Evan L. Thomas
Evan L. Thomas, cashier and general manager of Branch "A" of The Lima Trust Company, was born in Jay County, Indiana, in 1855, and is a son of Andrew J. Thomas, who was born in West Virginia in 1816. Andrew J. Thomas went to Indiana when 16 years old and engaged in farming until his death in 1892, at the age of 76 years. He was the youngest of a family of 13 children, whose average age at death was 77 years.
Evan L. Thomas received all the advantages of a superior education, attending Farmer's Academy in Jay County, then the Whitewater Academy, and finishing at the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute. In 1872 he engaged in teaching school, and, with an exception of two years, was thus employed for 25 consecutive years. He rapidly advanced in his profession, being superintendent of the schools at Sevastopol and West Richmond, and later accepting a like position in the New Paris schools, Preble County, Ohio, where he remained seven years. He was recognized as one of the foremost educators of the State and was for years a member of the Preble County Board of School Examiners, being president of that body when he removed from the county. Having accepted a lucrative position with the O' Connor insurance agency, Mr. Thomas came to Lima in 1897 an acted as its representative until December 31, 1904, when this relation was dissolved and the next day he assumed his duties as cashier and general manager of Branch " A" of The Lima Trust Company. This is one of the strongest and most substantial banking institutions in Allen County, and the choice of the directors for the important office of manager of the branch was almost suitable one, as Mr. Thomas is abundantly qualified for the position.
Mr. Thomas was married October 13, 1887, to Lillie D. McPherson, daughter of George McPherson, a retired citizen of Preble County. they have two children Earl W. and Minor M. Mr. Thomas is master of Lima Lodge, No. 205, F. & A. M.; high priest of Lima Chapter, No 49, R. A. M.; and acting recorder of Shawne Commandery, No. 14, K. T. of Lima; also a member of he Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.