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HOMAS STAFFORD, of Hamilton Township, is a native of Clarke County, Ohio, and dates his birth from the 1st day of January, 1819. His father Thomas Stafford, was born in Ireland, and his mother, whose maiden name was Catherine (Williams) Stafford, was a native of Virginia and a descendant of an old and highly respected German family of that state. Thomas Stafford, Sr., came to the United States at the age of ten years, with his parents, and passed the early years of his manhood in Virginia, subsequently moving to Ohio,, where he remained until his death, which occurred at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Mrs. Stafford departed this life at the and was the mother of twelve children, all of whom became heads of families and four of whom are living at this time, namely: George W., of Clarke count Thomas, of Delaware county, Indiana; He W., a resident of Clinton county, In, Lucinda, wife of Michael Snyder, who also resides in the county last named. Thom s Stafford, Sr., followed farming all of his life and was a very success man, having accumulated a valuable tract of land consisting of 320 acres in Clarke County, Ohio.
Thomas Stafford, Jr., for whom this sketch is prepared, was reared in his native county and state and was there married on the 20th day of January; 1 846, to Matilda J. Black, daughter of Samuel and Malinda (Mitchell) Black, parents natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. Having definitely decided upon adopting the pursuit of agriculture as his life work, he began the same in Clarke county, Ohio, and five years after his marriage, thinking to improve his fortune further west, he emigrated to Indiana and settled in Delaware county, where he purchased a tract of land consisting of 24o acres, upon which he at once erected a small cabin and began clearing a farm. From the days of his boyhood Mr. Stafford has practiced habits of industry which have borne rich fruit, and ever since locating in this county his financial condition has continually improved, having at one time been the possessor of 400 acres of as choice land as lies in the central part of Indiana. He has risen to his present independent position by his own exertions and the competence he enjoys is the reward of untiring labor and courage in the battle with the world. He has been liberal with his children, assisting each to a good farm, and is now passing his declining years practically retired from the active duties of life and in the enjoyment of well earned and highly appreciated quietude. To bless their wedded life there were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stafford, namely: Sylvester, a prosperous farmer who has charge of the home place; Samuel, a well known resident of Hamilton township; Joseph, a farmer of Delaware county; Laura E , wife of Charles Spencer. As members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Stafford and his estimable wife have lead consistent Christian lives, and by the practice of the religion they profess, have been the means of accomplishing great good in the community.
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1819 - 1904 (85 years)
