The following information was obtained from the Funeral Book of Millie Sarah (Simons) Thomas. Children of Millie Sarah (Simons) and Ephraim Dorous (E. D.) Thomas were: Fannie Adaline, Walter Carl, James Franklin, Lillie Valeria, Charles Byron LeRoy, Emma Marinda, Claudia O'Ella, George Belin, Clark Adelbert and Arthur Noble. She gave up in death: Emma Marinda, August 27, 1905; her husband, Ephriam Dorous, February 4, 1926; Charles Byron LeRoy, August 20, 1942 and James Franklin, April 27, 1943. Millie Sarah (Simons) Thomas was a member of the Assembly of God Pentecostal Church of Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA.
BIRTH CERTIFICATE - Jackson County, Illinois
Full Name of Child: ----- Thomas - Sex: Male - Born in Wedlock: Yes - Race: White
No. of Child to this Mother: Eleventh - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Place of Birth: Carbondale - Nationality of Father: American - Place of Birth of Father: Coles County, Illinois - Age of Father: 44 - Nationality of Mother: American - Place of Birth: Calhoun, Mississippi - Age: 42 - Full Name of Mother: M. S. Thomas - Maiden Name of Mother: M. S. Simons - Mother's Residence: Carbondale - Full Name of Father: E. D. Thomas - Residence: Carbondale - Father's Occupation: Gardner - Post Office Address: Carbondale, Illinois
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT OF BIRTH - REPORT OF NAME OF CHILD
Place of Birth: Jackson County - City: Carbondale - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Sex: Male - Full Name of Father: E. D. Thomas - Full Maiden Name of Mother: M. S. Simons - I, Hereby Certify that the child described herein has been named Arthur Noble Thomas - Signed: Adelbert C. Thomas - Relation Informant to Child: Older Brother. (Date: December 4, 1941).
DEATH OF SISTER, EMMA MIRANDA THOMAS
Carbondale Free Press (Carbondale, Jackson, Illinois, USA) 26 Aug 1905, Sat. Page 3
"Miss Minnie Thomas, aged 12 years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, WHO RESIDE ON THE THOMPSON PLACE, a half mile south of the normal, died last night after a week's illness with typhoid fever. Her condition has been serious but the death was quite unexpected. Funeral services were held today." Buried: Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale, Jackson, Illinois, USA. Find A Grave #217715205.
1910 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 6, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 812 North 22 Street, Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA
Household:
Ephraim D Thomas (48) - Day Laborer
Millie S Thomas (48)
Lilly V Thomas (23) - Laundry Laborer
Roy E Thomas (18) - House Painter
Nellie H Thomas (15)
Claudie O Thomas (12)
Belin G Thomas (10)
Clark A Thomas (7)
Arthur N Thomas (4)
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 7 Jun 1919, Sat. Page 6
"DINNER GUESTS - Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland entertained a few relatives at dinner on Thursday evening in honor of Charles B. Thomas, brother of Mrs. Copeland, who has just returned home from overseas. He was in the army of occupation just before sailing for home. He was in the St. Mihiel drive, the Envenzue sector and the Argonne offensive of October 19 until the signing of the armistice. He was connected with the medical department of the 314th Engineers.
Charles B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William French and children, Miss Catherine Culver, Miss May McKenzie, Clark Thomas, B. Thomas and Arthur Thomas were the guests."
1920 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 1, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 1105 Richmond Avenue
Household:
Ephraim Thomas (58)
Mattie [Millie] Thomas (58)
Charles Thomas (28)
George Thomas (19)
Clyde [Clark] Thomas (17)
Arthur Thomas (14) - Attended School: Yes - Able to Read: Yes - Able to Write: Yes
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Mon. Jan. 3, 1921 Page 4
"WEST SIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - The West Side Christian Church Sunday School elected new officers on Sunday. ... The Christian Endeavor Society also elect new officers. They are: ....first vice president, Clark Thomas; ... The chairmen of committees are: ... pay social, ARTHUR THOMAS; .... There were about sixty-five young people present. ..."
Arthur N. Thomas enlisted as a Private in the 47th School Squadron on December 17, 1921 at Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA.
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 27 Dec 1921, Tue. Page 6
"A. C. Thomas and A. N. Thomas of the aviation force of Rantoul are visiting their parents Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue."
Arthur Thomas was Honorably discharged on June 12, 1923 at Brooks Field, Texas after completing one year, five months, and 26 days of service. Soldier discharged because he was under 18 years of age.
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Sat. Jun 16, 1923 Page 6
"Arthur N. Thomas, who has been in the air service of the United States army at Brooks Field, San Antonio, Tex., had been released and has returned to this city. At present, he is visiting at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 15 Oct 1923, Mon. Page 8
"THOMAS-REESE - George Thomas and Miss Bertha Alberta Reese were married on Sunday evening at 6:30 o'clock at the home of the bride's aunt, Mrs. Cleves Layton, 1608 Edgar Avenue. Rev. J. M. Lively officiated in the presence of a number of relatives and friends, the attendants being Miss Gladys Maxedon and Arthur Thomas, the latter a brother of the groom. Little Miss Evelyn Layton was the flower girl and carried the ring which was used in the ceremony. ....."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 10 Dec 1923, Mon. Page 10
"BIRTHDAY DINNER - Sunday being the birthday anniversary of Mrs. E. D. Thomas, she was given a surprise in the morning by a number of relatives, who gathered at her home, 1105 Richmond Avenue, to spend the day with her. Dinner was prepared for the noon hour, the rest of the time being enjoyed in visiting. Mrs. Thomas was showered with many pretty gifts.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William French and children, Mr. and Mrs. G. B Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomas, Miss Gladys Maxedon, Miss Minnie Bresee and Arthur Thomas. Rodney Copeland of Neoga was an out-of-town guest."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Thu. Jul 3, 1924, Page 6
"BIRTHDAY PARTY - A party was given on Tuesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, Mrs. Thomas entertaining quite a company of guests in honor of Mr. Thomas' birthday anniversary. The house was prettily decorated with flags and cut garden flowers. After a social period, Mrs. Thomas served refreshments.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Beals, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Beals, Mr. and Mrs. William French, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Johnson, Mrs. Margaret Russell, Misses Minnie Bresee, Edna, Betty and Mildred Beals, Effie Copeland, Sara Copeland, Charlene French and Gladys Maxedon; Messers Rodney Copeland, Richard Copeland, Kenneth Copeland, Morton Leonard, ARTHUR THOMAS, Monroe French, William French. The out of town guests were Mrs. Sallie Beals and Miss Lucile Beals of Trilla and Mrs. Ella Hayes of Alton."
Arthur again enlisted on August 10, 1925 as a Private, ACTS Det. He was assigned to the Air Technical School Detachment, Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois.
On January 9, 1926, Arthur was involved in a serious accident at Chebanse, Kankakee, Illinois, while on leave. He was a passenger in a car that collided with another car, which skidded, turning over causing a fracture of the tibia and fibula of the left leg. He remained at St Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois until January 31, 1926, at which time, he was transferred to the Station Hospital at Rantoul, Illinois. Granted a 45-day furlough.
DEATH OF FATHER - Ephraim Dorous (E. D.) Thomas -
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 5 Feb 1926, Fri. Page 1
"MATTOON MAN DIES AT DAUGHTER'S HOUSE
E. D. Thomas, living at 1105 Richmond Avenue, died at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copeland, three miles east of Neoga, at 11:15 o'clock Thursday morning. ...
There survive besides the wife, ten children: Walter Thomas ..; Frank Thomas ..; Roy Thomas ..; Mrs. John McLain ..; Mrs. Z. Butter ..; Clark Thomas ..; Blain Thomas ..; Mrs. William French ..; Arthur Thomas ..; and Mrs. Frank Copeland ... There also survive one brother, Charles Thomas, Blairstown, Mo., and a half brother, J. M. Bresee of Mattoon."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 14 Jul 1926, Wed. Page 8
"THOMAS-HANKS
Arthur Thomas of this city and Miss Alice Hanks of Neoga were married on Tuesday by Rev. W. A. Cannon at the latter's home, 2821 Shelby Avenue. Mrs. M. S. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, mother of the groom, and Mrs. Lottie Wilson accompanied the young people. Mrs. Thomas is a daughter of T. P. Hanks of Neoga and is a well known young woman of that village.
Mr. Thomas is a machinist at the aviation field at Rantoul, but will leave soon for the Walter Reed hospital in Washington, D. C. to take treatment for an injured leg sustained in an automobile accident. He will probably be there for some time, and while he is gone, Mrs. Thomas will remain with her father in Neoga. After Mr. Thomas is discharged from the government service, at the completion of his enlistment, they will reside with her father in Neoga."
September 8, 1926, Arthur was transferred to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C.
BIRTH OF DAUGHTER - JUANITA ARLEENE THOMAS
Juanita Arleene Thomas was born at 5:30 a.m. on November 23, 1926 in Neoga, Cumberland, Illinois, USA to Arthur N. and Alice H. (Hanks) Thomas.
From Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., Arthur Thomas was transferred to the Station Hospital at Fort Sheridan, Lake, Illinois on May 4, 1927. September 30, 1927, he was sent back to Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., where he was granted an Honorable Discharge on February 6, 1928.
