David MacKey

DAVID MACKEY, who was for many years up to the time of his death, Dec. 11, 1906, one of the most prominent citizens of Galion, O., was born in Franklin county, Pa., April 3, 1835, a son of William and Katharine (Leonard) Mackey. William Mackey, the father of our subject, was of Scotch parentage; his wife, the latter's mother, was of English ancestry. They were married in Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Katharine Mackey died there when her son David was about three years old. A few years later William

Mackey, with his small family, removed to Zanesville, Ohio, where for some time he was engaged in business as a builder and contractor. He later returned to his old home in Pennsylvania and was there married to his second wife, Rose Ann Gingerly, whose father was a prosperous miller. Accompanied by her, William Mackey then returned to Zanesville and continued in business there as a contractor and builder until his two sons by his first wife — James and David — were grown to manhood. Then, not long before the Civil War, they came to Galion and established a prosperous business here as contractors and builders, being kept pretty busy most of the time. William, the father, died here at the age of 84 years, a well known and much respected citizen. His second wife had passed away some years before when not so old. They were both members of the English Lutheran church, were prominent in the work of the church and supporters of many worthy enterprises. In politics he was a Democrat.

The two sons, James and David, after the death of their father, which occurred in August, 1887, continued the business and were thus associated together until the death of James in 1890, after which it was continued by David alone. The latter, in addition to his other activities, also became president of the Galion Lumber Company, a flourishing concern, and held this position at the time of his death. He had then for years been one of the most prominent citizens of Galion and was as highly esteemed as he was widely known. He built and owned the Mackey block on South Market street, the City National Bank building, the Commercial and Savings Bank building, besides other business blocks and many fine residences. He was also largely influential in bringing various important industrial enterprises to the city or in causing them to locate here, and was a large property owner. An active Republican in politics, he served conscientiously and ably on the city council. He was also a director of the old Galion National Bank. To sum up, it may be said that he was the type of man that is a help and inspiration to any community in which he may reside and in his death the city of Galion suffered a loss not easily made good.

David Mackey was married in Galion to

Miss Sarah Traul, who was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio about 1837 and who, at the age of three years came with her parents to Gallon, O., where she has since resided, having witnessed the growth of the city to its present size and prosperity. Her parents were Conrad and Rachel (Knisely) Traul, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Her mother was a daughter of Abraham Knisely, who came at an early day to Ohio and purchased a farm on what is now the site of the thriving city of New Philadelphia, which he originally laid out. There he and his wiie lived for many years and many of their descendants are now scattered throughout Tuscarawas county and the vicinity.

Conrad Traul, Mrs. Mackey's father, on coming to Gallon established the first tannery here and conducted it until his death at the age of 47 years. His widow subsequently married George Money Smith and died in 1888, when 89 years of age. She left no issue. They were members of the English Lutheran church. Mrs. Mackey was one of eleven children— four sons and three daughters yet living, all of whom are married and have issue. She, herself is the mother of two daughters, Martha and Sarah. Martha is the widow of Homer Reisinger, D.D.S.. who was a son of Dr. Reisinger, a well known Galion physician. Homer Reisinger died in early manhood, leaving two children — Elton, who is now a salesman in the employ of the Cleveland Lumber Co., and Bertha, who is married and lives in Galion. Sarah, Mrs. Mackey's other daughter, like her sister, graduated from the city high school and completed her literary education in the North Ohio University at Delaware, O. She is the wife of Harry A. Pounder, who was born in England, and who is now manager of the Galion Lumber Co. They have two sons, Reuben and Donald, the former of whom is a graduate of the Galion High School, class of 1908. Mrs. Mackey and her family are all members of the Presbyterian church.

As printed in History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.