THOMAS COVINGTON
Page 438
THOMAS COVINGTON
Page 438
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THOMAS COVINGTON. Although Mason County has much in the way of natural resources as commercial transactions to commend it to the public at large, the chief interest centers upon the lives of this citizens who have achieved success for themselves and at the same time benefited the community in which they reside, Prominent among these men is he whose named heads this sketch. He is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Havana, and as one of the early pioneers took an active part in laying the foundation for the present prosperity if this community. Thomas and Elizabeth (Nichols) Covington, the parents of our subject, were natives respectively of Maryland and Kentucky. In an early day, the father located in Dearborn County, Ind., where he was engaged in farming, and in politics voted the Whig ticket. Thomas, of this sketch, was born in the above county in Indiana, November 8, 1826, and there spent his boyhood days engaged in attending the district schools and aiding his father in cultivating the farm. In 1848 our subject came to Mason County and located at Quiver Mills, where he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, which he followed for a number of years. Four years later he came to Havana and opened up a furniture establishment, which he has conducted successfully to the present time. He carries a full line of furniture and undertaking supplies and is devoting his entire time and attention to this line of business. He is a genial, open hearted gentleman, ready at all times to do what wealth and good feeling can accomplish, both is business and social circles. In 1849 Mr. Covington and Miss Christiana, daughter of Daniel Dieffenbacher, were united in marriage. The latter was born in Columbia County, Pa., August 7, 1803, and when twenty-four years of age was married to Catherine Long, whose birth occurred in that county September 3, 1808. Daniel Dieffenbacher, in the fall of 1837, came to Mason County and located in Havana Township, where he engaged in farming and soon ranked among the well-to-do agriculturists of this section until his decease. He was a very public spirited man and served as one of the School Directors of his district and also sat on the first grand jury in this county, which was in 1841. He identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1839. The mother of Mrs. Covington died November 4, 1860. Our subject and his wife have become the parents of one son and three daughters, namely: Luella, now Mrs. S. E. Kirk; Eva, the wife of Samuel Bivens, of Beatrice, Neb.; Agnes, who is at home, and Oliver D., who is Assistant Cashier of the First National Bank if this city. Socially, Mr. Covington is an Odd Fellow. He belongs to Mason Lodge No. 143, in which order he has held all the chairs, and is a member of the State Encampment No. 34, I. O. O. F. He is also a Knight of Honor, in which body he takes great interest. He is not an active participant in political affairs other than to vote the Republican ticket, preferring to give his attention to his business. He is respected, as his merits deserve, by all who are acquainted with his character and attainments. |