Biographies

JAMES MADISON THOMAS, who since 1854 has been engaged in farming on the old Thomas homestead, on section 14, township 11 north, range 5 west, in Henderson County, here owns and operates two hundred acres of valuable land. He is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community, and is also numbered among the honored early settlers.

He claims Kentucky as the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Nelson County, December 20, 1819.

He is of Welsh and German extraction, and is a son of Eleazor and Annie (Garrett) Thomas, who were also natives of Kentucky.

The paternal grandfather, HIRAM SYLVESTER TWEED, who now carries on general farming on section 12, Gladstone Township, has the honor of being a native of Henderson County, for his birth here occurred on the 15th of May, 1837. He is therefore a pioneer of the county, and is a worthy reprepresentative of one of its first families. His father, Abraham Tweed, was born in Virginia, in 1800, and when he had reached man's estate he married Miss Eliza Reed, who was also born in the Old Dominion. They became the parents of eight children, namely: John, Mrs. Elizabeth Leary, Thomas, William, Mrs. Mary Lusk, Hiram (who died in infancy) , and Hiram S., of this sketch.

The mother of this family died when our subject was only three years old, after which Abraham Tweed was again married, and by the second union had a daughter, Mrs. Jane A. Bell. About 1835, the father emigrated westward and cast his lot among the early settlers of Henderson County, Ill. He entered land on section 28, township 10 north, range 5 west, and at once began the development of a farm, which he continued to cultivate and improve until his death, which occurred in 1845. He was well known throughout the county, being one of the leading and influential citizens in that early day.

Amid the wild scenes of the frontier, Hiram S. Tweed was reared to manhood. He shared in the hardships and trials of pioneer life, and early became inured to hard labor. He was only eight years of age when his father died, and from that time he had to make his own way in the world, striving hard to secure a livelihood in the days of his youth and early manhood. He has always worked hard, being an industrious and energetic man. His school privileges were limited, but he has made the most of his opportunities through life.

On the 7th of January, 1862, Mr. Tweed was united in marriage with Miss Lucy E. Sage, daughter of Gideon and Mary (Clarke) Sage, who were numbered among the early settlers of this community. Mr. Sage laid out the present town of Gladstone, which was for many years called Sagetown, in his honor. He lived to be nearly ninety-six years old.

Seven children have been born to our subject and his wife, six sons and a daughter: John, born November 2, 1862; James T., March 12, 1864; Hiram L., September 16, 1865; Edd Ray, November 30, 1867; Gideon A., January 9, 1869; Charles E., August 29, 1871; and Katie M., May 17, 1873. Three of this number are now deceased.

Mrs. Tweed and her daughter hold membership with the United Presbyterian Church. Their home is the abode of hospitality, and the members of the family rank high in the social circles in which they move.

Throughout his entire life, Mr. Tweed has carried on general farming, and he now raises all kinds of stock. Long acquaintance with the business has made him a master of it, and he is now meeting with success, although in his earlier years he had to overcome many obstacles and difficulties in the path to prosperity. His own energy and good management have been ably assisted by that of his wife, who has proved a true helpmate to him.

Socially, Mr. Tweed is a Mason, belonging to Oquawka Lodge No. 123, A. F. and A. M.

In politics, he usually supports the Democratic party, but occasionally votes the Prohibition ticket. In the history of his native county he well deserves representation, for he has long been numbered among its best citizens.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.