Thomas
Josiah
1775 – 1847
Josiah Thomas is the earliest proven Thomas ancestor. He was born around 1775 in either North Carolina or Pennsylvania. His father is believed to be George Thomas, who was also born in America after the family immigrated around 1730 from most likely Great Britain. Various stories exist about the families origin including being Welsh, Dutch, or English who were sent to Ireland. Perhaps someday after Josiah has been fully researched, the answer will come to light. However, it is bound to be tricky because of the plenitude of Thomas families.
Marriage
He married Ruth Mitchell in North Carolina in 1799 and they had 9 children. About 1830, Josiah and Ruth left North Carolina and moved their family to Ralls County, Missouri after which the children fanned out to various counties across the state.