Thomas, Edward James

Description

Early Life

Edward James Thomas was born on August 24, 1898, in Rye, New York, the son of William A. Thomas and Miriam Sylvester Berry Thomas. He grew up in Rye, residing at 65 Orchard Avenue, and was part of a well-established local family with deep roots in the community.

By the time of the First World War, he was employed as an order clerk, working in Rye while still living at home with his family, reflecting the transitional stage between youth and adulthood common for many men of his generation.

World War I Service

Thomas entered military service on October 3, 1918, when he was inducted at Middlebury, Vermont, into the United States Army. He was assigned to the Student Army Training Corps (SATC) at Middlebury College.

The Student Army Training Corps was established in 1918 as part of the Army’s effort to rapidly expand its pool of trained officers and technically skilled personnel. College campuses were converted into military training centers where students received both academic instruction and military preparation.

Thomas served in the rank of Private. His service occurred during the final weeks of the war, and there is no record of overseas deployment or combat engagement.

He was honorably discharged on December 9, 1918, following the Armistice.

Life After Service

Following his military service, Thomas returned to civilian life and pursued a career in the skilled trades. He became a carpenter and was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, reflecting a long and steady working career.

He later resided in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he lived for many years. His life followed the pattern of many veterans who transitioned from wartime service into stable trades and family life in the postwar decades.

Edward J. Thomas died on January 1, 1970, at the age of 71.

He was survived by his brother, William A. Thomas of South Egremont, Massachusetts; two nieces; and a nephew. His wife predeceased him.