Following his discharge from service turned out to be a very trying year of 1928. He bought a car and headed to Mississippi and on the way his tires blew out. There were no replacements to be found, so the car was left on the side of the road with most of their possessions. They walked, with a young child, or hitched rides to Mississippi only to find work was scarce. He did find work in the cotton fields for $0.15 per day or did odd jobs to buy food. His brother, Clark Thomas, along with his wife, Gladys, also traveled to Mississippi and decided to try Florida for work, so Arthur and Alice went with them, only to find Florida a closed state with no work. From there, they headed back to Neoga, Illinois to stay with Thomas Price Hanks, father of Alice. Shortly after returning, Thomas Price Hanks passed away, July 29, 1928 in Neoga, leaving the home to Alice. Unfortunately, the home was lost because they did not have the money to pay the taxes. Arthur found work as a dock clerk to support his family. Lastly, Alice was expecting their second child and was having problems. In November 1928, she was admitted to the hospital in Mattoon, Illinois for a minor operation and was released. On December 14, 1928, she was again admitted for treatment and released. She gave birth to a stillborn son and was admitted once again January 22, 1929 and had major surgery, which left her no chance of having anymore children. Hospital information taken from the Journal Gazette, Mattoon, Illinois stated they were living in the Lafayette Heights area.
Early in 1929, friends talked them into going west to find jobs. Juanita "Nita" had measles in Omaha, Nebraska. Arthur, Alice and Nita did a lot of traveling in the United States looking for work; they survived doing odd jobs. They slept in people's yards, if allowed, as well as railroad cars. Alice did ironing to pay for the "stay" a few times. In late 1929, Arthur and Alice, took their daughter and relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana. Family members living in Indianapolis had told Arthur there was work to be had in the city. When they arrived, the bus driver job, he thought he had, was not secured. Arthur is, however, found on the 1930 U. S. Federal Census as being a bus driver for the city.
1930 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Residence: Center Township - Rented house for $24.00
Household:
Arthur Thomas (25) - Bus Driver for the City
Alice Thomas (22)
Wanita [Juanita] Thomas (3)
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1930 - Address: 1004 North New Jersey
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1930
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1931 - Address: 1922 Ruckle
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1931
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1932 - Address: 430 Toledo
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Laborer
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1932
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1934 - Address: 720 South West
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1934
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1936 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Timekeeper
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1936
Social Security Application - Date: May 21, 1937
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth: June 17, 1905 - Birthplace: Carbondale, Illinois
Father: Ephraim Doris Thomas - Mother: Millie Sarah Simons
Address: 916 Union, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Ella [Alice] H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1937 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Clerk
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1937
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1938 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Timekeeper
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1938
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1939 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Foreman
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1939
1940 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Residence: 131 McCarty Street (Center Township) - Rented house for $16.00
Home in 1935: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Resident on Farm: No
Household:
Arthur Thomas (36) - Highest Grade Completed: Elementary School, 8th Grade - Occupation: Statistician for the Labor Department (WPA Program) - Weeks Worked in 1939: 52 - Income: $940.00 - Income Other Sources: No
Alice Thomas (31)
Joan [Juanita] Thomas (13)
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1940 - Address: 131 McCarty
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Laborer
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1940
U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Age: 35
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head) - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Birthplace: Carbondale, Illinois - Residence Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA - Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940 - Registration Place: Indiana, USA - Employer: W P A - Height: 5'9" - Weight: 180 lbs. - Complexion: Ruddy - Hair Color: Brown - Eye Color: Hazel - Next of Kin: Mrs. Alice Harriett Thomas, wife.
In 1942, when Juanita met Byron Herbert Witte, the family was living on South Gibson Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. About 1943, Arthur took a job with Schildmier Machine Shop in Indianapolis as a shipping clerk. In the mid to late 1940's, Arthur and Alice moved to 4528 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, where they lived for several years before moving out of the city. He was a mechanic by profession, but he did many things in his working career. He enjoyed working on automobiles and lawn mowers.
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1945 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: P R Mallory
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1945
DEATH OF MOTHER - MRS. MILLIE SARAH THOMAS -
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 22 Nov 1946, Fri. Page 1
"MRS. MILLIE THOMAS DIES; LONG ILL
Mrs. Millie Sarah Thomas, 85, wife of the late E. D. Thomas, died today at 604 Broadway, her home for the last two years. She had been in impaired health for nine years.
Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Fannie Copeland and Mrs. Lillie French of this city, Mrs. Nellie Butter of Boling, Texas, and Mrs. Claudia McLain of Portland, Ore.; four sons, Walter C. of Stockton, Calif., Blain and Arthur of Indianapolis and Clark of Santa Barbara, Calif.; 26 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers in Mississippi."
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1949 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Attendant
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1949
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1952 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Lawnmower Sharpening
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1952
December 29, 1952, Juanita Thomas Witte divorced Byron Herbert Witte. After the loss of her home, she moved in again with her parents bringing her five children with her. They remained at 4528 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana until April 1955, when they moved north of Indianapolis to Boone County, Indiana. Juanita remained with her children in her parent's household until she remarried in 1959.
About 1957 (Source: Obituary of Arthur Thomas, which states, ".. three and a half years ago he retired ..) Arthur was still working at Schildmier Machine Shop, off and on when his health allowed, as a shipping clerk. Finally, due to his health, he had to retire. It was about this time he became a member of the Masonic Lodge of Kirklin, Indiana.
After Juanita's marriage to Calvin Daniel Varvel on November 10, 1959, Arthur and Alice assumed full custody of their five grandchildren: Sandra Carol, Andrea Diane, Dana Bryon, Karen Juanita, and Nancy Darlene. They would remain in the household until they either graduated from high school or were married.
In 1960, Arthur was described on his driver's license as being 5'8" tall with Brown eyes and Gray hair weighing 170 lbs.
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Arthur Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Issue Year: Before 1951 -
Death Date: May 1961
Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Age: 53
Marital Status: Married - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Birth Place: Carbondale, Illinois
Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Death Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Father: Ephraim Thomas - Mother: Sarah Thomas
DEATH CERTIFICATE - Name of Deceased: Arthur Noble Thomas - Place of Death: Veterans' Administrative Hospital, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA - Date of Death: May 9, 1961 - Time of Death: 1:40 a.m. - Residence: R. R. 1, Box 172, Thorntown, Boone, Indiana, USA - Sex: Male - Race: White - Occupation: Shipping Clerk - Cause of Death: Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease with Acute Cholecystitis - Was Autopsy Performed: Yes -Date of Burial: May 11, 1961 - Cemetery: Sugar Plains - Location: Boone County, Indiana, USA - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Place of Birth: Carbondale, Illinois - Father: Ephraim Thomas - Mother's Maiden Name: Sarah Simon - Was Deceased Ever In the U.S. Armed Forces: Yes - Informant: Mrs. Alice Thomas, wife.
"ARTHUR THOMAS EXPIRES TODAY - Publication Source and Date Unknown
Arthur Noble Thomas, 55 years of age, who had resided on a farm five miles west of Thorntown for the past three and one-half years, passed away at 3 a.m. today in a Veterans Hospital at Indianapolis. He had been hospitalized since last Thursday.
A native of Carbondale, Ill., Mr. Thomas was a son of the late Ephraim and Sarah (Simon) Thomas. Prior to moving to his present home, he had lived near Waugh and Rosston and had worked as a shipping clerk for the Schildmier Machine Shop at Indianapolis many years. He had been retired for some time due to failing health.
He was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon, Ill., and the Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
Survivors are the wife, Alice Hanks, to whom he was married July 13, 1925(6), in Mattoon, Ill., a daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel of Lebanon; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon, Ill., and five grandchildren. Two brothers and two sisters are deceased.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Thorntown Russell and Hitch funeral home with the Rev. Donald Hainer officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Plain Cemetery. Friends may call at the Thorntown funeral home beginning at noon Wednesday."
Published in The Lebanon Reporter, May 9, 1961, page 1
"ARTHUR N. THOMAS - Lebanon, Ind. (Spl.) -- Arthur Noble Thomas, 55 years old, Thorntown, died yesterday at the West 10th Street Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was a shipping clerk for the Schildmier Machine Shop in Indianapolis for many years and had lived near the Waugh community. He was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon, Ill., and the Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Alice Hanks Thomas; one daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel, of Lebanon; five grandchildren; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Cal., and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon, Ill.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Russell and Hitch Funeral Home in Thorntown with burial in the Sugar Plain Cemetery."
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana) 10 May 1961, Wed. Page 8
"ARTHUR N. THOMAS - THORNTOWN -- Arthur N. Thomas, 55, of Thorntown R.1, died Tuesday in Veterans Hospital, Indianapolis, where he had been a patient since last Thursday.
Born at Carbondale, Ill., he was a shipping clerk in the Schildmier machine shop at Indianapolis for several years before he retired because of illness three and a half years ago. He then lived on a farm five miles west of here. He was married to Alice Hanks at Mattoon, Ill., in 1925(6) and was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon and Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
Surviving with the widow are a daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel of Lebanon; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Calif., and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon."
U.S., Quaker Cemetery Records, 1800-1990
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jan 1905 - Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Death Age: 56 - Burial Place: Thorntown, Boone, Indiana, USA - Title: Records from Sugar Plain Cemetery.
U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1970
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Unit: Air Corp Chanute Field Illinois Technical School Det - Enlistment Date: 10 Aug 1925 - Discharge Date: 6 Feb 1928 - Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Cemetery: Sugar Plain - Cemetery Location: Thorntown, Indiana, USA (1 mile west of Thorntown, Indiana).
Updated March 4, 2022 by the oldest granddaughter of Arthur Noble Thomas.
