Thomas H. Chiles

THOMAS H. CHILES. This gentleman is a farmer living in Mound Valley township, Labette county, Kansas, on section 14, township 32, range 18. He was born in Indiana, and is a son of Rollin Allison and Virginia A. E. Chiles. His parents lived in Indiana, where they reared five children, of whom Thomas H. and his sister, Minerva, alone survive. The others were Phoebe L., Francis and Margaret. Minerva lives in Montgomery county, Kansas.

Thomas H. Chiles received his mental training in the common schools of his native county, and at the age of sixteen years began to work on his father's farm. When he was twenty-two years old, - on August 9, 1861, - he enlisted in the army, and saw active service for three years. He was mustered out September 15, 1864, after which he returned to Indiana, where he was married. He lived in Indiana until 1871, when with his wife and family be moved to Labette county, Kansas, where he has since resided. He is engaged in general farming and dairying, and is very prosperous. He has had a thorough training in the tilling of the soil, and is considered one of the best farmers in the township. His farm is kept in good condition, being well managed and cared for.

Mr. Chiles married Barbara Ledgerwood, a native of Indiana, and they have been blessed with five children, namely: Alzira, who is married, and lives near her father's farm; Jennie and James, who are at home; Laura, who, lives in Mound Valley township; and Omar, who also lives at home. Mr. Chiles is a Republican, in politics, and has served on the school board of Mound Valley township. He has been a member of the Hopewell church for the past eighteen years. Mr. Chiles is well known in Labette county, where he is highly respected by all.