The life of this man affords another instance of the representative American farmer, and how useful a man may be, even though but a tiller of the soil, if he will only improve his opportunities. The parentage of Thomas N. Lomis is traceable to the old Bay State. There his father, Jacob L. Lomis, married Nancy Noble, and, turning their eyes in the direction of the " star of empire," left their nativity for the then " west," settling in the town of Hamilton, Madison county, New York, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1807, and where, twenty years later, he was married. He remained a resident of New York until 1836, when he followed the example of his parents, and "went west" to the new State of Michigan, locating in the eastern part of Brandon township, in which vicinity he has lived ever since. Upon coming to Brandon, Mr. Lomis at once identified himself with her interests, and helped to develop her rich resources as a farming country, practically illustrating it by opening a large farm, which has prospered him pecuniarily. Nor did her public interests suffer at his hands. He was ever ready to aid in every good work, and was a church or school-house to be built, he was foremost with his contributions. He shirked not the petty cares and annoyances attending the holding of township offices, and repeatedly filled them to the great satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He was supervisor of Brandon during the trying times of the Rebellion, and provided so well and liberally for the families of the soldiers that the record of that town speaks an abundance of praise for his patriotism and humanity. Retiring from the active cares of the farm, he became a resident of the village of Oakwood, where he lives surrounded by the comforts of life, respected by his neighbors for his benevolence and generosity as well as his other good qualities as a citizen.