BIRTH CERTIFICATE - Jackson County, Illinois
Full Name of Child: ----- Thomas - Sex: Male - Born in Wedlock: Yes - Race: White
No. of Child to this Mother: Eleventh - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Place of Birth: Carbondale - Nationality of Father: American - Place of Birth of Father: Coles County, Illinois - Age of Father: 44 - Nationality of Mother: American - Place of Birth: Calhoun, Mississippi - Age: 42 - Full Name of Mother: M. S. Thomas - Maiden Name of Mother: M. S. Simons - Mother's Residence: Carbondale - Full Name of Father: E. D. Thomas - Residence: Carbondale - Father's Occupation: Gardner - Post Office Address: Carbondale, Illinois
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT OF BIRTH - REPORT OF NAME OF CHILD
Place of Birth: Jackson County - City: Carbondale - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Sex: Male - Full Name of Father: E. D. Thomas - Full Maiden Name of Mother: M. S. Simons - I, Hereby Certify that the child described herein has been named Arthur Noble Thomas - Signed: Adelbert C. Thomas - Relation Informant to Child: Older Brother. (Date: December 4, 1941).
DEATH OF SISTER, EMMA MIRANDA THOMAS
Carbondale Free Press (Carbondale, Jackson, Illinois, USA) 26 Aug 1905, Sat. Page 3
"Miss Minnie Thomas, aged 12 years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, WHO RESIDE ON THE THOMPSON PLACE, a half mile south of the normal, died last night after a week's illness with typhoid fever. Her condition has been serious but the death was quite unexpected. Funeral services were held today." Buried: Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale, Jackson, Illinois, USA. Find A Grave #217715205.
1910 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 6, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 812 North 22 Street, Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA
Household:
Ephraim D Thomas (48) - Day Laborer
Millie S Thomas (48)
Lilly V Thomas (23) - Laundry Laborer
Roy E Thomas (18) - House Painter
Nellie H Thomas (15)
Claudie O Thomas (12)
Belin G Thomas (10)
Clark A Thomas (7)
Arthur N Thomas (4)
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 7 Jun 1919, Sat. Page 6
"DINNER GUESTS - Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland entertained a few relatives at dinner on Thursday evening in honor of Charles B. Thomas, brother of Mrs. Copeland, who has just returned home from overseas. He was in the army of occupation just before sailing for home. He was in the St. Mihiel drive, the Envenzue sector and the Argonne offensive of October 19 until the signing of the armistice. He was connected with the medical department of the 314th Engineers.
Charles B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William French and children, Miss Catherine Culver, Miss May McKenzie, Clark Thomas, B. Thomas and Arthur Thomas were the guests."
1920 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 1, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 1105 Richmond Avenue
Household:
Ephraim Thomas (58)
Mattie [Millie] Thomas (58)
Charles Thomas (28)
George Thomas (19)
Clyde [Clark] Thomas (17)
Arthur Thomas (14) - Attended School: Yes - Able to Read: Yes - Able to Write: Yes
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Mon. Jan. 3, 1921 Page 4
"WEST SIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - The West Side Christian Church Sunday School elected new officers on Sunday. ... The Christian Endeavor Society also elect new officers. They are: ....first vice president, Clark Thomas; ... The chairmen of committees are: ... pay social, ARTHUR THOMAS; .... There were about sixty-five young people present. ..."
Arthur N. Thomas enlisted as a Private in the 47th School Squadron on December 17, 1921 at Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA.
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 27 Dec 1921, Tue. Page 6
"A. C. Thomas and A. N. Thomas of the aviation force of Rantoul are visiting their parents Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue."
Arthur Thomas was Honorably discharged on June 12, 1923 at Brooks Field, Texas after completing one year, five months, and 26 days of service. Soldier discharged because he was under 18 years of age.
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Sat. Jun 16, 1923 Page 6
"Arthur N. Thomas, who has been in the air service of the United States army at Brooks Field, San Antonio, Tex., had been released and has returned to this city. At present, he is visiting at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 15 Oct 1923, Mon. Page 8
"THOMAS-REESE - George Thomas and Miss Bertha Alberta Reese were married on Sunday evening at 6:30 o'clock at the home of the bride's aunt, Mrs. Cleves Layton, 1608 Edgar Avenue. Rev. J. M. Lively officiated in the presence of a number of relatives and friends, the attendants being Miss Gladys Maxedon and Arthur Thomas, the latter a brother of the groom. Little Miss Evelyn Layton was the flower girl and carried the ring which was used in the ceremony. ....."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 10 Dec 1923, Mon. Page 10
"BIRTHDAY DINNER - Sunday being the birthday anniversary of Mrs. E. D. Thomas, she was given a surprise in the morning by a number of relatives, who gathered at her home, 1105 Richmond Avenue, to spend the day with her. Dinner was prepared for the noon hour, the rest of the time being enjoyed in visiting. Mrs. Thomas was showered with many pretty gifts.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William French and children, Mr. and Mrs. G. B Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomas, Miss Gladys Maxedon, Miss Minnie Bresee and Arthur Thomas. Rodney Copeland of Neoga was an out-of-town guest."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Thu. Jul 3, 1924, Page 6
"BIRTHDAY PARTY - A party was given on Tuesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, Mrs. Thomas entertaining quite a company of guests in honor of Mr. Thomas' birthday anniversary. The house was prettily decorated with flags and cut garden flowers. After a social period, Mrs. Thomas served refreshments.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Beals, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Beals, Mr. and Mrs. William French, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Johnson, Mrs. Margaret Russell, Misses Minnie Bresee, Edna, Betty and Mildred Beals, Effie Copeland, Sara Copeland, Charlene French and Gladys Maxedon; Messers Rodney Copeland, Richard Copeland, Kenneth Copeland, Morton Leonard, ARTHUR THOMAS, Monroe French, William French. The out of town guests were Mrs. Sallie Beals and Miss Lucile Beals of Trilla and Mrs. Ella Hayes of Alton."
Arthur again enlisted on August 10, 1925 as a Private, ACTS Det. He was assigned to the Air Technical School Detachment, Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois.
On January 9, 1926, Arthur was involved in a serious accident at Chebanse, Kankakee, Illinois, while on leave. He was a passenger in a car that collided with another car, which skidded, turning over causing a fracture of the tibia and fibula of the left leg. He remained at St Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois until January 31, 1926, at which time, he was transferred to the Station Hospital at Rantoul, Illinois. Granted a 45-day furlough.
DEATH OF FATHER - Ephraim Dorous (E. D.) Thomas -
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 5 Feb 1926, Fri. Page 1
"MATTOON MAN DIES AT DAUGHTER'S HOUSE
E. D. Thomas, living at 1105 Richmond Avenue, died at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copeland, three miles east of Neoga, at 11:15 o'clock Thursday morning. ...
There survive besides the wife, ten children: Walter Thomas ..; Frank Thomas ..; Roy Thomas ..; Mrs. John McLain ..; Mrs. Z. Butter ..; Clark Thomas ..; Blain Thomas ..; Mrs. William French ..; Arthur Thomas ..; and Mrs. Frank Copeland ... There also survive one brother, Charles Thomas, Blairstown, Mo., and a half brother, J. M. Bresee of Mattoon."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 14 Jul 1926, Wed. Page 8
"THOMAS-HANKS
Arthur Thomas of this city and Miss Alice Hanks of Neoga were married on Tuesday by Rev. W. A. Cannon at the latter's home, 2821 Shelby Avenue. Mrs. M. S. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, mother of the groom, and Mrs. Lottie Wilson accompanied the young people. Mrs. Thomas is a daughter of T. P. Hanks of Neoga and is a well known young woman of that village.
Mr. Thomas is a machinist at the aviation field at Rantoul, but will leave soon for the Walter Reed hospital in Washington, D. C. to take treatment for an injured leg sustained in an automobile accident. He will probably be there for some time, and while he is gone, Mrs. Thomas will remain with her father in Neoga. After Mr. Thomas is discharged from the government service, at the completion of his enlistment, they will reside with her father in Neoga."
September 8, 1926, Arthur was transferred to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C.
BIRTH OF DAUGHTER - JUANITA ARLEENE THOMAS
Juanita Arleene Thomas was born at 5:30 a.m. on November 23, 1926 in Neoga, Cumberland, Illinois, USA to Arthur N. and Alice H. (Hanks) Thomas.
From Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., Arthur Thomas was transferred to the Station Hospital at Fort Sheridan, Lake, Illinois on May 4, 1927. September 30, 1927, he was sent back to Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., where he was granted an Honorable Discharge on February 6, 1928.
Following his discharge from service turned out to be a very trying year of 1928. He bought a car and headed to Mississippi and on the way his tires blew out. There were no replacements to be found, so the car was left on the side of the road with most of their possessions. They walked, with a young child, or hitched rides to Mississippi only to find work was scarce. He did find work in the cotton fields for $0.15 per day or did odd jobs to buy food. His brother, Clark Thomas, along with his wife, Gladys, also traveled to Mississippi and decided to try Florida for work, so Arthur and Alice went with them, only to find Florida a closed state with no work. From there, they headed back to Neoga, Illinois to stay with Thomas Price Hanks, father of Alice. Shortly after returning, Thomas Price Hanks passed away, July 29, 1928 in Neoga, leaving the home to Alice. Unfortunately, the home was lost because they did not have the money to pay the taxes. Arthur found work as a dock clerk to support his family. Lastly, Alice was expecting their second child and was having problems. In November 1928, she was admitted to the hospital in Mattoon, Illinois for a minor operation and was released. On December 14, 1928, she was again admitted for treatment and released. She gave birth to a stillborn son and was admitted once again January 22, 1929 and had major surgery, which left her no chance of having anymore children. Hospital information taken from the Journal Gazette, Mattoon, Illinois stated they were living in the Lafayette Heights area.
