS. ANN PEARCE Obituary

Mrs. Pearce is a good Christian woman, always ready and willing to bestow kindness on all around her. Mrs. Pearce’s maiden name was Ann Schooley, daughter of Richard Schooley, and has lived all her life in Hanover. She married Herod Pearce, who was a cabinet maker and undertaker in Hanover for a number of years. Of this union were born ten children — Richard, John, George, Edwin, Sallie, Lizzie, Emma, Mary, Hattie and Nettie. [History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

JOHN C. PIKE Biographical Sketch

John C. Pike, son of Hugh and Mary Ann (Crawford) Pike, was born April 12, 1810. He was the third in a family of ten children, — six boys and four girls, — eight of whom are now living. John C. spent his youth on his father’s farm in Elk Run township. His father emigrated to this country about 1796, and settled in Washington Co., Pa., where he was engaged at his trade as weaver for eight years. In 1804 he removed to Columbiana County, and settled in Elk Run township on a section of land which he cleared up and brought under a state of cultivation. Here he resided till his death, which occurred May 20, 1835.

On Feb. 13, 1834, John C. was married to Maria, daughter of John and Sophia C. Frederick, of Centre township. She was born Nov. 29, 1810. By this union six children were born to them, namely: De Lorma F., born July 17, 1835 (married Cora Arter, of Hanover, — two children, Georgia and Grant Omer); Mary Ann, born March 6, 1838 (married Aaron Arter, of Hanover, have three children, — Artemus, John S., and Olietta); Sophia C., born March 5, 1841 (married Jesse B. Frost, of Centre township, have three children, — Wilber L., Fanny E., and Frank O.); Robert T., born March 9, 1843 (married Louisa Springer, have five children, — Linda M., Jenny R., Mary L., John T., and Olive S.); Maria M., born Jan. 23, 1845; died Dec. 26, 1848; Hannah J., born Oct. 29, 1847 (married William Rudisill, of Centre, have two children, — Maria R. and John C.).

After his marriage John C. purchased a farm in Elk Run and worked it two years, when he sold out and moved to Paris, Stark Co., Ohio, where he went into the mercantile business, which he followed four years, then sold out and removed to Centre township, and purchased a farm of two hundred and sixty acres, to which has been added at different times three hundred and forty, making a farm of six hundred acres, where he has resided since.

Politically, he was originally a Whig, but, since the organization of the Republican party, has been a staunch Republican. For the past eighteen years both he and his wife have been members of the Methodist church, he having been a class-leader in the same for several years. [History of Columbiana county, Ohio With Illustrations And Biographical Sketches, Some Of Its Prominent Men And Pioneers., Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & Co., 1879.]

REASON PRITCHARD Biography

Reason Pritchard was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, September 29, 1831.

Elizabeth Vogelsong was born in Columbiana, Ohio, November 20, 1836.

These two were united in marriage at Hanover, April 18, 1855, and there made their home until 1868, when they moved to Mechanacsville, Iowa. The following year they moved to Tipton, Cedar county, Iowa, where they lived until called to the Home above.

To them were born two children: Allie, wife of Rev. F. M. Coleman, and Minnie, now Mrs. Chas. Lowe, both living at Cupertino, California.

Mr. Pritchard died September 7, 1888, and his wife passed away on the 20th of January, 1901. [History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

JAMES ROBERTSON, M. D. Biography

Hanover has been the home of one of the most distinguished physicians and surgeons in eastern Ohio, James Robertson, M. D.

Dr. Robertson was the son of the Rev. James Robertson, a Presbyterian minister of Blair Athol, Scotland, and was born in Perthshire, May 19th, 1800. The family came to America in 1812. Dr. Robertson studied medicine under Dr. Potter, of New Lisbon, Ohio, and at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.

