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TOMLINSON, WILLIAM D. - A large number of the men who fought for their country are now living retired in Sangamon County. The climatic conditions, combined with the many urban advantages offered there, especially in the Capital City, make this locality an ideal one for those wishing to spend their declining years in ease and comfort. One who is representative of this noble class, is William D. Tomlinson, a veteran of the Civil War, who resides at No. 212 South John Street, Springfield. He was born near the city, in 1835, a son of Louis and Adaline (Dillard) Tomlinson, natives of Kentucky, the former born at Lexington. They were married in Sangamon County, Ill.
Louis Tomlinson brought his family to Sangamon County in 1826, settling north of Springfield, where he entered land from the Government and operated it for a number of years. In 1861 the family moved to Springfield, for Mr. Tomlinson had been appointed Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff William Crofton, and for three years served admirably. He also served as Constable and was faithful in discharging his duties during those troublous times. He resided in Springfield until his death, which occurred in 1880, his widow surviving him until 1886. They had ten children, evenly divided as to sex, but of them only three survive: William D. and his brother and sister.
William D. Tomlinson attended the Springfield schools and worked for his father until he was sixteen years old. When the war broke out his patriotic spirit was fired with the desire to defend the country, and he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. He participated in twenty hard-fought battles, among them being those of Nashville, Peach Tree Creek and others of equal importance. He was mustered out June 22, 1865, at Greensboro, N.C. Returning home, he resumed farming, then learned brick making, and worked at that trade until his retirement.
In 1880 Mr. Tomlinson was married in White County, Ill., to Mrs. Mary C. (Upton) Kerr, both her parents being natives of Illinois. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson; Frank, a printer on the Springfield Record; Junus O., of Springfield; Alwilda, wife of Harry Hand, of Springfield; Juno, wife of Arthur Arnold, of Springfield, and Mertell, wife of John Nance, of Springfield. There is one grandchild in the family.
Mr. Tomlinson is a Republican and is very proud of the fact that he was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln. He owns his pleasant home and receives a pension from the Government he helped to save. He is a member of Central Lodge No. 173, A.F. & A.M., of Indianapolis, and belongs to the G.A.R. A sturdy, hard-working man all his life, Mr. Tomlinson proved his worth both in war and peace, and is one of the most respected men of the city which has been his home for over half a century.