Wheeler Thomas (1846-1912)

THOMAS, WELLS, RAY, CROOKS, FRELUND, GUNDERSON, GREEN

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

Wheeler A Thomas (1846-1912)

The people of Primghar were greatly shocked and pained about noon Saturday on learning the sudden death of our townsman and neighbor, Wheeler Thomas. The shock was like a lighting flash from a clear sky. Saturday forenoon he was at work about the house recently purchased from Mr. Murphy by Mr. Briggs, fixing the foundation. He was in his usual health, going about his work cheerfully and energetically. About eleven o’clock he was told that his cows had got out of the field and with his son-in-law, Mr. Gunderson,
he went to the field, some distance from the house, to get the cows back and repair the fence. He stooped over to pick up a wire, sank down and was dead. Mr. Gunderson made all haste for help and a physician, but Mr. Thomas was dead. He was taken to the house in an auto and news of the sudden passing away spread like wild fire through the town.

The absent children were sent for and all were here at the funeral.

The funeral services were held at the Christian church at 2:00 o’clock Tuesday afternoon and were very largely attended, the church being crowded there was a deep feeling displayed and much sympathy for the sadly and suddenly bereaved family.

The pastor, Rev. Brown, assisted by Rev. Andrew, conducted the services.

A quartette, composed of Byron McDowell, Miss Ila King, Miss Vera Wolf and F. A. Vaughan, sang several selections. It was an impressive service. At times there were many in tears.

Thus another well known and upright citizen, an early settler, one of the early homesteaders in Center township, has passed to the great beyond.

Wheeler Thomas was born at Utica, N. Y., Aug 5, 1846; died at Primghar, IA, Nov. 23, 1912.

When but a child he moved with his parents to Darien, Wisc., where he grew to manhood.

It was here that he met his future wife in the person of Miss Mable Wells to whom he was married May 18, 1869. She still survives him, having been a faithful and loving wife all these years.

To this union seven children were born. Two having passed on before, five daughters remain to mourn the loss of a loving father. They are: Mrs. M. M. Ray of Primghar, Mrs. B. O. Crooks, of Sutherland; Miss Pearl Thomas, Mrs. Harry Frelund, and Mrs. Julius Gunderson, of Primghar.

In 1872, Mr. Thomas moved with his beloved wife to O’Brien county, residing on a farm until 1893, when he moved to Primghar, where he has since resided.

Mr. Thomas was one of eleven children, seven surviving him, three of whom were present at his funeral, being: Theodore Thomas, of River Falls, Wisc.; Mrs. Wesley Green and Mrs. David Green of the same place. In addition to those
mentioned, he leaves many relatives among whom are eight grand children and a host of friends all of whom mourn his sudden departure and extend sympathy.

Mr. Thomas was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The esteem in which he was held in the community was most fully shown by the great multitude of people who gathered at the church Tuesday when the funeral service was held.

Relatives tenderly carried the casket, and the remains laid to rest to await the resurrection.

O'Brien County Bell,