Helen L. Clark Bowman Thomas, 1845-1921

THOMAS, BOWMAN, CLARK

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/31/2011 at 20:00:05

Sudden Death of Mrs. Helen Thomas
Mrs. Helen Thomas died very unexpectedly early Tuesday morning at Spirit Lake at the home of her son Ernest. Mrs. Thomas is the mother of Mrs. G. W. Bowman of the city and a sister of Mrs. Lucy Phillips. Her death came as the result of stomach trouble and altho always troubled in this way she was not taken seriously ill until Saturday and not until Monday was any danger of death considered. Mrs. Thomas had lived at Spirit Lake since her marriage to Mrs. Webb Thomas who died some five years ago, but until then since girlhood she has made Estherville her home. Her parents moved here with their family in the days of Fort Defiance.

The many friends of the dear old lady will be deeply grieved to hear of her death and will join us in extending sympathy to the bereaved family. At this time funeral arrangements have not been made.

Helen Thomas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Clark was born March 16th, 1845 at Harrisburg, Penn.

At the age of sixteen she moved with her parents to Wisconsin and after a short time they came to Estherville, Iowa. When twenty-one years of age she married Jacob Bowman and they made their home at Boone, Iowa until the death of Mr. Bowman in 1866. To this union one son, George now living in Estherville was born. In 1873 Mrs. Bowman was married to Webb Thomas of Spirit Lake, Iowa where they made their home for a number of years. To them one son was born, Ernest Thomas whose home is in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Since Mr. Thomas’ death, Mrs. Thomas has made her home with her son Ernest. Mrs. Thomas leaves two sons and one sister besides other relatives and many friends to mourn her loss.

When but a young girl she dedicated her life to the Master’s work and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She was a good wife, a faithful mother, a helpful sister and one of whom it can be said, “She hath done what she could.” (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, June 22, 1921)

Mrs. Webb Thomas Passes to Reward
Passed Away Tuesday Morning After But Few Days Illness. Funeral Today
Mrs. Webb Thomas, one of the older residents of Dickinson county, passed away at her home in Spirit Lake at an early hour Tuesday morning after but a few days illness. She was taken suddenly ill Saturday evening and gradually grew worse until her life faded out. The funeral services were conducted from the M.E. church by Rev. W. A. Wilkinson at 2 o’clock this Thursday afternoon. Interment was made in the East Side cemetery at Estherville besides her first husband.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas resided on what is known as the Webb Thomas farm just southeast of Spirit Lake up until about fifteen years ago when they retired from the farm and moved to Spirit Lake. Mr. Thomas passed away on November 27, 1914.

Helen L. Thomas was born March 16, 1845, in Harrisburg, Penn., and died June 21, 1918 [1921].

At the age of 21 years she married Jacob C. Bowman. To this union was born G. W. Bowman of Estherville, Iowa. They moved to Boone, Iowa, where Mr. Bowman died in 1866. He was a veteran of the Civil War, belonging to Co. I., 6th Iowa Cavalry. In 1873 [1874] she was again married to Webb Thomas of Spirit Lake. To this union one son was born, Ernest W. Thomas.

Mrs. Thomas was a member of the M.E. church and loyal and devoted always to her master’s cause. Her last sickness was short and she died with implicit love and faith in her Savior. She rests from her labors and many remembered her works of faith and love for her church and friends. She was ever steadfast and withstood the many trials of failure that accompanied the early pioneer days.

Her children and grandchildren will always cherish her memory and mourn the loss of a dear mother and grandmother. (Spirit Lake Beacon, Spirit Lake, IA, June 23, 1921)