USA > Ohio > Coshocton County > Centennial history of Coshocton County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 39
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HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
his wife and two eldest children are also members. His fraternal relations are with the Patrons of Husbandry, and he is a master of the Grange. Hav- ing spent his entire life in Tiverton township, Mr. Hagelbarger has a very wide and favorable acquaintance here. He is therefore interested in the progress and advancement of the community in which he lives and has always done his full share in bringing such conditions about. His estimable wife also share- with him in the esteem in which he is held and their own hospitable home is a favorite resort for their many friends.
WILLIAM HENRY MCCABE.
The world pays its tribute of respect to the man who is successful in business, but more than that instinctively yields deference to him whose life has been passed in accordance with high and honorable principles, never displaying that selfish interest whereby the rights and privileges of others are sacrificed. The record of William Henry McCabe was in many respects an exemplary one and therefore his death was the occasion of sin- cere and widespread regret, when on the 13th of August, 1901. he passed away. He was born June 18. 1851, a son of John and Julia MeCabe, who were natives of Ireland and came to America soon after their marriage, settling on Long Island. In 1856 they removed with their family to the vicinity of Plainfield, Coshocton county, Ohio, and afterward settled on a farm near West Lafayette, while later they took up their abode near Canal Lewisville. The father carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his en- tire life and died in 1885.
While yet a boy, William Henry MeCabe was employed at the railway station at West Lafayette, and there met with an accident that required the amputation of his leg. Thus handicapped, many a man of less resolute spirit would have felt that there was little chance left for him in life, but Mr. MeCabe was not discouraged by this misfortune, and after educating himself for a business career he came to Coshocton, where he won lifelong friends through that desirable quality, which for want of a better term has been called personal magnetism. Here he entered the employ of the firm of Hay & Wilson as bookkeeper and later, in association with others, en- gaged in the dry-goods business. His ability was recognized in all lines. for he possessed sound judgment and clear insight into business situations, and was able to combine diverse forces into a harmonious whole. In 1881 he became associated with H. D. Beach in the publication of a newspaper called the Standard Commonwealth, the name being due to a consolidation of two papers. Later it was changed to the Democratic Standard. In 1889 Mr. Beach sold his interest to Mr. MeCabe, who remained sole proprietor up to the time of his death. The Standard became a successful journal under his guidance. and was a credit to the newspaper interests of the state.
In November, 1886. Mr. MeCabe was married to Miss Ella Robinson and they had two children. James Robinson and Anna Mary. Mrs. Mc-
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Cabe is a native of Franklin township. this county, and a representative of one of the prominent old families here. Her great-grandfather was Major Robinson, a native of Clarksburg, Virginia, who on coming to Ohio in 1801 settled on a farm near Conesville, Coshocton county. where he died in 1815. His son was Judge James Robinson, a very prominent represent- ative citizen in connection with the judiciary interests of the state, and also a representative from his district to the legislature. Ilis son, James Robin- son, father of Mrs. McCabe, was a well known landowner, who at one time served as county commissioner, and died in 1868.
In politics Mr. MeCabe was a pronounced democrat, who stood high in the councils of his party, where his opinions carried weight. He was appointed postmaster of Coshocton during President Cleveland's second ad- ministration, and dispatched the affairs of the office with businesslike promptness. At the time of his death he was acting as chairman of the democratic county executive committee and for many years he was a dele- gate to every party convention to which he was eligible. Fraternally he was connected with the Knights of Pythias. the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Coshocton Lodge, No. 376. B. P. O. E .. of which he served as exalted ruler. He was a leading citizen of his community and was ident- ified with Coshocton for a quarter of a century. All Coshocton and hun- dreds of people elsewhere in the county and state knew and loved this genial, great-hearted man. He had the rare quality, not only of making friends, but of keeping them. and to be his friend was to command that which he possessed. whether it was much or little. He was generous, al- most to a fault, and always felt that it was more blessed to give than to receive. He was respected by those who were his political enemies, admired by his friends, adored by his family and honored by all who knew him.
