David Owen Thomas, From Wales To Virginia
Blaenau Ffestiniog, Meirionnydd, Cymru, or Anglecized as Festiniog, Merioneth[shire], Wales, is a small town in north central Wales, located in the Snowdonia National Park. In the late 18th century slate was discovered in the area. The slate quarrying and mining industry that resulted brought many workers from northern Wales to the area of Ffestiniog seeking jobs.[1] In 1881, 64.5% of the 3589 men living in the area worked in the slate industry.[2]
The living conditions in Ffestiniog in the 1860s and 1870s were deplorable, with many slate families living in cold, rapidly erected stone houses, or even colder cellars. Because of these conditions disease became endemic. Typhoid became so prevalent in the area it became known as the Blaenau disease. Between 1860 and 1879 there were over 1000 burials in the St. David’s Church graveyard alone, and of those, only 85 lived to be 50 years old or more.[3]
FIRST GENERATION
1. DAVID OWEN1 THOMAS (OwenA) was born 8 August 1858 in Ffestiniog, Marionethshire, Wales, to Owen Thomas and Margaret [—?—] Thomas. [4] He died in Norfolk, Virginia, on 17 June 1915.[5] He married at Petersburg City, Virginia, 21 October 1885, Ida Jane “Jennie” Roberts.[6] She was born in Virginia, on 29 September 1864 to John J. Roberts and Martha Jane Perrow. She died in Norfolk, Virginia, on 11 July 1953.[7]
David Owen Thomas was born 8 August 1858 in Ffestiniog, Marionwethshire, Wales, to a slate quarry family.[8] By the time of his birth his father, and four older brothers, were working the slate quarries around Ffestiniog, and by 1871, when David was 13, he was also working in the quarries.[9]
The living conditions and disease was probably the reason the Thomas family chose to emigrate to the United States in 1873.[10] David and his family arrived in New York City, New York, aboard the SS City of Washington on 18 May 1873.[11]
The Thomas family settled in Virginia and began work in the one industry they were familiar with, slate. David’s father, Owen Thomas died on 9 August 1877 and was buried in the Arvonia Memorial cemetery in Arvonia, Buckingham, Virginia.[12] Arvonia is a Welsh community in central Virginia that was created around a slate quarry established by Welsh immigrants in 1871.[13]
David Thomas is absent from the 1880 Federal Census, but he makes a spectacular entry into the records on 17 June 1882. David was working on replacing the slate roofing on the “City Mill” building in Petersburg, Virginia and while removing a heavy dormer window near the apex of the roof he slipped and fell. He slid approximately thirty feet down the roof, off the edge, and then another 100 feet down, all the while he “turned many somersaults.” He fell between the rafters of the forebay of the mill and into the water that was about 12 feet deep. He escaped any injury but was “apparently refreshed by his bath.”[14]
City Mill, formerly known as Johnson’s Mill.[15]
David Thomas married Ida Jane “Jennie” Roberts in Petersburg, Virginia, on 21 October 1885.[16] Ida Roberts was born in Buckingham County, Virginia to John J. Roberts and Martha Jane Perrow on 29 September 1864.[17]
David continued to work as a roof slater, moving from Richmond, Wise County, Virginia[18] to Petersburg, Virginia, where he established the D. O. Thomas & Company and the Virginia Slate Roofing Company about 1886.[19] He eventually moved his family and company to Norfolk, Virginia, about 1894,[20] where he purchased a house for his wife and four children at 139 South Kelley Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia, in December 1896.[21]
Slate roofing was a dangerous job, and the fall of 100 feet from a roof in 1882 was not the only mishap for David Thomas, or his employees. David once again fell from a roof on Old Street on 16 October 1885 in Richmond, Wise County, Virginia, suffering some internal injuries.[22] On 3 March 1896 David’s employee, Mr. Guilball, slipped on a roof while installing slate tiles and fell approximately thirty feet to the concrete below. He was rendered unconscious by the fall and suffered a fractured thigh and internal injuries.[23]