Early in 1929, friends talked them into going west to find jobs. Juanita "Nita" had measles in Omaha, Nebraska. Arthur, Alice and Nita did a lot of traveling in the United States looking for work; they survived doing odd jobs. They slept in people's yards, if allowed, as well as railroad cars. Alice did ironing to pay for the "stay" a few times. In late 1929, Arthur and Alice, took their daughter and relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana. Family members living in Indianapolis had told Arthur there was work to be had in the city. When they arrived, the bus driver job, he thought he had, was not secured. Arthur is, however, found on the 1930 U. S. Federal Census as being a bus driver for the city.
1930 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Residence: Center Township - Rented house for $24.00
Household:
Arthur Thomas (25) - Bus Driver for the City
Alice Thomas (22)
Wanita [Juanita] Thomas (3)
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1930 - Address: 1004 North New Jersey
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1930
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1931 - Address: 1922 Ruckle
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1931
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1932 - Address: 430 Toledo
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Laborer
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1932
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1934 - Address: 720 South West
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1934
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1936 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Timekeeper
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1936
Social Security Application - Date: May 21, 1937
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth: June 17, 1905 - Birthplace: Carbondale, Illinois
Father: Ephraim Doris Thomas - Mother: Millie Sarah Simons
Address: 916 Union, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Ella [Alice] H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1937 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Clerk
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1937
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1938 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Timekeeper
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1938
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1939 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Foreman
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1939
1940 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Residence: 131 McCarty Street (Center Township) - Rented house for $16.00
Home in 1935: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Resident on Farm: No
Household:
Arthur Thomas (36) - Highest Grade Completed: Elementary School, 8th Grade - Occupation: Statistician for the Labor Department (WPA Program) - Weeks Worked in 1939: 52 - Income: $940.00 - Income Other Sources: No
Alice Thomas (31)
Joan [Juanita] Thomas (13)
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1940 - Address: 131 McCarty
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Laborer
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1940
U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Age: 35
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head) - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Birthplace: Carbondale, Illinois - Residence Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA - Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940 - Registration Place: Indiana, USA - Employer: W P A - Height: 5'9" - Weight: 180 lbs. - Complexion: Ruddy - Hair Color: Brown - Eye Color: Hazel - Next of Kin: Mrs. Alice Harriett Thomas, wife.
In 1942, when Juanita met Byron Herbert Witte, the family was living on South Gibson Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. About 1943, Arthur took a job with Schildmier Machine Shop in Indianapolis as a shipping clerk. In the mid to late 1940's, Arthur and Alice moved to 4528 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, where they lived for several years before moving out of the city. He was a mechanic by profession, but he did many things in his working career. He enjoyed working on automobiles and lawn mowers.
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1945 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: P R Mallory
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1945
DEATH OF MOTHER - MRS. MILLIE SARAH THOMAS -
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 22 Nov 1946, Fri. Page 1
"MRS. MILLIE THOMAS DIES; LONG ILL
Mrs. Millie Sarah Thomas, 85, wife of the late E. D. Thomas, died today at 604 Broadway, her home for the last two years. She had been in impaired health for nine years.
Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Fannie Copeland and Mrs. Lillie French of this city, Mrs. Nellie Butter of Boling, Texas, and Mrs. Claudia McLain of Portland, Ore.; four sons, Walter C. of Stockton, Calif., Blain and Arthur of Indianapolis and Clark of Santa Barbara, Calif.; 26 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers in Mississippi."
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1949 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Attendant
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1949
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1952 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Lawnmower Sharpening
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1952
December 29, 1952, Juanita Thomas Witte divorced Byron Herbert Witte. After the loss of her home, she moved in again with her parents bringing her five children with her. They remained at 4528 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana until April 1955, when they moved north of Indianapolis to Boone County, Indiana. Juanita remained with her children in her parent's household until she remarried in 1959.
About 1957 (Source: Obituary of Arthur Thomas, which states, ".. three and a half years ago he retired ..) Arthur was still working at Schildmier Machine Shop, off and on when his health allowed, as a shipping clerk. Finally, due to his health, he had to retire. It was about this time he became a member of the Masonic Lodge of Kirklin, Indiana.
After Juanita's marriage to Calvin Daniel Varvel on November 10, 1959, Arthur and Alice assumed full custody of their five grandchildren: Sandra Carol, Andrea Diane, Dana Bryon, Karen Juanita, and Nancy Darlene. They would remain in the household until they either graduated from high school or were married.
In 1960, Arthur was described on his driver's license as being 5'8" tall with Brown eyes and Gray hair weighing 170 lbs.
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Arthur Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Issue Year: Before 1951 -
Death Date: May 1961
Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Age: 53
Marital Status: Married - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Birth Place: Carbondale, Illinois
Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Death Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Father: Ephraim Thomas - Mother: Sarah Thomas
DEATH CERTIFICATE - Name of Deceased: Arthur Noble Thomas - Place of Death: Veterans' Administrative Hospital, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA - Date of Death: May 9, 1961 - Time of Death: 1:40 a.m. - Residence: R. R. 1, Box 172, Thorntown, Boone, Indiana, USA - Sex: Male - Race: White - Occupation: Shipping Clerk - Cause of Death: Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease with Acute Cholecystitis - Was Autopsy Performed: Yes -Date of Burial: May 11, 1961 - Cemetery: Sugar Plains - Location: Boone County, Indiana, USA - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Place of Birth: Carbondale, Illinois - Father: Ephraim Thomas - Mother's Maiden Name: Sarah Simon - Was Deceased Ever In the U.S. Armed Forces: Yes - Informant: Mrs. Alice Thomas, wife.
"ARTHUR THOMAS EXPIRES TODAY - Publication Source and Date Unknown
Arthur Noble Thomas, 55 years of age, who had resided on a farm five miles west of Thorntown for the past three and one-half years, passed away at 3 a.m. today in a Veterans Hospital at Indianapolis. He had been hospitalized since last Thursday.
A native of Carbondale, Ill., Mr. Thomas was a son of the late Ephraim and Sarah (Simon) Thomas. Prior to moving to his present home, he had lived near Waugh and Rosston and had worked as a shipping clerk for the Schildmier Machine Shop at Indianapolis many years. He had been retired for some time due to failing health.
He was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon, Ill., and the Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
Survivors are the wife, Alice Hanks, to whom he was married July 13, 1925(6), in Mattoon, Ill., a daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel of Lebanon; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon, Ill., and five grandchildren. Two brothers and two sisters are deceased.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Thorntown Russell and Hitch funeral home with the Rev. Donald Hainer officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Plain Cemetery. Friends may call at the Thorntown funeral home beginning at noon Wednesday."
Published in The Lebanon Reporter, May 9, 1961, page 1
"ARTHUR N. THOMAS - Lebanon, Ind. (Spl.) -- Arthur Noble Thomas, 55 years old, Thorntown, died yesterday at the West 10th Street Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was a shipping clerk for the Schildmier Machine Shop in Indianapolis for many years and had lived near the Waugh community. He was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon, Ill., and the Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Alice Hanks Thomas; one daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel, of Lebanon; five grandchildren; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Cal., and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon, Ill.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Russell and Hitch Funeral Home in Thorntown with burial in the Sugar Plain Cemetery."
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana) 10 May 1961, Wed. Page 8
"ARTHUR N. THOMAS - THORNTOWN -- Arthur N. Thomas, 55, of Thorntown R.1, died Tuesday in Veterans Hospital, Indianapolis, where he had been a patient since last Thursday.
Born at Carbondale, Ill., he was a shipping clerk in the Schildmier machine shop at Indianapolis for several years before he retired because of illness three and a half years ago. He then lived on a farm five miles west of here. He was married to Alice Hanks at Mattoon, Ill., in 1925(6) and was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon and Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
Surviving with the widow are a daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel of Lebanon; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Calif., and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon."
U.S., Quaker Cemetery Records, 1800-1990
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jan 1905 - Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Death Age: 56 - Burial Place: Thorntown, Boone, Indiana, USA - Title: Records from Sugar Plain Cemetery.
U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1970
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Unit: Air Corp Chanute Field Illinois Technical School Det - Enlistment Date: 10 Aug 1925 - Discharge Date: 6 Feb 1928 - Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Cemetery: Sugar Plain - Cemetery Location: Thorntown, Indiana, USA (1 mile west of Thorntown, Indiana).
Updated March 4, 2022 by the oldest granddaughter of Arthur Noble Thomas.
The following information was obtained from the Funeral Book of Millie Sarah (Simons) Thomas. Children of Millie Sarah (Simons) and Ephraim Dorous (E. D.) Thomas were: Fannie Adaline, Walter Carl, James Franklin, Lillie Valeria, Charles Byron LeRoy, Emma Marinda, Claudia O'Ella, George Belin, Clark Adelbert and Arthur Noble. She gave up in death: Emma Marinda, August 27, 1905; her husband, Ephriam Dorous, February 4, 1926; Charles Byron LeRoy, August 20, 1942 and James Franklin, April 27, 1943. Millie Sarah (Simons) Thomas was a member of the Assembly of God Pentecostal Church of Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA.