BERNARD PRESTON.
Bernard Preston, who is practically living retired in a comfortable home in West Carlisle, was throughout a long period identified with agri- cultural and business interests in Coshocton county. He was born in Bel- mont county, Ohio, September 25, 1822, a son of Silas and Ann Maria (Brown) Preston, the parents coming to Pike township, Coshocton county, from Washington county. Pennsylvania. in 1833. The father was a tan- ner and was engaged in business in West Carlisle.
Bernard Preston, whose name introduces this record. was reared under the parental roof and at an early age entered his father's tannery, under whose direction he learned the business. He worked in his father's tannery until he had reached his majority. when he became apprenticed to learn the harness and saddler's trades. After completing his term of indenture he engaged in business in West Carlisle, where he remained until 1865, when he took up his abode upon a farm, which he had purchased a few miles north of West Carlisle, and here he engaged in general agricultural
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HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
pursuits and stock-raising until 1892, when he once more took up his abode in West Carlisle, where he owns and occupies a nice home, which is sup- plied with all modern conveniences and accessories for the comfort of the inmates. He was also in early life engaged in buying wool, shipping a large amount annually. His activity in business in former years. has brought to him a good competency, and now in the evening of his days he can look back over a life well spent and enjoy in comfort and ease the fruits of his former toil.
Mr. Preston was married in May, 1844, to Miss Mary Westlake, a daughter of George and Ann Westlake, and their union has been blessed with twelve children, of whom four are deceased: William W., John H. and Howard, all of whom have departed this life; Louis B .; Silas; George; Charles B .; Albert D .; Ann, now the wife of George W. Gault; Sarah, now the wife of John Almack; Adeline, the wife of John H. Axline; and Ber- nard, who is also deceased. The wife and mother departed this life about twelve years ago.
Mr. Preston is a republican in his political views and affilations but has never been active as an office seeker. He has, however, served as as- sessor of the township for a number of years and has served as a member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a warm and stal- wart friend. He has not only been active in business affairs but has been a public-spirited citizen, interested in movements along all lines tending to promote material and substantial progress.
HON. JOHN W. CASSINGHAM.
The life of Hon. John W. Cassingham has been that of a gentleman of forceful character and of marked ability, and he has used well his time, talents and his opportunities, thereby adding to the name and fame of Coshocton. He is descended from both English and Scotch ancestry, his father, George F. Cassingham, having been born in County Kent, England, while his mother, who in her maidenhood bore the maiden name of Eliza- beth Wilson, was born in the Scotch-Irish region of Pennsylvania.
John W. Cassingham has practically spent his entire life in Coshoe- ton. The schools of his native place afforded him his educational privileges, and he made his initial step in the business world as driver of a cart for Samuel Brown, who had a grading contract from what is now a part of the Pan Handle Railroad Company at Rock Run, about three miles south of the city. Mr. Cassingham devoted a part of that year to the work, and the remainder of the time carried the mail on horseback between Coshocton and Canal Dover and Sugar Creek, in Tuscarawas county. He eagerly availed himself of every opportunity that led to advancement, and there- fore accepted a position as assistant in the county treasurer's office. His work there extended over eleven years, commencing with Samuel Ketchum in 1857, and extending through the terms of Samuel Lamberson and S. C.
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Burrell. That he was faithful and reliable is evidenced by his long connec- tion with the office, wherein he also broadened his experience and knowl- edge, becoming qualified for still more responsible duties in the business world. On leaving the county treasurer's office, he organized the firm of Cassingham & Crowley and established a grocery store at the corner of Main and Fifth streets, Mr. Cassingham taking charge of the bookkeeping and the financial interests of the business. The partnership was continued until 1875. when he withdrew from the mercantile lines and turned his attention to coal mining operations in connection with Edward Prosser, having charge of a coal bank of B. S. Rickets. He was afterward connected with E. T. Dudley, of Piqua, Ohio, and afterward with Edward Prosser in the Penn Twyn Coal Company and for several years, beginning in 1879, he was secretary and financial manager of the Home Coal Company, in which E. Prosser, D. L. Triplett, the Barneys, G. W. Ricketts, Dr. Lee and others were interested.
