Family History

A HISTORY OF THE THOMA / THOMÆ FAMILY

AND ALLIED AND

RELATED FAMILIES

INCLUDING

A COMPLETE INDEX OF ALL SURNAMES

August 29, 1999

Table of Contents

GERMAN PRINCIPALITIES AND STATES *

SONNEFELD AND HOFSTÄDTEN GERMANY *

FIRST GENERATION *

……….History of Christoph Thomæ *

SECOND GENERATION *

……….History of Stephan Thomæ *

THIRD GENERATION *

……….History of Johann Christian Thomæ *

……….History of Johann Sebastian Thomæ *

FOURTH GENERATION *

……….History of Johann Stephan Thomæ *

……….History of Johann Conrad Thomæ *

……….History of Christian Valentin Thomæ *

……….History of Stephan Thomas Thomæ *

FIFTH GENERATION *

……….History of Christian Johann Friedrich Thomæ *

……….History of Gottfried Heinrich Thomæ *

……….History of Georg Friedrich Thomæ *

……….History of Johann Ernst Thomæ *

……….History of Johann Georg Thomæ *

……….History of Johann Conrad Thomæ *

SIXTH GENERATION *

……….History of Christiane Sophia Thomæ *

……….History of Johann Ludwig Thomæ *

SEVENTH GENERATION *

……….History of Karl Friedrich Barbara Waechter *

……….History of Margaretha Barbara Thomæ *

……….History of Lorenz "Lawrence" George Thomæ *

……….History of Johann Lorenz Thomæ *

EIGHTH GENERATION *

……….History of John Casper Thoma *

……….History of George John Thoma *

……….History of William "Bill\ Henry Thoma *

……….History of Bertha Emilie Thoma *

……….History of Edward George Thoma *

NINTH GENERATION *

……….History of George Edward Thoma *

……….History of John Wilson Thoma *

……….History of James Washington Thoma *

……….History of Benjamin Thomas Thoma *

……….History of Maggie Jane Thoma *

……….History of Earl Franklin Thoma *

……….History of Marguerite "Maggie" Birch Thoma *

……….History of Dora Tolivar Thoma *

……….History of Lawrence "Lon" Garfield Thoma *

……….History of Otto Wald Thoma *

……….History of Minnie T. Thoma *

……….History of Annie M. Thoma *

……….History of Peter John Thoma *

……….History of Laura E. Thoma *

……….History of Frank Joseph "Pete" Thoma *

……….History of Nora A. Goodman *

……….History of John Henry Goodman *

……….History of Clara M. Goodman *

……….History of Bernice Stella Thoma *

……….History of Edgar Walter Thoma *

……….History of Clarence Warney Thoma *

……….History of Martha Helen Thoma *

……….History of Maurice Russell Thoma *

……….History of Annie Margaret Thoma *

……….History of Lawrence Henry Thoma *

TENTH GENERATION *

……….History of Mary Ellen Thoma *

……….History of George William Thoma *

……….History of Cora Belle Thoma *

……….History of Bessie Rebecca Thoma *

……….History of Jesse Edward Thoma *

……….History of Ruth Elizabeth Thoma *

……….History of Jesse Wilson Thoma *

……….History of Cordia Lucinda Thoma *

……….History of John David Thoma *

……….History of Glenn Leonard Thoma *

……….History of James Gladden Thoma *

……….History of Olive Jewell Thoma *

……….History of Gladys Thoma *

……….History of John "Johnnie" A. Thoma *

……….History of Evelyn Olive Dunbar *

……….History of Howard Allen Dunbar, Sr. *

……….History of Robert Glenn Dunbar *

……….History of Merle Dalton "Fleet" Dunbar *

……….History of Lawrence Edward Thoma *

……….History of Margaret Annie Thoma *

……….History of Lyla Gail Thoma *

……….History of Walter August Viertel *

……….History of Sophia Isabelle Thoma *

……….History of Hershel Pete Thoma *

……….History of Bill Gene Thoma *

……….History of Merle Dalton Thoma *

……….History of Henrietta June Goodman *

……….History of Jo Ann Goodman *

……….History of Goodman Frederich Boller *

……….History of Buford Carver, II *

……….History of Kenneth Edgar Thoma *

……….History of Betty Jean Thoma *

……….History of Nancy Jean Thoma *

……….History of Sandra Lee Thoma *

……….History of Sara Belle Thoma *

……….History of Robert Maurice Thoma *

……….History of Marvin Wayne Carlson *

……….History of Sharon Carlson *

ELEVENTH GENERATION *

……….History of Jessie Rebecca Durbin *

……….History of Thomas Ness *

……….History of Joan Del Thoma *

……….History of Carol Lee Thoma *

……….History of Marilyn Anita Thoma *

……….History of Shirley Ann Thoma *

……….History of Barbara Jean Taylor *

……….History of Thomas Jerald Peardon *

……….History of William Allen Peardon *

……….History of Katherine Ada Peardon *

……….History of Richard Henry Peardon *

……….History of John Wesley Dunbar *

……….History of Howard Allen Dunbar, Jr. *

……….History of Karen Faye Dunbar *

……….History of Larry Glenn Dunbar *

……….History of Chester Lewis Gibson (Dunbar) *

……….History of Marsha Anne Dunbar *

……….History of Susan Jane Dunbar *

……….History of Jeffrey Warren Dunbar *

……….History of Gary Lawrence Thoma *

……….History of Ronald Edward Thoma *

……….History of Jon Edwin Thoma *

……….History of James Frederick Thoma *

……….History of Robert Wayne Thoma *

……….History of Gail Frances Edwards *

……….History of Dixie Dean Edwards *

……….History of Roy Thoma Bradfield *

……….History of George Edward Bradfield *

……….History of Deborah Ann Thoma *

……….History of Cynthia "Cindy" Lynn Thoma *

……….History of Barry Alan Thoma *

……….History of Becky Jo Thoma *

……….History of Russ Dane Thoma *

……….History of Karen Lynn Carpenter *

……….History of Kenneth Loem Rall *

……….History of Susan Roberta Rall *

……….History of Kurt Frederick Rall *

……….History of Robert Craog Thoma *

……….History of Dean Roland Carlson *

TWELFTH GENERATION *

……….History of Paul Michael Crow *

……….History of Lela Rebecca Crow *

……….History of Jason Edward Peardon *

……….History of Gary Douglas "Doug" Thoma *

……….History of Gena Deneil Thoma *

……….History of Ginger Kay Thoma *

……….History of Mary Beth Thoma *

……….History of Lindsay Michelle Thoma *

……….History of Jane Elizabeth Rickey *

……….History of Bridgett Lee Bradfield *

……….History of Tara Jean Loesing *

……….History of Tracie Rena Thoma *

Introduction

The index at the end of this manuscript lists all people mentioned in this manuscript. They are indexed by maiden and married names. There is only a single reference to a female’s married name; but there may be multiple references to her maiden name. Since the previous edition, the information included in this manuscript and other information that has not included in this manuscript has been placed in computer files. If additional information is contained in the computer database then it is indicated by the following (*).

The history section of this manuscript is listed alphabetically (last name, first name) by the male genealogy. The exceptions being if the male's first name is unknown or the female never married. Histories of females are included with their spouses.

Large portions of the information contained in this documents did not originate with the author. Instead they were compiled by various family members. The author is deeply indebted to those people who have taken their valuable time to contribute to this family history. Some sections of the lineages compiled by other family members were either corrected or added to by the author.

If errors are noted, additions found, or if a personal history is desired to be included; please contact:

James F. Thoma

401 Chesterfield Drive

Kingsport, TN 37663-2981

(423) 229-5103

German Principalities and States

Sometimes the German spelling may appear in the place of current spelling. For example, Sachsen in place of Saxe, Koeburg in place of Coburg, or even Coeburg in place of Coburg. Since the organization of present day Germany is not the same as it was when our ancestors came over; one will need to look for information in the current states rather than the ones our ancestors knew.

Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, formerly a sovereign Duchy of Germany and a constituent member of the German empire, and after 1919 incorporated into Thuringia. The District of Coburg came into the possession of the family of Wettin in the 14th century, and after the Wettins had become electors of Saxony this part of their lands fell at the partition of 1485 to the Ernestine branch of the house. From that time onward Coburg, Gotha and Saalfield were frequently partitioned and repartitioned until 1826, when Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, exchanged Saalfield for Gotha, took the title of Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and became the founder of the house which ruled until the revolution of 1918. Saxe Coburg was merged with Bavaria, while Saxe-Gotha was incorporated into Thuringia.

Saxe-Meiningen, former duchy of Germany, and after 1919 a part of Thuringia. The Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen, or more correctly Saxe-Meiningen-Hildburghausen, was founded in 1681 by Bernard, the Third son of Ernest the Pious, Duke of Saxe-Gotha, and consisted originally of the district around Meiningen. By the rearrangement of the Saxon duchies in 1826, the are of Saxe-Meiningen more than doubled by the addition of the duchies of Saxe-Hildburghausen and Saxe-Saalfield, and the districts of Themar, Kranichfeld and Kamburg. Saxe-Meiningen became a member of the new German empire in 1871. In 1918 the ruling family lost power in the general revolution.

Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, formerly a Grand Duchy of Germany and a sovereign and constituent state of the German empire, and after 1919 part of Thuringia. In early times Weimar & district belonged to the Counts of Orlamunde, and from the end of the 10th century until 1067 it was the seat of the Counts of Weimar. In the 14th century it passed to the Elector of Saxony, falling at the partition of 1485 to the Ernestine branch of the Wettin family. In 1641 having inherited Coburg and Eisenach, the three brothers, William, Albert and Ernest, founded the three principalities of Saxe-Weimar, Saxe-Eisenach, and Saxe-Gotha. Eisenach fell to Saxe-Weimar in 1644 and although the enlarged principality of Saxe-Weimer-Eisenach was temporarily split up into the lines of Saxe-Weimer, Saxe-Eisenach, and Saxe-Jena, it was united under Ernest Augustus who began to reign in 1728. Charles Augustus, who assumed the government in 1775 attracted to his court scholars such as Goethe, Schiller and Herder.

