The McCoy Families of Fayette County, Ohio

THOMAS R. McCOY.

A life of seventy-two years in this county gives Thomas McCoy the right to be classed among the pioneers of Fayette county. There is such a marked change in the life of the early settlers as compared with the life of the people of the county today that the pioneer of one hundred years ago would not recognize his own farm were it possible for him to see it today. The life of the farmer is now surrounded with more comforts and conveniences than the city dweller enjoyed a few years ago. The mail is left on his door step each day, the interurban car whirls past his door each hour, the telephone puts him into instant communication with his neighbors and the city and he can even buy a machine which will milk his cows. One of the best evidences of the prosperity of the present farmers of Fayette county is to be seen in their bank accounts, which total more than those of all others in the county.

Thomas R. McCoy, one of the largest farmers in Wayne township, was born December 10, 1 841, on the farm where he is now living. He is the son of Thomas B. and Margaret (Murray) McCoy, natives of Fredricksburg, Maryland, and Virginia, respectively. Thomas B. McCoy was the son of James and Sarah (Brown) McCoy and came to Ross county, Ohio, from Maryland when he was eighteen years of age, locating near Chillicothe on a farm. Shortly afterward he moved into Ross and Fayette counties and bought a farm of one hundred acres in Wayne township, where he and his wife reared a family of twelve children, James, Joseph, Mrs. Elizabeth Femow, William, Allen, Mrs. Sarah Hegler, Judson, Hugh, Thomas R., Mrs. Mariah Stookey, Mrs. Anna Robinson and John. All of these children are now deceased with the exception of Elizabeth, Mariah, Thomas R., and Anna. Judson was a member of the Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Thomas R. McCoy attended the schools of Ross and Fayette counties, completing his education in the schools of the latter county. He has always ' been on the home farm and began farming for himself when twenty-five years of age. He first rented a part of the paternal estate and later bought out the other heirs. He has placed extensive improvements on the farm and by close economy and good management has made his farm one of the best in the county. He gives particular attention to the breeding of horses and has been successful along this line.

Mr. McCoy was married in 1874 to Sarah Hackney, the daughter of

Edward and Mary E. (McKay) Hackney, natives of Virginia and early settlers in Clinton county, Ohio. To this union there have been bom four children, Edward (deceased), Mary D., Russell D., T. Glenn and Oscar E., who is running the home farm.

Politically, Mr. McCoy is a stanch Republican and has always been deeply interested in local politics. He has served as township assessor with satisfaction to the citizens of Wayne township. He has also been on the school board of his township. All the family are attendants of the Baptist church and contribute liberally of their means to its support.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHARLES C. McCOY.

No occupation has gone through more radical changes within the past half century than farming. When the virgin soil of Ohio was first cleared there was no difficulty in raising crops of all kinds, but with continual cropping the land lost its pristine fertility and artificial means were resorted to in order to keep the farms of the state to a high state of productivity. In order that land may be profitable the crops and live stock maintained upon it must be adapted not only to local conditions of soil and climate, but also to existing economic conditions. On those farms which combine these factors of efficiency the profits are the greatest, yet in the last analysis the farmer himself is the determining factor in every successful agricultural enterprise. It must not be overlooked that the farmer is just as quick to take advantage of economic principles as he is of improved methods of growing crops and feeding animals. Experience has shown the farmer that the problems of farm organization are usually those of readjustment and improvement of existing systems rather than the introduction of wholly new systems. There are many acres in Fayette county, Ohio, which have been under cultivation for more than one hundred years and are still capable of raising good crops. One of the county’s best farmers, who thoroughly understands the best methods of getting the maximum results from the soil, is Charles C. McCoy, of Jefferson township.

Charles C. McCoy, the son of John and Elizabeth (Collett) McCoy, was born December jo, 1869, near Good Hope, in Wayne township, this county. His parents were natives of Fayette and Clinton counties, Ohio, respectively, but the father being born and reared in Fayette they settled here after their marriage and later moved to Clinton. John McCoy was the son of Thomas and Margaret (Harper) McCoy, emigrants from Frederick county, Maryland. Thomas McCoy and wife were the parents of eleven children, James, Joseph, Allen, Judson, John, Hugh, Thomas. William (died in infancy), Elizabeth, Sarah, Maria and Ann. All of the boys are deceased except Thomas, and all the girls are living except Sarah.

Charles C. McCoy, the only child of his parents, was educated in the schools of this county and later attended Wilmington College, after which he entered Ohio State University for two years. He was married in 1902, and at once settled on a part of the Parrett home farm in Jefferson township, where he has since resided and which he now owns. Being a man of progressive ideas, he has made a pronounced success of his chosen life work and his farm is one of the most attractive of the township.

