Thomas T. Penniman was a well-to-do farmer and wool-grower of Plainfield. A native of this town, he was born January 19, 1823. After completing his education in the schools of Plainfield, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and assisted his father in carrying on the home farm. He eventually inherited the property, and under his energetic management it was made to yield a handsome profit. The estate, situated upon elevated ground, contains three hundred acres of land and substantial buildings, all in good repair. While he was engaged in general farming and stock-raising, he devoted his chief efforts for many years to the raising of sheep for the sake of their wool. His fine pastures afforded excellent grazing for the sheep. As he went into the business upon an extensive scale and at a time when wool-growing was one of the best paying industries, it brought him considerable wealth. His crops of hay and grain were among the best to be found in this locality, and his other farm products were of a superior quality. In politics he was a Republican; and, though his party was in the minority here, he steadfastly upheld its principles and supported its candidates. As an honorable, upright, and liberal-minded citizen he had the respect of his fellow-townsmen. He was a regular attendant of the Congregational church. His death on January 24, 1886, when he was sixty-three years old, was generally regretted in Plainfield.
Mr. Penniman wedded Mary Ann Smith, who was born in Unity, N.H., December 15, 1842. Her parents were Frederick P. and Losha W. (Morris) Smith. The father, a prosperous farmer of Claremont, was born in Unity, N.H., July 30, 1814, and the mother in Lisbon, N.H., in December, 1819. Mr. Penniman was the father of seven children, namely: Thomas, born June 19, 1871; Flora Belle, born July 5, 1872; Dorinda W., born March 21, 1874; Frederick S., born April 19, 1875; Mary Lizzie, born October 19, 1876; Henry N., born January 18, 1879; and Morris G., born February 15, 1881. Thomas, who is engaged in farming and teaming, married Mary W. Curtis, daughter of Hartley Curtis, of Cornish, and has one son, Thomas Kenneth, born March 10, 1895. Flora Belle, who was for some time a successful teacher, is now the wife of Norman C. Penniman, of Cornish. Dorinda W. is a student at the Kimball Union Academy. Frederick S. is assisting upon the farm. Mary Lizzie, Henry N., and Morris G. are residing at home. The elder children were educated at the Kimball Union Academy, Meriden; and Henry N. is now attending that institution. Mrs. Thomas T. Penniman is residing with her children at the homestead.