David Thomas, a farmer of the town of Aberytroyth, Wales, embarked on a vessel bound for the United States, having with him his wife, children and household goods. After embarking, and while the vessel yet lay at anchor, there befell a dead calm, with little prospect of wind for several hours. David took his wife and children, except John, and went ashore, thinking to say a few more farewells to his kindred and friends ere departing on his long journey to a strange land. During his absence a breeze sprang up, and the captain, without waiting for the return of his passengers, weighed anchor and set sail. David followed in the next available vessel, and arrived safely in New York, where he found his son John and the goods awaiting him. He located in New York at Albany, where he owned considerable real estate, both in the city and farm lands which he cultivated. Part of the ground on which the capitol stands is said to have been owned by him. He left issue.
(II) John, son of David Thomas, was born at Aberytroyth, Wales, and on arriving at New York alone was cared for by friends until the arrival of his parents on the next ship, a matter of several weeks, however. He settled with the family in Albany, where he was a man of prominence. He was a member of the first board of directors of the National Exchange Bank and extensively engaged in the real estate business. He married (first) Miss Lloyd ————. He married a second wife, who bore him four children. Children of first wife: William Howell, (mentioned below); Eleanor, Lloyd, Edward, Caroline, Sophia and Elizabeth.
(III) William Howell, son of John and Lloyd Thomas, was born in Albany, New York, where he was educated and learned the cooper's trade. He later removed to Livingstonville, New York, where he established himself in business. He was a man of note and prominence in the old Whig party. He married Sophronia Palmer, who bore him:
- Elizabeth Helen, married Clarence Laselle.
- Annie May (mentioned below).
- Frances Virginia, married Murray Hubbard, and had Lester Thomas.
- Minne Caroline, married Joseph A. Stowe; their son, Raymond Maxwell, married Wilhelmina Frederick.
- Sarah Ella, married George R. Wilsdon.
- Wilfred, deceased.
- Emma Sophia.
(IV) Annie May, daughter of William H. and Sophronia (Palmer) Thomas, was born August 8, 1846. She married, August 13, 1872, William Albert, born July 10, 1844, died March 22, 1902, son of David and Margaret (McCall) Lansing, and grandson of Isaac and Katherine Kagg Lansing, of the Lansing family, founders of the town of Lansingburg, New York. Isaac and Katherine Lansing had James, David, Richard, Susan, Sally, Cornelia and Isaac. David, son of Isaac Lansing, was born April 21, 1812, died 1897. He married, December 31, 1833, Margaret McCall, born April 15, 1815, died December 21, 1884. Children:
- Henry, born May 9, 1835.
- Mary Jane, March 22, 1836, married Albert Ford; children:
- Janet, born April 5, 1863, married John Steinberg, and had Minnie, William, John, Adelia, Charles, Mary and Frank.
- Mary, born December 1, 1866, married Dwight Thomas and had Hurlburt.
- Lydia, born February 22, 1871, married Mr. Denlow.
- Adelaide, born August 4, 1875, married (first) Alfred Upton; married (second) Joseph O'Kert.
- Martin H., born February 27, 1839, married Sarah Gates; children: Clara, Margaret, William and Kitty.
- Sophia Ann, born July 15, 1841, married John Vaughn; child, Frederic, deceased.
- William Albert, born July 10, 1844. During the civil war, although under age, he enlisted in "Scotts 900," was in Washington, D. C., one and one-half years as President Lincoln's guard; later transferred to the Department of the Gulf; mustered out June 12, 1865, as the Eleventh New York Cavalry. He was taken prisoner June 30, 1863, and confined in Libby Prison for six months. He finished his military service as private of the Eleventh Regiment New York Cavalry. After the close of the war he followed his trade of tailor for a time, in Gloversville, then opened a gentleman's furnishing and custom tailoring store, which he conducted successfully until 1900, when he disposed of his business and retired. He was a member of Colonel Sammons Post, Grand Army of the Republic, trustee of the village of Gloversville, member of the Congregational church, and of Gloversville Lodge, No. 429, Free and Accepted Masons. He maried, Annie May Thomas, and had two children: Helen Virginia (mentioned below); Clarence Thomas, born May 27, 1877, D.D.S., practicing in Yonkers, New York; married, June 6, 1906, Minnie Jacobine Hart.
(V) Helen Virginia, only daughter of William Albert and Annie May (Thomas) Lansing, was born July 2, 1876, married, October 20, 1897, Harry George Hilts, son of George H., grandson of Jacob Hilts, and great-grandson of David Hilts. Jacob Hilts married Maria Bouck and had three children. He was born in Schoharie county, New York, where he followed the occupation of a farmer. His children were: Elmer, married Harriet Rockfeller; George (mentioned below); Myron, married Emily Powell. George H. Hilts, born 1844, died July 17, 1908. He came to Gloversville after his marriage, in 1867. He was a farmer, but, having learned glove making, became a manufacturer in 1883, making a line of fine gloves, continuing until his death. He was alderman of the city, a Republican, and a member of the first Methodist church. He was Past Master of Gloversville Lodge, No. 429, Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of the Eccentric Club. He married Alvira, daughter of Nelson and Caroline (Shaffer) France, and granddaughter of Henry and Eugene (Tate) France. George H. and Alvira Hilts had an only child, Harry George, born March 2, 1875. He was educated in the common and high schools of Gloversville. After completing his studies he learned the glove making business, and later was admitted by his father to a partnership, the firm being George H. Hilts & Son. On the death of his father the son succeeded to the business, which he successfully conducts, manufacturing a line of fine gloves. He is water commissioner of Gloversville, and an energetic, useful citizen. He is prominent in the Masonic order, belonging to the following bodies: Gloversville Lodge, No. 429, Free and Accepted Masons; Johnstown Chapter, No. 78, Royal Arch Masons; Holy Cross Commandery, No. 51, Knights Templar; Cyprus Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Eccentric Club. Mrs. Helen V. Hilts is a member of the Daughters of the Revolution and is secretary of the Gloversville chapter.