Martha Gibbons Thomas was born in Whitford, Chester County, Pennsylvania on February 13, 1869. Much of her childhood and early youth was spent on her family’s farm, Woodford, in Chester County, a farm which was in her family since the late 1690s. Woodford was purchased from William Penn, and much of the original property is still in the family.
Thomas is well known for her work with farming and the agricultural industry, especially guernsey cows. Thomas graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1889 with her A.B. (now referred to as a Bachelor’s Degree) as a member of the first graduating class after the college’s founding. Thomas remained at Bryn Mawr, as a residence hall warden in the late 1890s.
Thomas was one of the first eight women elected to the PA House in 1922, following the adoption of the 19th amendment. She represented Chester County’s 2nd district. Much of her legislation dealt with appropriation funds for agriculture and public health- two of her passions. During her time in the House, Thomas was the State’s Official Hostess at the Sesquicentennial International Exposition in Philadelphia in 1926. This exposition celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. She did not seek reelection at the conclusion of the 1926 term, but still remained active in politics.
From 1930 until her death in 1942, Thomas was the President of the Women’s Republican Club of Chester County. In 1934, she was appointed Associate Chairman for William Schnader, gubernatorial candidate. Her position assisted in the formation of women’s groups throughout the state, and to help appeal Schnader to women voters. She was a founder of the Chester County Health and Welfare Council in addition to serving as a trustee at the Teachers College of West Chester (now West Chester University). Thomas died on June 26, 1942 in West Chester and is buried in Downingtown Friends Meetinghouse Cemetery in Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
On Second Consideration 