McFADDEN, Thomas

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DEATH OF THOMAS McFADDEN.

Thomas McFadden died Monday eve­ning at Indianapolis, where he had been the past two months receiving treatment for nervous disorder.

Mr. McFadden was one of the best known citizens of Johnson county, having lived here on his farm in Hensley township through a period of nearly sixty years. He was born in Brown county, Ohio, January 18, 1830, and came with his parents, when about twelve years old, to Hensley township. Here he continued to reside all his life.

His parents’ names were John and Elizabeth McFadden. The children were Thomas, the eldest, Sina A., Robert and Nancy. The children were all born in Ohio, the youngest, Nancy McFadden, being four years old when the parents came to this county in 1842. Thomas and Robert were never married. They remained on the home place and in partnership carried on farming with marked success. They became the lar­gest land owners in the county and among its wealthiest citizens.

Thomas McFadden, the first to depart, was a man of strong character. In his dealings he was honorable and this, combined with a natural business tact, established confidence in his judg­ment and paved the way to success. Energy, industry, integrity were charac­teristic business qualities with him al­ways. Socially he was one of the most agreeable men. His fund of wit and anecdote was remarkable and in this respect it is probable he had no equal in Johnson County.

For many years prior to his death he had been troubled with nervous disease. Realizing that age was coming on he and his brother a few years ago began to dispose of some of their land and converted the proceeds into U.S. bonds to lessen the burdens of business. For the past three years, Mr. McFadden had spent the greater portion of the time at different points, seeking medical aid for his nervous trouble. No pains or money was spared in this attempt. Relief, how­ever, was but temporary. The treatment he had received at Indianapolis, how­ever, the few weeks before his death had seemed to prove beneficial and he felt encouraged. A few days before stricken with paralysis which resulted in his death, he had sent word to his friends that he expected soon to come down into Hensley township and again remain at home. He felt improved and was cheerful. On last Friday evening he sustained a partial stroke of paralysis and rapidly declined. A second stroke resulted in his death.

The remains were brought to Franklin Wednesday morning and taken to Lick Springs church for burial. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. L. P. Marshall, of the Presbyterian church of Franklin and were attended by a large number of relatives and friends.

His sister, Mrs. Sina A. Coffman, widow of Timothy Coffman, now re­sides in Edinburg. The youngest sister, Mrs. Nancy Jolliffe, widow of Aaron Jolliffe, resides in Trafalgar. Her son, John M. Jolliffe is the present county surveyor, and lives in Franklin. Robert, the brother and companion of the de­ceased through all their long and successful business career, is still on the home place in Hensley township.

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Link to Thomas McFadden’s grave

Note: Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899–2011, Indianapolis, Marion County, Certificate and Record of Death, page 160 records that Thomas McFadden died at about 11 o’clock p. m. on 30 Apr 1900 in Indianapolis from paralysis of the heart of twenty-four hours’ duration, caused by paralysis agitans [Parkinson’s Disease], contributing cause albuminuria, aged seventy-eight years and eleven months [sic]. He was male, white, single and a farmer, born in Ohio. His residence was in Trafalgar, Johnson County. His father’s name was John McFadden and his mother’s maiden name Elizabeth Morrow, both born in Ohio. The informant was H. C. Vehling, who was also the undertaker. Thomas was buried in Lick Spring Cemetery, Franklin on 2 May 1900.

Submitted by Mark McCrady, Cathea Curry and Lois Johnson