W. D. THRIFT, section 2, Grant Township, was born in North Carolina, October 29, 1825, a son of David and Lydia THRIFT. In 1845 he left his native State and went to Indiana, and from there came to Iowa, and lived a year in Appanoose County. In 1852 he moved to Lucas County and worked at the blacksmith's trade three years, in Chariton, and in 1855 located on the farm where he now lived, in Ringgold County. His farm contains 100 acres of valuable land, and his improvements are among the best in the township.

Mr. THRIFT was married in Iowa to Sarah DODD, a native of Virginia, born in 1832, daughter of Reed and Arena DODD. They have had six children - A. J. (deceased), Eli, L. L., Martha, Maryand Sophronia.

August 9, 1862, Mr. THRIFT enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and was assigned to Company G, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and served one year. He is a member of James CONWAY Post, No. 285, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and is still living, and in the enjoyment of good health.

NOTE: William D. THRIFT died at the age of 93 years and 19 days on October 2, 1919. Sarah (DODD) THRIFT died at the age of 70 years, 5 months and 15 days. William and Sarah were interred at Bethel Cemetery near Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Martha (ELLIOTT) SPAHN SIMPSON THRIFT, wife of Eli L. THRIFT, was born in Bever County, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 1837, and died at her home in Diagonal, Iowa, on February 28, 1928 at the age of 80 years. Eli L. THRIFT was born February 23, 1853, and died on November 14, 1951. Eli's first wife Ida died at the age of 22 years, 11 months and 2 days on September 26, 1875. They were intered at Bethel Cemetery near Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 367-68, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z