John L. Thomas

As printed in 1905

JOHN L. THOMAS.

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John L. Tlmnias, a well-known resident of Mediapolis, Iowa, is a native of South Wales, born near.Xewcastle, and is a son of Daxid and.Mary (Lloycl) Thomas, his father being a farmer in his native country. hen a boy, the subject of this sketch left the paternal home, and engaged in any kind of work that came to his hand. IJeing of an ingenious turn of mind, he worked at many occupations, and mastered the trade of stone-mason without serving a regular apprenticeship.

Deciding to try his fortunes in the New World, he came to America in 1854, locating first at Newark. ( )hio. where he engaged in work as a stone-mason. From there he removed to Louisa county, Iowa, working at the same trade in Columbus City. In September. 185'' he removed to Des Moines coun\. where he worked on a farm in Section 8, Franklin township, and afterward rented a farm for a number of years.

His first purchase of land was forty acres in Section X, Franklin township. to which he added by subsequent purchases until lie had a farm of two hundred and eighteen acres. (Jn this place he lived until 18S4. when he sold out and retired from farming, removing to Mediapolis, which has ever since been his home.

He has also become the owner of valuable ])property in Alediapolis. and in i8<;o built the first bank building, and organized the first banking institution, in this village. This is known as the State Bank of Mediapolis, and he was elected and served on its board of directors. In the fall and winter of i8<)5-c)6 he organized the Citizens' State Bank of Mediapolis, of which he has ever since been president. Both of these institutions are considered the strongest banking houses in this part of the State.

He is a Republican in politics, and a warm supporter of that party's principles. Though not an aspirant for political honors, he has taken an active interest in local affairs, and has served as township trustee. He has often been a delegate to county and State conventions, and was a delegate to the convention that nominated Governor Shaw. He has always been devoted to the cause of public improvements, and was the builder of the Dudley Hotel in 1903-04, which was named in honor of his wife. He has been a liberal supporter of religion, giving generously on all occasions, irrespective of creed and denomination.

Upon moving to Mediapolis he virtually retired from business, except that he continued to look after his own property interests, which were very extensive. He is one of the largest property owners of Mediapolis and that vicinity. The correctness and accuracy of his business foresight ma\' be instance in connection with the building of the Dudley Hotel, in 1903, for he executed this project against the advice of many leading citizens, and yet the investment has ])moved to be one of the wisest and most profitable he ever made.

In November, 1881, Mr. Thomas was married to Mary A., daughter of David and Martha (Evans) Dudley, and a native of Licking county, Ohio. David Dudley was also a native of Wales, and emigrated to this country in 1842. selecting Licking county, (Jhio, as his place of settlement.

Mr. Thomas's success in life is a good illustration of what can be accomplished by industry, integrity, frugality, close attention to business, and good management. When he came to America his sole capital was good heahli. correct morals, and an earnest determination to succeed. To-day he is enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life, a life lived in accordance with the rules he earhlaid down for his guidance, and is in the possession of a comfortable competence.

In May, 1886, he and his wife started for a well-earned holiday, visiting various parts of 'ales and England, and spending three months on the trip. When he emigrated to America he came in a sailing vessel which took five weeks and three days to make the passage across the Atlantic. On his return to his native land he crossed in eleven days, a good illustration of modern progress.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in Biographical review of Des Moines County, Iowa (1905). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.