Evan L. Thomas

Evan L. Thomas, cashier and general manager of Branch "A"
of The Lima Trust Company, was born in Jay County, Indiana, in 1855,
and is a son of Andrew J. Thomas, who was born in West Virginia in 1816.
Andrew J. Thomas went to Indiana when 16 years old and engaged in
farming until his death in 1892, at the age of 76 years. He was the
youngest of a family of 13 children, whose average age at death was 77
years.
Evan L. Thomas received all the advantages of a superior education,
attending Farmer's Academy in Jay County, then the Whitewater Academy,
and finishing at the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute. In
1872 he engaged in teaching school, and, with an exception of two
years, was thus employed for 25 consecutive years. He rapidly advanced
in his profession, being superintendent of the schools at Sevastopol and
West Richmond, and later accepting a like position in the New Paris
schools, Preble County, Ohio, where he remained seven years. He was
recognized as one of the foremost educators of the State and was for
years a member of the Preble County Board of School Examiners, being
president of that body when he removed from the county. Having accepted
a lucrative position with the O' Connor insurance agency, Mr. Thomas
came to Lima in 1897 an acted as its representative until December 31,
1904, when this relation was dissolved and the next day he assumed his
duties as cashier and general manager of Branch " A" of The Lima Trust
Company. This is one of the strongest and most substantial banking
institutions in Allen County, and the choice of the directors for the
important office of manager of the branch was almost suitable one, as
Mr. Thomas is abundantly qualified for the position.
Mr. Thomas was married October 13, 1887, to Lillie D. McPherson,
daughter of George McPherson, a retired citizen of Preble County. they
have two children Earl W. and Minor M. Mr. Thomas is master of Lima
Lodge, No. 205, F. & A. M.; high priest of Lima Chapter, No 49, R. A.
M.; and acting recorder of Shawne Commandery, No. 14, K. T. of Lima;
also a member of he Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.