Thomas was born and educated in Pelham, Massachusetts and was a veteran of the American Revolution.

In 1777 he joined a militia unit which traveled from Massachusetts to defend Rhode Island from the British Army.

He moved to Salem, New York in 1784, where he owned and operated a tavern for several years.

Thomas was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Congresses, and served from March 4, 1801 to May 1, 1808, when he resigned.

Thomas later moved to Providence, Rhode island, where he died on November 27, 1831.