EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a weekly series on our region’s history coordinated by the Trumbull County Historical Society.

When you step into the Kinsman Free Public Library, you’re greeted by friendly staff and surrounded by shelves filled with new books and entertainment.

Whether you’re here to attend an educational program or simply seeking a quiet place to work, there’s always something to discover.

But have you ever looked up? Lining the walls above the bookshelves are framed portraits and artwork.

Who are these bearded or bespectacled faces looking upon you while you browse the shelves? Some are easily recognizable like Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Carnegie, while others may require a closer look revealing rich stories of the individuals who helped shape Kinsman’s past.

On the north wall hangs a portrait of James McGranahan (1840-1907) and his wife. Born in Pennsylvania, McGranahan displayed musical talent at a young age. Despite his father’s early reluctance, he left the family farm to pursue a musical education. He went on to become a successful hymn composer, to his father’s pride. In 1887, after some health complications, McGranahan settled down, built a grand home and spent the rest of his life in Kinsman.

On the east wall hangs a portrait of Rebecca Perkins Kinsman (1773-1854), Kinsman’s founding mother. Originally from Lisbon, Connecticut, Rebecca and her husband, John Kinsman, married in 1792 and moved to Ohio in 1804 — five years after John’s initial visit. She played a foundational role in the early days of the township, raising a family and helping establish a community on the Ohio frontier.

On the west wall hangs a portrait of John Kinsman Jr. (1793-1864), Rebecca’s son. After his father’s death, the 20-year-old John Jr. became head of the household. Alongside his mother, he worked tirelessly to improve the town through generosity and civic contributions. He later married Jane Williams Townsend in 1846 and had three children, continuing the legacy of service and leadership in Kinsman.

On the southeast wall hangs a portrait of Frank Banning (1858-1913). A local philanthropist and gardener, he was instrumental in the development of a library in Kinsman. After early versions of a library in the post office and school disbanded, he began corresponding with Andrew Carnegie to get funding for a permanent library. With a personal donation nearly matching that of Carnegie, Banning is one of the main reasons the Kinsman Free Public Library exists today.

In the stairwell hangs an impressive handmade quilt featuring over 40 Kinsman, Gustavus, Vernon, Hartford, Orangeville, Farmdale and Burghill landmarks. Created by local quilters to commemorate the 1976 Bicentennial, this intricate piece captures the spirit and history of the community.

Other works are scattered throughout the building, and many of the items are donations or are in memory of a Kinsman resident. One significant donation is from the notable Dudley P. Allen (1852-1915). Named for his father and grandfather, Dudley Peter Allen was born in Kinsman to a family of doctors. For educational opportunities, the family moved from Kinsman to Oberlin so he could attend the preparatory school, and then later Oberlin College in 1870. He went on to study medicine at Harvard, and explore advanced surgical techniques in Europe before settling in Cleveland. In addition, he was a recognized art collector and shared part of his collection with Kinsman Free Public Library around the time of its completion.

In a letter from 1914, also included in the archival collection, Allen describes his reasoning for donating the works simply, “as we are changing our residence in Cleveland we have found that we cannot hang all our pictures in the new house. I have, therefore selected certain pictures to be sent to you.” The collection features an imposing “Sistine Madonna,” a scenic “Hay Wain,” and others. His generous gift helped enrich the library’s early days and continues to serve as a cultural treasure.

Next time you visit Kinsman Free Public Library, take a moment to look at the history hanging all around. Each portrait and painting tells a piece of the town’s story — from music and medicine to community-building and philanthropy. Many of the items mentioned, including the Dudley Collection, can also be viewed on the Kinsman Historical Collection online database under “Gallery.”

Visit www.kinsmanlibrary.org or for assistance email reference@kinsmanlibrary.org. Kinsman Free Public Library is located at 6420 Church St. Kinsman, Ohio 44428.