BIRTH CERTIFICATE - Jackson County, Illinois
Full Name of Child: ----- Thomas - Sex: Male - Born in Wedlock: Yes - Race: White
No. of Child to this Mother: Eleventh - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Place of Birth: Carbondale - Nationality of Father: American - Place of Birth of Father: Coles County, Illinois - Age of Father: 44 - Nationality of Mother: American - Place of Birth: Calhoun, Mississippi - Age: 42 - Full Name of Mother: M. S. Thomas - Maiden Name of Mother: M. S. Simons - Mother's Residence: Carbondale - Full Name of Father: E. D. Thomas - Residence: Carbondale - Father's Occupation: Gardner - Post Office Address: Carbondale, Illinois
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT OF BIRTH - REPORT OF NAME OF CHILD
Place of Birth: Jackson County - City: Carbondale - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Sex: Male - Full Name of Father: E. D. Thomas - Full Maiden Name of Mother: M. S. Simons - I, Hereby Certify that the child described herein has been named Arthur Noble Thomas - Signed: Adelbert C. Thomas - Relation Informant to Child: Older Brother. (Date: December 4, 1941).
DEATH OF SISTER, EMMA MIRANDA THOMAS
Carbondale Free Press (Carbondale, Jackson, Illinois, USA) 26 Aug 1905, Sat. Page 3
"Miss Minnie Thomas, aged 12 years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, WHO RESIDE ON THE THOMPSON PLACE, a half mile south of the normal, died last night after a week's illness with typhoid fever. Her condition has been serious but the death was quite unexpected. Funeral services were held today." Buried: Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale, Jackson, Illinois, USA. Find A Grave #217715205.
1910 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 6, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 812 North 22 Street, Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA
Household:
Ephraim D Thomas (48) - Day Laborer
Millie S Thomas (48)
Lilly V Thomas (23) - Laundry Laborer
Roy E Thomas (18) - House Painter
Nellie H Thomas (15)
Claudie O Thomas (12)
Belin G Thomas (10)
Clark A Thomas (7)
Arthur N Thomas (4)
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 7 Jun 1919, Sat. Page 6
"DINNER GUESTS - Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland entertained a few relatives at dinner on Thursday evening in honor of Charles B. Thomas, brother of Mrs. Copeland, who has just returned home from overseas. He was in the army of occupation just before sailing for home. He was in the St. Mihiel drive, the Envenzue sector and the Argonne offensive of October 19 until the signing of the armistice. He was connected with the medical department of the 314th Engineers.
Charles B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William French and children, Miss Catherine Culver, Miss May McKenzie, Clark Thomas, B. Thomas and Arthur Thomas were the guests."
1920 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 1, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 1105 Richmond Avenue
Household:
Ephraim Thomas (58)
Mattie [Millie] Thomas (58)
Charles Thomas (28)
George Thomas (19)
Clyde [Clark] Thomas (17)
Arthur Thomas (14) - Attended School: Yes - Able to Read: Yes - Able to Write: Yes
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Mon. Jan. 3, 1921 Page 4
"WEST SIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - The West Side Christian Church Sunday School elected new officers on Sunday. ... The Christian Endeavor Society also elect new officers. They are: ....first vice president, Clark Thomas; ... The chairmen of committees are: ... pay social, ARTHUR THOMAS; .... There were about sixty-five young people present. ..."
Arthur N. Thomas enlisted as a Private in the 47th School Squadron on December 17, 1921 at Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA.
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 27 Dec 1921, Tue. Page 6
"A. C. Thomas and A. N. Thomas of the aviation force of Rantoul are visiting their parents Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue."
Arthur Thomas was Honorably discharged on June 12, 1923 at Brooks Field, Texas after completing one year, five months, and 26 days of service. Soldier discharged because he was under 18 years of age.
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Sat. Jun 16, 1923 Page 6
"Arthur N. Thomas, who has been in the air service of the United States army at Brooks Field, San Antonio, Tex., had been released and has returned to this city. At present, he is visiting at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 15 Oct 1923, Mon. Page 8
"THOMAS-REESE - George Thomas and Miss Bertha Alberta Reese were married on Sunday evening at 6:30 o'clock at the home of the bride's aunt, Mrs. Cleves Layton, 1608 Edgar Avenue. Rev. J. M. Lively officiated in the presence of a number of relatives and friends, the attendants being Miss Gladys Maxedon and Arthur Thomas, the latter a brother of the groom. Little Miss Evelyn Layton was the flower girl and carried the ring which was used in the ceremony. ....."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 10 Dec 1923, Mon. Page 10
"BIRTHDAY DINNER - Sunday being the birthday anniversary of Mrs. E. D. Thomas, she was given a surprise in the morning by a number of relatives, who gathered at her home, 1105 Richmond Avenue, to spend the day with her. Dinner was prepared for the noon hour, the rest of the time being enjoyed in visiting. Mrs. Thomas was showered with many pretty gifts.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William French and children, Mr. and Mrs. G. B Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomas, Miss Gladys Maxedon, Miss Minnie Bresee and Arthur Thomas. Rodney Copeland of Neoga was an out-of-town guest."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Thu. Jul 3, 1924, Page 6
"BIRTHDAY PARTY - A party was given on Tuesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, Mrs. Thomas entertaining quite a company of guests in honor of Mr. Thomas' birthday anniversary. The house was prettily decorated with flags and cut garden flowers. After a social period, Mrs. Thomas served refreshments.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Beals, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Beals, Mr. and Mrs. William French, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Johnson, Mrs. Margaret Russell, Misses Minnie Bresee, Edna, Betty and Mildred Beals, Effie Copeland, Sara Copeland, Charlene French and Gladys Maxedon; Messers Rodney Copeland, Richard Copeland, Kenneth Copeland, Morton Leonard, ARTHUR THOMAS, Monroe French, William French. The out of town guests were Mrs. Sallie Beals and Miss Lucile Beals of Trilla and Mrs. Ella Hayes of Alton."
Arthur again enlisted on August 10, 1925 as a Private, ACTS Det. He was assigned to the Air Technical School Detachment, Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois.
On January 9, 1926, Arthur was involved in a serious accident at Chebanse, Kankakee, Illinois, while on leave. He was a passenger in a car that collided with another car, which skidded, turning over causing a fracture of the tibia and fibula of the left leg. He remained at St Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois until January 31, 1926, at which time, he was transferred to the Station Hospital at Rantoul, Illinois. Granted a 45-day furlough.
DEATH OF FATHER - Ephraim Dorous (E. D.) Thomas -
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 5 Feb 1926, Fri. Page 1
"MATTOON MAN DIES AT DAUGHTER'S HOUSE
E. D. Thomas, living at 1105 Richmond Avenue, died at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copeland, three miles east of Neoga, at 11:15 o'clock Thursday morning. ...
There survive besides the wife, ten children: Walter Thomas ..; Frank Thomas ..; Roy Thomas ..; Mrs. John McLain ..; Mrs. Z. Butter ..; Clark Thomas ..; Blain Thomas ..; Mrs. William French ..; Arthur Thomas ..; and Mrs. Frank Copeland ... There also survive one brother, Charles Thomas, Blairstown, Mo., and a half brother, J. M. Bresee of Mattoon."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 14 Jul 1926, Wed. Page 8
"THOMAS-HANKS
Arthur Thomas of this city and Miss Alice Hanks of Neoga were married on Tuesday by Rev. W. A. Cannon at the latter's home, 2821 Shelby Avenue. Mrs. M. S. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, mother of the groom, and Mrs. Lottie Wilson accompanied the young people. Mrs. Thomas is a daughter of T. P. Hanks of Neoga and is a well known young woman of that village.
Mr. Thomas is a machinist at the aviation field at Rantoul, but will leave soon for the Walter Reed hospital in Washington, D. C. to take treatment for an injured leg sustained in an automobile accident. He will probably be there for some time, and while he is gone, Mrs. Thomas will remain with her father in Neoga. After Mr. Thomas is discharged from the government service, at the completion of his enlistment, they will reside with her father in Neoga."
September 8, 1926, Arthur was transferred to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C.
BIRTH OF DAUGHTER - JUANITA ARLEENE THOMAS
Juanita Arleene Thomas was born at 5:30 a.m. on November 23, 1926 in Neoga, Cumberland, Illinois, USA to Arthur N. and Alice H. (Hanks) Thomas.
From Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., Arthur Thomas was transferred to the Station Hospital at Fort Sheridan, Lake, Illinois on May 4, 1927. September 30, 1927, he was sent back to Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., where he was granted an Honorable Discharge on February 6, 1928.
Following his discharge from service turned out to be a very trying year of 1928. He bought a car and headed to Mississippi and on the way his tires blew out. There were no replacements to be found, so the car was left on the side of the road with most of their possessions. They walked, with a young child, or hitched rides to Mississippi only to find work was scarce. He did find work in the cotton fields for $0.15 per day or did odd jobs to buy food. His brother, Clark Thomas, along with his wife, Gladys, also traveled to Mississippi and decided to try Florida for work, so Arthur and Alice went with them, only to find Florida a closed state with no work. From there, they headed back to Neoga, Illinois to stay with Thomas Price Hanks, father of Alice. Shortly after returning, Thomas Price Hanks passed away, July 29, 1928 in Neoga, leaving the home to Alice. Unfortunately, the home was lost because they did not have the money to pay the taxes. Arthur found work as a dock clerk to support his family. Lastly, Alice was expecting their second child and was having problems. In November 1928, she was admitted to the hospital in Mattoon, Illinois for a minor operation and was released. On December 14, 1928, she was again admitted for treatment and released. She gave birth to a stillborn son and was admitted once again January 22, 1929 and had major surgery, which left her no chance of having anymore children. Hospital information taken from the Journal Gazette, Mattoon, Illinois stated they were living in the Lafayette Heights area.