David continued to work as a contractor, installing slate roofs,[24] until his death due to “Meningo-Encephalitis” on 17 June 1915 in Norfolk, Virginia. His place of burial is listed as Arvonia, Buckingham County, Virginia.[25]
Known children of David Owen and Ida Jane “Jennie (Roberts) Thomas:
2 i. JOHN DAVID2 THOMAS, born 19 April 1888 in Virginia, died 4 November 1973 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina[26]; He married Margaret Elizabeth Hennelly 13 November 1915 in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, North Carolina. Margaret was born about 1891 in Virginia, the daughter of William Hennelly and Mary [—?—] Hennelly;[27]
3 ii. HANNAH THOMAS, born 18 April 1894 in Virginia, died 2 December 1977, Norfolk, Virginia[28]; She married Walter Maxton Denning before 12 January 1920.[29] Walter was born 27 September 1889 in North Carolina[30] to William H. Denning and Julia Parker. He died 4 February 1968 in Norfolk, Virginia.[31]
+ 4 iii. OWEN PAUL THOMAS b. Norfolk, Virginia, 12 September 1896,[32] d. Norfolk, Virginia, 28 October 1958[33]; m. Gladys Marion Wilber in Virginia, about 1926.[34] Gladys was born 1 July 1900[35] and died 1 October 1995[36]; Owen and Gladys are buried together at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Norfolk, Virginia.[37]
5 iv. CHARLES EDWARD THOMAS, born 21 August 1899 in Arvonia, Buckingham County, Virginia, and died 26 November 1949 in Norfolk, Virginia[38]; He married Marguerite W. [—?—] in Virginia, about 1920 or 1921[39]; He then married Mary Elizabeth Robinson 26 July 1948 in Norfolk, Virginia.[40]
6 v. WILLIAM DUVAL THOMAS b. Virginia, 18 April 1904,[41] d. Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio on 23 March 1977.[42] He married Jane K. Streatman before 1940.[43] They had one child.[44]
GENERATION TWO
4. OWEN PAUL2 THOMAS (David Owen1, OwenA), was born 12 September 1896 in Norfolk, Virginia[45]; died 28 October 1958 in Norfolk, Virginia.[46] He married Gladys Marion Wilber, born in Norfolk, Virginia on 1 July 1900 to William Thomas Wilber and Susan Marion Perkins.[47] Gladys died 1 October 1995 in Westlake, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.[48] They had three children. Owen and Gladys are buried together in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Norfolk Virginia.[49]
NARRATIVE PROOF
Who were the parents of Owen Paul Thomas, born 12 September 1896, probably in Norfolk, Virginia, and married Gladys Marion Wilber?
Even though Virginia required county level birth registrations from 1853 to 1896, it did not require any birth registrations from 1896 until 14 June 1912, when it began statewide registrations.[50] A statewide search of birth records for Owen Paul Thomas was unsuccessful,[51] probably because it was not required during the third quarter of 1896.
His Social Security Application for Account Number (Form SS5) states his parents are David Owen Thomas and Ida Jane Roberts.[52]
According to his death certificate, his parents are David O. Thomas and Ida Roberts.[53] The informant was Gladys Marion (Wilber) Thomas, who would have been familiar with Ida Jane (Roberts) Thomas for more than two decades before Ida’s death.[54]
Also supporting this familial relationship:
- A son, Owen Thomas, appears in the home of David O. and Ida J. Thomas in the Norfolk, Virginia, 1900 U. S. Federal Census.[55]
- In the Marshall, Buckingham County, Virginia, 1910 U. S. Federal Census, Owen Thomas, grandson, is in the home of M. J. Roberts.[56] M. J. Roberts is Mary Jane (Perrow) Roberts, the mother of Ida Jane (Roberts) Thomas.[57]
- Conversations between Gladys Marion (Wilber) Thomas and Jon Anthony Edens prior to Gladys’ death in 1995.[58]
Conclusion
There is direct evidence, supported by indirect evidence, that David Owen Thomas and Ida Jane “Jennie” Roberts were the parents of Owen Paul Thomas. There have been no evidence or documents discovered that conflicts with this fact.
