Recorded as a 18 year old, Unmarried Lodger, Teacher of Art School, born in Marazion in the 1861 Census. Living in Queen Street, Penzance, Madron Parish. Also listed in the Paul Marriages (on-line) as Stephen Thomas, full age, Art Master of Newlyn.

A graduate of the South Kensington Schools, Thomas was active as an artist from the 1860s onwards. He taught art in Newlyn, and during the 1890s was headmaster of Bideford Municipal Science and Art Schools in North Devon. Ill-health forced him into a premature retirement, and he died soon after.