An American Family History

Francis (Frank) John Thomas was born about 1844 in Toronto, Canada. His parents were John Morgan Thomas and Mary Lewis. He was a piano builder.

At the time of the 1871 census, a 27 year old Frank Thomas appeared in Hamilton, St. Mary's Ward. No occupation was given.

Frank married Josephine Mickler (Mickeler). Josephine was born on March 19, 1851 in Wittenberg, Germany. Her parents were Caspar Mickler and Mary Heim.

Frank and Josephine's children were Francis Thomas (1874), Verona Cecilia Thomas Horlick (1876), Lilias Thomas (1878), and Walter Edward Thomas (1880).

Frank died when he was 38 years old on October 18, 1880 of cirrhosis & Bright's disease of the liver in York County. His occupation on his death certificate was piano finisher. He was buried at St. James on October 21. The Reverend S. J. Boddy officiated.

When the 1881 census was taken ,Verona was living with her grandparents, the Micklers, in Preston, Waterloo South, Ontario. The census also listed her with the widow "Jessie" Thomas age 30 in St. Andrew's Ward. At that time, Francis was 7, "Verona" was 5, Lilias was 3 and Edward was 1.

After his death, Josephine married blacksmith Thomas Goodman on January 1, 1884. They immigrated to the United States and lived in Cook County, Illinois.