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Subject: Thomas.Robert.M.1686.Unknown-Co.BIOS


Robert M. Thomas February 2, 1686 - unknown Unknown-Co. County KyArchives Biography

Author: History of Atchison County, Kansas, Sheffield Ingalls - 1916,

In every community we find that there are some individuals who seem naturally endowed with the 
ability to go ahead and do things and take a place of leadership among their associates. Robert 
M. Thomas is one of those who possess the natural endowments, peculiar to leadership and the 
ability to make things go with which he is connected. A successful farmer, a good citizen and 
business man, makes an excellent combination, and Mr. Thomas has made his mark in his community 
as a progressive and enterprising citizen. Robert M. Thomas was born in Buchanan County, Missouri, 
February 2, 1868, a son of Moses and Katie (CRITCHFIELD) Thomas, who were born and partly reared 
in old Kentucky. The parents' of both were early settlers of Buchanan County. Moses was the son 
of Robert Thomas, and the father of his wife was Martin Critchfield. They were southern born, and 
were descendants of old southern families. Moses Thomas was born in 1843, and still resides in 
Buchanan County; his wife, Katie, was born in 1850, and is still living. The Thomas family has a 
farm of 140 acres in Buchanan County, upon which was reared a large family of eleven children, 
nine of whom are living: Robert M.; John, deceased; Walter, living in California; Forrest, residing 
in St. Joseph, Mo.; Harriet and Cecil, at home; Ollie, deceased; Louise, Margaret, Cora and Ellen, 
at home with their parents. R. M. Thomas received his education in the public schools of his native 
state and assisted his father in the operating of the home farm until 1892, when he married and farmed 
for three years in Buchanan County, Missouri, and then worked his farm in Platte County, Missouri, 
for four years. His first purchase of land was in 1899 when he invested in a farm of 120 acres in 
Buchanan County, which he sold three years later at a profit over the original purchase price. In 
1902 he bought another farm, and in 1903 located two and one-half miles northwest of Effingham in 
Benton township. This farm comprises 160 acres and is now one of the best improved places in the 
neighborhood. Mr. Thomas did so well in Atchison County that he was enabled to buy another farm of 
160 acres in 1912. This farm is located in Grasshopper township, about three miles north of Muscotah. 
Upon the organization of the Farmers' Mercantile Company in June, 1913, in which Mr. Thomas took 
an active part, he assumed the managership of the same and attends to his business during the day, 
while still making his home at the farm. This plan given him an excellent opportunity to oversee his 
farming operations at all times. Mr. Thomas was married in 1892 to Katie STANTON of Platte County, 
Missouri, a daughter of William and Cynthia (HALL) Stanton, natives of Platte County, and of Eastern 
Origin. To this union the following children have been born: William, married Pearl, daughter of 
Thomas O. GAULT, and is managing his father's farm, two miles north of Muscotah; Clara, a graduate 
of the Atchison County High School, and a teacher in the public schools; Margaret, Ollie and Jessie, 
students in the county high school; Elva, Emma, Robert M., and Daisy, attending the district school 
near their home. Mr. Thomas is a Democrat in politics and has filled the office of trustee of Benton 
township one term. He and his family are members of the Christian Church. He is fraternally connected 
with the Odd Fellows lodge. The Farmers' Mercantile Association, of which Mr. Thomas is the manager, 
was organized in June of 1913 for the purpose of handling grain, coal, feed and seeds. The capital 
stock of the concern is $10,000, of which $6,800 is fully paid up. The officers of the association 
were: President, C. A. TALIAFERRO; vice-president, Stewart HEFFLEFINGER; secretary and manager, 
R. M. Thomas; treasurer, C. M. SNYDER. The directors are: C. A. Taliaferro, S. Hefflefinger, Charles 
M. Snyder, John E. SULLIVAN, R. M. Thomas, E. H. CAWLEY, W. M. SUTTER, R. B. HAWK, Reuben HARGROVE. 
The present officers are the same with the exception that Reuben Hargrove is now serving as the vice-
president, and Fred WYATT was elected to fill the vacancy in the board of directors, caused by the 
demise of C. A. Taliaferro and Edward HIGH succeeded W. M. Sutter. The concern has a gain elevator 
with a capacity of 8,000 bushels. The largest shipment of grain made in any one year has exceeded 
115,000 bushels.



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