Thomas, Jesse M., was born in Albion, Orleans County, N. Y., March 19, 1867, son of Crandall M. Thomas, who was a native of Penfield, N. Y., where the family were among the earliest settlers. Crandall M. Thomas married Frances P., daughter of Moses Smith; he was one of the prominent men of his town. Jesse M. Thomas was educated in Albion. For a time he was engaged in the drug trade; in 1892 he came to Batavia, where he established his present business, making a specialty of fine groceries. In 1888 he married Grace D., daughter of Waiter Lyon; they have two children-Jesse C. and Susie L. Mr. Thomas was named after Hon. Jesse W. Sweltzer, of Rushville, Ind.; he is a man of energy, good business ability, and has established a reputation for integrity, enterprise and worthy citizenship. Mrs. Thomas graduated from the Conservatory of Music in Boston, in 1888.

Source: Our County and it's people, A descriptive work on Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1890