The US GenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that this material not be used in a commercial manner. From History of North Washington, published 1903, now in public domain. Submitted by Candy L. Grubb March 27, 1997. Both above notices must remain when copied or downloaded. candyg@ieway.com _____________________________________________________________________________ GEORGE THOMAS George Thomas, of the firm of Perdue and Thomas, who handle a nice retail butcher trade, is a well known and highly esteemed resident of Northport, Washington. He was born in Richmond, Illinois, on October 7, 1851, being the son of Alfred and Susan (Westcott) Thomas, natives of New York. George T. spent the first ten years of his life on the farm in Illinois, gaining in this time his education from the district schools. Then he journeyed to Winona county, Minnesota, later to Mitchell county, Iowa, and in 1876 located in Bismarck, Dakota, where he did freighting until 1880, then removed to Miles city, Montana, where he operated a hotel for four years. We next see him conducting a restaurant on the construction of the Canadian Pacific. It was 1885, that Mr. Thomas located at Colville, and there engaged in business until he came to Northport and his was the first frame business building in the town. In 1896 he moved his family here, having conducted his business previously while they were in Colville. He and Mr. Perdue, having increased their business steadily as the town has grown, are now among the leading business men of this section. In addition to this, Mr. Thomas erected a large two-story, twenty room hotel, which he fitted up in first class shape and rented. Later he had taken charge of it in person and is conducting a fine hostelry. The house is known as Hotel Walters and is doing a good thriving business. Mr. Thomas also owns a half interest in a large business block in Colville and some residence property there. On February 23, 1885, at Miles City, Montana, Mr. Thomas married Miss Maggie Schennert. Her father, William Schennert, is residing with Mr. Thomas in the hotel. Since the town of Northport was founded, Mr. Thomas has always resided here and shown himself greatly interested in its welfare, always assisting in public measures intended for its benefit and its general growth and upbuilding.