Thomas 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, 1841, 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 Fernow, 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 born 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.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)