Thomas M. Couch
The name of Couch with its attendant family relationship is one of the best known in Grant county, especially in Jefferson Township. Thomas M. Couch, of a younger generation, has made a splendid reputation as a farmer and stockman, and the Walnut Level Stock Farm in Section Six of Jefferson Township, his home for the past twenty years is one of the best in its improvements and facilities, and valued in Grant County. Mr. Couch in everything he has undertaken has made a success by reason of his good judgment and vigorous industry, and is a man who well deserved his influential position in the community.
His father, Samuel Couch, was born not far from Cincinnati, Ohio, about 1825, and was a child when he lost his father. His mother then took him to the home of her father, whose name was Todd, and they all at an early day came to Indiana, and settled in Jefferson Township of Grant County. Samuel Couch was a boy at that time, grew up on the farm, in pioneer environment, and was trained to practical pursuits, but with little advantages from schools.
In this county Samuel Couch married Nancy Furnish, whose family name is one of the oldest and most distinguished in Grant County. She was born in Franklin County, Indiana, a daughter of Judge Benjamin Furnish, one of the early settlers in Grant county, who made entry to large tracts of land, and a portion of that property is now owned and occupied by his grandson Thomas M. Couch.
Judge Furnish was not only a land owner and extensive farmer, but a man of prominence in local and county politics, was elected to the office of county judge and served for a number of years in that capacity. His death occurred when he was fifty-six years of age, and he is buried in the Harmony Cemetery in Matthews. Mr. Furnish married Tamer Corn, who survived him and died when above ninety-three yeas of age, and they are buried side by side in the Harmony Cemetery. Mr. Furnish and wife were among the organizers of the Primitive Baptist Church at Matthews, and were leaders in church affairs, and in local societies and benevolent activities. The Judge was a Democrat, and one of the best known members of that party during his lifetime.
After their marriage Samuel Couch and wife began life on a farm in Section Six of Jefferson Township, and there developed a splendid estate. Samuel Couch died on the old homestead, December 2, 1891, and his wife survived him just a decade, passing away in the old home December 26, 1901. She was born in Franklin County September 5, 1831, came to Grant County with her parents in 1837, and was married to Mr. Couch January 26, 1854. She was likewise for many years an active member of the Baptist Church. Samuel Couch and wife had five sons and two daughters, and all are living except Nettie V. who died February 13, 1888. The others are: Sallie, wife of William H. Lindsey, of Fairmount; Benjamin W., who is farmer in Washington Township of Delaware County and has several children; Thomas M.; Joseph W., who is a carpenter living in Matthews, and has a family of one son and a daughter; Absolom G., who owns and occupies the old homestead where his parents and his grandparents lived and died and who has seven children of his own; Orlando H., who is a prosperous agriculturist in Jefferson Township and has a family of four sons and two daughters.
Thomas M. Couch was born on the old homestead above described, on August 13, 1860. His youth was passed during the decades of the sixties and seventies., and his advantages were supplied by the public school of the country. ON reaching manhood he chose farming as his vocation, and there has seldom been a year when he has onto prospered and added a little bit to his store. His farm of seventy-nine acres adjoins the old home place, his property is excellently improved and has a substantial barn, a comfortable white house of nine rooms, and good water and other comforts and facilities are supplied on every hand. Mr. Couch grows a great deal of fruit and feeds all his crops to his high grade live stock. He raises hogs, and is perhaps best known as the breeder of Belgian horses. His young stallion "Mack" is one of the finest horses in the State.
Mr. Couch was married in Henry County to Miss Emma A. Johnson, who was born, reared and educated, near Springport in that county, a daughter of Jesse F. and Zilpha (Covalt) Johnson. The Johnsons were among the early settlers of Henry County, and also the Covalts. Mrs. Johnson died on the old homestead in Henry County in 1905, being then seventy-nine years of age. They were active members and workers in the Primitive Baptist Church, and Mr. Johnson was a Democrat. Of the two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Couch one died in infancy and the other is Ora. Ora Couch was born April 26, 1891, and now lives at Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Couch are working members in the Matthews harmony Baptist Church, of which he has been church clerk since April, 1909. In politics he supports the Democratic candidate and believes in the basic principles of that party.
Centennial History of Grant County Indiana 1812-1912. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1914.