The Andrew John Cusac Family Newsletter--Issue 13

The Andrew John Cusac Family Newsletter
Issue 13

This is an electronic newsletter for those looking for information on the family or descendants of Andrew John Cusac (about 1750 - about 1816)

Send comments, questions, photographs or information to:
skratze@wcnet.org
skratze@bgnet.bgsu.edu

6. Andrew Cusac’s eulogy

“Attached articles are from the Zanesville newspaper regarding my great uncle. He died 1-1/2 years before I was born.

I knew that he had committed suicide and my mother always said he wasn’t quite right after the fall on the ice. His first wife had died in 1922 and I don’t think the family thought too much of him remarrying as I don’t remember anyone talking about that. I was also surprised when I read that he lived on Findley Avenue which he must have bought when he married the second time.”

Andrew was born about 1860 in Newton Twp, Muskingum Co, OH and died 25 May 1924 Zanesville, Muskingum Co, OH. He was the son of James Cusac and Hannah Brumage. He married Maggie E Savage 06 July 1887 in Muskingum Co, OH. She was born about 1868 and died 15 November 1922 in Muskingum Co, OH. He remarried Mary
Cochrell in Cadillac, Michigan just days prior to his death. Both Andrew and his first wife Mary are buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Zanesville, Muskingum Co, OH.

RELATIVES OF A.P. CUSAC TRYING TO LOCATE HIM IN WHEELING

No information as to the whereabout of Andrew P. Cusac, aged 64 years, secretary and treasurer of the Wiles Wholesale Grocery Co., who disappeared from here Friday morning, was received by relatives or the police Saturday.

H.W. Cochrell, a brother of Mrs. Cusac, arrived in this city from Brooklyn, N.Y., at 9 o’clock Saturday morning and is endeavoring to locate his brother-in-law. Mr. Cochrell could give no reason for Cusac’s absence.

Grant Cusac, a brother of the missing man, came here from Columbus Saturday morning and left early via bus lines over the East pike in the hope that he might be able to locate the different places his brother stopped or changed cars.

According to report to local officers a man believed to be Mr. Cusac was last seen in Wheeling Friday afternoon when he left a bus there. This information was received from the bus driver who had no knowledge of what became of him after he ceased to be a passenger on the bus.

It is understood that Mr. Cusac had little money with him when he disappeared Friday morning. In the letter received by his wife it is said there was a check enclosed which gave her all the money her husband had in the bank.

Officials of the Wiles Grocery Co. stated Saturday morning that when Mr. Cusac started on his wedding trip to Cadillac, Mich., he had in his possession $250 and after his return here last Wednesday evening he did not take his pay checks which were awaiting him at the time of his disappearance.

As an aid in identifying the missing man, the following description is give. About five feet six inches in height, weight about 140 pounds, smooth face, iron-grey hair, slightly bald, wore dark soft felt hat, white pleated bosom shirt, dark tie, dark blue suit, dark shoes and black top coat.

Mrs. Cusac is in a serious condition at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Wedge, and, as the result of her husband’s absence, was confined to her room when a Signal reporter called at the Wedge home on South Sixth street early Saturday afternoon. Her brother, Howard Cochrell, was visiting her at that time and she was not disturbed by the reporter. It is said that Mr. Cochrell expects to return to his home in Brooklyn, N.Y., Saturday evening.

Saturday 10 May 1924 Zanesville Signal, The (Zanesville, Ohio) p. 1

Andrew P. Cusac. Secretary-treasurer o the Wiles Grocery Company of this city mysteriously disappeared from the city Friday evening leaving behind notes that he is perhaps not clear memory as a probable result of an injury to his head a few months ago when he fell upon an icy pavement. Mr. Cusac is 64 years of age, is 5 feet and 6 inches in height, weighs 143 pounds, is smooth faced, has iron grey hair and is slightly bald. When he disappeared he wore a dark blue suit, soft black felt hat, black topcoat and black shoes. Was last seen in St. Clairsville last Friday afternoon. I reward of $200. is offered for information as to his whereabouts. The reward will be paid at the Wiles Grocery Company, North Third Street, Zanesville.