The congress of Vienna in 1815 added about 660 sq. miles to its area and gave its ruler the title of Grand Duke. Charles Augustus was the first German sovereign to give a constitution to his state under Article XIII of the Federal Act. Freedom of the press being secured under its constitution, Weimar became a focus of liberal agitation, which drew down upon the grand duke the wrath of the reactionary powers. He was thus forced to curtail some of the liberties granted. In 1866 the Grand Duchy joined Prussia against Austria and afterward entered the North German confederation and the new German empire. In 1919 it was absorbed in the former republican state of Thuringia, with the capital at Weimar.

Sonnefeld and Hofstädtten Germany

The Thomæ family originated in the town of Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany. The following sketch of the town, written in 1975, was provided by Wilbur Hanson KALB, which in turn was translated by a Mrs. KALMAN.

The Community of Sonnefeld (now several villages incorporated) lies in the Bieberbach Valley about ten miles southeast of Coburg, which is very near the East German border. The present population of the community is about fifty-two hundred.

Sonnefeld has been a frequent winner in district contests not only because of its attractiveness, but also for its athletic achievements. It is now a thoroughly modern little town with parks, playgrounds, paved streets, a heated indoor swimming pool, and even an equestrian exercise ring. Industry has come to Sonnefeld, and the inhabitants earn a good living in the furniture factories and the textile workshops.

But if living is easy in Sonnefeld today, it was not always so. It has been laid waste many times by war, fire, famine, and disease.

From the bowels of history comes the name HOFSTÄTTEN (translated - a place of the royal court), a small community originating from an old royal estate. In the thirteenth century the village was given by its owner to the Cistercian Convent SONNEFELD, which had been founded nearby. In the next three centuries the Convent suffered many misfortunes - - plunder, fire, rebellion - - and early in the sixteenth century the Convent was dissolved and the State took over its properties

Shortly thereafter the German Empire became a mosaic of little principalities, dukedoms and bishoprics - - "to each his own" - - at one time more than twenty-five hundred of them. The ruler of each was permitted to choose the religious affiliation of his people. The schism within the Christian faith was by this time complete, and Protestantism was a reality; most of Germany was Protestant, having adopted the statement of the Lutheran principles (The Ausburg Confession) as the basis of their faith, Dissension remained, however, and led to the Thirty Years War.

Sonnefeld-Hofstätten (Hofstädten, Hofstaedten) suffered severely. Troops were often quartered in the area at the villagers’ expense. The village was invaded, plundered and burned; crops were unattended, famine and disease were everywhere. In nearby Gestungshausen (now a part of Sonnefeld) eleven hundred of the thirteen hundred inhabitants died, and in all of Germany more than half the populace perished. But late in the century Hofstädten was granted certain market rights by the Duke of Gotha, giving it some importance in the area, and increasing its revenue.

The seventeen hundreds brought more peaceful pursuits: the Convent Church was restored, school inspections were held, and roads and taverns were built. But there were some losses by fire, troops still moved through the area, and a severe famine in 1771-1772 took many lives in Hofstädten.

In the eighteen hundreds wars came again to Germany and once more Sonnefeld - Hofstädten contributed food, grain, money - - - and the lives of men. Compulsory conscription had become a reality. Troops of many nations passed through the area, and some were quartered there for many months, and at such expense that the community had to borrow money to maintain them. Once again there were famine and hardship. But there were happier moments, perhaps most notably the initiation of the children’s festival in 1851. In 1889 Sonnefeld - Hofstädten officially became Sonnefeld.

The tragedies of the two World Wars need no review. Sonnefeld, as did many other communities in Germany, sacrificed precious possessions for armaments - - two bells from the Moritz Church, and pipes from the organ. Just prior to World War II Sonnefeld had a population of about fourteen hundred. Most of the men were drafted, and more than two hundred were killed or reported missing.

The Convent Church dating from the thirteenth century, many times burned, many times plundered, many times restored, is a significant historical edifice in Sonnefeld. And the Moritz Church as well, which is first mentioned in the brochure as of 1442. Martin Reissenweber, in his letter of January 15, 1858, mentions both churches as having been restored, and he says, "There are no two church more beautiful than ours". The Moritz Church was last restored in 1970; many Reissenwebers have been buried in its beautiful well-attend churchyard. (only the graves of the recent dead are to be found. Graves are not purchased permanently, and bodies are not embalmed. There are often beautiful markers; these are retained by the family.)

And finally, a word about basket-weaving, the industry in Sonnefeld from the time of its introduction in the nineteenth century until World War II. Previously agricultural pursuits had been the exclusive occupation of the residents. But when basket-making come to Sonnefeld, there was a complete change; baskets of all kinds, from very small and dainty ones to those of great size for industrial and business use - - all could be made in the homes. And the world was there market.

It is my understanding that certain willows and appropriate grasses grew abundantly in the area, making it a "natural" for the development of the industry."

First Generation

HISTORY of Christoph THOMÆ

Christoph Thomæ

Christoph THOMÆ was most probably, in Hildburghausen, Sachsen-Meningen, Thuringen, Germany. Christoph was the village schoolmaster of Hildburghausen. He then became assistant headmaster and Deacon at Melchior Weigler’s parsonage from which he was promoted to Coburg, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany as superintendent of St. Mortiz. Christoph died on 06 Jun 1634 in Hildburghausen, Sachsen-Meningen, Thuringen, Germany. There are Thoma families still living in Hildburghausen and are probably descendants of Christoph THOMÆ.

Children of Christoph THOMÆ

2. i. Stephan THOMÆ, was born on 24 Aug 1629 in Hildburghausen, Sachsen-Meningen, Thuringen, Germany and died on 22 Jul 1706 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany

Second Generation

2. HISTORY of Stephan THOMÆ

Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Stephan THOMÆ was born on St. Bartholmoew’s Day, 24 Aug 1629 in Hildburghausen, province of Sachsen-Meningen, Germany, the son of Christoph THOMÆ. In 1662 Stephan become a Lutheran pastor in the town of Wiesenfeld in the province of Sachsen-Coburg Germany. He served the town of Wiesenfeld for a period of little over five years until he became the pastor of Neuhaus in 1668. (Author's note: Schierschnitz and Neuhaus are adjoining towns as are now known as Neuhaus-Schierschnitz.) Stephan served the town of Neuhaus for nearly 10 years until 1678 when he succeeded as the Adjutant of Sonnefeld. His move from Neuhaus is given in his own words: "Departed on 21 February 1678 from Schierschnitz with full blessings, and arrived in the afternoon towards 3 o’clock in Sonnefeld happily with mine own. Thereupon, called upon the Lord, entered upon the Holy Communion with a obligatory sermon and the administration of the Lord’s Supper: GOD GIVES TO THE FUTURE PLANTING AND WATERING OF THE BLESSED GROWTH". As the Adjutant of Sonnefeld, or Assistant to the Bishop, Stephan’s job besides being Pastor was to protect the Lutheran faith and his flock against the Catholic faith. A position in which he, evidently, excelled. One of the records from the beginning of Stephan’s service at Sonnefeld can be found in the Church Book of the Evangelical Lutheran Parish at Sonnefeld and reads: "In the year 1678 - DOMINICA - SEPTUAGESIMA [9th Sunday before Easter] I am Pastor Stephanus Thoma, formerly Pastor of Wiesenfeld, afterwards for ten years as Pastor of Neuenhaus, at the courtesy of Reverend M. JOHANN LAURENTIUS HOFMAN, deceased. - to a Pastor and Adjutant through Reverend JOHANN FRIEDRICH HENDRICH, Finance Minster of Coburg, and official of this place, presented before noon a proper and maiden sermon about the orderly evangelism - Matthew 20 - in this church of Sonnefeld and also of the whole community, on 31 January 1679. Written [untranslatable] and on the seven Sunday after Trinity was invested." Stephan served as Pastor and Adjutant of Sonnefeld until his death on 25 Jul 1706. His burial entry from the church book of the Evangelical Lutheran Parish at Sonnefeld reads: "On 25 July 1706 - St. Jacob’s Day, Sonnefeld the 8th Sunday after Trinity the well revered and very well learned and in the 28 years faithful and industrious former Pastor and Adjutant: Mr. Stephan Thoma, who on 22 July, the feast day of Maria Magdalena, towards 2 o’clock in the morning, passed away sweetly and happily to his Savior, in people-rich gathering under many tears of his listeners in the church of this place, was lowered opposite the pulpit. Age 77 [years] - ministry 43 [years] -. The funeral sermon was delivered by Clement M. FROMANN, Pastor of Großgarnstadt, from Acts 4:4-8, 7:55-56. Stephan however full of faith and the Holy Spirit - gained the Son in Heaven with great efforts." His tombstone, which still resides inside the Cloister Church in Sonnefeld on the wall opposite the pulpit, has the following inscription: "Here rests, enfeebled by the great age and wearied by many labors, the bones of a true Servant of God, namely Mr. Stephan THOMÆ of Hildburghausen, theologian and deserving Adjutant of this place. This Man, God - fearing, true to his office and other priestly virtues rewarded God with three crowns, two he carried with in this mortality, with the third he produced only in the eternity, after he lived for LXXVII [77 years] - taught in Wiesenfeld for V [five years] - in Neuhaus X [ten years] - in Sonnefeld XXVIII [27 years] - altogether XLIII [43 years], - and was in the matrimony XLI [41] years. Died blessed 1706. His son Johann Christian Thomæ, rector of Neustadt, Author of ‘Light in the Evening’!"

