FRED and MERTIE THOMAS

      Frederick Charles Thomas was born Aug. 7, 1870 at Dyersville, Ia. He was the son of John and Ann Fox Thomas. Mertie Albina Califf was born July 14, 1881, on a farm southeast of Elliott in Pilot Grove Twp. Her parents were George and Georgiana Califf. She lived her entire life in Pilot Grove Twp. until they moved to Elliott. Fred and Mertie were married April 4, 1899. They had six children, Ray, Eva, John, Guy, Clara and Robert. Three children survive: John H. of Iowa City, Robert G. of Coralville, and Clara M. Crisp of Brooks.

Both Fred and Mertie lived to be 90 years old. They had 61 happy years together.