David Carmarthen Thomas 1861-1907

THOMAS, COLIP, WARREN

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 10/26/2024 at 14:25:15

The Wapello Republic, Columbus Junction, IA
Thursday, October 10, 1907
Page 1

David Carmarthen Thomas, familiarly known as "Tingle," was born in Quincy, Ill., October 12, 1861 and died at Wapello, Iowa, October 2, 1907, lacking but nine days of being 46 years of age. He was the eldest son of Daniel and Eliza Thomas. The family removed from Quincy to Keithsburg, Ill., and from the latter place to Wapello about 39 years ago. "Tingle" was always an industrious and trustworthy fellow and owing to the poor health of his father, for many years before his death, which occurred about seventeen years ago, much of the support of the family fell upon his shoulders, as the eldest of the family.

He began business for himself with Joiner Davidson in April twenty-four years ago, in the little "Bee Hive" grocery, which soon became a veritable hive of industry under his energetic and careful management. Here in a few years he built up a fine business, gradually enlarging his stock to include general merchandise and boots and shoes. It was the busiest place in town. People liked and believed in him, admired his business ability and were glad and proud of his success. He was not a man of many words, but he meant what he said and said what he meant. He was public spirited and generous. His genuine modesty was one of his marked traits.

About two years ago he had a serious attack of grippe with pneumonia complications that sadly shattered his not overly strong constitution. With persistent determination he pulled himself together and went on with his work thought with shattered nerves. Last winter he had another attack of the grippe, which resulted in a partial loss of his hearing. He took a little trip to Texas which he seemed to greatly enjoy and on his return went to Iowa City for treatment. Continuing to grow weaker, with his wife he went to Colorado August 1st, where he remained for a month. Not gaining as was hoped, Dr. W. S. Grimes went out to Colorado and brought him back, with no hope of ultimate recovery, until his death Oct. 3, 1907.

He was married to Miss Mamie Colip, daughter of W. R. Colip, about nineteen years ago. Their first child and only daughter, Mabel, died at the age of three years. Four sons, Carl the oldest, who was 16 years of age in August, Dean, Morris and Rex, with the wife survive. His aged mother, four brothers, Cardy, Daniel, Benjamin and Gomer and one sister, Mrs C. W. Warren, also mourn his death. Mr. Thomas was a member of the I. O. O. F. and Modern Woodman. The death of D. C. Thomas, in the full prime of a life filled with exceptional activities, is a distinct loss to the community. His funeral was held at the home Sunday, Oct. 6, at 10 o'clock, a. m., conducted by Rev. J. E. Newsom Interment in the Wapello cemetery.