Senator Thomas Rich View All Years

Thomas Rich

Carroll County

Born in Brighton, England, on the 3d of March, 1830, and was the eldest son of Richard and Mary Rich. He was only a lad of three years when his parents immigrated to the United States, but as the family was large and their income limited he very soon had to assist in the support of the household. Although he had only attained his twelfth year when they removed to Illinois he had for some time previous been working at the carpentry trade with his father, his schooling in Pennsylvania having been limited to three months. He remained a member of the paternal household until his marriage, following which he established a home of his own. After twenty-eight years residence in Whiteside county, during which time he worked at the carpentry trade continuously, Mr. Rich removed to Carroll county, Iowa, settling on a farm four miles east of Glidden. Here he engaged in general farming and stock-raising until 1885, at which time he received the appointment of postmaster at Glidden following which the family went there to reside. Mr. Rich gave most efficient service in this capacity for four years at the expiration of which period he received the nomination on the democratic ticket for state senator. Despite the fact that the district had for many years previous gone republican by a pronounced majority Mr. Rich was elected and served through two sessions of the state legislature. His record as a senator was characterized by honesty, independence and a progressive tendency. In 1890 Senator Rich and his family removed to Carroll. Seven years thereafter Carroll county felt the need of a man possessed of his characteristics on the board of supervisors, and although his colleague on the ticket was defeated by a republican, Thomas Rich having been tried and found to be true, was elected. Miss Angeline Barrett became the wife and helpmate of Mr. Rich, their union being solemnized in Como, Illinois.

Senate District 48