Biography
Thomas Winford Ellis came to Iowa State College from Spencer, Iowa. He was the son Mrs. Lillian L. Ellis of Raymond, Washington. He was also married.
Thomas was a member of the Mechanical Training Detachment, Company A. He died of influenza on October 22, 1918.
Private Thomas W. Ellis, Co. A. 3rd Detachment, died at the hospital at Ames at 1:00 Tuesday afternoon of this week, Oct. 22, from plural-pneumonia following as the result of an attack of influenza.
Deceased went to Ames on August 12, in company with a dozen others who have volunteered for induction into the service. At Ames they were receiving instruction in trades. He went to the hospital on October 3, suffering from Spanish Influenza. This later developed into plural-pneumonia. On October 10 his wife and mother were called to his bedside and on October 14 his father and sister, Mrs. Clint Lighter of Moneta, went to Ames. Last Saturday his brothers, Clarence and Harry, went down. Mr. Ellis, daughter and sons, returned to Spencer Monday afternoon. Mrs. Thos. Ellis and the mother, Mrs. Geo. T. Ellis, were with him at the time of his death.
Tom told the folks when they left Monday that he was going to get well and for them not to give up hope.
Thomas W. Ellis was born in Spencer on Feb. 11, 1890. He was the youngest son and child of George T. and Addie L. Ellis, 450 East Park avenue. He was a member of Grace M. E. church here and of the Sons of Veterans camp of Spencer.
He attended the Spencer public schools and for the past 14 or 15 years was employed at the Dickinson & Bisbee meat market, a valued employee popular with the patrons and liked by everybody.
On April 21, 1917 he was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Morneau the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Morneau, formerly of Spencer but now of Everett, Washington. Mrs. Ellis is deputy county treasurer for Clay county. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis built a fine new bungalow at 415 east Park, and lived there together until he joined the colors, and where Mrs. Ellis still, lives.
In addition to his wife and parents, Tom Ellis leaves two brothers, Harry Ellis and Clarence C. Ellis, and one sister, Myrtle, now Mrs. Clint Lighter of Moneta.
The remains are expected to arrive in Spencer from Ames tonight under military escort. The body will be taken to the home where a private funeral will be held followed by internment in Riverside cemetery. Rev. F.C. Taylor, pastor of Grace M. E. church, will be in charge of the service. The death of Tom Ellis makes the first break in the family circle.
Tom Ellis had a host of friends. He seemed to be always happy and, as one friend said today, "everybody liked Tom."
Spencer Reporter, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa, October 23, 1918
WORLD WAR I
Son of George Thomas Ellis and Addie Clough
Husband of Grace B Ellis b. Sep 1882 New York