John Thomas
JOHN THOMAS of Hokendauqua was for many years a
prominent representative of the iron industry in the Lehigh Valley. John Thomas, who was born at
Yniscedwin, South Wales, on the 10th of September 1829, and was therefore a lad
of ten years when brought by his parents to the United States. The family home
was maintained in Allentown for a short time, but the parents soon afterward
removed to Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, where he spent his youth.
He was educated in Allentown, and subsequently became a pupil
at Nazareth Hall in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, where he perfected
himself in various branches of English learning, and the knowledge thus
acquired fitted him for a life of future usefulness. Having completed his
studies he determined to acquire a thorough knowledge of the business of an
iron master, and with that end in view entered the blacksmith shops of the
Crane Iron Works. Having mastered this part of the business, he next entered
the machine shop, and also worked in the furnaces, thus gaining a thorough and
practical knowledge of the industry in every department, becoming qualified for
the direction of the company's extensive business.
On the retirement of his
father, David Thomas, he succeeded him to the superintendency of the entire
plant. This position he held and filled with ability until 1867, and his
efforts there were so capably directed that almost phenomenal success attended
the enterprise. In the year mentioned he resigned to accept the general
superintendency of the Thomas Iron Works at Hokendauqua. Expressions of deep
regret were heard when he left the Crane Iron Works, for he not only had the
full confidence of the company, but also the unqualified respect and good will
of the employees, because of his business ability, his social manner and his
consideration for those who worked under him.
Under the management of Mr.
Thomas two new furnaces were built by the Thomas Iron Company, and a high
degree of prosperity attended this great productive industry. He continued in the
superintendency until his death, which occurred March 18, 1897.
Mr. Thomas was also largely
identified with other enterprises and business interests of his locality. He
was a director of the Catasauqua & Foglesville Railroad, was president of
the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company, and a director of the Upper Lehigh Coal
Company. The social and moral influence of his presence and that of his family
also had a salutary effect n the moral atmosphere of Hokendauqua, and he left
the impress of his individuality upon many lines of public progress and
improvement there. For a number of years he served as one of the school
directors of his borough. In politics he took an active interest, especially as
the promoter of local advancement in behalf of the Republican Party, but he
sought or desired no political preferment for himself. In religious faith lie
was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua, and contributed most
liberally to its support.
He married May 7, 1855, Miss
Helen Thomas, daughter of Hopkin and Catherine (Richards)Thomas. Issue: David
H., Blanche, Harry, Miriam, Bessie H., Samuel R., Catharine V., John W. and
Helen, who died in infancy.
About
the Hopkin Thomas Project
November
2009