Parents of Noah Thomas: Hosea Thomas (Sr.) married Hannah (Landrus) Ford on February 1, 1826 in Crawford County, Indiana. Death and burial unknown.

BROTHER OF NOAH THOMAS: Hosea Thomas, Jr. b. Jul 1827, Crawford County, Indiana - m. Emily Head on September 30, 1850 in Coles County, Illinois - Nine Children: Unknown Daughter, Amanda "Allie" P., Fannie M., Alonzo/Alfred C., George W., William Allen, Charles Henry, Ida M., and Maud Lena Thomas - Emily died (abt 1877, burial unknown) when Maud was only three months old; Maud was raised by John W. and Mary L. (Hays) Brown. Mary L. (Hays) Brown was a half-sister of Emily - d. Hosea Thomas, Jr. was last known to be alive in 1900, when he was found to be living with his son, George W. Thomas in Randolph County, Illinois. His death and burial is unknown.

BROTHER OF NOAH THOMAS: George Thomas b. Apr 1828, Crawford County, Indiana - m. Fanny (Hays) Bresee on December 18, 1852 in Coles County, Illinois - Three Children: Charles Henry, William Franklin and Ephraim Dorous Thomas - Fannie Bresee had two children by Elma Bresee: Sarah Marinda and James Michael Bresee. Fanny married three more times: Bishop A. Shores, Henry Frish and John Frickes, Jr.; no additional children - George Thomas d. 15 Mar 1865, Wilmington, New Hanover, North Carolina from complications of the Civil War. He was held as a prisoner of war at the Florence Stockade, Florence, South Carolina before being released. Buried Wilmington National Cemetery FAG #3271854.

A search was made of all townships for Crawford County, Indiana for the 1830 U.S. Federal Census. After reviewing each and every page, it was determined that Hosea Thomas (Sr.) was the only Thomas family in Crawford County. He was living in the Undistributed area of the county.

Sister of Noah Thomas: Name Unknown b. abt 1830, Crawford County, Indiana.

BROTHER OF NOAH THOMAS: William H. Thomas b. 28 Oct 1832, Crawford County, Indiana - m. Elizabeth Sturgeon on March 22, 1857 in Crawford County, Indiana - Eleven Children: Infant Thomas, Henry, Milindia Jane, Martha, Thedora, Issac Newton, Alice, Mary L., Fannie, John and Johnathan Thomas; twins - d. 12 Oct 1910, Union Township, Gibson County, Indiana - Buried Walnut Hill Cemetery, Fort Branch, Gibson, Indiana - FAG #19244497.

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NOAH THOMAS was born September 1834 in Crawford County, Indiana to Hosea and Hannah Landrus (Ford) Thomas, Sr.

A search was made of all townships for Crawford County, Indiana for the 1840 U.S. Federal Census. After reviewing each and every page, it was determined that Hosea Thomas was the only Thomas family in Crawford County.

The 1850 U.S. Federal Census places Noah Thomas [abt age 16] in Muddy Precinct, Coles County, Illinois. He was living in the household of Isaac P. and Ruth M. Harden, along with Ruth M., Miner, and Lidia M. Hays Harden.

NOTE: Hosea Thomas, Jr. (BROTHER OF NOAH) and his bride (Hannah Emily Head) were married October 3, 1850 and was living in the household of Seeyle Hayes, Muddy Precinct, Coles County, Illinois, USA. This was verified by the 1850 U.S. Federal Census of 23 Nov 1850 for Seelyle Hayes.

NOTE: HOSEA THOMAS, SR. (FATHER OF NOAH) - Hosea Thomas, Sr. married Candes (Head) Bagley on March 20, 1851 in Coles County, Illinois. She had previously married Eason Bagley February 14, 1839 in Coles County, Illinois.

NOTE: HOSEA THOMAS, SR. (FATHER OF NOAH) - Hosea Thomas, Sr. married Mrs. Esther (Tracy) Finch July 21, 1854 in Coles County, Illinois. The 1860 U.S. Federal Census places their residence in Johnstown Precinct, Cumberland County, Illinois. On July 7, 1870, Esther Thomas (74) was a boarder in the household of Patience Foster, along with five year old Carrie S. Foster. Her husband was not listed in the household, so it is assumed he has died.

The 1860 U.S. Federal Census for Noah Thomas has not been found.

