Will County ILGenWeb Biographies..... 
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File contributed for use by:
Dori Leekly & Margie Glenn

Author: History of Will County IL, 1878

William THOMAS, General Superintendent of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, Lockport; 
was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1821; his opportunities for 
acquiring an education were limited; at the age of 14, he came West to Michigan, 
engaging in various pursuits to obtain a livelihood; in 1840, he returned to Western 
New York, and learned the trade of house carpentering; here he remained till 1857, 
when he came West again to Lockport,, IL., and served four years as Master Mechanic 
on the canal; in 1862, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent, and placed in 
charge of the Western Division, with headquarters at Ottawa, La Salle Co.; this 
position be held till Dec. 1871, when he was appointed General Superintendent, with 
headquarters at Lockport, a position he at present holds. He was married Feb. 22, 
1844, to Phebe D. WILDER, a native of New York; has one child - Ella P., wife of 
Col. D. HAPEMAN, of Ottawa. Rep.; Cong. Mr. THOMAS is altogether a self-made man 
and has attained to his present important position through industry and correct 
business habits.


Additional Comments:
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS; Chicago: Wm LeBaron Jr & Co, 186 Dearborn Street, 1878.