Thomas Clifton McCall was born September 4, 1827, in Rosa County, Ohio. The family moved to Illinois in 1836, and Mr. McCall came to Polk County in 1846. He taught school for a while and then ventured into the real estate business, which he continued until his death. Mr. McCall believed strongly in the philosophy of the Republican Party and was elected to the Iowa State Legislature to represent Story County in 1861. This was a challenging time in the history of Iowa. With all the indications of an inevitable civil war, the legislature had to define and prepare the role Iowa was to play in the strife. He enlisted as quartermaster of the 32nd Iowa Infantry. He was honored, in 1864, to be appointed by President Lincoln to the rank of captain and served as such until the close of the war. After the war, he returned to the land business and was again elected to the legislature to represent Story County. Later he was elected to the Iowa State Senate to represent Boone and Story Counties. He served in the senate until his death in 1892. Mr. McCall was a member of IOOF (International Order of Odd Fellows) and GAR orders. He was a respected member of the Presbyterian Church for nearly 40 years and served as elder for 30 years. Thomas Clifton McCall died on August 11, 1892. He was buried in the Nevada Cemetery. He had been married three times and was survived by his wife, Clara (Kennedy) McCall, three sons, and one daughter. Clara died in 1923. |
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