U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865
Name: Noah Thomas
Side: Union
Regiment State/Origin: Illinois
Regiment: 1st Regiment, Illinois Cavalry
Company: C
Rank In: Private
Rank Out: Private
Film Number: M539 roll 90

U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865
Name: Noah Thomas
Residence: Illinois
Enlistment Date: 8 Jul 1861
Rank at enlistment: Private
State Served: Illinois
Survived the War?: Yes
Service Record: Enlisted in Company C, Illinois 1st Cavalry Regiment on 19 Jul 1861. Mustered out on 09 Oct 1861
Sources: Illinois: Roster of Officers and Enlisted Men

U.S., American Civil War Regiments, 1861-1866
Regiment: 1st Cavalry Regiment Illinois
Date of Organization: 3 Jul 1861
Muster Date: 14 Jul 1862
Regiment State: Illinois
Regiment Type: Cavalry
Regiment Number: 1st
Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded: 0
Officers Died of Disease or Accident: 0
Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded: 17
Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident: 26

Illinois Adjutant General's Report
Regimental and Unit Histories
Containing Reports for the Years 1861-1866

Unit: 1st Illinois Cavalry, Company C

The battle of Lexington was the principal engagement in which the Regiment took part. The battle of Lexington really commenced on Monday September 11, 1861.

Colonel Mulligan met the attack of the enemy with undaunted bravery and although overwhelmed with a greatly superior force it was only after fifty-two hours of hard and uninterrupted fighting he surrendered the place. Colonel Mulligan's force, all told, numbered less than 2,500 men while that of the enemy was 10,000 or more. The surrender took place on the 20th of September.

The officers were put on parole while the privates were given their choice of taking an oath to not again take up arms until they were exchanged or to remain as prisoners of war. They chose to take the oath and were sent to Quincy and then to St. Louis, Missouri; they were joined by the officers of the Regiment a week later.

The Regiment was paid off at St. Louis about the last of September, and returned to their homes to await exchange.

The commissioned officers were exchanged in December, and were ordered to reorganize the Regiment; this took place at Benton Barracks in June 1862.

There were organizational problems and in an order from the war department disbanding and mustering our took place at Benton Barracks July 14, 1862. NOTE: Noah Thomas was discharged October 9, 1861 per SO Headquarters Department of the West.

Following the surrender of Lexington and the re-organization and muster out of the First Cavalry, a great many of the men entered other regiments and remained in the field until the war was over.

Web. Illinois, Databases of Illinois Veterans Index, 1775-1995
Name: Noah Thomas
Rank: Private
Company: C
Unit: 1st Illinois Cavalry
Birth Date: abt 1835
War: Civil War
War Years: 1861-1865
Service Entry Age: 26
Service Entry Date: 8 Jul 1861
Service Entry Place: Mattoon, IL
Joined by Whom CPT MITCHELL
Period: 3 Yrs
Muster in Date: 19 Jul 1861
Muster In Place: Alton, IL
Remarks: DISCHARGED OCT 9, 1861 PER SO HEADQUARTERS DEPT OF THE WEST
Record Source: Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls

U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865
Name: Noah Thomas
Side: Union
Regiment State/Origin: Illinois
Regiment: 5th Regiment, Illinois Cavalry
Company: E
Rank In: Private
Rank Out: Private
Film Number: M539 roll 90

U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865
Name: Noah Thomas
Residence: Illinois
Enlistment Date: 10 Feb 1862
Rank at Enlistment: Private
State Served: Illinois
Survived the War?: Yes
Service Record: Enlisted in Company E, Illinois 5th Cavalry Regiment on 10 Feb 1862. Mustered out on 09 Feb 1865
Sources: Illinois Roster of Officers and Enlisted Men

U.S., American Civil War Regiments, 1861-1866
Regiment: 5th Cavalry Regiment Illinois
Date of Organization: 31 Aug 1861
Muster Date: 27 Oct 1865
Regiment State: Illinois
Regiment Type: Cavalry
Regiment Number: 5th
Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded: 0
Officers Died of Disease or Accident: 5
Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded: 28
Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident: 414

Illinois Adjutant General's Report
Regimental and Unit Histories
Containing Reports for the Years 1861-1866

The Fifth Cavalry was organized at Camp Butler, in November 1861, and Hall Wilson was appointed Colonel. It appears the 5th Illinois Cavalry had an active part in the Civil War.

January 1, 1864, many of the Regiments re-enlisted as veterans. On February 3, they moved with General Sherman's command, on the Meridian raid. March 17th, the veterans furloughed, returning to the command May 10th.

On October 6, 1865, the unit moved for Springfield, Illinois, arriving on the 16th. They mustered out October 27, 1865, and received final payment and discharge, October 30, 1865.

