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Joseph Tredway, who follows farming in Jefferson township, owning a tract of land comprising two hundred and ninety-five acres, has now passed the seventy-second milestone on life's journey, and his entire life has been passed in Coshocton county, so that he is thoroughly familiar with its history. He was born on the farm which is still his home, July 23, 1838, a son of Thomas and Ollie (Severans) Tredway, the former born in Harford county, Maryland, August 18, 1799, while the latter was born in Monongalia county, Virginia. The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in England and emigrated to the new world with his father, who died at sea. The son then continued the journey to this country alone. He had before leaving his native land learned the whitesmith or edged tool trade. Thomas Tredway, the father of our subject, was reared to farm life in Maryland and came to Coshocton county in 1817 when a youth of eighteen years. He eventually located on a farm on the Walhounding river, which is now known as the Joseph Warren place. Later he took up his abode on the farm which the son now owns. This was at that time covered with timber but with characteristic energy the father undertook the work of clearning the land and he also erected a small log cabin, having neither doors nor windows during the first winter that it was occupied by the family. The father also took a deep interest in the improvement of the county, and despite the fact that he had much work to do on his home place he assisted in the erection of the church, which is still standing near the village of Mohawk. He was a very devoted member of this church for forty-two years, and each Sunday was found in his place at the service and also at the weekly prayer meeting. He spent almost his entire life on his home farm and for a long period was engaged in general agricultural pursuits He replaced the log cabin with a brick residence, which was one of the first to be built in the neighborhood. He was an old-time whig and upon the organization of the new republican party gave his support to its men and measures He was highly respected in the community and at his death, which occurred May 15, 1881, the community mourned the loss of one who was much beloved and respected. The mother preceded him to the home beyond many years previously, her death occurring in 1840, and their remains lie buried in Blooming Grove cemetery. Their family numbered nine children: Mahala, Elizabeth, Mary and Sarah, all of whom are now deceased; R. H., a retired farmer; Crispen, who has departed this life; Joseph, of this review; and John and James H., also deceased. After the death of the wife and mother the father married a second time, this union being with Mrs. Mary (Dennis) Clarke, by whom he had three children: G. S., of Coshocton; Frank, a resident of Springfield, Ohio; and William Harvey, deceased. Joseph Tredway was educated in a log schoolhouse in Jefferson township and was reared to farm life. He shared with the other members of the family in the hardships and privations which had to be endured, owing to the unsettled condition of the country. He assisted in the development and improvement of the home farm until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted as a member of Company G. One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment, and going to the front did valiant and loyal service but was discharged on account of disability. Following his return from the war he resumed farming pursuits and in due course of time was numbered among the substantial farmers of this section of the state. He is now the owner of the homestead property, this place comprising two hundred and ninety-five acres of rich and arable land situated in Jefferson township. He is here engaged in general agricultural pursuits and in his undertakings is meeting with excellent success. He also owns realty in Portland, Oregon, and in Rapid City, Dakota. Mr. Tredway was married in 1870 to Miss Mary W. Clarke, of Coshocton, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Bertha A., the wife of Claud Clarke, of East Union, Ohio; Edward, who is on the home farm; Wilbur, who has departed this life; Wilma, the wife of James S. Clarke, of Warsaw; and Laura O., who is engaged in teaching and is at home. Mr. Tredway gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party and is a member of Newton Stanton Post, G. A. R., while his wife is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. Over the record of his life there falls no shadow of wrong, for he has ever been most loyal to the ties of friendship and citizenship and his history well deserves mention in the annals of his native state.
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