1925 Biography - Henry Thomas
Henry Thomas came here in pioneer days, (1839), and settled in that section of the county which is now Simpson Township. He was a native of Tenn., and had served in the war of 1812 in Captain McCalf's riflemen and engaged in the battle of New Orleans. When the Civil War came on, although getting on in years, he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry, but was soon discharged on account of his age. His son, Washington, was born in Tennessee 1822, and came here with his parents when 17 years old, and early learned the art of farming. He married Mary, daughter of William Simpson, also a pioneer. He entered Government land, built a house and they began life together. He was a Republican and a member of the Latter Day Saints Church. Seven children were born in their home, namely; W. H. (3), Joseph B. (3), Cynthis (3), Melinda (3), Mary (3) and Robert (3). W. H. (3), the eldest served in the 13th Cavalry, Co. G, Civil War. Their campaign was waged mostly in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. He afterward followed farming in Bloomfield Township and served the county as clerk. He married Martha, daughter of W. R. and Sidney (Waters) Whiteside, and had Charles E. (4), Willard G. (4), Orpha B. (4), Fred (4), Lewis (4), Lillian M. (4), Birdie (4). John L. (3) another son of Washington, is a farmer and fruit grower of Simpson and proprietor, with his son, of Sunny Crest Fruit Farm. Cynthia (3) married Robert (see Thompson); Mary (3) married J. H. Morphis.
Extracted 08 Feb 2017 by Norma Hass from 1925 A History of Johnson County, Illinois, by Mrs. P. T. Chapman, page 450.
