Changes

==Background==

==Background==

Thomas was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to Caroline Neely and William Allen Thomas.<ref name=historicalsocietybio/> After attending common schools in [[Indiana]], he served in the Union Army during the [[American Civil War]]. Joining the army with the initial rank of Private, Thomas was active in the Battle of Franklin where he was wounded. He later achieved the rank of [[Captain]].<ref name=historicalsocietybio/>

Thomas was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to Caroline Neely and William Allen Thomas.<ref name=historicalsocietybio/> After attending common schools in [[Indiana]], he served in the Union Army during the [[American Civil War|Civil War]]. Joining the army with the initial rank of Private, Thomas was active in the Battle of Franklin where he was wounded. He later achieved the rank of [[Captain]].<ref name=historicalsocietybio/>

Following the war, Thomas proceeded to study law, and in 1869 was admitted to the Illinois bar.<ref name=historicalsocietybio/>

Following the war, Thomas proceeded to study law, and in 1869 was admitted to the Illinois bar.<ref name=historicalsocietybio/>