The United States Revenue Cutter Service was the precursor to the United States Coast Guard and was established by an act of Congress on 4 August 1790 as the Revenue Marine Service. Over time it became known simply as the Revenue Cutter Service. On 28 January 1915 it was merged with United States Life-Saving Service and the two became the United States Coast Guard.[60]
He served for five years, until he was honorably discharged on 30 September 1919. He apparently did not like civilian life because he re-enlisted with the United States Coast Guard on 18 September 1920 and served until he retired on 10 July 1957.[61]
Owen married Gladys Marion Wilber, probably before the birth of their first child on 27 January 1926.[62] It is reported that they had met through Gladys’ sister who worked at the naval base in Norfolk.[63]
Owen Thomas moved his family with him during his assignments with the Coast Guard; from Norfolk, Virginia, to Buffalo, Erie County, New York,[64] to Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, to Tomkinsville, Richmond County, New York (Staten Island),[65] and finally to Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Owen Thomas retired from the U, S. Coast Guard on 10 July 1957 while stationed in Cleveland, Ohio.[66]
After retiring from the U. S. Coast Guard, Owen and Gladys moved back to Norfolk, Virginia, where he died on 28 October 1958,[67] a little more than a year after he retired.
After Owen Paul Thomas died, Gladys remained in Norfolk, Virginia, but eventually relocated to Westlake, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where she died on 1 October 1995.[68] Owen Paul Thomas and Gladys Marion (Wilber) Thomas are buried together in the Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia.[69]
Known children of Owen Paul Thomas and Gladys Marion (Wilber) Thomas are:
7 i. JEANNE MARION3 THOMAS, born 27 January 1926 in Norfolk, Virginia,[70] died 13 September 2004[71]; married Robert William Keirs probably before 17 April 1946.[72] Robert William Keirs was born 26 January 1926 in Taylorville, Christian County, Illinois, and died 23 November 2015 in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi.[73] They had three children[74]; She then married Laurence Edward Kaufer 28 Jul 1972 in Norfolk, Virginia.[75]
8 ii. OWEN PAUL THOMAS, born 10 May 1929 in Norfolk, Virginia,[76] died 7 March 1990 in Ft. Bragg, Mendocino County, California[77]; married Ellen Keating probably before December 1956.[78]; married Irene Dufek 31 August 1973 in Orange County, California.[79]
9 iii. THERESA THOMAS, born about 1935 in Massachusetts.[80]
[1] “History; From The Rock,” Blaenau Ffestiniog o’r graig (http://www.blaenauffestiniog.org/brief-history.html : accessed 12 January 2018).
[2] “Occupation data classified into the 24 1881 ‘Orders’, plus sex,” GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, Ffestiniog CP/AP through time | Industry Statistics | Occupation data classified into the 24 1881 ‘Orders’, plus sex, A Vision of Britain Through Time (http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10128626/cube/OCC_ORDER1881 : accessed 12 January 2018).
[3] “Blanau’s Story,” YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnF9XnFFAQQ : accessed 12 January 2018); this is a video that was created by Cymdeithas Hanes Bro Ffestiniog, Blaenau Ffestiniog’s local history organization.
