"Portrait and biographical album of Coles County, Illinois"
  
HOMAS W. TEMPLE, dealer in lumber and operating a sawmill on section 2, North Okaw Township, is one of the most useful and enterprising citizens of Coles County. He is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Richland County, June 22, 1835. His father, David Temple, a native of Center County, Pa., was born in the same month and the same day of the month as his son, just forty years before, in 1795. David was left an orphan at an early age, and was deprived of the advantages of education, being permitted to spend but very little time in school. When old enough he was bound out to a farmer and continued occupied in agricultural pursuits the balance of his life. He was married at the age of twenty-seven years to Miss Eliza Packer, a native of Richland County, Ohio, and they located in Knox County, that State, whence, a few years later they removed to Delaware County, and from there, in the spring of 1832, to Jasper County, Ill.
David Temple, upon coming to this State, purchased forty acres of improved land, and entered forty more, having thus a snug farm of eighty acres, which he cultivated and from which he built up a good home, where he spent the remainder of his days. The mother had departed this life in 1845, and her remains were laid to rest in what was called the “Four-Corners burying-ground,” in Delaware County, Ohio. She was a good woman and a devoted member of the Baptist Church. David Temple was afterward married to Mrs. Annie M. Gorman. Of this union there were no children. This lady lived about ten years, then passed away, and he was subsequently married to Mrs. Audrey Eaton, who only lived a few years. His death took place in 1863.
The twelve children of the parental household ware named respectively, Louis, Mary, Solomon, Jonathan, Thomas W., Elmer M., Ruth, James S., Maria, Lynn M., Alexander and John W. Maria and Louis died in their youth. The others lived to mature years and with the exception of James M., were all married. The latter during the late war enlisted fn Co. E, 25th Ill. Vol. Inf., and after participating in many of the important battles of that struggle, was killed at the battle of Stone River, Dec. 28, 1862. His remains were laid to rest in the National Cemetery near Murfreesboro, Tenn. Alexander served in the 54th Illinois Infantry three years, in the meantime being captured twice by the enemy, but was paroled and exchanged, living to return home; Lynn M. served first three months in the 8th Illinois Regiment, then re-enlisted for three years longer, and took part in many important battles, including the siege and capture of Vicksburg; John W. served in the 63d Regiment three years and was also in several battles.
Thomas W. Temple came West with his parents, and remained under the home roof until nineteen years of age. He then gave his father a note of $225 for his freedom, and started out in life for himself. He commenced working on a farm at $17 per month, and succeeded in taking up the note which his father held the first year. When twenty-one years of age he was married, Dec. 22, 1856, to Miss Mary Ann Plew, the wedding taking place in Charleston, Ill. Mrs. T. was the daughter of William and Rachel Plew, and after becoming the mother of six children, departed this life, Nov. 3, 1870. Her remains were buried in Atkins graveyard south of Charleston. Their children were: Jonathan, Gregory; Mary E., now the wife of William White of this county; Norah B., Mrs. Walter McNight; Charlie, and one who died in infancy.
After his first marriage Mr. Temple rented land and carried on farming until the outbreak of the late war. He then enlisted in Co. E, 25th Ill. Vol. Inf., and participated in the battles at Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone River and Chattanooga, and afterward joined Sherman’s army on its march to the sea. At Stone River he was captured, the same day that his brother, James M., was killed, but was paroled the day following. He served three years and escaped without a wound, coming home well and hearty.
In 1871 Mr. Temple took for his second wife Mrs. Amanda E. Strain, their marriage taking place on the 13th of April. Mrs. T. was born in this county June 22, 1839, and is the daughter of Charles G. and Nancy (Owens) Chowning, natives of Kentucky and early pioneers of this county. They have long since passed away. The household included eleven children, of whom Amanda K. was the ninth. Mr. Temple carried on farming until in April, 1884, then, in company with M. Taylor, purchased a half interest in the mill which he now owns, having bought his partner out in 1886. He is wide-awake and energetic, straight-forward and upright, and is contributing his full quota toward the business and industrial interests of the county.
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