Mr. Cassingham was again called to public life, when in the fall of 1880 he was elected county auditor. His capable service was indicated in his reelection in 1883, and through a legislative extension of his term he continued in office for nearly a year beyond the usual term. Shortly prior to his retirement from that position he became associated with the Coshoe- ton Coal Company, and also extended his efforts to other fields of activity, joining Hugh MeElroy, of Pittsburg, in 1871, in the manufacture of paper, purchasing the Coshocton Paper Mill. The new undertaking proved very profitable and Mr. Cassingham, with others, built a paper mill at Newark, Ohio. In 1893, however, both of these mills were sold to the Columbia' Straw Paper Company.
Mr. Cassingham is now connected as a stockholder and director with one manufacturing concern of considerable proportion, but is not especi- ally active in its management. In addition to his operations in the coal fields of Ohio, which have assumed extensive proportions, he has also be- come heavily interested in West Virginia coal and timber lands. He is likewise prominently known in financial circles, becoming a director and vice president of the Commercial Banking Company in 1894, while at the present writing he is president of this institution, which is the oldest and largest bank in the city. In 1868 he became secretary of the Coshorton Savings Building & Loan Association, and is now a director of the Citizens Building & Loan Association.
On the 5th of November, 1863, Mr. Cassingham was married to Miss Caroline Lamberson, a daughter of Samuel Lamberson. former county treasurer. They have two sons who are active, energetic men, with con- siderable mining interests. Mr. Cassingham's indomitable energy, good judgment. kindly disposition, simple tastes and quiet manners and methodical business habits have made him a successful man and useful citizen. and an esteemed public servant. He has been called to various local -positions of trust and responsibility, serving as a member of the city council, as a trustee of the waterworks, and for fifteen years as a member of the board of education. He is recognized as one of the stalwart and influen-
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tial representatives of democracy in this part of the state. In 1896 he was made a delegate to the democratic national convention in Chicago. In 1900 he was elected to represent his district in congress, and two years later was accorded reelection. He is energetic and far-seeing, honest and public- spirited, operating broadly and continuously, and by the stimulus of his exertions arousing the enterprise of others. During all his business life he has held many important relations to the public interest and his influence has been felt as a strong, steady, moving force in the social, moral and in- dustrial movements of the community.
THOMAS HAMILTON.
Thomas Hamilton is numbered among the veterans of the Civil war and in matters of citizenship has always been as loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag on the battlefields of the south. Throughout his business career he has followed the occupation of farming and has prospered in this undertaking, being now the owner of a valuable place of three hundred and six acres in White Eyes township, upon which he has lived continuously for more than a third of a century. A native of Ireland, he was born December 5, 1842, of the marriage of John and Mary (Fair) Hamilton, both of whom were natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. They came to America in 1843, settling in Keene, Ohio, but afterward removed to White Eyes township, where the father purchased a tract of land and car- ried on farming until his death. Unto him and his wife were born six children: Margaret, the wife of Jonas Brown, of White Eyes township; Thomas, of this review; Claudius, deceased; Mary E., the wife of W. F. Park. of Fresno; James and Matilda, who have also passed away.
Thomas Hamilton was reared as a farm boy, working at the plow and in the harvest fields through the months of spring, summer and autumn, while in the winter seasons he pursued his education in the public schools. At the age of nineteen, however, he left the farm that he might join in the defense of the Union, for rebellion had broken out in the south and the country was in grave peril. He therefore enlisted in August, 1862. as a member of Company J, Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, participating in a number of hotly contested bat- tles. He participated in the engagements at Stone River, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and Burnt Hickory. He was also in the battle of At- lanta and other engagements of the Atlanta campaign and was wounded in the left foot during the battle of Missionary Ridge. He was a brave and loyal soldier. never faltering in the performance of any duty assigned him, and when hostilities had been brought to an end he was honorably dis- charged at Nashville, Tennessee.