[4] 1861 Census of Wales, Merionethshire, Ffestiniog, p. 46, no. 292, Rhiwbryfdir, Owen Thomas household; “1861 Wales Census,” database with images, Ancestry (http:www.ancestry.com ; accessed 20 December 2017); citing Census Returns of England and Wales, 1861, Class: RG9; Piece: 4324; Folio: 80; Page: 46; GSU roll: 543269, National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey, England; and see 1871 Census of Wales, Merionethshire, Ffestiniog, p. 34, no. 209, Rhiwbryfdir, Owen Thomas household; “1871 Wales Census,” database with images, Ancestry (http:www.ancestry.com ; accessed 20 December 2017); citing Census Returns of England and Wales, 1871, Class: RG10; Piece: 5697; Folio: 63; Page: 34; GSU roll: 875583, National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey, England.
[5] City of Norfolk Health Department, Death Certificate no. 14441 (1915), David O. Thomas; Virginia Department of Health, Richmond; copy of certificate in personal files of Jon Anthony Edens [ADDRESS PRIVATE,] Conroe, Texas.
[6] “Virginia Select Marriages, 1785-1940,” online database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2018); David O. Thomas to Ida Jane Roberts, 21 October 1885, Petersburg City, Virginia.
[7] Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health, Certificate of Death, no. 17276 (1953), Ida Jane “Jennie” Thomas; Virginia Department of Health, Richmond; copy of certificate in personal files of Jon Anthony Edens [ADDRESS PRIVATE,] Conroe, Texas.
[8] 1861 Census of Wales, Merionethshire, Ffestiniog, p. 46, no. 292, Rhiwbryfdir, Owen Thomas household; also see 1871 Census of Wales, Merionethshire, Ffestiniog, p. 34, no. 209, Rhiwbryfdir, Owen Thomas household.
[9] 1871 Census of Wales, Merionethshire, Ffestiniog, p. 34, no. 209, Rhiwbryfdir, Owen Thomas household.
[10] 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Norfolk City, Virginia, pop. sch. Norfolk Ward 5, E.D. 111, p. 210A (stamped), 6 (penned), 139 Kelley Avenue, dwelling 102, family 115, line 39, David Thomas; online image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2018); citing NARA microfilm T6223, roll 1736.
[11] “New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957,” digital image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2018), manifest, S/S City of Washington, 18 May 1873, p. 17, lines 39-44, Owen Thomas and family; citing NARA microfilm M237 (182-1897), roll 375. Line 43 lists David Thomas, age 14.
[12] Find A Grave, Find A Grave, database with images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20703351 : accessed 12 January 2018), memorial 20703351, Owen Thomas (unknown – 1877), Arvonia Memorial Cemetery, Arvonia, Buckingham County, Virginia; created by George Seitz 30 July 2007.
[13] Jones, Laurie Pitts, “The history of the slate industry in Buckingham county, Virginia,” (Masters thesis, University of Richmond, 1948), pg. 30.
[14] “A Most Remarkable Escape,” Staunton(Virginia) Spectator, 20 June 1882, p. 2, col. 1; online image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 12 January 2018).
[15] Information about City Mill and Johnson’s Mill was obtained via telephone call to the Boone County, Kentucky, Library, Local History and Genealogy Department (859-689-0435) on 6 February 2018 by Jon Edens [ADDRESS PRIVATE], Conroe, Texas. photo: “Johnson’s mill, Appomattox River, near Petersburg Va.,” online image, Library of Congress (https://www.loc.gov/item/9505022/ : accessed 13 January 2018); citing “Johnson’s mill, Appomattox River, near Petersburg, Va. Appomattox River United States,” no. LC-USZ62-102812, Mills-Virginia–Appomattox River–1860-1870, Civil War Photographs Collection, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
[16] “Virginia Select Marriages, 1785-1940,” online database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2018); David O. Thomas to Ida Jane Roberts, 21 October 1885, Petersburg City, Virginia.
[17] Ida Jane “Jennie” Thomas, death certificate no. 17276 (1953).
[18] J. H. Chataigne, compiler, Directory of Richmond, Va., 1885, (Richmond, Virginia, 1885), p. 405, “Thomas David O, slater h 118 4th S”; online image, “U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2018).
