Merchant, manufacturer and inventor,.... He was graduated at Indiana Asbury (now De Pauw) University in 1860 with first honors, receiving the degree A.M. from that institution in 1862. He was studying law at the outbreak of the civil war., and enlisting in theConfederate army, became first lieutenant, Co. H, 8th Ky. cavalry, He participated in the battle of Chickamauga and the siege of Knoxville. He was afterward assigned to duty as acting brigade quartermaster on the staff of Gen. Adam R. Johnson, and it was in this connection that he obtained first knowledge of manufacturing saddles. At the close of war he began the manufacture of the Mexican style of saddletrees and saddles, so popular with the Southern cavalry.... Later he devised a method of constructing these trees from sawed and seasoned lumber, of which he could secure an ample supply. In 1867 John T. Gathright, a cousin, became a partner, under the style of Gathright & Co. He purchased his partner's interest in 1869 and soon afterward associated himself in the business with John J. Harbison, and the firm of Harbison & Gathright, which continued after his death, was the largest wholesale saddlery and harness house south of the Ohio river. The firm also did a large jobbing business in leather, robes, blankets, automobile accessories and tires. It was incorporated in 1900, and Mr. Gathright was its president from July 1, 1906, until his death. Born and bred a Henry Clay Whig, he kept thoroughly informed on all public matters, but held entirely aloof from active participation therein, employing much of his leisure time in reading and study, particularly of political economy. Possessing and aptitude for mechanics, he made many improvements in the manufacturing department of his own saddlery business, and invented an electric tramway street sprinkler, and a tabulating apparatus for typewriters, which he sold to the Underwood Typewriter Co. for $2,000.
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The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 21 Apr 1919, Mon • Page 7
CITY PIONEER MERCHANT DIES
Josiah Baker Gathright, 80 Years Old, Was Veteran of Confederacy.
MADE MANY INVENTIONS
Josiah Baker Gathright. pioneer merchant, manufacturer and inventor, died yesterday morning at his home. 1006 South Third street. He was SO years old and had been in 111 health for five years, being confined to his home for three months. Mr. Gathright was a native of Oldham county, and took his college preparatory work in the public schools here. In I860 he was graduated from DePauw University, leading his class in scholarship and being given the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and later a Master of Arts' degree from the same institution. He also attended the University of Michigan for a year. During the Civil War lie served in the ranks under Morgan and later on Gen. Joseph E. Johnson staff, seeing action in the battle of Chickamauga, before becoming a quartermaster. Following the war he began manufacturing saddles nere, using the Mexican style saddle tree, which had been such a success in the Confederate Cavalry. He soon established a partnership with his cousin. John T. Gathright, and opened a store on Main street near the Louis vi lie Hotel. I n 1 SliG he bought his cousin's interest and with John J. Harbison established the firm of Harbison &. Gathright, now the largest of its kind in the State. Besides his improved saddles, he invented the tabular key for the typewriter, which he sold for a pittance, and later the electric tramway street sweeper, which was first tried out in this city. His brother. J. It. Gathright, assisted him in these inventions. Jn 1861) Mr. Gathright married Miss Mary V. Henton. of Shelby county. She died in 1870. leaving a son who also died a short time afterwards. In 18i6 he married Miss Emma McGratli. also of Shelby county. Besides this widow, he is survived by a . brother. 11. O. Gathright, and the following nephews and nieces: R. T. Anderson, Jr.. Lexington; Jessie E. Gathright and" Mrs. Emma Drabelle Carter, of Louisville; Mrs. Jack Gate wood. Mount Sterling, Ky.. and Mrs. William iTiari, Lexington. Funeral services will bp .nt -tl o'clock to-morrow morning at the res idence ana win oe conducted by the Rev. Charles It. Hemphill, president of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Eurial will be in Cave Hill cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frank' J. Kelley. W. P. Baker. W. A. Cochrane. W. 11. Piatt, Henry Solomon and Junius Woolfork