J. H. Thomas, a leading citizen of Hickory township, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Morgan county in 1848, and is a son of James and Margaret Thomas. The Thomas family came from Maryland, and are descendants of Irish ancestors. The parents spent their lives in Ohio, and in 1885, J. H. Thomas came to Kansas. He learned the carpenter's trade in early life, which has been his chief occupation. For a number of years, he has been in the employ of the railroad company, as carpenter, and in 1906, he bought 160 acres of land in Hickory township, which is operated by his sons while he is engaged in working at his trade.

Mr. Thomas was married, in 1875, to Miss Tobitha Johnson, a native of Ohio, and four children were born to this union, as follows: Charles M., who was accidentally killed on the roadroad;[sic] Harley A., was drowned at Beaumont; Edwin and Edgar, twins. Edgar is in Topeka, employed in the general office of the Santa Fe Railroad Company, and Edwin, is employed by the same company in Kansas City. Ten years after her marriage, Mrs. Thomas died, and in 1889, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta Smith, and they have two children, as follows: Mrs. Lulu M. Ohsner, Latham, Kans., and Clyde, Latham.

Since coming to Butler county, Mr. Thomas has taken an active part in local affairs, and has always co-operated with every movement for the betterment and upbuilding of the community. He has always stood for a square deal, and is regarded by those who know him best as an exemplary citizen. By his thrift and industry, he has accumulated a competence and can, if he so desires, spend his remaining days in ease and comfort. He has served as treasurer of Hickory township one term and refused to accept re-election to the office. He is one of the substantial citizens of Hickory township whose influence is for the better things of life.

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