the oldest son of Phren(sic) and Eliza Bowman Metham named Henry, was born in old Philadelphia being brought while a baby to Coshocton County. He was while a resident hereabouts, a well esteemed neighbor and citizen, holding the office of justice of the peace and other minor but important positions. He moved to Dent County, Missouri and there died some ten or twelve years ago.
A sister became the wife of Mr. John Moore, and mother of Dr. Moore of Warsaw. The whole connection has been of the solid, forceful and useful sort that goes far in building up a community and keeping it creditable.
A great-grandmother of Mrs. Moore, who is now 80 years of age, attained to 106, and a grandfather on the mother's side died at 97.
Col. Pren Metham, now about 74 years old, gave his early years after obtaining such an education as the neighborhood afforded, to farming. In 1861 -the fall- he enlisted in the 80th Regiment O.V.I. There seems to have been a vein of fighting blood in the stock whence he sprang. His grandfather (Metham) was in the British Navy at the time of the American Revolution, and his maternal grandfather Bowman was in the American Rebel army at the same time. Two uncles were in the War of 1812.
Pren, soon after enlisting in 1861 was commissioned second lieutenant, and a little later was made captain, he having recuited a company. When Major Dick Lanning was killed in the battle of Corinth, Miss. he was promoted to rank of Major. After the death of Col. Barteson he succeeded to his place. He was, while in the service engaged at Paducah, Jonesboro, Corinth, Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion Hills, Chatanooga, Lookout Mountain, winding up with Sherman's march to the sea and coming on to Washington. He was in Ford's theatre the night Lincoln was assinated(sic).
After the War Mr. Metham returned to his farm. He was soon actively engaged with Judge Hurd in operations in line of railroad building and coal mining development. One of the stations on the C.A.& C Railway was in recognition of his services and in his honor named Metham. New railroad brakemen usually sound it "Metem" and facetious travellers want to know "who we've met." But whether facetiously used or otherwise, the name will be a familiar one and honored one to all Coshocton people, whatever becomes of the railroad.
Mr. Metham in 1854 married Miss Sarah A. Proudfit of Scotch ancestry, and she became the mother of six children: Alvia, Austin, Lincoln, John Pren, Ella and Gertrude. I felt sure before meeting the list that on it would certainly be Pren and Lincoln. Looking at his record, what reader of this not wish Mr. Metham a comfortable and happy home in his old age, and better things beyond?"
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