Mr. McCoy was married January 30, 1902, to May Parrett, the daughter of Benjamin Hinton and Nancy (Allen) Parrett. Mrs. McCoy is one of five children born to her parents, the other four being Seth E., Mrs. Eva Miller, Mrs. Ora Haves and Mrs. Cora Wood. Afr. and Mrs. McCoy have no children.

Politically, Mr. McCoy is independent, but has always taken an intelligent interest in all matters of a local nature. He has preferred to devote his time and energies to agricultural pursuits rather than to take an active part in political campaigns. He and his wife are loyal and consistent members of the Methodist Protestant church, in the welfare of which they are interested and to the support of which they are liberal contributors.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

RUSSELL B. McCOY.

One of the younger farmers of Fayette county, Ohio, who is making an enviable record as a progressive farmer is Russell McCoy, the proprietor of one hundred acres of fine land in Wayne township. He started in life with nothing but the ambition to succeed and by good management and close economy has attained to a definite degree of success. His family have been residents of this county for nearly a century and have always been prominently identified with the material, educational, social and religious welfare of the county. With such a heritage it is but natural that Mr. McCoy should be a man of influence in his community, and that he is influential is shown by the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.

Russell B. McCoy, the son of Thomas and Sarah (Hackney) McCoy, was born in the township where he is now living on December lo, 1879. His father is the son of Thomas and Margaret McCoy and was born in Wayne township, his father coming to this county early in its history from the state of Virginia. Thomas McCoy, Jr., and wife were the parents of five children, Mary, Russell B., Glenn T. and Oscar E.: the twin of Glenn died in infancy and the other four are still living.

Russell B. McCoy first attended the purest Dale school in his home neighborhood and finished his education in the schools of Good Hope in his township. Like all sons of farmers, he worked on the home farm during the summers while he was attending school in the winter time. In this way he was well grounded in all of the many details which go to make the successful farmer. He was married at the age of twenty-two and rented a farm for nine years: then he bought his present fine anii of one hundred acres in Wayne township. He has placed many improvements on the farm since ac-

6l4 quiring it and now owns one of the most attractive and well-kept farms in the township. He raises all of the crops which are usually grown in this locality and gives due attention to the rai.ii.ij of live stock as well. He is a good manager and has met with a success commensurate with his efforts.

Mr. McCoy was married December 24, 1901, to Bertha Walker, the daughter of Samuel and Margaret Walker. To this union there have been lK)rn three children, Melba, Geraldine and Thomas.

Politically, Mr. McCoy is a member of the Republican party and has always taken an active part in local political matters. At the present time he is serving on the school board of his township and favoring every measure which will help the schools. Mr. McCoy is still a young man and has a long and prosperous future before him. The success which has attended his efforts thus far indicates that he will eventually become one of the most substantial men of his county. He is a man of pleasing personality and has a host of friends who admire him for his many excellent qualities.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

THOMAS GLENN McCOY.

An enterprising and progressive young farmer of Madison township, Fayette county, Ohio, is Thomas Glenn McCoy, a descendant of one of the pioneer families of the county. It is interesting to know that Mr. McCoy is a college-trained man, having taken the classical course at one of the best universities in his state. Notwithstanding the fact that he is a college graduate, he returned to the farm and is now demonstrating the fact that a college education is of real benefit to the farmer. He is a wide reader of all agri-. cultural literature and keeps in close touch with the latest advances which will benefit the farmer. As the manager of a four-hundred-acre farm, he is proving very successful and the returns which he,is receiving from his

Google efforts justly entitle him to inclusion among the representative farmers of his county.

Thomas Glenn McCoy, the son of Thomas R. and Sarah (Hockney) McCoy, was born October 20, 1886, near Good Hope, Ohio. His father was born on the same farm of two hundred and forty acres in Wayne township, where he is now living. Thomas R. McCoy was the son of Thomas and Margaret (Harper) McCoy, natives of Virginia and early settlers in Fayette county, Ohio. In fact, Thomas McCoy, the grandfather of Thomas Glenn McCToy, came to this county at the opening of the War of 1812, only two years after this county was organized. Thomas Glenn McCoy was one of five children born to his parents, the others being Mary Dell, Russell B.. Oscar, and one who died in infancy.

