Thomas Jefferson Axe

The parents of THOMAS J. AXE, JACOB and ELIZA (DOROUGHT) AXE, were natives of Pennsylvania, of that sturdy pioneer stock that delights to compel the wild soil to yield them a living. They both went to Ohio when young and married there, remaining in the Buckeye state until 1850, when they came to Greene county, Indiana and settler in Richland township, securing some sold land, which they cleared and soon had a comfortable home They were both members of the Church of God. He was always a Democrat. JACOB AXE died there in 1872 and his wife a few years later. Many of their then children survive. CATHERINE is the widow of FRANK SILLIVAN, of Washington township, Greene county, Indiana; the widow of WILLIAM BRANSETTER; WILLIAM, living at Bloomfield, Indiana; THOMAS J., the subject; JACOB died during the war while a men,er of the Fity-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry; JOHN, who lives in Washington township; ELIZABETH who died in Ohio; DANIEL, living in Taylor township, Greene county, Indiana; REUBEN and ALMEDA both deceased.

THOMAS J. AXE was born in Wayne county, Ohio July 8, 1839. He attended school in old log school houses what time he did not devote to farming. On July 5, 1861 he entered the Twenty-first Regiment, Indiana Heavy Artillery, Company C, in which he served for over two years; during which he took part in the following battles: Donaldsonville, Baton Rouge, siege of Port Hudson , lasting thirty-one days, raid through Texas and many skirmishes. He helped open up the Mississippi River and concentrate the army on Ship Island. He was discharged on account of poor health and came home in September, 1863.

He was married in 1871 to MARY A. BRANSETTER, of Brown county, Indiana. She was the daughter of MICHAEL and SUSAN (SOLIDAY) BRANSETTER. They came to Greene county, Indiana and entered land under President Van Buren’s administration. This land is now owned by the subject of this sketch, who has the original deed to it. Mr. And Mrs. Axe have had two children: Laura is the wife of CHARLES W. REED, living in Wright township, Greene county Indiana. He is a farmer and has one child. MARY C.; SUSAN died young.

THOMAS J. AXE has devoted his life to farming. He is a Democrat and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. And Mrs. Axe are members of the Church of God and have many friends and acquaintances throughout the county.

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Biographical Memoirs of Greene County, Ind. With Reminiscences of Pioneer Days, Illustrated (1908, B. F. Bowen & Co. Indianapolis, Indiana) Vol. 1 pg. 396-

Last updated 7.11.2009