Untitled Surnames: Richards, Hodge, Porter, Richmond, Ennor, Perkins, French, Sanders, Mayne, Hillery, Mills, Harvey

From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, publ. 1901 - page 58-59

WILLIAM THOMAS, Sr., a retired merchant of the village of Hazel Green, Grant county, was born in Cornwall, England, Dec. 13, 1828, son of Hannibal and Elizabeth (RICHARDS) THOMAS, both born in Cornwall, where they were married.

In 1840 Hannibal THOMAS came to Wisconsin alone, intending to go into the butchering business. In 1848 he sent for his family, who came to Yorkville, where he owned a farm. There they lived for some years, and then moved to Beetown, where father and mother died, he in 1877, and she in 1883. They were good honest people, and had many friends. Six children were born to them: (1) Jane A., born in England in 1819, married William HODGE, also a native of England, lived on his farm in Grant county a number of years, and then moved to Cuba City, where he is living retired. They have two children, William H. and Elizabeth J. (now the widow of Bernard PORTER, late of Grant county). (2) James, born in England in 1821, married Miss Susan RICHMOND, of Ohio, settled at Beetown, and became one of the most successful farmers and miners of that region. He died at his home in 1883, leaving a wife, but no children. (3) William is our subject. (4) Henry, born in 1830 in England, married Miss Grace ENNOR, of Potosi, living for some years at Beetown, and then moved to Lancaster, where he still resides. They have five children - Emma, now Mrs. Robert PERKINS, of Crawford county, Wis.; James, in South Dakota; Naomi, now Mrs. FRENCH, of Cassville; Phoebe, now Mrs. Frank SANDERS, of Beetown; and Mamie, Mrs. MAYNE, of Cassville. (5) Hannibal, born in 1852, and worked there in the gold mines until 1853, when he emigrated to Australia, where he died in 1857, leaving no family. (6) Margaret, born in 1835, is the wife of Metcalf HILLERY, of Beetown, and has nine children, George, Hannibal, Metcalf, James, John, Elizabeth, Sarah A., Susan and Margaret.

William THOMAS, Sr., obtained his education in his native country, and worked in the Grant county lead and zinc mines eight years after coming to this country. In 1856 he set up as a general merchant at Fair View, Wis., where he continued for twenty-one years. During these years he also dealt largely in real estate, and now owns three large farms (670 acres) in Grant county, and one (550 acres) in Lester, Iowa. In 1877 Mr. THOMAS sold out his mercantile interests, and moved into the village of Hazel Green, where he bought the MILLS homestead, one of the most attractive homes in the town, a large brick house with handsome lawn surrounding.

Mr. THOMAS and Miss Mary E. HARVEY were married in 1863. Mrs. THOMAS was born in England in January, 1839, and her parents, William and Ann HARVEY, were among the early settlers of Grant county. They were born in England, came early to New Jersey, and in 1852 moved to Grant county, where they died many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. THOMAS are the parents of two sons: (1) William H., born in Hazel Green, in August, 1864, received his education in his native village and at the Platteville Normal. Some years ago he had typhoid fever, and his health became so impaired that he has never since been able to take an active part in business. (2) Clinton W., born in Grant county, in January, 1869, was drowned when eighteen years old, with two companions, while bathing in the Mississippi river. A bright and promising young man, he had a brilliant future before him, and possessed many friends.

Mrs. THOMAS is a member of the Methodist Church, to which our subject gives a liberal support. Mr. THOMAS has been a Republican all his life, and has been school director and member of the town board several terms. With his son he is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Hazel Green. Mr. THOMAS began for himself in this country without a dollar, and by industry and integrity won a very enviable standing. He has many friends who declare him honest and candid, straightforward and upright, and a genial and generous spirit. He is president of the First National Bank of Cuba City.



This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck