Biographies
JOSEPH
THOMAS
JOSEPH THOMAS.—The
subject of this sketch is a progressive and enterprising native son of
California who for the past eight years has been serving as superintendent of
the Pratt-Lowe plant at Ryde. Joseph Thomas was
born in Santa Clara, Santa Clara County, Cal., December 31, 1882, a son of Ignasius and Mary (Perry) Thomas, both natives of the
Azores Islands. Ignasius Thomas came to California at
the age of twenty years and followed the trade of blacksmith in Santa Clara
until his demise in 1920, at the age of sixty years. The mother died at
the age of fifty-eight years. Twelve children were born to them, of whom
Joseph is the fourth.
Joseph
Thomas received his education in the convent at Santa Clara. His first job
after finishing school was with the Pratt-Lowe Company at Santa Clara, where he
began at the bottom and learned the cannery business thoroughly; and in 1915,
when the Pratt-Lowe Company established their plant at Ryde, Mr. Thomas was put in
charge. This plant runs for three months each year, and during the past
season 90,000 cases of asparagus were packed.
On
December 22, 1913, in Santa Clara, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Isabelle
Santos, born in Santa Clara, a daughter of Frank Santos. Two children have
been born to Mr. And Mrs. Thomas, Walter and Lillian. Mr. Thomas is a
Republican in politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Foresters of
America and the U. P. E. C. Lodge of Santa Clara. He is progressive and
enterprising, and gives of his time and means, as far as he is able, to forward
worthy objects that have for their aim the upbuilding
of the county.
Transcribed 5-12-07
Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source: Reed, G. Walter,
History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Page 764. Historic Record Company,
© 2007 Marilyn R. Pankey.