Dr. John G. Thomas, Beloved Physician

History Spotlight by Doug Humes

Who is the most significant person in the history of Marple and Newtown? My vote goes to Dr. John G. Thomas.

Born near Paoli in 1844, he enlisted at age 18 with the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served as 2nd Lt. on the staff of General O. O. Howard. Wounded in the thigh in 1864 while delivering a dispatch near enemy lines, he carried that bullet in his leg for the next 75 years.

After the war, he studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1869, began practice as a family physician, settling at a house on West Chester Pike near today’s Gauntlett Center.

Dr. Thomas’ house along West Chester Pike

Photo courtesy of Newtown Square Historical Society

An ex-cavalry officer, he rode to his patients first on horseback, and later by horse and buggy, in all kinds of weather. When automobiles appeared, Dr. Thomas was one of the first doctors to travel to his patients by car. A practicing physician for 70 years, he brought more than 2,000 babies into the world and served heroically through smallpox epidemics and the 1918 flu epidemic.

The young doctor joined Marple Presbyterian Church in 1871, and served as clerk of sessions for 60 years; treasurer for 51 years; and Sunday school superintendent for 50 years.

He was one of the promoters of the idea of a joint Marple-Newtown high school, and in 1914, he gave 4 acres of his land on which was built the first Marple Newtown High School. He served for 40 years on the Newtown school board, and 12 years as President of the Marple Newtown school board.

Dr. Thomas attends 1925 laying of cornerstone at Marple Elementary School

Photo courtesy of Newtown Square Historical Society

Dr. Thomas died in 1939 at age 95, and was honored as “adhering to the highest ideals of his profession, living in the service of all, and loved by all whom he served.” His secret to such a long and productive life: “I have worked hard and never been afraid. And maybe I should add that I’ve always eaten plain food. With all the advances in medical science, people were healthier in those long-ago days.”

Dr. Thomas, beloved physician

Photo from the collection of Doug Humes

Dr, Thomas rests in the Marple Presbyterian Cemetery, alongside Sproul Road. I pass him every day on my commute, and salute him – honored veteran, community volunteer, beloved physician.

For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit the Newtown Square Historical Society’s website at www.HistoricNewtownSquare.org.