Biography - Thomas Carlin

Thomas J. Carlin was born in Carrollton, Greene county, Illinois, December 13, 1827, and is the eldest child of William and Mary Carlin. William Carlin was a brother of Gov. Carlin, of Illinois, and a native of Fredericksburg, Mo., born May 31, 1804. Mrs. Carlin was born July 3, 1805, in Halifax county, Va., and when thirteen years of age her parents moved to Kentucky. Mr. Carlin removed, with his parents, when quite young, to the territory of Illinois, and settled on Wood river, in Madison county. At that place they resided several years. In the fall of 1820 William Carlin became a citizen of Greene county, and bought a tract of land which is now within the corporation of Carrollton. On the 6th of December, 1826, he was married to Miss Mary Goode. Politically, his views coincided with those of the democratic party, of which, in Greene county, he was a prominent member; and such confidence did they repose in his ability and honor, that they elected him to the office of county clerk, and retained him in that position for a period of seventeen years, when he resigned and moved to his farm eight miles west of Carrollton. Here he was engaged in farming about two years, and while on his way to New Orleans with a flat-boat load of stock, the democratic party, in his absence, put him in nomination for circuit clerk. He was elected, and in December, 1849, removed, with his family, to Carrollton, to assume the duties of his office. On the 20th of April, 1850, he died, beloved and respected by a large circle of acquaintances; his widow is still living.

Thomas J. Carlin, while a boy, attended the common schools of Greene county; and on the death of his father, in 1850, Judge Woodson then presiding, appointed him circuit clerk, to fill the vacancy in that office till the next general election. On the expiration of the term he was appointed deputy sheriff under William Halbirt, and acted in that capacity two years. In April, 1851, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Kelly, daughter of Andrew Kelly, of Carrollton, by whom he has three children. Their eldest daughter, Laura, is the wife of Wm. L. Robards. After the expiration his term as deputy sheriff, Mr. Carlin removed to the farm recently left by the death of his father, and soon after purchased a portion of the estate. In November, 1864, he was elected to the office of circuit clerk, and, by re-election, has held that office ever since, including his nomination and re-election in 1872. As a local politician, few gentlemen of Greene county exercise a greater influence in the ranks of their party than the subject of this sketch. By his affable manners he wins many political supporters; and the nominee who can gain the support of Thos. J. Carlin, is virtually sure of an election. Even those who differ from him in political opinions can but accord to him consistency and ability. He is mirthful, genial, and sociable, and possesses those qualities which render him a pleasant companion. Religiously, Mr. Carlin and wife are Presbyterians, and warmly adhere to the tenets of that church. Viewing his past life, he has been reasonably successful, politically and otherwise.

Extracted 05 Jan 2017 & 06 Jun 2018 by Norma Hass from Atlas Map of Greene County Illinois, 1873, page 39.

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