THOMAS C. CLOYD - The first representative of the large and favorably known "Cloyd family" in Sangamon county, was one David Cloyd, born in Virginia about 1766. He married in Virginia, had three children, and in 1815 moved to Washington county, Kentucky. In October, 1825, he settled in Sangamon county, Curran township. He died in 1839; his widow died soon after. His son, Thomas, was born in Virginia, January 14, 1798; married Anna Withrow, born in Virginia, December 29, 1795. In 1811, her family had moved to Washington county, Kentucky, and she there married, April 27, 1820; moved to Curran township with his father in October, 1825. They had six children, all of whom became heads of families, and all are now (1881) living, the youngest being fifty years of age. Mr. Thomas Cloyd died September 21, 1878. He went to the field to catch a refractory horse. As he was soon after found dead in the field, with no marks of violence upon him, it was supposed the effort and excitement attendant upon it had resulted in heart disease, to which he was predisposed. His widow is now (1881) living , in her eighty-sixth year of age. His death was the first and only one that has occurred in Thomas Cloyd's family. Thomas Gordon Cloyd, his son, was born in Sangamon county, June 5, 1827. Married September 27, 1849, Priscilla J. Banscom, born December 31, 1831. Bought a farm in section one, township, Chatham, where he lived till October 20, 1880, when he moved to Christian county. In early life, he became identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church; was an active member for many years. Later in life, he took fellowship with the Christian Church, of which he is now a zealous member. They had two sons and one daughter. Thomas C. Cloyd was born December 24, 1850. Lived on home farm until twenty-eight years of age (1878). He attended the public schools of the county, with one year in the excellent schools of Chatham. In 1871, he entered upon a course of study in the Normal school of Kirksville, Missouri. His preparation had been so thorough, that he entered one year in advance, enabling him to graduate in three years - June 25, 1874. He followed teaching as a profession for six years, with marked results. April 24, 1879, he married Julia A. Winston, of Springfield. They had one child born June 6, 1880. He is now on a farm adjoining the village limits of Chatham. While engaged in farming very ardently, he is also following his literary pursuits. John C. Cloyd born September 3, 1853, lived on home farm until April, 1881, when he moved to Christian county, and is still with his father. Married Mary Staley, of Auburn, September 2, 1880. His opportunities for education were confined to attendance on the district schools, with addition of one year's study at Kirksville, Missouri, Normal. He has taught several terms with success. Annie E. Cloyd was born February 22, 1860; died June 10, 1881. Her short life was one of almost constant sickness and suffering. At an early age she became a member of the Christian Church. During her long suffering she was patient, looking forward to that blissful immortality beyond the grave.