Elliott, Thomas L.

ELLIOTT, FRAZER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Plym. CC (email)
Date: 2/21/2005 at 17:27:37

Thomas L. Elliott

Many of the descendants of those hardy people who lived in Scotland, the historic and romantic land of Bruce and Burns, have become honored and respected citizens of the United States, where they have distinguished themselves in art and literature, in the business world, in science, and as tillers of the soil. Among the number who trace their direct lineage to Scotch origin, is Thomas L. Elliott, one of the substantial citizens of Perry township, Plymouth county, who was born in Brant county, Canada, on November 3, 1844, and is the son of Isaac and Mary (Elliott) Elliott.

Thomas Elliott, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Scotland, and there engaged in farming. Isaac Elliott was born in England, as was his wife. They received their education in that country, and after their marriage came to America, locating in Brant county, Canada. There they established their home on a farm, where the father died in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were the parents of one child, Thomas L., the subject of this sketch.

Thomas L. Elliott received his education in the schools of Canada, and was there married on January 19, 1870 to Nancy Frazer, who was born on May 2, 1844, and died on February 10, 1910. Mrs. Elliott was the daughter of John and Nancy (Clark) Frazer, who were natives of Scotland. In 1871 Thomas L. Elliott and wife left their Canadian home and came to the United States and landed at Sioux City. On March 24, of that year, they came to Plymouth county, where Mr. Elliott worked as a farm hand for a time. He also, on March 27, 1871, pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Perry township in section 8. Here he had a splendid opportunity to show his worth as a pioneer farmer on the broad plains of Iowa. He entered into the development of the place with the spirit of one who is determined to succeed. A house was built and other farm buildings erected, and in time Mr. Elliott became a prosperous farmer. He purchased more land and is today the owner of four hundred acres of excellent land, all of which is under high cultivation and well improved. The grove which he planted is one of the finest in this section, and his buildings are all substantial and well kept. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church in Canada, but never transferred their membership to the church of this county.

Mr. Elliott has long been recognized as one of the most substantial citizens of Plymouth county, and is held in high regard. He served his township as trustee., during which time the official duties of the office received the same care that Mr. Elliott always gave to his own business. For the past twenty years he has given much attention to the breeding of Chester White hogs and has raised and fattened many Shorthorn cattle.

Thomas L. and Nancy Elliott were the parents of the following children; Nelson Z., Clarence, James W., and Garnet W. Nelson Z. married Elsie Griffith, daughter of Samuel Griffith and wife of Leeds, Iowa. Nelson Z. Elliott, who was born on October 21, 1872, is now the oldest living native-born resident of Perry township. He lives on the home place and operates the farm in connection with his own farm of eighty acres in the township. Clarence is a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri, where he is a government inspector of meats. His wife was Vera Prindle. James W. Elliott married Myrtle Van Dusen, and their home is in Burlington, Vermont. where Mr. Elliott is professor of civil engineering in the State University. Garnet W. married Martha Sterling and they are living on a farm in the Rainy river district, Canada.

Few men in Plymouth county are held in greater respect than is Thomas L. Elliott. Coming to the county as he did, a young man in full vigor in an early day, he has had much to do with the development of the district. Being a man of broad views he always advocated the highest class of improvements, and was a strong advocate of the best school system possible.

BOOK SOURCE:
History of Plymouth County, Iowa
Indianapolis, Ind.: B. F. Bowen, 1917