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BUCK, PROF. THOMAS J. (deceased). - The death of Thomas J. Buck, which occurred in Springfield, January 8, 1908, removed from the city one of its well-known and highly esteemed citizens, and one who was regarded as an educator of ability. Mr. Buck was born August 20, 1846, in Coshocton County, Ohio, son of Thomas Steele and Eva (Fisher) Buck, natives of Pennsylvania. The father removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio at an early day and in the latter State was engaged in farming until coming to Xenia, Ill., where he purchased land and carried farming operations until his death. There were eight children born to him and his wife, and of these three are now living: Mrs. Belle Johnson of the State of Washington; Mrs. Mary Ann Partmess, widow of Dr. Partmess, of Vincennes, Ind.; and Elizabeth, who married Frank Hough, a well-known resident of Springfield.

Thomas J. Buck attended the district schools of the vicinity of his home in Coshocton, Ohio, and assisted in the work on the home farm. He graduated from school in Illinois, where he had accompanied his parents, and, having fitted himself for the profession of teaching, at once took up that work. For a number of years he was located in Laclede County, Mo., and for a shorter period near flora, Ill., but later removed to Springfield, where he was compelled to give up teaching on account of poor health. His death occurred in the family home at No. 1954 South Pasfield Avenue, which residence is now owned by his widow. He was a Republican in political affiliations, but never aspired to public office. His religious belief was that of the Methodist Church.

On February 3, 1881, Mr. Buck was married, at Flora, Ill., to Mary B. Thomas, who was born in Rockbridge county, Va., November 4, 1854, daughter of Fendel and Elizabeth (Kidd) Thomas, the latter of whom was a cousin of the great adventurer, Captain Kidd. Mr. Thomas was a Virginia farmer who came to Ohio in 1862. There he was made a prisoner by the confederates during the Civil War, and was never heard of afterwards. For about a year after this event the family lived in Ohio, after which they went to West Virginia and five years later settled near Flora, in Clay County, Ill., where a short time later Mrs. Buck was married. Mrs. Thomas continued to live near flora until her death, which occurred February 22, 1908, and five of her six children are now living: John, a farmer of Clay County; George, proprietor of a clothing store in Flora, Ill.; William, who resides in Springfield; Mrs. O. W. Bradbury, living in Denver, Colo.; Mrs. Ocina McFarthing, living in Odin, Ill., and Mrs. Buck.

Six children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Buck, and all except one are now living; Lola Alice, the wife of Joseph Leneger, is now living in New Berlin; Marion R., Laura L., Russell R., and Forest L., all living at home. Mrs. Buck is a member of the Christian Church.