Mr. Hamilton then returned to Coshocton county, Ohio, and became actively interested in farming in this locality. purchasing eighty acres of land in White Eyes township. He made further arrangements for having
HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Margaret J. Boyd, who was born in this county June 6, 1843, and is a daughter of Robert and Mary Ann (Johnson) Boyd, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. After their marriage the young couple took up their abode on the farm which he had purchased and made it their home until 1873, when Mr. Hamil- ton sold that property and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the place on which he now resides. To this he has added from time to time until he today has three hundred and six aeres in this township. His care- ful cultivation of his fields has resulted in bringing to him large crops which find a ready sale on the market and he also makes a specialty of raising and breeding Percheron horses, owning several full blooded horses of that kind. His business interests are capably conducted along progress- ive lines and he is now one of the prosperous agriculturists of the com- munity.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton there were born six children: Mary Etta, whose birth occurred May 26. 1866, and who passed away April 21, 1890; Cora E .. born February 13, 1868, who is the wife of MI. L. Barrick. of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania; John F., who was born December 6, 1870, and is now a resident of Van Orin, Illinois; Ada, born November 20, 1873, who is the wife of W. H. Lorenze, of Coshocton county : Collenia D., born Feb- ruary 25, 1878, who is the wife of John E. Thomas, of Adams township; and Robert R .. born December 6, 1882. who married Victor Myer.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Hamilton is serving as one of the church trustees. His political support is given the republican party and on that ticket he has been elected to several township office -. the duties of which he has discharged with credit to him- self and satisfaction to his constitutents. He is also a member of the Grange and is interested in everything that pertains to the agricultural progress of the community. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in life. for his success is attributable entirely to his own labors. He has worked diligently, allowing no obstacles to bar his path and his unabating energy and industry have at length brought him a handsome reward in the shape of one of the fine farms of the county.
JOHN HI. TOMPKINS.
John H. Tompkins was born at Front Royal, Virginia. May 28. 1834. and lived there until the age of fifteen. when, with his parents he emigrated to Ohio, traveling overland by wagon. He was a near relative of "Stone- wall" Jackson, bearing a striking resemblance to his distinguished kins- man. and that noted general frequently visited the Tompkins home in Vir- ginia.
After coming to Ohio Mr. Tompkins located in Jackson township. Coshocton county, where he engaged in farming and was very successful in that ocenpation. At the age of twenty-three he was married to Nancy J.
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Baird, a daughter of George K. Baird, of Jackson township, and a grand- daughter of Josiah Clark.
They were the parents of the following children: Lillie, Alpha, Wil- liam, George B., Frank M., Luther, James C., Carrie and Jay J., all of whom, except William and Carrie, with their mother still survive. Lillie and AAlpha are successful teachers in the county, the former being at present employed in the schools of Tuscarawas township. George B. is an engineer at Canton, Ohio, where he has been for several years and is very prosperous. James C., formerly a high-school teacher here, is employed as bookkeeper at San Francisco, California, and is doing well. Luther has been in the structural iron business for some time and is also located at San Francisco and is prospering. Jay J. is a well known and progressive mer- chant and musician in Coshocton. Frank M. is a successful teacher and for the past four years has been employed in the schools at Canal Lewisville.
In 1865 Mr. Tompkins moved to a farm near Canal Lewisville and re- sided in that vicinity until his death, which occurred April 13, 1904. Polit- ically he was a democrat and held the office of justice of the peace almost continuously for thirty-six years.
Frank M. Tompkins began his early education in the district schools near his father's home, this being supplemented by a course of study in the public schools of Coshocton. He was reared to the duties of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the various tasks that fall to the lot of the agri- culturist. However, he decided upon a professional career as a means of liveli- hood and started out in life as a teacher in the district schools. He was thus engaged until 1904, when he was employed as teacher in the Canal Lewisville schools, where he has continued to the present time. He is recognized as one of the most progressive educators of the county and is well liked in the com- munity in which he makes his home.
