Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1181:

DISNEY, THOMAS - Farming as an occupation is profitable if followed along scientific lines, but the work of the farmer of today entails much study and not a little scientific training, being in sharp contrast to the agricultural life of several decades ago, when power machinery, tiling, and crop rotation, were things unheard of. One of Sangamon County's farmers who is cultivating his land along scientific lines is Thomas Disney, whose fine little property of thirty acres is located on Section 25 in Illiopolis Township. He was born in Eastern Tennessee, July 28, 1842, a son of Solomon and Sarah (Bray) Disney, native of that State. The parents came to Macon County, Ill., in 1867, and settled on a farm near Decatur, where the father followed agricultural pursuits for many years, eventually retiring and locating in the town of Decatur, where his death occurred in 1886. Thomas Disney is the only survivor of his father's eight children. He was educated in the district schools of Tennessee and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted, with two brothers, as a member of the Thirteenth Kentucky Cavalry, under the command of Col. Weatherford, of Louisville. He served his full term and received an honorable discharged at the close of the war, having been a good and faithful soldier throughout his service. He was never wounded, sent to a hospital, nor was he ever captured by the enemy. He accompanied the family in 1867 to Macon County, and for two years worked in a brick yard in Decatur, but eventually located in Illiopolis Township, Sangamon County, and engaged in farming, an occupation which he has since followed with much success. He is a public spirited citizen, always being a stanch supporter of those movements which he feels will be of benefit to his community. He is a Democrat in politics and his religious belief is that of the Christian Church.

In 1867, in Springfield, Ill., Mr. Disney was united in marriage with Sarah J. Miller, who was born near Decatur, Ill., the daughter of Henry and Sarah Miller, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Macon County at an early date and engaged in agricultural pursuits, continuing therein until their deaths. Two of the three sons and three of the five daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Miller are now living. Mr. and Ms. Disney have had seven children, and of these four survive: Lula, the wife of John Bonn, living in Illiopolis; and Charles, Edward and Maude, who are living with their parents.