He was born in Winwick, Lancashire, but his family soon moved to Cheshire and eventually settled in Runcorn.
His venture became very successful and in 1832 his business was in the top 20 soap manufacturing factories in Great Britain.
As a result of this Thomas was converted to Methodism and he played a great part in the development of the denomination in the town.
[3] Thomas was extremely pious, praying in the morning, at noon and in the evening and not allowing this to be interrupted by his business or by visitors.
[1] He was also active in civic affairs being at one time or another member of the select vestry,[4] the Committee on Bridewell, Offices and Petty Sessions, the Board of Health, a Director of Runcorn Gas Company and an Inspector of the Lighting and Watching Act.