J[oseph] H. THOMAS, residing on section 1, Middle Fork Township, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, October 12, 1848. His parents were Dr. William and Ann (BURDETT) THOMAS, natives of Loudoun County, Virginia. They reared a family of six children - J. H., Matilda, Lucretia, Louisa, Martha and Susan. In 1856 the family moved to Marion County, Iowa, locating at Gosport, where the father practiced medicine until his decease, in 1871.

In 1868 Mr. THOMAS commenced teaching, and followed that vocation several years. He was married October 22, 1874, to Miss Hernon HOGEAND (sic), daughter of Hon. James S. and Mary Ann (WOODS) HOGELAND, who were the parents of six children - Elvira, Hernon, John, Peter, Laura, and Mollie.

In the spring of 1878 Mr. THOMAS removed to Nebraska, and the year following located in Ringgold County, where he has since resided. His farm consists of eighty acres of well-cultivated and well-improved land. He has a comfortable, well-furnished cottage, and all modern conveniences.

Mr. and Mrs. THOMAS have three children - Dotha Mabel, Stanley Roscoe and Corwin.

Mr. THOMAS was candidate for county auditor in 1885, but was defeated. Although a young man, and a recent settler in the county he has gained an enviable reputation. Politically he is a Republican. Postoffice, Mount Ayr.

NOTE: Joseph H. THOMAS died April 19, 1910. Hermon (HOGELAND) THOMAS was born in Morgan County, Indiana on January 13, 1854, and died at the age of 73 on January 28, 1927. Joseph and Hernon were interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Dotha Mabel THOMAS, wife of Frank CHANCE, was born November 31, 1875, and died April 1, 1951 with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr IA

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 295-96, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z