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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania published in 1904 by T. S. Benham & Company and The Lewis Publishing Company; Elwood Roberts, Editor. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
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ISAAC THOMAS, deceased, for ten years prior to his death a highly respected and esteemed citizen of the village of Harmanville, Pennsylvania, was born on the old homestead, near Pottstown, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1833. His grandfather, Jacob Thomas, was born in the vicinity of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupation of farming. Among his children was John Thomas, father of Isaac Thomas, who also followed the occupation of farming.
Isaac Thomas was educated in the schools adjacent to his home, and early in life served an apprenticeship at the trade of blacksmith. In 1845 he removed to Whitemarsh township, where he was successfully engaged in blacksmithing, and in 1871 he located in the village of Harmanville, where he conducted a blacksmith shop up to the time of his death. He was treasurer of the Whitemarsh Building and Loan Association for a number of years. He held membership in the Methodist church, which he attended regularly, and he was an active leader of the Bible class for a quarter of a century. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, always taking an active interest in the success of his party. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
On March 13, 1853, Mr. Thomas married Miss Frances A. Colflesh, who was born in West Conshohocken, Lower Merion township, August 18, 1827, one of nine children born to John and Hannah (Otey) Colflesh, both of whom have been long deceased. Two children were born to them, as follows: Walter S., born January 16, 1858, died November 11, 1876; and Clara W., born December 17, 1861, who resides with her mother. Mr. Thomas, who was a straightforward and conscientious man in all the affairs of life, a good citizen, a dutiful husband, and an indulgent father, died January 16, 1881, survived by his wife and daughter Clara W. Thomas. Mrs. Thomas is an active woman for her years, and is thoroughly respected in the community in which she lives.
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This family biography is one of more than 1,000 biographies included in the Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania published in 1904 by T. S. Benham & Company and The Lewis Publishing Company. For the complete description, click here: Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
View additional Montgomery County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Biographies
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