John Addison Thomas facts for kids

John Addison Thomas (born May 28, 1810 – died March 26, 1858) was an American engineer and military officer. He served in the United States Army and later became the United States Assistant Secretary of State.

John Addison Thomas: Early Life and Education

John Addison Thomas was born in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, on May 28, 1810. He grew up on his family's plantation in Columbia, Tennessee. His parents were Isaac Jetton Thomas and Asenath Houston Thomas.

His older brother, James Houston Thomas (1808–1876), was also a notable person. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee. John Thomas went to the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point, and graduated in 1833.

John Thomas's Military and Legal Career

After graduating from West Point, John Thomas joined the 3rd artillery unit. He worked in garrisons, which are military bases, and helped teach infantry tactics. He became a second lieutenant in 1835 and a first lieutenant in 1837.

From 1840 to 1841, he was an assistant professor at West Point, teaching geography, history, and ethics. Later, from 1842 to 1845, he became the commandant of cadets. This meant he was in charge of the students and also taught infantry tactics. He was promoted to captain in 1843.

On May 28, 1846, he left the military to become a lawyer in New York City, New York. Shortly after, in July 1846, he became a colonel in the 4th New York regiment. This group was formed for the war with Mexico, but they were not called into active service.

Public Service and Diplomatic Roles

John Thomas continued his public service in different roles. From 1853 to 1854, he served as the chief engineer for New York state. This was an important job, overseeing engineering projects in the state.

He also worked as an advocate for the United States in London, England. This role lasted from April 1853 to January 1854. He was involved in talks with Great Britain to settle American claims, which were financial or legal demands.

From November 1, 1855, to April 3, 1857, Thomas served as the United States Assistant Secretary of State. He worked under two different Secretaries of State, William L. Marcy and later Lewis Cass, in Washington, D.C. He became well-known for his reports on the agreements with Great Britain and other important government papers.

John Thomas's Family Life

In 1844, John Thomas married Catherine Ronalds (1820–1885). Her mother was Maria Dorothea Lorillard, and her father was Thomas Alexander Ronalds, a merchant from New York. Catherine's grandfather was Pierre Lorillard II, who was in charge of the famous Lorillard Tobacco Company. This made Catherine a cousin of Catharine Lorillard Wolfe.

Catherine's sister, Eleanora Lorillard Ronalds, was married to U.S. Representative Frederick A. Conkling. John and Catherine Thomas had four children:

• Addison Thomas (1845–1908)
• Ronald Thomas (1847–1923)
• Catherine Lorillard Thomas (1850–1934)
• George Lorillard Thomas (born 1851)

John Addison Thomas passed away in Paris, France, on March 26, 1858.