Biographies
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio
Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning
Containing Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States, with a
Biography of each,
together with Portraits and Biographies of Joshua R. Giddings, Benjamin
F. Wade,
and a large number of the Early Settlers and
Representative Families of to-day.
"Biography is the only true history." - Emerson
CHICAGO:
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY.
1893
Transcribed by Sharon Wick
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1893
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ISAAC
WALKER Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
702 |
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E. S.
WALTON Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
614 |
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PORTER
WATSON Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
546 |
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CHARLES
H. WEBB, a worthy and upright citizen, and the
Township Trustee of Youngstown township, Mahoning county, Ohio, is a
native of Somersetshire, England, born July 19, 1839.
His parents were John and Mary K. (Davis) Webb,
both natives of England, where he died when the subject of our
sketch was two years old, his death resulting from an accidental
fall from off a load of hay. His sudden death was a great
calamity to his beloved wife, who never recovered from the shock,
and who died six years later. They were aged, respectively,
forty and forty-six years. Both were members of the
established Church of England. They had a family of six
children: Mary, wife of Henry Bond, died at
about the age of thirty-five years; Emma, wife of Thomas
Collins, lives in England; John, a resident of New
Zealand; Eleanor, who died in childhood; Charles H.,
who forms the subject of this article; and Ellen, who resides
near Bristol, England.
Charles H. Webb received his education and
learned the trade of blacksmith in his native land, and worked at
his trade there until 1860, when he came to America. He spent
about twelve months in Halifax, after which he followed the lakes
six years in Canada. In 1867 he came to the United States, and until
1878 he made his home in Cleveland. That year he came to
Youngstown, where he has since resided. His first business was
nut-making, which trade he learned in Cleveland, and later he turned
his attention to the mercantile business, in which he continued for
over ten years, closing out in the spring of 1893. He was
appointed Trustee in 1890, to fill the unexpired term of Mr.
Roston, deceased. He was elected the following year to
fill a new term, has been re-elected since the spring of 1892, and
is now serving his fourth year.
Mr. Webb was married in October, 1866, to
Mrs. Mary Fowler, widow of Charles Fowler, late of
Canada. Her parents were James and Honor Davis of
Toronto, Canada, of which city Mrs. Webb is a native.
Her father died in 1852, aged forty years, and her mother a year
later, also at the age of forty. Both were members of the
Episcopal Church. Mrs. Webb is one of a family of nine
children, Elizabeth A., wife of Leonard Allestone, a
resident of Cleveland, being the only one of her sisters living.
By her former marriage Mrs. Webb has two children, Isaella
and Fife Fowler Webb. The former is the wife of
Frederick Donaldson, of Youngstown, and has four children:
Mary Webb, Frederick Basby, Lulu Belle and Catherine Ruth.
Fife Fowler Webb, a resident of Montreal,
Canada, married a lady of that city, and they have two children,
Isabella and Anna.
Mr. Webb and his wife, and their children
and grandchildren, are members of the Episcopal Church. While
he takes little interest in political matters, he has always voted
the Republican ticket. He has been identified with the growth
and progress of the city since the day he located here, and is now
one of its prominent and highly respected citizens.
Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
574 |
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PERRY
WEHR Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
517 |
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LOUIS
WELLENDORF Source: Biographical History
of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull
and Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 -
Page 575 |
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FRANK
WHITE Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
513 |
Caleb B Wick |
COLONEL
CALEB B. WICK - No family has been more closely identified
with the settlement, growth and development of Youngstown, Ohio,
than that by the name of Wick. One of the first
ministers of the gospel of any denomination, if not the first, to
hold religious services in the infant settlement of Youngstown, and
who was for many years pastor of the Presbyterian Church, in which
he solemnized a marriage as early as November, 1800, was Rev.
William Wick, an elder brother of Henry Wick,
father of the subject of this sketch.
Henry Wick was born on Long Island, Mar.
19, 1771, and was a son of Lemuel and Deborah (Lupton) Wick.
