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 1834, Washington Township
From The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; (1882)
JOSEPH THOMAS, farmer, son of Edward P. and Abigal (Benham) Thomas was born in Washington Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, August 19, 1834, and baft followed farming as his life occupation. He was married, January 1, 1861, to Charlotte Ramsey, daughter of Bloomfield and Matilda A. (Reeder) Ramsey, who was ak born in this township April 23, 1844. They have had the following children; Josepl B, Edward P. (deceased), Mary E., Olive A., Melissa L., William IT. L., Eve M. and Charles P. Our subject was but four years old when his father died, and at twelve years of age, began working out by the month to help his mother support the family. In 1855, he and his brother Benjamin rented a farm, and by hard constant toil, and steady, economical habits, saved sufficient to purchase 100 acre of land, upon which Benjamin now lives. In 1865, Joseph sold his interest in the above farm to his brother, and purchased his present homestead of 131 acres, which is the legitimate result of his earnest efforts to succeed in life. Mr. Thoma is regarded as one of the progressive farmers of his native township, and his motto ha even been to be just and honest with all men.
As printed in The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1882. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.