Biographies

Our subject was born November 13, 1855, on the old homestead, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He acquired his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, which he attended through the winter season, while in the summer months he aided in the labors of the field. Like a dutiful son, he gave to his father the benefit of his services until twenty-one years of age, when, having attained his majority, he left home and began life for himself. Throughout his business career, Mr. Thomas has carried on agricultural pursuits. As he had no capital, at first he rented land, and continued the cultivation of property belonging to others for a number of years, but at length, with the capital which he had acquired through his own industry, enterprise and good management, he bought a farm of his own. In 1890, he became owner of one hundred and two and a-half acres of good land. This he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and the well-tilled fields and good improvements all indicate the careful supervision of the owner.

On the 14th of February, 1877, in Henderson County, Mr. Thomas was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary A. C. Johnson, a daughter of Godfrey Johnson. Their union has been blessed with five children: Charles Edgar, Alexander A., William C, Walter E. and Hazel C. The family circle yet remains unbroken, the children being still with their parents.

In politics, Mr. Thomas is a Democrat, but has no time for office-seeking. Socially, he is a member of Tranquil Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F. He is industrious, and his enterprise and perseverance have brought to him a comfortable competence, which is well deserved. All who know him esteem him highly, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers this record of his life.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.