Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1885-01-10
OBITUARY..

| JAMES D. lHOhAs, SlCluelllF anu uIlcA ptNt'
eddy, but calmly and peacefully passed to
another life on Christmas eve. By his
death thecommunity has lost valued mem
Der; those to whose service he devoted his life
an honored and trusted agent; the hundreds
of men in his employ a kind and considerate
master, and his family loving and devoted
husband and father. Death, it is said, cloves
shining mark" and surely such it has found
in the subject of this sketch. No words can
add to the reverence and respect which will
throughout this community follow his mem
DRY through the years to come no tribute
which pen can render will compare with the
spontaneous uprising of the people, who with
one accord thronged in vast numbers to at
tend the last sad rite.
Mr. THOMAS was a native of Wales, but at
an early age turned his eyes toward the West
ern continent where he doubtless felt intul-
lively that a large field was Offered for the ex-
ercisc of those rare abilities, then unknown
even to himself but struggling within his
nature for opportunity to display their cxis-
tence. He left his native land and found a
new home in the coal fields of Allegany
county. Neither the active life he led the
success which crowned his efforts, nor the adj
vantages of the new world ever made HIM
forgetful of his mother country. Pride was
a thing foreign to his nature, but his admira-
ton for and love of the country of his naty-
ity was nearer akin 10 pride than was any
other sentiment he ever felt. He dwclt con-
stantly on the fact that many distinguished
Americans sprang from Welsh origin, and to
Welsh literature he devoted the few hours left
free from the exacting demands of business.
Nor was this love of his former country in
any sense un-American. In his adopted
country he recognized true friend; in its
glorious possibilities he saw the opportunity
of talent and industry; in its institutions he
placed implicit confidence. His love of Wales
was as the tender affection true lnan feels
for a sainted mother his love Of America
as the sturdy love of manhood for the father
who has never ceased to be the friend and
counsellor Of lifetime.
He was Il natural leader of men. In less
than year after he had taken up his abode
in this region, and before he had attained his
majority, his natural right of leadership as
serted itself and found recognition. From
that time until the day of his death he OCcu-
pied continuously positions Of trust which
brought into play the many qualities which
endeared him to all with whom he came in
contact and which are rarely found united in
one man.
The trusted agent of a powerful corporation,
he held withinhis control the destinies of
many people. That he administered his trust
with equal satisfaction to those whom he
served-and who served under him, is the
best evidence of the sterling honesty as well
as rare ability he exercised in managing the
complicated and often antagoniStic interests
of labor and capital. That, through long
and useful life he retained the respect and
affection of the community in which he lived
is proof of his integrity of character and
goodness of heart.
Taken all in all his whole life was brilliant
example Of practical christianity. He laid
no claim to superior righteousness yet his
every day act was governed by conscien-
tious regard for the right and Il determination
to do nothing which his conscience disap-
proved. Generous almost to a fault he never
could endure q see a fellow creature in dis
tress, and consequently his means went large
ly toward the assistance Of those having no
claim upon him other than the common tie
which binds humanity.
Mr.. THOMAS was a man Of strong domestic
inclination and habit. Every hour of his
time which was at his own disposal was spent
with his family. An absence from home
over night was unusual, and nothing but the
imperative demand of duty could bring it
about OF a temper and disposition remark
able for cvenness, those who came most fire.
quently in contact with him will not rcmen-
Der Il single instance in which he was ever
seen III anger He never yielded, even mo-
mentarily, to irritation or petulance, and no
matter how much worried by the cares of
business, was always kind and polite to all
who had occasion to transact business with
him. This equanimity Of temper was no.
where better known nor more appreciated
than in his own family circle, where he was
ever kind, consideratc and genial.
Whilst his death is q serious loss to his
company, and blow to the community at
large--to his family ii is irrcparabe.