D. G. Thomas 1834-1893

THOMAS, MORRIS

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 12/19/2020 at 14:44:50

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa Wednesday, November 15, 1893 page 1

D. G. Thomas was born in Llangybi, Cairnarfon Shire, north Wales, June 9, 1834, and died at the home of his son G. D. Thomas, in Columbus Junction, Iowa, November 12, 1893. he was this almost 60 years old at the time of his death. He was left an orphan at an early day, his father dying when he was only three years old; his mother when he was twelve. he and mother came to his country in 1845, settling in Racine, Wisconsin. After the death of his mother he went to, or near Alton, Illinois, where for three years he worked in the coal mines. He then returned to Racine and learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade. In 1850 he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Morris, who with two out of the five born to them, survive to mourn a great loss. at the age of twenty-four years Mr. Thomas bought a farm of 200 acres near Fox Lake, Wisconsin. the purchase price was $5,000 and the plucky young man invested his all, $750, in the venture, giving security for the remainder. As a farmer he was more than ordinarily successful and when retiring a few years since from active business he found himself possessed abundantly of this world's good and, financially, an independent man. He came to Iowa three years since, making his home at Cotter. A year ago his last fatal illness seized him. He went to Kansas in vain search for better health, but returned some months later to spend his last days with his son, G. D. Thomas. He was a member of the M.E. church, having united with that denomination two years ago. The funeral services were conducted Monday at 2:30 p. m. at Presbyterian church by the Welsh ministers in and near this place, assisted by Rev. Schwartz of Burlington. The body was conveyed to Racine Wisconsin for interment. The sorrowing friends have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement.