Arnold Medberry was born ,in New Berlin Chenango county, New York, March 24, 1806. He came to Roscoe in the fall of 1832, and remained a citizen of float place until his death, August 12, 1861. During this time he was one of the most prominent businessmen of the region. His farming, milling, merchandising, and connection with the public works, were features of the locality where carried on. Indomitable energy and ceaseless activity were his characteristics. He was undaunted before that which would have made many quail. He thought nothing of taking his buggy, riding thirty miles to Mt. Vernon, and then taking the ears, thus reaching Cleveland in a few hours. Losing two flour-mills by fire, he within a few hours had amtters all arranged for building yet a third. A zealous politician, he yet had little desire for office. He was, however, postmaster of Roscoe for many years, and was also county commissioner. When the public works of the state, with which from the first he had been thoroughly acquainted, were offered for lease, he was one of the principal lessees, and continued in that relation until his death. A single anecdote illustrates his keen discernment and disposition to have the best in every line attainable. A wagon-maker having built him a wagon, called for his inspection and acceptance of it. He discovered, by close examination, a few places stopped up and made to appear smooth and good by putty. The wagon-maker protested that there was no real defect ; that in fact the parts where the putty was, were as strong as any, and would do just as good work. " Very good, then," said Medberry, with his accustomed twinkle of the eye, "just you keep this wagon, and make me another all out of putty, and we will then see whether putty is as strong as oak." Severe requirement was the rule with him in his relations to his employees, and what he thus demanded he was ready to yield to those having rightful claims.
His personal appearance was fine ; his manner calm and stately, but withal kind.
His wife, who had been Miss Phoebe Denman, survived him several years, dying at the home of her daughter in Kansas. His two sons died in each case as they were approaching manhood. Two of his daughters are living in Kansas, the other in Columbus.



 

Source:  Historical Collections of Coshocton County Ohio 1764-1876
Author: William E Hunt, pub. 1876