My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. THOMAS, born in Spencer County, Ind., July 25, 1851, is one of three children born to John F. and Mary Ann (Howell) Thomas. The father was born November 17, 1822, in Kentucky, and when quite a small child came with his parents to this county. He was raised on a farm in this county, married his wife here, and subsequently resided in Grass Township ten years, and the remainder of his life in Luce Township, his death occurring September 6, 1865. His father (and grandfather of our subject), William G. Thomas, was a prominent citizen of the county, serving as a Sheriff and Deputy Clerk many years. Mary Ann (Howell) Thomas was born July 28, 1827, a daughter of Mason J. Howell, one of the county’s honored pioneers. She died May 10, 1854, he afterward marrying Martha J. Everton, who bore him four children. William H. Thomas was raised on the home farm in Luce Township, received an excellent practical education and taught school to some extent, a part of the time in Rockport. About the year 1875 he was admitted to the bar of the county, having previously read law with Judge De Bruler, and the same year entered into partnership with two prominent attorneys at Evansville, conducting business for the firm at Rockport about two years. For a time he was associated with George L. Rinehard in the practice of his profession, but since the latter’s election to the bench has been alone. He is a Republican, a member of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., and K. of P. fraternities, and was married May 15, 1878, to Annie L. Asbury, by whom he is the father of two children: Curran A. and John Mason (deceased). Himself and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church.