Web: Illinois, Databases of Illinois Veterans Index, 1775-1995
Name: Noah Thomas
Rank: Private
Company: E
Unit: 5th Illinois Cavalry
Height: 5'5"
Hair: Light
Eyes: Gray
Complexion: Fair
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Farmer
Birth Date: abt 1838
Birth Place: Crawford Co., IN
War: Civil War
War Years: 1861-1865
Muster Out Age: 27
Muster Out Date: 9 Feb 1865
REMARKS: TERM EXPIRED
Residence: Coles Co., IL
Record Source: Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF NOAH THOMAS

Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls Database
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name: Thomas, Noah
Rank: PVT
Company: E
Unit: 5 IL US CAV
Residence: Coles Co., IL
Age: 27
Height: 5'5"
Hair: Light
Eyes: Gray
Complexion: Fair
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Farmer
Nativity: Crawford Co., IN
Muster Out: Feb 9, 1865
REMARKS: TERM EXPIRED

Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900
Groom: Thomas, Noah
Bride: Dryden, Nancy M
Date: 1865-12-23
Volume: E
Page: 9
County: Coles

Illinois, County Marriages, 1800-1940
Name: Noah Thomas
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 1865
Marriage Place: Coles (County), Illinois, USA
Spouse: Nancy M. Dryden
Film Number: 001301516

Illinois, Marriages, 1851-1900
Name: Noah Thomas
Gender: Male
Spouse Name: Nancy M. Dryden
Marriage Date: 23 Dec 1865
Marriage County: Coles
Comments: This record can be found at the County Court Records, Film #1301516 - 1301518

Illinois, Marriage Index, 1860-1920
Name: Noah Thomas
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 23 Dec 1865
Marriage Place: Coles, Illinois, USA
Spouse Name: Nancy M. Dryden
Spouse Gender: Female

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

State of Illinois, Coles County:

I Hereby Certify, That I joined together as HUSBAND AND WIFE, the above named Mr. Noah Thomas and Miss Nancy M. Dryden on the 28 day of December A.D. 1865 - Signed: .. C. Hill, M.G.

The 1870 U.S. Federal Census places Noah Thomas [abt age 35] in Neoga Township, Cumberland County, Illinois with his wife, Nancy Thomas. This census also tells us Noah was born in Indiana about 1835. Two children have been born to their union: Martha [abt age 2] and Ora E. [b. July - 11 months]. Noah is working on a farm to support his family.

The 1880 U.S. Federal Census shows Noah Thomas [abt age 45] still living in Neoga Township, Cumberland County, Illinois with his wife, Nancy Thomas and he is still farming. They now have three children: Martha A., Ellen and William L. Thomas. Also in the household is a boarder, Charles Morris, who is 12 years old. The census report tells us Noah was born in Indiana about 1835.

U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Name: Noah Thomas
Gender: Male
Spouse: Nancy M Dryden
CHILD: FRED ROSCOE THOMAS
b. 19 Aug 1880, Neoga, Cumberland, Illinois, USA

U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934
Name: Noah Thomas
State Filed: Illinois
Roll Number: T288_469
Document Information:
Name of Soldier: Thomas, Noah
Service: E 5. Ill Cav
Date of Filing: 1882 Oct 6
Class: INVALID
Application No.: 461822
Certificate No.: 309588
State from which Filed: Ill.

Obituary, published in the Farnam (Nebraska) Echo, vol. 41, no. 24, p.1, 19 Apr 1928, for daughter, Ella Ora Thomas states, "She came with her parents to Frontier County in 1892, where she has since lived up to a few weeks ago, when she and her brothers moved north of Farnam about 7 1/2 miles."

The 1900 U.S. Federal Census finds Noah Thomas [abt age 65] in Horvell Township, Frontier County, Nebraska. His son, William Thomas [abt age 28 and Single] is listed as head of the household. Noah's daughters, Martha A. [abt age 32] and Ora E. [abt age 30] are still living with the family; both girls are listed as Single. Noah's final child, Frederick R. Thomas is 13 years of age. Noah is listed as Widowed. Also in the household was a boarder, Robert N. Dryden; his relationship to the family is unknown. The Census shows Noah Thomas was born in Indiana, September of 1834.

Web: Illinois, Databases of Illinois Veterans Index, 1775-1995
Name: Noah Thomas
Company: E
Unit: 5 IL CAV
War: Civil War
War Years: 1861-1865
Cemetery: Pleasant Prairie
Burial Place: Coles, Illinois, USA
Volume: 1
Page: 218
Record Source: 1929 Illinois Roll of Honor (War Veteran Burials)