Edison Thomas--Author and Family Historian

EDISON H. THOMAS—AUTHOR AND FAMILY HISTORIAN

Edison Hugh Thomas, historian, writer, genealogist and organizing member of the Thomas-Bridges Association, Inc., was born on June 5, 1912.  In 1971, he was instrumental in the organization of the Thomas-Bridges Association, serving as its first vice-president.  He was the second president of the association and served as newsletter editor for the next thirty-one years.  As some members have said, the newsletter, in those formative years, was the glue that held the organization together.  He attended every reunion, except one, as long as his health permitted, as well as other extra meetings.

            A native of Trigg County, KY, he was a retired public relations executive of the old Louisville & Nashville Railroad; a Navy veteran of World War II, Pacific theater; member of the Filson Club; the Kentucky Historical Society; the John Hunt Morgan Chapter, Sons of  Confederate Veterans, Orphan Brigade Kinfolk; The Kentucky Society, Sons of American Revolution; a Kentucky Colonel; past-president of the Thomas-Bridges Association; the Pioneer Club; deacon and moderator, Valley Station Baptist Church and their XYZ Club.  After moving to Fort Wayne, he was an active member of Faith Baptist Church and their XYZ Club.

            The son of the late Robert H. and Ora Bridges Thomas, he was the last surviving member of the family of two brothers and one sister.  His Thomas-Bridges ancestry originated with James Thomas, Jr. and his wife Margaret Ethridge Thomas and William Bridges and his wife Mary Thomas Bridges, all pioneers in what later became Trigg County, KY.

            Edison died July 16, 2011, in Fort Wayne, IN, at the age of 99, following a fall a few days earlier.  Funeral services were held in Louisville, KY on July 23, 2011, at W. G. Hardy Funeral Home, 10907 Dixie Highway with eulogies given by Barbara A. Garrett Read, Ronald L. Garrett, Dwayne R. Garrett and two granddaughters.  Interment was at Louisville Memorial Gardens West.

            His wife, Thelma Waits Thomas, died February 8, 2001.  He is survived by three children, Barbara A. Read (Joe) of Chesterfield, MO, Ronald L. Garrett (Vicky) and Dwayne R. Garrett (Betty) of Fort Wayne, IN, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, two nephews, four nieces, many cousins and good friends.  One daughter, Sue Garrett Manahan nee Garrett (Warren) preceded him in death.

Edison at work in his early years at The Cadiz Record

 

 

THE LINEAGE:

(Edison Hugh Thomas was the son of Robert Henry and Ora Agnes Bridges Thomas and the grandson of Carroll and Margaret Jane Reid Thomas and Cullen Thomas and Martha Ann Virginia Thomas Bridges.  Carroll was the second child of James, Jr. and Margaret Ethridge Thomas.  James, Jr. was the sixth child of James and Mary Standley Thomas.  Cullen Bridges was the twelfh child of William and Mary Thomas Bridges.  William was the fourth child of Drury and Charity Cohoon Bridges.)