Early in 1929, friends talked them into going west to find jobs. Juanita "Nita" had measles in Omaha, Nebraska. Arthur, Alice and Nita did a lot of traveling in the United States looking for work; they survived doing odd jobs. They slept in people's yards, if allowed, as well as railroad cars. Alice did ironing to pay for the "stay" a few times. In late 1929, Arthur and Alice, took their daughter and relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana. Family members living in Indianapolis had told Arthur there was work to be had in the city. When they arrived, the bus driver job, he thought he had, was not secured. Arthur is, however, found on the 1930 U. S. Federal Census as being a bus driver for the city.
1930 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Residence: Center Township - Rented house for $24.00
Household:
Arthur Thomas (25) - Bus Driver for the City
Alice Thomas (22)
Wanita [Juanita] Thomas (3)
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1930 - Address: 1004 North New Jersey
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1930
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1931 - Address: 1922 Ruckle
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1931
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1932 - Address: 430 Toledo
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Laborer
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1932
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1934 - Address: 720 South West
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1934
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1936 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Timekeeper
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1936
Social Security Application - Date: May 21, 1937
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth: June 17, 1905 - Birthplace: Carbondale, Illinois
Father: Ephraim Doris Thomas - Mother: Millie Sarah Simons
Address: 916 Union, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Ella [Alice] H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1937 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Clerk
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1937
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1938 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Timekeeper
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1938
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1939 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Foreman
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1939
1940 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Residence: 131 McCarty Street (Center Township) - Rented house for $16.00
Home in 1935: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Resident on Farm: No
Household:
Arthur Thomas (36) - Highest Grade Completed: Elementary School, 8th Grade - Occupation: Statistician for the Labor Department (WPA Program) - Weeks Worked in 1939: 52 - Income: $940.00 - Income Other Sources: No
Alice Thomas (31)
Joan [Juanita] Thomas (13)
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1940 - Address: 131 McCarty
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Laborer
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1940
U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Age: 35
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head) - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Birthplace: Carbondale, Illinois - Residence Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA - Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940 - Registration Place: Indiana, USA - Employer: W P A - Height: 5'9" - Weight: 180 lbs. - Complexion: Ruddy - Hair Color: Brown - Eye Color: Hazel - Next of Kin: Mrs. Alice Harriett Thomas, wife.
In 1942, when Juanita met Byron Herbert Witte, the family was living on South Gibson Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. About 1943, Arthur took a job with Schildmier Machine Shop in Indianapolis as a shipping clerk. In the mid to late 1940's, Arthur and Alice moved to 4528 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, where they lived for several years before moving out of the city. He was a mechanic by profession, but he did many things in his working career. He enjoyed working on automobiles and lawn mowers.
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1945 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: P R Mallory
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1945
DEATH OF MOTHER - MRS. MILLIE SARAH THOMAS -
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 22 Nov 1946, Fri. Page 1
"MRS. MILLIE THOMAS DIES; LONG ILL
Mrs. Millie Sarah Thomas, 85, wife of the late E. D. Thomas, died today at 604 Broadway, her home for the last two years. She had been in impaired health for nine years.
Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Fannie Copeland and Mrs. Lillie French of this city, Mrs. Nellie Butter of Boling, Texas, and Mrs. Claudia McLain of Portland, Ore.; four sons, Walter C. of Stockton, Calif., Blain and Arthur of Indianapolis and Clark of Santa Barbara, Calif.; 26 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers in Mississippi."
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1949 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Attendant
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1949
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1952 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Lawnmower Sharpening
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1952
December 29, 1952, Juanita Thomas Witte divorced Byron Herbert Witte. After the loss of her home, she moved in again with her parents bringing her five children with her. They remained at 4528 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana until April 1955, when they moved north of Indianapolis to Boone County, Indiana. Juanita remained with her children in her parent's household until she remarried in 1959.
About 1957 (Source: Obituary of Arthur Thomas, which states, ".. three and a half years ago he retired ..) Arthur was still working at Schildmier Machine Shop, off and on when his health allowed, as a shipping clerk. Finally, due to his health, he had to retire. It was about this time he became a member of the Masonic Lodge of Kirklin, Indiana.
After Juanita's marriage to Calvin Daniel Varvel on November 10, 1959, Arthur and Alice assumed full custody of their five grandchildren: Sandra Carol, Andrea Diane, Dana Bryon, Karen Juanita, and Nancy Darlene. They would remain in the household until they either graduated from high school or were married.
In 1960, Arthur was described on his driver's license as being 5'8" tall with Brown eyes and Gray hair weighing 170 lbs.
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Arthur Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Issue Year: Before 1951 -
Death Date: May 1961
Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Age: 53
Marital Status: Married - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Birth Place: Carbondale, Illinois
Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Death Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Father: Ephraim Thomas - Mother: Sarah Thomas
DEATH CERTIFICATE - Name of Deceased: Arthur Noble Thomas - Place of Death: Veterans' Administrative Hospital, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA - Date of Death: May 9, 1961 - Time of Death: 1:40 a.m. - Residence: R. R. 1, Box 172, Thorntown, Boone, Indiana, USA - Sex: Male - Race: White - Occupation: Shipping Clerk - Cause of Death: Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease with Acute Cholecystitis - Was Autopsy Performed: Yes -Date of Burial: May 11, 1961 - Cemetery: Sugar Plains - Location: Boone County, Indiana, USA - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Place of Birth: Carbondale, Illinois - Father: Ephraim Thomas - Mother's Maiden Name: Sarah Simon - Was Deceased Ever In the U.S. Armed Forces: Yes - Informant: Mrs. Alice Thomas, wife.
"ARTHUR THOMAS EXPIRES TODAY - Publication Source and Date Unknown
Arthur Noble Thomas, 55 years of age, who had resided on a farm five miles west of Thorntown for the past three and one-half years, passed away at 3 a.m. today in a Veterans Hospital at Indianapolis. He had been hospitalized since last Thursday.
A native of Carbondale, Ill., Mr. Thomas was a son of the late Ephraim and Sarah (Simon) Thomas. Prior to moving to his present home, he had lived near Waugh and Rosston and had worked as a shipping clerk for the Schildmier Machine Shop at Indianapolis many years. He had been retired for some time due to failing health.
He was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon, Ill., and the Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
Survivors are the wife, Alice Hanks, to whom he was married July 13, 1925(6), in Mattoon, Ill., a daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel of Lebanon; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon, Ill., and five grandchildren. Two brothers and two sisters are deceased.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Thorntown Russell and Hitch funeral home with the Rev. Donald Hainer officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Plain Cemetery. Friends may call at the Thorntown funeral home beginning at noon Wednesday."
Published in The Lebanon Reporter, May 9, 1961, page 1
"ARTHUR N. THOMAS - Lebanon, Ind. (Spl.) -- Arthur Noble Thomas, 55 years old, Thorntown, died yesterday at the West 10th Street Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was a shipping clerk for the Schildmier Machine Shop in Indianapolis for many years and had lived near the Waugh community. He was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon, Ill., and the Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Alice Hanks Thomas; one daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel, of Lebanon; five grandchildren; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Cal., and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon, Ill.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Russell and Hitch Funeral Home in Thorntown with burial in the Sugar Plain Cemetery."
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana) 10 May 1961, Wed. Page 8
"ARTHUR N. THOMAS - THORNTOWN -- Arthur N. Thomas, 55, of Thorntown R.1, died Tuesday in Veterans Hospital, Indianapolis, where he had been a patient since last Thursday.
Born at Carbondale, Ill., he was a shipping clerk in the Schildmier machine shop at Indianapolis for several years before he retired because of illness three and a half years ago. He then lived on a farm five miles west of here. He was married to Alice Hanks at Mattoon, Ill., in 1925(6) and was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon and Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
Surviving with the widow are a daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel of Lebanon; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Calif., and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon."
U.S., Quaker Cemetery Records, 1800-1990
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jan 1905 - Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Death Age: 56 - Burial Place: Thorntown, Boone, Indiana, USA - Title: Records from Sugar Plain Cemetery.
U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1970
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Unit: Air Corp Chanute Field Illinois Technical School Det - Enlistment Date: 10 Aug 1925 - Discharge Date: 6 Feb 1928 - Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Cemetery: Sugar Plain - Cemetery Location: Thorntown, Indiana, USA (1 mile west of Thorntown, Indiana).
Updated March 4, 2022 by the oldest granddaughter of Arthur Noble Thomas.
BIRTH CERTIFICATE - Jackson County, Illinois
Full Name of Child: ----- Thomas - Sex: Male - Born in Wedlock: Yes - Race: White
No. of Child to this Mother: Eleventh - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Place of Birth: Carbondale - Nationality of Father: American - Place of Birth of Father: Coles County, Illinois - Age of Father: 44 - Nationality of Mother: American - Place of Birth: Calhoun, Mississippi - Age: 42 - Full Name of Mother: M. S. Thomas - Maiden Name of Mother: M. S. Simons - Mother's Residence: Carbondale - Full Name of Father: E. D. Thomas - Residence: Carbondale - Father's Occupation: Gardner - Post Office Address: Carbondale, Illinois
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT OF BIRTH - REPORT OF NAME OF CHILD
Place of Birth: Jackson County - City: Carbondale - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Sex: Male - Full Name of Father: E. D. Thomas - Full Maiden Name of Mother: M. S. Simons - I, Hereby Certify that the child described herein has been named Arthur Noble Thomas - Signed: Adelbert C. Thomas - Relation Informant to Child: Older Brother. (Date: December 4, 1941).
