Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1903-11-19
The Last Sad Chapter,

Charles M. Thomas, while the short
announcement, written hastily during
the excitement, was, in the main, cor
rect. Young Thomas went to the
home of his parents about three
O'Clock, p. M, changed his clothes and
informed his mother he was going to
shoot bird for one of his sisters, in
quired for his shells, which had been
taken from his room by his mother,
fearing that some children might get
them. Going to his room after his
gun, single barrel sbot gun, which
stood behind door, a trunk being in
front of it, he is supposed to have
reached for the fire arm and pulled it
over the trunk, catching the trigger
and exploding the load. 1t was not
known that the gun was loaded by the
members of the family, neither is 1t
supposed that Harry was aware of that
fact. When the report of the gun was
heard, his sister Nellie, who was only
few feet from him, screamed to her
mother, who ran to the neighbors and
'phoned for DR.. Smith, who promptly
arrived. The fatal shot entered his
left side above the heart, he falling
with a heavy thud upon the floor.
When assistance arrived the fatally in
jured boy regained consciousness suf-
ficient to ask if he would live. Being
informed that it was doubtful, he man.
aged to say that the shooting was ac-
cidential, when he again became uncon-
scious and passed away, just twenty
minutes from the time of the shooting.
Imagine the terrible blow to the mother
and sisters, to have one in whom they
hoped and prayed might occupy sta
ton in life of honor and responsibility,
every inducement having been exerted
by kind parents, to be thus tragically
taken from them without scarcely
moments warning. To say that Harry
Thomas was faultness would be saying
that which cannot be applied to any
one, especially young man, full of
life, energy and desire to have all the
pleasure in this life. The young man,
above the average as to height, and
physical makeup, being over six feet
in height and as strong as giant, was
favorite with his companions, who
delighted to watch his exhibitions of
wonderful strength. Never denied
anything by his kind parents, he al
ways had host of friends among the
younger element, about his age-21
years next Saturday. He was born
at Driftwood, this county. The sad
news rapidly spread throughout the
town and numerous kind friends called
to render any assistance within their
power, the family having long been
honored citizens of Emporium and
Cameron county. This great affection
falls with terrible force upon the
family, especially the indulgent mother
that kindest of parents, the one who
always bears the cross of sorrow.
Mr.. Thomas, the father, was absent
from home, at one of his lumber Jobs
| at Ligonier, Pa, when the accident oc-
CURED and message, or messages,
did not reach him until nine o'clock
| same evening, and then not until a
| special engine was sent twenty miles
into the woods after him. He made all
| haste to reach home and arrived here
| Friday evening, when the arrange
ments were completed for the funeral
| The terrible suspense, not having any
| information, except this message, COM
pletely unnerved this gentleman of
| wonderful nerve.
THE FUNERAL.
| The funeral on Sunday afternoon at
2:30, was one of the largest attended
| in years. The family residence East
| Allegany Avenue, was crowded with
| relatives and friends and hundreds of
our citizens viewed the remains, reclin-
ing upon a beautiful couch casket,
amidst profusion of flowers, roses,
| palms and ferns, offerings of family,
societies and friends. The religious
services were conducted jointly by
Revs. McCaslin, Metzler and Robert
son The music was rendered by the
usual quartet. Owing to the large
gathering it was nearly $3.50 before the
silent cortage wended its way to that
"Sient City" from whence no traveller
returns. The Emporium Fire Depart
ment composed of three companies, at
tended in a body, the deceased having
for years been an active member of
the Citizens Hose, the latter organiza-
ton acting as floral bearers. The
Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, (of
which the deceased was a member and
carried an insurance of 81 $50 in favor
of his mother), were given the position
! of honor in the formation also acted as
pail bearers. The passage of the long
percession was very impressive scene
and when the funeral reached Newton
Cemetery the rear had not crossed the
railroad. The services at the grave
were short and conducted by the same
clergymen, representing the Presby-
terian, Methodist and Episcopal
churches The attendance at the
Cemetery was unusually large.
The following relatives and friends
were in attendance at the funeral: w.
H. Thomas and wife, Bradford, Pa;
Mrs. D. w. Horn, Mr.. and Mrs .Swart-
wood, Miss Myrtle Lloyd, Sinnama-
honing; Mr.. and Mrs. J. S. Douglas,
Olean, N. Y; Miss Bessie Hineman,
| Coleorove Pa Mr. and Mrs " s.