Thomas E. Elliman, a prominent general farmer and stock
raiser of Gillespie township, Macoupin County, owning and operating a fine
farm of 240 acres, situated in sections 15 and 22, was born in Butler Grove
township, Montgomery County, Illinois, October 14, 1875. He is a son of
William and Louise (Casselberry) Elliman.
William Elliman, the
grandfather of our subject, was born at Cheapstead, Surrey Lane, now a part
of the city of London, England, and was a son of a clergyman of the
Established, Church. He brought his family to America and located in
Macoupin County, Illinois, when his son William was 11 years of age, and
here he died at the age of 46 years. He was a baker by trade, although for
generations the family calling had been the Church. His children were: Mrs.
Elizabeth Raymond, of Macoupin County; William, of Butler, Montgomery
County; Mrs. Katherine Coffee, of Macoupin County; Mrs. Mary Cromwell, of
Macoupin County; Harry, of Butler, Montgomery County; Mrs. Emma Young, of
St. Louis, Missouri; and Thomas, deceased.
William Elliman, father
of our subject, was born October 25, 1843, at Cheapstead, London, and, as
noted, was a lad of 11 years when he came to Macoupin County. For many years
he was connected with railroad work, was frieght agent for the "Big Four"
Railroad at Litchfield, agent for the Wabash road at Litchfield, ticket
agent at Butler, and for three years was deputy county clerk. On account of
failing eyesight, he turned his attention to farming and is one of the
substantial agriculturists of Montgomery County, living near Butler. In
politics he is a stanch Democrat and an influential man in his party. In
religious belief he is an Episcopalian. Two daughters were born to his first
marriage: Mary Elizabeth, who resides at home; and an infant, deceased. His
second union was with Louise Casselberry, who was born in Belleville,
Illinois, and is a daughter of Charles and Louise Casselberry, natives of
Indiana. An uncle of our subject, Evans Casselberry, who died at St. Louis
some eight years ago, was very prominently identified with the school system
of that city, and a leading member of the bar. Two children were born to
this marriage — Thomas E. and Charles, the latter being deceased.
Thomas E. Elliman has had most excellent educational advantages. After
graduating from the Butler High School, he studied two years at Blackburn
University at Carlinville and then entered upon the study of medicine.
However, he subsequently ended his professional studies and turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits, being his father's only son, and the
heir to a large amount of real estate. Mr. Elliman has proved his choice a
wise one, his success having been continuous ever since he took charge of
his present farm in 1901. While thoroughly practical, Mr. Elliman is also a
scientific farmer, applying the principles of the whole circle of sciences
in the intelligent management of his land. He has large herds of fine
Shorthorn, Durham and Hereford cattle, Shropshire sheep and Poland-China and
Duroc swine. He also raises horses and makes hay and corn his leading farm
crops.
In June, 1900, Mr. Elliman married Mary B. Barrett, who was
born July 4, 1880, at Butler, Illinois, and is a daughter of Jesse C. and
Emma (Hutchison) Barrett. Jesse C. Barrett was born May 30, 1839, at
Deerfield, Indiana, and came to Illinois a young man to make his own way.
For 15 years he was superintendent of schools in Montgomery County and a
teacher all his life. He was a son of Hon. Elisha E. Barrett, a Democrat in
politics, who was a member of the State Legislature during the
administration of President Lincoln. The parents of Mrs. Elliman now live
retired on a farm. She is the third member of their family of four children,
the others being: Mrs. Nettie Neely, of St. Louis, Missouri; James, an
instructor at the State University; and Anita, who is living at home. Mr.
and Mrs. Barrett belong to the Methodist Church.
In politics Mr.
Elliman is a Democrat and has served as township clerk. Fraternally he is a
Master Mason and is connected with Gillespie Lodge, No. 214, A. F. & A. M.
In religious belief he is a Presbyterian.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 343-347.
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