Relatives and friends of Andrew P. Cusac, secretary and treasurer of the Wiles Wholesale Grocery Co., who disappeared from his home here Friday morning, are contemplating offering a reward for any information which may lead to his whereabouts. The amount of the reward and other details will be arranged Monday.

J. Herman Wiles, president of the Wiles Co., stated Saturday night that circulars bearing a photograph and general description of Mr. Cusac, will be sent out Monday morning by Chief of Police John Arter and it is hoped that by this method he might be located.

Mr. Cusac is well known throughout southeastern Ohio and many persons claim they have seen him since he left Zanesville Friday morning. He is said to have taken a bus on the East pike, near the Sonora road, at 11 o’clock Friday and gone to Cambridge. It has also been reported that he boarded another eastbound bus from Cambridge and was later seen in Wheeling, W. Va.

Grant Cusac, a brother of the missing man, left Zanesville Saturday morning in the hope that he might secure some information as to his whereabouts but at a late hour Saturday night he had sent no information to anxious relatives and friends here.

11 May 1924 Sunday Times Signal (Zanesville, Ohio) p. 1

MISSING GROOM FOUND

NEWARK, O., May 12. – Andrew P. Cusack, the 64-year-old bridegroom who departed from his home in Zanesville last Friday was identified by Joseph Coelho, a restaurant proprietor, here this morning and returned to his home. Cusac was in a state of extreme nervousness when he arrived at the Warden hotel last night and registered.

Monday 12 May 1924 Coshocton Tribune (Coshocton, Ohio) p. 1

MISSING MAN FOUND

ZANESVILLE- The search for Andrew P. Cusac, 65, secretary-treasurer of the Wiles Wholesale Grocery Co., ended today when he returned to his home after being found in a dazed condition in New York. He disappeared Friday.

Monday 12 May 1924 Lima News (Lima, Ohio) p. 3

Reaches Zanesville on 9:45 Interurban in Dazed Condition-

A.P. Cusac, local man who was found in Newark, O., and returned to his home here early Monday morning, after having been mysteriously missing from the city for the past three days, was removed to Bethesda hospital shortly before noon Monday where he was reported as resting easily Monday afternoon. Attending physicians slated his condition did not appear critical and he will be given a complete rest. An operation is not anticipated.

Andrew P. Cusac, aged 64, secretary and treasurer at the Wiles Wholesale Grocery Co., who has been missing from his home here since last Friday morning, returned to Zanesville at 9:45 o’clock Monday morning over the interurban car which left there at 8:25 o’clock. Mr. Cusac was placed on the car at Newark by Joe Coehlo former manager of the Kuster restaurant here, who saw him Monday morning in the Warden hotel, Newark.

Mr. Coelho immediately telephoned the Wiles Grocery Col of ? adding Mr. Cusac and was instructed by William Wiles to place him under the care of the Newark police This Mr. Coelho declined to do, but gave instructions to the conductor and motorman of the ?r that under no circumstances should they permit Mr. Cusac to leave the car until he arrived at the interurban station in Zanesville.

The train crew claim that they had no trouble with Mr. Cusac while en route to Zanesville and he did not attempt to leave the car until it arrived at Fifth and Main street in this city. He was prevented from leaving the car by J.T. Miller, of the Munson Music Co., who boarded the interurban at Sec-?g and Main streets.

“I am a physical and financial wreck”, sobbed Mr. Cusac to J.T. Miller, who boarded the interurban at Second street on its arrival here Monday morning. Tears coursed down his cheeks as he made this declaration.

“I don’t know,” he replied, “I must have wandered about a good deal and don’t remember where I went. I cam to myself in Newark Monday morning and I want to go home.”