The marriage of Stephan appears to be an interesting one. In the church records it is listed as Thomæ’s consort: Johanna CORDULA, the youngest daughter of the Senior Minister: Michael BUCHENRODER of Heldburg, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. In her death record it is listed as Mrs. CORDULA. Stephan and Johanna lived in house number 46 in Hofstädten from 1687 to 1706. Johanna, presumed to have been born in Heldburg, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany, died on 10 Mar 1712 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany and was buried in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

Children of Stephan THOMÆ and Johanna CORDULA

3. i. Johann Christian THOMÆ in 1668 in Heldburg, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany and died 22 May 1723 in Neustadt, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

ii. Sara Elisabetha THOMÆ was born in Neuhaus, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 16 Mar 1672. Sara never married and died in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen in Apr 1737. She was buried on 22 Apr 1737 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. It was noted that Sara was buried with a funeral sermon. This is a strange comment and makes one wonder whether most people were buried without a church sermon.

iii. Sabina Maria THOMÆ was born in Neuhaus, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 27 Nov 1674. Like several of her sisters, Sabina never married. She died on 30 Aug 1733 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany and was buried on 01 Sep 1733 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Sabina died at 5 o’clock in the morning and went to a sweet and happy death with a funeral sermon.

iv. Christina Cordula THOMÆ was born in February of 1676 in Neuhaus, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Christina who evidently was named after her mother never married. She died in Nov 1740 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany and was buried on 04 Nov 1740 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. It was noted that Christina was afflicted for over nine years to her end with great depression and melancholia.

4. v. Johann Sebastian THOMÆ was born in 1678 in Neuhaus, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany and died circa 1740 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

vi. Unknown THOMÆ , a male child, was born and died on 05 May 1678 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

vii. Stephan Thomas THOMÆ was born on 27 May 1679 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. He studied in Coburg, Germany from 1696 to 1700. He was in Jena in 1700 and in Erfurt from 1702 to 1722. Stephan Thomas died in 1740.

viii. Martha Catharina THOMÆ was born on 27 Jun 1682 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

ix. Johann Andreas THOMÆ was born on 19 Mar 1688 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

Third Generation

3. HISTORY of Johann Christian THOMÆ

Johann Christian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph¹

Johann Christian THOMÆ was born in Heldburg, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany, in the year 1668. Like his father, Johann Christian was a Lutheran pastor and later a historian of some note. In 1697 he moved to Neustadt bei Coburg, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany where he was appointed pastor at the rectory. There, in 1722, he wrote his book entitled "The Complete Protestant Churches, Particularly in the Entire Principality of Coburg, Devoted Light in the Evening: that is, Historical Description of the Salubrious Reformation Works and Life of Luther - all Protestant Ministers and Cities, Schools, Colleges of the Principality of Coburg". This book was more commonly known as "Light in the Evening".

It was in Neustadt on 09 Jun 1700 that he married Margaretha Dorothea EYRING. Margaretha was the daughter of Johann Andreas EYRING and Anna Ursula BRECHTOLD. She was most likely born in the province of Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. It was also in the town of Neustadt that Johann Christian THOMÆ died on 22 May 1723, only one year after completing his book.

Children of Johann Christian THOMÆ and Margaretha Dorothea EYRING

i. Ursula Margaretha THOMÆ was baptized on 14 Nov 1702 in Neustadt, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. And as was the custom was named after her grandmother. As an aside the Germany custom for naming children is as follows: the first male child is name after the father's father; the second male child is name after the father; the third male child is named after the father's oldest brother; the first female child is named after the mother's mother; the second female child is named after the mother; and the third female child is named after the mother's oldest sister. Additionally, the child was given a first and middle name and was commonly called after the middle name. So Ursula Magaretha would have been called Margaret.

ii. Justina Dorothea THOMÆ was baptized on 27 Jul 1705 in Neustadt, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

iii. Andreas Eusebius Christanus THOMÆ was born on 05 Feb 1709 in Neustadt; and christened on 05 Sep 1709 in Neustadt, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

iv. Sabina Maria THOMÆ was baptized on 15 Aug 1711 in Neustadt, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Sabina died in Neustadt, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 12 Apr 1715.

v. Johann Christian THOMÆ was baptized in Neustadt, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 12 Feb 1714 and died in the same city on 06 Jun 1714.

4. HISTORY of Johann Sebastian THOMÆ

Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Johann Sebastian THOMÆ was born in 1678 in the town of Neuhaus, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. He moved with his parents to the town of Hofstädten where he took up the occupation of joiner. Another term for the occupation of joiner would be a cabinet maker. On 22 May 1703, Johann Sebastian married Anna GUTSEL in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany The wedding sermon was performed by Herr Bathasar FROMANN, Pastor of Großgarnstadt.

Anna’s father was Johann GUTSEL, a potter in the town of Hofstädten, the same town in which Anna was born in 1680.

Johann Sebastian and Anna lived in house number 46 in the town of Sonnefeld; in the same house that his father lived. In 1706, the same year that his father died, he is listed as paying taxes on one half of the house and his daughter, Christina Cordelia, the other half. In 1740 he is listed as living in one half of the house and Chrn. Val. THOMÆ (presumed to be Christian Valentin THOMÆ) as living in the other half of the house.

Anna died on 27 Apr 1741 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany and is buried in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. In 1741, Johann Sebastian in no longer living in house 46, making his presumed year of death as sometime between 1740 and 27 Apr 1741.

Children of Johann Sebastian THOMÆ and Anna GUTSEL

5. i. Johann Stephan THOMÆ was baptized on 25 Mar 1704 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany. Johann Stephan died 13 Feb 1782 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

6. ii. Johann Conrad THOMÆ was baptized on 12 Apr 1706 in the town of Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

iii. Johann Sebastian THOMÆ was baptized on 29 Sep 1708 in the town of Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. His Godfather was Master Johann HUMMEL, potter of Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

7. iv. Christian Valentin THOMÆ was born Sep 1711 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany and died 1765 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

8. v. Stephan Thomas THOMÆ was baptized on 19 Aug 1714 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany, and died on 03 Apr 1788 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

Fourth Generation

5. HISTORY of Johann Stephan THOMÆ

Johann Stephan Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Johann Stephan THOMÆ was baptized on 25 Mar 1704 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany. His Godfather was the "worthy and honorable Master Johann BERGNER, judge and innkeeper in Küps". The inscription from his baptismal record reads "God gives straight to this child preparation, and lets him proceed to his glory." This inscription is also puzzling.

He first Married Maria WILDE on 29 Nov 1730 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Maria was born in 1694 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia German and died on 07 Jan 1733 in Schmoelin. He next married Susanna Maria MENGE on 20 May 1734 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Susanna Maria was born 1703 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany and died on 01 Nov 1739 in Schmoeline, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. She was christened on 30 Aug 1703 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany He last married Anna Christina PHILIPP on 22 Nov 1740 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Anna Christina was Elia PHILIPP and Anna nee' SEYDEL^(*). Anna Christina was born in 1715 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany, christened on 10 Dec 1715 in Schmoelin, and died on 25 Mar 1788 in Schmoelin. Johann Stephan out lived all his wives but Anna Christina; dying on 13 Feb 1782 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

Children of Johann Stephan THOMÆ and Maria WILDE

i. Gottlieb Heinrich THOMÆ was born on 12 Feb 1732 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. He died on 14 Feb 1732 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

ii. Anna Christina THOMÆ was born on 04 Jan 1733 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. She died on 04 Jan 1733 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

Children of Johann Stephan THOMÆ and Susanna Maria MENGE

iii. Gottfried Heinrich THOMÆ was born on 17 Sep 1738 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. He died on 23 Sep 1738 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

iv. Maria Rosina THOMÆ was born on 30 Sep 1739 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. She died on 15 Oct 1739 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

Children of Johann Sephan THOMÆ and Anna Christina PHILIPP

9. v. Christian Johann Friedrich THOMÆ was born on 23 Dec 1750 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

10. vi. Gottfried Heinrich THOMÆ was born on 08 Jan 1742 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Gemany. He died on 16 May 1813 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

vii. Christinia Sophia THOMÆ was born on 27 Jul 1744 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Christinia Sophia died on 17 Jul 1758 in Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany..

6. HISTORY of Johann Conrad THOMÆ

Johann Conrad Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Johann Conrad THOMÆ was baptized on 12 Apr 1706 in the town of Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. His Godfather was Master Johann Conrad EYRICH, potter of Weidhausen, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany (also known as Weidhausen bei Coburg). The inscription from his baptismal record reads "God allows this boy grow up to his glory.". John had an illegitimate child by Margaretha GÜNTHER. It is not known whether the two ever legally married.

Children of Johann Conrad THOMÆ and Margaretha GÜNTHER

i. Anna THOMÆ was baptized in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 12 Sep 1727. She was an illegitimate child.

7. HISTORY of Christian Valentin THOMÆ

Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Christian Valentin THOMÆ was baptized on 07 Sep 1711 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. When he reached manhood, Christian became a master potter in his home town. It is supposition that he learned his trade from his grandfather; but it is a logical supposition.

It was in Hofstädten at the Cloister Church that he married Anna Margaretha HEUBACH on 26 Sep 1765. Anna Margaretha was a native of Hofstädten and is believed to have been born in the year 1716.

