Born in Delavan, Walworth County, Wisconsin Territory (now Wisconsin), Thomas read law and graduated from Brown University in 1861.
He was district attorney of Walworth County from about 1861 to 1867, and had a private practice in Delavan from 1864 to 1877, and in Fargo, Dakota Territory beginning in 1878.
[1] On February 19, 1890, Thomas was nominated by President Benjamin Harrison to a new seat on the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota created by 25 Stat.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 25, 1890, and received his commission the same day.
He served in that capacity until his death on August 8, 1896, in Fargo.