Marcellus Thomas
Marcellus Thomas, late sheriff of Butler County, was born August 1, 1841, in Fairfield Township, Butler County, being the second son of Squire L. and Lorain (Eurat) Thomas, native of the same place, though of New Jersey parentage. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Thomas came from the State to Ohio, settling in Fairfield Township as early as 1802, where he engaged in farming. Squire L. Thomas was employed all his life in farming and stock-raising. His death took place in 1863, at the age of fifty, while his widow survived him eight years, dying in 1871, at the age of fifty-eight. Marcellus Thomas from boyhood was engaged in the duties incident to farm work. He remained at home assisting his father until he reached his majority in 1863, the year of his father¹s death. He is now engaged in farming independently, though leasing lands in Fairfield for that purpose, carryingit on till 1871. For several years prior to this, Mr. Thomas had taken an active part in political affairs, and had gained prominence and popularity as a politician and political worker. In that year he was appointed deputy sheriff, which he creditably filled for two successive terms, till 1876. In 1875 he was nominated by the Democrats for sheriff, and was elected, and again in 1877, serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to the county for four years. He retired from office in 1880, leaving a record of efficiency as an officer and integrity as a man, and was well liked by the people.
In 1878 Mr. Thomas bought a farm in Fairfield Township, though his residence has been in Hamilton since 1872. In the Fall of 1879 he, in company with four others, engaged in the ice business, under the name of the ³Miami Ice Company.² Mr. Thomas was made general manager of the enterprise, and conducted the business of the company. They constructed a pond of nine acres about three miles from Hamilton, near the canal, from which it is filled. Four buildings are also erected with a capacity of ten thousand tons. Their ice is wholesaled at Cincinnati, to which it is shipped exclusively by canal.
Upon the organization of the fifth ward in Hamilton, Mr. Thomas was elected a member of the school board. Although the ward was Republican, Mr. Thomas¹s popularity won him the election over his Republican opponent. He was for several years a member of the Democratic Central Committee of this county, and rendered valuable service in sustaining the supremacy of his party. He has frequently been sent as a delegate to State Democratic conventions.
Mr. Thomas was married December 22, 1864, to Miss Ellen F. Sheley, daughter of Roderick R. and Sidney Sheley, of Fairfield Township. Mrs. Thomas was born and raised on the farm now owned by her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have two children living. The oldest, Marcellus B., was born August 8, 1871, and the youngest, William F., was born on the 14th of February, 1874. He has been a prominent Odd Fellow since April, 1872. He has also been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen since 1875, a Knight of Honor since 1878, and a member of the Royal Arcanum since 1880.
From A History and Biographical Cyclopædia of Butler County Ohio, With Illustrations and Sketches of its Representative Men and Pioneers, Western Biographical Publishing Company, Cincinnati Ohio, 1882.