Edward A. Thomas facts for kids
Edward A. Thomas was an important American judge who lived from 1838 to 1890. He is best known for serving on the highest court in the Wyoming Territory. This was before Wyoming became a state. He helped shape the laws there during a time of great change.
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Who Was Edward A. Thomas?
Edward A. Thomas was a respected lawyer and judge. He was born on April 27, 1838. His birthplace was in Cayuga County, New York. He had a career that included serving in the military and working in government.
Early Life and Military Service
Before becoming a judge, Edward Thomas served his country. He was a captain in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This war took place from 1861 to 1865. After the war, he became a lawyer. He also served as the mayor of Auburn, New York.
Becoming a Judge in Wyoming
On March 20, 1873, President Ulysses S. Grant chose Edward Thomas for a big job. At 35 years old, Thomas became a Justice on the Territorial Wyoming Supreme Court. This court was the highest court in the Wyoming Territory. He took the place of another judge named John W. Kingman.
During his four years on the court, Thomas did important work. He helped put together the very first book of decisions from the Wyoming Supreme Court. This book helped future judges and lawyers understand the laws.
Life After the Court
Edward Thomas left the court on December 14, 1877. He then moved back to the eastern United States. There, he spent time writing. He wrote several novels, which are fictional stories. He also wrote a dictionary of biographies. This book would have contained information about many different people. Edward A. Thomas passed away on September 2, 1890, in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
