The biographies of men whose wealth or position has been inherited from generation to generation afford but little encouragement to the youth of the present day; but the life-work of men who have carved their way up from humble and almost obscure positions to places of substantial esteem, is sufficient to stimulate the energies of these same young men. Thomas Litton is perhaps not what the world would call wealthy, but he has gained for himself a comfortable competency and, better than all, the respect of a large circle of friends. He owns an estate of 800 acres, with complete and necessary improvements. Mr. Litton was born in Whitley county, Ky., March 25, 1822, the second son and fourth child of eight children born to Hiram and Elizabeth Litton, nee Cox, the former a native of Virginia and the latter a Kentuckian by birth. Hiram Litton continued to farm in Kentucky after his marriage up to the time of his death. Thomas' mother died when he was six years old. He grew up in Kentucky until the age of 15, then came to Cole county, Mo., and after living there two years removed to this county, where he has since made his home, occupied persistently in fanning and merchandising. He now owns a dry goods store at Lock Springs, in Daviess county, besides having other property, elsewhere referred to. July 29, 1841, Mr. Litton was married to Miss Mary Ann Brookshire of this State who died February 18, 1847, leaving three children George W., Elizabeth, wife of Lorenzo D. Smith, and Mary Ann, who married Abraham McClure. October 7, 1868, Mr. L. was again married, Susan M. Barnes becoming his wife. Her birth occurred in Grayson county, Ky. They have seven children: Eliza, now Mrs. A. Moore; Alexander, John Speed, Cynthia, Frances, who married John Huston; Thomas and Sarah Ann. Besides these Emaline, Angeline, Hiram and Nancy C. are deceased.