Thomas Boone was born in Columbia township, February 25, 1826, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Peckingpaugh) Boone, both natives of Berks county, Penn., the former born August 4, 1785, of English descent, the latter April 20, 1792, of German descent.  Joseph Boone, who was a stone and brick mason by trade, when a young man located in Columbia, living there several years, when he bought a farm in Columbia township, near Milford, and there passed the remainder of his days.  This property he obtained by his own energy and industry.  His death occurred May 12, 1869.  

Our subject passed his boyhood days on the farm with his parents, and after attaining his majority worked at the carpenter trade for several years.  He and his brother then conducted their father's farm until his death, when Thomas inherited forty-two acres of his father's estate in Columbia township, near Milford, on which he resided for several years, and then bought his present farm in the same township.  On September 25, 1855 he married Miss Nancy Broadwell, who was born August 21, 1831, in Columbia township, daughter of Ira and Deborah (Conkling) Broadwell, both of whom were natives of New Jersey, the former born March 19, 1783, the latter born in 1795.  Ira Broadwell came to this county with his parents, and was engaged in farming all his life.  He was a very successful and influential man, and was a zealous worker in the cause of religion, although not a member of any organization.  For sixty years he resided on the farm now owned by our subject and wife; he and his companion lived to celebrate their golden wedding.  He died August 26, 1862, his wife November 14, 1867.  

The marriage of our subject was blessed with four children:  Walter, who married Stella Galloway, is an insurance agent, residence Terrace Park; Ira J; Debbie is the widow of Van Humphrey, of St. Paul, Minn.; and Allen.  Mr. Boone is a Republican, and in religious connection a member of the Universalist Church.