Cr. Walter Thomas, J.P.

Cr. Walter Thomas, J.P.

Walter Thomas was born at Collingwood in 1844 and moved to Morang at age 7. He attended the state school there, under the tuition of Mr. Noble and Higgs, afterwards completing his education at Scotch College.

Walter took up farming in the Morang District, where he remained until his death. He represented the Morang Riding of the Shire of Whittlesea for about 54 years. He was connected with the Mernda state school for 54 years, first as a member of the Board of Advice, and afterwards as chairman and correspondent of the School Committee.

For 43 years he acted as Secretary and Librarian to the Mernda Mechanics’ Institute, and was one of the founders of the Whittlesea Agricultural Society.

At the age of 20 Walter married Ruth James who died in 1915. The following year, he married Jane Thomas of Rosebrook.

Walter died after a short illness on 15 September 1932 at the age of 87, and was buried at Yan Yean Cemetery.