Albuquerque weekly citizen. (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1891-19??, 1891-04-25
ateeklg Citizen
-VNCLs CusT =

Every member ~ the "kansas contin.
gent" IN New Mexico will learn With
feelings ~ genuine sorrow - the death
% Chester Thomas iamiliarly known all
over the state ~ Kansas ~ ~ nclc Chef
which occurred NJ his home IN Topeka
on the let inst lie was one ~ theiuut
conspicuous figures in the early history
Of KAnsas, aud probably did NJ much ia
any other one man a. lay broad and deep
the foundations upon which have since
been reared one 81 the grand"st common
wealths IA the Union. Tho ~ LOUIS
Globe Democrat ~ last Sunday morning
has two column review u his history
written in Capt, Kings must beautiful
style, and the Topeka Capital II came
date has n lengthy sketch ~ his HE and
sermons from the pen ~ Sidney Clarke.
W. should like 10 cop, k,ng's review IN
full for the benefit ~ the uumernuseN
Kansane IN New MeIicu, but II IL entire.
ly too long Tor uur columns, aud would
not admit u any nbbrc,iaton. We clip
the following paragraphs from Mr.
CIafke's article:
Hon. Chester ThumHs was most re-
markabc man Among the many ds
tinguishcd mrn Who participated ~ the
great controversy IN behalf ~ frecuom
in Kansas, Mr.. Thomas was ut all times
MARKED and conspicuous character.
While he was not among the early set
tiers ot the state he came while the lat
tie between tr,Sdom and slavery VAS yet
unsettl~l. and stepped Ut once into the
arena 81 conflict and duty. Al that time
the territory 81 Kansas Wns the scene -
events OF transcendcnt Importance to the
destiny 81 the nation aud ~ mankind.
Mr.. Thomas came ~ New England M
cestry. He was born at Troy liradfutd
county, h"nnsy lynnla, j - l.. 1910 ilIs
mother was II daughter az distiuguish.
eel soldier OF III" revolution, and thu fam.
lily on his fathers sIdo FURNISHED several
soldiers To the Continental army. NJ the
w" Of - Mr.. Thomas entered public hte,
holding with high honor Tor twenty tive
years many petitions ot trus, and re-.
sponSlbility, Ia rcnhsylvania, as III Kan
sas, he was immensely active. 4 born
politician, "A saeacious diplomat, II wisc
leader hIs capncli! in public ai'alra was
never questioned.
In the spring ~ lSjs, Mr. Thomas re-
moved with hls family from lenusy loanla
10 Kansas lie was then - years ~ age.
In 1859 he was elected to the territorial
councIl, representing Shawnee. Usage
and Lnculu counties. In iS6l President
Lincoln appointed him special mail ~ Mt
Tor Kansas, Nebraska, Dakota, Colorado,
Utah aud New Mexico.
Ia the following year he entered the
army as captain and assistant quarter
master, and IN 1854 he WAS chosen prcei
dental elcctpr Tor kansas, aud east hls
vote for MIR, ldnculn. Ia later years he
held ,mpprtaGt public offices IN Topeka
and Arizona, and up 10 hls last illness
which was ~ shcrt duration. he was as
capable in mind and body 10 transact
important public and private business
~ AT any time in his life.
More than three decades have elapsed
since he settled in Kansas. The great
reapor has gathered Ia the other shore
many of his associates participants IN
the struggle which made Kansas free.
One 10y one they have passed over to the
silent majority. On the morning Of April
2 IN the beautiful cemetery near the cap
itsl - the state he loved 50 we'll, the NOR
tai remains of Uncle Chester" we're
committed to the tomb Youth and age
shed tears upon his grave, and as long IN
gratitude exists IN the human beart Eo
long will his services IA the capital clty
and 10 the state Ia remembered 10y the
people " Kansas.