BIO: THOMAS H. COLEY 121160840 of Pittsfield. holds the important office of Treasurer of Pike County. He has for a long time been identified both with the agricultural and the educational interests of this section of country, and is prominent in its social, religious and public life. Mr. Coley was born in Putnam County, Ind., December 21, 1836. His father. William B. Coley, was born in Virginia, mother Elizabeth (McLain) Coley she was horn in Germantown, Ky.. in 1802, and there grew to womanhood and married.
Thomas H. Coley, lived in his native county until he was fourteen years old and laid the basis of his education in its schools. He attended school a short time in Pittsfield after coming to Pike County, and then began life for himself as a farmer, and also engaged in teaching, following those vocations alternately. He subsequently bought a steam flouring mill at El Dara, which he operated twelve years with good pecuniary success, and at the same time carried on his farm work in connection with milling. He still retains possession of his farm, which is well improved and is in every way a valuable and desirable piece of property.
In the fall of 1886. Mr. Coley was elected Treasurer of Pike County, and assumed the duties of his office in December, 1886. for a term of four years. In the management of the affairs thus entrusted to him, he shows good financial talent, and excellent business ability. and is conducting the moneyed interests of the county in a very satisfactory manner. Mr. Coley has long mingled in public life, and while a resident of Derry Township, was one of its most prominent civic officials. He represented it on the County Board of Supervisors several years, and he was local School Treasurer for twelve years. Politically, he is identified with the Democrats. Religiously, he is a. member of the Christian Church, and his whole career has been guided by its lofty principles.
Mr. Coley was married September 30. 1860, to Martha E. Goodin and their wedded life has been productive to them of much happiness. Mrs Coley is a daughter of Hardin Goodin. who came from Missouri to Pike County. The union of our subject and his wife has been greatly blessed to them by the birth of nine children as follows: Mary E., wife of Fred V. Chamberlain; Lewis H, a resident of Texas; William L . Principal of the Milton schools; Carrie M., a teacher in San Antonio, Tex.; Lucius A.. a clerk; Henry Virgil. a schoolboy; Lillie M., Goldie R.; and George Everett. The four latter are at home with their parents. [PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF PIKE AND CALHOUN COUNTIES 1894 COPYRIGHT EXPIRED]
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Illinois Deaths: COLEY MARTHA E F/W Y- 0000077 1941-04-17 PIKE PITTSFIELD
COLEY MARTHA E F/W Y- 0000077 1941-04-17 PIKE PITTSFIELD
Illinois Marriages COLEY, THOMAS H GOODIN, MARTHA E 1860-09-30 A 17 2759 PIKE

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