"The BIOGRAPHICAL History of Clark County, Wisconsin"

Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge, Chicago and Winona, H. C. Cooper Jr., & Co. in 1918

ERNEST THOMAS, a well-known farmer of Washburn Township, was born at Gros Forgulor, Erfurd, Germany, Oct. 29, 1845, son of Phillip and Christine (Breheim) Thomas. The parents were farming people who lived and died in their native land. They had four children: Henrietta, Wilhelm and Henrich. Of these Ernest was the only one to come America, which he did in 1888. He had been married in Germany to Carolina Senevalt and they had at this time five children: Louis, Minnie, Paulina and Benjamin. Landing at New York, they remained there two days, when Mr. Thomas found work in Jersey, which lasted two months at the end of which time they came west as far as Indiana, Mr. Thomas going to work on a farm in Colfax Township, Newton County. Later he bought 160 acres of land there and farmed it for awhile. Then he sold out and bought a place of refreshment, but was unfortunate, and, losing his possessions, had to start all over again. After saving up a little money he came to Clark County, where he secured forty acres of land in Section 23, Washburn Township. It was covered with woods and there were no roads. Moreover he had not a cent of money left after arriving here, but succeeded in securing a cow the first summer. Two years later he got an old horse-the first draught animal he had been able to obtain. His first dwelling was a log house, which he rented, but as soon as possible he built one on his own place. His pioneer experiences, though hard, were not absolutely new to him, as he had often carried flour on his back seven miles in Indiana, and in time he overcame initial disadvantages and finished clearing his farm. He now has twelve cows and is doing a profitable business.

In addition to the children above mentioned, who were born in Germany, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had a son, Oscar, born in Indiana, also a daughter named Ida. Mr. Thomas has held the position of road boss in Washburn Township, and has gained the reputation of a good and reliable citizen.

Research Notes

In 1871, he married Marie Caroline Senevalt in Germany.  She was born May 6, 1850.

He died July 16, 1933 at the age of eighty-seven and is buried in the Neillsville, WI City Cemetery.  Seven years later, the 16th of June, 1940, his wife was laid to rest at his side.

Census Records

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Contributors

Clark County, WI History Buffs

Related Links

Obituary of Marie "Caroline" (Senevalt) Thomas

Obit: Thomas, Ernest (1845-1933)

Thomas, Oscar (History 1918) (Son of Ernest & Caroline)