Thornberg - H.H.
Source: History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Indianapolis, AW Bowen, 1913).
There is nothing
in the world more beautiful than the spectacle of a life that has reached its
autumn with a harvest of good and useful deeds. It is like the forest in
October days when the leaves have browned the richest colors of the light and
glow of the mellowed sheen of the Indian summer, reflecting in their closing
days all the radiance of their earthly existence. The man who has lived a
clean, useful and self-denying life and has brought into potential exercise the
best energies of his mind that he might make the world brighter and better for
his being a part of it, while laboring for his individual advancement, cannot
fail to enjoy a serenity of soul that reveals itself in his manner and
conversation. When such a life is preserved in its strength and integrity so
that even in age its influence continues unabated, it challenges the added
admiration of those whose good fortune it is to be brought into contact with
it. Such a life has been that of the venerable agriculturist, now living in
retirement on his splendid farm in Franklin Township, whose name appears at the
head of this article. H.H. THORNBERG has played no inconspicuous part in the
affairs of Montgomery County, so long honored by his citizenship and now in the
85th year of a life that has been noted for its sterling honesty, industry and
devotion to family, church and to his country, he can look backward with no
regret for misdeeds and forward to the Mystic Beyond with no fear. HH Thornberg
was born on October 30, 1828 in Fayette county, Indiana, son of John and Mary
BUTLER Thornberg. The father died in 1830. He was a native of NC. The mother
was born in Va in 1808 and her death occurred in 1893, thus outliving her
husband 63 years, she having been a mere girl when left a widow, although she
had borne Mr. Thornberg 3 children: Rebecca, who is deceased; HH of this sketch
and John, deceased After the death of the elder Thornberg, his widow married
again. HH Thornberg was a babe at the time of his father's death. He grew to
manhood on the home farm and received a meager education in the rural schools
of his day. On December 25, 1851 he married Maria WHITELY, who was a native of
Indiana. Her parents were natives of Maryland. The date of the birth of our
subject's wife was May 18, 1831. She received a meager education in the old
time district schools. After a long and happy married life she was called to
her eternal rest on January 24, 1911. She was a good, kind, neighborly woman of
fine moral nature and she had a host of warm friends. 9 children were born to
our subject and wife, 4 of whom are still living: Olian is deceased; Ella,
Etta, Deceased; Alice and Artie living (sic). Mr. Thornberg has always followed
general farming and stock raising and has been successful. He has always aimed
to keep the best of live stock; however, he has never specialized in any
special breeds. His fine farm is composed of 285 acres, all in Franklin Twp,
nearly all tillable well tiled and otherwise well improved, he having made the
improvements himself. He has a pleasant home and is spending his declining
years in quiet retirement. He is an ardent Prohibitionist, and like his wife
before, him, is an outspoken Spiritualist. He is known to be an honest, kind
and obliging gentlemen who is liked by everybody.