by Karen Yvonne Hamilton. Last updated May 25, 2025.

Actively researching. Subscribe for updates.

Edward Thomas was born in 1838 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

IMPORTANT TO NOTEFOR RESEARCHERS: While Ancestry .com suggests that Jules Daunoy and Cora Douvillier are the parents of Justine AND her husband, Ed Thomas, the only proof is the 1860 New Orleans census. That census lists Justine and Ed LIVING IN THE HOUSEHOLD. It DOES NOT list them as children of Jules and Cora!

Possible parents Jules D’Aunoy (also spelled Daunoy) and Cora Douvillier. The spellings of these names differ in different documents. The 1860 New Orleans census shows these two people living with Ed and his wife, Justine Thatu. It does not indicate if they are related however. The ages and dates are consistent but need to find another way to verify that Jules and Cora are Ed’s parents. Ancestry.com shows Jules and Cora as possible parents for Edward Thomas AND for Justine Thatu (his wife).

MARRIAGE

Edward married Justine Tulles Thatu.

CHILDREN

  • His daughter Josephine was born in 1856.
  • His daughter Mathilde B. “Tilly” was born in 1859 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 1860, Edward and Justina lived in the 5th Ward of New Orleans.

1860 U.S. Census
New Orleans Wards 1-11 Augustus Mitchell map

Edward lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1870.

1870 U.S. Census

IN THE NEWS

There are many newspaper articles on “Ed Thomas” and “Edward Thomas.” It appears that this was a common name. I found one article that lists him as a police officer (which is correct per the 1860 census that lists Justine as his wife and Matilde as his daughter).

New Orleans Republican New Orleans, Louisiana Tuesday, February 11, 1868

DEATH

Edward Thomas died on May 28, 1875, in New Orleans, Louisiana, when he was 37 years old.

In 1879, Edward’s widow is listed in the 1879 New Orleans City Directory.

SOURCES

New Orleans Republican New Orleans, Louisiana Tuesday, February 11, 1868; 1860 United States Federal Census; 1870 United States Federal Census; Geneanet Community Trees Index; Ancestry.com; Louisiana, Statewide Death Index, 1819-1964; 1879 New Orleans City Directory