Robert Peyton "Pate" Thomas -- World War I Veteran

 

 

Robert Peyton Thomas was born on November 12, 1889 in Trigg County, Kentucky.  He was the son of Robert Henry Thomas and Lille Belle Thomas Thomas.  He served his country during World War I.

Pate entered the service on April 15, 1918, some six months before the war ended.  He received his basic training at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana After basic training he was assigned to an Army Ordinance outfit, and was then sent overseas landing in France on September 11, 1918.  He served as part of the American Expeditionary Forces and was under the overall command of General John J. Pershing

During the war, Robert Peyton or “Pate” as he was known sent a letter to his cousin, James Peyton “Buck” Thomas of Donaldson Creek. Pate was serving with the American Expeditionary Forces near the Belgian Border in France. The letter contained a photo of Pate.  As was the case with most soldiers overseas, Pate’s letter contained comments about the weather in France, inquires about things at home – planting corn, setting out tobacco, and how Buck’s older sons, Wilfred and Preston were doing.

“Tell Preston,” he said, “to get a motorcycle and when I get home he can haul me over to Mr. Gordon’s.”  The girl Pate left behind was Birdie Lee Gordon, who lived in the Dry Creek Community of Trigg County.

Pate was honorably discharge on July 29, 1919, returning home to Trigg County.  He lost no time renewing his romance with Birdie Gordon.  On August 23, 1919, less than a month after arriving home, they eloped to Dover, Tennessee.  On July 9, 1920, their only child, a son, Lonnie Jackson Thomas, was born in Trigg County.

Pate established a successful business operating a woodworking and cabinet shop.  He was known for his great sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories of his army life while serving in France.  Pate died on April 28, 1961 at his home on Donaldson Creek at the age of 71. His wife Birdie died in Cadiz, Kentucky at the Trigg County Hospital on July 12, 1992 at the age of 91.  Both Pate and Birdie are buried in the Peyton Thomas Cemetery in Trigg County, Kentucky.

 Pate Thomas' World War I Draft Registration Record

 

 

 

THE LINEAGE:

(Robert Peyton Thomas was the son of Robert Henry and Lille Belle Thomas Thomas and the grandson of Carroll and Margaret Jane Reid Thomas.  Carroll was the second child of James, Jr., and Martha Ethridge Thomas.  James, Jr. was the sixth child of James and Mary Standley Thomas.)