My Genealogy Hound

JOHN L. THOMAS, retired; P. O. Arcanum; to the subject of this sketch we are pleased to accord a place in the advance guard of the early pioneers of Darke Co.; he was born in Greene Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1827, and removed with his parents when in infancy to German Township, in Darke Co.. where his parents settled in 1827; his early boyhood days were spent at home, and, at the age of 16, he began life for himself and did carpenter work for fifteen years, when he commenced the study of medicine at the Allopathic College in Cincinnati, where he prosecuted his studies with much energy; he was engaged in money-loaning and doing a general brokerage business for a number of years, and in 1878, he with his son opened a bank in Arcanum. He celebrated his marriage with Sarah A. Emerson, in June, 1849; she was a daughter of Gen. Henry Emerson, President of the Farmers’ National Bank of Greenville; four children were given to this union, viz.: Francis V., deceased; Alonzo S., Joseph E., Sarah J.; Mrs. Thomas departed this life Jan. 30, 1867, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn her departure; a kind wife, an affectionate mother, are the tablets erected to her memory by her husband and children. He was again united in marriage with Nannevine Ballard, Nov. 29, 1871; one child has been given to this union, viz., John Volney.