Dickinson Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and
Marion Counties-Jacob Thomas
Portrait and Biographical
Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1893
JACOB THOMAS is one of the old settlers
and influential farmers of Sherman Township,
Dickinson County, where he owns a
farm on section 32. He is a native of
Bavaria, Germany, his birth having occurred there
on the 8th of March, 1834. His father, Leonard
Thomas, married Mary Kastner, and they resided
until their deaths in the Fatherland. Their son
Jacob lived at home until he was fourteen years
of age, at which time he started for America. After
a long journey across the Atlantic, he finally
arrived in New York, and from there went to Ft.
Plain, Montgomery County, N. Y., where an
uncle resided, with whom he lived for several
months. In the spring of 1849, he came with
his uncle and the other members of his family to
Will County, Ill. He passed the succeeding
twenty years of his life in that county and Kankakee
County, with the exception of three years
spent in the army.
Mr. Thomas enlisted August 5. 1862, in Company
I, Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry, and
labored bravely for the preservation of the Union
until its success was assured. He was in the front
rank of the battle most of the time during three
years. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg
and was taken prisoner at Jackson, Miss. After
being held by the rebels but a short time, he was
exchanged with a number of other prisoners and
rejoined his regiment in safely. After the war
was over he went to Kankakee, Ill., and there remained
until the fall of 1871.
Mr. Thomas then came to Kansas, settling on a
farm located on section 32, Sherman Township,
where he has since been a resident. He is the
owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved
farm land, on which he has constructed
good and commodious buildings. Agricultural
pursuits have been his chief occupation in life, .and
he has ever devoted to them the greatest industry
and careful planning.
On the 20th of June, 1858, Elizabeth E. Harrington
was united in matrimony with our subject
in Kankakee County, Ill. She was born in Sandusky
County, Ohio, on the 26th of October, 1837,
and her death occurred in Sherman Township.
October 30, 1891. She was a consistent and devoted
member of the United Brethren Church and
took a great interest in religious affairs. She was
noted throughout this community for her charities
and kindness to the poor. In her death, her many
friends and acquaintances feel a great loss, .as for
twenty years she was identified with the well-being
of this county.
Mr. Thomas is a stanch Republican and has been
a member of that party and an active promoter of
its best interests since its organization. Though
not an office-seeker, he always make it his aim
to do all in his power to advance the best interests
of the community in which he has resided for
so long. As one of the earliest settlers, he ranks
high in the estimation of his numerous friends and
acquaintances in this locality.
(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for
Dickinson County KS AHGP