Thomas J. Maney was born April 24, 1888 in Geneva, New York. He earned the B.S. (1912) in Horticulture from Iowa State College (University). Upon graduation he immediately started teaching at Iowa State College (University) and continued to do so until his death. He was Professor of Pomology (1912-1945) and Head of the Pomology Sub-Section of the Agricultural Experiment Station (1940-1945).

Maney's most noted accomplishment was being nationally recognized for work on the development of hardy dwarf apple stocks. He is credited with introducing a special dwarf variety known as Clark's seedling. Maney also did research work on raspberries, strawberries, hardy understock, junipers and roses.

Maney was a member of a number of societies including Sigma Xi, Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Delta. Maney was also an active member of the American Pomology Society, Iowa State Horticultural Society, and Iowa Rose Society.

Thomas J. Maney married Lois Rath in 1922 and had three children. He died October 12, 1945, in Ames, Iowa.