Lemuel was born at Southampton, Long Island, New York, Apr.
16, 1743, and was the ninth of eleven children of Job and Ann
(Cook) Wick, of Southampton. The remote genealogy of
Job Wick is not well authenticated, but the Wick family
is said to be of English origin. Henry Wick went, when
a young man, from his native town to Washington county,
Pennsylvania, where he was married, Dec. 11, 1794, to Miss Hannah
Baldwin, daughter of Caleb Baldwin, a prominent
resident of that county. They had eleven children, of whom
Caleb Baldwin, the subject of this sketch, was the
oldest. Henry Wick was engaged in the
merchandise business in Pennsylvania until 1801, when he came alone
to Youngstown, probably at the instance of his father-in-law,
Caleb Baldwin, who removed to this pioneer town in 1799.
Here, Henry Wick purchased land, erected buildings for
residence and store, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. After
getting a home for his family, he removed them to Youngstown in the
spring of 1802. He continued to be in merchandising on the
corner of Federal and Phelps streets, and on the southeast corner of
the Diamond, until the date of his death, Nov. 4, 1845, his demise
being greatly lamented by all who knew him. His wife survived
him some years, her death occurring Apr. 10, 1849, to the regret of
many friends. They had six sons: Caleb B., of this
notice, Lemuel, Henry, Hugh B., John D. and Paul.
But one now (1893) survives: Henry Wick, a prominent
banker of Cleveland, Ohio, esteemed for his business ability and
exalted character. This worthy couple had also several
daughters, who are all now deceased, leaving no children.
Caleb B. Wick, whose name heads this sketch, was
born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, Oct. 1, 1795, and was in
his seventh year when his parents removed to Youngstown. He
received such instruction in the common branches of learning as was
afforded in the schools of his day, much of his youth being spent in
assisting his father in the latter’s store and in other business.
In the fall of 1815, Caleb B. Wick and Dr. Henry Manning
opened a general store at Youngstown, conducting in connection with
it a drug store, the first in that part of the Western Reserve.
This partnership was continued about ten years, after which Mr.
Wick followed mercantile pursuits alone until 1848, his
experience as a merchant having covered a period of more than thirty
years. He then retired from active pursuits, being then the
oldest merchant in business in Youngstown. In 1846, Colonel
Wick, with a few other citizens, erected the first rolling mill
in Youngstown, which, with the additions since built, are now the
immense works of the Brown-Bonnell Iron Company.
His activity was not confined to his business alone, as
his fellow citizens several times elected him to positions of honor
and trust, all of which he fulfilled with ability and integrity.
In 1817, he was commissioned Lieutenant of the Third Company, First
Battalion First Regiment, Fourth Division of Ohio Militia, and, in
1818, was made Captain of the same company. In 1822, he was
commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Regiment, and in the
fall of the same year was promoted to the rank of Colonel of the
same regiment, which position he retained for several years.
He served as Township Clerk and later as Trustee of Youngstown
township. In 1840, he was an active supporter of General
Harrison for the Presidency, and, Nov. 17, 1841, he was
commissioned Postmaster of Youngstown, which office he retained
until Mar. 10, 1843, when, not being a supporter of President
Tyler, he was removed.
After his retirement from mercantile pursuits, in 1848,
Colonel Wick devoted his attention to the management
of his large estate until his death, which occurred June 30, 1865,
aged nearly seventy years, followed by the universal regret of his
fellow men.
The Colonel was twice married. Jan. 1, 1816, he
was united to Rachel Kirtland, daughter of Jared Kirtland,
an early settler of Poland, Ohio. They had two children:
Henry K., for some time a merchant of Youngstown, died aged
twenty-two; and the second child died in infancy. In 1820, the
Colonel was called upon to mourn the death of his devoted wife,
whose amiable qualities had rendered her a favorite with a large
circle of friends. Nov. 3, 1828, Colonel Wick was
remarried, his second wife being Miss Maria Adelia
Griffith, of Youngstown, formerly of Caledonia, Livingston
county, New York, who died in 1887. They had ten children five
of whom survive in 1893. Seven of the ten attained maturity,
viz.: Rachel K., wife of Robert W. Taylor; Hannah M.,
married to Charles D. Arms; Laura E.; Caleb B.;
Henry K.; Charles E. died in 1893; and Eliza M.
died in 1890.
