The L'Anse sentinel., 1907-11-23
DEATH SUMMONS
ANOTHER PIONEER
Mrs. John r. Thomas Called to Her
Reward Saturday Last After q
Prolonged Illness.

Saturday afternoon last occurred
the death of Mrs. John r. Thomas,
after prolonged illness resulting
from a complication OF troubles,
and once more the residents OF
L'Anse were called upon to surren-
der another of its energetic and
loving pioneers.
Mrs. AnnssHughes Thomas was
born at Carnavon, Wales, in 1910,
where she resided until 1873, at
which time she was married to John
R. Thomas. During the same year
in company with her husband she
came to America and located for a
short time in Middle Grandville,
New York state; later they removed
to Vermont, and thirty-fve years
ago came to Michigan and located at
Arvon about the time when the slate
quarries. were in operation. While
at Arvon, Mrs. Thomas conducted
the boarding house, while her hus-
band was employed at the works.
They remained at Arvon for period
OF seven years.and then removed to
Pequaming, where they took control
OF the hotel at that place. Here
they remained for period OF eleven
years, when they removed to l. 'Ause
and assumed control of the New
Lloyd Hotel until the conflagration
OF May 9th, 1896, when the house
was destroyed. Following this dis
aster they then occupied the Thomas
Hotel, which still exists and which
they conducted until three years
ago. at whichstime they retired from
the hotelibusiness aud took up their
residence on. RAILROAD ave, where
they have since lived in private life.
During thesperiod in which they
were connected with the hotel bust.
ness. Mrs. Thomas won for herself a
warm spot in the hearts of all with
whom she came in contract, and
when the news Of the death pi
"Mother Thomas, a title by which
she was best known among the trav-
eling'public, strong men wept and
10 many instances went far out Of
their way tolpay their last respects
to this Kind and loving woman.
During.her life there were born to
this venerable couple three daugh-
tiers, namely, Mrs. e. E. Halsey oi
Charleston, Wash, Mrs. Frank Woll
of Detroit, and Mrs. John E. Bren-
nan of this village, who besides the
husband are left to mourn her
demise. One brother and a sister
residing at Carnavon, Wales, also
survive her. One son, Llewlyn, was
also born to them, who died at the
aye Of l8 years.
During life Mrs. Thomas was g
God-fearing christian and at al
times an active worker in church
affairs. She was one of the few liv'
ing today who could look back over
years OF toll and feel with deep as.
surance that God in his goodnes:
would say well done my good and
faithful servant.
Tuesday afternoon the funeral was
held from her late residence, and the
esteem in which she was held in life
was plainly manifested by the many
beautiful floral tokens which were n
evidence and the large number o.
friends who we're present at the ad
ministration OF the last sad rites.
The services were under the direc
tion OF Rev. H. N. Aldricb, assisted
by Rev. ]. NJ. Shank OF Trimountain
who for many years was her relig
ious advisor and counselor. A male
quartette rendered the following
favorite hymns Of the deceased
Nearer My God to Thee. ''Leat
Kindly Light" and Jesus Saviour
Pilot Me-"
At the conclusion Of the services
interment took place in the famil,
lot in L'Anse cemetery. Messrs
Oscar zellen Of Aryon, Benz. Brinl
Of Pequaming and Chas. Kelsey
Louis Mesard, ]. H. Mclean Ant
p. voetsch acting as pallbearers. A
the grave a short and impressiv
ceremony was held and the remain
laid peacefully at rest.