My Genealogy Hound

Thomas J. Longfellow was born in Knox County, Mo., May 24, 1844, and is a son of Jonathan and Martha (McClamrock) Longfellow. The father was a native of Butler County, Ohio, born March 6, 1815, and died in Elk County, Kas., December 27, 1885, in his seventieth year. He came to Knox County from Ohio, in 1843, and remained until 1877, when he moved to Kansas, up to which time he had been engaged in farming, but there operated a grist mill at Elk Falls, Kas. The mother was also born in Butler County, Ohio, January 8, 1819, and died in Knox County, Mo., September 10, 1862. To them nine children were born, of whom our subject is the third, all but the eldest still living. Thomas J. received a limited education at the home schools, and remained with his parents until January 27, 1864, when he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served until April 19, 1866. He was in the Red River expedition, the last raid through Missouri, at Nashville, Tenn., and at Fort Blakeley, Ala. He was mustered out at Fort Gaines, Ala., and then returned to Knox County, and engaged in farming and stock dealing. December 24, 1867, he wedded Annie Arehart, daughter of William M. and Jane (Garrigus) Arehart, born in Butler County, Ohio, October 13, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Longfellow have had three children, all living, Jonathan M., Effie A. and Leonidas S. After his marriage, Mr. Longfellow moved upon land given him by his father, which he has since sold to his brother, John J. In 1875 he bought his present home. In politics he is a Republican, and is an active and enterprising citizen, advocating all religious and educational enterprises. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.