THOMAS LINDSEY.
This honored pioneer of Champaign County and township, is the oldest settler now residing within its limits, and is accordingly held in more than ordinary respect as one who ventured upon the soil unturned by the plowshare and before the march of civilization had brought to this locality any of its conveniences or pleasures. He is a native of West Middletown, Washington Co., Pa., and was born July 8, 1820. His father, Thomas Lindsey, a native of the same county as his son, was born Jan. 13, 1791. The grandfather of our subject, also named Thomas Lindsey, who was born in Eastern Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County, it is believed was one of the earliest pioneers of Washington County, where he purchased a tract of timbered land eleven miles from where West Middletown was subsequently located, cleared a farm and established a homestead, upon which he passed the remainder of his life. There with his excellent wife he reared a fine family, among whom was Thomas, Sr., the father of our subject. The latter in early youth learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed nearly all his life. He became a resident of West Middletown during his declining years, and died there April 1, 1835.
Thomas Lindsey, Jr., attended school quite steadily until eighteen years of age and then, like his father before him, commenced to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker with his uncle, John Boyd, at West Middletown, where he served a thorough apprenticeship and worked at that and carpentering for several years. In the fall of 1841 he resolved to seek his fortunes in the great West. He came to this locality with limited means, most of the way on foot, and being twenty-two days on the road. He first stopped at Urbana, which at that time was but a hamlet, and Champaign had not even begun. He soon secured employment at his trade, remaining at Urbana during the winter. The following summer he spent at Mahomet, and in the fall of 1842, returning to Urbana, set up a shop and started in business for himself. He manufactured furniture in the winter, which his wife sold during the summer season while he worked out at his trade and as a carpenter and joiner. He was a natural mechanic and became the favorite builder of that time. He put up about thirty school-houses in Champaign County alone. As time passed on his business increased, his means also accumulating, and he added undertaking to his business. He carried this on for seven years, making coffins by hand. Many times he worked at the bench all night while his wife held the candle for him.
The success of the pioneers of those days, in many instances, was due in a large measure to the industry and good management of their wives. In his life companion Mr. Lindsey was peculiarly fortunate, having for his partner a true helpmeet and sympathizer, one who aided him by her counsel and sympathy as well as by her industry and wise judgment. Mr. Lindsey, in 1862, found himself on the high road to a competency, and by his excellent personal worth had fully established himself in the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances. He concluded that the most sensible way in which he could invest his savings would be in real estate, which could not be carried off to Canada by a defaulting cashier. He accordingly purchased a farm on section 24, in Champaign Township, to which he removed with his family, and while his sons managed the farm Mr. L. carried on business in town. He was thus occupied for several years until failing health compelled him to retire. He spent the winter of 1885-86 in Florida.
The maiden name of Mrs. Lindsey was Martha A. Bruer. She was born in Urbana, April 26, 1829, and was the daughter of Asahel and Martha (Day) Bruer, who came to this section of the country at an early day. Mr. B. was born in Mason County, Ky., whence he afterward removed to Bracken County, that State, and afterward to Illinois, locating three miles from the present site of Urbana. After the latter town was started he became one of its residents and put up the first hotel in the city, which he operated for many years. He died there in 1879, having arrived at the advanced age of nearly ninety years. The mother, who was born in Bracken County, Ky., also departed this life at Urbana in about 1875.
Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey there were born the following children: William is a resident of Humboldt, Kan.; Cornelia became the wife of W. S. McWilliams and lives in Ft. Scott., Kan.; James and Charles are residents of Urbana; Laura Belle married James Thornton, and lives at Yellow Springs, Ohio; George and Thomas E. occupy the homestead. This is one of the most beautiful farms in Champaign County, and gives evidence in all its appointments of cultivated tastes and ample means. The farm buildings and machinery are kept in good repair, the stock is well cared for, and the residence of the family is all that heart could wish.
Politically Mr. Lindsey was an adherent of the Democratic party until after the breaking out of the war. Since that time he has cast his lot with the Republicans, and uniformly gives his influence and vote to the support of its principles. He is not connected with any religious organization but is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church.
From Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, IL. Written and published by the Chapman Brothers, Chicago, IL, 1887
This honored pioneer of Champaign County and township, is the oldest settler now residing within its limits, and is accordingly held in more than ordinary respect as one who ventured upon the soil unturned by the plowshare and before the march of civilization had brought to this locality any of its conveniences or pleasures. He is a native of West Middletown, Washington Co., Pa., and was born July 8, 1820. His father, Thomas Lindsey, a native of the same county as his son, was born Jan. 13, 1791. The grandfather of our subject, also named Thomas Lindsey, who was born in Eastern Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County, it is believed was one of the earliest pioneers of Washington County, where he purchased a tract of timbered land eleven miles from where West Middletown was subsequently located, cleared a farm and established a homestead, upon which he passed the remainder of his life. There with his excellent wife he reared a fine family, among whom was Thomas, Sr., the father of our subject. The latter in early youth learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed nearly all his life. He became a resident of West Middletown during his declining years, and died there April 1, 1835.
Thomas Lindsey, Jr., attended school quite steadily until eighteen years of age and then, like his father before him, commenced to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker with his uncle, John Boyd, at West Middletown, where he served a thorough apprenticeship and worked at that and carpentering for several years. In the fall of 1841 he resolved to seek his fortunes in the great West. He came to this locality with limited means, most of the way on foot, and being twenty-two days on the road. He first stopped at Urbana, which at that time was but a hamlet, and Champaign had not even begun. He soon secured employment at his trade, remaining at Urbana during the winter. The following summer he spent at Mahomet, and in the fall of 1842, returning to Urbana, set up a shop and started in business for himself. He manufactured furniture in the winter, which his wife sold during the summer season while he worked out at his trade and as a carpenter and joiner. He was a natural mechanic and became the favorite builder of that time. He put up about thirty school-houses in Champaign County alone. As time passed on his business increased, his means also accumulating, and he added undertaking to his business. He carried this on for seven years, making coffins by hand. Many times he worked at the bench all night while his wife held the candle for him.
The success of the pioneers of those days, in many instances, was due in a large measure to the industry and good management of their wives. In his life companion Mr. Lindsey was peculiarly fortunate, having for his partner a true helpmeet and sympathizer, one who aided him by her counsel and sympathy as well as by her industry and wise judgment. Mr. Lindsey, in 1862, found himself on the high road to a competency, and by his excellent personal worth had fully established himself in the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances. He concluded that the most sensible way in which he could invest his savings would be in real estate, which could not be carried off to Canada by a defaulting cashier. He accordingly purchased a farm on section 24, in Champaign Township, to which he removed with his family, and while his sons managed the farm Mr. L. carried on business in town. He was thus occupied for several years until failing health compelled him to retire. He spent the winter of 1885-86 in Florida.
The maiden name of Mrs. Lindsey was Martha A. Bruer. She was born in Urbana, April 26, 1829, and was the daughter of Asahel and Martha (Day) Bruer, who came to this section of the country at an early day. Mr. B. was born in Mason County, Ky., whence he afterward removed to Bracken County, that State, and afterward to Illinois, locating three miles from the present site of Urbana. After the latter town was started he became one of its residents and put up the first hotel in the city, which he operated for many years. He died there in 1879, having arrived at the advanced age of nearly ninety years. The mother, who was born in Bracken County, Ky., also departed this life at Urbana in about 1875.
Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey there were born the following children: William is a resident of Humboldt, Kan.; Cornelia became the wife of W. S. McWilliams and lives in Ft. Scott., Kan.; James and Charles are residents of Urbana; Laura Belle married James Thornton, and lives at Yellow Springs, Ohio; George and Thomas E. occupy the homestead. This is one of the most beautiful farms in Champaign County, and gives evidence in all its appointments of cultivated tastes and ample means. The farm buildings and machinery are kept in good repair, the stock is well cared for, and the residence of the family is all that heart could wish.
Politically Mr. Lindsey was an adherent of the Democratic party until after the breaking out of the war. Since that time he has cast his lot with the Republicans, and uniformly gives his influence and vote to the support of its principles. He is not connected with any religious organization but is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church.
From Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, IL. Written and published by the Chapman Brothers, Chicago, IL, 1887
THOMAS LINDSEY.
