TILSON, Thomas S. - 1890 Bio (1846-1887)

TILSON, DILKES, YOUNG, KIRKPATRICK, JONES

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/2/2007 at 21:17:32

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Page 184

Thomas S. TILSON, deceased, was for some years a successful business man of Fairfield, and as one of its representative citizens we are pleased to record this sketch. The family is of English origin. The parents of our subject, Joseph and Elizabeth (DILKES) TILSON, were both natives of Leicestershire, England, where they were married. Seven children were born unto them in that country, and after their emigration to America, which occurred in 1842, the family circle was increased by the birth of five children. One their arrival in this country, Mr. and Mrs. TILSON made a location in New Jersey and during their five years' residence in that State our subject was born, he first opening his eyes to the light of day in Newark on the 26th of April, 1846. The following year witnessed the removal of the family to Ohio, and in 1854, we find them located in Fairfield, Iowa, where Mr. TILSON engaged in blacksmithing. His wife died in the sixty-first year of her age, after which he seemed to become possessed of a spirit of unrest and spent much of his time traveling, crossing the ocean between England and the United States eight times. His death occurred in his native land at the age of seventy-seven years.

In his father's shop, Thomas S. TILSON learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for some years. It was his desire to enter the service of his country immediately after the breaking out of the late war, but he was restrained from doing so by his father. However, on the 21st of September, 1863, feeling that the need of his country was greater than his father's restraining powers, he ran away from home and enlisted in Company I, of the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, serving almost three years as a blacksmith. From hard work and exposure he contracted disease from which he never recovered, but he had the consciousness of knowing he had done what he believed to be his duty and that he had served his country faithfully and well. He received his discharge on the 15th of March, 1866, in Little Rock, Ark.

On being mustered out, Mr. TILSON at once returned to his home and on the 2d of October he led to the marriage altar Miss Maria YOUNG, daughter of Andrew P. and Rebecca (KIRKPATRICK) YOUNG. Mrs. TILSON was born in Butler County, Ohio, June 27, 1846, and came to Jefferson County when about fourteen years of age. Upon his marriage, Mr. TILSON settled in Fairfield and a few years later formed a partnership with L. L. Wilkins in the livery business. This connection, which originated in 1872, continued unbroken until the death of Mr. TILSON on the 5th of February, 1887. The firm gained great popularity, was noted for its promptness and correctness in filling all orders and for the genial and courteous treatment of its patrons. Mr. TILSON was an acknowledged business man of merit and an esteemed citizen. In politics he was a supporter of the Republican party and felt a deep interest in its success and welfare. To the church and other benevolent interests he was a liberal contributor, and his loss was felt in many ways throughout the county.

The family of Mr. TILSON consists of wife and three children: Harry G., who is associated with J. E. Wilkins in the livery business; Hattie G., wife of Albert C. JONES, a druggist of Fairfield, and Nettie E., who is with her mother. Mrs. TILSON still makes her home in Fairfield and is an active member of the Methodist Church.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.