In social life, as a neighbor, friend and citizen,
Colonel Wick was warm-hearted, generous and progressive.
His hospitality was unlimited and in his house everyone felt at
home. He was indulgent to his family and to the young in
social joys, and took great delight in the society of old and young.
He united with the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, on
profession of faith, Apr. 6, 1835, and for more than thirty years
was known as a Christian man, giving liberally of his means to the
church of his choice. He remained steadfast in the faith, and
though death came to him rather suddenly he had long awaited the
summons from high and peacefully fell asleep.
Caleb B. Wick, son and namesake of the subject
of this sketch, who is a prosperous and esteemed business man of
Youngstown, was born in that city, Apr. 24, 1836. He received
his education in the schools of his native city, where, at the early
age of seventeen, he began his successful business career as a clerk
in the Mahoning County Bank. In 1859, he was promoted to the
position of cashier, in which capacity he continued to act until
1862. During this time he was a member of the banking firm of
Wick Brothers & Company, of Youngstown, and, in the
spring of 1865, in company with William Coleman and S. Q.
Porter, he started the first bank in Sharon, Pennsylvania, under
the firm name of Wick, Porter & Company. These
multitudinous duties, however, did not absorb all of his time or
attention, for he became prominently identified with the development
of the railroad interests of the country. He was one of the
organizers and a director of the Lawrence Railroad, which was
completed to Youngstown in the spring of 1867, and which was then
the only railway connection between Youngstown and Pittsburgh and
the East. He was also one of the incorporators of the
Ashtabula, Youngstown & Pittsburgh Railroad Company, in 1870, which
line was completed in 1873. Mr. Wick has always
been a director of this road, and out of the thirteen original
directors he and one other are the only survivors. The latter road,
with the Lawrence Railroad and a branch from Niles to Alliance,
constitutes the Pittsburg, Youngstown & Ashtabula Railroad.
Since 1862, Mr. Wick has been largely interested in
the iron, coal and real-estate industries. He owns much of the
best property in Youngstown and vicinity, and does a large and
profitable business. He is a liberal minded, progressive and
popular citizen, interested in all that concerns the welfare of his
community, to the development of which he and his illustrious father
have greatly contributed, and their names deserve to be perpetuated
in the memory of all future generations.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio
Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing
Company, 1893 - Page 461 |
H. B. Wick |
HUGH BRYSON WICK.
- Conspicuous among those men of prominence in Youngstown, Ohio,
whose enterprise, business sagacity, upright methods, liberality and
public spirit have contributed to the growth of this young
metropolis, rendering it a leading factor in the advancement of the
State and country, stands the subject of this sketch, who, although
having departed to his reward, has left a legacy rich in good
influences which will endure to the end of time.
Mr. Wick was a native son of Ohio, having been
born in Youngstown, on the northwest corner of Federal and Phelps
streets, Feb. 5, 1809. This city was then but a hamlet, and
this young lad and the town grew in unison together, dispensing in
their advance the light and warmth of prosperity and happiness to
all with whom they came in contact. The parents of the subject
of this sketch were Henry and Hannah (Baldwin) Wick,
prominent pioneers and for many years esteemed residents of Mahoning
county, most of whose twelve children played an important part in
the development of the Mahoning valley planting there those seeds
of' civilization which have attained to their present wonderful
growth. These children, in order of their birth, are as
follows: Caleb Baldwin, born Oct. 1, 1795; Thomas Lupton
(the first), born Feb. 4, 1798, died Sept. 16, 1818; Betsy,
born Jan. 12, 1800; Lemuel, born Jan. 3, 1804; Henry,
born Feb. 28, 1807; Hugh Bryson, born Feb. 5, 1809;
Hannah, Mar. 21, 1814; Matilda Lucretia, Feb. 1.
