James Franklin Thomas was born September 7, 1885 in Mattoon, Coles, Illinois to Ephraim Dorous (E.D.) and Millie Sarah (M. S.) Simons Thomas.

Kansas, State Census Collection, 1855-1925 - Name: Jas F Thomas [James Franklin Thomas] - Census Date: 1 Mar 1895 - Residence County: Cherokee - Residence State: Kansas - Locality: Baxter Springs - Birth Place: Illinois - Gender: Male - Age: 9 - Birth Year: abt 1886 - Race: White. The Kansas State Census tells us the Thomas family came from Oklahoma to Kansas and E. D. was working in the farming industry to support his family.
Household:
E. D. Thomas (33)
M. S. Thomas (33)
Fannie A Thomas (12)
Walter C Thomas (11)
Jas F Thomas (9)
Lillie V Thomas (8)
Roy Thomas (4)
Emma Thomas (1)
Orie Thomas (2 days) [Nellie Hazel]

1900 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA
Household:
Ephraim Thomas (39)
Millie Thomas (38)
Fannie Thomas (17)
Walter Thomas (16)
Frank Thomas (14)
Tillie Thomas (13) [Lillie]
Roy Thomas (9)
Mamida Thomas (6) [Marinda]
Nellie Thomas (5)
Claudia Thomas (2)
Blaine Thomas (3 1/2) [George Belin]
The Thomas family was living at 704 Edgar Avenue, Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA, and we also learn that Frank is able to read and write.

U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 - Name: Frank Thomas
Residence Year: 1902 - Street Address: 702 South 21st (Parent's home) - Residence Place: Mattoon, Illinois, USA - Occupation: Works (Jennings' poultry house)
Publication Title: Mattoon, Illinois, City Directory, 1902

Illinois, County Marriage Records, 1800-1940 - Name: James F. Thomas - Gender: Male - Age: 24 - Birth Date: abt 1885 - Marriage Date: 1909 - Marriage Place: Coles, Illinois, USA - Father: E. D. Thomas - Mother: Millie Simons - Spouse: Fannie E. Johnston

MARRIAGE LICENSE - GROOM: James F. Thomas - Place of Residence: Mattoon, Illinois - Occupation: Laborer - Age next Birthday: 24 - Color: White - Race: American - Place of Birth: Coles County, Illinois - Father's Name: E. D. Thomas - Mother's Maiden Name: Millie Simons - Number of Groom's Marriage: First - BRIDE: Fannie E. Johnston - Place of Residence: Mattoon, Illinois - Age next Birthday: 19 - Color: White - Race: American - Place of Birth: Shelby County, Illinois - Father's Name: J. H. Johnston - Mother's Maiden Name: Allie Helpingstine - Number of Bride's Marriage: First - Married at Mattoon in the County of Coles and State of Illinois, the fifth day of May 1909.

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) May 5, 1909, Wed. Page 6

"THOMAS-JOHNSTON WEDDING

Frank Thomas and Miss Fannie Johnston will be married this evening at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. A.[H] Johnston, 3208 Shelby Avenue. The ceremony will be performed at 8 o'clock by Rev. D. N. Wetzel in the presence of a number of relatives and intimate friends. After the ceremony a .... will be served. The couple will go to Chicago for a few days' honeymoon, and upon their return to this city, they will make their home at 3216 Shelby Avenue.

Mr. Thomas is an employee at the Jennings' poultry house."

1910 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon (Ward 6), Coles County, Illinois, USA
Household:
James F Thomas (24)
Fannie E Thomas (18)
James and Fannie Thomas were living at 3220 Shelby Street, Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA. James was working in the poultry industry and was paying a mortgage for their home.

U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Thomas (J. Frank) - Gender: Male - Spouse: Fannie Thomas
Residence Year: 1910 - Residence Place: Mattoon, Illinois, USA
Publication Title: Mattoon, Illinois, City Directory, 1910
Address: 3220 Shelby Avenue - Occupation of Frank Thomas: Foreman @ R A Jennings

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 19 Nov 1910, Sat. Page 6

"DEMISE OF INFANT

An infant child (son - 2 days) of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Thomas, died today at noon at the home of the parents 3220 Shelby Avenue. The remains were interred this afternoon in Dodge Grove Cemetery."

On May 8, 1913, James Vernon Thomas was born to Frank and Fannie Thomas in Arcola, Douglas, Illinois, USA.

On February 20, 1916, Gerald Wayman Thomas was born to James F. and Frances E. Thomas in New Castle, Henry, Indiana, USA. He was delivered @ 3:00 p.m. by J. C. Wayman, M.D. The Thomas family was living at 215 N 20, New Castle, Henry, Indiana. His father was working in the poultry industry and his mother was keeping house.

U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: James Franklin Thomas - City: Indianapolis - County: Marion - State: Indiana
Birth Date: 7 Sep 1885 - Race: White - Draft Board: 01
REGISTRATION CARD - Serial Number: 437 - Order Number: A 1680 - Name: James Franklin Thomas - Permanent Home Address: 1519 Sheldon Street, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Age: 33 - Date of Birth: September 7, 1885 - Present Occupation: Killing poultry for The Wadley Company, North & Canel, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Nearest Relative: Fannie Estella Thomas, 1519 Sheldon Street, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Signed: James Franklin Thomas - REGESTRAR'S REPORT - Color of Eyes: Brown - Color of Hair: Brown - Signed: September 12, 1918 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana.

