Thomas P. Elliott was born February 28, 1911 in Lisbon, North Dakota, the oldest son of Dr. Charles and Audrey Harris Elliott.
He attended school at Sheldon, North Dakota and later at the College High School, Valley City, North Dakota. He later was graduated from the Valley City State College in 1933.
Following his graduation at the height of the depression, he held a number of positions, including investigator for the Federal Government, filling station manager, teacher and radio station announcer. He also operated a sign painting business.
In 1940 he received an appointment as a letter carrier in the Postal Service. This was interrupted by army service in March of 1941. Prior to this, he was married to Esther Camille Clausen, daughter of Hans and Maren Clausen. Born on May 15, 1912, she and Thomas met while students at the Valley City State College.
After receiving a commission as a Lieutenant in the Artillery, Thomas served two years overseas in the European Theater of Operations, returning in February of 1947 as a Captain.
He returned to his position with the Postal Service but was recalled to active duty with the Army on September 4, 1951 and served during the Korean Conflict in Korea until October 1952 as a Major, Field Artillery. He was retired from the Army Reserve in 1964.
Soon after his return from Korean duty he was promoted to the position of Assistant Postmaster in the Valley City Post Office in which position he served until his retirement in 1970. In 1964 he was awarded the Civil Service Outstanding Employee Award, one of eight in the United States.
Esther Elliott has been a teacher in the Valley City School system for many years. She is active in church and civic activities as well as serving on the Valley City Library Board of Directors.
Always a student of history, Thomas Elliott is currently President of the North Dakota State Historical Society as well as the President of the Barnes County Historical Society. He is on the Board of Directors of the Eastern North Dakota Valley Heritage Commission and the Red River Valley Historical Society.
Thomas and Esther Elliott have one daughter, Mrs. Karen Lawson, who is presently Librarian in the Ashley, North Dakota School System.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 62