Thomas, James, 1870-1939

THOMAS, KLEIN, TYKE, TYACK

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/7/2022 at 10:36:50

From the Sioux County Capital, December 7, 1939:

OBITUARIES – JAMES THOMAS

James Thomas of Rock Valley died Monday at the age of 69. He was born July 27, 1870 at British Hollow, Wisc. He was a cattleman for 39[i.e., 30?] years and was in partnership in the Rock Valley Sales Barn with Gerrit Harmelink. He was also town assessor.

Surviving are his widow and adopted son 16. Funeral services were held Wednesday in the Methodist church. Pall bearers were R. J. McNally, J. P. Schut, W. B. Hanson, H. Stehrenberg, Herman Van Eldik, E. H. Corwin. Rev. Mr. J. Kettle officiated.

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From the Hawarden Independent, December 7, 1939:

Rock Valley Pioneer Dies

James Thomas, 68, long time resident of Rock Valley and widely known live stock man, died Monday afternoon. Although he had been ailing for some time, his death came unexpectedly. Mr. Thomas was active in numerous community enterprises at Rock Valley and had a wide circle of loyal friends. He is survived by his widow and one son, Dick. Funeral services were held at Rock Valley Wednesday afternoon and interment was made there.

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From the Sioux Center News, December 14, 1939, Rock Valley news

A large crowd attended the funeral services for James Thomas held at the Methodist Church in Rock Valley at 2 P.M. on Wednesday. Mr. Thomas came to Rock Valley in 1894 and was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Klein on July 4, 1897. He leaves his wife and one son Dick to mourn his passing. Many beautiful floral tributes decked the bier and altar of the church to mark the esteem their friend Jim was held in.

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From the Sioux Falls, S.D. Argus-Leader:

James Thomas, Rock Valley Cattle Buyer, 69, Succumbs

Rock Valley, Ia., Dec. 5. – James Thomas, 69, a prominent citizen of Rock Valley for 45 years, died Monday afternoon. He came to Rock Valley in 1894. He has been in several businesses and for the last 30 years he has devoted his time to buying and selling cattle.

Mr. Thomas was born July 27, 1870 in Wis. He once lived in Dubuque, Ia., where he was a traveling salesman. He was united in marriage July 4, 1897 to Miss Lottie Klein. He has not been in good health for five years and suddenly collapsed Saturday evening. The funeral will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Methodist church.

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RESEARCH NOTES

The Rock Valley newspaper is missing online for this time period.

His death certificate has James Thomas, resident of Rock Valley for 45 years; born July 27, 1870 in Brittish Hollow, Wisconsin; parents Alfred Thomas and Elizabeth Tyke, both born in England; wife Lottie Klein; occupation, cattleman, for 30 years; died at 2:00 p.m. December 4, 1939; cause, uremia due to chronic nephritis, onset Nov.]?] 30, 1939; contributory cause, carcinoma of the prostate, onset about 2 years.

His FindaGrave.com page adds his wife’s full name and dates, Lottie Augusta Klein Thomas (1871-1961), and includes a photo of their joint headstone.

The Sioux County marriage register for 1896/1897 has groom James Thomas, age 27, resident of Rock Valley, a liveryman, born in British Hollow, Wis., parents Alfred Thomas and Elizabeth Tyack; bride Lottie Augusta Klein, age 27, resident of Rock Valley, born in Lyon County, Iowa, parents August Klein and Lucretia Rimm[?]; married in Rock Valley July 4, 1897.