THOMAS M. ROBISON, a farmer of Clark Township, is a native of
Johnson County, Ind., and is the son of Thomas and Jane M. (Clark)
Robison. The father was born in Fleming County, Ky., August 18,
1797; and died in Johnson County, Ind., February 8, 1836. The
mother was born in Muhlenberg County, Ky., September 8, 1807. Unto
the marriage of these parents were born five children, namely:
Sarah, born October 3, 1827; Andrew C., January 18, 1829;
Alexander, December 1, 1830; Annie, October 26, 1832; Thomas M.,
June 21, 1834. Their parents came to Indiana, and settled in Monroe
County, in 1825. In 1829, they removed to Johnson County, and
settled in Clark Township, where he was elected justice of peace,
which office he held until his death. The father's death occurred
February 8, 1836. He was among the pioneer settlers of the county,
but lived but a short period after his settling in this county. Of
the above five children only two are living, namely our subject and
a sister. Thomas was reared on a farm, and received a limited
education in the pioneer log schoolhouse. This education was
received under disadvantages, for when our subject was a youth,
school terms were short and poorly taught, and he attended a part
of only six winter terms. By close observation and study throughout
life he has become conversant on general subjects. At the age of
sixteen years he began the battle of life for himself. He served an
apprenticeship at the wagonmaker's trade; which he followed four
years, and in 1854, emigrated to California, where he remained for
two years, and then returned to his native county, where he was
married in 1856, to Miss Ann E. Holmes, daughter of Giles and
Martha Holmes. Mrs. Robison was born in Warren County, Ohio,
February 23, 1835. The issues of the above marriage, are two
children, namely: Eugene A., born May 30, 1857, and a deceased
child, unnamed, April 6, 1870. Eugene A. is a teacher, having
taught ten successful terms in the public schools. Since Mr.
Robison's marriage, he has resided in Clark Township, and has been
actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is now a prosperous
citizen, owning and cultivating a well-improved farm of 120 acres.
He and wife are members of the Christian Church, of which he has
been a member since 1851, and she, since 1859. In politics he is an
ardent republican, casting his first presidential vote for A.
Lincoln. He has been a progressive citizen, and has held several
positions of honor and trust. During the war he was an enrolling
officer in Clark Township. He has served his township as its
assessor for two years, was once elected justice of peace, but
resigned. At one time he became the republican candidate for county
commissioner, and cut a majority of over 500 against him, down to
283, thus demonstrating the high esteem in which his fellow
citizens hold him. In regard to churches, schools, and all laudable
improvements, he has been friendly, and has been characterized as
an industrious, and enterprising, as well as progressive citizen.
Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker
Banta, D.D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888.