Thomas W. Cottingham

    Thomas W. Cottingham, merchant and blacksmith, Wilmington, was born near Moore's Hill, in Sparta Township, March 24, 1838. His parents, Caleb T., and Jane (Mitchell) Cottingham, were natives of Maryland, his father born in 1805, mother in 1812. They were married December 25, 1835, and raised seven children. Their parents moved to this State in 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Cottingham were members of the Baptist Church. He was a farmer, and was killed by a falling limb November 2, 1867, the mother died in 1877.

    Mr. Thomas W. Cottingham, was raised on a farm until eighteen years of age, at which time he went to blacksmith trade and started in business in 1876. He married Miss Lucy Lenover, April 20, 1865. She was born in Dillsborough, October 10, 1845. By this union were born three children: Anna T., Minnie S. (born November 17, 1867, died June 20, 1884), and Ordell. Minnie S., was the wife of Edward M. Congor, and Mr. Cottingham is raising his grandchild, Edna P. Congor, who was born June 1, 1884.

    Mr. Cottingham has been a resident of Wilmington since February 25, 1867. He is a member of Dearborn Lodge No. 536, I. O. O. F. The entire family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was elected township trustee in 1882.

Source: History of Dearborn and Ohio Counties, Indiana by F.E. Weakley & Co., 1885.