THOMAS, Oscar - Prof. - Putnam

PROF. OSCAR THOMAS.

The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live are two classes, to-wit: the men of study and men of action. Whether we are more indebted for the improvement of the age to the one class or the other resolves itself to a question of honest difference in opinion; neither class call be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their severa1 spheres of labor and influence, zealously and without mutual distrust. In the following paragraphs are briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. Devoted to the noble and humane work of teaching, he has made his influence felt in the school life of Putnam county and is not unknown to the wider educational circles of the state, occupying as he does a prominent place in his profession and standing high in the esteem of educators in other than his own particular field of endeavor.

Professor Oscar Thomas, superintendent of schools of Putnam county, although yet a young man, has shown that rightly applied energy and ambition worthily pursued may accomplish large results in a comparatively short time. He is a native of this county, having been born in Madison township, January 20, 1872, the son of William Thomas, who was born in Greencastle township, June 17, 1844, and who is the representative of an excellent old pioneer family. He was educated in the primitive schools of his native community and devoted his life to farming, being now one of the leading agriculturists of Madison township. The Thomas family is of Irish stock, the lineage of which may be traced back to 1685, since which remote period many members of this historic family have distinguished themselves in various walks of life.

William Thomas married Elizabeth J. Ewing, born October 5, 1842. She was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, where her family were long well and favorably known. She is a woman of gracious personality and is still living in Madison township. To Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas eleven children were born, named as follows: Eliza, wife of Charles J. Priest, died in 1883; Mrs. Dora Reeves, a trained nurse, is living at home; Henry is a traveling salesman living in Indianapolis; Oscar, of this review; J. Elmer is living in Oklahoma, being a state senator there; Charles B. is an undertaker at Rosedale, Indiana; Ona, wife of Edward Wiley, died in Denver, Colorado, 190l; Bertha, who was a teacher, died in 1907; Fred is a teacher, living in Greencastle; E. Cleve is also a teacher and is living at home; Frank died when two years of age.

Professor Thomas was reared on the home farm, which he worked when old enough during the summer months, devoting the winter to study in the public schools of Madison township. Being ambitious to become familiar with the classics and higher sciences, he continued his schooling by entering the Central Normal College at Danville, after which he took a course in DePauw University, where he made a splendid record and came out well qualified to enter his chosen life work-teaching, which he soon began and which he has since followed, teaching for a period of thirteen years in townships of Madison, Mill Creek, Monroe and of this time three years was spent in the high school at Erick Chapel, giving eminent satisfaction from the first. He soon became known throughout the county and his services were in great demand, having so discharged his duties as to win the highest encomiums of the superintendent and boards of the various schools where he was employed, to say nothing of his great popularity with the pupils under his charge and of the general public. In 1903 he was elected county superintendent of schools and so faithfully and satisfactorily did he fill this important trust that he was re-elected in 1907.

The office of county superintendent of Putnam county was organized by act of Legislature in 1873, the first superintendent being John R. Gordon, who served two years. L, A. Stockwell was elected in 1873 and held the place six years. L. E. Smedley was next elected, serving for a period of eight years. F. M. Lyons succeeded him and also served for a period of eight years. S. A. Harris came next with a service of six years. Professor Thomas was married on December 8, 1903, to Dessie O'Hair, daughter of J. E. O'Hair, an excellent and well established family of this county. Mrs. Thomas was born April 4, 1875, in Monroe township, and educated at DePauw University and, being a woman of refined tastes and high ideals, has been of great assistance to her husband in his life work. This union is without issue.

The Professor is a member of the Christian church, while Mrs. Thomas holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal congregation. Politically the former is a Democrat, but is in no sense a politician.

Professor Thomas' record presents a series of successes and advancements such as few attain. He pursues his chosen calling with all the interest of an enthusiast, is thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of the work and has a proper conception of the dignity of the profession to which his life energies are so unselfishly devoted. A finished scholar, a polished gentlemen and possessing the traits of character necessary to insure success, the services thus far rendered and the laurels gained bespeak for him a wider and more distinguished career of usefulness in years to come, should he see fit to continue the noble calling which he has heretofore followed with such signal and happy results. Unlike so many of his calling who become narrow and pedantic, the Professor is essentially a man of the times, broad and liberal in his views, and he has the courage of his convictions on all the leading public questions and issues upon which men and parties divide. He also keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought along its various lines and, being a man of scholarly and refined tastes, the acquaintance of Professor Thomas with the literature of the world is both general and profound, while his familiarity with the more practical affairs of the day makes him feel at ease with all classes and conditions of people whom he meets.