Christian is shown as owning one half of house number 46 in Hofstädten from 1740 to 1741 and then all of house 46 from 1741 to 1765. Because of this it is believed that he died in 1765. Anna Margaretha died on 17 Apr 1758 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany and was buried on 19 Apr 1758 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

Children of Christian Valentin THOMÆ and Anna Margaretha HEUBACH

i. Johann Martin THOMÆ was baptized in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 24 Dec 1735. He lived until almost three years of age when he died on 18 Sep 1738 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany.

11. ii. Georg Friedrich THOMÆ was baptized on 28 Jul 1737 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

iii. Stephan THOMÆ was baptized on 15 Jul 1739 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. His Godparent was his uncle, Stephan Thomas THOMÆ.

iv. Susanna Margaretha THOMÆ was baptized on 09 Oct 1741 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany and born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

v. Johann Georg THOMÆ was baptized on 12 Dec 1743 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

12. vi. Johann Ernst THOMÆ was born in Mar 1747 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany and died before 1819 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

vii. Johann Paul THOMÆ was born on 16 Aug 1750 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany. It is believed that he lived in house 51a in Hofstädten from 1778 to 1811. If this is correct then his probable death year would be 1811.

viii. Catharina THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 23 Sep 1755.

8. HISTORY of Stephan Thomas THOMÆ

Stephan Thomas Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Stephan Thomas THOMÆ was baptized on 19 Aug 1714 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Stephan, unlike his father became a potter; a trade probably learned from his grandfather.

He was twice married. First to Catharina RÄDLEIN on 24 Apr 1742 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

Catharina, born in 1716, was the oldest legitimate daughter of Johann RÄDLEIN, called "Schillig", who was a resident and one time civil official of Weidhausen, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany, and also a juryman of Graitz (Author's Note: Believed to be the town of Marktgraitz southeast of Weidhausen.). Catharina died in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 01 Nov 1745, shortly after the birth of her twin sons.

Stephan then married Renate Magdalene BRAUNSCHMIDT in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 18 Apr 1747. Renate, born in 1723, was the youngest daughter by first marriage of Johann Georg BRAUNSCHMIDT, former caretaker for an Imperial nobleman of Redwitz, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany (Author's Note: A town southeast of Sonnefeld and in a direct line with Weidhausen and Marktgraitz and then to the east of Marktgraitz.) in Thieisenorth and at the time of his daughter’s marriage was living in Horb, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany (Author's Note: Horb is to the east of Sonnefeld.). It is interesting that the marriage record notes that the marriage became legal after proclamations were made three times. Renate Magdalene died on 08 Jan 1786 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen Germany.

In 1740 until the time of his death, Stephan Thomas is listed as living in house number 59 in Sonnefeld. This is the same house that once belonged to Hans GUTSEL. Stephan, who outlived both of his wives died on 03 Apr 1788 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

Children of Stephan Thomas and Catharina RÄDLEIN

i. Anna Barbara THOMÆ was baptized on 22 Feb 1743 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

ii. Johann Lorenz THOMÆ was baptized and born on 14 Oct 1745 at his home in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Johann Lorenz was the twin of Stephan THOMÆ.

iii. Stephan THOMÆ was baptized on 14 Oct 1745 in Sonnefeld, Thuringen, Germany. It is known that he "came into the world dead". Based on this, the presumption is that he was born, baptized, and died all on 14 Oct 1745. Stephan was the twin brother of Johann Lorenz.

Children of Stephan Thomas THOMÆ and Renate Magdalene BRAUNSCHMIDT

i. Johann Friedrich THOMÆ was baptized on 10 Oct 1748 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. His Godparents were Johann Friedrich BRAUNSCHMIDT, the brother-in-law of Stephan Thomas THOMÆ. At the time of Johann Friedrich’s baptism, his Godfather was in the service of the King of Prussia. Since he was not available, Christian Valentin THOMÆ took his place at the baptism. Like his father, Johann Friedrich became a potter.

On 15 May 1777, Johann Friedrich married Margaretha Barbara FEILER at the Cloister Church, Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Margaretha was the only legitimate daughter of Johann Nikolaus FEILER a carpenter and farmer with twelve acres around Hofstädten. Johann Nikolaus FEILER died on 14 May 1777 and his daughter was married the next day.

ii. Johann Stephan THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 30 Dec 1750. He married Margaretha Barbara ZEUNER at the Cloister Church, Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 15 Nov 1774.

Margaretha Barbara was the only legitimate daughter of Lorenz ZEUNER, a cooper of Frohnlach, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany (Author's Note: The town of Frohnlach is directly west of Sonnefeld and directly adjoins the town of Ebersdorf).

13. iii. Johann Georg THOMÆ was born on 28 Dec 1752 in Hofstädten, Germany

14. iv. Johann Conrad THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 12 Dec 1755 and died on 04 Jul 1790 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

Fifth Generation

9. HISTORY of Christian Johann Friedrich THOMÆ

Christian Johann Friedrich Thomæ⁵ / Johann Stephan Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Christian Johann Friedrich THOMÆ was born on 23 Dec 1750 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. He married Anna Dorothea WIRTH on 03 Oct 1780 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Anna Dorothea was the daughter of Johann Christoph WIRTH and Anna Dorothea FRITZSCHE^(*). Anna Dorothea was born on 30 Jun 1753 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

Children of Christian Johann Friedrich THOMÆ and Anna Dorothea WIRTH

i. Christian Gottlob THOMÆ was born on 23 Feb 1782 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. He died on 08 Apr 1783 in Schmeolin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

ii. Johanna Rosina THOMÆ was born on 23 Feb 1783 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. She married Johann Samuel FRIEDRICH on 15 Feb 1803 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Johann Samuel was born in 1779 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany and died on 15 Feb 1803 also in Schmoelin. Johanna Rosina died on 25 Dec 1805 in Schmeolin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

iii. Johanna Doroteha THOMÆ was born on 26 Jan 1788 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. She married Johann Benjamin FRIEDRICH on 26 Dec 1806 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Johann Samuel was born in 1784 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Johanna Dorothea died on 25 Dec 1864 in Schmeolin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

15. iv. Christiane Sophie THOMÆ was born on 01 Mar 1786 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany and died on 13 Jul 1860.

v. Christiana Wilhelmine THOMÆ was born on 02 Dec 1792in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. He died on 30 Jul 1793 in Schmeolin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

vi. Christian Friedrich THOMÆ was born on 17 Jan 1795 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. He died on 26 Aug 1800 in Schmeolin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

10. HISTORY of Gottfried Heinrich THOMÆ

Gottfried Heinrich Thomæ⁵ / Johann Stephan Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Gottfried Heinrich THOMÆ was born on 08 Jan 1742 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. And died 16 May 1813 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Gottfried Heinrich first married Maria Elisabeth KOEHLER on 26 Jan 1766 in Schmoelin. Maria Elisabeth was the daughter of John KOEHLER and Eva BOETTCHER^(*). Maria Elisabeth was born on 05 Oct 1729 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany and died on 04 Dec 1770 in Schmoelin. Gottfried next married Eva Maria TRUEMMER on 07 Jan 1772 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Eva Maria was born in 1746 in Schmoelin and died on 25 Feb 1783 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. He last married Johanne Friedricke MEINHARDT. Johanne Friedricke was born in 1762 in Waldersdorf, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany and died 26 Jun 1817 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

Children of Gottfried Heinrich THOMÆ and Maria Koehler KOEHLER

i. Christoph Heinrich THOMÆ was born on 02 Aug 1766 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

ii. Johann Friedrich THOMÆ was born on 27 Feb 1769 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

Children of Gottfried Heinrich THOMÆ and Eva Maria TRUEMMER

iii. Christian Friedrich THOMÆ was born on 11 Feb 1773 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

iv. Christiana Sophia THOMÆ was born on 15 May 1775 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

v. Johann Gottlob THOMÆ was born on 29 Jun 1777 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Johann Gottlob died on 11 May 1787 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany

vi. Friedrich Gottlieb THOMÆ was born on 26 Feb 1781 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Friedrich Gottlieb died on 27 Dec 1809 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany

11. HISTORY of Georg Friedrich THOMÆ

Georg Friedrich Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Georg Friedrich THOMÆ was baptized on 28 Jul 1737 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. As he grew up Georg Friedrich became a potter like most of his family. Whether he ever married is not known. However, he did have an illegitimate child with Anna Margaretha GRIEBNER. At the time Anna was a widower living in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

Children of Georg Friedrich THOMÆ and Anna Margaretha GRIEBNER

i. Margaretha Barbara THOMÆ was born on 21 Oct 1764 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

12. HISTORY of Johann Ernst THOMÆ

Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Johann Ernst THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. He was baptized in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 15 Mar 1747. His Godparents was Johann Ernst HUMMEL, a potter in Oeslau, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. As he grew up, Johann Ernst became a potter in the town of Hofstädten. On 20 Oct 1766, Johann married Maria Sabina BECHMANN in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. They were married overnight or the literal translation of "in a hour of bed". Which means that they were married in secret or eloped. At this time, Johann Ernst was only an apprentice potter in Hofstädten.

Maria Sabina, who was the child of Johann Peter BECHMANN, a potter in Hofstädten, and his wife Anna Barbara GUTSEL; was baptized on 05 May 1745 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany. Her Godparents were Paul SCHAUMBERGER, a cooper in Hofstädten, and his wife Maria Sabina SCHAUMBERGER. From 1811 to 1821, Johann Ernst is listed as living in house 51a. During that same time frame the house is also listed as belonging to the widower Sabine THOMÆ. It is interesting to note that from 1761 to 1778 this house belonged to Maria Sabina’s parents and from 1778 to 1811 it belonged to Johann Paul THOMÆ (most likely Johann Ernst’s brother). But it is know that Johann Ernst died before 1819 because when his daughter Catharina died he was already deceased. All of this makes the most probable death year for Maria Sabina as 1821.

