Thomas, Fred 1878 - 1908

THOMAS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/4/2019 at 16:17:14

Source: Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer Feb. 14, 1908, FP, C5

Fred Thomas passed away last Monday night quite unexpectedly as it was thought his case had taken a favorable turn up to a few hours before his death. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon in charge of the Masons of which he had been an active member. He was a most worthy young man whose untimely death is deplored by all. We will publish an obituary of deceased in our next issue.

Source: Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer Feb. 28, 1908, LP, C4

THOMAS.
Of the many prominent citizens of Cresco who have passed away during the winter, no one perhaps will be more greatly missed than Mr. Fred Thomas. Altho only 30 years of age he had gained a position and a reputation in the community which many an older man might envy. Mr. Thomas was born in New Oregon twp. Jan. 1, 1878, but was soon brought by his parents to Cresco, where his life has been almost entirely spent. He attended the public schools here and took a full course with the exception of the last three months in the high school. His education was supplemented by a business course in the Perry normal school. During these years of boyhood he gained a wide circle of acquaintances in Cresco and vicinity. Everybody knew Fred and loved him, for his character was beyond reproach. During the last eleven years he has worked with his father in his harness shop on the south side and has made a reputation as an honorable and effective business man.
Mr. Thomas took an active part in the social and religious life of the community. He had been a member of the fire department for nine years at the time of his death and was chief of the department. For many years he was a faithful and earnest worker in the Congregational church and for the last ten years he was a member of the Masonic order and of the Eastern Star. He took a deep interest in Masonry and was more familiar with its ritual than many older men. He had held the office of senior deacon, the highest appointive office in the lodge.
Mr. Thomas had always enjoyed rugged and vigorous health and his friends were much surprised to hear early in February that he had been taken sick with bowel trouble. Still his ultimate recovery was confidently expected and the community was profoundly shocked and grieved to hear of his death at 10 o’clock Monday night, Feb. 10. The expressions of sympathy were numerous and widespread and the funeral was attended by about 300 persons. It was held at the home on the afternoon of Feb. 13 and there was a full attendance of the Masons, the Eastern Star and the fire department.
There were present from abroad, Messrs. William and Clarence Thomas from Sisseton, S. D., and Mrs. Berlandi from St. Paul. The floral offerings were unusually numerous and beautiful. The fire department presented a wreath, the Masons brought their symbol of the square and compass and the Eastern Star gave a beautiful floral star. There were besides many offerings from individuals. The funeral services were appropriate and beautiful. Rev. Mr. Hinman of the Congregational church spoke a few words from the text, ”So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom,” and the Masonic liturgy was recited by Mr. Robert Thomson, the body was then laid at rest in Oaklawn.
The sympathy of the whole community goes out to the aged parents in their deep affliction, but we feel that
“God calls our loved ones, but we lose not wholly
What he hath given;
They live on earth in thought and deed, as truly,
As in his heaven.”

Oak Lawn Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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