[19] J. H. Chataigne, compiler, Petersburg [Virginia] Directory, 1886-1887, (Richmond, Virginia, 1887), p. 227, “Thomas David O, {D O T & Co) h 101 Old”; online image, “U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2018); below the entry for David Thomas is an entry for “Thomas D O & Co, (David O Thomas) proprs Virginia Slate Roofing Co 101 Old (see adv).”
[20] J. H. Chataigne, compiler, Chantaigne’s Directory of Norfolk, 1894, (Richmond, Virginia: J. H. Chataigne, 1894), p. 322; pdf file in personal files of Jon Anthony Edens [ADDRESS PRIVATE,] Conroe, Texas.
[21] “Real Estate Transfers,” Norfolk Virginian, 3 December 1896, p. 2, col. 4; online image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2018). Also see 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Norfolk City, Virginia, pop. sch. Norfolk Ward 5, p. 210A (stamped), 6 (penned), E.D. 111, 139 Kelley Avenue, dwelling 102, family 115, line 39, David Thomas. Also see 1910 U.S. Federal Census, Norfolk, Virginia, pop. sch., Norfolk Ward 5, sheet 3A (penned), E.D. 47, 139 S. May Avenue, dwelling 43, family 48, line 35, David O. Thomas; online image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2018); citing NARA microfilm T624, roll 1637.
[22] Robin Adair, “The State at Large: Petersburg and Vicinity,” Richmond[Virginia] Dispatch, 17 October 1885, p. 4, col. 1; online image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[23] “Three Bad Accidents, A Fall from a Housetop Seriously Injures a Workman: Thirty Feet to a Stone Pavement,” Norfolk Virginian, 5 March 1896, p. 2 col. 6; online image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[24] Hill Directory Co., compiler, Norfolk & Portsmouth Virginia 1905 Directory, (Norfolk, Virginia: Hill Directory Co., 1905), p. 482; also subsequent years by the same title: (1906) 529, (1907) 623, (1908) 593, (1909) 624, (9110) 528, (1911) 521, (1912) 556, (1913) 662, (1914) 677, (1915) 606; online image, U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2018).
[25] City of Norfolk Health Department, Death Certificate no. 14441 (1915), David O. Thomas.
[26] North Carolina State Board of Health, Certificate of Death, no. 41190 (1973), John David Thomas; online image, “North Carolina, Death Certificates, 1909-1976,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 February 2018); citing North Carolina State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. North Carolina Death Certificates. Microfilm S.123. Rolls 19-242, 280, 313-682, 1040-1297. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina.
[27] State of North Carolina, Pasquotank County, marriage license, John D. Thomas to Margaret Elizabeth Hennelly, 13 January 1915; online image, “North Carolina, Marriage Records, 1741-2011,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 16 January 2018); citing “North Carolina County Registers of Deeds,” Microfilm. Record Group 048. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, NC.
[28] Commonwealth of Virginia, Certificate of Death, no. 77036089 (1977), Hannah Thomas Denning; online image, “Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014,” Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018); citing Virginia, Deaths, 1912-2014, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.
[29] 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Norfolk, Virginia, pop. sch., Norfolk City, E.D. 47, sheet 9B (penned), 646 May Avenue, dwelling 141, family 189, line 97, Hannah Thomas; online image
[30] “United States World WW I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918,” images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 February 2018), card for Walter Maxton Denning, card no 1445, Local Draft Board No. 1, Norfolk, Virginia.
[31] Commonwealth of Virginia, Certificate of Death, no. 68004649 (1968), Walter M. Denning; online image, “Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018); citing “Virginia, Deaths, 1912–2014.” Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.
[32] Owen Paul Thomas, SS no. 277-36-1498, 22 April 1937, Application for Account Number (Form-SS5), Social Security Administration, Baltimore, Maryland; copy of SS5 in personal files of Jon Anthony Edens [ADDRESS PRIVATE,] Conroe, Texas.
