History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, ed.
by William Henry Perrin,  O. L. Baskin & Co., Chicago, 1882.  p. 664.
[Harrison County]   [Cynthiana City and Precinct]

HON. T. J. MEGIBBEN, capitalist, P. O. Cynthiana, who portrait and a view
of whose residence and distillery appears in this history, is undoubtedly
the most public-spirited citizen that ever figured in his history of
Harrison County.  Kentucky does not present a more striking exemplification
of the old maxim, "Industry brings its own reward," than in the life of
this gentleman, who, by his own efforts has become the most prominent
farmer, distiller, thoroughbred stock breeder, etc., of Harrison County,
and indeed, among the first of Central Kentucky.  To follow this remarkable
man from his first venture in business upon his own resources, step by
step, along his very successful career, to the present time (1882) will
certainly be full of interest, to the many enterprising and ambitious
young men of the present generation.  He was born March 28, 1831, in
Clermont County, O. [sic].  His father, William Megibben, was a native of
Pennsylvania, and was born on June 4, 1808, near Brownsville.  Early in
life he moved to Clermont County, O. [sic]  engaged in farming and
continued the same until his death, which occurred July 1, 1845.  He was
married in Clermont County to Miss Emily Galvin, who was born May 26, 1811,
and died Nov. 5, 1857.  There were born to them five sons: Thomas J. (our
subject), William Jr., John W., Jeremiah and James K., and three daughters:
Martha, Elizabeth and Eliza J.  AT an early age, the subject of this
biography was found among the pupils of the common schools of Neville, O.,
[sic] where he remained until sixteen years old, his attention then being
turned to the more difficult pursuit of making his own living.  On leaving
school in 1847, he first engaged as a common hand in a distillery, at
Neville, where he remained about two years.  On the 6th of January 1849,
he came to Harrison County, Ky., and began work for the distilling firm of
Findley & Foley, near Broadwell, his position being assistant chief
distiller.  After spending one year in this capacity, he took charge of
the establishment as chief distiller, and operated it for the proprietor
until about 1853.  In 1854 Mr. Megibben engaged in agricultural pursuits.
This year has since been remembered as the "dry year", and on account of
the failure of crops there was do distilling done in Harrison County
that season.  In the Fall of 1855, in connection with J. L. Shawhan and
James Snell, he leased what was then known at the Brannon & Shawhan
distillery, with 75 acres of land attached, for a term of three years,
which time proved very profitable to the firm, and before the expiration
of said lease Mr. Megibben became the purchaser of the farm and distillery,
and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, and from that time to the
present he has been running the same successfully.  In 1859 he bought the
farm upon which he now resides, containing about two hundred acres, with
comfortable improvements, and has since added to it from year to year,
until now he owns 2,800 acres; being the largest land owner in Harrison
County.  Different from most of land kings, he usually cultivates and
grazes all his lands himself.  While he has added to his possessions in
real estate, Mr. Megibben has also gradually taken a prominent stand as a
breeder of fine stock.  He purchased his first short-horns in 1868, and
from that time to the present he has been one of the most successful
breeders in the State.  Among the most noted animals purchased by him may be
mentioned the "10th Earl of Oxford" of Gov. Cornell of New York for
$10,000, "Second Duke of Oneida" at New York Mills sale at a cost of
$12,000; and at the same sale, he and Mr. E. G. Bedford of Bourbon County,
bought in partnership the two-year-old heifer "4th Duchess of Oneida" at
the enormous price of $25,000.  Besides these, he has bought quite a
number from the most celebrated families, at a cost ranging from $3,000 to
$5,000 per head.  His herd now numbers 100 head, selected from the best
families in the country, and has the reputation of being one of the finest
herds in the United States.  In 1872 he purchased his first thoroughbred
horse, since which time he has been running and breeding with moderate
success.  He now owns 50 head of this class of horses, besides about 100
head of trotters and roadsters.  In Cotswold and South Down sheep Mr.
Megibben also ranks among the leading breeders.  He made his first
importation of Costwolds in 1854.  His interest in breeding has led him
to take an active part in the different associations pertaining to the
development of these interests.  He has been President of the Harrison
County Agricultural and Mechanical Association for the past ten years.
He has also been President of the Kentucky Trotting Horse Breeders'
Association, of Lexington, Kentucky, since its organization in 1873.
Strongly in favor of gravel roads, he agitated this question, and invested
in one year $10,000 in turnpike building.  While growing in prominence as
a breeder of fine stock, he has also become on of the most liberal and
enterprising distillers of the State, and now owns in whole or in part,
and is operating six distilleries, among which is the famous Edgewater
distillery, selected as an illustration for this history.  He has at present
about 12,000 barrels of whiskey on hand.  With such a magnitude of business
on hand, it would seem there was but little time for him to devote to the
political issues of the day, yet, for the past ten or twelve years, his
name has been familiar to the people of Kentucky, as a man possession
unusual ability and tact as a politician.  He represented Harrison County
in the House of Representatives in the session of 1871-'72 and 1872-'73,
and by being always vigilant and watchful, regarding the best interest of
his constituency, and singularly prompt in devising measures best adapted
to their wants, he was very justly honored with a re-election to the
same position in the session of 1875-'76 and 1876-'77.  In 1879, he was
elected to the State Senate, and served during the sessions of 1879-'80
and 1881-'82, and is at the present time a member of that honorable body.
So extensive is the business of Mr. Megibben, and so vast his resources,
that he has extended the trade of his liquors to all parts of the United
States, and even largely to Europe; and has become the most widely known
influential distiller and short-horn breeder, who has lived in Central
Kentucky.  His liberality is by no means an uncommon subject of discussion.
Those interested in the cause of religion and education in Harrison County
and vicinity, are largely indebted to his generosity.  The poor and needy
find no cause for complaint when applying to him.  Those, however, who are
probably most largely the recipients of his favors, as that class of honest
young men who may apply to him for assistance when struggling to establish
themselves in business. Such men as Mr. Megibben will naturally be one of
the marked features of any community, and his vast business transactions
and great success have given him additional weight and distinction.  He has
always been a man of fine personal and business integrity.  His great
fortune is the legitimate result of uncommon business ability and judgment.
His whole career presents one of the finest instances of a successful self
made man, any where to be found in the history of the State. Mr. Megibben
was married in Harrison County, June 23, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth J.,
daughter of Simon and Nancy (Brown) David; the former born in Harrison
County in 1811, and died November 1849; eight children has been born to
them, four sons, James W., John T., Perry R. and David C., and four
daughters, Mary L., wife of E. W. Bramble; Mattie J., wife of J. M.
Kimbrough; Nannie W. and Birdella.  Mrs. Megibben is a lady of most
exemplary character, pleasing address, and good judgment, and well worthy
to be the life companion of one who is justly entitled to the good will
and wishes of all those who know him--the Hon. Thomas J. Megibben.

Megibben Galvin Snell Shawhan Brown David Bramble Kimbrough
=
Clermont-OH PA

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/harrison/megibben.tj.txt