Children of Johann Ernst THOMÆ and Maria Sabina BECHMANN

i. Barbara THOMÆ was born on 12 Dec 1766 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

ii. Johann Paul THOMÆ was born on 27 Nov 1768 in Hofstädten, and died in the same town on 23 Jan 1770.

iii. Catharina THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 01 Jan 1771. Catharina never married and died a spinster on 30 Sep 1819 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

iv. Eva Barbara THOMÆ was born on 24 Aug 1773 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

v. Margaretha Barbara THOMÆ was born on 06 Mar 1775 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

vi. Johann Casper THOMÆ was born on 04 Jun 1777 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

vii. Johann THOMÆ was born on 28 Dec 1778 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

16. viii. Johann Ludwig THOMÆ was born 08 Jun 1781 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany and died on 23 October 1854 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

ix. Johann Julius THOMÆ was born on 18 Jul 1784 in Hofstädten and died only three days later in Hofstädten on 21 Jul 1784.

x. Johann Conrad THOMÆ was born on 26 Jun 1786 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

xi. Margaretha THOMÆ was born on 15 Mar 1789 in Hofstädten and died in the same town on 20 Apr 1863. Margaretha never married.

13. HISTORY of Johann Georg THOMÆ

Johann Georg Thomæ⁵ / Stephan Thomas Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Johann Georg THOMÆ was born on 28 Dec 1752 in Hofstädten, Germany. Although no marriage record can be found it is known that he married Elisabeth STÜPFERT. Johann Georg became a potter.

Children of Johann Georg THOMÆ and Elisabeth STÜPFERT

i. Margaretha Barbara THOMÆ was born on 14 Jan 1781 in Hofstädten, Germany.

ii. Margaretha Elisabeth THOMÆ was born on 06 Oct 1782 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

14. HISTORY of Johann Conrad THOMÆ

Johann Conrad Thomæ⁵ / Stephan Thomas Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Johann Conrad THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 12 Dec 1755. Like his brothers he became a potter. On 25 Jan 1785 he married Anna Barbara GÄRTNER in Hofstädten, Germany. Anna Barbara was the oldest daughter by the first marriage of Johann GÄRTNER, farrier and armourer of Ebersdorf, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Although, not known, it is believed that Anna Barbara was born in Ebersdorf, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Johann Conrad died on 04 Jul 1790 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

Children of Johann Conrad THOMÆ and Anna Barbara GÄRTNER

i. Sabine THOMÆ was born on 18 Mar 1787 in Hofstädten, Germany and died in the same town on 08 Dec 1790.

ii. Johann Heinrich THOMÆ was born on 08 Jun 1789 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany.

Sixth Generation

15. HISTORY of Christiane Sophie THOMÆ (WAECHTER) KOSSKY

Christiane Sophie Thomæ⁶ / Christian Johann Friedrich Thomæ⁵ / Johann Stephan Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Christiane Sophie THOMÆ was born on 01 Mar 1786 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany and died 13 Jul 1860. She first married Johann August Ferdinand WAECHTER on 19 Feb 1810 in Schmoelin, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Johann August Ferdinand was the son of Johann Georg WAECHTER and Johanna Susanne DIETZSCH^(*).^(*).He was born on 11 Aug 1784 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany and died on 29 Sep 1822 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Christiane Sophie next married Friedrich Wilhelm KOSSKY. ^(*). Friedrich Wilhelm was born about 1780 in Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

Children of Christiane Sophie THOMÆ and Johann August Ferdinand WAECHTER

17. i. Karl Friedrich WAECHTER was born 17 Nov 1811 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. Karl Friedrich died on 14 Mar 1875 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany

Children of Christiane Sophie THOMÆ and Friedrich Wilhelm KOSSKY

ii. Johann Heinrich Franz WAECHTER was on 07 Jun 1826 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany and died on 07 Aug 1826 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

17. HISTORY of Johann Ludwig THOMÆ

Johann Ludwig Thomæ⁶ / Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Johann Ludwig THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany on 08 Jun 1781. He was a potter, a profession many of descendants was to follow. Johann Ludwig married Kunigunda SCHRAUTER, who was born in 1784 Großgarnstadt, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany. In 1821 he is living in house 51b. In 1835 he had purchased the other half of the house, 51b. In 1842 Lorenz THOMÆ, was living in house 51b and in 1844 Lorenz "Lawrence" George THOMÆ, was living in house 51b. In 1854, Ludwig was no longer living in house 51a but was living in house 51b. Johann Ludwig died in Hofstädten on 23 Oct 1854 and his wife, Kunigunda, was to follow him in death on 12 Nov 1854. By 1855, Margaret THOMÆ is living in the house. This could be anyone of three daughters; but I suspect that it is Margaretha Barbara born 1819.

Children of Johann Ludwig and Kunigunda nee’ SCHRAUTER THOMÆ

i. Anna Margaretha THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

ii. Anna Barbara THOMÆ, commonly known as Barbara, was born on 13 Mar 1814 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Five days later on 18 Mar 1814 she was baptized in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany. Anna Barbara never married and died a spinster on 29 Feb 1888 in Hofstädten Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.

iii. Margaretha Barbara THOMÆ, commonly known as Margaretha, was born on 19 Nov 1816 in Hofstädten and was baptized on 21 Nov 1816 in Sonnefeld. Like her sister, Margaretha never married and died a spinster in Hofstädten on 21 April 1887.

18. iv. Margaretha Barbara THOMÆ was born on 04 Jul 1819 in Hofstädten died on 13 Nov 1884 Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany

v. Dorothea THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten on 17 Jun 1821. She was baptized in Sonnefeld on 24 Jun 1821. Her Godparent was Dorothea ENGEL, the lawful wife of farmer Heinrich ENGEL of Weickenbach.

19. vi. Lorenz "Lawrence" Georg THOMÆ was born 05 Jul 1823 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany and died on 11 Jan 1881 at his residence in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

20. VII. Johann Lorenz THOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 13 Jan 1824 and is known to have died before 1884.

Seventh Generation

17. HISTORY of Karl Friedrich WAECHTER

Karl Friedrich Waechter⁷ / Christiane Sophie Thomæ⁶ / Christian Johann Friedrich Thomæ⁵ / Johann Stephan Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Karl Friedrich WAECHTER was born on 17 Nov 1811 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany and died on 14 Mar 1875 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany. He married Christiane MUELLER on 01 Nov 1843 in Goesnitz, Germany. Christiane was born about 1820 in Goesnitz, Germany.

Children of Karl Friedrich and Christiane nee' MUELLER WAECHTER

i. Auguste Wilhelmine WAECHTER was born on 26 Nov 1843 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

ii. Gustav Adolph WAECHTER was born on 25 Jun 1845 in Altenburg, Sachsen-Altenburg, Thuringia, Germany.

18. HISTORY of Margaretha Barbara THOMÆ

Margaretha Barbara Thomæ⁷ / Johann Ludwig Thomæ⁶ / Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Margaretha Barbara THOMÆ, commonly known as Margaretha Barbara was born on 04 Jul 1819 in Hofstädten. She was baptized in Sonnefeld on 08 Jul 1819. Her Godparent was Margaretha Barbara TRUCKENBRODT (*), the wife of Johann Peter STEGNER (*) a cooper from Frohnlach, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Margaretha Barbara died in Hofstädten on 13 Nov 1884.

Children of Margaretha Barbara THOMÆ

i. Margaretha Barbara THOMÆ was a known, but illegitimate child of her mother. She retained the Thomæ name and later married a BÖHM.

19. HISTORY of Lorenz George THOMÆ

Lorenz George Thomæ⁷ / Johann Ludwig Thomæ⁶ / Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Lorenz "Lawrence" GeorgeTHOMÆ, was born Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 05 Jan 1823. He was the son of Johann Ludwig THOMÆ and Kunigunda SCHRAUTER. He spent his early life in Sonnefeld and there learned the craft of pottery making.

In 1848 he married Margarethe Barbara WALTHER, who was born on 21 Feb 1824 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany. However, there is also a marriage recorded for them in the Cooper County Marriage Records. They were married on 25 Jan 1855 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri by John WETTLE, Lutheran Pastor. A search of the Evangelical Lutheran Church records in Sonnefeld do not provide any indications of a marriage in Germany. But there are some indications that the marriage may have occurred in Gestungshausen. All of this may have some bearing in fact if another piece of information can be proven. Herr Emil SCHMIDT, a genealogist in Hofstaedten has Walther ancestors. He asserts that John Casper Thoma is actually a child of Margaretha Barabara Walther and one of her brothers.

Sometime in the mid 1850's Lorenz, his wife Margaret, and his two sons set sail for America. The actual date of immigration has always been a puzzle. At times various family members claimed they immigrated to the United States in either 1849, 1852, 1853, 1854, or 1855. Since George John was born 12 Apr 1854 in Hofstaedten, Germany and William Henry was born 24 May 1857, the date of immigration had to occur sometime between these two dates. The next piece of information comes from the tax rolls of Hofstaedten Germany where in 1854 Lorenz Thoma sold the house (number 51a) that he and his family had been living in to his father. If one assumes a three month ocean voyage then the date of immigration had to occur between Apr 1854 and Apr 1855.

