JAMES THOMAS. This enterprising and well-known gentleman is one of the leading agriculturists and most extensive stock raisers of Nottingham township, and a son of James Thomas. James Thomas, the father, was born December 13, 1771, in Sussex county, Del., and during early life followed distilling, afterward becoming a farmer. When a young man he was married to Lydia Haines, who was born in 1779, in Lancaster county, Penn., and twelve children were born to them, of whom are yet living: Elizabeth (Mrs. Teeple, of Pennsylvania), Catherine (Mrs. Ferguson, residing in Ohio), Mrs. Lavina T. Hair (of Chicago), Samuel and James (both living in Nottingham township), and Uriah, a resident of Ohio. The father died in this county in 1860; the mother was called over the river in 1859.
James Thomas was born in 1818 in Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn., receiving his education in the district schools of the home place. After attaining his majority, he and a brother began life for themselves as stock farmers, keeping "bachelor's hall" for two or three years. On December 14, 1852, he was united in marriage with Eliza Kinkey, a native of this county, and daughter of George Kinkey, who was born in 1806, in this county, and in early life followed carpentry, afterward devoting his time to farming. He was captain in the militia for a number of years; he died in 1873.
To the union of James and Eliza (Kinkey) Thomas fourteen children have been born, seven of whom are yet living, namely: Josiah, James B., John (all three married), Anna (Mrs. Best), David, Franklin and Lucinda (at home). On the old farm where his parents lived and died is the beautiful home of Mr. Thomas. The place contains 300 acres of fertile land, all of which is cultivated to the highest degree by this progressive agriculturist. He also owns three other farms, one located in Ohio county, W. Va., and all four are under the direct supervision of the owner. An oil well is in preparation on one of these farms. Mr. Thomas makes a specialty of sheep raising, also breeding fine horses. The total value of his and property is about $32,000. Politically, he is a firm believer in the principles embodied in the platform of the Democratic party.
Text taken from page 1351 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]