This honored pioneer of Champaign County and township, is the oldest settler now residing within its limits, and is accordingly held in more than ordinary respect as one who ventured upon the soil unturned by the plowshare and before the march of civilization had brought to this locality any of its conveniences or pleasures. He is a native of West Middletown, Washington Co., Pa., and was born July 8, 1820. His father, Thomas Lindsey, a native of the same county as his son, was born Jan. 13, 1791. The grandfather of our subject, also named Thomas Lindsey, who was born in Eastern Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County, it is believed was one of the earliest pioneers of Washington County, where he purchased a tract of timbered land eleven miles from where West Middletown was subsequently located, cleared a farm and established a homestead, upon which he passed the remainder of his life. There with his excellent wife he reared a fine family, among whom was Thomas, Sr., the father of our subject. The latter in early youth learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed nearly all his life. He became a resident of West Middletown during his declining years, and died there April 1, 1835.
Thomas Lindsey, Jr., attended school quite steadily until eighteen years of age and then, like his father before him, commenced to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker with his uncle, John Boyd, at West Middletown, where he served a thorough apprenticeship and worked at that and carpentering for several years. In the fall of 1841 he resolved to seek his fortunes in the great West. He came to this locality with limited means, most of the way on foot, and being twenty-two days on the road. He first stopped at Urbana, which at that time was but a hamlet, and Champaign had not even begun. He soon secured employment at his trade, remaining at Urbana during the winter. The following summer he spent at Mahomet, and in the fall of 1842, returning to Urbana, set up a shop and started in business for himself. He manufactured furniture in the winter, which his wife sold during the summer season while he worked out at his trade and as a carpenter and joiner. He was a natural mechanic and became the favorite builder of that time. He put up about thirty school-houses in Champaign County alone. As time passed on his business increased, his means also accumulating, and he added undertaking to his business. He carried this on for seven years, making coffins by hand. Many times he worked at the bench all night while his wife held the candle for him.
The success of the pioneers of those days, in many instances, was due in a large measure to the industry and good management of their wives. In his life companion Mr. Lindsey was peculiarly fortunate, having for his partner a true helpmeet and sympathizer, one who aided him by her counsel and sympathy as well as by her industry and wise judgment. Mr. Lindsey, in 1862, found himself on the high road to a competency, and by his excellent personal worth had fully established himself in the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances. He concluded that the most sensible way in which he could invest his savings would be in real estate, which could not be carried off to Canada by a defaulting cashier. He accordingly purchased a farm on section 24, in Champaign Township, to which he removed with his family, and while his sons managed the farm Mr. L. carried on business in town. He was thus occupied for several years until failing health compelled him to retire. He spent the winter of 1885-86 in Florida.
The maiden name of Mrs. Lindsey was Martha A. Bruer. She was born in Urbana, April 26, 1829, and was the daughter of Asahel and Martha (Day) Bruer, who came to this section of the country at an early day. Mr. B. was born in Mason County, Ky., whence he afterward removed to Bracken County, that State, and afterward to Illinois, locating three miles from the present site of Urbana. After the latter town was started he became one of its residents and put up the first hotel in the city, which he operated for many years. He died there in 1879, having arrived at the advanced age of nearly ninety years. The mother, who was born in Bracken County, Ky., also departed this life at Urbana in about 1875.
Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey there were born the following children: William is a resident of Humboldt, Kan.; Cornelia became the wife of W. S. McWilliams and lives in Ft. Scott., Kan.; James and Charles are residents of Urbana; Laura Belle married James Thornton, and lives at Yellow Springs, Ohio; George and Thomas E. occupy the homestead. This is one of the most beautiful farms in Champaign County, and gives evidence in all its appointments of cultivated tastes and ample means. The farm buildings and machinery are kept in good repair, the stock is well cared for, and the residence of the family is all that heart could wish.
Politically Mr. Lindsey was an adherent of the Democratic party until after the breaking out of the war. Since that time he has cast his lot with the Republicans, and uniformly gives his influence and vote to the support of its principles. He is not connected with any religious organization but is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church.
From Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, IL. Written and published by the Chapman Brothers, Chicago, IL, 1887
This honored pioneer of Champaign County and township, is the oldest settler now residing within its limits, and is accordingly held in more than ordinary respect as one who ventured upon the soil unturned by the plowshare and before the march of civilization had brought to this locality any of its conveniences or pleasures. He is a native of West Middletown, Washington Co., Pa., and was born July 8, 1820. His father, Thomas Lindsey, a native of the same county as his son, was born Jan. 13, 1791. The grandfather of our subject, also named Thomas Lindsey, who was born in Eastern Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County, it is believed was one of the earliest pioneers of Washington County, where he purchased a tract of timbered land eleven miles from where West Middletown was subsequently located, cleared a farm and established a homestead, upon which he passed the remainder of his life. There with his excellent wife he reared a fine family, among whom was Thomas, Sr., the father of our subject. The latter in early youth learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed nearly all his life. He became a resident of West Middletown during his declining years, and died there April 1, 1835.
Thomas Lindsey, Jr., attended school quite steadily until eighteen years of age and then, like his father before him, commenced to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker with his uncle, John Boyd, at West Middletown, where he served a thorough apprenticeship and worked at that and carpentering for several years. In the fall of 1841 he resolved to seek his fortunes in the great West. He came to this locality with limited means, most of the way on foot, and being twenty-two days on the road. He first stopped at Urbana, which at that time was but a hamlet, and Champaign had not even begun. He soon secured employment at his trade, remaining at Urbana during the winter. The following summer he spent at Mahomet, and in the fall of 1842, returning to Urbana, set up a shop and started in business for himself. He manufactured furniture in the winter, which his wife sold during the summer season while he worked out at his trade and as a carpenter and joiner. He was a natural mechanic and became the favorite builder of that time. He put up about thirty school-houses in Champaign County alone. As time passed on his business increased, his means also accumulating, and he added undertaking to his business. He carried this on for seven years, making coffins by hand. Many times he worked at the bench all night while his wife held the candle for him.
The success of the pioneers of those days, in many instances, was due in a large measure to the industry and good management of their wives. In his life companion Mr. Lindsey was peculiarly fortunate, having for his partner a true helpmeet and sympathizer, one who aided him by her counsel and sympathy as well as by her industry and wise judgment. Mr. Lindsey, in 1862, found himself on the high road to a competency, and by his excellent personal worth had fully established himself in the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances. He concluded that the most sensible way in which he could invest his savings would be in real estate, which could not be carried off to Canada by a defaulting cashier. He accordingly purchased a farm on section 24, in Champaign Township, to which he removed with his family, and while his sons managed the farm Mr. L. carried on business in town. He was thus occupied for several years until failing health compelled him to retire. He spent the winter of 1885-86 in Florida.
The maiden name of Mrs. Lindsey was Martha A. Bruer. She was born in Urbana, April 26, 1829, and was the daughter of Asahel and Martha (Day) Bruer, who came to this section of the country at an early day. Mr. B. was born in Mason County, Ky., whence he afterward removed to Bracken County, that State, and afterward to Illinois, locating three miles from the present site of Urbana. After the latter town was started he became one of its residents and put up the first hotel in the city, which he operated for many years. He died there in 1879, having arrived at the advanced age of nearly ninety years. The mother, who was born in Bracken County, Ky., also departed this life at Urbana in about 1875.
Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey there were born the following children: William is a resident of Humboldt, Kan.; Cornelia became the wife of W. S. McWilliams and lives in Ft. Scott., Kan.; James and Charles are residents of Urbana; Laura Belle married James Thornton, and lives at Yellow Springs, Ohio; George and Thomas E. occupy the homestead. This is one of the most beautiful farms in Champaign County, and gives evidence in all its appointments of cultivated tastes and ample means. The farm buildings and machinery are kept in good repair, the stock is well cared for, and the residence of the family is all that heart could wish.
Politically Mr. Lindsey was an adherent of the Democratic party until after the breaking out of the war. Since that time he has cast his lot with the Republicans, and uniformly gives his influence and vote to the support of its principles. He is not connected with any religious organization but is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church.
From Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, IL. Written and published by the Chapman Brothers, Chicago, IL, 1887
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