Abraham Fike Thomas

THOMAS, FIKE, STEARNS, JOHNSTON, BECKWITH

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 10/2/2012 at 13:37:47

Abraham Fike Thomas, whose death was mentioned in our last issue, died Wednesday, March 27, 1912, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Francena Stearns, near Mt. Etna, at about 8 o'clock. He passed away quite suddenly from hemorrhage of the brain. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, at the Dunkard church, conducted by Rev. S. Bucklew, and the body was laid to rest in the Dunkard cemetery. Uncle Abe, as he was familiarly, known, was born In Brandouville, West Virginia, October 15, 1830 to Abraham Michael Thomas and Elizabeth Fike. He grew to manhood in the place of his birth and was there married to Miss Louisa Thomas on the 7th of February, 1855. Alter residing in the old home about five years Mr. and Mrs. Thomas came to Iowa, locating near Mt. Etna. May I8, I860, Mrs. Thomas died. Three children were born to this union, one son who died, and two daughters, Mrs. Francena Stearns and Mrs. Isabel Johnston, both of the vicinity of Mt. Etna. February 21, 1861, Mr. Thomas was united in
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Fees, who passed from this life in 1880. Some three years later, April 9, 1883, Mr. Thomas was again married, the bride being Miss Elizabeth Chaney. To this union, three children were born of whom Mrs. Louisa Beckwith and Jacob Thomas, residing near Mt. Etna survive their parents. The wife and mother died February 14, 1888. Being one of the pioneers of this county Mr Thomas had seen many changes since he located here. He had succeeded in getting a goodly share of this world's goods and at the time of his death he owned about 400 acres of land in Adams county. Mr. Thomas was the first grocer in Mt. Etna, starting and conducting a store there and hauling his goods from Des Moines. He was owner of the mill in Mt. Etna for a time. Mr. Thomas was a gentleman, who made friends with all with whom he came in contact and he was ever ready to lend assistance when needed. He will be missed by many friends.
Adams County Free Press, April 3, 1912, page 1