Jacob Thomas

THOMAS, ARNOLD, STERNS, JOHNSTON, BECKWITH, STEWARD

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 10/1/2012 at 18:00:35

Death called one of the county's best known and greatly loved citizens Monday, July 2, 1934 after a long, brake fight for life during which time the deceased, Jacob Thomas, never gave up hope for life and health. His passing was a distinct loss to the community in which he had stood so loyally for right during his life. Funeral services were held Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m., July 4, at the Church of the Brethren in Mt. Etna, conducted by his brother in the ministry, Rev. Harry E. Rogers. Interment was made in the Mt. Etna Cemetery.
Jacob Thomas, son of Abram and Elizabeth Thomas was born in Mt. Etna, Iowa, December 3, 1885 and departed this life at his home in Mt. Etna, Iowa, July 2, 1934 aged 48 years, and 7 months. On January 28, 1912 he was united in marriage to Miss Clare Arnold. Most of his life has been spent in this community. He was converted in the Pratt meeting in Corning in October of 1915, and has since been a conscientious Christian man. Soon after his conversion he united with the Progressive Brethren Church and took the lead in organizing a Sunday School, where he worked faithfully until 1924, when the two churches were united in Mt. Etna. He still continued to be a leader, especially with the young people, whom he loved and encouraged so much. He proved to be a great teacher in the Sunday School and young people's work. On September 26, 1926 he was called to the ministry and later he and his wife spent one winter in Bethany bible School in Chicago preparing for the ministry. His great desire was to be of use to his maker in the salvation of the lost.
His father, mother and two half-sisters, Mrs. Cena Sterns and Mrs. Isabel Johnston preceded him in death. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Louisa Beckwith and Mrs. Carlie Steward; a large number of nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends who regret his passing.
Adams County Free Press, July 5, 1934, page 12