Dr.
Abram Owen Thomas
Professor
of Geology
Dr. Abram Owen Thomas, accomplished professor of the University of Iowa Department of Geoscience was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales on March 21st, 1876. Dr. Thomas received his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 1904 and a Master of Science degree in 1909 from the University of Iowa. After receiving these degrees Professor Thomas worked for several years at the University of Iowa as both an instructor and then assistant professor. One year of advanced study at the University of Chicago earned him a doctorate in 1923, after completion of what proved to be his masterpiece, a study of crinoids and other echinoderms of the Iowa Devonian. Dr. Thomas was given a full professorship at the University of Iowa in 1927.
Dr. Thomas was described as a natural born teacher by both his fellow professors and students. Perhaps one student put it best in saying "When Professor Thomas appeared before his classes and spoke with dry Welsh humor, and homely farmland phrases, the drab academic cloak of his subject fell away and his hearers caught the fire and inspiration of one who bowed before the majestic grandeur of the universe."
Dr. Thomas' influences, however, went far beyond the classroom. Dr. Thomas was president of the Kiwanis club of Iowa City from 1927-1928. He was also a member of the Blue Lodge and Acacia ranks of Masonry as well as the local Methodist church. His scientific affiliations included the Geological Society of American, the Paleontological Society of America, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Iowa Academy of Science. Dr. Thomas was also president of the Iowa chapter of Sigma Xi from 1924-1925 and a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Gamma Alpha.
Dr. Charles Cleveland Nutting selected Dr. Thomas to serve as geologist on both the Barbados-Antigua Expedition in 1918 and the Fiji-New Zealand Expedition in 1922. Students as well as faculty were included on both expeditions, which attempted to achieve a greater understanding of the geological and zoological aspects of the areas.
Dr. Thomas married Marietta Rosenberger of Spencer, Iowa on August 29th, 1900. Mrs. Thomas joined her husband on the Barbados-Antigua Expedition serving as an assistant in geology.
Dr. Thomas' exceptional skills as a scientist and teacher earned him considerable respect throughout all aspects of his life, but his kindness and warm friendliness has also held him in high regards among his peers. "The recognition he won in high scientific circles can never compare with the place he has held in the hearts of those whom he led through new vistas of understanding."
Dr. Thomas' influences extended to civic as well as scholastic activities. His teachings both scientific and personal left their impression on both student and citizen. Although Dr. Thomas was unwell for several months, he carried on his responsibilities until the close of the 1929-1930 school year. On January 13th, 1931 Dr. Thomas passed away leaving a legacy of successful research and accomplishments in all aspects of his life.
[L. J.]