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Biographical sketch of WILLIAM G. THOMAS from the book entitled, "Biographical Memoirs of Saint Clair County, Michigan," published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Publishers in Logansport, Indiana.
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This bio spans three (3) pages: 386-388
WILLIAM G. THOMAS
William G. Thomas was born in Prince Edward county, Ontario, Canada, April 18, 1827, a son of William J. and Sabra (Groshong) Thomas. The father was born in Falmouth, England, April 4, 1801, learned the trades of stone mason, brick mason and other branches of masonry, and from England came to America, landing in New York whence he went to Canada and in 1859 returned to the states. His death occurred in Corunna, Shiawassee county, Michigan, in 1871. He was a Quaker in his religious faith and a Republican in politics. To William J. and Sabra Thomas were born eleven children, viz: George, James (deceased), William G., James (second), deceased, John, Stephen, Samuel, Mary J., Jonathan, Gideon and Richard.
In 1855, William G. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Mary Brady, a daughter of John and Agnes (McDonald) Brady, of whom the former was a native of Ireland and a farmer. He early located near Montreal, Canada, whence he moved to West Oxford county, Ontario, purchased a farm and continued in the pursuit of agriculture until his death, which occurred in 1852. John and Agnes Brady were the parents of seven children. William G. and Mary (Brady) Thomas have been blessed with two children, viz: Marshall S., born April 10, 1856, is married to Lydia Hagle, and is now a detective for a railroad in southern Indiana; James B., born February 14, 1858, is a builder and contractor at Owosso, Michigan, is married and is the father of eight children.
At his marriage William G. Thomas purchased eighty acres of farming land in Saginaw county, but soon afterward removed to Fentonville, Genesee county, and for some time worked as a carpenter, joiner and builder, having traded his farm for Fentonville property. Later on he sold this property and moved to Reed City, Osceola county, Michigan, where he bought himself a home. He worked at his trade until 1880, then sold out and located in Corunna, Shiawassee county, resided there two years, then traded his city holdings for a farm in Owosso township, on which he lived for eleven years. He there lost his wife, and in 1894 married Mercy M. Granger, widow of George Granger. In February, 1894, he came to Columbus township, St. Clair county, and for most of his life has been engaged in farming.
Mr. Thomas is a staunch Republican and has served as school treasurer three terms, as city marshal of Reeed (sic) City four years, as sheriff of Osceola county two years, as township treasurer three years, village treasurer three years, justice of the peace three terms, and as county supervisor one term, having been elected to the last named office from Richmond township, Osceola county, for four years; he has also been health officer.
August 28, 1861, Mr. Thomas enlisted at Fentonville, Michigan, in defense of his country’s flag against armed treason, and from there he was sent to Detroit, Michigan, and then to Washington, D. C. He took part in a skirmish at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, then fought at Snicker’s Gap, Virginia, Middleburg, Virginia, Orange Court House and at Thoroughfare Gap; he was in the second battle of Bull Run, and at Port Tobacco has a three-days’ fight with the Rebel cavalry. Mr. Thomas did a great deal of scouting and picket duty, but was always promptly on hand at roll call, and never was known to shirk his duty; he also fought at Cedar Mountain, Virginia, and at Hanover, Pennsylvania, as well as at Gettysburg, in which engagement a brother was shot in the spine, near the left shoulder, and died ten days later. Two other brothers, Jonathan and Gideon, served in General Sherman’s division in the South. At Gettysburg W. G. Thomas was thrown from his horse, was rendered senseless by the fall, and while in this condition was robbed of all his personal effects. He was restored to the consciousness by the bursting of a shell near by, but the injury to his back, caused by his fall, annoys him even at the present day. Mr. Thomas also had a part in a skirmish with General Jubal Early’s forces under the guns of Washington City, but at some distance off, the Rebels being on a march toward the capital with the object, of course, of either capturing it or destroying it.
After an army service of four years and two months, marked by gallant bravery and devotion to duty, Mr. Thomas was honorably discharged. On his return home he resumed carpenter work, but has been compelled to decline many jobs, as owing to his injury while in the service he has not been able to do a full day’s work since. He has, however, met with fair success through life, although he has met with some reverses, and once lost eighteen hundred dollars in one enterprise; his wife, besides, owns a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of good land in St. Clair county. In religion Mr. Thomas is a Quaker, or member of the Society of Friends, while his wife is a Congregationalist. There is no family in Columbus township more respected, and their upright and useful walk through life well entitles them to all the respect which is paid them.
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PLEASE NOTE: I do not have any personal interest in researching the THOMAS surname or the St. Clair county, Michigan location. I am merely posting a select number of the biographical sketches found in the above-referenced book *upon specific written request* as a service to the genealogical community. Therefore, please do not contact me with regard to research interests in the above. Thank you.
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