Biographical Sketch of

Jesse Thomas

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 689 - 690


Jesse Thomas, deceased, is numbered among the honored pioneers of Green Lake County, and was one of its most 
prominent citizens.  He was born in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, in the year 1811, and is the son of Jesse and Avis 
(Stanton) Thomas.  His mother was an aunt of Secretary Stanton and a daughter of Abigal Stanton, who is so 
beautifully commemorated in "The Nation," a poem written by Benjamin Stanton.
 
In early life, our subject studied for the medical profession and with his brother, Dr. Nathan M.Thomas, he 
emigrated to Schoolcraft, Mich., in an early day, where they both engaged in practice.  His health failing, 
Jesse was forced to abandon his chosen profession, and in 1845 came to Green Lake County, Wis., locating in 
the town of Green Lake, where he entered 800 acres of land for himself and brother, which was subsequently 
divided, he retaining as his share 480 acres.  With a hope that the pure air and outdoor life would be 
beneficial to him, he turned his attention to farming, practicing only as a favor or when no other physician 
was in reach.  He was a valued and intelligent citizen, always well informed on the leading issues of the day 
and took an active part in political affairs.  He was a warm supporter of the Republican party and represented 
the county in the General Assembly of the State.  His official duties were always discharged with great 
promptness and fidelity and he won the confidence of even his political enemies.  He was reared in the faith 
of the Society of Friends and died in 1868.
 
The wife of Dr. Thomas was in her maidenhood Miss Minerva D. Hollenbeck, who was born at Highgate, Vt., July 10, 
1827.  She came with her parents to this county when a child and is still living in this community.  She is a 
member of the Episcopal Church and is a lady highly esteemed by all who know her.  She became the mother of six 
children, as follows:  Frank, who died at the age of three years; David:  Jessie, wife of Henry E. Knapp, who 
is secretary of a large lumber company in Menominee, Wis.; Alfred a merchant of the same city; Edwin, who died 
at the age of three weeks; and Willie, who died when two years old.
 
David Thomas, the only member of the family now living in Green Lake County, was born May 4, 1854, on the farm 
which is now his home.  The days of his boyhood and youth, however, were mostly passed in Ripon, being engaged 
in the parish school and in Ripon College, where he pursued a two years' course.  He afterwards spent a year 
in the mountains of Montana and on his return home entered the boot and shoe store of A. Bowen, of Ripon, 
continuing to serve in the capacity of salesman for two years, when he took charge of the old home farm.
 
On the 18th of February, 1879, David Thomas and Mary P. Workman, daughter of William and Margaret (Miller) 
Workman, were united in marriage.  The lady was born in Ripon, March 30, 1856, and her union is graced with 
three children--Margaret, Jessie and Louise.  Our subject purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old 
homestead comprising 320 acres, but in 1884 sold a half interest to his brother-in-law, William Workman.  They 
do farming in partnership and are largely interested in raising carriage and standard bred trotting horses, 
having about forty head of fine stock upon the farm.  They have the only standard bred trotting stallion in 
the county.  A half mile track has been laid on which they train their own horses and those belonging to other 
parties.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the Episcopal Church and hold a high position in the social world.  Their home 
is the abode of sociability and their many friends delight to partake of their hospitality.  In political sentiments, 
our subject is a Republican and for three terms served as Township Clerk.  We are pleased to record this sketch of 
one of the leading families of the county and one that has been identified with its growth, progress and development 
since the earliest days.







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