DEATH OF SISTER, EMMA MIRANDA THOMAS
Carbondale Free Press (Carbondale, Jackson, Illinois, USA) 26 Aug 1905, Sat. Page 3
"Miss Minnie Thomas, aged 12 years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, WHO RESIDE ON THE THOMPSON PLACE, a half mile south of the normal, died last night after a week's illness with typhoid fever. Her condition has been serious but the death was quite unexpected. Funeral services were held today." Buried: Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale, Jackson, Illinois, USA. Find A Grave #217715205.
1910 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 6, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 812 North 22 Street, Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA
Household:
Ephraim D Thomas (48) - Day Laborer
Millie S Thomas (48)
Lilly V Thomas (23) - Laundry Laborer
Roy E Thomas (18) - House Painter
Nellie H Thomas (15)
Claudie O Thomas (12)
Belin G Thomas (10)
Clark A Thomas (7)
Arthur N Thomas (4)
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 7 Jun 1919, Sat. Page 6
"DINNER GUESTS - Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland entertained a few relatives at dinner on Thursday evening in honor of Charles B. Thomas, brother of Mrs. Copeland, who has just returned home from overseas. He was in the army of occupation just before sailing for home. He was in the St. Mihiel drive, the Envenzue sector and the Argonne offensive of October 19 until the signing of the armistice. He was connected with the medical department of the 314th Engineers.
Charles B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William French and children, Miss Catherine Culver, Miss May McKenzie, Clark Thomas, B. Thomas and Arthur Thomas were the guests."
1920 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 1, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 1105 Richmond Avenue
Household:
Ephraim Thomas (58)
Mattie [Millie] Thomas (58)
Charles Thomas (28)
George Thomas (19)
Clyde [Clark] Thomas (17)
Arthur Thomas (14) - Attended School: Yes - Able to Read: Yes - Able to Write: Yes
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Mon. Jan. 3, 1921 Page 4
"WEST SIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - The West Side Christian Church Sunday School elected new officers on Sunday. ... The Christian Endeavor Society also elect new officers. They are: ....first vice president, Clark Thomas; ... The chairmen of committees are: ... pay social, ARTHUR THOMAS; .... There were about sixty-five young people present. ..."
Arthur N. Thomas enlisted as a Private in the 47th School Squadron on December 17, 1921 at Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA.
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 27 Dec 1921, Tue. Page 6
"A. C. Thomas and A. N. Thomas of the aviation force of Rantoul are visiting their parents Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue."
Arthur Thomas was Honorably discharged on June 12, 1923 at Brooks Field, Texas after completing one year, five months, and 26 days of service. Soldier discharged because he was under 18 years of age.
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Sat. Jun 16, 1923 Page 6
"Arthur N. Thomas, who has been in the air service of the United States army at Brooks Field, San Antonio, Tex., had been released and has returned to this city. At present, he is visiting at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 15 Oct 1923, Mon. Page 8
"THOMAS-REESE - George Thomas and Miss Bertha Alberta Reese were married on Sunday evening at 6:30 o'clock at the home of the bride's aunt, Mrs. Cleves Layton, 1608 Edgar Avenue. Rev. J. M. Lively officiated in the presence of a number of relatives and friends, the attendants being Miss Gladys Maxedon and Arthur Thomas, the latter a brother of the groom. Little Miss Evelyn Layton was the flower girl and carried the ring which was used in the ceremony. ....."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 10 Dec 1923, Mon. Page 10
"BIRTHDAY DINNER - Sunday being the birthday anniversary of Mrs. E. D. Thomas, she was given a surprise in the morning by a number of relatives, who gathered at her home, 1105 Richmond Avenue, to spend the day with her. Dinner was prepared for the noon hour, the rest of the time being enjoyed in visiting. Mrs. Thomas was showered with many pretty gifts.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William French and children, Mr. and Mrs. G. B Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomas, Miss Gladys Maxedon, Miss Minnie Bresee and Arthur Thomas. Rodney Copeland of Neoga was an out-of-town guest."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Thu. Jul 3, 1924, Page 6
"BIRTHDAY PARTY - A party was given on Tuesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, Mrs. Thomas entertaining quite a company of guests in honor of Mr. Thomas' birthday anniversary. The house was prettily decorated with flags and cut garden flowers. After a social period, Mrs. Thomas served refreshments.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Beals, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Beals, Mr. and Mrs. William French, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Johnson, Mrs. Margaret Russell, Misses Minnie Bresee, Edna, Betty and Mildred Beals, Effie Copeland, Sara Copeland, Charlene French and Gladys Maxedon; Messers Rodney Copeland, Richard Copeland, Kenneth Copeland, Morton Leonard, ARTHUR THOMAS, Monroe French, William French. The out of town guests were Mrs. Sallie Beals and Miss Lucile Beals of Trilla and Mrs. Ella Hayes of Alton."
Arthur again enlisted on August 10, 1925 as a Private, ACTS Det. He was assigned to the Air Technical School Detachment, Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois.
On January 9, 1926, Arthur was involved in a serious accident at Chebanse, Kankakee, Illinois, while on leave. He was a passenger in a car that collided with another car, which skidded, turning over causing a fracture of the tibia and fibula of the left leg. He remained at St Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois until January 31, 1926, at which time, he was transferred to the Station Hospital at Rantoul, Illinois. Granted a 45-day furlough.
DEATH OF FATHER - Ephraim Dorous (E. D.) Thomas -
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 5 Feb 1926, Fri. Page 1
"MATTOON MAN DIES AT DAUGHTER'S HOUSE
E. D. Thomas, living at 1105 Richmond Avenue, died at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copeland, three miles east of Neoga, at 11:15 o'clock Thursday morning. ...
There survive besides the wife, ten children: Walter Thomas ..; Frank Thomas ..; Roy Thomas ..; Mrs. John McLain ..; Mrs. Z. Butter ..; Clark Thomas ..; Blain Thomas ..; Mrs. William French ..; Arthur Thomas ..; and Mrs. Frank Copeland ... There also survive one brother, Charles Thomas, Blairstown, Mo., and a half brother, J. M. Bresee of Mattoon."
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 14 Jul 1926, Wed. Page 8
"THOMAS-HANKS
Arthur Thomas of this city and Miss Alice Hanks of Neoga were married on Tuesday by Rev. W. A. Cannon at the latter's home, 2821 Shelby Avenue. Mrs. M. S. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, mother of the groom, and Mrs. Lottie Wilson accompanied the young people. Mrs. Thomas is a daughter of T. P. Hanks of Neoga and is a well known young woman of that village.
Mr. Thomas is a machinist at the aviation field at Rantoul, but will leave soon for the Walter Reed hospital in Washington, D. C. to take treatment for an injured leg sustained in an automobile accident. He will probably be there for some time, and while he is gone, Mrs. Thomas will remain with her father in Neoga. After Mr. Thomas is discharged from the government service, at the completion of his enlistment, they will reside with her father in Neoga."
September 8, 1926, Arthur was transferred to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C.
BIRTH OF DAUGHTER - JUANITA ARLEENE THOMAS
Juanita Arleene Thomas was born at 5:30 a.m. on November 23, 1926 in Neoga, Cumberland, Illinois, USA to Arthur N. and Alice H. (Hanks) Thomas.
From Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., Arthur Thomas was transferred to the Station Hospital at Fort Sheridan, Lake, Illinois on May 4, 1927. September 30, 1927, he was sent back to Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., where he was granted an Honorable Discharge on February 6, 1928.
Following his discharge from service turned out to be a very trying year of 1928. He bought a car and headed to Mississippi and on the way his tires blew out. There were no replacements to be found, so the car was left on the side of the road with most of their possessions. They walked, with a young child, or hitched rides to Mississippi only to find work was scarce. He did find work in the cotton fields for $0.15 per day or did odd jobs to buy food. His brother, Clark Thomas, along with his wife, Gladys, also traveled to Mississippi and decided to try Florida for work, so Arthur and Alice went with them, only to find Florida a closed state with no work. From there, they headed back to Neoga, Illinois to stay with Thomas Price Hanks, father of Alice. Shortly after returning, Thomas Price Hanks passed away, July 29, 1928 in Neoga, leaving the home to Alice. Unfortunately, the home was lost because they did not have the money to pay the taxes. Arthur found work as a dock clerk to support his family. Lastly, Alice was expecting their second child and was having problems. In November 1928, she was admitted to the hospital in Mattoon, Illinois for a minor operation and was released. On December 14, 1928, she was again admitted for treatment and released. She gave birth to a stillborn son and was admitted once again January 22, 1929 and had major surgery, which left her no chance of having anymore children. Hospital information taken from the Journal Gazette, Mattoon, Illinois stated they were living in the Lafayette Heights area.
Early in 1929, friends talked them into going west to find jobs. Juanita "Nita" had measles in Omaha, Nebraska. Arthur, Alice and Nita did a lot of traveling in the United States looking for work; they survived doing odd jobs. They slept in people's yards, if allowed, as well as railroad cars. Alice did ironing to pay for the "stay" a few times. In late 1929, Arthur and Alice, took their daughter and relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana. Family members living in Indianapolis had told Arthur there was work to be had in the city. When they arrived, the bus driver job, he thought he had, was not secured. Arthur is, however, found on the 1930 U. S. Federal Census as being a bus driver for the city.
