Dr. Thomas Elwood, one of the most prominenty men of Glidden, was an old pioneer physician of Carroll Co, having arrive in 1865, when he located at old Carrollton. He experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He would frequently ride on horseback, thirty or forty miles, to visit patients, and in the early days his practice extended into Greene, Calhoun, Guthrie, Sac and Carroll counties. The doctor moved to Glidden in 1873, where he established a large practice, which was still active in 1885.

Dr. Elwood was a native of New York City, born in September, 1834. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and was appointed hospital steward. He was in the army until August, 1865, when he received his honorable discharge. The same year he married Miss N. J. Beal, of Dallas County, IA, and two children were born to this union: Laura and Ephai. Dr. Elwood held the office of county judge and for one term as county auditor.