My Genealogy Hound

CARLIN, THOMAS J. Circuit Clerk for many years; is a native of Greene County; born at Carrollton December 13, 1827, and is the eldest child of William and Mary Carlin. William Carlin was a brother of Governor Carlin, of Illinois, and a native of Fredericksburgh, Va.; born May 31, 1804. Mrs. Carlin was born July 3, 1805, in Halifax County, Va., and at the age of 13 her parents moved to Kentucky. Mr. Carlin removed with his parents when quite young to the then Territory of Illinois, and settled on Wood River, in Madison County. At that place they resided several years. During the Autumn of 1820, William Carlin became a citizen of Greene County, and purchased a tract of land now in the corporation of Carrollton. On the 6th of December, 1826, he was married to Miss Mary Goode. Politically his views coincided with those of the Democratic party, of which, in Greene County, he was a prominent member, and such confidence did they repose in his ability and honor that they elected him to the office of County Clerk and retained him in that position 17 years, when he resigned and moved to his farm, eight miles west of Carrollton. Two years later, while on his way to New Orleans with stock, he was nominated by the Democrats and elected in December, 1849, entering upon his official duties at Carrollton. He passed away on the 20th of April, 1850, No man perhaps in the county was more universally liked than he, and his death was universally regretted by a large circle of acquaintances. His widow is still living, a resident of Carrollton. Thomas J. Carlin, while a boy, attended the common schools of Greene County. Shortly after the death of his father, he was appointed by Judge Woodson Circuit Clerk, to fill the unexpired term of his father. When the duties of this office came to a close he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under William Halbrit, and acted in that capacity two years. He married Miss Jane Kelly, a daughter of Andrew Kelly, of Carrollton, by whom he has three children. Their eldest daughter, Louisa, is the wife of William L. Robards. After the expiration of his term as Deputy Sheriff, Mr. Carlin settled on the old homestead, and soon after purchased a portion of the estate. In November, 1864, he was elected to the office of Circuit Clerk, and by re-election officiated in this capacity until December, 1876. Since this date he has followed agricultural pursuits. Viewing his past life, that has been characterized by ability in office and a spirit of generosity few have contributed more toward the prosperity of the county than Thomas J. Carlin.