Thomas M. Hancock, of the firm of Shields & Hancock, publishers of the "Edgeley Mail," is a gentleman of much force of character, and occupies a prominent position as a citizen of true worth.
Our subject was born in London, England, April 15, 1870, and was the eldest in a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters, born to Luke and Louisa (Mitchell) Hancock. His parents were married in their native country, England, and the father was a machinist by trade. Our subject received his early education in his native land, and came to America with his parents when a young boy, and located in Canada. Some time later they went to the state of New York, and there our subject worked at railroading, and in 1889 went to Fargo, North Dakota. He secured a position on the "Fargo Commonwealth," which paper has since been discontinued. He there received his first lessons in printing, and remained in their employ until the fall of 1891 when he went to Edgeley and assumed charge of the "Mail" publishing office, the following year becoming a partner with Mr. Shields. He is the present editor of the paper, and supervises the news columns. He was appointed postmaster at Edgeley during Cleveland's administration, and was an efficient officer.
Our subject was married in Salem, South Dakota, October 6, 1894, to Miss Hattie French, a native of Missouri. Mrs. Hancock's father, L. W. French, was an extensive farmer in Missouri, and is now a resident of Edgeley, North Dakota. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hancock, a daughter, who bears the name of Gertrude M. Mr. Hancock is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America, 1. 0. G. T., and the Masonic fraternity, and the auxiliary lodge. Order Eastern Star. He is a man of genial social nature, and pleasing address, and is deservedly popular in Iris community, and is one of the leading newspaper men of that part of the state.
Source: Compendium and History of North Dakota 1900 Page 204