James A. Cable

JAMES A. CABLE. - Noteworthy among the active and prominent residents of Kansas City, Kansas, is James A. Cable, now serving as commissioner of water works and street lighting. A son of Charles B. Cable, he was born June 23, 1869, at Carter's Station, Carter county, Tennessee, and at the age of two years moved to Bristol, Sullivan county, Tennessee, where he grew to man's estate.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Charles B. Cable learned the cooper's trade when young, and after his removal to Tennessee followed it a number of years in Bristol. He subsequently invested in land in that vicinity, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1900, when he retired from active business, having by industry and thrift accumulated a competency. He is a Democrat in his political relations, and has held various township offices, including that of justice of the peace. He married Martha E. Weaver, a native of Sullivan county, Tennessee, and of the six children born into their household five are now living, as follows: James A., the special subject of this sketch; Anna, wife of Robert Morton; Katherine, wife of James Bailey; Julia, wife of Henry Morton; and Henry.

Having acquired his rudimentary education in the public schools of Sullivan county, Tennessee, James A. Cable took a commercial course at a business college in Knoxville, Tennessee, which he attended evenings, working during the day to earn money enough to pay his expenses. He subsequently learned the cooper's trade while working with his father, and followed it until 1897, when he had the honor of being elected secretary and treasurer of the Coopers' International Union and made editor of the International Journal, a position which he filled satisfactorily for thirteen years, his home since 1895 having been in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1909 Mr. Cable was elected commissioner of water works and street lighting, and is performing the duties devolving upon him in this dual capacity with ability and fidelity.

Politically Mr. Cable is nonpartisan in local politics and Democratic in national. Fraternally he is a member of Wyandotte Lodge, No. 3, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons; of the Pride of the West Lodge, No. 484, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being connected with Wyandotte Encampment, No. 9, and the Rebekah Degree; of the Modern Woodmen of America; and the Loyal Order of Moose. Religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Cable married, June 3, 1891, Lena Johnson, a native of Union county, Tennessee, and they have one son, James Edward, a pupil in the high school.