When asked if he wanted to see his wife, Mr. Cusac again burst into tears and asked where she was. Mr. Cusac was met at the interurban station by William Wiles, of the Wiles Wholesale Grocery Co., who, accompanied by Mr. Miller, took Mr. Cusac to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Wedge, South Sixth street, where Mrs. Cusac has been staying since the disappearance of her husband last Friday morning.

On entering the Wedge home Mr. Cusac was greeted by Mrs. Wedge to whom he presented his hand. Mrs. Cusac was in her room at that time and Mr. Cusac was taken there immediately.

When he got off the interurban car at Sixth street Monday morning, Mr. Cusac seemed dazed and several times placed his hand to his head as if in pain. He was pale and haggard and appeared extremely weak and was led to the families automobile by Mr. Miller and Mr. Wiles.

Edgar Miller, a son of J.T. Miller and an employe(e) of the Munson Music Co., was in Newark Monday and saw Mr. Coelho after he had recognized Mr. Cusac. He immediately telephoned the information to his father here and stated that Mr. Cusac had started for this city.

When Mr. Miller boarded the car at Second and Main street, Mr. Cusac recognized him and began crying. When the car arrived at Fifth and Main street, he insisted on getting off the car at that point, but was restrained by Mr. Miller, who told him Mr. Wiles was waiting for him at Sixth street. It is thought he might have contemplated taking one of the buses at Fifth street.

After arriving at the Wedge home, Mr Cusac told William Wiles that he remembered leaving Zanesville early Friday morning and walking up Greenwood avenue and out the East pike. He says he boarded a bus at the Sonora road and went from there to Cambridge, then to St. Clairsville and finally arriving in Pittsburg Saturday morning. He left that city Saturday night and spent Sunday night at the Warden hotel in Newark. Mr. Cusac was unable to state what caused him to leave Zanesville Friday morning.

Relatives and friends state that Mr. Cusac is mentally unbalanced and it will be necessary for him to take a long rest before his mental and physical condition is again restored. He is no doubt suffering from the effects of injures sustained in a fall on the ice during the past winter.

Mr. Cusac spent Sunday night in the Warden hotel at Newark, O., where he registered early Sunday evening as “A.P.Cusac, of Zanesville.” He arose early Monday morning and went to the dining room of the hotel, where he was eating his breakfast at 6:45 o’clock Monday morning when recognized by Joseph Coelho, former manager of the Kuster restaurant in this city, and now manager of the Warden hotel in Newark. Mr. Cusac had no baggage when he registered at the Newark hotel.

Mr. Coelho did not speak to Mr. Cusac immediately but had the waiters delay his service until he had telephoned the Wiles Grocery Co, in this city. When Mr. Cusac came from the dining hall he was met at the door by Mr. Coelho who asked him if he was not Mr. Cusac of Zanesville.

“Er-ye-yes,” answered the missing man who seemed dazed by the question and very nervous.

Mr. Coelho, not wishing to excite his patron, stated his own identity and began talking of business conditions in this city. He asked about his former restaurant in Zanesville and then directed a very pointed catch question about the death of a prominent business man of the city whom Mr. Coelho knew had not passed away. Mr. Cusac seemed to understand the question slightly but did not appear excited by the startling announcement, stating that he had been absent from the city for several days and did not know just what was happening in Zanesville.

Mr. Coelho talked to him further on several personal matters but did not mention the fact that Mr. Cusac was being searched for by a great number of local parties or that a reward had been offered for his return.

After conversing for several moments Mr. Cusac stated that he wished to return to Zanesville and asked about interurban connections between the two cities. He was informed that a car would be leaving at 8:25 o’clock and expressed a desire to come here on that interurban.

Mr. Coelho, who had already notified the Wiles Grocery Col, in this city of Mr. Cusac’s whereabouts, did not attempt to hinder him and placed him on the interurban, telling the conductor who Mr. Cusac was and requesting that he get safe transportation to this city.

As soon as Mr. Cusac had departed Mr. Coelho again telephoned the Wiles Co. and made arrangement to have the interurban met here by friends of Mr. Cusac.

