Thomas  J.  Conger

          Thomas J. Conger, fruit raiser and gardener, a native of Shelby County, was born in Noble Township, near Cave Mills, August 4, 1842, being the next eldest in a family of five children born to  David J. and  Delilah ( Jeffras) Conger, who were both natives of Butler County, Ohio, their marriage occurring in 1838, and they immediately moved to Shelby County and settled at the farm on which they now live.  Our immediate subject grew to manhood on that farm, remaining with and assisting his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years, receiving a common school education. October 23, 1864, ..his marriage with  Charlotte F. Peak, was solemnized, and to their union this one child was born,  Jefferson L.,  aged twenty years.  May, 1864, Mr. Conger realized the necessity of the preservation of our Union, and enlisted in Co. E, One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, in the 100 day service.  He was a member of  Col. James Gavin's command of militia who pursued Morgan in 1863.  He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, August, 1864.  He has always made farming his occupation.  In 1882, he removed to his present location, since which time he has made the raising of small fruits a specialty, and he has been quite successful, having fifteen acres of land, one-half of which he has in fruit plants.  He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity.  He formerly was identified with the Grange movement.  In politics he is a Republican.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1887, "Addison Sketches", pages 591-592.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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