Source:  The Historical Review of Logan Co., Ohio, Publ. Chicago, by S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1903 - Page 344

FOSTER THOMAS.     More than a century ago Washington: "Farming is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." and it was the pursuit which claimed his attention when he was not occupied with the duties of state or of military service.  The truth of this statement has been verified throughout the ages and it is also known that agriculture is the basis of all prosperity.  Among the men of Logan county who have devoted their efforts to this honorable and useful calling is Foster Thomas who now resides at a pleasant home about a mile from East Liberty.  He was born in Warren county, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1847, and is a son of Hanson and Maria (Miller) Thomas.  His paternal grandparents were Isaac and Hannah (Starr) Thomas, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, while the maternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth Miller.
     Hanson Thomas was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and in 1851 he came with his family to Logan county, Ohio, living in Bellefontaine for a short time, probably three or four years.  During that period he followed the butcher's trade.  He then removed to the farm upon which our subject now resides and there his death occurred on the 6th of October, 1865.  He was a man of broad general information for his time and in addition to farming he practiced law.  In his political views he was an old line Democrat, active in the work of the party and he filled a number of local offices.  His life was upright, his ability marked and his enterprise and public spirit made him one of the representative men of his community.  His wife, who was born in 1826, died on the old family homestead in September, 1807.  Following her husband's death, when she was called upon to take charge of the family and the property, she manifested splendid business qualifications.  She was a very noble woman esteemed by all, and her memory is still cherished by her family and others who knew her.
     Foster Adams, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the public school system of Logan county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed.  He was reared upon the old homestead where he now lives and, in fact, where he has spent almost his entire life.  He has thus formed a wide acquaintance in the county, and the circle of his friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances.  On the 29th of April, 1868, he won as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Mary Hollopeter, a native of Miami county, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Morton) Hollopeter.  Her paternal grandparents were Mathias and Ella Hollopeter natives of Pennsylvania, who cast in their lot with the early settlers of Miami county, Ohio, and there spent their remaining days.  The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Thomas were Israel and Hannah (Conn) Morton.  They were natives of New England and also became early settlers of Ohio where they died.  Mrs. Thomas was educated in Middleburg, this state, and is a most estimable lady.  Her home is noted for its hospitality and she is a devoted wife and loving mother as well as a faithful friend.  She has one son Perry H., who was born on the home farm Dec. 27, 1872, and was married on the 19th of January, 1894, to Margaret Gray, whose birth occurred in Champaign county, Ohio.  He is now a commercial traveler and makes his home in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
     Mr. Thomas is prominent in the Odd Fellows Society, having taken the degrees of both the subordinate lodge and encampment and in his life he is ever loyal to the beneficent teachings of the order.  In politics he is a Democrat having voted with the party since he cast his first ballot for General McClellan.  For several terms he has served as trustee of Perry township and has filled other local offices in a creditable manner, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity.  No man stands higher  in the regard of his fellow men than does Foster Thomas because of his social, moral and business worth, and in the history of Logan county he well deserves honorable mention.
Source:  The Historical Review of Logan Co., Ohio, Publ. Chicago, by S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1903 - Page 813

SMITH R. THOMPSON.     Smith R. Thompson is well kno-s in Bellefontaine and was born in Zanesfield in 1846; Smith R., of this review; and Levi R., who is now in New Mexico.
     Having acquired a common school education, Smith R. Thompson, at the age of sixteen years, began to learn the tailor's trade in Bellefontaine.  He mastered the business and followed it as a means of livelihood for thirteen years, after which he became proprietor of a hotel and for twenty-two years was known to the traveling public as a genial and popular host.  He made it his work to provide well for comfort of his guests and to furnish a place of public entertainment that would be equal to any in the state.  His labors certainly accomplished this if patronage was any criterion of success.  Since his retirement from the hotel business Mr. Thompson has engaged in operating in real estate, opening his office in Bellefontaine in 1893.  He has since handled much property and has negotiated many important realty transfers.
     In 1901 he erected the Thompson block, a fine brick structure for business and office purposes at the corner of Court and Opera streets.  He is also interested in farming, having a farm adjoining the city, and is prominently connected with various business and manufacturing concerns of Bellefontaine.
     In 1872 was celebrated the marriage of Smith R. Thompson and Asenath M. Rockwell, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Marquis) Rockwell, of Zanesfield, this county, being among the older residents of that place.  To them was born one daughter, Bertha E.
     Mrs. Thompson is a member of the First Presbyterian church, of Bellefontaine.  There are few men in the county who have a wider acquaintance than Mr. Thompson because of the line of business with which he has been identified, but while he has had the opportunity of meeting many he has also been the possessor of qualities which have gained him the warm friendship of those with whom he has come in contact and won for him the respect and good will of those with whom he has been associated.
Source:  The Historical Review of Logan Co., Ohio, Publ. Chicago, by S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1903 - Page 620