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Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",  published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.


     JOHN D. THORNBRUE, largely interested in mining in Stevens county, came to Lincoln county with his parents in 1880, after a long journey, consuming four months, across the plains from Osage county, Kansas.  After coming here he farmed and worked at the sawyer's trade in neighboring sawmills, until four years ago when he became interested in the Josie and other mines, since which time he has given these interests his undivided attention.
     Mr. Thornbrue was born in Bremer county, Iowa, September 19, 1858.  His parents were Joseph and Julia Thornbrue, whose lives are sketched elsewhere in this volume.  His married life extends back to January 1, 1887, when Ida A. Avenell, a native of Missouri, became his wife.  Her father, William Avenell, was of English birth.  He did his adopted country valuable service as a soldier during the Mexican and Civil Wars; in the latter conflict he was a participant in the notable battles of Gettysburg, Bull Run, and Shiloh, besides many lesser battles and skirmishes.  Mrs. Thornbrue's mother was Elizabeth Avenell.
     To Mr. and Mrs. Thornbrue have been born four children, Guy O., Raymond D., Harry W., and Lorel.
     The family lives on the farm of Mr. Thornbrue's mother, seven miles north and one east of the town of Mondovi, and he is in every respect comfortably situated, and held in high esteem.
 


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