1813; John Dennick, Jan. 4, 1816; Mary Ann,
Oct. 15,1817; Thomas Lupton (the second), Nov. 29,
1819; and Paul, Oct. 1, 1824. Of these children, the
only survivor is Henry, who has been for many years a
resident of Cleveland. Like an oak he still stands as a
prominent landmark of that once young and vigorous family.
Mr. Hugh B. Wick, while yet in his minority,
entered upon that active business career which he pursued
successfully and uninterruptedly for more than half a century.
His first adventure in this line was as a merchant, in Brookfield,
Trumbull county, in 1828, where he was continuously engaged in
business for nearly ten years, conducting, during a portion of the
same time, a branch store in Lima, in Columbiana county, Ohio.
Early in 1837 he left Brookfield and removed to Lowellville, where
he started a store, which he successfully conducted for a little
more than two years. At the end of this time, in 1839, he came
to Youngstown, where he was continuously engaged in business until
his death, reaping the deserved fruits of an energetic and upright
career in a large and ever-increasing patronage and consequent good
fortune. His comprehensive grasp of financial and commercial
matters, connected with great activity, led him to undertake
numerous enterprises, which, under the wise direction of the same
mind which conceived them, were conducted with uniform success.
In 1846, he with his brothers, Henry, Caleb B. and Paul,
with Henry Heasley, Dr. Manning,
William Rice and others, started a rolling mill, which
was the beginning of the now extensive works of Brown,
Bonnell & Company. In connection with these works, the
company conducted a store, under the management of the late Paul
Wick, which, on the termination of the partnership, was
continued by Paul and Hugh B. Wick until 1855.
In the meantime the subject of this sketch had become interested in
the banking business in Cleveland, Ohio, becoming a member of the
well-known firm of Wick, Otis & Brownell,
afterward known as H. B. & H. Wick & Company. In
1857, he and his brother Paul, with others, started in Youngstown
the well-known house of Wick Brothers & Company, and
two years later Mr. Hugh Wick dissolved his Cleveland
connections. After that date, he chiefly devoted himself to
banking, although his coal interests were at times very large and
important. He was, at the time of his death, a director in the
Mercer Mining & Manufacturing Company as well as in the Shenango &
Alleghany Railroad Company, distinguishing himself as a wise and
upright official and contributing in no small measure to the
advancement of the institutions with which he was connected.
He was a man of public enterprise, but was not, it is true, in favor
of lavishing expenditures without an assurance of return, or a
reckless extravagance where it would bear no fruit. In public,
as in private life, his strong common sense asserted itself, and in
matters of public improvement he advocated cutting the garment
according to the cloth obtainable, and to measuring the outlay by
the existing necessity. Few knew it but he was by far the
largest contributor to the fund for building the Mahoning county
courthouse, at Youngston Youngstown, which is but
one of many instances which might be cited of his unostentatious
gifts to public advancement.
Hugh Bryson Wick died Apr. 22, 1880,
aged seventy-one, a year older than the allotted time of man.
His was a busy and useful life, his active years being devoted to
the best interests of Mahoning valley, and his most lasting monument
is in the hearts of those whom his acts benefitted. Although
the materialistic side of his life has thus far been given
precedence, yet it must not therefore be inferred that he neglected
spiritual things. On the contrary he was deeply religious, his
convictions being carried with him into the work of every-day life,
and governed his associations with men. In 1843, he united
with the Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, for many years under the
able pastorate of Rev. Charles A. Boardman, and lovingly
continued its communion until his death. He took an active
interest in everything pertaining to its welfare, and was one of its
pillars of strength, a devoted and faithful friend on all occasions.
