Thomas, Paul 1815 - 1917

THOMAS, MOORE, WHITEMARSH, BOUDER, BARNES, MCDOWELL, MCMAHON, FISKE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/12/2021 at 11:56:06

Source: Cresco Plain Dealer Aug. 13, 1915 P-FP C-3

One Hundred Years of Life.
The privilege is seldom given to the people of a small village to attend the birthday party of one whose life has spanned a century. Some recognition of the event was planned by the business men of the town and at the appointed hour, 3 p. m., Monday, Aug. 2nd, the people assembled. The weather man gave us clouds instead of sunshine yet the people brought the sunshine and the happy face of Mr. Thomas with his daughter and sons about him contributed not a little to the occassion’s pleasure.
After a number bp{sic} the band, Mayor Thomas, having charge of the pro¬, introduced the male quartet who sang to the delight of the people, “We Meet Again.” The mayor spoke of the occasion with words well chosen and in manner expressive of the community's interest. To Mr. A. J. Cray was accorded the privilege of presenting the substantial greetings of neighbors and friends. This was delivered in a check numbering a dollar for every year. Mr. Thomas arose and made effort to express his thanks which was heard by only those sitting near. Another appropriate selection was sung by the quartet, “The Old Ox Team," which received hearty applause from everyone. Mr. Thomas through the mayor invited everyone to come and shake hands and while the band played a number of selections the people filed past and Mr. Thomas shook the hand of each one in a hearty manner showing his own deep pleasure in the event. He said: “I have driven oxen. I once drove ten in one line." His birth occurred near the beginning of steam inventions and he now lives in the age of electricity. He came to Lime Springs with the first settlers; for as Uncle Lute Sanborn says, "I know, for he rode with me on a load of lumber." This was in the spring of 1865. Three years after he removed here with his family.
Paul Thomas was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y. When six years of age he moved with his parents to Canada. He was married in Canada to Miss Frances Moore and soon removed to Buffalo where they resided until they moved to Iowa.
Ten children were born to them, two dying in infancy; Mrs. Whitmarsh of Lime Springs, Geo. A. of Chester, Jas. M. of Washington, W. W. of Lime Springs, Edwin and Edward were twins and live in Montana and Ohio respectively; Frances, Mrs. Bouder of Aurora, Ill., and Josephine, Mrs. Barnes of Chicago. The children were present excepting the twin brothers. The following grandchildren were present: all children of George of Chester, W. P. Thomas of Three Forks, Mont., Fred of Lily Lake, Ill., Chas. of Chester, Ia., Mrs. J. J. McDowell of Chester and Mrs. Emma McMahon of Cresco. There was present also the youngest great grand child 8 weeks old, daughter of the youngest grand child Mrs. McDowell.
One coincidence in the children of Mr. Thomas lies in the number 8, 16 and 24; 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation. — Lime Springs Sun.
Mr. Thomas accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. Whitmarsh, came to Cresco on Monday for a visit at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. L. G. Fiske, where he met a number of the old residents of this community.

Transcriber's Note: Find a Grave shows he was born August 1, 1815 and died December 23, 1917. He is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.