Among the 18 eminent and distinguished gentlemen who have filled the gubernatorial chair of the state of Illinois, since its admission as a state into the American union, was Thomas Carlin, one of the pioneers of this county.

THOMAS CARLIN was born near Shelbyville, Ky., in 1786. His parents were genuine Kentuckians, and their son was brought up to love adventure and inured to all the hardships of a backwoodsman's life. In 1803 the family removed to Missouri, and the next year the young man's father died. Mr. Carlin served as a ranger during the war, and was among the first to settle in Greene county, north of the Macoupin creek, his improvements being made just south of the present site of Carrollton. His mother, a very worthy woman, his stepfather, Mr. Savage, and his two brothers, James and William Carlin, came with him. The latter was the father of Gen. William Passamore Carlin, of the U. S. army, and of Thomas J. Carlin, ex-circuit clerk of Greene county. All these gentlemen have held important official positions in the county. In 1814, Thomas Carlin owned a ferry across the Mississippi river, near where Edwardsville Junction is now situated, and while living there he married Rebecca Huitt, sister of John W. Huitt. Mr. Carlin was a man of medium height, not heavily built, but possessed of a pair of powerful shoulders. His hair and full beard were sandy and his cheery face was always florid and full of blood. He was a man of iron nerve, much natural shrewdness and skill in dealing with his fellow men, admired and regarded as a friend by every one. He was from the first, and for many years, perhaps the most popular man in the region, and was universally regarded as a natural leader. His honesty is spoken of as beyond reproach, and when he was register of lands, at Quincy, his square dealing with the government was repeatedly remarked. While he held this office he frequently drove a team of two heavy horses before a wagon load of gold and silver (the proceeds of the land sales) through the lonely regions between Quincy and Carrollton, often in the night, entirely alone and unattended. He did not know what fear meant. He was elected first sheriff of the county, held various other local offices, was chosen state senator, and, finally, in 1838, was elected governor. He died Feb. 14, 1852, at his home in Carrollton, on the land which he had entered more than 30 years before.