1831 - 1899

Tomzen was born in Broughton, Illinois Dec 29, 1831. He lived and died in Broughton, his tomb recording his death date as Nov. 27 1899. His will dated 1894 was proved January 1900. He is buried in the Gholson Cemetery. His mother Mahala was the daughter of Tomzen Porter. He was probably named after his maternal grandfather. He was a successful business man in Broughton with a dry goods store.

His father, Eli Gholson, lived for a time near Walpole before settling near the Gholson Cemetery which he established as well as being a part of the first subscription school that was built on the same land.He had one of the first grist mills in that section of Illinois, His untimely and early death at 33 left his eldest son only ten years of age with the feeling of responsibility for his three younger brothers (Wesley, John & Felix heavy on his young shoulders.

In 1850, March 6th just nineteen years old, he married, first, Mary Elizabeth Gaines, daughter of his stepfather. Four babies followed in rapid succession and his wife died at an unknown date - prior to 1877, for on January 16 of that year he married a second time - the widow, Mrs. Nancy Permelia Dawes, whose maiden name was Clary. To this union two other children were born in 1879 and 1882. (parts from "Gholson & Allied Families" by Virginia Baker Mitchell)

(Note: Mary Elizabeth Gaines father was Gibson W. Gaines)

Children by Tomzen & 1st wife Mary Elizabeth Gaines were:

1. John Gaines (atty) b. 1851-2-21 d. 1913 - 2 - 4 m. Frances S. Baker (called "Fanny")

2. James Tomzen (MD.) b. 1853 - 9 - 29 married 1872 - 9 - 26 Celeste Louisa Dawes dau of Dr. Edward Dawes.

3. Mahala Jane

4. Martha Ann b. 1858-1927 married Daniel A. Reeves

Children of Tomzen & 2nd wife Mrs. Nancy Permelia Clary Dawes:

1. Edward Gholson b. 1879-5-7 married Gertrude Knowles of Carbondale

2. Elizabeth ("Bessie") b. 1882 married _____? Cleveland

He probably farmed early in life but he owned and operated a general store in Rectorville.This store was rated better than average for a Hamilton County business.Some records show that he was a partner with S. B. Allen "Firm of Allen & Gholson". Also, in the probate records of Dr. Edward Dawes it shows Dawes a partner with S. B. Allen store, this would also be at Rectorville. For lack of cash these people came together helping each other with their community by bartering goods in exchange for their bills being paid. When the new town of Broughton was platted he located his business on the corner of Dawes and 1st Street near the Bank and railroad depot. His son-in-law, Daniel Reeves operated a flour mill in Broughton making a fine quality product. Tomzen Gholson died November 27, 1899 and his tombstone in Gholson Cemetery shows him to be of the order of Masons.