[33] Commonwealth of Virginia, Certificate of Death, no. 24705 (1958), Owen P. Thomas; Virginia Department of Health, Richmond. Copy of certificate is in personal files of Jon Anthony Edens [ADDRESS PRIVATE,] Conroe, Texas.
[34] “Virginia, Birth Records, 1912-2014, Delayed Birth Records, 1854-1911,” Jeanne Marien Thomas, 27 January 1926, Norfolk, Virginia; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018). A search of marriage records for Norfolk, Virginia, and surrounding counties revealed no records of marriage for Owen Paul Thomas and Gladys Marion Wilber. A search of newspapers in the area also revealed no articles regarding their marriage.
[35] Commonwealth of Virginia, Delayed Birth Certificate, no. 18873 (issued 1943), Gladys Marion Thomas; Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia; copy of certificate in personal files of Jon Anthony Edens [ADDRESS PRIVATE,] Conroe, Texas. The delayed birth certificate was completed by Gladys W. Thomas, and was witnessed by her mother, Susan Marion [Perkins] Wilber.
[36] Ohio Department of Health, death certificate, no. 078469 (1995), Gladys W. Thomas; Ohio Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit, Columbus.
[37] Military Application for Marker or Headstone, Owen Paul Thomas, Comdr. USCH ret., applied 5 November 1958; online image, “U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1963” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018); citing “Applications for Headstones, 1/1/1925 – 6/30/1970,” NARA microfilm M1916, record group 92, National Archives Identifier 596118. See also Ohio Department of Health, death certificate, no. 078469 (1995), Gladys W. Thomas.
[38] Commonwealth of Virginia, Certificate of Death, no. 24231 (1949), Charles Edward Thomas; online image, Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014,” Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018); citing “Virginia, Deaths, 1912-2014, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.
[39] 1930 U.S. Federal census, Norfolk County, Virginia, pop. sch., Norfolk City, E.D. 112-110, p. 128 (stamped), sheet 5A (penned), 2717 Ballantine Blvd, dwelling 68, family 70, line 27, Charles Thomas, age at first marriage 20; online image, “United States Census, 1930,” FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 16 January 2018); citing NARA microfilm T626, roll 2472.
[40] Commonwealth of Virginia, Certificate of Marriage no. 18295 (1948), Charles Edward Thomas to Mary Elizabeth Robinson; online image, “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1939-2014, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018); citing “Virginia, Marriages, 1936-2014,” Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.
[41] Commonwealth of Virginia, Delayed Certificate of Birth, no 7723, (issued 1942), William Duval Thomas; online image, “Virginia, Birth Records, 1912-2014, Delayed Birth Records, 1854-1911,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018); citing “Virginia, Births, 1864-2014,” Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.
[42] “William D. Thomas,” Cincinnati[Ohio] Enquirer, 24 March 1977, p. 26, col. 1; online image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[43] 1940 U. S. Federal Census, Hamilton County, Ohio, pop. sch., Norwood, E.D. 31-68, sheet 1B (penned), 2417 Morton Ave, dwelling 19, line 66, William Thomas, son-in-law; online image, “1940 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018); citing NARA microfilm T627, roll 3078.
[44] “William D. Thomas,” Cincinnati [Ohio] Enquirer, 24 March 1977.
[45] Owen Paul Thomas, SS no. 277-36-1498, 22 April 1937, Application for Account Number (Form-SS5), Social Security Administration.
[46] Commonwealth of Virginia, Certificate of Death, no. 24705 (1958), Owen P. Thomas.
[47] Commonwealth of Virginia, Delayed Birth Certificate, no. 18873 (issued 1943), Gladys Marion Thomas.
[48] Ohio Department of Health, death certificate, no. 078469 (1995), Gladys W. Thomas.
[49] Ohio Department of Health, death certificate, no. 078469 (1995), Gladys W. Thomas.
