F.E. Thomas (Fred) 1854-1938

Born Sept. 9th 1854 in Newburg Village, Penobscot County, Maine. At age 26 Fred Thomas would start his rod making career as an apprentice rod maker for Hiram Leonard in Central Valley NY. In 1889 he left the Leonard rod company to form a partnership with Eustis W. Edwards and Loman Hawes, also of the Leonard rod company. The new company would be called Thomas, Edwards, and Hawes. Two years later Ed Payne would replace Loman Hawes and the company was renamed Thomas, Edwards, and Payne. This new company would produce some of the finest cane rods ever made.The rods in their highest quality category were known as Kosmic rods. F.E. Thomas would go through many changes and companies and partners, and produce rods under many names and models. His F.E. Thomas rods are a favorite among many anglers. Fred Thomas pased away one year after leaving his beloved rod business in 1938.