Eli Thomas

As printed in 1905

ELI THOMAS.

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It was about 1844 that l-'li Thomas, was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Archer, a daughter of Hezekiah and Ellen Archer. They became the parents of three children: Alfred, who was born Aug. 3, 1845, d is living in Yellow Springs township: Hezekiah, who was born Sept. 20, 1847; and Shepard. who was born Feb. 11, 1850. They also lost two children, who died in infancy, and the wife and mother departed this life June 4, 1893, when in the seventy-second year of her age, her birth having occurred in Illinois, in December 1821. She belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Thomas was also a member, and their entire lives have been in harmony with their professions.

Wiewed from a financial standpoint. Mr. Thomas's career can certainly be claimed to be a success, for he started out with little capital and up to the time of his death was the owner of valuable farming lands, most of which lie in Des Moines county. He was, moreover, one of the honored pioneer settlers of this part of the State, having for, more than sixty years been a witness of the many changes that have occurred here. He saw the county when much of its land was wild and unimproved, when the city of Burlington was a small town, and when many of the now thriving villages had not yet sprung into existence. He felt a just pride in what was accomplished, and was interested in the progressive development of this portion of the State. He 4ived a quiet, unassuming life, yet displaced many sterling traits of character that commanded for him that veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to those who advance far on life's journey, and Mr. Thomas has now passed the eighty-sixth milestone.

Hezekiah Thomas, son of Eli Thomas, and now a well-known resident of Mediapolis. has spent his entire life in Des Moines county, having been reared upon his father's farm, while in the public schools he acquired his education. Oct. 19, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Aldoola S. See, a daughter of Michael and Jane E. (Tompkins) See. Her father was a pioneer minister and circuit rider on the Yellow Springs circuit. His first charge was located here, and he remained for five years in active work in the ministry in this community. He had previously resided on a farm in Louisa county, Iowa. His birth occurred in Kanawha. W. Wa.. Feb. 22, 181 7, and he came to Iowa when about eighteen years of age. He lived for some time in Louisa county, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits, and his death occurred in Des Moines county, Nov. 16, 1898. Mrs. Thomas was born in Blue Grass, Iowa, July 26, 1871.

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As printed in Biographical review of Des Moines County, Iowa (1905). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.