The History of Knox County
pub. in 1912 by S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. 

DAVID CATION.

     David Cation, president of the First State Bank of Williamsfield and one of the most prominent and influential business men of this part of the county, is a native of Illinois, born in Peoria county in June, 1856, and is a son of James and Catherine (Gray) Cation, both of whom, were born in Scotland.
     Having been reared in the country, David Cation obtained his preliminary education in the district schools of Peoria county and Elba township, Knox county. This was later supplemented by study at Hedding College and he also pursued a commercial course in Brown's Business College, thus better qualifying himself for the practical duties of life. While attending school he also assisted his father with the operation of the farm, and after laying aside his textbooks he devoted his summers to agricultural pursuits and his winters to teaching. In 1881 he went to Oregon, where he remained for nine years, being identified with wheat-raising and the lumber industry. In 1890 he returned to Knox county, locating in Williamsfield, where he at once became associated with L. J. Baird in the operation of a private bank, known as Bank of Williamsfield, with L. J. Baird as president and himself as cashier. This institution was reorganized in April, 1908, as a state bank with a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars, David Cation first becoming vice president and later president of the new institution. Its officials have always been conservative business men of recognized standing and naturally the bank has flourished, being now one of the well established financial institutions of the county. The present officers are: David Cation, president; A. L. Harris, cashier; and J. D. Doubet, vice president, all widely known and highly esteemed citizens of the community.
     Mr. Cation has been twice married, his first union having been with Miss Ella Barber, who passed away in 1905. Four children were born to them, as follows : Russell and Mary, now deceased; James L., a farmer, who married Miss Myrtle Tucker, a daughter of J. A. Tucker; and Catherine, who graduated from the Abingdon high school and is now attending the State Normal.
     In 1908 Mr. Cation married Miss Emma Parker, of Williamsfield, who for nine years was bookkeeper and assistant cashier in the bank and is a daughter of George and Sallie Parker. Her parents take especial interest in advanced farming and were the first in Truro township to make use of phosphates as recommended by the State Agricultural College at Urbana. They also built the first silo in the township and conduct their farming on the cooperative plan, furnishing the stock and tools, and sharing the profits with those who do the actual work.
     Mr. Cation manifests his religious faith through his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political support he gives to the republican party. He takes an active interest, in local affairs and served for two years as supervisor and for six as township treasurer, which office he still retains. He is one of the progressive and public-spirited business men of his town, the development of which he forwards on every possible occasion by giving his support to every movement that he feels will promote the welfare of the community. (pages 796-801 submitted by Janine Crandell)