Thomas Addison

ADDISON

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/12/2010 at 12:47:25

Thomas Addison is a worthy representative of that sturdy race of Scotch people who have contributed so much toward the development and prosperity of this country. He is a member of the firm of Mathers & Addison, carpenters and contractors of Boone, Iowa and is widely recognized as a shrewd and able business man and an expert in his line of work. He was born in the town of Linlithgow, Linlithogwshire, Scotland, September 22, 1882, and is a son of Abram and Margaret (Bryce) Addison, while his paternal grandparents were William and Margaret Addison. The grandfather who was a farmer by occupation, respected and esteemed in his neighborhood, died in Linlithgow about 1890, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife passed away a year later, being then eighty-two. Both were members of the Presbyterian church and devout in their religious professions. Their children were: Abram the father of our subject, John a resident of Scotland,who follows farming and auctioneering and who has been twice married, William who is married and follows agricultural pursuits in his native land, George, a banker of Dalmellington, Scotland who is married, Annie deceased, and Thomas who is engaged in the insurance business in Edinburgh.
Abram Addison attended the public schools in Scotland and after completing his education assisted his father in the work on the home farm. He remained there until married, when he took up agricultural pursuits on his own account. Both he and his wife still live in Linlithgow and the former is active in the affairs of his native city.They are devoted members of the Presbyterian church and stanch supporters of that denomination. There children were: William a farmer in Linlithgow, Scotland, John who follows the same occupation in his native country, Abram a butcher of Linlithgow, James who is engaged in farming in his native country, Thomas of this review, George who follows farming in Scotland, Margaret, Agnes and Sarah all at home, Manuel, who is now studying draughtsmanhip in Nbbel's Explosive Works in Scotland, Minnie and Stevenson Heather, both at home, Tina who died at the age of seventeen and twins who died in infancy.
Thomas Addison passed his boyhood and youth on the home farm, attending public school until seeventeen years of age. He then apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade in Polont, Scotland, serving for five years with William Walker, for whom he afterward worked as a journeyman for four yeas. hH then joined John B Mathers, his present partner, in coming to America and they landed in New York, from the ship Caledonia. Mr Addison found employment in that city and in Newark, Jew Jersey, remaining there for ten months, but in 1907 came to Boone, Iowa and accepted a position with Frank Henry, a contractor, with whom he remained for three years. At the end of that time he paid a five months; visit to his home in Scotland and upon his return to Boone entered into partnership with Mr Mathers, establishing the firm of Mathers & Addison, which has flourished ever since. Not only is Mr Addison an expert workman but he is a thoroughly up to date business man. He is careful in exectuing contracts entrusted to him and has been given a number of important contracts on account of the high reputation which he enjoys. His honorable principals have become the foundation of the business policy which he pursues and he enjoys in fulll measure the confidence of the public.
On August 17, 1912, Mr Addison was married in Boston, Massachusetts, to Miss Jean C Brown, who was born in Linlithgow, Scotland a daughter of James and Jean (Craig) Brown. Mr and Mrs Addison have one child, Jean C. They are members of the Presbyterian church and fraternally Mr Addison belongs to Boone Lodge, No 79, I O O F. He is also a member of the Masonic order, having joined one of the oldest lodges in Scotland, the Ancient Brazen Lodge, No 17, F & A M. Politically he is a republican, fully conversant with the issues of the day and thoroughly in accord with the aims of this party. However, he is not an active politician although he is ever ready to give his support to the public enterprises which have for their purpose the material, moral and intellectual growth of the city. He has become a useful and valuable American citizen and by his acitivities has contributed toward the prosperity of Boone and Boone county.

1914 Boone County History Book