Maritime Monday- Lt. & Mayor Thomas Jefferson Ochiltree

 Thomas Jefferson Ochiltree, was born June 1, 1842, in the Territory of Iowa, in what is now known as Marshall twp., in Louisa Co.  southeastern Iowa. At the age of 2 years, he came, with his parents, to the farm home in Virginia Grove, near the present site of Morning Sun. He received his education in the home school and Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill., where his fellow students, from the fact that he resembled, somewhat, the portraits of Thomas Jefferson, added the name Jefferson to that of Thomas, and he has ever since been known as T. J. Ochiltree. He served three years in the Union Army, as 1st Sergeant, Co. M., 8th Iowa Cavalry; and Lieut. of Co. K, 136th U. S. Infantry. He was mustered out July 1, 1866, at Augusta, Georgia. He served five terms as Mayor of his town, Morning Sun; was a member of the Morning Sun School Board, for 29 consecutive years; and Pres. of the Board for 16 years. He was appointed Post-master.


He Married Elizabeth Rebecca Brown

Elizabeth Rebecca Brown, daughter of James Crawford Brown and the former Miss Mary Jane McClure, was born in the bounds of Louisa County, Iowa. Known as Lizzie, she was a great-granddaughter of James and Catherine [née Howell] Crawford, early pioneers in Rockbridge County, Virginia.

Lizzie Brown married Thomas Jefferson Ochiltree on June 9th 1870. They had five known children:
Stanley (1872-1918)
Jennie Katherine {m. Pooley}(1873-)
William Paul (1875- )
Margaret {m. Bowser} (1879- 1907)
Florence {m. Kline} (1881-1910)

Lizzie Brown Ochiltree was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, a devoted daughter, wife and mother. Known for her kindness and patience, she departed this life in the 65th year of her age.