Thomas Roderick, farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, Dedham Township, is a native of South Wales, born December 26, 1828, a son of Roderick and Margaret Roderick. He learned the plasterer’s trade in his youth, at which he worked in connection with farming. In 1846 he came to the United States, landing in Philadelphia, where he lived twelve years, and in 1858 came to Iowa and located in Linn County, where he made his home about ten years. In the meantime, during the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and served ten months, when, May 15, 1862, he was discharged on account of disability. Returning home he remained until the following August, when he again enlisted and was assigned to Company F, Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry, and served three years. He participated in many severe battles, including the siege of Vicksburg, Jackson and Bank’s Red River expedition. After his discharge in June, 1865, he returned to Linn County, and in March, 1868, removed to Carroll County, where he has since lived. He was married September 11, 1868, to Barbary A., daughter of George and Barbary Pfeifer. They have seven children — George W., Margaret, John L., Gertrude, Emma L., Roderick and Mary B. Mr. Roderick is a member of the Masonic order and Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican.

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