It was on the Sabbath of April 4, when attending communion, that he
last visited that church which knew him so well. He seemed
even then to be nearing the eternal shore, his feeble and
measured step being at that time remarked by many present. He
was a man of large benevolence, but literally obeyed the Scriptural
injunction to not let “the left hand know what the right hand
doeth.” Many a load of coal, barrel of flour and bushel of
potatoes have found their way from his liberal hand to needy homes,
the recipients them selves not being aware whence the assistance
came or who was the noble benefactor. These generous and
unostentatious deeds, known to but few, and to those through no sign
from Mr. Wick, now rise as sweet incense to his memory, and
wreathe a halo round his name which glows with immortal radiance.
Oct. 30, 1832, was the date of Mr. Wick's
marriage to Miss Lucretia G. Winchell, at that time
residing in Youngstown with her uncle, the late Dr. Charles C.
Cooke; and Mr. Wick's friends have often heard him
speak of his bridal trip, which contrasted wonderfully with the
extensive and expensive wedding trips of the present day, his
journey on that occasion being from Youngstown to Lima, in the same
county. Mrs. Lucretia G. Wick was the only daughter of
Orrin and Laura C. Winchell, and was born in
Wallingford, Connecticut, Sept. 5, 1813. Her parents dying in
her infancy, she was reared in the family of her uncle, Dr.
Charles Cooke. She was until fourteen years of age a pupil in a
select school in New Haven, Connecticut, when, in 1827, she
accompanied her uncle to Ohio, and, after residing two years in
Ellsworth, removed to Youngstown, which, for the most part, was ever
afterward her home. She became a communicant of the First
Presbyterian Church in early life, and continued a regular and
earnest attendant until failing health prevented. She survived
Mr. Wick twelve years, her death occurring Apr. 27, 1892, in
her seventy-ninth year, universally regretted by all who knew her.
The services at her funeral were conducted by Rev. Dr. Evans,
who paid a glowing tribute to the Christian life of the deceased,
and the womanly traits of character with which she had been so
richly endowed. She gave largely to charity, although in a
quiet way, and many love and reverence her memory for the helping
hand so often extended to them in time of need. Few women are
as greatly distinguished for refined sensibilities and generosity.
She cheered her home with the sunshine of her presence for nearly
sixty years, watching over the interests of those most dear to her,
and contributing by all means within her power to their happiness.
She brought to her forty-eight years of married life every sweet and
noble attribute to be found in a wife, mother and friend. Few
lives are as replete with happiness as were those of this perfectly
mated couple, the sunshine of their domestic felicity radiating
round about and enveloping all with whom they came in contact,
making all more happy and content. They had ten children, six
of whom preceded the parents to the better land. The four
surviving are: John C. Wick; Mrs. Lucretia H. (Wick)
Bonnell; Henry Wick; and Mrs. Emily (Wick) Bonnell.
Mr. Wick was idolized by his wife, children and
grandchildren, and by all who lived in the family. No word but
of kindness fell from his lips, and no act but of love characterized
his intercourse with those connected with him by ties of blood or
dependence. In his death a good man, a worthy citizen, a
faithful friend, a most loving husband and father has fallen by the
way; but he lived well his allotted time and accomplished to good
purpose the work assigned him. It is to such men that
Youngstown owes her rapid and continued advancement in wealth and
morality, the principles of whose character are such as lay most
firmly the foundation of commonwealths and contribute to the
prosperity and honor of nations.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio
Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing
Company, 1893 - Page 477 |
| |
MYRON C. WICK. - That
the history of a nation is the history of its people has been amply
demonstrated in the lives of many of the prosperous and influential
citizens of all ages. Especially is this true of Youngstown,
Ohio, which has been most marvelously built up by the exertions of a
few of its leading citizens, among whom Myron C. Wick
occupies a prominent and leading position. Mr. Wick,
the President of the Union Iron and Steel Company, director in the
First National Bank of Youngstown, director in the Ohio Iron and
Steel Company, of the Ohio Steel Company, and of the Stambaugh-Thompson
Company, is interested in the Wick Brothers Bank of
Youngstown, and in the gas and electric-light companies of the city.
He is also interested in a large hardware store at Wallace, Idaho,
and in several silver mines at the same place, in all of his
transactions there being displayed the same energetic and
progressive methods which have characterized his business operations
from the outset.
