My Genealogy Hound

DAVID THOMAS, of David & E. J. Thomas, attorneys at law, Georgetown, was born in Scott Township, Brown Co., Ohio, May 20, 1826. His father, Jacob Thomas, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Brown County in 1818 or 1819. He was a prominent farmer of Scott Township during life, and died January 7, 1852. Mr. Thomas’ mother was Mary Reynolds, a native of New York. She is still living, and resides in Scott Township. Mr. Thomas is the second child of a family of eleven children, six of whom are living. He was reared on the homestead, farm, and in early life taught school. He then attended Augusta College, Augusta, Ky., and subsequently taught school again. He was a law student with John G. Marshall and C. A. White till his admission to the bar, at Portsmouth, Ohio, in November, 1850. He was first engaged in the practice of law at Felicity, in Clermont County, where he remained until the fall of 1855. He then came to Georgetown, where he has since been engaged in practice. In 1859, he became a member of the law firm of White, Thomas & Taylor, and, in 1861, of White & Thomas. In 1863, David M. Pearson became a law partner, the firm of Thomas & Pearson doing business until 1870. In that year, the firm of Marshall, Thomas & Dunn was formed, which continued two years. Charles B. Fee was a partner one year. In 1879, his son, Edwin J., was admitted to practice at the bar, and the firm of David & E. J. Thomas was formed. This firm probably enjoys the best paying practice of any law firm in Georgetown. Mr. Thomas was a Democrat in early life, but changed his views and voted with the Republicans till 1872. He then became a Liberal, and has voted with the Democratic party since. He has never held office. Mr. Thomas became a member of the Odd Fellow fraternity at Felicity, in 1864, and is now connected with Confidence Lodge, 307, of Georgetown. He was married, February 26, 1854, to Elizabeth J. Pearce, a native of Clermont County, Ohio. Of their five children, two are living — Edwin J. and David, Jr. Mrs. Thomas is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Thomas has been a farmer and land-owner since 1863, and at present owns a large amount of land in Brown County. He attributes his success in life to large purchases in land when the price was low, and their subsequent rise in value.