| Contributor::
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Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 6 November 2005 |
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The History of Warren County Ohio Part V. Biographical Sketches Salem Township (Chicago, IL: W. H. Beers Co, 1882; reprint, Mt. Vernon, IN: Windmill Publications, 1992) |
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JAMES SKINNER COUDEN, retired banker, etc., Morrow, son of John and Susan (Skinner) Couden; was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Nov. 30, 1816 ; he came with his parents to Warren Co., Ohio, about the year 1823, and settled in what is now Washington Township. On Jan. 29, 1825, his father was accidentally killed by a falling tree, while engaged in clearing off a piece of land. The care of the family, consisting of five boys, then devolved upon the mother; James was then 8 years old; he continued to work on the farm for his mother until he was 18 years old, when he engaged with Wilcocks & Co., of Warren Co., Ohio, manufacturers of wheat fans; he traveled through the country for said firm during the summer, selling the wheat fans, and during the winter would sell clocks; he remained in the employ of this firm about three years, during which time he saved from his wages about $1,000, and with this money he engaged in the manufacture of the wheat fans, and buying and selling clocks on his own account, keeping from two to three wagons on the road all the time; he carried on this business until about the year 1850, when he discontinued his shop. After settling up his business, which took him about three years, dealing some in stock in the mean time. At this period he purchased what was known as the Whitaker Mills, which he |
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still owns and runs. Besides running the mill, he has been engaged in banking, and has done a general trading business; he also ran a distillery from 1857 to 1864; he was married in August, 1839, to Ann Tea. They have had twelve children, of whom seven are still living, viz., Susan, Mary Etta, Alfred N., Harriet, Theodore, Oscar and James. He was one of the charter members of Morrow Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M. Mr. Couden started in life with the determination to build up a character and reputation above reproach, which he has done successfully; he has always been a hard-working, industrious man, and now in his 66th year, is quite active, although he does now perform any manual labor. Alfred N. Couden was born Aug. 7, 1843; he worked on the farm with his father, attending school during the winter terms, until 25 years old; since then has devoted his attention to milling; he was married Oct. 15, 1868, to Prudence A. Brant, daughter of Abraham and Hester (Jeffries) Brant. They have two children— Frank M. and Grace A. Mrs. Prudence Couden was born in this county Aug. 28, 1846; her father was a native of New Jersey and her mother of Virginia. They came to Ohio and settled in Warren Co. as early as 1814. Alfred Couden is a Past Grand of Morrow Lodge, No. 116. Also a Past Chief Patriarch of Salem Encampment, No. 208, I. O. O. F. He is also Treasurer of the lodge. During the late rebellion, he served in the 146th O. N. G. during the 100-days service. Theodore Couden was born Aug. 22, 1848; he also was raised on the farm and received his primary education in the district schools. At the age of 19, he entered college at Delaware, Ohio, where he remained two years, taking an irregular course. In 1871, he entered his father's bank, as Cashier, which position he has and is still faithfully filling; he has obtained his knowledge of banking by his own personal application and perseverance; he was married Oct. 27, 1870, to Clara A., daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Lee) Brant. Their children are Lucy B., Clem V. and Edgar. Mrs. Theodore Couden was born in this county Jan. 28, 1850. Theodore Couden is a Past Grand of Morrow Lodge, No.116, I. O. O., F. He is a Master Mason of Morrow Lodge, No. 265, a member of Morrow Chapter, No. 153, R. A. M.; also a Sir Knight of Miami Commandery, No. 22, of Lebanon. |
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This page created 6 November 2005 and last updated
12 October, 2008
© 2005 Arne H Trelvik
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