Senator Thomas Jefferson Saunders View All Years
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Thomas Jefferson Saunders
Scott County
Born at Woodbury, New Jersey, February 6, 1819, his parents being members of the Society of Friends. Graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1843, he practiced for a time in his native village, was made a member of the constitutional convention of New Jersey in 1848, and later, having come to this city in 1855, was a member of the constitutional convention of Iowa during the revision of the code of 1860. He was commissioned paymaster and was with the army two years in the field, being with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea. Remaining in government employ until about 1889, he returned to Davenport much broken in health and remained here until his death in 1897. Dr. Thomas J. Saunders, recognized by the profession as a scholarly M. D., graduated at the Pennsylvania university in 1843, to please his father. The law was his choice as a profession; but as that did not accord with the moral sentiments of a highly worthy disciple of George Fox. he acceded to his father's wishes and became an M. D., practiced medicine for a while in New Jersey, and traveled for a time in Europe. After his return, in connection with his practice in New Jersey, he was prominently engaged as a politician, serving several terms as secretary of the senate. In 1855 Dr. Saunders came to Davenport and practiced his profession successfully. His ability for public service has for the last twenty years kept him engaged in its employ. He was secretary of the constitutional convention of 1857; was member of the senate from Scott county; served four years as paymaster in the army which handled the rebellion. For the last few years has been engaged for the war department in assessing damages, or taking evidence to that effect. caused by Sherman's army in east Tennessee. But with all these diversities of engagements he has never ceased to entertain a respect, together with an interest kept up, for the medical profession.
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