John Thomas, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
John Thomas
Another Pioneer Gone.
JOHN THOMAS -- Died, on Sunday, April 13th, at Indianapolis, at the age of 64 years.
John Thomas was born September 22, 1820, in Wayne county, Ohio. He was one of eight children, born to William and Ann Thomas, both natives of Ohio. They came to Laporte when John was quite young, and from there the family moved to White Pigeon, Mich. In 1834 the family moved to Westchester, and, with the Morgans were the first families to settle in the township. The Thomas's purchased a large tract of land here, embracing the present plat of Chesterton, and the railroad grounds they gave to the company. John lived at home till nearly 35 years of age. The three brothers, John, William and Vincent, were partners in running a saw mill, and keeping a store in the building now occupied by Taylor Bros., and had the leading business for years. When the three dissolved, John and William became partners and continued so until the death of the latter. About 13 years ago John Thomas had a severe attack of Typhoid fever which it is very evident he never fully recovered; for, from that time, his mind began to gradually fail. He was engaged in milling and farming until 1877, when on account of ill health he retired from business. From this period his mental condition became alarming, and finally he was adjudged insane by the Porter Circuit Court. Soon afterward an attempt was made to place him in the asylum at Indianapolis, but the authorities there would not admit him for the reason that he was decided incurable. Finally after he had failed so extremely, both mentally and physically that he was in a raving condition, another moved was made by a number of our leading citizens about 2 months ago to try to get him admitted to the asylum. In this attempt they succeded. While there but little was heard concerning him, until the sad telegram announcing his death. No one supposed he would recover, yet his death occured sooner than was expected. His remains arrived here on the 5:30 train, Wednesday evening. He was buried with Masonic honors, the funeral being held at the M. E. church on Thursday at 1 o'clock p. m., Rev. Robert Beer, of Valparaiso, officiating. He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss. His earthly remains were placed in the Chesterton cemetery to await the time of the dead. "The golden bridge of life, from gloom emerges and on shadow rests." The life of the deceased was spent for the good of his fellow men. Being one of the old pioneers of Westchester, his labors contributed to the early prosperity and advancement, and he was ever foremost in every undertaking to contribute to the building up of the town of Chesterton. Since he lost his health he gradually wasted away mentally and physically, until he became a helpless object of pity. He won the favor of all in his lifetime and now that he is gone, the brothers of the Lodge that he assisted in founding, have so appropriately contributed the following resolutions to the sacred memory of a dead brother, in behalf of the many bereaved friends and neighbors and themselves.
HALL OF CALUMET LODGE NO. 379 A. F. &. A. M.
APRIL 17 A. D. 1884 A. L. 5884.
WHEREAS It hath pleased our Heavenly Father in his infinite wisdom to remove from our midst our esteemed friend and Bro. John Thomas who has for many years been identified with the interests of this community and that of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Fraternities of Chesterton he being a Charter member of both institutions.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That in the death of Bro. John Thomas the two fraternaties mourn the loss of a faithful brother, the citizens of Chesterton and vicinity a peaceable and law abiding citizen and the family of the deceased their earthly protector.
RESOLVED: That while we drop the sympathetic turn, we will overlook his foibles, imitate his good acts, emulate his virtues, and so last be found fitted as aliving stone for that temple, that house not made with hands Eternal in the heavens.
RESOLVED. That as a mark of respect to our deceased Bro., we drape the Hall with the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.
RESOLVED: That as we mourn his untimely death, we have the assurance that although the Lodge below has lost an estimable brother and friend that he will be admitted to the Grand Lodge on high where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides, where all good Masons hope at last to arrive.
RESOLVED: That these proceedings be published in the Chesterton TRIBUNE and Valparaiso MESSENGER and a copy presented to the family of deceased.
BY ORDER OF THE LODGE.
J. C. COULTER W. M.
D. D. MARR, SEC.
Newspaper: Chesterton Tribune
Date of Publication: April 23, 1884
Volume Number: 1
Issue Number: 4
Page: 1
Column(s): 2
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook