Harry Thomas

As printed in 1906

ARRY THOMAS, one of Lima's leading grocers, who is well established in the Holland Block, in the city's business center, was born in 1864 at Lima, and is a son of the late Lewis Thomas. The father of Mr. Thomas was born in Wales and came to Allen County about 1850. For a number of years he was engaged in the brewery business at Lima.

Our subject was reared and educated at Lima and began business in boyhood in his father’s employ. After completing his second year in the Lima High School, he became a clerk in the grocery store of F. A. Holland, with whom he remained 18 years and then became the junior partner of the firm. Two years later, in 1891, the relationship of the partners changed and since that time Mr. Thomas has continued the business as sole proprietor.

Mr. Thomas was married October 22, 1889, to Belle Bowdle, who is a daughter of M. W. Bowdle, of Westminster, Ohio, the family being among the early pioneers of Allen County. Mrs. Thomas' father still survives at the age of 88 years. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have two children, viz.; Holland B. and Lenore Y. The family belong to Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Thomas being one of the board of trustees. He is much interested in the Sundayschool work, is a teacher and has been superintendent, and he is first vice-president of the Epworth League. Mr. Thomas occupies a very high position both personally and in a business way in Lima, and is looked upon as one of the city's sterling citizens and representative men.

As printed in History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.