The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-02-26
OBITUARY.
Edward Henry Thomas.

Ihe news OF the death of MIR. Edward
Henry Thomas-whioh occurred az $50 a.
m. yesterday from pneumonia-will be
received with deep regret by his many
friends. not only in Portland, but else
where. and they were many. This un-
varying sweetness of his disposition un-
der his terrible infrmity, This re markable
INTEREST IN persons and things, that con-
tlnued even in his advanced age, and I'D
to the time of his decease was a natter
lor general comment 1t has been custo-
mary Tor number of years on the part
OF the family tosscelebrate his birthday.
winch came with the.advent of the new
year. and the last one was no exception to
The general rule. These delightful occa
sions always received due attention from
ehe FhESS, and many beautiful poem,
inspired by the cheerfulnsss and wit, and
courage OF the deceased, was published
at the time
haWard Henry Thomas, was descend
ant In the eighth generation from George
OleVes, the first settler OF Portland, He
was born in Portland January LIST, 1918
and fitted for college under the we'll re-
memoered Deacon Joseph Libby. He
graduated at Bowdoin college in 1881.
The subject of his commencement part
being 1.-The Bible" paper showing an
elevated literary taste and marked
ability. He studied law with Hon.
stephen Longfellow, the father of
Americas great poet. Henry W. Long
FELLOW, and was admitted to practice at
the Cumberland Bar. He opened an
Office in Portland, where, as he writes
with characteristic humor, he "had but
one case for some time and that Was his
bookcase He removed to Harrison
where he hoped for cases. not SO
WOODEN" and was not disappointed;
where, as he stated, he "played the flute
IN the singing seats on Sunday, at times
putting in considerable execution in the
psalInody," as his college friends recall
ing his peculiar taste and skill will
readily suppose. Not entirely satisfied
with his prospects, he not long after re-
turned to Portland, spcculated in wild
lands but found that such speculations
were moro serious in their consequences
than metaphysical speoulations.
He set out for the Great West with a
friend. Judge Francis Springer, in 1888,
settled in Wapello, Iowa, where in
company with Judge Springer he entered
upon successful practice Of the law.
In 1854 he was appointed district at
torney for the Middle judicial District of
Iowa, containing eight counties and
served In the office for two years, and as
he writes, sending few oonvicts to the
penitentiary and not getting all my pay
for several years after" He later made
trip to Europe and then returned to
Iowa where hs engaged in the ban king
business at Burlington. In 1855 he
married following in the line of safe
preeedents," he declares. Miss Charlotte
A. Dubois, a lady of an old French
family in Poughksepsie. NY. By her he
had two sons, Edward II. Thomas, Jr. who
died in infancy and Charles W. Thomas,
the play wright, 30 successfully associated
with Mr.. Charles Hoyt-under the firm
name of Hoyt & Thomas. Charles W.
Tholnas's untimely death little more
| than two years ago, at the early age of
thirty three, is doubtless still fresh in
the minds of many of our readers. But
short as was his span, it was sufficient
for him. by the exercise of rare talent
and business ability to acquire for
tune, as well as fame in his chosen pro-
fsssion as wide as the continent. Charles
success he was ever glad to acknowledge
| xpaS duo IN Iapoa m oocuro m A.. o,,,
education and training of his good Aunt
Charlotte Thomas, who took him as an
infant after his mothers death. and ever
lavished upon him full mothers affec.
ton.
Mrs. Thomas died at Burlington In
1851, and soon afterwards the subject OF
this sketch returned to his native city,
where he has ever since resided.
For the past quarter of a century Mr..
Thomas has been stricken with blindness
and deafness. He went on a trip to Nit.
Washington and climbed to the summit.
When he reached the top he was very
heated. He removed his hat and the great
| difference in temperature gave him a
terrible cold, which settled in his head,
resulting in blindness and almost de-
priving him of his hearing.
Mr.. Thomas was one of tho most de-
lightful of men, and the little musical
evenings at the old homestead on the cor
ner of State and Danforth streets were
always enjoyed. The family has attained
a remarkable age. Mr.. Elias Thomas.
the father. lived to be over one hundred.
The older brother, Hon. Vim. W.
Thomas is in his 90 year, Mrs. Elizabeth
W. Varnum is over 80, George W. is rs,
and Miss Charlotte is no longer young
except in feelings. But none could ever
know it for they all have retained interest
and pleasure in the society of their
friends.
Edward Thomas was gifted with rare
musical tatse and skill. Though self.
taught, he palyed many instruments, and
he played them well. His favorite, how
ever, was the flute, and upon this he was