James Thomas
Source:
Lambert, James F. and Reinhard, Henry J., A
History of Catasauqua in Lehigh County Pennsylvania,
1914
James
Thomas was born in Philadelphia, September 22, 1836, and was the youngest son
of Hopkin Thomas and his wife Catherine (R.ichards) Thomas, both of South
Wales. In 1853 he came with his parents to Catasauqua from Philadelphia. He
went to Parryville in 1859 to take the superintendency of the Carbon Iron
Works. In 1871 Mr. Thomas left Parryville and went to Jefferson County, Alabama, and while there became
the general manager of the Irondale and Eureka Iron Company. He enjoys the
distinction of having made the first coke iron in Alabama. In 1879 he returned
to Catasauqua and formed a partnership with George Davies under the name of
Davies and Thomas which continued until the death of George Davies in 1894. The
following year the heirs of George Davies and the surviving member of the firm,
James Thomas, took out articles of incorporation under the laws of the State of
Pennsylvania with the corporate name of Davies and Thomas Company. With every
enterprise calculated to promote the prosperity of Catasauqua, Mr. Thomas was
prominently identified and received the heartiest support. Through his efforts
the Borough secured the Electric Light and Power Company of which he was one of
the principal owners. He was president of the Wahnetah Silk Company and a director
of the Catasauqua National Bank. Though he took no active part in politics, he
was frequently chosen to occupy positions of trust and responsibility, and
represented the Republican Party as delegate to the National Convention in
Minneapolis in 1892. For six years he was a member of the School Board, taking
an active interest in the welfare of our schools.
Mr.
Thomas was married to Miss Mary Ann Davies, June 11, 1861. They are the parents
of the following children: Blanche T., wife of Charles R. Horn; Mary C. Thomas
(deceased); Rowland D. Thomas; Mrs. Ruth (Thomas) McKee; Helen T., wife of Dr.
James L. Hornbeck; Catherine R. Thomas (deceased); Hopkin Thomas.
In
religious belief, Mr. Thomas was a member of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church
and was instrumental in securing the erection of the edifice adorning the
corner of Fifth and Walnut Streets. Mr. Thomas was one of the best informed
men, reading broadly upon all matters of general interest and carrying his
investigations into the best of literature. He was public spirited, which,
together with his high social standing and courteous manners, made him a very
popular and honored citizen.
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