Mr. Wick is a native of the city, having
been born here May 9, 1848, a son of Paul and Susan A. Wick,
of whom an extended notice is given elsewhere in these pages.
The primary education of our subject was received in his native
town. Later he attended and completed the preparatory course
of the Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio, but did not remain
to enter the Freshman year. He then clerked for several years
for Wick Brothers & Co., when he became a member of the
banking firm of Wick, Bentley & Co. at Niles,
remaining in this connection from 1869 to 1871. At the latter
date he became teller in the Wick Brothers bank, where he
remained for six years, but, his wife's health failing, he removed
with his family to Florida, where he spent a year. The next
removal was made to Kansas, where he engaged in handling cattle, but
returned to Youngstown in 1879, since which time he has been engaged
in the iron trade at Girard, first buying stock in Corn’s Iron
Company, which he later sold and became one of the creditors
commissioned to take charge of the business of Cartwright,
McCurdee & Co., who had become insolvent and were working under
an extension. He was made president and general manager of the
company, with the privilege of taking a quantity of the stock,
provided he straightened out the financial difficulties of the
corporation. Possessing unusual business ability, he accepted
the position and remained the president of the company until July,
1892, when the Cartwright & McCurdee Company
consolidated with the Youngstown Iron and Steel Company, under the
corporate name of the Union Iron and Steel Company, of which he was
made president. He has since remained in that capacity, giving
the most entire and uniform satisfaction to all parties concerned.
Mr. Wick was married to Miss Susie T.
Winchell, of Cincinnati, a daughter of George D. and Susan
Winchell, by whom he had one child, Laura, now a pupil at
Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mrs. Wick died in Florida,
Jan. 7, 1880, having been a faithful and devout member of the
Presbyterian Church. The second marriage of Mr. Wick
occurred Nov. 30, 1882, to Miss Elizabeth G. Bonnell, a
daughter of William Bonnell, of whom an extended notice is
given elsewhere in this volume. The children of this marriage
are: Helen, born Apr. 11, 1884, died Oct. 24, 1888; Philip,
Paul and Myron C., Jr. So deeply did the
parents and friends mourn the loss of little Helen that Mr.
Wick erected a Sunday-school building on the corner of Wood
and Champion streets, which was dedicated to her memory. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Wick are steadfast and earnest members of the
Presbyterian Church, in which organization they are faithful and
enterprising workers.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Wick has been
prominently identified with the Republican party, and is a supporter
of its candidates upon all occasions. Progressive in all his
ideas, he favors the most advanced methods in all educational
matters, while his religious beliefs are liberal in all things.
Genial and hospitable by nature, Mr. Wick has attached to him
a wide circle of warm friends who fully recognize the sterling
integrity of character which marks the man. In his pursuit of
wealth Mr. Wick has not allowed the golden glitter to blind
his eyes to the wants of his fellow-travelers, but has liberally and
generously given of his store not only to further public enterprises
that would redound* to his honor, but also to private individuals
whose path through life he has made much smoother and easier. The
success which now crowns his efforts has been most honestly and
justly attained, and with it has come the esteem and confidence of
the entire community.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio
Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing
Company, 1893 - Page 586
* SHARON WICK'S NOTE: Definition of
'Redound':
verb. have
an effect for good or ill.
“Her efforts will redound to the general good”. see moresee less.
type of: affect, bear on, bear upon, impact, |
Paul Wick |
PAUL
WICK - That "the good that men do lives after them" is most
strikingly illustrated in the life of Paul Wick, whose name
is indissolubly connected with the growth and development of
Youngstown. For many years he was numbered among the leading
and influential business men of the city, and his death was mourned
throughout the entire Mahoning valley, where he had played such an
important part. Mr. Wick was born in Mahoning county,
Ohio, Oct. 1, 1824, a son of Henry and Hannah (Baldwin) Wick.
