Robert Peyton Thomas -- Cabinet and Furniture Maker

 

Robert Peyton "Pate" Thomas

Robert Peyton “Pate” Thomas was born on November 12, 1889 in the Donaldson Creek community of Trigg County, Kentucky. He was the only child of Robert Henry Thomas and his first wife, Lillie Belle Thomas Thomas.  Lillie died when Pate was only ten years old. His father subsequently married Ora Agnes Bridges and had three children, Ruby Virginia Thomas, Henry Cullen Thomas and Edison Hugh Thomas, Pate's half siblings.

Pate Thomas served in the U. S. Army during World War I.  He enlisted in the army at Cadiz, Kentucky on April 18, 1918 when he was 29 years old.  He was assigned to Fort Benjamin Harrison outside Indianapolis, Indiana, where he received his basic training.  He was then assigned to the ordinance depot at Camp Hancock, Georgia.  

In September of 1918, his company was shipped overseas and he landed at Brest, France on September 11.  His company was part of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) which was under the command of General John J. Pershing.  Pate’s assignment was working in Verdun, France in a repair shop which was part of the Ordinance Department.  Pate worked in this position until the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918 between the Allies of World War I and Germany.  Following the end of the hostilities, Pate was reassigned to the United States and he was honorably discharged on July 29, 1919. 

Shortly after Pate’s return from military duty, he married Birdie Lee Gordon on August 23, 1919.  Birdie had been born in Trigg County, Kentucky and was the daughter of Andrew Jackson Gordon and Minnie Ole Porter Gordon. Pate and Minnie had only one child, a son, Lonnie Jackson “Jack” Thomas who was born on July 9, 1920.

 Pate and Minnie made their home in the Donaldson Creek valley where he set up a woodworking and cabinet shop near his home. His woodworking abilities became well known and his cabinet shop was eventually established as a successful business. He pursued a career as a cabinet maker until ill health forced his retirement in the late 1950s. In May 1978 a devastating tornado swept through a portion of the Donaldson Creek community demolishing many homes.  Falling trees destroyed the old cabinet ship where Pate had built many a fine piece of furniture as well as an old log grist mill operated years ago by Pate’s father.

Pate lived life as he wanted it, free to do what he wanted, when he wanted.  He was musically inclined and his many talents helped him to live an independent and casual life.  He was fun loving and was always willing to relate a funny story, most of which he had told and retold.  He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed repeating tales of his army life in France.  He also loved to fish and hunt. 

Pate died on April 28, 1961 near the place he was born on Donaldson Creek.  He was 71 years old.  He was buried in the Peyton Thomas Cemetery, a cemetery named after his maternal grandfather.  His wife, Birdie outlived him by 31 years and died on July 12, 1992.  She was buried next to him in the Peyton Thomas Cemetery.

 

Robert Peyton and Birdie Thomas tombstone

 

LINEAGE: (Robert Peyton Thomas was the son of Robert Henry and Lille Belle Thomas Thomas and was the grandson of Carroll and Margaret Jane Reid Thomas.  Carroll was the second child of James, Jr. and Margaret Ethridge Thomas.  James Jr. was the sixth child of James and Mary Standley Thomas. Lillie Belle Thomas was the daughter of Peyton and Sarah Ethridge Thomas and granddaughter of Cullen and Elizabeth Futrell Thomas.  Cullen was the first child of James and Mary Standley Thomas.)