He settled in Hanoverton in 1823. In 1827 he married Miss Anna Eliza Scott, the only child of David Scott, of New Lisbon, and formerly of Cecil county, Maryland. She was born June 21st, 1806. Mrs. Robertson was a woman of great culture and fine mental and spiritual endowments. She was the sustaining power of the home, a perpetual benediction. Her quiet spirituality and strong convictions were a great force in the family, and left their imprint on every child. “Her children arise up and call her blessed.” Dr. and Mrs. Robertson had eight children: Katherine (married John M. Kuhn, M. D.), Strowan S. (who studied medicine and succeeded his father), Lucretia (married James H. Seymour, M. D.), Walter S. (who studied dentistry), Fergus S. (who became a hardware merchant), Flora (married Rev. William Y. Brown, D. D., a Presbyterian minister), Oscar (died in infancy), Janet (married first A. P. Nicholas, and subsequently Major Mortimer A. Higley, a banker in Cedar Rapids, Iowa).

Dr. Robertson was said to be “the best known man in the county.” He was a man of fine physical presence and vigor, of great professional skill and devotion, and had a very warm heart. He was specially prominent iin the anti-slavery movement before the civil war, his house be a station on the famous “Underground Railroad.”

Dr. Robertson was active in the temperance reform. He was faithful in the support of the church. While contributing liberally to other denominations, he was a thorough Calvinist and Presbyterian in doctrinal belief, and one of the most regular attendants upon the ministration of the Gospel.

The lavish, warm-hearted hospitality of Dr. Robertson and his wife was appreciated by the clergy, and his home was often spoken of as “the Presbyterian Minister’s Hotel.”

His professional life in Hanoverton covered a period of over forty years, and was characterized by a kind regard for those to whom sickness was a double burden — the poor. His reputation as a physician and surgeon caused him to be frequently called in consultation within a radious of forty or fifty miles, and occasionally to greater distances. He was tireless in his professional work. During a season of epidemic of malignant fever, which occurred one winter, he is said to have gone for six weeks with scarcely any sleep, excepting what he got in his sleigh while hurriedly driven from patient to patient. “A vision of this grand hero comes to my mind,” writes a friend, when I read of Ian MacLaren’s Doctor of the Old School.” Like him, James Robertson was Scotch, and like William MacLure he proved that “Greater love hath no man than thir, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Dr. Robertson died in 1868 in the triumph of his faith in Christ. Two years later his devoted wife joined him in the Heavenly Home. They sleep together in the family lot in Grove Hill cemetery, Hanoverton, Ohio. Only two of the family are living at this date: Mrs. Seymour and Mrs. Brown, both of Philadelphia, Pa. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

HENRY REAGER RUTH Biography

Henry Reager Ruth, horn in Lancaster county, Pa., January 10 , 1831. Came to Hanover in 1851, as clerk in George Sloan, Sr.’s, dry goods store. In two years became a partner. Later with his father bought Mr. Sloan’s interest and remained in Hanover until 1862 . In 1854 married Mrs. Hannah Hamilton. Of this union were bora five children: Charley, William, Clifford (deceased), Frank and Kathryn, now Mrs. W. W. Webb.

Mrs. Ruth was a daughter of Owen and Mary Williams, born in Hanover December 3, 1825. At the age of 22 was married to Samuel Shannon Hamilton. Of their union one daughter was born, now Mrs. William Martin. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

SAMUEL REEDER Biography

Samuel Reeder, son of Samuel and Rachel Reeder, married Emeline Gore, March 18, 1858. To this union were born five children: Clara, Anna, Harry, Vern and Fred. Mrs. Reeder makes her home with her son Fred, who lives in Alliance, Ohio. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

GALEN A. SHEETS Biography

Galen A. Sheets, son of David and Maria Sheets, was bora in Butler township, Columbiana county, July 22, 1853. His wife was Miss Etta Black, daughter of Emery and Sarah Black, their marriage being solemnized at Hanover, March 26, 1885. To them were born two children, Etura K., and Olin Morris. Mr. Sheets died February 1, 1908.

For a number of years he was a hardware merchant of Hanover, being elected auditor of his county in 1905, death ensuing before expiration of his first term of office, and soon following his nomination for a second term.

His life was a conscientious discharge of every public and private duty, a character thoroughly rounded and complete, presenting few inequalities, and these ever leaning to the side of virtue and right. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

LUCIEN L. SHOEMAKER Biography

Lucien L. Shoemaker was born at Richmond, Virginia, March 16, 1816. His parents were of Quaker descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1829, and settled a short distance north of Newgarden, and after days of hard labor cleared a small place in the dense forest and erected a small log house, which is still standing at the present time, and lis used as a corn crib.

September 6th, 1838, Mr. Shoemaker married Amanda Hesser at Augusta, Carroll county, Ohio. They made their wedding journey on horse back. To the union were born two children — Mrs. A. J. Henry of Salem, Ohio, and Mrs. Sarah Wirt, of Indianapolis, Ind.

After moving to Hanover, where they lived a number of years, Mr. Shoemaker organized a band, which kept together for eighteen years, and was rated as one of the best bands of today. Mr. Shoemaker died a few years ago, but Mrs. Shoemaker, at the age of eightyeight, is still living at the home of her daughter in Salem. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

JESSE AND EMILY SINCLAIR Biography

Jesse and Emily Sinclair were married September 7th, 1826. Of their union were born five children — Edward, Mardica M., Mary E. Sinclair Brown and Rhoda A. Sinclair Gamble. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

LEROY SINCLAIR Biography

Leroy Sinclair, son of Edward Comer and Angeline Whitacre Sinclair, married Sade, daughter of William and Lucinda Brown Ehrhart. To them were bom six children: Katherine Angeline, Anna Eliza, Porter Leroy, Chester Elgy, Howard John and Edward Comer. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

GEORGE SLOAN Biography

George Sloan was born in Ireland in 1798. Coming to Hanover in 1824, he started in the mercantile business and he also owned the flour mill. The next year he married at Bethesda, Jessie, daughter of Rev. James Robertson, the first pastor of the Hanover Presbyterian church. Soon after his marriage he built the brick house in which they lived all their married life. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

EDWARD P. SPEIDEL Biography

The subject of this sketch is a son of J. B. Speidel, born on the father’s farm at Hanover St. Patrick’s day, March 17, 1870. Attended public schools of his home town, and at age of 16 was granted certificate to teach. His first term of teaching was at Tunnel Hill. Completing this term he learned the printing trade in office of Ohio Patriot at Lisbon, and following took up the study of law, graduating from the Ohio State University at Columbus, June 8, 1893. Returning to Hanover, served three years as assistant postmaster for his father, later practicing law and teaching. In 1903, served as deputy sheriff of his home county, and in 1904 was candidate for state representative on Democratic ticket, making creditable run, hut by reason of the county being largely Republican, was defeated. In 1906 and 1907 was an employe /in Alliance postoffice, resigning this position January 1, 1908, and establishing law office in that city. His wife was Miss Nora E. Ritz, of New Garden, whom he met while teaching school in that village, their marriage being solemnized January 1, 1908. By his own untiring efforts he has arose to his present standing in life, and in the prime of years is ready to serve the people in his chosen profession. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

D. P. STRAWN Biographical Sketch

One of the thriftiest farmers in Goshen township is D. P. Strawn. He was born in Columbiana County, in 1827, where lie assisted his father in the business of farming and brick-making during the early part of his life, lie and his brother J. S. Strawn superintended the manufacturing of the brick. At nineteen years of age he left this business and decided to commence the battle of life for himself, hiring out by the month to work. From the time of his earliest recollection he had a great desire to have an education. This he revolved in his mind, and finally decided it could be done. While laboring by the month he used the strictest economy, both in time and money, not wasting his evenings and leisure moments, as many young men of his day were then doing. He had received but little assistance from the district schools, as they were poor ; but, by studying at night, he was able, finally, to enter Mount Union College, in Stark Co., Ohio, and there took his place in the highest class in mathematics then in the school. He attended school here two years, and during his entire stay was a hard student and ranked among the best in mathematics in the institution. In 1855 he purchased his first real estate, consisting of a house and lot joining his father’s farm. In 1856 he added fifty acres to this. In 1856 he was elected to the office of township clerk, and in 1857 justice of the peace. These offices he held with credit to himself and perfect satisfaction to the community. He still farmed for several years and taught school during the winter months. Thus we see he has ever been engaged in active life, believing it “ better to wear out than to rust out.”

In 1864 he sold his farm and bought one hundred acres in Goshen township, Mahoning Co , which had been entered by his grandfather (Daniel Strawn) in 1805. He is still living on this farm, having spent much time and money in its improvement. He has taken pride in getting together a fine collection of fruit-trees, an illustration of which can be seen on another page of this work, in connection with a view of his house. D. P. Strawn has been solicited often by prominent men of the county to accept offices of trust, but, uot wishing to become a public man, has always declined this honor. He is fully competent to fill any of these offices, as he has spent considerable time in the study of law, never having been admitted to the bar because he has never made an application to be admitted. In 1855, D. I’. Strawn married Esther, daughter of Wm. R. and Judith Spencer. Their family consists of five children, all boys, and all living at home with their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Strawn rightfully enjoy the respect and esteem of the community in which they live, and we feel assured that their portraits, as also the illustration of their residence, will be a source of satisfaction to themselves, to their children, and to their many friends.

J. S. STRAWN Biographical Sketch

J. S. Strawn was born in Butler township, Columbiana Co., July 29, 1824, on the farm owned by his grandfather, John Spencer, who purchased the farm in 1805, and came from Pennsylvania with his family in 1806.

When J. S. Strawn was but one year old he was brought over to Goshen township by his parents, who had bought a farm there two years before. J. S. Strawn remained on the farm with his father until he was twenty-two years old ; he then bought a farm of eighty acres in Goshen township. This purchase was made in March, 1847. He has since added seventy-four acres more to his first purchase, making a farm of one hundred and fifty-four acres. One hundred acres of this land has been cleared by him and put under cultivation. Jan. 28, 1848, J. S. Strawn married Betsey, daughter of John and Mary Mead. They have four children, — Esther M., Margaret A., Eva 11 ., and Josephine. All are living. Esther is now Mrs. Albert Burton. Margaret is now Mrs. J. P. Smith. J. S. Strawn has been engaged not only in farming, but lias bad charge of a sawmill, of which he bought a half-interest from William Kidd. These two gentlemen ran the mill two years, when Kidd sold his interest to Mead, and it was in operation under the management of this firm for sixteen years. In 1872, J. S. Strawn sold to a son of Mead. This mill was built in 1847, and the engine then put in by Thomas Sharp is still in the mill. Mrs. Strawn is of English descent, and was born in England, Oct. 26, 1827, coming to this country with her parents when but three years of age.

J. S. Strawn has held several offices of trust in the township in which he lives. He is at present treasurer of the Summit Oil Company, of Pennsylvania. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Strawn, together with an illustration of their pleasant home, will be found elsewhere in this work, where it will remain as a monument to their industry and economy. [History of Columbiana county, Ohio With Illustrations And Biographical Sketches, Some Of Its Prominent Men And Pioneers., Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & Co., 1879.]

EDWIN STROHN Biography

Edwin Strohn, son of Frederick and Hannah Strohn, has lived sixty-four years in Hanover. He worked three years on the canal when they were building it, at driving cart, for six dollars a month; boated on the canal from 1851 to 1854, when he took the last boat through, the water giving out at that time. His wife’s name was Mary Hanlm. [ History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

HARRY SWEARINGEN Biography

Harry Swearingen, born July 17, 1830. Married Maggie Poulton of Columbiana county. She died January 17, 1868. He then married Jennie Steele of Carrollton, Ohio. Both Mr. and Mrs. Swearingen have passed away. [History of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, 1804-1908, by Voglesong-Woods, Wessie. cn, 1908]

[ Surnames T-Z ]