Ward - Thomas - 1893
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 1 April 1893 p 4
Thos. Ward, one of the oldest residents of this county and among the earliest of its pioneers died last Thursday morning at 10 o’clock at his farm, 3 miles east of Linden. He was born in Leicestershire, England June 24, 1803 and in 1829, together wit his wife who died in 1887, set sail for the new world. For a short time they lived in New York, but becomes dissatisfied concluded to seek a new home on the frontier in the then new state of Indiana. They made the journey through the unbroken forests with great hard ships and danger and finally purchased a small farm one mile west of Linden in Coal Creek Township. At once they took an active part in the improvement of the new country. Mr. Ward was one of the first men to introduce tile drainage and make it a success. He was temperate in body and by careful business methods accumulated a large amount of property consisting mostly of real estate in Madison and Coal Creek townships, Mr. Ward was baptized in the Episcopal Church in England and still held to that faith. He had two children, one a son Thomas who died in 1891 and a daughter, Mrs. Clint Wilkins, still living. The funeral occurred yesterday at 1 o’clock. Interment at New Richmond. – kbz
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Thursday, 30 March 1893
Thomas Ward, better known as “Old Tommy Ward” died last night at the advances age of 95 years, at his home, 10 miles north of town, near Linden. He was one of the oldest settlers of the county, having entered land in Coal Creek Township in 1830. Mr. Ward was born in Leicestershire, England, of parents who were farmers, in 1803 and was baptized in the Episcopalian Church. During his early manhood, he was in charge of his father’s farm and in 1829 married Miss Elizabeth Patrick. As a wedding trip they came to America and settled in this county the following year. By industry he increased his possessions from 160 acres to 1,130 acres. He was naturalized in 1843 and cast his first vote for Henry Clay, ever since being a Whig or Republican. He had a son, Thomas, and a daughter, Mrs. Clinton Wilkins.