After their arrival in Boonville, the family started working on new life in this land. This was characterized by hard work, a trait of all the German immigrants of this time period. Lawrence was a potter by profession, a trade that most of his family followed. At first, he most probably worked at the Vollrath pottery mill located between Locust Street and Reams Branch directly west of what is now the David Barton School. There is no proof that Lawrence worked for Vollrath, only a firm belief. George VOLLRATH(^*) was born in Frohnlach, Germany only a few miles from Hofstaedten, the home village of Lawrence. Vollrath, in his pottery in Boonville was known to have hired a large number of potters who had also immigrated from his village and surrounding villages in Germany. Additionally, Lawrence and his family lived on Locust street in very close proximity of Vollrath's pottery mill. Putting all of this together the only reasonable conclusion was that Lawrence Thoma worked for Vollrath.

In late 1865 the family moved from lower Locust street to the intersection of Locust and 11^th streets. The property that was purchased contained a log cabin into which the family moved and sometime later clapboarded. The land that Lorenz and Margaret purchased is as follows: "Beginning at the north west corner of a tract of land deeded by David LILLY and wife to William GIBSON, said corner being in the road leading from Boonville to Rocheport; thence west 1.62 chains, thence south to the northwest corner of a tract of land deed by Willam MEYERS and wife to Franz STRETZ(^*); thence east to land of William Gibson and thence northwardly to the beginning, containing one and thirty one-hundreths acres more or less." The land was purchased from George STRETZ(^*) and his wife, Margaretha STRETZ(^*) on 01 Nov 1865 for the price of $635.00.

On 04 Dec 1866 they purchased another section of land described as "Beginning at a point in the north west quarter of section 36, township 49, range 17, where lands of William Gibson, John J. GIBSON, George W. GIBSON, Henry M. MEYERS and George KLEIN adjoin; thence north on west boundary line of Gibson's land 273 yards to a point in Boonville and Rocheport road, thence east 35 years and 7 inches to a point in said road; thence south on a line parallel with said west boundary line of Gibson's land, 273 years to a point on line between said Gibson's and Meyers, thence west on said line 35 years and 7 inches to the beginning, containing two acres more or less." This land was purchased from William GIBSON and Emily, his wife and George W. GIBSON and John J. GIBSON.

By sometime in 1870 Lawrence had started his own pottery mill in Boonville. Using the two acres of land that he had purchased in December of 1866; he borrowed nine hundred dollars from John Adam STEGNER(^*). The loan against a deed of trust dated 22 Feb 1870 was for two years at a ten percent interest rate. By June of 1870 the census lists Lawrence's assets at $1300 in real estate and $1000 in personal property. The census also indicates that Lawrence and the older sons all worked at the pottery craft while the younger children ran a "market garden"; growing and selling produce to the local towns people. Finally hard work and diligence had proved to be the way to success.

But sometimes everything is not as it seems and business must have been difficult. Because an advertisement in the August 20^th and 27^th issues of the Boonville Weekly Eagle contains a notice to delinquent city tax payers. In this list Lawrence Thoma is shown being delinquent on his taxes to the tune of $12.25. In May 16, 1871 the delinquent tax notice is repeated for a new year. This time Lawrence owed $19.25 in back taxes. Things progressed and on 27 May 1872 John Adam Stegner acknowledged that he had been paid in full against the deed of trust. Or at least so it seemed. The money for payment to John Adam Stegner was made by going deeper into debt. This time a deed of trust dated 27 May 1872 was made out to Louis VOGEL(^*) and the promissary note was for $2747.10. Again this was at a 10% annual interest rate. Sometimes when things look black, they get blacker. On 03 Aug 1872 Lawrence and Barbara were forced to sell their personal property. The personal property consisted of: one black horse, 8 years old; one brown horse, 4 years old; one white mare, 10 years old; one two horse wagon; one one horse wagon; one brown cow, 4 years old; 12 head of hogs; 4000 gal stone jars; and 3,000 fine bricks. They were sold for $250.00 to Jacob and Mary THAUER(^*). By now, you can guess the inevitable. Lawrence and Barbara became delinquent on their payments which were backed by the deed of trust. A notice appeared in the 03 Nov 1876 issue of the Boonville Weekly Eagle indicating that the land would be sold to the highest bidder. And on the 16^th day of December 1876 the property was sold to Louis VOGEL for $500. Louis the same person who caused the deed of trust to be executed.

With the passage of time it is easy to bemoan what happened to Lawrence. But in truth he probably received the most lenient and generous terms that he could. Because the people that he dealt with were either coworkers or relatives. John Adam STEGNER was born in the neighboring village of Frohnlach in Germany and was also a potter. Louis VOGEL's wife was Anna Barbara nee' WALTHER VOGEL(^*), a sister to Margaretha Barbara THOMA. Mary THAUER was actually Mary nee' WALTHER THAUER another sister to Margaretha Barbara THOMA.

If I could digress a little into the pottery mills of Boonville. The first thing to note is that of the four potteries in Boonville: Jegglin's, Vollrath's, Thoma's, and Weyrich's all four were owned and operated by Germans. Two of the four potteries were started by people who had lived within five miles of each other in the mother country. All four pottery familes were either directly or distantly related to one another. And finally the vast majority of the German workers in this mills came the same very small area in Germany. You might say that the potteries of Boonville were a family business.

Little is known of Lawrence's pottery business; probably due to its unsuccessful nature. However, some information can be gleaned. The following excerpt is from the Boonville Weekly Eagle of 11 Aug 1871 on Home Industry - The Boonville Stoneware Factories. It reads: "Another factory occupies a good sized frame building in the vicinity of Walnut Grove Cemetery, which is owned by Lawrence THOMA. He has but recently started, but is rapidly progressing, and bids fair to command a good share of trade." The Boonville Weekly Eagle of 17 May 1872 notes: "Mr. Thoma has a manufactory in full blast in the Eastern portion of the city, near Walnut Grove Cemetery, but we have not yet visited his establishment, but understand he is doing a good business, although he has only been in operation about two years." In November of 1934, Charles VAN RAVANSWAAY recorded a conversation with Mr. August BLANK. Mr. Blank recalled the pottery and noted that Phil Huffman used to work at the Thoma pottery. The actual location of the pottery has always been a mystery. The most probable area is the two acres of land directly east and behind the house on 11^th Street. That area is full of broken pottery shards. Other probable areas are directly north of the Locust Street side of Walnut Grove Cemetery. Two ravines lead north to the river in this block long area and both are full of pottery shards. Next to the western most ravine is an abnormal mound of earth which could have been the kiln area. No photographs remain of this pottery. The frame building mentioned in the Boonville Weekly Eagle article no longer exists.

In 1876 Lawrence was working for Charles WEYRICH's pottery mill. He may have worked there up until the time of his death at age 55. Lawrence THOMA died on 11 Jan 1881 at his home in Boonville, and is buried in Lot A160 Division 3 of the Walnut Grove Cemetery, Boonville, Missouri. The burial occurred on 13 Jan 1881 and was one of the first burials in this Cemetery as he was buried before burial numbers were issued. His grave is almost directly across from the house in which he lived.

On the 8^th of November 1881 Anna Barbara nee' WALTHER VOGEL sold the two acre plot of land and house back to her sister for the sum of $100. The remainder of land she sold to William "Bill" Henry THOMA for the sum of $100. After Lawrence's death, Barbara continued to live in the house with her daughter. Her son Bill built a house next door and the entire family looked after here. When Margarethe was well into her 80's, she still gave her occupation as a gardener. In her later years she became senile and at least one child was always sent accompany her whenever she went outside.

Margaret followed Lawrence in death, living to be 92 years old. She died on 23 Sep 1916 in her home. Margaret was buried in Lot 160 Division 2 of the Walnut Grove Cemetery on 25 Sep 1916.

In her will dated 21 May 1906, Margaret willed her children: John, George, William, Edward, and Amelia each the sum of $5.00. The remainder of her estate was left to her unmarried daughter Anna Wilhelmina "Miss Annie". This was done because: "She has devoted her entire time and attention to my welfare as well as the management of my said estate since the death of my late husband, and for those reasons she is entitled in my judgment to said remainder of my estate in fee."

The house that Lawrence and Margarethe lived, and the family grew up in was located on the present day site of the Eagles Lodge. This house was actually described as a log cabin, this is what it most likely was. It was later described as a one story weatherboarded log house with frame additions. In 1955 the house was sold and torn down. The Archway cookie plant was built on the site. Later this became the Eagles Lodge. It was noted that when the house was torned down that large quantities of pottery pieces were found under the house.

Lawrence and Margaret were members of the Evangelical Church of Boonville.

Children of Lawrence George THOMÆ and Margaret Barbara WALTHER

21. i. John Casper THOMA was born 10 Jul 1849 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany and died 28 Mar 1944 in Rio Oso, Sutter County, California.

22. ii. George John THOMA was born 12 Apr 1854 in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany and died 10 Nov 1922 at his residence in Pocahontas, Randolph County, Arkansas.

23. iii. William "Bill" Henry THOMA was born 24 May 1857 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died 15 Jan 1934 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

24. iv. Bertha Emilie THOMA was born 28 Nov 1859 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died in 1949 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

25. v. Edward George THOMA was born 23 Dec 1862 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died on 31 Dec 1924 at his residence in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

vi. Annie Wilhelmine THOMA was born in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri on 04 Apr 1865. In 1867 Annie moved to the house on 11th Street where she was to live until her death. She was lived first with her parents and siblings; and then with her mother until her mother's death. After the death of her mother, Annie continued to live alone in the family home next door to her sister-in-law Minnie nee' RABINE THOMA. It was evidently a family agreement that Henry J. GOODMAN and his family would look after Annie and in turn receive her estate when she died. And this is the case as her will dated 16 May 1939 directs that $5.00 each by given to her brother John THOMA, and her sister Amelia B. nee' THOMA GOODMAN. The remainder of her estate was given to Henry. However, since he died before Annie; it passed to his daughters Jo Ann LOWE and Henrietta June MARSHALL.

