On June 10, 1822, a colony of English people, from the neighborhood of Wigton, Cumberland county, left their home in the north of England, for the "land of the free." They came to Liverpool, and embarked on the Niagara, which proved unseaworthy, and, suffering a wreck when but 10 or 15 miles from that port, put back, and engaged passage on the brig Yamacrow, Bates, captain, and made the voyage to New York in 47 days. The names of these colonists were: James Hobson, Elizabeth Hobson, Peter Hobson, John Hobson, Margaret Black, John Black, David Black, Wm. Black, Thomas Black, Elizabeth Black, John Armstrong, Isaac Richardson, Charles F. Hobson, Ruth Richardson, Jeremiah Richardson, Elizabeth Richardson, and Geo. Beaty. From New York they journeyed both by wagon and flat boat, and settled in the neighborhood of Mount Pleasant, which was supposed to be the future seat of justice of the county. These settlements were all in the southwest quarter of township 10, range 12.

THOMAS BLACK was born in Cumberland county, Eng., Nov. 5, 1810, his parents being William and Margaret (Hobson) Black, natives of Cumberland, Eng. His father died June 17, 1817, and was buried in the parish of Wigton. When but 11 years old, Thomas' mother and family decided to leave their native country, and took passage at Liverpool, on the vessel Yamacrow, bound for New York. On arriving there, they started for Illinois, coming much of the way in a two-horse wagon. They landed in Greene county, about Dec. 20, 1822, locating on section 28, where his uncle, Robert Hobson, had laid out a town, called Mt. Pleasant, and the year following, located on section 21. Mr. Hobson had entered more than 1,400 acres of land, in 1821, and Mrs. Black took the control of 500 acres on which she farmed, and there resided until her death. Feb. 7, 1854. Thomas then took charge of the homestead, and since resided on it. He has been three times married; first to Adele E. Russell, daughter of William and Murtilla (Hepurn) Russell by which union there were three children, only one of whom is living - William Armstrong, married Kate Bowman, and resides in Pawnee county, Neb. Mrs. Black died Aug. 22, 1839, and he was again married Oct. 17, 1842, to Cornelia P. Wood, daughter of Elisha K. and Emily M. Wood. By that union there were six children, five of whom are living - George E., married Mary Maxwell, resides in Saline county, Mo.; Charles A., married Margaret Rowe, resides in Saline county, Mo.; Harriet R., wife of Charles W. Keeley, living in Carrollton; Adela M., wife of Arthur Secor, residing in Linder township, and Kent W., residing in Carrollton. Mr. Black's wife died April 22, 1865, and he was again married Sept. 21, 1869, to Martha E. Robinson, daughter of Gregory and Louisa Robinson. This marriage has been blessed with three children - Russell B., Ella L. and Robert T. Mr. Black owns 440 acres of land, mostly under cultivation, there being but 40 acres of timber. His land lies on sections 20, 21, 28, and 36, in Carrollton township, and section 18, in Woodville township. He is an enterprising farmer, hence has been very successful, and is surrounded with all the comforts of life. Mr. and Mrs. Black are members of the Baptist church.