Elias Mason Thomas Biography


	This biography appears on pages 817-818 in "History of Dakota Territory" 
	by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

	This file may be freely copied by individuals and non-profit 
	organizations for their private use. 

	Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval 
	system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other 
	means requires the written approval of the file's author.

	This file is part of the SDGENWEB Archives. If you arrived here inside
	a frame or from a link from somewhere else, our front door is at

	http://usgwarchives.org/sd/sdfiles.htm


				ELIAS MASON THOMAS. 

	Elias Mason Thomas, a representative of one of the oldest 
families in the United States, a veteran of the Civil war and today one 
of the valued and prominent residents of Huron, has made his record an 
honor and a credit to a name that is held in high esteem and regard in 
the communities where it is known. He has been a resident of Huron 
since 1883, and during the greater part of that time has engaged in the 
real-estate business, taking also a prominent and active part in public 
affairs. He is now doing efficient and creditable work as clerk of the 
courts. 

	Mr. Thomas was born in McHenry county, Illinois, August 3, 1847, 
a son of Elias A. and Hester A. (Snow) Thomas, the former born August 
11, 1811, and the latter April 28, ]819. The Thomas family was founded 
in America by John Alden, who came over to the United States in the 
Mayflower and whose great-great-great-granddaughter married Noah 
Thomas. of Middleboro, Massachusetts. The name Elias has been repeated 
in the Thomas family through many generations and was borne by the 
Thomas who served in the Revolutionary war and witnessed Burgoyne's 
surrender to General Gates. The old musket which he carried is still in 
existence and in the possession of the subject of this review. Elias A. 
Thomas moved from Vermont to Illinois in 1843, driving overland with 
teams and he settled in pioneer times in McHenry county, taking up 
government land, upon which he lived until his death. From the time of 
the foundation of the republican party he was a stanch supporter of its 
principles and he took an intelligent interest in public affairs. The 
mother of the subject of this review was a daughter of Eben Snow, of 
Vermont, who served in the War of 1812. She was married to Elias A. 
Thomas December 17, 1840, and they became the parents of the following 
children: Adelia, who was born July 29, 1842, and who died January 10, 
1899; Emma H., who was born August 5, 1844, and who died November 23, 
1880; Elias Mason, of this review; Eben Snow, who was born November 11, 
1849, and who died April 8, 1852; Clara Maria, who was born April 30, 
1852, and who died June 8, 1875; and Hester Ann, who was born November 
26, 1854, and who died October 19, 1872. 

	Elias Mason Thomas acquired his early education in the public 
schools of McHenry county and in 1864 enlisted for service in the Civil 
war, joining Company G, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He 
participated in many important engagements and took part in Sherman's 
march to the sea. Following his honorable discharge he engaged in 
farming in Illinois for some time and then went to Chicago, where he 
held a position as bookkeeper. In 1883 he came to South Dakota, 
locating in Huron, and he has since been a resident of that city where 
he has become widely and favorably known. He has been engaged in the 
real-estate business for many years and has been very successful in 
that field, being regarded as an expert judge of land values. His 
integrity is beyond question and his ability of a high order and he 
has, therefore, won an enviable place in business circles. 

	On the 8th of December, 1868, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage 
to Miss Ruth R. Henion, of Michigan, and they have become the parents 
of three daughters, all of whom arc married. Mr. Thomas is connected 
fraternally with the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias and the 
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is well known in the affairs of 
Kilpatrick Post, No. 4, G. A. R. He gives his political allegiance to 
the republican party and during the period of his residence in Huron 
has taken an active interest in public affairs, cooperating in all 
measures and projects for the general good. For six years he served as 
deputy treasurer and he was for one term police justice. In 1912 he was 
elected clerk of courts in Huron and has since done creditable and able 
work in this office to which he was reelected in 1914. Aside from this 
he has taken part in various progressive public movements, having been 
one of the organizers of the Central South Dakota Fair and for two 
years its secretary. He is a member of the State Soldiers' Home Board 
and was instrumental in securing the cannon for the courtyard which was 
presented to the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a man of. high 
standards, progressive views and loyal public spirit and has been a 
factor in the accomplishment of a great deal of important work along 
lines of community development.