THOMAS H. DAYTON, deceased, was born in Woodville township, Greene county, Ill., Nov. 6, 1843, and was a son of Matthew and Margaret (Taylor) Dayton. Thomas was reared within the limits of this township, and made that his residence during his entire lifetime. He lived at home until the date of his marriage, Dec. 31, 1867, when he was united in marriage with Mattie J. Ricketts, daughter of Aaron and Margaret (Barr) Ricketts. Her father was a soldier in the Black Hawk war, and after its expiration, settled in Jersey county, locating in Richwoods township, where her parents were married. Her father died there in March, 1852, and her mother died in this county, April 21, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Dayton were the parents of seven children - John M., Lizzie J., Margaret Gertrude, Amanda Ann, Robert E. Lee, Guy, and Thomas Henry. Mr. Dayton departed this life May 7, 1882. He was an enterprising energetic citizen of that community, an affectionate husband and father, hence his loss was deeply mourned by family and friends. He was a soldier in the civil war, having been mustered in Oct. 9, 1861, in Co. G, 61st Ill. Inf. He was at the battle of Shiloh, and participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and many other engagements. He was with his regiment all the time of his enlistment, until when taken very sick, he was compelled to return home, rejoining his regiment after a stay of about six months. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Springfield. The regiment was commanded by his brother-in-law, Col. Nulton, of Carrollton. Mr. Dayton had been connected with the schools as director. He owned 575 acres of land, all in this township, and was well fixed. Mrs. Dayton was again married on the 29th of July, 1884, to Frank Clark.