Thomas Glenn McCoy received his elementary education in the schools of his county and then entered Miami University, graduating from the classical course in that excellent institution. Immediately after finishing his college course, he returned home and assisted his father on the home farm until his marriage in 1908. He then assumed the management of the Quinn estate in Madison township, and under his efficient direction this farm has come to be known as one of the most productive of the county. He is a large stock raiser and allows nothing on his farm except the best grade of stock, having found by experience that it pays to keep only the best.

Mr. McCoy was married December 15, 1908, to Alma C. Harper, the daughter of John and Mary (Goen) Harper. Her parents came from Virginia and were among the pioneer settlers of this county. John Harper and wife reared a family of five children, all of whom are still living: Wert, Getha, Herbert, Warren, and Alma, the wife of Mr. McCoy. Mr. McCoy and his wife have one son, Melvin.

The Republican party receives the hearty support of Mr. McCoy, although he has not been active in its councils. Nevertheless, he is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the civic welfare of his township and county. Being one of the best informed men in the county on political questions, he is frequently consulted by the leaders of his party. He has had no political aspirations so far, having found that it took all of his time to manage his farm. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He and his wife are affiliated with the Baptist church. Mr. McCoy is one of the few farmers of his township and county who have a classical education, and yet he enjoys his chosen vocation with all of the enthusiasm that the lawyer finds in his profession. It is a hopeful sign of the future when our young men

Google come from college and settle down on the farm. The country needs such men to add stability to our government and in the years to come the influence which Mr. McCoy will bring to bear upon his community will be of bent in every way. He is a worthy schon of a distinguished family and his career so far has added additional luxury to an honored family name.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE W. McCOY.

The McCoy family has been identified with the history of Fayette county. Ohio, for nearly a century, and during all of these years they have performed their share in the development of this favored spot of Ohio. George W. McCoy, whose history is here presented, has spent his entire life of more than sixty years within the limits of this county, consequently he is well known among the citizens with whom he has lived. A life of such duration spent in one community enables a man’s character to be familiar to everyone with whom he has been associated, and the high esteem in which Mr. McCoy is held by his fellow citizens is indicative of the clean and wholesome life which he has lived.

George W. McCoy, the son of Patterson and Eliza (Bryant) McCoy, was born February 28, 1851, in Wayne township, this county. His father was a son of Patterson McCoy, and was born in Union township, this county, where his father settled when he came from Virginia in the early history of the county. Patterson McCoy was reared, married and spent all of his days in this county, and he and his wife reared a family of nine children, Nathan, Mrs. Clara B. Kearney, Jackson, George, Jannette, Mrs. Nettie Cline, Mrs. Eliza Smith, Edward and Mrs. Armata Smith. All of these children except Jackson and Edward are still living.

( george E. McCoy attended the district school known as the Shady Grove school during his boyhood days and helped his father with the work on the farm during the summer vacations. At the age of twenty-one he commenced renting land from his father and lived on a rented farm until 1896, when he felt able to purchase his present farm of fifty acres, on which he has since resided. He has engaged in intensive farming with the result that he has realized as much each year from his farm as many farmers do from a much larger acreage. He is progressive in his methods and, being a man of good management, has had the satisfaction of seeing his farm yield more satisfactory returns year by year.

Mr. McCoy was married March 21, 1884, to Lida Cline, the daughter of John and Sarah Cline, of Ross county, Ohio, and to this union has been born one daughter, Mrs. Blanche Pleyley.

The Democratic party has claimed the support of Mr. McCoy and its candidates have always received his vote. He has always been interested in educational affairs and at present is a member of the school board of his township. Mr. McCoy has always maintained an intelligent interest in the welfare of his community and unreservedly given his support to every movement for the educational, moral or material advancement of his fellow citizens.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

MARTIN L. McCOY.

A successful farmer and stock raiser and one of the representative citizens of the county is he whose name forms the caption of this article. Martin McCoy has attained his present comfortable station in life by close application to his affairs, being blessed with undaunted courage, energy and business ability above the ordinary. His course is especially commendable in that he has won his way from humble beginning and while he has achieved success along financial lines, he has also so ordered his life as to win the confidence and trust of his fellow citizens in every respect.

Mr. McCoy was Ixirn in Union township, Fayette county, Ohio, on June 26, 1855, being the son of Abraham and Margaret (Hoppes) McCoy. Abraham also was a native of this county, having been born in Union township and was the son of James. The father of James was one of the first settlers in the state, coming here in 1812 from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Bloomingburg and the surrounding portion of Fayette county are indebted to the McCoy family in a peculiar way, in that that family has for three generations furnished the local blacksmith and wagon-maker. Frank McCoy, the immediate subject and the present family representative in the business, is carrying on the business originated many years ago by his grandfather, his present location being what was once the most prominent church building in Bloomingburg and which is among the oldest buildings of the county. While the blacksmith and wagon-maker of today does a thriving business and fills a much-needed place in community life, he is not, perhaps.

