120 years ago in 1905, transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator:

Passing of William Tod. Long sickness ended in his death at an early hour today. Heart trouble the cause. One of the most successful of the city’s prominent manufacturers – greatly admired.

An illness extending over four years this morning at 6:20 o’clock terminated the life of William Tod. Death occurred at the family residence, 238 Lincoln Avenue.

The beginning of Mr. Tod’s illness, which was one of organic heart trouble, is marked by the heavy snowfall of four years ago a little earlier in the present month. It was about the time he was moving his family from the homestead in West Wood Street into his new residence in Lincoln Avenue.

While his illness gave him much pain and caused him great inconvenience from the time of its inception, it did not deter him from his business duties or the regular routine of his daily life. Every morning he was at his work without fail and though often at great hazard to his health seldom left until the day was finished. It was only during the last ten days that things assumed a darker aspect and fears were entertained concerning him….

This morning about 5 o’clock one of the children who had remained watching with him during the night noticed his father suddenly grow weaker and instinctively anticipated the end. The other members of the family were aroused and were gathered about the bedside of father and husband when he breathed his last.

His death coming much sooner than was expected, proved a great shock. Local attending physicians had not anticipated it so soon and specialists summoned from Philadelphia had only a few days ago given their opinion that there was no immediate danger, and even held out hope of his ultimate recovery. It’s coming has unnerved his children, wife, brothers and sister and cast a gloom over the spirits of his friends and those who were associated with him in business or otherwise.

William Tod was a son of David and Maria S. Tod. He was born in Warren, O., July 30, 1843. About four years after his birth his father, who subsequently became the noted war governor, was appointed minister to Brazil by President Polk…. He attended the public schools of Warren, but later received his education in Columbus during the time that his father was governor. He was married in 1869 to Miss Frances Barnhisel, and of this union two children survive – David and Fred.

It was shortly after his leaving school that he determined to enter the foundry business in which of late years he has acquired considerable fortune and a name for himself in the iron and steel world as a manufacturer of engines and machinery. He was one of the original partners in a foundry where the Youngstown Steel Casting Works now stands, later with the Hamilton foundry as a partner of John Stambaugh until the company was incorporated in 1900 as the William Tod Company…. Among other things he was a director in the Brier Hill Iron & Coal Company….

Besides his widow and children, one brother and two sisters survive him, as follows: George Tod, Miss Sallie Tod and Mrs. George F. Arrel. Arrangements have been made to have the services conducted at the residence Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock. It is requested that flowers be omitted. Interment will be at Oak Hill.

Compiled from the Youngstown Vindicator by Dante Bernard, Mahoning Valley Historical Society Museum educator.