Mr. Yant gives the following incident of Jonathan: "Jonathan Cable built a dozen or more cabins for the settlers, and generally camped out while at work. Upon one of these occasion, when Mr. Hipple and one of his boys were helping at this work, the wolves surrounded them in great numbers after night, while laying by the fire. The boy became much alarmed, but Mr. Cable took a fire-brand in each hand, ran in among them, and dispersed the whole pack." Jonathan Cable showed a ready hand with fire brand to scatter a pack whenever they appeared to prey upon his family or domestic animals.
Home-spun and handwoven goods were used in these early years of pioneer life. Tallow candles were molded for scanty lights renewed by the use of snuffing shears. Hand-made ovens of clay and stones baked large loaves of bread of coarse meal of wheat or corn.
For many years this pioneer family spoke "Pennsylvania Dutch" language modified greatly from true German. After churches and schools were established here, the younger generation soon spoke English at school but spoke German in their homes.
At the time of execution of his will in 1845 he bequeathed each of his children a part of his real estate and provided for his widow through her long years of widowhood which enriched the lives of her children. It will be enlightening to read the articles of his will as reproduced from official copy as found in the Cable family history.
His life of toil and adventure came to its end before the proverbial three scores and ten years, having lived 65 years, 4 months and 18 days. His youngest son, youngest daughter and second wife resided with him when an industrious faithful father and husband laid down his life and passed family responsibilities and cares to his widow who successfully carried forward the family affairs for 36 years. His burial on the farm he loved was only temporary. His son, Samuel, laid out on the Cable Cemetery in 1850 when his body was placed in its final resting place where the graves of husband and wife are marked by a gray granite stone in Greenlawn Cemetery, Sandyville, Ohio.
Cable Cemetery was laid out by Samuel Cable in 1850 and was transferred to Sandy Township in 1905 by its board of three trustees which had managed it for 55 years. It has since been enlarged many times the original size and landscaped to make it a more beautiful burial ground. Jonathan Cable was the first burial on this new cemetery by removal from his farm where his body had rested for three years. His second wife, Elizabeth, was buried beside his second grave in 1887. (Greenlawn Cemetery)
The analysis of the older cable family classes them as husbandman of a hardy, thrifty type who love country life with its endless toil and nature. Their early church affiliations centered totally in the religious doctrine of Martin Luther. The later generations of this family diverged from the life of farmers into all trades and professions. Their persistent energy prevails in all branches of this family.
One more incident of this pioneer couple, is related by the same authority. "Mr. Cable worked on a sugar camp on the East side of Nimishillin, and Mrs. Cable would cross in a canoe, gather in the sugar water, and bring it over. Upon one of theres occasions, the stream being high and the current rapid, she used a pole to push the canoe through the water, and while making the utmost exertions to head the craft against the stream, the end of the pole caught in her dress and threw her out. The water took her up to her nick but she kept hold of the canoe and pushed it ashore. Mrs. Cable is described by those who know her, as "tall, of fine form, walks erect a Plesant intelligent countenance, hearing unimpaired and eyesight good". She is still living and nearly ninety years of age, hale and hearty, and bids fair to live many years longer.
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