In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1870
From 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908)
A. H. THOMAS, who has been a resident of Springfield, Ohio, for some twenty years, is president of the Gearless Gas Engine Company and an inventor of prominence, holding patents to a number of important inventions which have proved a success on the market.
Mr. Thomas was born at Versailles, Ohio, in 1870, and was a small boy when his parents moved to Miami County, Ohio, where he was reared, attending the common schools. Early in life he began learning the trade of a pattern-maker.t Piqua, and when eighteen years of age came to Springfield and completed his apprenticeship to that trade, as well as to that of a machinist. He was with the Mast-Foos Company three years, then entered the employ of the Rogers Fenco Company, having charge of the lawn mower department for three years. At the end of that time he went to Troy, Ohio, where he was connected with the Adams Machine Shop for seven years, subsequently returning to Springfield. He Avas with the Spring-field Gas Engine Company five years, and two years with the
Foos Gas Engine Company, but in the meantime was spending his time working out some inventions that his practical eye saw were much needed. Having completed a fearless gas engine, the only one invented, and applied for a patent, in 1904 the Gearless Gas Engine Company was incorporated with a capital stock of $20,000 and the following officers: A. H. Thomas, president; C. W. Foster, vice pi'resident; and W. L. Yates, secretary. The fearless gas engine is without a rival in the market, and being a wonderful invention for which there was an immediate demand, the success of the company was assured from the first. In addition, Mr. Thomas holds patents on an adjustable cuff holder and a lawn-mower, both practical inventions which have been a success.
In 1888 Mr. Thomas was joined in marriage with Miss Katie Foster, by whom he has five children, Earl F., Katherine, John, Isabelle, and Naomi. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Church of Christ. Fraternally, he is a member of Spring-field Lodge, I. 0. 0. F.
As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
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