[50] Wiki, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Virginia_Vital_Records : accessed January 16, 2018) “Virginia Vital Records,” last modified 14 October 2017.
[51] A search and review of all births in Virginia between the years of 1894 and 1900 with the last name of Thomas was performed on Ancestry with the “Virginia, Birth Records, 1912-2014, Delayed Birth Records, 1854-1911” database, the FamilySearch “Virginia Births and Christenings, 1584-1917” database, and Family History Library film no. 2026350, “Old birth index, v. 47, Sti-Thy, 1880-1896,” film no. 2026352, “Birth index, v. 51 (aa-z), 1866-1899,” film no. 2046948, “Norfolk County births, 1853-1896,” film no. 2048450, “Norfolk City births, 1854-1896.”
[52] Owen Paul Thomas, SS no. 277-36-1498, 22 April 1937, Application for Account Number (Form-SS5), Social Security Administration.
[53] Commonwealth of Virginia, Certificate of Death, no. 24705 (1958), Owen P. Thomas.
[54] Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health, Certificate of Death, no. 17276 (1953), Ida Jane “Jennie” Thomas; Gladys (Wilber) Thomas would have known Ida (Roberts) Thomas from approximately 1926 to 1953.
[55] 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Norfolk, Virginia, pop. sch., Norfolk Ward 5, E.D. 47, sheet 3A (penned), 139 S. May Avenue, dwelling 43, family 48, line 35, David O. Thomas; online image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2018); citing NARA microfilm T624, roll 1637.
[56] 1910 U. S. Federal Census, Buckingham County, Virginia, pop. sch., Marshall District, E.D. 61, sheet 6A (penned), dwelling 108, family 111, line 50, Owen R. Thomas; online image, “1910 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018); citing NARA microfilm T624, roll 1623.
[57] Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health, Certificate of Death, no. 17276 (1953), Ida Jane “Jennie” Thomas.
[58] Gladys Marion (Wilber) Thomas [DECEASED,] Norfolk, Virginia, conversations with Jon Anthony Edens, between 1970 and 1980; Recalled from memory by Jon Anthony Edens [ADDRESS PRIVATE], Conroe, Texas. The author was privileged to know his great grandmother, Gladys Marion (Wilber) Thomas and would spend summers from about 1970 to 1980 at her house in Norfolk, Virginia, learning about his family history while playing aggressive games of Gin Rummy and enjoying homemade gingerbread.
[59] Military Application for Marker or Headstone, Owen Paul Thomas, Comdr. USCH ret., applied 5 November 1958. There is typed at the top of the application an enlistment date of “9-18-20,” but handwritten above that was “8-3-14”; See also “’Last Man’ Goes,” Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana), 19 July 1957, p. 11, col. 3; online image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2018); The newspaper article documents that Owen P. Thomas was the last man actively serving in the Coast Guard who had served when it was originally called the Revenue Cutter Service.
[60] Wikipedia (http://www.wikipedia.com : accessed 13 January 2018) “United States Revenue Cutter Service,” last edited 19 September 2017; See also “U.S. Coast Guard History Program,” United States Coast Guard Historian’s Office, United States Coast Guard. (http://www.history.uscg.mil/About.aspx : accessed 13 January 2018)
[61] Military Application for Marker or Headstone, Owen Paul Thomas, Comdr. USCH ret., applied 5 November 1958; under the Discharge Date is typed “7-10-57” with handwritten next to the date “Ret.” Above this date is handwritten, in same hand and ink as the “Ret,” “9-30-19 Hon.”
[62] “Virginia, Birth Records, 1912-2014, Delayed Birth Records, 1854-1911,” Jeanne Marien Thomas, 27 January 1926, Norfolk, Virginia; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018). A search of marriage records for Norfolk, Virginia, and surrounding counties revealed no records of marriage for Owen Paul Thomas and Gladys Marion Wilber. A search of newspapers in the area also revealed no articles regarding their marriage.
