My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM THOMAS, farmer, P. O. New Madison; resides on Sec. 23. The history of Harrison Township would be incomplete without a sketch of the Thomas family; William is a son of Jonathan Thomas, who was one of a family of thirteen children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and all but one were married and raised a family; he was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 8, 1792, raised in Virginia, and came to Darke Co. in 1816, “entered” one-fourth of Sec. 24, Harrison Township, in connection with his brother Solomon, who is now a resident of Preble Co., and 90 years of age. Jonathan was married to Agnes McClure Sept. 9, 1819; she was born in Kentucky Dec. 23, 1800, and came to Darke Co. with her parents, who were the first settlers of Harrison Township; about a year after their marriage, they removed to Sec. 23, the place where William now lives; William was born, raised, and now lives on the old homestead; his birth occurred March 30, 1830; he was married to Julia Brodrick Feb. 26, 1852; she was born in Darke Co. April 7, 1834; her parents settled in Harrison Township in 1822; soon after their marriage, they commenced life on a farm in Sec. 22, where they lived about 14 years, then purchased and removed to the old homestead, where they have lived ever since; the farm consists of 239 acres, in a good state of cultivation, with fine improvements. Mr. Thomas is a self-made man, and has contributed his share to the substantial growth and improvement of Harrison Township; is a quiet, unassuming man, respected by all; in politics, is a Republican. His father, who is now 87 years of age, and quite feeble, has his home with and is cared for by, William and his kind-hearted wife, his mother having died Sept. 24, 1877, at his sister’s; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Florence A., now Mrs. Thomas Eubanks, of New Madison; Roscoe E., Willie L., Oliver H. and Frank E.; all except the oldest are at home; the names of the deceased are Horace W. and Eugene E.