1920 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis (Ward 4), Marion County, Indiana, USA
Household:
Frank Thomas (34)
Fannie Thomas (29)
Vernon Thomas (7)
Gerald Thomas (3)
Frank and Fannie Thomas were living at 1334 West 25th Street, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, which was a rented house. Frank Thomas was working in the rubber industry to support his family.

U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 - Name: James F Thomas
Residence Year: 1921 - Street Address: 1334 W. 25th - Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA - Occupation: Painter
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1921

1930 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Household:
James F Thomas (44)
Frances E Thomas (39)
Vernon Thomas (16)
Gerald Thomas (14)
The James Thomas family was living at 2969 Gale Street, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, in a home they own, with a value of $2,500.00. James is working as a foreman in a paint shop to support his family.

U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: James F. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Fannie Thomas
Residence Year: 1930 - Street Address: 2969 North Gale - Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA - Occupation: Foreman
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1930

U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: James F. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Frances Thomas
Residence Year: 1934 - Street Address: 1634 North Tacoma Avenue - Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA - Occupation: Auto Painter
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1934

1940 U.S. Federal Census - Warren Township, Marion County, Indiana, USA
Household:
James F Thomas (54) - Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 8th grade
Frances E Thomas (48)
James and Frances Thomas were living on Routiers Avenue, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, in a house they own with a value of $2,750. James was working as an auto painter in a paint shop making and annual income of $1,560.

U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942
Name: James Franklin Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Birth Date: 7 Sep 1885 - Birth Place: Coles County, Illinois USA - Residence: Marion, Indiana USA - Military Draft Date: 1942 - Relationship to Draftee: Head
REGISTRATION CARD - Serial Number: U 7470 - NAME: JAMES FRANKLIN THOMAS - Place of Residence: 1829 Routier, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Age in Years: 56 - Place of Birth: Coles County, Illinois - Date of Birth: Sept. 7, 1885 - Name and Address of Person Who Will Always Know Your Address: Fannie Thomas, 1829 Routier, Indianapolis, Indiana - Place of Employment: 4111 East Michigan, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Signed: James F. Thomas - REGISTRAR'S REPORT - Race: White - Height: 5' 10 1/2" - Weight: 174 lbs. - Complexion: Ruddy - Eyes: Brown - Hair: Gray - Signed: April 27, 1942 - Marion County, Indiana.

Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011
Name: James Frank Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Age: 57 - Marital Status: Married - Birth Date: 7 Sep 1885 - Birthplace: Mattoon, Coles, Illinois - Death Date: 27 Apr 1943 - Death Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA - Father: Dora Thomas - Mother: Sarah Thomas - Spouse: Frances Estella Thomas.
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH - Place of Death: Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Stay in Hospital: 7 days - Stay in this Community: 26 Years - FULL NAME: JAMES FRANK THOMAS - Sex: Male - Race: White - Marital Status: Married - Wife: Frances Estella Thomas - Birth Date of Deceased: Sept. 7, 1885 - Age: 57Y 7M 20D - Birthplace: Mattoon, Coles, Illinois - Usual Occupation: Mechanic - Father: Dora Thomas b. IL - Mother: Sarah Simons b. IL [MS] - Informant: Frances Thomas, 1825 Routier - Usual Residence (Home) of Deceased: 1825 Routier, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Date of Death: April 27, 1943 @ 3:30 - Cause of Death: Encephalitis with contributing condition of Brain Tumor - Burial: April 30, 1943 - Cemetery: Washington Park, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana.

The Indianapolis Star (Indianapolis, Indiana) 30 Apr 1943, Fri. Page 21

"THOMAS - James F., R.R. 11, Box 532, beloved husband of Frances E., father of Gerald and Vernon Thomas, grandfather of Turdie, Bobby and Dickie Thomas, son of Mrs. Sarah Thomas, brother of Arthur, city; Clark, Shelbyville; Blaine and Lillie Thomas, Mrs. Fannie Copeland, Mattoon, Ill.; Walter, Oregon, and Nellie Thomas, Texas, departed this life Tuesday, age 57. Funeral Friday, April 30, at Moore & Kirk Irvington Mortuary, 5342 East Washington St., at 10 a.m. Burial Washington Park cemetery."

Mattoon (IL) Daily Journal Gazette - Thu., May 6, 1943, page 2

Attend Funeral of J. FRANK THOMAS

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copeland, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Copeland, and Mrs. Kermit Reid have returned from Indianapolis where they attended the funeral of J. Frank Thomas, a brother of Mrs. Frank Copeland.

Mr. Thomas as born in Cumberland County Sept. 7, 1886. He married Fannie Johnston of Mattoon and they moved from this city about 30 years ago. While in this city Mr. Thomas was engaged in the poultry industry.

Besides his wife he is survived by two sons, Vernon and Gerald at home; his mother, Mrs. M. S. Thomas; four sisters, Mrs. Frank Copeland and Mrs. William French of Mattoon, Mrs. Nellie Butler of Texas, Mrs. John McLain of Oregon, and four brothers, Walter of California, Clarke and Arthur of Indianapolis and Belin of Mattoon. (All family members are deceased.)