Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1860-08-17

sin, as the editor of the Fond du Lac Union
and in whose Office Van Buren Smead took
! his first lessons in the art of Printing. Mr.
Thomas was native of England, but ar
irving in this country while very young
he became wholly American, doing what
few Englishmen have ever been able to do
so thoroughly identifying himself with us
and our institutions, that none would ever
suspect he was Briton by birth and early
education. He had seen much Of society
been an extensive traveller, was well versed
in what are called the ways of the world,
and during hsresidence in Buffalo, ALBANY,
Florida and Washington, had been favored
with rare opportunities to get acquainted
with most of our distinguished public men.
Few were the eminent statesmen he had
not seen, or the eloquent orators he had
not heard. By marriage he became a
member of the family of the late John B.
Macy, for one term a representative in
Congress from the Sd district of this State.
1t is singular coincidence, that Dir. Macy
should have been the protector Of the Rail
road, at the celebration of the completion
of which his son-in-laW, with fayorite ap-
prentice, lost their lives, and that he him
self should have perished amidst the frantic
excitement and helpless frenzy that bewil-
der a crowd of passengers on board a
steamer, when the dread cry Of &c fire +"
summons all to choose, and quickly too,
between the doom of the waves and the
doom of the flames. Such were the init
mate relations and melancholy end of the
three whose names are linked together by
| the two most appalling of all calamities-a
railroad accident and burning ship. A
prominent and public spirited citizen
twice member of the State Legislature,
often delegate Of his party to the State
and National Conventions, through the
agency Of which great political organiza-
tions embody their principles and select
candidates for the highest Offices Of honor
and trust in the gift Of the people the
United States Marshal Of Wisconsin when
struck down-Mr. Thomas was one of
those genial and Well-bred gentlemen who
win the good will, command the respect
and secure the unreserved confidence of all
who come in contact with them. Free
from affectation, earnest, reliable and frank,
conciliating in his address, even in temper,
kindly in disposition, with polished man
ners, refined tastessand upright intentions,
all the circles in which he moved and
adorned-domestie, social and political
suffered severe and painful loss when he
in the prime Of manhood, and at the ma
ture age of forty-tWo, was withdrawn from
them. He never permitted his partisan
predictions to prejudice his estimate of
character, nor did he sink the man in the
brawling and selfish politician He
could maintain his honest convictions be
unwavering in his attachments, firm in the
discharge of every official obligation, and
yet be just to his opponents. He nj ght not
agree with them, but he accorded to those
who differed in opinion from him, the same
purity of motive he claimed for himself,
While al Editor, he kept the columns of his
consistent and influential journal free from
the offensive andirritating personalitiesthat
too frequently embitter and disgrace the
discussions Of the measures and policy of
government in this country, and herein he
sat an example of forbearance, selfcontrol
ard courtesy we may all safely initiate If
we must part with one SO estimable it is
some slight relief to do do so with this
bright CLEAN Of sunshine playing about his
name.
"Listen to me" said an old settler of
Fond du Lac, to Captain Makinnon, on the
visit Of the latter to that city in 1850,
g listen to that which will hereafter be con-
sidered an historical marvel, Seven years
ago, in an Official capacity, I landed from
the lake and attempted to follow this indis-
tinct path, which at that time was well
beaten and we'll defned-it was the great
Indian trail to the Mississippi. On this
spot, continued the speaker, pointing to
the ground, Il was met by party of In
dians, headed by a chief, who addressed
me as follows; white man thou canst
not pass! We know that a pale face, once
allowed to see our country, will bring
swarms after him. and drive us out. Go
in peace, but do not attempt to return. "
Well might the barbarian ruler of that
fairy land - stand sentinelin the pathway
leading to it, Already the empire of him
and his kindred was passing away, and
soon no trace would be left of either, save
here and there beautiful and expressive
name to some lake, mountain, stream or
vale. The cautious and solitary footsteps
then arrested for moment, were only
little in advance of the multtudinous--
-:s Tread of the pioneers,
Ofthe nations yet to be-
The first low wash of waves that soon