Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, 1912


Kough Family Biography

The Koughs of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, spring from a German progenitor on both paternal and maternal sides. The Koughs and Koffmans both came from Germany, while the Cox family came from Scotland. Grandfather Kough emigrated to the United States and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Grandfather Koffman, also an emigrant from Germany, settled in Fayette county. John Kough married Rebecca McNealy, of Scotch-Irish descent. They left issue including a son Jacob, of whom further. (II) Jacob, son of John Kough, was born at West Overton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was killed in a mine accident in the autumn of 1897, being then about fifty-four years of age, He was a coal miner, a hard working, industrious man, providing well for his wife and children. He married Mary Koffman, born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, who survives him. She is the daughter of John Koffman, born in Germany, coming when a young man to Western Pennsylvania, and settling in Fayette county. He married Rebecca Cox, of Scotch descent. Children of Jacob Kough: Charles C., now a photographer at Riverside, California; Anna, married Mr. Phillips and resides at Scottdale, Pennsylvania; Rebecca, married Herbert Boyd, superintendent of the Adelaide Coke Works of Fayette county; Oliver C., of whom further; Frank R., a photographer of Mount Vernon, Pennsylvania; Eva, married James Eastep, of McKeesport. Pennsylvania. (III) Oliver C., son of Jacob and Mary (Koffman) Kough, was born in Bullskin township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, April 20. 1873. He attended the public school until he was twelve years of age, and then, as is so often the case with the children of miners, went into the mines to assist his father. He was a capable boy and showed such aptitude for the work that he was soon promoted from the simple tasks of a boy to better positions. He worked for several years in the mines as did his brothers. In 1893 he determined on a different business and came to Uniontown, where he entered a photographic studio, remaining until he had mastered the art of photography. He then opened a gallery at Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1901, gaining experience and perfecting his art. He then returned to Uniontown where he succeeded McClellan Leonard in his well established business, Mr. Kough has been very successful and stands among the best photographic artists of the county. He has a well fitted, modern studio, is a good judge of pose and thoroughly understands the delicate secrets of artistic success. He is a member of National, State and County Photographers ' associations and keeps fully abreast of all modern discoveries in his art. He is a Republican, and with his wife a member of the Baptist church and active in its work. He married, June 27, 1897, Ella, daughter of Alfred M., and Caroline (Mitchell) Springer. Children: Eleanor H.; Jerrold, deceased; Othello S.; Isabella and Pauline.

Source: Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1912.





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