Jesse B. Thomas

    Jesse B. Thomas is the son of Elias Thomas, who was born in Virginia, and removed to Kentucky, and from there to Indiana, before the subject of our sketch was born, and was one of the pioneer settlers of the State.

    Mr. Jesse B. Thomas was born in 1807 near Madison. At that time the site of Madison was almost an unbroken forest; there was only one buckeye cabin there, built by James Hall.

    Mr. Thomas was raised during the trying times of the early settlers. The Indians were so troublesome at times that the settlers were compelled to fly to the blockhouse for safety.

    The subject of this sketch was married, at the age of 21, to Jane Miller, a daughter of Robert Miller, who was also a pioneer.

    Mr. Thomas and wife raised a family of six children: William H., Sarah E., James M., Daniel F., Henry C. and Robert P. Mrs. Thomas died in 1852. Some ten years later he married Anna Staten, who was born in Kentucky; they had no children. James and Henry C., sons of Mr. Thomas, served through the war of the Rebellion, and were at the surrender of Richmond.

    The father of Mr. Thomas, fourth son of the subject of this sketch, was raised on a farm; was born in 1840, and educated in the common schools; owns 80 acres of land, and is taking care of his father in his old age and an orphan daughter of his brother Robert. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and still votes the Republican ticket.   

Source: Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and Washington, Indiana. By John M. Gresham & Co., 1889.