THOMAS MANDAVILLE. There are few homes in Woodson Township more attractive or desirable than that belonging to the subject of this notice. He is the owner of 210 acres of choice land, where he has built a neat and commodious residence, around which have been planted here and there fruit and shade trees, while adjacent to the residence are the barn and other outbuildings necessary for the successful prosecution of agriculture. At this industry Mr. Mandaville has proved a success, and in the raising of grain and stock, especially the latter, there are few men in the county who excel him. As a citizen, he is highly popular, being a man prompt to meet his obligations, and he occupies no unimportant position socially and financially.

A native of County Tipperary, Ireland, our subject was born about 1829, and lived there until a young man of twenty years, receiving his education in the common school, and becoming familiar with farm pursuits. He was more than ordinarily energetic and ambitious, and at an early period in his life decided to do something in the world, and become a man among men. Seeing little prospect of realizing his desires in his native land he resolved to emigrate to America, and embarking at Waterford on an ocean vessel, landed duly in the city of New York. Thence he proceeded to New Jersey, in which State he sojourned about four years, and then going to Ohio was employed on a railroad six months. From the Buckeye State he emigrated South, and worked on the levee in Louisiana about six months, after which he returned to New Jersey.

The return of Mr. Mandaville to the above-mentioned State was the occasion of more than ordinary importance, as he was there soon afterward married, June 12, 1853, to Miss Mary Hickey. This lady was a native of the same county in Ireland as our subject, and was born about the same year. After marriage they lived in New Jersey probably about three years, and then removed to this county, of which they have since been residents. Mr. Mandaville was variously employed thereafter in the vicinity of Jacksonville, then came to Woodson, in the vicinity of which he rented land five years, and finally bought a part of the land which he now occupies. This comprised ninety-four acres - the homestead proper - to which he added later, and which now represents a fine amount of taxable property.

To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born nine children, viz.: Luke, Ellen, Annie, John, Thomas, Mary, Maggie, Julia (who died when six years old), and Lizzie. Mr. Mandaville, politically, votes the straight Democratic ticket, and with his wife is a member of the Catholic Church, attending services at Murrayville.