Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 593.
 
SAMUEL A. THOMAS

     In pioneer days three brothers of the Thomas family came to the United
States, which was then a young country. One of them settled in Canada later, and
one settled in New York. The other one, Andrew Thomas, settled in Indiana. He
was a sturdy pioneer, came from the strong Welsh stock, and did much to open up
the territory of Indiana. His son, James S. Thomas, is the father of the
gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article. James S. Thomas was
born in Washington county, Indiana and was reared on his father's homestead and
received his education in his native state. He married and settled in Indiana,
and our subject is his son. He had married Miss Mary A. McClanahan, who was born
in Clark county, Indiana, her parents also being pioneers of that state. Samuel
McClanahan, her father, was a prominent man in public affairs and one of the
when that was completed, he learned telegraphy. Some years were spent in this
calling and then we find him, in 1888, in South Dakota, where he learned the
printer's business. Next he was installed editor of the Big Stone County
Journal, at Ortonville, Minnesota, which he conducted creditably until 1900. Mr.
Thomas had always been desirous of coming to the west and in that year, he put
into action these desires. Portland was the objective point of these journeys
and there Mr. Thomas wrought at the printers' art for two years. Then he
discerned the opening in Arlington for a good, live paper and here decided to
start a journal. In due time the Appeal was launched, Mr. Thomas being
proprietor and editor of the sheet. It is a bright and taking paper, well gotten
up, full of local news and deals with the issues of the day in an intelligent
manner. While it has been in existence but slightly over two years, still Mr.
Thomas has secured a generous support and his subscription list is large and
extensive for a country journal. It is the official paper of the city. In
political matters, Mr. Thomas is an out and out Republican believing that the
principles of that party are for the best interests of all.
     In 1892, Mr. Thomas took unto himself a wife, the lady being Miss Maud
Purdy, who was born in Iowa and educated in Ipswich, South Dakota. Her parents,
Charles B. and Mary (McConnell) Purdy, were born in Ontario and Indiana,
respectively, and now dwell in Portland, Oregon. Five children have come to
bless the home of our subject, Charles P., S. Arvid, Iva V., Mardie G., and
William L. Mr. Thomas is a member of the A. F. & A. M.  He is a young man, has
gained his present prosperous business entirely by his own efforts, having
started in life without capital, and has won the esteem and I approval of all
who know him. Mr. Thomas was delegate from the seventh congressional district in
Minnesota to the convention that nominated McKinley in 1900, and is always
deeply interested in politics.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2008 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.