Thomas D. Duling, Jr.
Thomas D. Duling, Jr., son of Thomas D. Duling, Sr., was born in Fairmount Township October 22, 1849. His paternal grandparents were Edmund and Mary (Dean) Duling, and his maternal grandparents were William and Anna (Shryock) Meskimen. Thomas D., Jr. was educated in the common schools of Fairmount Township, one of his teachers being William H.H. Reeder, frequently mentioned as a highly efficient teacher of the pioneer period.
Mr. Duling has lived his entire life in his native Township. He owns a splendid farm of eighty acres, and has served as director, part of the time as treasurer of the Barren Creek Gas Company, which he helped to organize and became one of the first stockholders. In politics he identified himself with the Republican party when he attained his majority, later joining the Prohibitionists. He is an active and influential member of the Methodist Protestant Church at Fowlerton.
On February 13, 1875, he was married to Miss Laney Ellen Dean, born in Owen County, Indiana, July 29, 1850. Mrs. Duling died December 25, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Duling were the parents of three children, namely: Melissa H., now the wife of Milton A. Rich; Sina Emily, wife of Lowry Glass, and Barbara L., who died February 27, 1891, aged about five years.
Mr. Duling remembers many of the pioneers who have been mentioned in this book, and has lived his entire life in Fairmount Township.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner