Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-06-16
Strong Endorsement

Strong Endorsement
He became a candidate for the Maine
superintendency and Governor Milliken
personally conferred with the men,
bers of the Nebraska delegation in
Washington Without exception, con-
gressmen and senators endorsed DR..
Thomas and many other endorsements
have been received from other sources.
Just past so years old, virile and en-
ergetic, DR. Thomas is right at the
prime of his career. He was born in
Illinois and spent his boyhood and ear
ly manhood on farm in Iowa. Here
he gained a rudimentary knowledge Of
farming, the real foundation of his ag-
ricultural knowledge which has been
SO valuable ever since in his school
work.
He is native of Illinois, born Feb
q, 1863, in Mercer county, son of Will
liam Lee and Mary Elizabeth Cox
Thomas. He passed his boyhood and
early manhood on an Iowa farm, at
tended the district schools and later
graduated in 1891 from the Western
Normal college, higher course, at
Shenandoah, Iowa. He received the
degree of Bachelor of Science in 1894
and of Doctor of Philosophy in 1896
from Amity College of Iowa. He took
a three-years' post graduate course of
study in education and sociology and
began teaching as a profession
He was principal of the schools at
Cambridge, Neb., from 1913; super
intendent of the city schools at st.
Paul. Neb. 1896; at Minden, Neb..
1s96-19ol; and at Kearney. Neb. 19o1-5.
He was president of the State Normal
school at kearney for nine years after
its establishment in 1905. He was
then elected state superintendent of
public instruction. an office filled by
the people, serving for two years.
DIR. Thomas has been associate edi-
tor of the Western Journal Of Educa-
t1on; is an eX-vice president of the de-
partment of normal schools of the Ma
uonal Educational association; an ex-
president Of the Central Nebraska Ed
ucational association: an ex-secretarv
of the Nebraska State Teachers as.
ISOLATION.
He married on June IA. 1894. Ella
May Cclvin OF Arapahoe. Neb, and
they have two children. a son. Paul.
aged q, and daughter, Katherine,
aged IS years. The doctor stands about
SIX 1eet and weighs about 10 pounds
ana is famous for his charming per-
sonality.
In addition to the positions already
named. he was president Of the Nor
NAL school department of the National
Education Association: secretary
treasurer of the Mississippi Valley
Historical Association: chairman Of
the Mississippi Valley History Teach
ers' Association and various other hon
orary positions. He is the author OF
many letters. reports and addresses OF
note and text on Rural Arithmetic"
Mr.. starkey Will Continue
The nomination of DR.. Thomas will,
be confirmed at the meeting Of the Ex-.
ecutive Council on June rs. as after
careful thought and consideration the
Governor his Council were united un-
on DR.. Thomas as a choice.
He comes to Maine with the highest
recommendations - ability, efficiency
and success in school work-and he
doubtless will find his work in this
State as congenial az his welcome will
be Cordial He will probably assume the
duties Of the ONCE about the first Of
July. Until that time. Glenn W. Stark
ey Of Augusta, who has been tempo
rary superintendent Of schools since
the resignation Of DR.. Smith, will con.
tinue to act in the same capable man
ner in which he has conducted tho Of
fee for nearly q year. Mr.. Starkey has
not desired the position Of State
superintendent Of public schools,
but his administration Of the AFFAIRS of
that office has been such as to win the
sincere praise and endorsement Of
Governor Milliken and the thousands
Of others who have come in touch with