Thomas, Benjamin S.

THOMAS, GALLOW

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/18/2008 at 13:23:45

BENCH AND BAR OF IOWA.
American Biographical Publishing Co., 1901

BENJAMIN F. THOMAS,
MAQUOKETA.

Benjamin F. Thomas was born in Erie, Erie county, Pa., in 1834, to William and Emma (Raymond) Thomas. The father came from Wales to the United States in 1802, locating in New York, where he was married. In 1850 he removed to Iowa and settled near Andrew, in Jackson county, He was a farmer and quite prominent in the community in which he lived, serving as a representative in the State Legislature from 1856-57.

Benjamin received his early education in the common schools of Pennsylvania and Iowa, and later attended the State Normal School at Andrew, Iowa, from which he graduated in 1854. He then taught school for one year at Mt. Vernon, Wis., whence he removed to Joliet in 1856, began the study of law with Osgood & Streetor, of that place, and was there admitted to the bar in 1858. Thence he removed to Monticello, Minn., took another examination, was admitted to the bar of that state, and practice there until 1860, when he returned to Andrew, Iowa. Here he remained until 1884, practicing his profession with gratifying success, and in 1860 had been appointed United States pension agent. In 1884 he removed to Maquoketa, where he was, for three years, associated with J. T. Wilber. From that time, until 1897, when his son (Charles M., who is now serving his second term as county attorney) was admitted to the firm, he practiced his profession alone. He has been identified with much important litigation, such as the Watson case, and has met with well merited success, which is due, in a great measure, to his careful preparation of the cases entrusted to him and the strict attention he has paid to his business.

Mr. Thomas is affiliated with the Republican party. He served as a member of the board of Supervisors, and for four years was city attorney. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. At one time he was owner of the largest orchard in the state of Iowa.

Mr. Thomas was married, in 1859, at Monticello, Minn., to Miss Mary E. Gallow, a native of Orange county, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have had eight children, five of whom are living: William G., Benjamin F., Jr., Carrie M. and Lucy E.

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