The father was a native of Southampton, Long Island, New York, where
he was born Mar. 19, 1771. After attaining maturity he moved
to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was married Dec. 11,
1794, to the mother of our subject. Here he engaged in
mercantile pursuits for few years, but came to Youngstown in 1802,
his father-in-law, Caleb Baldwin having preceded him several
years, and it is presumed that it was upon the request of the latter
that he made the removal. Thirteen children were born to the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wick, senior, namely: Caleb B.;
Betsey; Dr. Lemuel Wick of Cleveland; Henry Wick of
Cleveland, who was born in 1809, and is now the only survivor of the
family; Hugh Bryson; Hannah; Matilda;
John D.; Alary A.; Thomas L.; Paul, and two
others who died in infancy. Our subject was educated at an old
academy where the Diamond is now located. After finishing his
school course he and his brother, John D. Wick, opened and
operated a coal mine on a farm near Youngstown, which their father
had given them. Later he engaged in the mercantile line, and
for a short time was associated with Henry and Hugh Bryson
Wick in a wholesale and retail store in Cleveland, Ohio.
For a number of years he operated a store in Youngstown, and was one
of several who in 1846 comprised the Youngstown Iron Company, they
being then the prominent capitalists of the city. After the
organization of this company a small mill was built on the “flats”
along the old Ohio & Pennsylvania canal. The company operated the
mill for a number of years when it was shut down, but in 1855 was
sold to the late William Bonnell and others.
Mr. Wick’s name is associated with the very first of
those who conceived the idea of an iron mill in Youngstown, but the
possibility that this village, then consisting of 500 or 600
inhabitants, would ever become the great manufacturing center it now
is, never entered their minds. There is no doubt “they builded
better than they knew,” and the wonderful result attained but
demonstrates the enterprise and public spirit of the men concerned.
In addition to his other interests at this time, Mr. Wick
managed a dry-goods store located a little west of Champion street,
under the firm name of P. Wick & Brother, P. and Hugh
Bryson Wick being the proprietors. Later Mr. Wick
was a member of the firm of Wick & Goble, continuing in the
mercantile business until 1866, when he and Hugh Bryson, his
brother, organized the banking house of Wick Bros. &
Co. near where the Stambaugh-Thompson building is now
being erected. Here they continue until 1883, when the bank
was moved into the Wick Bros.’ building, where
it is now located. Since its inception this bank has been one
of the most substantial institutions in the entire State, and Mr.
Wick continued a member of the firm until his death.
The gentlemen at the head of the management, of the affairs of this
bank have ever commanded the respect and confidence of the entire
community, and their transactions have been without exception of the
most honorable character. Since the demise of Hugh
Bryson Wick his son, John C., has been in charge
of the bank, and has nobly sustained the high reputation it has
borne for so many years.
Paul Wick, our subject, was a most
successful business man. He assisted in various other enterprises of
the city in addition to his banking, and owned valuable realty
throughout the city. He was also interested in several iron
firms, including the Youngstown Rolling Mill Company, and was one of
six men who composed this corporation. He was also a member of
the Ohio Iron & Steel Company, and played an important part in the
management of its affairs.
The marriage of Mr. Wick occurred in
1840, to Miss Susan A. Bull, who came from Vermont a few
years prior to her marriage, with her brother, a school-teacher.
The ceremony was performed at the old homestead on East Federal
street, which is still standing and is now occupied as a hotel.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wick was blest with six
children, namely: Myron C.; Alice M., widow of
Clark S. Powers, who died in August, 1892, aged forty-two years;
George D.; Harriet, widow of John S. Ford; Frederick H. and
Mary. Mrs. Wick died in 1882, aged fifty-
six years, having been throughout her life-time a faithful member of
the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown. In speaking of
her many virtues, a friend of Mrs. Wick says: “Few
knew her best traits on account of her retiring disposition.
