John Willard Thomas Biography


	This biography appears on pages 756-757 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				JOHN WILLARD THOMAS. 

	John Willard Thomas, of Sisseton, who is efficiently discharging 
his important duties as superintendent of the schools of Roberts 
county, was born in Richardson county, Nebraska, February 12, 1883, his 
parents being David L. and Nellie (Jones) Thomas. The father was born 
in Cardiganshire, Wales, in 1849, and the mother in Sauk county, 
Wisconsin, in 1858. The former came to the United States with his 
parents in 1852 and they settled in Sauk county, Wisconsin, where he 
gained his education. He was married there to Miss Jones in 1875 and 
the same year they moved to Corning, Adams county, Iowa, but in 1880 
went to Nebraska, where he purchased land and continued to farm until 
1903. In that year he removed to Lincoln, where he is now living 
retired. When he first went to Nebraska he was in somewhat limited 
circumstances and drove through to that state with an ox team. It was 
also necessary for him to purchase his first eighty acres on time, but 
being energetic and practical he succeeded in accumulating a 
competence. He is a republican in his political belief and holds 
membership in the Evangelical church. To him and his wife were born 
eight children, seven of whom survive, as follows: Elizabeth, now the 
wife of O. O. March, of Falls City, Nebraska, who is clerk of 
Richardson county; David E., professor in a college in Edmonton, 
Alberta; Hannah M., a teacher in the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago; 
John Willard; J. L., a professor in the Nebraska State Agricultural 
College at Lincoln; Merle, the wife of Ray E. Rice, who is a missionary 
stationed at Landour Messoure, India; and Dwight, who is attending the 
State University of Nebraska. 

	John Willard Thomas was educated in the State University of 
Nebraska, from which he was graduated in 1908 with the degree of 
Bachelor of Arts. He then took up a homestead in Stanley county, South 
Dakota, which he still owns, and while proving up on that place he 
taught school for two years. In April, 1910, he removed to Roberts 
county and for one year taught a rural school. He was later for two 
years principal of the schools at Corona and in 1914 was elected county 
superintendent of schools, in which office he is now serving. He has 
one hundred and forty-three schools under his supervision and devotes 
his entire time to his official duties. He understands the problems 
that confront the teachers and is thus able to aid in bringing about 
improved conditions. He is progressive and energetic and does not spare 
himself in his effort to advance the interests of the schools. During 
the summer months he conducts the teachers, institute in the county. 

	Mr. Thomas was married in 1910 to Miss Etta G. Taylor, a native 
of Spencer, Iowa, and a daughter of Silas B. Taylor, a contractor of 
that place. To this union have been born three children, Robert, Helen 
and Margery. 

	Mr. Thomas is a republican in politics and takes the interest of 
a good citizen in public affairs. His religious faith is indicated by 
his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally he 
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Corona. While in 
college he was a member of the Glee Club for two years. He has devoted 
the greater part of his time to educational work since beginning his 
independent career and he has gained high standing in his chosen 
profession. His ability is generally recognized and personally he is 
popular.