James Renfrew, one of the earliest merchants on Coshocton county, and for a few years county treasurer, and otherwise connected with public affairs, was born at Lisburn, county Antrim, Ireland, in 1767.  He brought to America a healthy body, a strong mind, and a little of this world's goods, which were steadily increased until his death.  He commenced keeping store in Coshocton about 1815.  In 1820, while in Pittsburg, whither he was in the habit of going for goods, he married Mrs. Johnson, a widowed sister of old Dr. Kerr, of the A. R. Presbyterian church in that city.  The children of this woman found in Mr. Renfrew a most worthy step-father.   He was an admirable counselor and helper while living, and a generous friend when dying.  Both himself and his wife were most zealous Presbyterians, and sought to have all connected with them honor the Lord.  Beside the Johnsons (John, Jos. K., and Wm.) Robert Hay was an object of Mr. Renfrew's interest and business training, and always spoke in highest terms of him.  Wm. Renfrew (quite prominent as a merchant and otherwise) and James Renfrew, Jr., were children of Mr. Renfrew by a connection formed prior to his coming to Coshocton.  He had no children by the widow Johnson.  Mr. Renfrew died in 1832, being in his sixty-fifth year.

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