"An Illustrated History of the Big Bend Country; Embracing Lincoln, Douglas, 
Adams  and Franklin Counties; State of Washington". Spokane, Western Historical
Publishing  Company, Publishers, 1904. pp. 827-828.

THOMAS A. GERMAN is one of the sturdy and progressive citizens of Adams county
who gives his attention to tilling the soil. His postoffice is Delight and he
has a good farm near by. Thomas A. German was born in Lewis county, Missouri, on
September 27, 1867. His parents, R. D. and M. N. (Hamilton) German, were natives
of Germany and Missouri, respectively. The father came to America in 1841, and
located in Missouri, where he remained until his death. The mother now lives at
Ellensburg, Washington. They are the parents of twelve children named as
follows: William, deceased, Bell, E. R., L. A., Alice E., Nettie, John O., R.
S., C. A., B. H., Dollie, deceased, and Blanch, deceased. Our subject received
his education from the common schools of his native county and at the age of
seventeen exchanged the schoolroom for work on the farm, having to assist his
mother in the support of the family. For five years, he labored there then came
on west to Oregon. At first he gave his attention to stock raising and general
work on the railroad. After that, he spent five years in a flour mill and
perfected himself in the art of the miller during this time, then he came to
Adams county in 1896 and took a homestead where he now resides. He has improved
the place in first class shape, having it all under cultivation, fenced,
provided with water, buildings, orchard and so forth. Mr. German does not handle
as much land as some of the farmers but he does well what he does do and his
farm is very productive.
     In 1893, occurred the marriage of Mr. German and Maude Burkhart, the
daughter of M. L. and M. E. Burkhart, natives of Missouri. In 1889, Mr. Burkhart
came to Washington bringing his family with him and locating in Adams county,
where they now reside. He has a very large farm and is one of the leading men of
this section. Mrs. German has one sister, Rose L., and two brothers, L. G. and
Archie. To Mr. and Mrs. German, four children have been born, Helen, Claude,
Neva and R. D. Mr. German is an old fashioned Jeffersonian Democrat and well
posted in matters pertaining to politics. He is now holding the office of school
director and has given much attention to the improvement and betterment of
educational facilities.
    Fraternally, he is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. and the W. W. His wife
belongs to the Rebekah lodge and they are both active and leading members of the
Christian church.

Submitted by: Georgia Harter Williams, georgiahw@earthlink.net