PHILIP THOMA, section 36, Highland Township. Among the many busy tillers of the soil will be found the subject of this personal sketch. He was born in Richland County, Ohio, May 9, 1838, and is the son of John and Susanna (Tetters) THOMA, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, but of German descent. John THOMA was born in Bucks County, Pa., Nov. 16, 1798, and was the father of two children: Mary E., the wife of Henry Ray, and Philip, the subject of this sketch. The former is now deceased. Mrs. Thoma, the mother, died in 1843, and is buried in the Bunker Hill cemetery in Richland County, Ohio.

Philip THOMA is well worthy of representation in this volume, for his many excellent qualities of head and heart. Almost form childhood he took entire care of his father, and is entitled to great credit on account of his filial gratitude and affection. When lying upon his death-bed, his father called him to his side and said, "Philip, I am going home," and even as he gave his last blessing, his spirit returned to its Maker. His death occurred Aug. 28, 1887. Philip had cared for him during the last thirty years.

The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent upon a farm, and his education was received in the old log school-house, with puncheon floors, slab seats, greased paper for windows, and corresponding furniture. At the age of sixteen he began life for himself, and ever afterward adopted the plan that "Honesty is the best policy," or at least, the best principle. He first rented a farm in his native State, but decided to come West, and in 1857 came to Iowa County, Iowa, and bought forty acres of land, where he remained for a short time, then, in 1869, bought 120 acres upon section 36 in Highland Township, on which he built a frame building, and began improvements by setting out a large number of trees and shrubbery which are now admired by the stranger. While hauling the building material for his house Mr. Thoma often heard the wolves howling in the prairie grass, which was then higher than the horses' backs. He has since made additions to his farm, until he no owns 200 acres of good land, with all the necessary buildings for a well-regulated farm, together with all the modern farm machinery. He has a fine lot of graded horses, cattle and hogs, and is second to none as a farmer in Washington County. He is a public-spirited man, and his time and money are ready to help in all measures that tend to the advancement and education of society. By his timely assistance many have been aided on the road to prosperity, and notwithstanding all his adversities he has steadily advanced his own interests. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, plain and outspoken in his views, though honest and charitable to a fault.

On the 14th of April, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Fordice, a native of McLean County, Ill., born Dec. 31, 1842, and the daughter of John and Mary (Dean) Fordice, who were both natives of Ohio, but of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Thoma have been blessed with six children: Mary E., born Dec. 9, 1861, the wife of Irvin Scott, a farmer in Iowa Township, Washington County; John P., born May 11, 1862; Amy S., born March 29, 1863, is the wife of James Y. Foster, a farmer of Highland Township; George W., born Dec. 5, 1867; Ulysses S., born Sept. 19, 1869; Maggie L., born Dec. 18, 1871, died Oct. 17, 1875.

Mr. and Mrs. Thoma are members of the United Brethren in Christ, are ever forward in Christian duty, and their good works will live in coming years. It is in such homes as this that many have cheerfully endured the privations and heroically borne the many burdens alotted the pioneers of Washington County. Mr. Thoma never sought office, but has filled several of the various township offices. He has been one of the many whose push and perseverance have made good homes out of the wild lands of the West.

Portrait and Biographial History of Washington County Iowa
1887
pages 487-488