Built in 1844 Ottumwa House was the first Public House used for accommodations in the Ottumwa area and was a favored resort during the Civil War. Thomas Graham Given operated the Ottumwa House in 1855. He was Post Master in Dahlonega, and County Surveyor in Drakesville, Iowa for a short time in 1847 and in 1848 he was Clerk of District Court. Thomas was a Mason and in 1848 he was Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon. He was also Noble Grand, twice of Ottumwa Lodge No. 9, I.O.O.F.
Thomas Graham Given is my Very Great Uncle. He was born in Virginia to James Given and Elizabeth (Graham) Given on 13 October 1818. He is living in Lee County, Iowa Territory in 1841 where he marries Elizabeth Berry and was granted 40 acres in Lee County on 1 December 1841. They have two children, Martha Ann and Mansfield all of which appear in the 1850 census but by 1851 Thomas is married to Amanda Sharpe. They have 3 children, Eddy, Franklin and Thomas. He is a Wapello County Deputy in 1856.
1860 Thomas and his family are living in Leavenworth, Kansas and he is part owner in G & Tanner Blacksmiths. They move again and by 1863 they are in St. Louis, Missouri with Thomas working as a Blacksmith. In September of 1864 Thomas dies. He was buried in the now defunct Wesleyen Cemetery. His body was moved several times and he may be at rest in the Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Louis.
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