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Thomas |
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| John W. Thomas, carriage and wagon maker, at Altona , Hinton Tp., was born in England Nov. 16, 1831. His parents, John and Rebecca (Webb) Thomas, were natives of England where the mother died. The father came to Canada and passed the remainder of his life, his death occurred in 1879. Mr. Thomas came to America with his father when he 14 years of age. The circumstances of the elder Thomas were such that was enabled him to give his children a good education, and he sent his son John to the common schools, and afterwards to an academy, until he attained the age of 16, when he was apprenticed for five years to learn the trade of carriage and wagon making. After fulfilling his indenture he worked as a journeyman until 1850. In 1855, he left Canada and came to Michigan, locating at Croton, Newaygo Co., where he established himself in the prosecution of his trade, and continued wagon and carriage making for 15 years. He sold his business, and went to work for his brother-in-law Aaron Austin, as general assistant, keeping books, lumbering, etc., for six months. After a brief visit to Canada, he resumed his labors in the woods for Mr. N. Thurston, for a short time. He was then employed by G. R.& I. Railroad Co., and while in their service received and injury. On recovery he was occupied with his trade for a time, and then bought 40 acres in Barry Co., Mich., where he was resident for six years. He bought his place in good faith, supposing he had the right of every man to hold what he paid for, but the event proved his title poor, and he was obliged to abandon the farm, and sustained a loss of $300. He lived a year at Stanwood, Mecosta Tp., and bought 32 acres of land in the township of Deerfield, which is still in his possession. In the spring of 1879, he came to Altona and established his present business. Mr. Thomas has been married twice, and is the father of seven children. Those living are Ida, Adelaide, and Drusilla. The deceased were William and Jane, and twin children who died in early infancy. Mr. Thomas is a Republican, and was Constable for three years while a resident of Newaygo County. |