WILLIAM E. THOMAS
History of Arizona, 1896

Integrity, intelligence and system are qualities which will 
advance the interests of any man and will tend to the prosperity 
to which all aspire.  William E. Thomas' life has been 
characterized by constancy of purpose, conscientiousness, 
undoubted ability and energy and as a natural result he is 
one of the substantial men of Maricopa County, and what is 
better, has the respect and esteem of all acquainted with him.

He was born November 8, 1852 in Lynchburg, Virginia and was 
educated at Roanoke College, Roanoke county, Virginia. Just 
prior to graduating he accepted a position as deputy clerk of 
the County and Circuits Courts, also acted at the same time as 
deputy recorder, and was thus employed for three years.  In 
1874 he took a business course at the Bryant and Stratton 
Business College in Baltimore, Maryland and after graduating 
filled several positions as bookkeeper and assistant bookkeeper. 
In 1876 he entered into the grocery business with A. Pleasants 
Webb under the firm name of Webb and Thomas, and this 
partnership continued for two years.

In the spring of 1880 Mr. Thomas married Miss Hallie Pleasants 
Orme, a native of Baltimore, Md and the great granddaughter of 
General Jeremiah Crabb of revolutionary fame and they soon left 
for the West.  They first located in Leadville, Colorado where 
Mr. Thomas accepted a position in the county recorder's office 
but later became postal carrier for the Leadville post office.  
He and wife remained there three years, when on account of the 
latter's failing health they went to Los Angeles, Cal., and Mr. 
Thomas accepted a position as bookkeeper with J.J. Mellus, 
commission merchant.  Finding no great improvement had been 
made in his wife's health during the year that they had resided 
there, Mr. Thomas sold his property at a sacrifice and on the 
5th of October 1883 left for Phoenix Arizona.  After locating 
in this place he accepted a position as deputy sheriff under 
L.H. Orme,and was with him until the latter's term expired.  
In the meantime Mr. Thomas purchased a ranch, consisting of 
160 acres, one and a half miles north of Phoenix on Central 
Avenue and he conducted this with his other enterprises until 
appointed postmaster, April 1, 1894.  He has acted as deputy 
assessor and deputy recorder several times during his residence 
here and is a capable and trusty official.

On his ranch Mr. Thomas is engaged in raising fruit and stock 
and many lovely flowers surround the home.  He has been usually 
successful in all his ventures.  From 1888 to 1891 he was 
engaged in the real estate and loan business and was as 
successful in this as in other enterprises.  His life has been 
a very busy one.  To his marriage has been born one living 
child--Ralph Orme, who is now ten years old.  Mr. and Mrs. 
Thomas are members of the Presbyterian Church.

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