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Edmund O. Thomas was born in Onondaga Co., N.Y., Sept. 6, 1827. His paternal grandfather was a native of New South Wales; and his father, Lewis Thomas, was a native of New York. His maternal grandfather was a native of Germany, and his mother Betsey E. (Peterson) Thomas, was born in Pennsylvania.
Edmund O. lived at home until he attained his majority. At the age of 10 years he received an injury which disabled him from attending school, being obliged to use crutches for eight years, in consequence of which his schooling was limited. He was a self-made man; and, being of keen observation, had acquired that practical education which is so essential to success in business. His counsel and advice was very often sought. When 18 years of age he commenced peddling, a business he followed 15 years.
In 1852 he left New York and came to Michigan, via Lake Erie, settling in Wayne County, where he lived six years; was in Ingham County four years, and in Muskegon five years, and in the fall of 1869 came to this county and settled on 80 acres of land he had previously purchased, in Dayton Township. He built a frame house, cleared 45 acres, and lived here until the spring of 1883. When he sold, and bought a house and two lots in the village of Fremont.
He was first married in New York, Dec. 3, 1849, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Betsey Vanauker, who was born in Monroe Co., N.Y., March 18, 1834, and they had five children: William C., born Aug. 18, 1851; Flora A., Dec. 11, 1856; Edmund O., May 18, 1863; Hiram L.; Margaret A., born Jan. 1, 1870, and Feb. 3, 1874, Mr. Thomas married Mary Tindall, daughter of Daniel and Sarah A. (Johnson) and she was born April 15, 1852. Their three children were Mary E., born Oct. 30, 1874; Charles H., Jan. 20, 1876; Freddie, April 22, 1881.
Mr. Thomas was elected Justice of the Peace in 1871 became a member of the Masonic Order in 1856; was a strong temperance man, and in politics was a Republican.
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