Thomas, Henry A.

THOMAS, SKOBEL, WHARTON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 10/22/2009 at 19:08:01

Thomas, Henry A.

Among the many German citizens who have come to Jasper County to make their homes and their fortunes, and there have been quite a goodly number, we find none who seems to have led a more consistent life or been truer to the trusts reposed in him than H. A. Thomas, well known hotel proprietor of Colfax, for his motto has been to live and let live, and he has, while advancing his own interests, not been neglectful of the interests of those about him. For these happy qualities he has won the esteem of all who know him and today highly regarded by a wide circle of acquaintances among the traveling public and local citizens.

Mr. Thomas was born in Silesia, Germany, on July 20, 1857. He is the son of Henry and Augusta (Skobel) Thomas, both natives of Germany, where they grew up, were educated and married and there they spent their lives on a farm, both being now deceased. Their family consisted of thirteen children, only two of whom ever came to America, the one besides the subject being Robert Thomas, who lived in Davenport, Iowa, for ten years, but who now makes his home with the subject in Colfax.

H. A. Thomas was reared and educated in the fatherland, taking a course in the gymnasium, consequently he has always been robust and enjoyed excellent health. In his youth he took up farming there for himself, which continued until 1882, when he came to America, believing that here were to be found greater opportunities. After remaining in New York City five days, he came on to the Middle West and located in Jasper County, Iowa, and he engaged in farm work for some time, then turned his attention to the hotel business which he has followed for a period of twenty-eight years, having taken a position as night clerk at the Mason House in Colfax in 1883. He remained in that capacity, at intervals, for about four years, then in July 1890, he became day clerk. Upon the death of the proprietor, Mr. Croft, in 1900 he assisted Mrs. Croft in management of the hotel until her death, in February 1907, when he became proprietor, Mrs. Croft having willed the hotel to Mr. Thomas in appreciation of his faithful services. He is managing the Mason House in a most satisfactory manner and is extending its prestige among the traveling public, which has long since shown its appreciation of the good management and courteous and considerate treatment always to be found here.

Politically, Mr. Thomas is a Republican, and in his fraternal relations he belongs to the Masonic blue lodge, the chapter and the Commandery, also the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he stands high in lodge circles.

Mr. Thomas was married in May 1891, to Mary E. Wharton, a native of Iowa, and to this union four children were born, three of whom died in infancy; Henry Thomas, Jr. is living at home. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 669.