Thomas was born in New York City, New York on the 11th of September, 1872 and he enlisted in the US Navy. He was a Coxswain when he was deployed during the Spanish-American War and displayed actions that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation, where his last name is misspelled, reads:

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Hobin displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Thomas Hoban received his Medal of Honor on the 7th of July, 1899 and he died on the 17th of December, 1922 at the age of 50. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, New York: Section 40, Range 20, Plot G, Grave 15.