The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Liberty Township, pages 639-640
Thomas F. Dryden, M.D., Clayton, Ind., is a native of Ohio, born in Adams County, Oct. 20, 1835, the eldest son of Isaac and Martha (Bowles) Dryden, his father a native of Delaware and his mother of Virginia. When he was about four years of age his father died and his youth was spent on a farm, attending the district schools. He came to Indiana in 1852, and worked on a farm some time. Having from his boyhood had a desire to become a physician, he hailed with delight the opportunity given him to study medicine with Dr. Hutchison, of Mooresville. He afterward attended a course of lectures at the medical department of the Michigan University, Ann Arbor. He then went to Detroit, Mich., where he was a private pupil of Dr. William Brodie, an eminent surgeon, remaining with him about six months. He subsequently entered the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1859. In addition to his degree of M.D., he in 1875 had an honorary degree conferred on him by the Indiana Medical College, and has certificates from the chemical and pharmaceutical department at Ann Arbor, and the clinical department at Detroit. He began the practice of his profession at Northfield, Boone Co., Ind., in 1859, remaining there till the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the three-months service as a private. He afterward entered the three-years service as Hospital Steward of the Fifteenth Indiana Infantry, but always acted in the capacity of Assistant Surgeon or Surgeon. He was at many important engagements, among others Rich Mountain, Shiloh, Murfreesboro and Mission Ridge. He was mustered out June 25, 1864, but was immediately appointed Post Surgeon at Johnsonville, Tenn., where he remained till August, 1865. He then returned to Indiana and lived in Morgan County till June, 1866, when he located in Clayton, where he has built up a large practice, and has made an enviable reputation both as a physician and surgeon. Dr. Dryden was married in 1868 to Mrs. Sarah E. Johnson, a lady of culture and refinement. She died in 1872, leaving no children. Dr. Dryden is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; also of the Masonic fraternity, Clayton Lodge, No. 463. In politics he is a Republican.