Hole - Thomas J.
Source: H. W. Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881) p 173
HOLE, Thomas J., superintendent of the Poor Farm, Crawfordsville this large hearted social gentleman is the eldest of 11 children and was b. on a farm in Montgomery Co, OH April 14, 1839. His father, John Hole, was a native of Mont County Ohio where he died Aug 1871. At the age of 18 he learned the cooper's trade, near Woodburn, of Elisha HOPKINS following the same for 6 or 7 years, then began farming and engaged in running a sawmill situated upon his place, until his decease. His education was of a limited character.
He married Eliza J. BENSON in Delaware Co, IN. She is still living on the home farm surrounded by 3 of her children. She is a member of the Baptist Church, as was also her husband, who was formerly a whig, finally associating himself with the republicans when they championed the negro's cause.
Thomas J. living with his parents until he reached his 23rd year, when he tried the fortunes of the world for himself. March 27, 1862, he was married to Elizabeth LIGHTCAP, in Dayton, Ohio by the Rev. David WINTERS and they are the parents of 7 children, 6 of whom are living: Cynthia J; John Henry; Eliza Ann; Charles D; William F; Walter and Ida. Solomon Lightcap died near Miamisburg, OH in the fall of 1862. His wife, Catharine SMITH) Lightcap, is still living near Germantown, a member of the German Reform Church.
After his marriage, Thomas J. engaged in farming in Montgomery County, Ohio and after 3 years of fair success moved to Montgomery County, Indiana and settled upon John TOWNSLEY 's place as a renter. At the expiration of one year's time he purchased 20 acres and moved upon it and here remained, farming this and other rented property until in March 1874, when he was appointed by the commissioners as Superintendent of the Poor Farm, and as such officer has filled the position with honor to himself and credit to the County. They now have on hand, through his careful and economical management, 1,000 bushels of wheat, 125 head of hogs, 300 bushels of potatoes, 10 tons of hay and 1,800 bushels of corn. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, as is also his wife.
April 1864, he enlisted at Columbus, OH for 100 days, as a member of Co. I, 131st Oh Vol. Inf and was mustered out at the same place Aug 27, 1864. He is a republican, casting his first presidential vote for the heroic and martyred Lincoln. - typed by kbz