 In 1845, the Municipality of Saint-Thomas-de-North-Jersey was formed when it separated from parts of Sainte-Élisabeth, Lanoraie, and Saint-Paul-de-Lavaltrie.One of the leading persons advocating for its formation was Louis Voligny, a former French officer who is considered the founder of St. Thomas.He donated land for the construction of the church, the presbytery, and for the establishment of the cemetery.