Jacob S. Paul
Jacob S. Paul, a native of Cumberland county, Pa., was born May 22, 1820. The self-reliant and resolute disposition of Mr. Paul developed itself quite prematurely, as at the age of twelve years he entered upon a clerkship in the store of Robert Sturgeon, of Churchtown, in his native county. With him he remained for seven years, when a change of firm took place, Mr. Paul, however, remaining a similar period under the new management, meantime obtaining an interest in the same. At the end of two years he disposed of his share in the establishment, and sought a wider sphere for the exercise of his commercial genius. Having some acquaintances in Smithville, in 1848 he removed there, soon thereafter mbarking in business with John Zimmerman, remaining with him three years, when for three years he gave his attention to farming. For a period, he was variously engaged, but in 1862, resumed his mercantile pursuits in Smithville, where he continues in business.
Mr. Paul has imparted to Smithville its reputation as a vital business center. By fair dealing he has won the respect and confidence, and hence the patronage of the surrounding country. In 1873 the business of his firm amounted to an excess of $115,000. In 1873, he established a branch house at Shreve, under the style of Paul, Bricker & Co., which suddenly sprang into a deserved popularity. His education was limited, receiving most of it from Jacob, son of Joseph Riner, at one time Governor of Pennsylvania. He is an earnest, wideawake man, possessed of sagacity, shrewdness of calculation, business fidelity and stubborn adhesion to business honor. He is of retiring disposition and covets no undue notoriety. Thrown upon the world at an early age, he acquired habits of industry and self-dependence, which invariably insure success. He has remarkable organizing and executive ability, and this, combined with his discretion and sound judgment makes him a successful business man. He was married December 26, 1846, to Amanda C. Bricker, of Cumberland, Pa.
From History of Wayne County, Ohio, From the Days of the Pioneers and First Settlers to the Present Time, by Robert Douglass, 1878