Annie made her living by taking in laundry. She would wash and iron clothes and then carry them to her clients. She was still doing this when she was eighty years. She was a stubborn woman when carrying her laundry, people would often offer her rides and she would always refuse them. She was also difficult to get along with feuding with other members of the family. The authors recollection of Annie and her sister-in-law ,Minnie THOMA, was of two ancient spinsters who always dressed in black. They were frightening and forbidding figures. However, it is doubtful that they were really all that forbidding.

Annie was left $200 in the will of George EFINGER. Evidently, George owned the land next to the Lorenz "Lawrence" George THOMÆ property. However, why she was left anything in the will is unknown. Annie was a life long member of the Evangelical and Reformed Church of Boonville. Annie died at the Haas Convalescent Center at age 90 on 21 Aug 1955. She was buried on 22 Aug 1955 in Lot 160, Division 1, of the Walnut Grove Cemetery, in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

20. HISTORY OF Johann Lorenz THOMÆ

Johann Lorenz Thomæ⁷ / Johann Ludwig Thomæ⁶ / Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Johann LorenzTHOMÆ was born in Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany on 13 Jan 1824. He was baptized on 17 January 1824 in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. His Godparent was Johann Lorenz THOMÆ, a potter of Frohnlach (Editor's Note: This may be the child of Stephan Thomas THOMÆ). Johann Lorenz married Eva Barbara STAMMBERGER, who was born in Gestungshausen, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen Germany; a small town to the East Northeast of Sonnefeld. It is also suspected that this marriage occurred in Gestungshausen, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany.. Johann Lorenz became a potter like his father and is believed to have moved to Mitwitz, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany (a town further East Northeast of Sonnefeld and Gestungshausen) to practice his profession in that town. It is known that he died before 1884.

Children of Johann Lorenz THOMÆ and Eva Barbara STAMMBERGER

i. Unknown Male THOMÆ was born in Germany.

ii. Lorenz THOMÆ was born on 02 Jul 1849 in Mitwitz, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. He became a potter and is believed to have moved back to Hofstädten, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. He married Anna Margaretha MARTIN on 26 Oct 1884 in the Cloister Church in Sonnefeld, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany. Anna Margaretha was the third daughter of Christoph MARTIN and his wife Margaretha ENGEL. Anna Margaretha was born on 20 Oct 1852.

Eighth Generation

21. HISTORY of John Casper THOMA

John Casper Thoma⁸ / Lorenz George Thomæ⁷ / Johann Ludwig Thomæ⁶ / Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

John CasperTHOMA was born on 10 Jul 1849 in Hofstäden, Sachsen-Coburg, Thuringen, Germany and immigrated to the United States with his parents and brother. John's early life was spent in the town of Boonville, Missouri where he followed the trade of his father, becoming potter. John married Nancy "Nannie" Lucinda ROACH on 30 Apr 1874 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. The ceremony was performed by C. L. GREINER, MG. Nancy was born on 31 Jul 1853 in Henry County, Missouri.

Sometime between 1870 and 1880 the demand for potters in Boonville diminished. As a result, John moved to Calhoun, Henry County, Missouri to follow his trade in that city. This date is most likely around 1871 as this is the date when his father started up his pottery shop in Boonville. Or the date could have been 1876 when his father lost his pottery shop. Calhoun, Missouri was a thriving pottery town at this time and employed about 10% of it's working male population in the trade. John and Nancy lived in the town of Calhoun, and it was there that the first three of their children were born.

One of their neighbors was Amelia DORING and Amelia daughter, Minnie RABINE. Minnie married John's brother, William Henry THOMA. William was known to visit John by taking the train to Calhoun. And it must have been through this visits that William met his future wife, Minnie.

Eventually, the demand for potters abated all over the state of Missouri. And as a result, John was forced in earn his living in another occupation. He moved to outside of Bolivar, Marion Township, Polk County, Missouri and rented a farm that he was to later own. Nancy died on 15 Apr 1911 in Marion Township and is also buried in Marion Township, Polk County, Missouri. John remained on the farm in Polk County until at least 1916. He then moved to Rio Oso, Sutter County, California. John died in Rio Oso on 28 Mar 1944 and was buried on 31 Mar 1944 in Sierra View Cemetery, Marysville, Yuba County, California

Children of John Casper THOMA and Nancy Lucinda ROACH

26. i. George EdwardTHOMA was born in Calhoun, Henry County, Missouri on 17 Jun 1875. He died on 10 Jan 1946 in Missouri.

ii. William Henry THOMA was born on 02 Dec 1876 in Calhoun, Henry County, Missouri. William was married in Sep 1895 in Marion Township, Polk County, Missouri. Nothing more is known about William Henry or his wife.

27. iii. John Wilson THOMA was born on 26 Nov 1880 in Calhoun, Henry County, Missouri and John died on 08 Feb 1947 in the state of California.

28. iv. James Washington THOMA was born in Calhoun, Henry County, Missouri on 09 Jan 1883 and died in Yuba City, Sutter County, California in Aug 1966.

29. v. Benjamin "Ben" Thomas THOMA was born on 19 Jun 1889, most likely in Marion Township, Polk County, Missouri.

30. vi. Maggie Jane THOMA was born on 24 Apr 1892 in Bolivar, Polk County, Missouri. She died on 23 Sep 1968 in Marysville, Sutter County, California.

31. vii. Earl Franklin THOMA was born on 23 Oct 1894 in Missouri, most likely Marion Township and died on 07 May 1959 in the State of California.

22. HISTORY of George John THOMA

George John Thoma⁸ / Lorenz George Thomæ⁷ / Johann Ludwig Thomæ⁶ / Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

George John THOMA was the second child born to Lorenz "Lawrence" George THOMÆ and Margarethe Barbara WALTHER. He was born on 12 Apr 1854 in Hofstäden, Sachsen-Coburg, Germany and immigrated to the United States with the rest of his family. In 1870, George was living with his parents on Jefferson City Road, or what is present day 11th Street. The family house was located on the site of what is now the Eagles Lodge. George followed his father's trade and became a potter. In 1876 he was working as a potter for Vollrath and Kline in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. In 1878, George became a naturalized citizen.

On 22 Nov 1876, George was married Annie Marie WALD at the home of George’s parents in Boonville, Missouri. They were married by the Rev. C. L. GREINER. After their marriage, they settled in their own home which was located on what is present day 11th Street. Where this house was located is unknown. However, census records would indicate that it was located about halfway down 11th Street. Combining this with oral family history, it would place their home close to where Gary Lawrence THOMA and Robert Wayne THOMA currently live. Oral history indicates that George and Annie owned the land in this general location back close to 7th Street.

Sometime prior to 1900, George and Annie moved to a farm in Blackwater Township and where George assumed the occupation of farmer. According to the Blackwater News, the local newspaper, George and some of his friends must have become dissatisfied with Blackwater. They made "prospecting" trips to Galveston, Texas and then two trips to Arkansas in late 1905. An example from the Blackwater News of 22 Dec 1905 reads: "Milt CRAMAR, George Thoma, and William CROCKETT left Tuesday for Arkansas on a prospecting tour. This is the second southern trip this fall for Cramar and Thoma. They ought to bring the South back with them and keep it all here. They expect to return in time for Christmas." A second example from 09 Feb 1906 reads "George Thoma orders the News address changed from Blackwater to Biggers, Ark. Biggers is in Randolph County." George sold his farm and equipment in 1906 and moved his family to Biggers. The Blackwater farm was sold to Milton CRAMAR.

In Biggers, Arkansas George purchased 200 acres of land. This land was approximately 50 acres of bottom land and 150 acres of hill land. It was located as follows: "North half South East Quarter and South East Quarter of South East quarter all in Section Twenty two in Township Nineteen North of Base line and in Range Two East of the 5th Principal Meridian - containing 120 acres - also the following Lands to-Wit: Part of the north West Quarter of Section Twenty Seven in Township Nineteen, North of Base Line in range Two East, containing 80 acres. Making in all the Same of 200 acres." This land is on a tributary to the Black River in Randolph County. It abuts the current Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area. Although, this land is as close to the town of Pocahontas as it is to Biggers, the only road out of it goes north to Biggers. Thus George’s address is given as the town of Biggers.

Later, George was to retire from farming. He then purchased on 29 Dec 1919 all of block number five of Franklin addition to the town of Pocahontas, Arkansas. George and Annie then moved into town where on 10 Nov 1922, George was to die at his home in Pocahontas, Randolph County, Arkansas. He was buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Pocahantas, Arkansas on 12 Nov 1922.

Anne wasn't happy in Arkansas and moved back to Boonville after the death of her husband. Shortly before her death, she made a visit to her son Otto Wald THOMA in Breckenridge, Texas. In Boonville she lived on 3rd Street and it was there that she died on December 31, 1925 of heart disease. It is a coincidence that she died on the same day as her mother, sixty four years earlier; and exactly one year after her brother-in-law, Edward George THOMA. Annie was buried Walnut Grove Cemetery, Division 9, Lot A239, Boonville Cooper County, Missouri on January 3, 1926. She is buried next to her son Lawrence "Lon" Garfield THOMA.

At this time, little else is known about Annie. It is known that she and her parents were born in Germany. Annie Marie was born on 01 Jun 1854 on the boat over from Germany. Her parents were George Emmanuel WALD (*) and Mary Dora WALD (*) (Click here for the History of George Emmanuel Wald). Family history indicates that she was a short person. Annie worked as a servant before her marriage to George.

