Thomas Salt

SALT, COOPER, MAGG, HARRIS

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/16/2011 at 21:51:09

THOMAS SALT, who formerly carried on an extensive mercantile business in Reinbeck, Grundy County, is possessed of that shrewdness, forethought and activity necessary to be successful in life, and ranks among the prominent business men of the city. Here he had a neat and well managed establishment, carried an extensive line of dry goods and fancy goods, and conducted his business on a large and paying basis.

A native of England our subject was born in Stockport, October 1, 1826, to Francis and Mary (Cooper) Salt. The father was born in Staffordshire, England, where he worked at his trade, that of a cotton spinner, until August, 1842, when he came to the United States, making his home for a time in Philadelphia. Later he traveled all over the country working at his trade, and at his death, which occurred in Rhode Island, was well advanced in years. The mother of our subject was also a native of England, and died in the same state in 1883.

Thomas Salt, of this sketch, began to make his own living when about seventeen years of age, learning the trade of a cotton spinner from his father, at which he worked in the factories of England until coming to America. After having emigrated to this country, young Salt obtained employment in the cotton mills of Rhode Island, where he remained until 1868, with the exception of the time spent in the war.

In 1862 our subject enlisted his services in the Union army and joined Company A, Twelfth Rhode Island Infantry, and with his regiment formed a part of the Army of the Potomac under Burnside. He was a brave and fearless soldier, and in the battle of Fredericksburg he was wounded, but still kept in the service. On receiving his honorable discharge in 1863, Mr. Salt returned to Rhode Island, and he received the commission of Captain over a company of recruits which were detailed to state service. He now draws a pension of $12 per month.

In 1848, prior to leaving his native land, our subject was married, in Manchester, England, to Miss Diana A. Magg. To them has been born a daughter, Sarah, now the wife of George W. Harris. She is the mother of three children: Anna A., Thomas and Florence.

Mr. and Mrs. Salt are active members of the Congregational Church. Socially our subject is a Mason and a member of Thompson’s Post No. 386, G. A. R. He is one of the leading Republicans of this section, and during Harrison’s administration was appointed Postmaster of Reinbeck, July 1, 1889. He is well known in Grundy County, and the incorruptible integrity of his character and his many fine qualities of head and heart have placed him high in the regard of his fellow-citizens.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894