Edwin Ross Thomas started the E. R. Thomas Motor Company of Buffalo in 1900. The company was quite successful, and Thomas remained its president until his decision to retire in 1911, when he sold his holding to the United States Motor Company. Although successful as an auto maker, Thomas probably gained his greatest fame as the designer-builder of the “Thomas Flyer,” winner of the 1908 New York to Paris (via California, Siberia and Europe) Race. Despite the fact that he officially retired in 1911, Thomas was active in numerous enterprises until his death.