A party of representatives of the Wiles Co. left the city in automobiles for Newark shortly after the first telephone call Monday morning but did not reach the Licking county seat until Mr. Cusac had been started on his way home. They returned to Zanesville immediately.

Rewards for information concerning Mr. Cusac had been offered totaling #350. Of this amount $300 reward was offered by the Wiles Grocery Col, and $50 by the Brotherhood Bible class of the Central Prebsyterian Sunday school of which Mr. Cusac was president.

Mr. Cusac left his new home on Findley avenue last Friday morning about 6 o’clock mailing a special delivery letter to his wife, postmarked 7 o’clock that morning, telling her he was leaving and not to search for him. A similar letter was left for the Wiles Grocery Co. with which he was connected.

He was married on Thursday, May 1 to Miss Mary Cochrell at Cadillac, Mich., and he and his bride reached this city only last Wednesday going to their new home on Thursday. He had been traced to Wheeling where all clue was lost.

Andrew P. Cusac, secretary-treasurer of the Wiles Grocery company, North Third Street, who mysteriously disappeared from this city last Friday morning after writing his bride of one week stating that he was „broken physically, mentally and financially‰ returned to the city at 9:45 o‚clock Monday morning on a C. N. & Z. interurban car from Newark. Mr. Cusac, who was in a very depressed mental condition and very weak physically was met at the interurban station by William Wiles, a member of the Wiles Company, and was accompanied to the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Wedge on South Sixth Street where his wife awaited him. It was very apparent that Mr. Cusac was greatly in need of medical attention and rest and shortly after his arrival in the city he was taken to the Bethesda Hospital where it was stated at a late hour Monday night that his condition was satisfactory.

The attending physician stated Monday evening that an x-ray examination would be made this morning to determine the possible connection between Mr. Cusac‚s present condition and the injury to his head suffered some months ago on icy pavement.

Mr. Cusac was recognized Monday morning in the Warden Hotel, Newark, early Monday morning by Joseph Coelho, manager, who was formerly connected with the Kuster restaurant in this city and he knows Mr. Cusac by sight. While Mr. Cusac was being served Mr. Coelho notified the Wiles Grocery Company in this city that the missing man had been located and representatives of the company left for Newark but before they arrived Mr. Cusac had boarded an interurban car for Zanesville, but not before Mr. Coelho had notified the motorman and conductor not to permit him to leave the car until met by friends in this city.

J. T. Miller of the Munson Music Company was the first Zanesville friend to greet Mr. Cusac. Mr. Miller had been notified by his son, Edgar, who was in Newark, that Mr. Cusac was enroute to the city and would arrive on the 9:45 interurban car. With this information Mr. Miller boarded the car at Second Street. He found Mr. Cusac in a sadly depressed state of mind and apparently on the verge of physical collapse. The sick man insisted that he wanted to go home and that he wanted to go to the post office but Mr. Miller induced him to continue to the interurban station from where he was conducted to his wife.

Mr. Cusac is not clear as to why he left the city or just where he went. He says he remembers being in Pittsburg Saturday. He does not know why he went to Newark and because of his physical condition and mental condition, he was not pressed for an explanation, such information as was gained from him being volunteered.

Friends are hopeful that complete rest will soon restore Mr. Cusac both physically and mentally.

Times Recorder, The (Zanesville, Ohio) Tuesday 13 May 1924

This article courtesy of Janice Gonzalez

Andrew P. Cusac, aged 64, secretary and treasurer of the Wiles Grocery Co. and prominent citizen, committed suicide about 7 o’clock Sunday morning by drowning himself in the Licking river at the head of Keen street. The body was found by the police a short time after he entered the water. Two young boys, Edgar and Fred Norris saw him entered the water and at once gave the alarm. Patrolmen Niebel, Simpson and Himmelspach recovered the body.

Several days ago Mr. Cusac mysteriously disappeared and was later found in a restaurant in Newark and returned to this city. He seemed dazed at that time and was admitted to the Bethesda hospital for treatment, but was dismissed from that institution last Wednesday and since that time had been at his home on Findley avenue.

