Jones County, Texas - History - Judge John B. Thomas *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Dorman Holub Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************** The Western Enterprise Anson, Jones County, Texas Thursday, August 26, 1933 50th Anniversary Edition LAST OF SECOND SCHOOL ATTORNEYS PRACTICES HERE Perhaps the only survivor of the second school of attorneys for Anson, Judge John B. Thomas, located in Anson in May 1889, entering the law office of his brother-in-law, Judge B. Frank Buie, who was the last member of the original coterie of lawyers as well as the last member of the first county officials for Jones county and who was buried in Mount Hope cemetery 27 June of this year. Born in Trigg County, Kentucky, he spent his early life on a farm and later in the district clerk's office. Coming to Texas, he obtained a license to practice law and went into partnership with is brohter - was further honored by serving two terms as county attorney, and as county judge from 1900 to 1906. He was further honored serving two terms or eight years as judge of the 39th Judicial district, from 1910 to 1918. His place was taken by W.R. Chapman, who is now judge of the 104th district court, which is a new court established to take care of the extra business necessitated during the oil boom days in this section. Judge Thomas is now practicing law with his son Owen as a partner. He formerly has been associated with Judge Chapman, W.S. Pope, insurance commissioner at Austin, and Brandon Shapard. In 1894 Judge Thomas was married to Miss Josie Treadwell, a resident of Anson. Of their family of four children, three are living: Edwin Thomas Owen Thomas Fannie Thomas John Thomas died as a result of an accident in school. Judge Thomas is considered the last surviving member of the second school of attorneys for Jones County.