Thomas Mackey Caseu Biography

Jefferson County Illinois
Biographies

Thomas Mackey Casey

Submitted By:
Bob Sander-Cederlof * bobsc5@comcast.net

Thomas Mackey Casey

"Thomas Casey and Harriett Maxey were married October 5, 1819. In fact, there was a triple
wedding, which made the occasion one of more than ordinary interest. The other couples were
Abraham T. Casey and Vylinda Maxey [Thomas's brother and Harriet's sister], and Bennet N.
Maxey and Sallie Overby, the six participants standing at the altar at the same time."

"After his marriage, Mr. Casey began the development of a farm. His home was a little log
cabin in the midst of an undeveloped tract of land. Deer could easily be shot and bears were
frequently killed in the neighborhood. He entered about 250 acres of land from the Government,and
bore all the hardships and trials of pioneer life while performing the arduous task of opening up a
farm."

"He and his wife joined the Methodist Church in 1819, and he at once was made a Class-leader and
soon became a local preacher. He was untiring in church work and the cause was greatly advanced by
his earnest efforts. He gave the ground on which the Pleasant Grove Church was built, aided in the
erection of the house of worship, and when it was destroyed by fire, helped to build the brick
structure now [1894] in use. The poor and needy found in him a friend, and his neighbors a wise
counselor."

"He passed from this earthly life October 4, 1868, and was buried at Pleasant Grove. His wife,
who shared with him in all religious work, and was a faithful member of the Methodist Chruch for
57 years, died March 15, 1877."

"Thomas M. Casey was a farmer and became an extensive breeder and buyer of hogs, cattle, and
mules. He was a devout Christian and took much interest in church, the Pleasant Grove
neighborhood (4 miles north of Mt. Vernon) having the first place of worship in Jefferson County,
and becoming famed all over Southern Illinois as a religious rendezvous. Thomas M. Casey's home
was headquarters for the pioneer circuit riders and the wandering evangelists who carried the
Bible messages to the dangerous western wilderness."

"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion, and Jefferson Counties,
Illinois: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the
Counties", published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago.

"Thomas M. Casey held secret prayer in the timber back of his house, and fingerprints where he
clasped a wild grape vine could be seen for years after he departed this world."

"History of Jefferson County Illinois 1810-1962", compiled by
Continental Historical Bureau, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, 1962.]
---
"Thomas Casey was converted in 1821, and appears as class leader on the records of Ebenezer
[Methodist Episcopal] Church for 1830. Mt. Vernon circuit, at that time, 1830, was in
Kaskaskia district, Samuel Thompson presiding elder and John O. Benson circuit preacher. Tommy
was licensed to exhort in 1831, and licensed to preach in 1843. He was ordained deacon by Bishop
Morris of the Methodist Episcopal church, and elder by Bishop Janes. Thus he filled every
position in the church from private to see eleven children grown up to maturity around his
hearthstone, and all converted and attached to the church. Three of his daughters, however,
died before him. It was largely owing to his exertions that the first church was build at
Pleasant Grove, as well as the excellent brick building that was erected there in 1860. He was
a lover of public worship, and no less punctual in his private devotions. He kept a beaten path
open to his place of secret prayer for thirty years, and his family altar never went down. He
devoted much time to fruit growing in later years, and made the business quite a success.
Death did not take him by surprise. He arranged all his business and said, "I am now ready
whenever God sees fit to call me." His last words were "Peace! all is peace," and he passed away,
October 4, 1868, aged 67, within one day of 49 years after his marriage."

"Casey Family History", by Alvin Harold Casey and Robert Brooks
Casey, July 15, 1980. Published by Alvin Harold Casey, 1002 Westwood Drive, Stillwater, OK 74074.]

Thomas M. Casey, afterwards known as "Uncle Tommy," married Harriet Maxey. They had eleven
children and we remember: Clinton M., Jane, William, Cynthia, Mary, Barger, Rebecca, Nanny,
Abraham and Rhoda.
"History of Jefferson County, IL" ,John A. Wall ©1909 page 79-82].

Submitted By: Bob Sander-Cederlof * bobsc5@comcast.net

Biography Index A - M

Biography Index N - Z

Home