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Thomas J. Layman, attorney at law of Benton, was born in Franklin County, IlL, January 8, 1841, the son of John D. and Nancy (Fitts) Layman, natives, respectively, of Alabama and Tennessee. The father came to this county as early as 1825, and followed farming until his death in 1859.

Our subject was reared on the farm and after the father's death soon had to do for himself. He taught school about three terms in early life, and in 1861 began the study of law under the distinguished Judge Duff of this county.

He enlisted in Company C, Eighteenth Illiuois Volunteer Infantry, and served as a non-commissioned officer about one year, when he was discharged on account of disability,, and resumed his law studies.

In 1862 he was admitted to the bar and has remained in practice ever since with more than an ordinary degree of success. He has also given some attention to farming in connection with law matters. He has always been a Repub lican.

May 14, 1868, he married Elizabeth R. Lemen, of Monroe County. Two sons and two daughters are living. He is a

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successful man, and is recognized as a lawyer of experience and ability.