FYFFE, Thomas - Putnam

THOMAS FYFFE, farmer, section 12, Monroe Township, was born in Mason County, Kentucky, October 27, 1814. His father, Jonathan Fyffe, now deceased, was a native of Maryland, and an early settler of Mason County. His early life was passed on a farm, and his education was obtained in the early subscription schools that were taught in the primitive log school-house, with boards on pegs for desks, clapboard roof, puncheon floor and slab seats. The teachers were those that believed in pounding education into their pupils with ox gads. Mr. Fyffe came to this county in the fall of 1836, settling in Monroe Township, and has since resided in the county. He lived six years in Floyd Township, and in Monroe Township the remainder of the time. The country was new when he first came, and there was but little land cleared. His salt costed one dollar a bushel. He went to Crawfordsville and Indianapolis to mill, a distance of twenty-two and forty miles respectively. He was married January 9, 1840, to Miss Zerelda Allen, daughter of Robert Allen, now deceased, who was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky. They have had two children--Lou B. married John Q. Wilkinson and had six children--Leonora, Wilbur, Carrol, Eddie and two deceased; and Mary C., who married Dr. Thomas L. Armstrong, veterinary surgeon, of Indianapolis, and they had one child, Josie F., who lives with her grandparents, and is quite a musician; both daughters are now deceased. Mr. Fyffe owns 167 acres of land, and it is conceded to be one of the best farms in the county, being well watered, good soil, and timber land. His residence is of brick, 64x33 feet, two stories in height, each twelve feet. He is president of two gravel road companies in Monroe Township. Mr. Fyffe never seeks official honors or political distinction. Both himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Fyffe's father was born in Virginia and came to Kentucky when a young man.