History of Macon Co, 1880 THOMAS J. DRAPER Thomas J. Draper, a highly esteemed farmer residing on section 15, Mt. Zion Township, is living in the neighborhood of his birthplace, for he was born in this township, March 3, 1855. His father, John A. Draper, was one of the first white children born in Macon County, the year of his birth being 1828. Prominent among the pioneer settlers was our subject's grandfather, who came from Virginia in 1825, locating here when Macon County was almost an unbroken wilderness. He settled on Steven's Creek, where he remained for about a year, after which he bought out an Indian trader, who lived about twelve miles northeast of Decatur. While there he was converted under the preaching of Peter Wright, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, about 1830 or 1832. He was of Scotch-English descent, and had served in the Black Hawk War. His son, John Draper, was widely and favorable known in this community, where he resided until 1892, when he removed to Douglas County, where he is now living. He cro! ssed the plains to California in 1850 in search of gold. He returned in January, 1853 and was married in the winter of 1854, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah W. Jones, who was a native of Ohio, and of Scotch-Irish descent, as is also Mr. Draper. Her death occurred in 1888, and her remains were interred in Mt. Zion Cemetery. The father of our subject chose farming for his life work, and at one time was the owner of a large tract of the best farming land in Macon County. In his family were seven children: Thomas J., whose name heads this sketch; John A., a resident of Iowa; Purnell; Abram Lincoln; Ulysses Grant; and Lewis Sherman, who are living in Decatur; and James Ottis, who died and was buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Thomas Draper, whose name heads this record, acquired his education in the schools of Macon County, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, having followed that business throughout his entire life. He started out for himself at the age of twenty-one years empty-handed, but he has made the most of his opportunities, and is now a successful agriculturist. In 1885, Mr. Draper was married to Miss Luella S. Stewart, who was born in Macon County, and died in 1887, her remains being interred in Mt. Zion Cemetery. September 24, 1889, Mr. Draper was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary P. Wonacott, also a native of this county. Her father, John R. Wonacott, was one of the brave boys in blue of the late war, and is now deceased. Her mother, Margaret J. Blaney, is still living and makes her home in Mt. Zion. Socially, Mr. Draper is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has been identified with the Republican party since becoming a voter and is a stanch advocate of its principles. His wife holds membership with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their home is a pleasant one, situated on section 15, Mt. Zion Township, where Mr. Draper operates one hundred and sixty acres of good land. They are pleasant, companionable people, who hold an enviable position in social circles, and their sterling worth and many excellencies of character have gained for them the high regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Typed by Pat Hageman hageman@inx.net ------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Pat Hageman (© 1997 Pat Hageman)