George Brethard Thomas was born in Hancock, Washington county, Maryland, on the 29th of March, 1842. His father died when the subject of this sketch was twelve years old, and he continued to live with his mother at the old homestead until he reached the age of eighteen, and then migrated to Missouri, arriving in St. Joseph in the spring of 1860. He remained in that city some two months, then came to Gallatin, where he secured employment as clerk in the hotel owned by Thomas Clingan, and remained in that capacity until February, 1861, when he engaged in farming and continued in that “noblest of all pursuits,” until May, 1881.
From 1866 to 1875, in addition to his farm occupations, he was a member of the firm of Thomas & Brosins, in the meat market business. He was clerk of the Shriver district, Liberty township, for over ten years, showing by his long continuance in the office that the people appreciated his valuable qualities.
On the 14th of February, 1861, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Epha Brosins, of Liberty township. From this union, which has proven a happy one, they have five children; namely, Lucinda M., Annie May, Mary Louvenia, Floyd and Georgia, all living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of Gallatin Lodge No. 167, I. O. O. F.
In May, 1881, Mr. Thomas purchased the Palace Hotel, and since that time has conducted that popular hostelry in such a manner as to win a large share of the patronage of the traveling public.