1930 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Residence: Center Township - Rented house for $24.00
Household:
Arthur Thomas (25) - Bus Driver for the City
Alice Thomas (22)
Wanita [Juanita] Thomas (3)
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1930 - Address: 1004 North New Jersey
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1930
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1931 - Address: 1922 Ruckle
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1931
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1932 - Address: 430 Toledo
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Laborer
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1932
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1934 - Address: 720 South West
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Driver
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1934
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1936 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Timekeeper
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1936
Social Security Application - Date: May 21, 1937
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth: June 17, 1905 - Birthplace: Carbondale, Illinois
Father: Ephraim Doris Thomas - Mother: Millie Sarah Simons
Address: 916 Union, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Ella [Alice] H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1937 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Clerk
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1937
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1938 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Timekeeper
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1938
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1939 - Address: 916 Union
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Foreman
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1939
1940 U.S. Federal Census - Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Residence: 131 McCarty Street (Center Township) - Rented house for $16.00
Home in 1935: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana - Resident on Farm: No
Household:
Arthur Thomas (36) - Highest Grade Completed: Elementary School, 8th Grade - Occupation: Statistician for the Labor Department (WPA Program) - Weeks Worked in 1939: 52 - Income: $940.00 - Income Other Sources: No
Alice Thomas (31)
Joan [Juanita] Thomas (13)
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1940 - Address: 131 McCarty
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Laborer
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1940
U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Age: 35
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head) - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Birthplace: Carbondale, Illinois - Residence Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA - Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940 - Registration Place: Indiana, USA - Employer: W P A - Height: 5'9" - Weight: 180 lbs. - Complexion: Ruddy - Hair Color: Brown - Eye Color: Hazel - Next of Kin: Mrs. Alice Harriett Thomas, wife.
In 1942, when Juanita met Byron Herbert Witte, the family was living on South Gibson Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. About 1943, Arthur took a job with Schildmier Machine Shop in Indianapolis as a shipping clerk. In the mid to late 1940's, Arthur and Alice moved to 4528 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, where they lived for several years before moving out of the city. He was a mechanic by profession, but he did many things in his working career. He enjoyed working on automobiles and lawn mowers.
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice H. Thomas
Residence Year: 1945 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: P R Mallory
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1945
DEATH OF MOTHER - MRS. MILLIE SARAH THOMAS -
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 22 Nov 1946, Fri. Page 1
"MRS. MILLIE THOMAS DIES; LONG ILL
Mrs. Millie Sarah Thomas, 85, wife of the late E. D. Thomas, died today at 604 Broadway, her home for the last two years. She had been in impaired health for nine years.
Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Fannie Copeland and Mrs. Lillie French of this city, Mrs. Nellie Butter of Boling, Texas, and Mrs. Claudia McLain of Portland, Ore.; four sons, Walter C. of Stockton, Calif., Blain and Arthur of Indianapolis and Clark of Santa Barbara, Calif.; 26 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers in Mississippi."
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1949 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Attendant
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1949
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
Name: Arthur N. Thomas - Gender: Male - Spouse: Alice Thomas
Residence Year: 1952 - Address: 4528 East 10th Street
Residence Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Occupation: Lawnmower Sharpening
Publication Title: Indianapolis, Indiana, City Directory, 1952
December 29, 1952, Juanita Thomas Witte divorced Byron Herbert Witte. After the loss of her home, she moved in again with her parents bringing her five children with her. They remained at 4528 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana until April 1955, when they moved north of Indianapolis to Boone County, Indiana. Juanita remained with her children in her parent's household until she remarried in 1959.
About 1957 (Source: Obituary of Arthur Thomas, which states, ".. three and a half years ago he retired ..) Arthur was still working at Schildmier Machine Shop, off and on when his health allowed, as a shipping clerk. Finally, due to his health, he had to retire. It was about this time he became a member of the Masonic Lodge of Kirklin, Indiana.
After Juanita's marriage to Calvin Daniel Varvel on November 10, 1959, Arthur and Alice assumed full custody of their five grandchildren: Sandra Carol, Andrea Diane, Dana Bryon, Karen Juanita, and Nancy Darlene. They would remain in the household until they either graduated from high school or were married.
In 1960, Arthur was described on his driver's license as being 5'8" tall with Brown eyes and Gray hair weighing 170 lbs.
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Arthur Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Issue Year: Before 1951 -
Death Date: May 1961
Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Gender: Male - Race: White - Age: 53
Marital Status: Married - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Birth Place: Carbondale, Illinois
Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Death Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Father: Ephraim Thomas - Mother: Sarah Thomas
DEATH CERTIFICATE - Name of Deceased: Arthur Noble Thomas - Place of Death: Veterans' Administrative Hospital, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA - Date of Death: May 9, 1961 - Time of Death: 1:40 a.m. - Residence: R. R. 1, Box 172, Thorntown, Boone, Indiana, USA - Sex: Male - Race: White - Occupation: Shipping Clerk - Cause of Death: Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease with Acute Cholecystitis - Was Autopsy Performed: Yes -Date of Burial: May 11, 1961 - Cemetery: Sugar Plains - Location: Boone County, Indiana, USA - Date of Birth: June 17, 1905 - Place of Birth: Carbondale, Illinois - Father: Ephraim Thomas - Mother's Maiden Name: Sarah Simon - Was Deceased Ever In the U.S. Armed Forces: Yes - Informant: Mrs. Alice Thomas, wife.
"ARTHUR THOMAS EXPIRES TODAY - Publication Source and Date Unknown
Arthur Noble Thomas, 55 years of age, who had resided on a farm five miles west of Thorntown for the past three and one-half years, passed away at 3 a.m. today in a Veterans Hospital at Indianapolis. He had been hospitalized since last Thursday.
A native of Carbondale, Ill., Mr. Thomas was a son of the late Ephraim and Sarah (Simon) Thomas. Prior to moving to his present home, he had lived near Waugh and Rosston and had worked as a shipping clerk for the Schildmier Machine Shop at Indianapolis many years. He had been retired for some time due to failing health.
He was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon, Ill., and the Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
Survivors are the wife, Alice Hanks, to whom he was married July 13, 1925(6), in Mattoon, Ill., a daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel of Lebanon; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon, Ill., and five grandchildren. Two brothers and two sisters are deceased.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Thorntown Russell and Hitch funeral home with the Rev. Donald Hainer officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Plain Cemetery. Friends may call at the Thorntown funeral home beginning at noon Wednesday."
Published in The Lebanon Reporter, May 9, 1961, page 1
"ARTHUR N. THOMAS - Lebanon, Ind. (Spl.) -- Arthur Noble Thomas, 55 years old, Thorntown, died yesterday at the West 10th Street Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was a shipping clerk for the Schildmier Machine Shop in Indianapolis for many years and had lived near the Waugh community. He was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon, Ill., and the Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Alice Hanks Thomas; one daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel, of Lebanon; five grandchildren; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Cal., and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon, Ill.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Russell and Hitch Funeral Home in Thorntown with burial in the Sugar Plain Cemetery."
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana) 10 May 1961, Wed. Page 8
"ARTHUR N. THOMAS - THORNTOWN -- Arthur N. Thomas, 55, of Thorntown R.1, died Tuesday in Veterans Hospital, Indianapolis, where he had been a patient since last Thursday.
Born at Carbondale, Ill., he was a shipping clerk in the Schildmier machine shop at Indianapolis for several years before he retired because of illness three and a half years ago. He then lived on a farm five miles west of here. He was married to Alice Hanks at Mattoon, Ill., in 1925(6) and was a member of the Christian Church at Mattoon and Masonic Lodge at Kirklin.
Surviving with the widow are a daughter, Mrs. Juanita Varvel of Lebanon; three brothers, Belin, Clark and Walter Thomas, all of Stockton, Calif., and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Copeland of Mattoon."
U.S., Quaker Cemetery Records, 1800-1990
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jan 1905 - Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Death Age: 56 - Burial Place: Thorntown, Boone, Indiana, USA - Title: Records from Sugar Plain Cemetery.
U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1970
Name: Arthur Noble Thomas - Birth Date: 17 Jun 1905 - Unit: Air Corp Chanute Field Illinois Technical School Det - Enlistment Date: 10 Aug 1925 - Discharge Date: 6 Feb 1928 - Death Date: 9 May 1961 - Cemetery: Sugar Plain - Cemetery Location: Thorntown, Indiana, USA (1 mile west of Thorntown, Indiana).
Updated March 4, 2022 by the oldest granddaughter of Arthur Noble Thomas.
Inscription
District of Columbia - Pvt Air Corps
Arthur is buried next to Alice Hanks Thomas
Gravesite Details
Military Details: Enlisted December 17, 1921 at the age of 16 and honorably discharged June 12, 1923. Re-enlisted August 10, 1925 and honorably discharged February 6, 1928.
Family Members
Siblings
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Fannie Adeline Thomas Copeland
1882–1970
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Walter Carl Thomas
1884–1967
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James Franklin "Frank" Thomas
1885–1943
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Lillie Valeria Thomas French
1887–1953
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Charles Byron Leroy "Roy" Thomas
1891–1942
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Emma Marinda "Minnie" Thomas
1893–1905
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Nellie Hazel Thomas Butter
1895–1958
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Claudia O'Ella Thomas McLain
1897–1989
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Clark Adelbert Thomas
1902–1986
