Thomas Gwynne
Some time prior to the erection of Madison County, probably as early as 1808, six brothers—Thomas, John E., William, Eli W., David and Horatio Gwynne—natives of Maryland, came to the territory now composing this county, and settled in what is now Deer Creek Township. Upon the organization of the county, the temporary seat of justice was established at the house of Thomas Gwynne, where it remained throughout 1810 and the greater part of 1811. He served as County Treasurer from 1810 until August, 1811, and Associate Judge, by appointment of the Governor, from March to November, 1820. Prior to the permanent location of the county seat, Mr. Gwynne labored hard to have it established on his land in Deer Creek Township, and was much chagrined at the defeat of his pet project. He kept the first tavern and store in the county after its creation, subsequently removing the latter to London. Thomas Gwynne married a Miss Murdock, of Maryland, of which union was born Lewellen, David, Thomas M., Mrs. John W. Andrews, Mrs. Buttles and, perhaps, others. In 1816, he laid out the town of Lawrenceville, which has since become extinct. His brother David was a Paymaster in the United States Army, and assisted his brothers very materially in their business ventures. They were all connected together in their mercantile transactions, operated stores at London, Urbana and Columbus, and while living in Urbana, Thomas died, leaving to his heirs a large estate. These Gwvnnes were very active, energetic business men, and all died wealthy. The descendants of the family still own a large amount of land in Madison County, but none are residents thereof.
From History of Madison County - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]