John Pickering Thomas received his early education in the public schools of the community in which he was born, and attended Wilton Academy, graduating in 1905. He then entered Harvard University, and graduated from there with the class of 1909, after which he undertook a post-graduate course at the School of Arts and Sciences, graduating in 1912. After spending one year in Italy, he returned to the United States and began his work as an architect in the office of C. Howard Walker of Boston. He was later with Welles Bosworth, still later with W. L. Howell, and again, with Wait & Copeland. This carried up to time of the entry of the United States into the World War, during which Mr. Thomas served as ensign, United States Navy, spending twenty months in overseas' duty. Upon his return, in 1919, he formed a business partnership with Charles Poor of Portland, and this carried on successfully until Mr. Poor's death in 1921, since which time Mr. Thomas has operated under his own name.

Mr. Thomas always found time in which to participate in the civic and general affairs of his community. In his political views he is a supporter of the Republican party, and is noted for the manner in which he stands behind any movement designed for the welfare or advancement of Portland. He has been active in his club and social life, for he is not only a member of those organizations which pertain to his profession, among the more important of which are the American Institute of Architects and the Boston Architectural Club, but he is also a member of the American Legion, the Kiwanis Club, the Cumberland Club, the Purpoopock Club, the Haylofters, the Harvard Club of Boston, and the Portland Chamber of Commerce.

John Pickering Thomas married, April 21, 1913, at St. Louis, Missouri, Alice K. McCandless, of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are the parents of three children: Mary Alice, Peter, and Susan J. Mr. Thomas and his family maintain their residence in Portland, Maine.

(from Maine Biographies, published in 1928.)