He is a man of refinement and culture and is giving some of the best years of an active and useful life to the cause of education and has attained more than local distinction.
SCOTT DAVIS.
The life of Scott Davis has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Coshocton county, owning and operating a valuable farm of three hundred and thirty-four acres situated in Virginia and Jack- son townships, and in addition to this he superintends the farm of his brother Frank, who makes his home in Colorado. Mr. Davis was born in Virginia. township, October 4. 1857. a son of James and Zebra (Taylor) Davis, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. The father was born October 31, 1827, and died November 1, 1904. He was married May 26, 1853. to Zebra Taylor. and they became the parents of eleven children, five of whom are still living: Emma. Scott, William Sherman. Jennie,
MR. AND MRS. JAMES DAVIS.
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Benjamin Franklin, James Howard, Mary Jane, Isadore, Allen, Wilbert Grant and Edward Prosser.
Scott Davis was reared on the home farm, assisting in the work of the fields from the time of early spring planting until the erops were harvested in the late autumn, while in the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the district schools. When he started out to make his own way in the world he chose the occupation to which he had been reared. first farming in Frank- lin township, where he lived for four years. He then removed to his present farm in Virginia township, this tract comprising three hundred and thirty- four acres. He follows general farming and stock-raising and both branches of his business are proving a profitable source of revenue to him.
Mr. Davis was married February 15. 1885, to Mi-s Emma Cox, a daughter of William and Margaret Cox. resident- of Virginia township. Their union has been blessed with six children: Ward B., Alpha, Clarence, Harvey. James and Blanche. The two last named. however, are deceased.
Mr. Davis gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party and for several terms has filled the office of township trns- tee. As has been truly remarked. after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements which are sought in the schools and in books. he must essentially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character, and this is what Mr. Davis has done. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained a most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary and he is ever interested in all those movements which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity. while his own high moral worth is deserving of highest com- mendation.
JAMES DAVIS.
His Autobiography.
I was born in Wales. October 31, 1827. and emigrated to the United States in 1841. Left home about last of July of that year. Left Swansea, Wales. on steamboat for Liverpool, England, on the 5th day of August. 1 left Liverpool on a sailing boat for New York and arrived at New York on the 22d of September, 1841. being on the sea about seven weeks. I journeyed from New York to Albany by steamboat, then to Buffalo by canal. from Buffalo to Cleveland and thenee by canal boat to Roscoe. arriving there on Sunday. Then we walked out to the Coalport coal bank and afterward my brother Benjamin and myself went up to Holmes county to dig coal. As the sale of coal was poor. Brother Ben came down to Coalport and I went to school in December, 1841. and during January and February. 1842. in Hohne- county. I came down to Coshocton county and worked with my brother Ben in a coal mine in the summer and went to -chool in the winter. Ben and I worked in partnership in coal mining and boated coal to Newark and Columbus in 1848 on the Ohio canal. selling mostly fine coal to the
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IHISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
penitentiary and along the canal. I was married on the 26th of May, 1853, and my brother Ben and I worked together until he died on the 6th of March, 1855. After that I worked on the canal bank and carried on busi- ness by myself. In 1872 I moved over to creek farm and turned my attention to farming. I must confess I had good success all these times, but don't you forget I worked hard all these years. I bought land near Franklin Station. I farmed very extensively and also operated in the sand business. I made money enough to pay for all the land and build some very good houses. I am able to pay all my debt by selling some of my land. I believe I have told all the good I have done and now ask somebody else for the bad deeds 1 have done. In the fall of 1863 and spring of 1864 I built a canal boat for boating coal, the name of the boat being Ben Butler. In the summer of 1864 I hired a substitute to serve three years or during the war, for which I paid twelve hundred dollars. In the spring of 1865, when the Civil war ended, I worked in coal bank about three months and then quit and took up farming.
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