Mr. Cusac arose shortly after 6 o’clock Sunday morning and told his wife he intended going to the cellar to start a fire in the furnace. When he failed to return to the upper part of the house within a reasonable length of time his wife became alarmed and on investigating found that he had left the house.

The Norris brothers claim they saw Mr. Cusac walking in the direction of the Licking river about 7 o’clock Sunday morning while they were on their way to the stream to fish. A few minutes after they had set their poles they heard a splash and saw a man standing in the river with his head under the water. The police were at once notified and the officers found the body a short distance below where he had entered the stream. He had removed his hat, coat and vest before entering the water. The body was taken to the Mader Undertaking parlors and prepared for burial and was removed to the late home on Findley avenue Monday.

Mr. Cusac was a native of Fultonham, but had been a resident of Zanesville for many years. He had been connected with the Wiles Grocery Co., for the past 42 years and was well known and highly respected. He was a prominent member of the Central Presbyterian church, being a member of the board of elders and president of the Brotherhood Bible class of the Sunday school.

Mr. Cusac is survived by his widow, who was formerly Miss Mary Cochrell of Cadillac, Mich., to whom he was married on May 1, and two brothers and two sisters: Grant Cusac of Columbus; M. Arthur Cusac of Chicago; Mrs. Lulu Rowles of Columbus, and Mrs. Grant Roberts of Fultonham.

The funeral will be conducted at the home at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon by the Rev. Mr. Whallon of the Central Presbyterian church and interment will be made in Greenwood cemetery. Both funeral services and burial will be private. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers. Those desiring to view the body may do so by calling at the home Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

A.P. CUSAC ENDS LIFE BY DROWNING

Disappeared From Home on Findley Avenue About 6:30 O’Clock and Apparently Went Directly to River – Had Been in Failing Health for Some Time-

Andrew P. Cusac, 64, secretary-treasurer of the Wiles Grocery company, who two weeks ago mysteriously disappeared from his home at 35 Findley avenue and was located three days later in Newark, committed suicide Sunday morning by drowning in the Licking river at the head of Keen street. He was seen to enter the water about 7 o’clock by two small boys, Edgar and Fred Norris who immediately gave the alarm and his body was recovered within a half an hour by Patrolmen Niebel, Simpson and Himmelspach.

Following his disappearance and subsequent return to this city Mr. Cusac was a patient at Bethesda hospital until Wednesday of last week when he was brought to his home. Friends had thought that his depressed mental condition might have been the result of an injury to his head suffered in a fall on an icy pavement last winter and had hoped that his condition would yield to treatment and a complete rest. These hopes were shattered Sunday morning by the report that he had again disappeared followed shortly by the news that his body had been found in the Licking river.

Mr. Cusac arose shortly after 6 o’clock Sunday morning and announced that he intended to go to the basement to start a fire in the furnace. When he failed to return to the upper part of the house within a reasonable time his wife investigated and learned that he had left the house. Friends were notified and in a short time news of the discovery of his body in the Licking river was received.

The Norris boys saw Mr. Cusac on Keen street walking in the direction of the river at about 7 o’clock while they were on their way to the stream to fish. A Few minutes after they had set their poles they heard a slight splash in the river about them and upon investigating, report that they saw a man standing out in the river with his head under water. The boys, too small to attempt to rescue the man, ran for help and within a few minutes a call was sent for police assistance. Patrollmen Niebel, Simpson and Himmelspach responded promptly and soon had located and removed the body from the water. Mr. Cusac was standing upright as the boys had reported, and was so near the shore that his body was recovered without the use of a boat. The body had been carried a short distance down stream by the current.

Before entering the water Mr. Cusac placed his hat, coat and vest on the shore and had apparently walked into the river until he reached a depth in which he could drown. The body which was identified by means of a note book found in the pocket of the coat, was removed to the Mader undertaking parlors to be prepared for burial after the family had been notified of the tragedy. The remains will be taken to the late home today.

