Untitled From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 882-883

THOMAS LONGBOTHAM is numbered among the leading business men of Platteville, Grant county, where he owns and operates finely equipped livery and boarding stables.

Mr. LONGBOTHAM was born in Fidlers Green in July, 1846, a son of Thomas and Hannah LONGBOTHAM, who were born in England in 1807 and 1822, respectively. After their marriage the parents came to Grant county, Wis., in 1841, selected Potosi as a place of residence Here the father pursued his trade of weaver for several years, and then engaged in smelting ore, owning smelting works at Potosi. After some years he sold the smelting works, purchased a farm at Fiddlers Green, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1895, his wife having passed away several years previously. These two good people were earnest members of the M. E. Church, and very devout Christians. Of their children we have the following record: William, born at Potosi, is now a farmer in Nebraska; Elijah, born in Potosi, married Miss TAYLOR, of Grant county, settled on his farm at Rockford, Iowa, where he died in 1888, leaving a wife and two children, Ellen (wife of Fred TIBETS), of Iowa and Thomas L. (of Rockford, Iowa); Rebecka, a graduate of the State Normal, has been a teacher for a number of years in Grant and Iowa counties; John, born in Grant county, is now a prominent banker of Cuba City, and is also interested in the bank of Stevens Point; Joseph, born in Grant county, was educated at the State Normal and a business college, is now cashier of the Cuba City bank, married to Sarah K. MATHEWS, of Dickeysville, by whom he has three children, Leslie, Pearl and Mary H., now students of the State Normal, and all residents of Platteville; Hannah E.; George, who died in childhood; and our subject.

Thomas LONGBOTHAM worked upon his father's farm attending the district school during the winter months, until he attained to mature years, when he purchased a farm in Floyd county, Iowa, on which he erected buildings and made many improvements, remaining there for eight years. At that time Mr. LONGBOTHAM sold his property, located in Nebraska, where he engaged in farming. He returned to Grant county in 1896, and the following year removed to Platteville, where he purchased and now operates of the finest livery stables in Grant county, known as the Brick Livery Stables. A full line of modern and stylish carriages, barouches, carts, sleighs, etc., is carried, and the horses are of excellent stock. Mr. LONGBOTHAM personally superintends his business, and every detail is carried out under his direction, while his corps of assistants is carefully selected.

In April, 1896, Thomas LONGBOTHAM married Alvira L. GILMORE, daughter of Lysander and Jula GILMORE, of Georgetown, Grant county. The GILMORE family is among the oldest in the State, and originated in America in Virginia. Mrs. LONGBOTHAM was born and educated in Grant county, and is a very pleasant and estimable lady. To this union one son has been born, Thomas G. Mr. and Mrs. LONGBOTHAM reside in a comfortable home on Water street, where they receive their many friends. A Republican to the core, Mr. LONGBOTHAM takes a deep interest in the workings of that party, and socially is connected with the I.O.O.F. Although not a member of any religious denomination, Mr. LONGBOTHAM has always contributed of his means to the support of church work, and is public spirited, kind hearted and liberal. Commencing the struggle of life poor in purse, but rich in pluck and energy, he has attained his present solid position, although still a young man, by his own unaided efforts, and can not be too highly commended for his industry, thrift and perseverance.




This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck