Of Rochester, NY in 1934.
Employed as a mechanical and electrical engineer before entering into business for himself.
Served with the 109th Engineers in WW1.

His early years were spent in the employ of the Crane Iron Works and he was appointed manager of their furnaces. On December 1, 1900 he became manager of the Hokendauqua furnaces of the Thomas Iron Company and there he remained until March 9, 1903, when he was appointed by the company to be superintendent of the Keystone Furnace near Chain Dam. John W. Thomas was then transferred to the Lock Ridge furnaces, and there he served as superintendent until 1912. He had learned the trade of mechanical and electrical engineering, and he entered into business for himself, operating an electrical shop on North Seventh Street, Allentown.

John W. Thomas was united in wedlock with Miss Snyder and this union was blessed with a son, John, who served as a Lieutenant in the U. S. Army during World War II. John W. Thomas had served during World War 1 with the 109th Engineers, attaining the rank Captain.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the Hokendauqua Presbyterian Church. John W. Thomas passed away in the Allentown Hospital on June 23. 1943 and his remains were entombed in the Thomas family vault at Fairview Cemetery. Florence (Snyder) Thomas died on April 15, 1951 and her remains were also deposited in the Thomas family vault at Fairview Cemetery.