In addition to his widow, formerly Miss Mary Cochrell of Cadillac, Mich., whom he married less that one month ago, Mr. Cusac is survived by two brothers and two sisters, Grant Cusac of Columbus, Arthur Cusac of Chicago, Mrs. Lulu Rowles of Columbus, and Mrs. Grant Roberts of Fultonham.

Funeral services will be conducted at the late home, 35 Findley avenue, at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon by Dr. W. L. Whallon, pastor, of the Central Presbyterian church. The services and burial which will be made in Greenwood cemetery, will be private, but friends wishing to call at the residence may do so Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.

The tragic death of Mr. Cusac comes as an inexpressible shock to countless friends by whom he was held in the highest esteem. He had been connected with the Wiles Grocery company for nearly 42 years and had endeared himself to all with whom he was associated. He was a prominent member of the Central Presbyterian church, being a member of the board of elders and president of the Brotherhood of that congregation. He was form many years an active worker in the Sunday school where his example and precept were potent influences for good.

Monday 26 May 1924 Times Recorder, The (Zanesville, Ohio) p.1

This article courtesy of Janice Gonzalez

The funeral of Andrew P. Cusac, secretary and treasurer of the Wiles Wholesale Grocery Co., who committed suicide Sunday morning by drowning himself in the Licking river, was conducted at the late home on Findley avenue at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon by the Rev. Mr. Whallon of the Central Presbyterian church. Interment was made in Greenwood cemetery. Both funeral services and burial were private.

The Brotherhood Bible class of the Central Presbyterian church held a memorial service Sunday morning for A. P. Cusac, who for more that three years prior to his death had been president of the class: having been the founder and teacher for many years.

Short talks eulogizing Mr. Cusac were made by W.W. Roach, J.T. Miller, Robert Thompson, Elmer Livergood, W.N. Neikirk, C.W. Bradshaw and B.V. Thompson. Mr. Cusac had gotten five men to meet at his home and make the initial organization for this class, which has grown to be one of the large Men’s Bible classes of the city and state; from the time of its organization until about three years ago Mr. Cusac had been the teacher of this class.

All testified to his many virtues, his fidelity and devotion to the class, his Christian character and influence. The service was very impressive and at thee close the following resolutions were adopted:

“One Sunday morning, May 25, 1924, Andrew P. Cusac departed this life. He had served as president of our class – the Brotherhood Bible class of the Central Presbyterian church – for more that three years, and for many years previous to that had been the teacher of the class.

It was in these capacities we knew him best; from the activities of the class we had learned much of him; we had learned of his broad knowledge of the Scriptures; his devotion to the welfare of the class and each and every member was great and unselfish; This Christian character was ever a splendid example to his co-workers; his personality, pleasant manner. Christian faith, pure life, noble example, and spiritual devotion endeared him to us all. His faithful and untiring services are largely responsible for the growth and development of our class. We who are today enjoying the privilege of this fine organization owe to him a debt of gratitude for his contribution thereto; we cannot measure the value of such a life – its full influence upon others.

“We have all be(en) saddened by his going. He will be sorely missed – our sincere and tender sympathies are tendered to his bereaved wife and relatives. Words cannot add to or detract from such a life and only in a feeble and imperfect way express our feelings and impulses.

“May we thus informally pay our tribute to him, spreading a copy hereof on our class record and transcribing a copy to the bereaved wife.

Tuesday 03 Jun 1924 Times Recorder, The (Zanesville, Ohio) p. 3

That's it for issue #13. If you come across any obituaries, documents, essays, photographs, weddings, births, or stories on your line from Andrew John Cusac that you would like to share, please pass them along to me. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others in the family who may have an interest in Andrew John Cusac's history or genealogy. Free back issues will be available for the asking. Do you have a question you want asked of the group? Email it to me and I'll include it in the next issue. Email: skratze@wcnet.org or skratze@bgnet.bgsu.edu Best wishes... Sheila