Although unobtrusive she was positive in all the qualities that go
to make up noble womanhood. Her conception of the Christian was of
the highest type, and her greatest ambition to exemplify that
conception in her daily life. Though not published throughout
the world, she was ever ready to respond to calls for the church and
for benevolent purposes. Although gone to the silent shore,
her many virtues still live in the memory of a large circle of
acquaintances.” Mr. Wick was again married in
1885, to Mrs. Margaret L. Haney, of Youngstown, with whom he
lived until he was called away by death June 13, 1890, in the
sixty-sixth year of his age.
The following extract is copied from a paper called Our
Quarterly Statement, issued by the First Presbyterian Church of
Youngstown. The article is written by Mr. Wick’s
pastor, D. H. Evans, D. D.: “Mr. Paul Wick
on June 13, 1890, at his residence in this city, closed a life which
has long been identified with our church and with our city.
Born here sixty-five years ago and long and actively engaged in
business, he was widely known and highly respected as a citizen.
For twenty-eight years a member of this church, in various ways he
has labored and largely given to its enterprises. His genial
manners did much to sustain the social life of this organization,
until recently it might safely be said that he knew every member of
the flock of nearly 800. Knowledge with him was acquaintance,
and acquaintance meant to be on friendly terms with the poorest and
obscurest. In his death we lose a link that bound us to the
honored toilers of the past —a generous friend whose deliberate and
careful, yet kind and liberal benevolence did much for the good work
in this community, and a brother who was possessed of the ‘ meekness
of wisdom.’ ”
Mr. Wick was a Republican in politics,
but never sought office, although he served in the City Council for
several years and for nineteen years was a member of the Board of
Education. In this capacity he served longer than any other man in
the entire city. A manly character only could have inspired
such confidence, and a faithful and efficient service only could
have secured its long continuance. His continual re-election
to the same official position speaks eloquently of a service well
rendered, and of the high appreciation of talents in one of the most
important offices of the city. He was largely instrumental in
the erection of the large and palatial school buildings on Front and
Covington streets. At the close of his nineteen years of
service he left the School Board of his own accord, in 1879, much to
the regret of the citizens of Youngstown. His death was felt
throughout the community to be a personal loss to all the
inhabitants, as he had endeared himself to them by a life of
uprightness and honesty. A life-long member of the
Presbyterian Church, he served in the capacity of Trustee for many
years, and was a liberal contributor to the church, benevolent and
all other worthy enterprises. His charity was not confined to
his own church, however, but he gave liberally of his substance to
all religious organizations. No one ever appealed to him in
vain, and those asking his aid received a much larger contribution
than they had reason to hope for or expect. In disposition he was
lovable, kind and courteous, and was never known to slight a friend,
although he was extensively acquainted and well and favorably known
throughout the entire State. His practical knowledge of all
the details of his business as well as his thorough acquaintance
with the leading topics of the day, made him a most interesting
conversationalist as well as a most competent adviser, and his
opinion was sought by many, his views being received with the
highest degree of respect. Pleasant in address, easy in
manner, firm in his convictions, and of extraordinary force of
character, he was uniformly admired for his honesty of purpose and
his thorough business qualifications. Tracing his ancestry
back on both sides to people who were among the enterprising and
progressive pioneers of the city, Mr. Wick has proven
himself a worthy offspring of them. His life was actively
devoted to business pursuits, in which he was most successful, and
his death was mourned not only throughout the community in which he
lived, but also by a large circle of acquaintances and friends,
which he had attached to him through Ohio and surrounding States.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio
Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing
Company, 1893 - Page 493 |
| |
HON. D.
M. WILSON Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
639 |
| |
HON. E.
M. WILSON Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
647 |
| |
JAMES P.
WILSON Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
587 |
| |
WILLIAM
WIRT Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
692 |
| |
MYRON
WOOD Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
677 |
| |
LAURIN D.
WOODWORTH Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
515 |
| |
A. J.
WOOLF Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
626 |
| |
JACOB
WOOLF Source: Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and
Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893 - Page
560 |
| |
JEREMIAH
RICHARD WOOLLEY Source: Biographical
History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula,
Trumbull and Mahoning - Publ. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company,
1893 - Page 594 |
|
