NAME: Thomas James Dayton
DATE OF BIRTH: June 6, 1944
PLACE OF BIRTH: Greenville, OH
STATE: OHIO
REGION: Ohio Valley
SUPER-REGION: Midwest
PARTY: Republican

BRIEF BIO:

Thomas was born and raised in Greenville, OH. Son of a high school English teacher and former state wrestling champion, Thomas excelled in both the classroom and in athletics, becoming an all-state pole vault champion. Thomas went to The Ohio State University, earning degrees in economics and history graduating in 1966. Unfortunately, a snapped pole in his senior year dashed any dreams of Olympic glory.

Returning to Greenville, Thomas soon found success in real estate development and married Anna Smith. Thomas returned to school, earning his MBA from The Farmer School of Business, at Miami University in 1970.

Although Thomas continued to dabble in real estate, his passion was birthed from his fond childhood memories of the Great Darke County Fair. This lead Thmas to join the Darke County Agricultural Society’s Board of Directors in 1974. Thomas continued to serve on the Board until 1980.

In 1982, Thomas was elected to the Darke County Board of Commissioners and was successfully re-elected in 1986 serving until his election to the Ohio State Senate since 1988.

Thomas and Anna still reside in Greenville with their two boys, Thomas Jr. (1974) and Samuel (1977).

(edited to add bio and minor change)