One hundred twenty years ago in 1903, taken directly from the pages of The Youngstown Vindicator:

“Hartzell Brothers & Company and the new store combine. A new corporation including a number of prominent and popular young and older businessmen.

“The old establishment and well-known firm of Hartzell Brothers & Co., doing business for many years at Nos. 141 and 142 West Federal Street, has made a change and ranged itself in line with the corporations of the state of Ohio.

“This change has been contemplated for some time past, and in conjunction with the sons of E. Hartzell, I.M. Hartzell and Nathan Hartzell, who were doing business at 277 West Federal Street, under the style of Hartzell’s New Store, as well as the following young men: John Murphy, Ben Hibschman, ‘Kit’ O’Neill, and Paul Schmidt, have associated themselves together and formed a corporation under the name of the Hartzell Brothers’ Company, for the purpose of continuing and enlarging business.

“It was in the early ’70s that Emanuel Hartzell and his brother Isaac Hartzell commenced their successful era of mercantile life, starting in the most humble way a small store in the village of Sodom in Trumbull County, having previously served a rigid apprenticeship. They continued business at Sodom about two years.

“They then started a general store in Girard, where their success was phenomenal, and subsequently organized a branch establishment at Brier Hill under the style of Hartzell & Co., which they continued for a period of 18 years and finally disposed of last March, 1902.

“It was in 1889 that the Messrs. Hartzell established themselves in the city proper. Their success is too well known to require extended notice in these columns.

“Ike M. Hartzell and his brother Nathan are probably among the most popular of the young business men of Youngstown. They commenced business on their own account in the Bissell block two years ago and have met with success far beyond their own and the expectation of their most enthusiastic friends.

“John Murphy, who was formerly connected with the American Steel Hoop Company under the supervision of P.J. Hogan, but more recently of the Hartzell’s New Store, was born and reared in Youngstown. He has attained merited recognition in mercantile life and has a bright future before him.

“Ben Hibschman, who was in the employ of the old firm of Hartzell Brothers for many years, has earned his laurels by hard work, industry and integrity displayed to all who come in contact with him.

“‘Kit’ O’Neill is another example of the active young men who was one of the pillars of the establishment of the Hartzell’s New Store. His friends whom he reckons by scores recognize in him the genial good fellow and square fellow.

“Mr. Paul Schmidt is a son of Rev. Schmidt, now deceased. He was born in Brier Hill and in the employ of the old firm, earned their well wishes by industry and faithful perseverance. There is no doubt that the association of such young men will insure the greatest possible success. The new firm will continue the two stores in this city and the branch at Hubbard.”

Compiled from the Youngstown Vindicator by Traci Manning, Mahoning Valley Historical Society curator of education.