[63] Conversations between Gladys Marion (Wilber) Thomas and Jon Anthony Edens. This is partially supported by the 1920 U. S. Federal Census, Norfolk, Virginia, pop. sch. Norfolk City. Sheet 7A (penned), E.D. 107, 924 Camp Avenue, dwelling 102, family 120, line 14, Sarah A Wilber, working as a clerk at the Naval Base; online image, “1920 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[64] 1930 U. S. Federal Census, Erie County, New York, pop. sch., Buffalo City, E.D. 15-285, sheet 17B (penned), 759 Ashland Ave, dwelling 180, family 310, line 72, Owen Thomas; online image, “1930 United Stated Federal Census,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018)
[65] 1940 U. S. Federal Census, Richmond County, New York, pop. sch., Tompkinsville, E.D. 43-19, p. 5A (penned), 15 Bayview Place, visit no. 86, line 61, Gladys Thomas, head of house; online image, “1940 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018); according to census, in 1935 they lived in Boston, Massachusetts.
[66] “’Last Man’ Goes,” Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana), 19 July 1957, p. 11, col. 3.
[67] Commonwealth of Virginia, Certificate of Death, no. 24705 (1958), Owen P. Thomas.
[68] Ohio Department of Health, death certificate, no. 078469 (1995), Gladys W. Thomas.
[69] Find A Grave, Find A Grave, database with images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67930120 : accessed 12 January 2018), memorial 67930120, Gladys Marion Wilber Thomas (1900-1995), Saint Marys Catholic Cemetery, Norfolk, Norfolk City, Virginia; created by SWF 5 April 2011; See also Find A Grave, memorial 67930158, Owen Paul Thomas (1869-1958), Saint Marys Catholic Cemetery, Norfolk, Norfolk City, Virginia.
[70] “Virginia, Birth Records, 1912-2014, Delayed Birth Records, 1854-1911,” Jeanne Marien Thomas, 27 January 1926, Norfolk, Virginia; See also Commonwealth of Virginia, Marriage Return, no. 72025479 (1972), for Laurence Edward Kaufer and Jeanne Marion Keirs; online image, “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1936-2014,” Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[71] “Jeanne M. Kaufer,” Fort Collins Coloradoan, 15 September 2004, p. B2, col. 2; online image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[72] From Connecticut birth certificate of first child, born 17 April 1946. [NAME AND INFORMATION KEPT PRIVATE DUE TO LIVING INDIVIDUAL].
[73] “Obituary for Robert W. Keirs,” Welch Funeral Home (http://www.welchfuneralhomes.com/book-of-memories/2299610/Keirs-Robert/obituary.php : accessed 12 January 2018).
[74] “Jeanne M. Kaufer,” Fort Collins Coloradoan, 15 September 2004.
[75] Commonwealth of Virginia, Marriage Return, no. 72025479 (1972), for Laurence Edward Kaufer and Jeanne Marion Keirs.
[76] “Virginia, Birth Records, 1912-2014, Delayed Birth Records, 1854-1911,” Owen Paul Thomas, 10 May 1929, Norfolk, Virginia; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[77] “Owen Thomas, Writing Project Founder, Dies, Los Angeles Times 10 March 1990, p. B4, col. 1; online image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[78] Their first child was born 18 December 1956; see “California Birth Index, 1905-1995, entry [NAME AND INFORMATION KEPT PRIVATE DUE TO LIVING INDIVIDUAL]; online database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[79] “California Marriage Index, 1960-1985,” entry for Owen P. Thomas and Irene Dufek; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 January 2018).
[80] 1940 U. S. Federal Census, Richmond County, New York, pop. sch., Tompkinsville, E.D. 43-19, p. 5A (penned), 15 Bayview Place, visit no. 86, line 64, Theresa Thomas. [INFORMATION KEPT PRIVATE DUE TO LIVING INDIVIDUAL].