Children of George John THOMA and Annie WALD THOMA

32. i. Marguerite "Maggie" Birch THOMA was born on 05 Apr 1877 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died on 15 Jul 1934 in Jefferson City, Cole County, Missouri.

33. ii. Dora Tolivar THOMA was born on 07 Sep 1878 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died on 23 Feb 1933 at the St. Joseph's Hospital in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

34. iii. Lawrence "Lon" Garfield THOMA was born on 23 Sep 1880 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died on 02 Mar 1947 at his residence in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

35. iv. Otto Wald THOMA was born on 10 Apr 1882 Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and Otto died on 07 Feb 1967 in Weatherford, Parker County, Texas.

36. v. Minnie T. THOMA was born on 28 Feb 1884 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died on 05 Mar 1959 at the St. Joseph's Hospital in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

vi. Mamie Barbara THOMA was born in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri on 16 Mar 1886. She died as an infant on 24 Apr 1886 and is buried in Lot 160 Division 10A of the Walnut Grove Cemetery, Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. Cause of death is unknown.

37. vii. Annie M. THOMA was born on 17 Feb, 1887 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died on 28 May 1910 in Boonville and in buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville.

viii. George THOMA, Jr. was born on 29 Jul 1889 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. He died as an infant on 29 Oct 1892 and is buried in Lot 160 Division A of the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

ix. Estella "Estill" C.THOMA was born on 04 Sep 1891 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. She moved with her family to Biggers, Arkansas in 1906. It was there that she met and married A. HAYNES. They were married on 14 Apr 1907 in Randolph County, Arkansas. Mr. Haynes was born in 1883 in Holmes, Randolph County, Arkansas. This is believed to have been a brief marriage and it is only mentioned in passing in the family records. Estella was only 16 years old at the time and there is a court order attached to the marriage record. She later married Dave TRIPLETT.

Dave and Estella moved to St. Louis, Missouri where they lived until 1922. They then moved to Neelyville, Missouri and were they were known to be living during the years 1926 to 1933. They had moved to and were living in Popular Bluff, Missouri in 1947 and 1959, and finally to Pocahantas, Randolph County, Missouri.

Estill died in Pocahantas, Randolph County, Missouri and is buried in Arkansas. David was born on 18 Sep 1885. He died in Arkansas in Jan 1968 and is buried there.

38. x. Peter John THOMA was born on 13 Oct 1892 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died on 08 Jan 1955 in McCrory, Woodruff County, Arkansas.

39. xi. Laura E. THOMA was born in March 1896 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died on 02 Jul 1963 in Illinois.

xii. Paul "Uncle Polly" THOMA was born on 18 Oct 1901 in Blackwater Township, Cooper County, Missouri. In Arkansas he met and married a woman named Nora THOMA. Paul and Nora never had any children. They had moved to and were living in Neelyville, Missouri in 1926 but later retired to McCrory. Both Paul and Nora died and are buried in McCrory, Woodruff County, Arkansas. Nora was born on 17 Feb 1894 and in Jun of 1985.

23. HISTORY of William "Bill" Henry THOMA

William Henry Thoma⁸ / Lorenz George Thomæ⁷ / Johann Ludwig Thomæ⁶ / Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

William "Bill" Henry THOMA was born in Boonville, Cooper County Missouri on 24 May 1857. He was the third child born on Lorenz "Lawrence" George THOMÆ and Margarethe Barbara WALTHER. In 1866, Bill was confirmed in the faith at the German Evangelical Church, Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. Bill began work as a potter beginning first as a laborer at the Boonville pottery. In the 1870's he undoubtedly worked for his father in their own pottery located north of the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville. Still later Bill was working at the Volrath and Kline Pottery. Finally all employment as a potter in Boonville came to an end and by 1920, Bill was working as a "public teamster". None the less, Bill was an accomplished potter and a ceramic free form sculpture of a black cocker spaniel survives as an example of his work. This dog is in the possession of his granddaughter, Charlene Georgia THOMA

On 15 Jun 1885, Bill married Minnie RABINE in Cooper County, Missouri. Minnie was born on 28 Apr 1868 in Calhoun, Henry County, Missouri, the daughter of Farnart RABINE(*) and Amelia DORING(*). Her courtship to Bill must have been a long distance one as Minnie was not living in Boonville at the time. What is known is that Bill's brother, John Casper THOMA was living in Calhoun, Missouri at the time. Minnie and her mother were living several houses down from John. At the time of their courtship, Bill had to be either working as a potter in Calhoun or visiting his brother on a frequent basis. After her marriage to Bill, they lived on Jefferson Road or what is now 11th Street. In 1900 they lived next door to William's mother, Margaret, in what was once the Thomas GOODMAN and Amelia THOMA house. After the death of her husband Minnie continued to live in the house keeping a eye on her sister-in-law, Annie Wilhelmine THOMA who lived next door. William and Minnie were members of the Evangelical and Reformed Church of Boonville.

William preceded his wife in death, dying at the age of 76 on 15 Jan 1934. He is buried in Lot A40 Division 8 of the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Missouri. Minnie died on 01 Oct 1955 at the age 87 in the Haas Convalescent Center in Boonville, Missouri. She was buried on 04 Oct 1955 in Lot A40 Division 2 of the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville.

Children of William "Bill" Henry THOMA and Minnie RABINE

i. Henry W. THOMA was born in Boonville on 17 Mar 1888. At age 22, he worked as a bill poster. Later on, Henry worked as a fireman for Missouri Power and Light Company in Boonville. Henry never married and died at his home on 03 Apr 1947. Henry was buried on 07 Apr 1947 in Lot A40 Division 9 of the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Missouri.

40. ii. Frank Joseph "Pete" THOMA was born on 13 Mar 1892 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died on 31 Dec 1951 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

24. HISTORY of Bertha Emilie THOMA

Bertha Emilie Thoma⁸ / Lorenz George Thomæ⁷ / Johann Ludwig Thomæ⁶ / Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Bertha Emilie THOMA was born in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri on 28 Nov 1859. She was the child of Lorenz "Lawrence" George THOMÆ and Margarethe Barbara WALTHER. She was baptized on 09 Jan 1859 at the German Evangelical Church in Boonville and confirmed in the faith at the same church on 19 Mar 1872.

Thomas Warren GOODMAN was the child of Benjamin B. GOODMAN(*) and Mary Ann "Eliza" DUNAVANT(*). Thomas was born on 24 Jul 1857 in Clark's Fork Township, Cooper County, Missouri. Thomas married Amelia "Mary" Betty THOMA on 24 Jul 1878. They were married at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Boonville by the Reverend G. H. BRIGGS. It is interesting to note that Amelia and Thomas were married exactly on Thomas' 21st birthday. This makes one wonder whether Thomas was forbidden to marry until his 21st birthday. One even wonders whether the marriage was approved of by Thomas' parents.

Thomas worked as a potter prior to becoming sexton of Walnut Grove Cemetery, a position that he performed for a period of 21 years. He later became a cabinet maker with George and Goodman, his son's furniture store, in Boonville. This was later to become the George and Goodman furniture and undertaking business. Thomas and Amelia's original family home is located on 11th Street, next to the Eagles Lodge and across from the Walnut Grove Cemetery. When Thomas became sexton of the cemetery, they moved to the sexton's house located next to the cemetery on Locust Street. A picture is this house was printed in the 30 Mar 1988 issue of the "Record".

Thomas died in 1931 and is buried in the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. Amelia died in 1949 and is also buried in the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

Children of Thomas Warren GOODMAN and Bertha Emilie THOMA

41. i. Nora A. GOODMAN was born in May 1879 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. and died in 1933

ii. Thomas Warren GOODMAN, Jr. was born in Sep 1881 in Boonville, Missouri. He later became an undertaker and moved to Holden, Johnson County, Missouri sometime after 1900. Nothing further is known on this family branch.

42. iii. John "Goodie" Henry GOODMAN was born on 28 Feb 1884 in Boonville, Missouri and died on June 9, 1954 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri.

43. iv. Clara M. GOODMAN was born in Dec 1886 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri and died in 1969 in Boonville.

25. HISTORY of Edward George THOMA

Edward George Thoma⁸ / Lorenz George Thomæ⁷ / Johann Ludwig Thomæ⁶ / Johann Ernst Thomæ⁵ / Christian Valentin Thomæ⁴ / Johann Sebastian Thomæ³ / Stephan Thomæ² / Christoph Thomæ¹

Edward George THOMA was born in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri on 23 Dec 1862. He was the fifth child born to Lorenz "Lawrence" George THOMÆ and Margarethe Barbara WALTHER. Edward was baptized on 20 Jul 1862 at the German Evangelical Church in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. As a young boy, Edward, worked in the family market garden growing produce to be sold in town. Edward did not become a potter, a trade that several of his brothers followed. Instead, he became a bricklayer and was later to become a carpenter and one of Boonville's building contractors. The following article on Edward's business is taken from the 26 Oct 1905 issue of the Central Missouri Republican. "Thoma & Stammerjohn will finish the concrete sidewalk in front of Hotel Frederick this week. The walk is 12 feet wide and the top is corrugated with a new device made by Mr. Thoma. It is the neatest job of its kind in the city. The verandah on the west and north side is to be concrete with pillars of concrete for supports. Messrs. Thoma and Stammerjohn expect to begin on that work soon and will complete it before cold weather."

On 20 Dec 1892 Edward married Helene Augusta "Lena" SCHRADER. They were married by the Rev. B. H. LEESMAN in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. Helene was born on 13 Nov 1871 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. She was the child of Henry SCHRADER (*) and Henrietta STAACK(*). In 1882 Lena and her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Boonville Township, Cooper County, Missouri. There her father operated a dairy farm located on the outskirts of Boonville. The Schraders we