Thomas M. Enoch

Thomas M. Enoch, son of John and Sarah (McDonald) Enoch, was born on the farm on which he now lives, in Vernon township, Hancock county, September 16, 1854. His father was born in Miami county, Ohio, in 1815, and was married in that county, in 1836, to Sarah McDonald, who was also a native of Miami county. The paternal grandfather of Thomas Enoch was John Enoch, whose home was in Miami county, Ohio, and died there when John, Jr., was young.

John Enoch father of the subject of this sketch, received his early education in Ohio, and when quite young was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade. He followed that trade in Ohio for several years and was married in that state. Three of his children were born while living in Ohio. About 1840 he came to Vernon township, Hancock county, Indiana, and bought eighty acres of land from a Mr. Arnett, paying two dollars and fifty cents an acre for the same. This is the farm on which Thomas M. Enoch now lives, but the condition of this land is very different from what it was when his father settled there in 1840. Then it was nearly all woods and swamp. The only house on the place at that time was an old log cabin built of round poles, with clap-board covering held in place by weight poles. The land was covered with timber, much of it a thick, stubby growth, and a large part covered with wild swamp vegetation. By the application of great energy and labor this land was cleared of timber, the swampy places were ditched and drained and all brought in a condition for cultivation and the production of bountiful crops. Mrs. Sarah Enoch died in the home on this place when Thomas M. was six weeks old. His father was married, secondly, to Rebecca B. Blanton. There were seven children by the first marriage; none by the second.

Thomas M. Enoch was educated in the public school of Vernon township, was reared and always lived on a farm. He built the house, in which he is at present living, in 19190. He was married on June 18, 1882, to Bettie Ellingwood, a daughter of Joshua Ellingwood. The children of this union are: Bertha, John, Gracie, Benjamin, Jimmie, Myrtle Delle, Reva Coclean and E. May. The family are members of the Christian church. Mr. Enoch's fraternal affiliations are with the Red Men and the Haymakers.

Transcribed from History of Hancock County, Indiana, Its People, Industries and Institutions by George J. Richman, B. L., Federal Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916. Page 981-982.

Submitted by Sylvia (Rose) Duda, Laingsburg, MI October 19, 2001.

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