Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 26 February 2005

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817

EDEN B. THIRKIELD, proprietor of the oldest and leading dry goods house in Franklin, and President of the Franklin Paper Company, was born in Franklin Township Oct. 4,1828. His father and mother were among the early pioneers of this county, emigrating here in 1817; the former was born near Brownsville, Penn.; the latter, in Philadelphia. His father was a whitesmith by trade, and used to manufacture the iron trimmings for the old-fashioned spinning-wheels quite extensively; he was one of the founders and a pioneer member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Franklin. As early as 1830, Mr. Thirkield's brother began in the dry goods business; in 1843, he admitted Mr. George Balintine, and in 1850, Eden B. was admitted; the firm was also known some years as Thirkield, Schenck & Co. Our subject has been actively engaged in the business forty-three years; firm now known as E. B. Thirkield & Sons, three of his sons being actively engaged with him; they have one of the largest establishments in their line in the county, carrying a full line of dry goods, carpets, boots, shoes, clothing, etc., and are doing a very extensive business. He was married, in Franklin, May 9, 1849, to Amanda, daughter of George and Mary Balintine, born in Franklin Township; they have six children living, born in order in which they are named: George B., Charles F., Wilbur P. (now in the ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Cincinnati), Edward M, Eliza J. and Mary B. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.