THOMAS E. SEXTON is not only prosperously engaged in the livery business, having a well equipped livery and feed stable on Seventh Street, Springfield, but he is a prominent farmer and stock breeder. He is a native of New Jersey and was born near Bordentown August 12, 1835. His father, Peter Sexton lived and died in New Jersey. He married in early manhood Miss Elizabeth Mount, a native of the same state. Mr. Sexton was a farmer by occupation but retired from active business when his son, of whom we write was a lad of fifteen years, and moving to Bordentown he spent there the remainder of his days. He was a thoroughly good man and was a member of the Baptist Church. In his political views he was a decided Whig.

Thomas Sexton of this biographical review, early displayed an ambition to make his own way in the world and at the age of eighteen in the year of 1853, he came to this State and located near Fidelity in Jersey County with his brother. Before he marri9ed he bought partly improved land and in 1859 bought the land he now owns which was then only a little improved, and he made his home in South Fork township, a part of his farm lying in this county. He immediately entered upon its further improvement, built a house and began to place the land under tillage. He was much in need of the active co-operation of a good wife to assist him in building up a comfortable pleasant home, and he returned to Bordentown, N.J., and was there married to Miss Musadora English. He then went into the photograph business and was thus engaged for some years in Bordentown, and subsequently at Wilmington, Del., where he remained until the close of the war. After that, he came back to Illinois to make his home here permanently, and for two or three years lived on his farm. We next hear of him in the butcher business at Taylorville, Christian County. He resumed farming later, and for four years was actively engaged in agriculture. Two years ago, he came here and conducted the grocery business for a while. He has carried on the livery business for about three months and has here a good stable, well stocked and supplied with neat and comfortable vehicles of all kinds.

Mr. Sexton is still interested in Agriculture and has one of the finest farms in Pawnee Township and another in South Fork Township, Christian County, comprising in all three hundred and twenty acres, which he keeps in stock, mainly raising horses. He is much interested in that branch of stock breeding, and has some fine specimens of horse flesh of his own raising.

To our subject and his first wife were born four children two of whom are still living; Effie W. and Musadora B. The maiden name of the present wife of Mr. Sexton was Julia Ann Morrison and she is a native of Keene, N. H. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sexton are valued members of the Baptist church and their many fine personal qualities have gained them a warm place in the hearts of all with whom they associate. Mr. Sexton gives his entire attention to his business and does not mingle in politics other than to vote with the Republican party.