John Thomas

 

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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.

 

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November 2009