Google in a way so important as in earlier days when there were no ready-made wagons, farm implements or vehicles of any kind. The McCoy family has, therefore, contributed its share to the general advancement of this locality and each representative in the business named with fidelity and persistency of purpose has performed well his duty in all the relations of life and while advancing his own interests, has not been unmindful of the general welfare of his fellow-men. Thus they rightfully deserve an honored place in the history of this locality.

Frank McCoy has been a life-long resident of Bloomingburg, born in that thriving city on October 26, 1863, the son of James M. and Eleanor (Morrison) McCoy James also was a native son of Bloomingburg and carried on the blacksmith business in the same location as that now occupied by the immediate subject. James was the son of Alexander and Maria (Stitt) McCoy, the Stitt family being among the earliest pioneers of Fayette county. Alexander McCoy was a native of Virginia who came to this section many years ago and opened up the blacksmith and wagon-making business which the family has since carried on in the original location. The subject's father, James McCoy, deserves special mention in that he was one of the nation's faithful citizens who went to the front during the dark days of the Civil War. At his enlistment he was made captain of Company C, Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the unpleasantness. Directly after receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to this section and took up his affairs where he had dropped them at the nation's call. He was the father of three children, the subject being the youngest of the family. Anna, the eldest of the family, is deceased. She was Mrs. Blackmore and the mother of five children, Guy, Roy, Howard, Bess and Neal. Jennie L. resides in Washington, D. C.

The subject's entire life has been passed in this section and it was in the Bloomingburg schools that he received his education. Early in life he was filled with ambition to follow his father and grandfather in the family business and when quite young took naturally to the work, receiving from his father, however, such special training as he needed. Mr. McCoy has been twice married. His first wife was Jennie Wylie, to whom he was married in August, 1885, and whose death occurred in April, 1898. Their union was blessed with four children, Roy, Wayne, Dorothy and Donald. Mr. McCoy was married for the second time in June, 1900, when he led Carrie Casey to the hymeneal altar. By this union he has become the father of four children, but three of whom are living. These are Geneva, Howard, Charles and one who died young.

Mr. McCoy's political affiliation is with the Republican party. While always taking a keen interest in politics, he has never felt inclined to take an active part in such matters, nor has he any desire for public office. His fraternal affiliation is with the ancient order of Freemasonry and he takes much pleasure in the work of the local organization. Both Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. McCoy's relations with his fellow men have ever been pleasant, for, of kindly disposition, he is easily approached and is obliging and straightforward in all the relations of life.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

From the earliest ages agriculture has been an honored vocation and men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free, out-door life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterizes true manhood, and no greater blessing can befall a youth than to be reared on the farm. One of the most prosperous of the younger farmers of Fayette county is Elmer McCoy, who is now managing the McCoy estate of one hundred and seventy acres on the Hayes road about three and one-half miles from Bloomingburg.

Elmer McCoy, the son of James K. and Martha J. (Hays) McCoy, was born July 10, 1884. in Taint township, three and one-half miles west of Bloomingburg, on the farm where he now resides. James R. McCoy was married Xovember 4, 1880, to Martha J. Hays, and to this union were born two children, Elmer, and Laura, the wife of James Collett.

Elmer McCoy attended the district school of his home neighborhood for the first three years of his school life, finishing his education in the Bloomingburg school, graduating from the high school at that place. At the age of twenty-one he Ix'gan the management of the McCoy estate and has been successfully operating this farm ever since. This is one of the best improved and most highly productive farms of the county and, under

Google the skillful management of Mr. McCoy, is bringing good returns each year. He raises a large amount of live stock, giving particular attention to the cattle industry and the raising of Duroc-Jersey swine, in which he has been very successful.

Mr, McCoy was married June 26. 1907, to F'rest M. McCoy, the daughter of Allison and Francenia (Bonham) McCoy. Although his wife has the same family name, they are no relation. To this union has been born one child. Aimer Lynn, who is deceased.

Fraternally, Mr. McCoy belongs to the Knights of Pythias, while, politically, he gives his allegiance to the Republican party, but his extensive agricultural interests have prevented him from being actively identified with his party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, as are all the members of the McCoy family. They are prominent in church work and deeply interested in everything which pertains to its welfare. Mr. McCoy is still a young man and the success which he has attained thus far indicates that he will become one of the substantial men of his county in the course of time.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.