My Genealogy Hound

A. ROUTSON, merchant; P. O. and residence, Covington. Among the old reliable business enterprises of Covington is that known as “Routson’s Store.” Mr. Routson is a native of Maryland, was born in 1825; his youth was spent on a farm; his parents resided in Pennsylvania, and later, in Shelby Co., Ohio. When 15 years of age he came to Covington, first learned the tailor’s trade, then carried on a tailoring establishment, gradually accumulating a little stock. In 1844, Dr. Harrison became a partner, and they added a stock of dry goods, groceries, etc., thus establishing a store of general merchandise, which Mr. R. has continued to operate ever since. Mr. Routson came to Covington in 1840, a poor boy, learned a trade and gradually worked his way up, until the firm, now consisting of A. Routson and W. O. Routson, under the style of A. Routson & Son, are doing the largest business in Covington, aggregating about $60,000 per annum, which speaks more praise for his enterprise and business ability than pen can express. He has also been identified with other business enterprises, having been connected with aware house for a time, and was one of the new company which re-organized the Stillwater Valley Bank in 1879; is now one of its Board of Directors, and also Vice President. Nor is the business of Covington the only matter of public importance in which he has taken interest, and with which he has been identified; he has united the qualities of a business man and those of a Christian citizen; has been connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church here for upward of twenty years, and is now one of its main supporters. His residence, situated on High street, is a large two-story brick, elegantly furnished and pleasantly located. He was married in 1846 to Miss Martha Clarke, a native of Virginia, but at that time a resident of Covington; her death occurred June 2, 1868; they had seven children, four of whom are now living— Mary Bell (now the wife of J. T. Bartmass, Superintendent of the Tippecanoe High School), William O. (now associated with his father), H. W. B. (now assisting in the store), and Miss Mattie E. Mr. Routson’s second marriage was with Miss S. M. Bierly, daughter of Joseph Bierly, who is also a resident of Covington.