The Washington herald., 1907-04-14
MASONS 10 ATTEND
Funeral of Frank II. Thomas
Takes Place Tomorrow
PROMINENT IN SECRET ORDERS
News of Death Comes as shock 10
Relatives and Friends-Wideiy
known as Insurance Man-Came TO
Washington from 8IichigaR-Sur-
vIved by Wife and Son.

Masons Of Washington Will unite to-
morrow to attend the funeral of Frank II.
Thomas, the prominent insurance man
and Mason who died yesterday morning
at his home, goo Thirteenth street.
Services will be held at 3 O'Clock at St
Stephens Church, Fourteenth and Kene-
saw streets northwest the Grand Com
mandery of the District conducting the
knights Templars rites ana the William
r. Singleton Lodge. No. 80. conducting the
Blue Lodge services. Three organizations
viii be represented, Columbia Command
cry. No. ?. Columbia Chapter, and Scottish
Rite.
Mr Thomas death came as great
shock to his friends. He had been in poor
health for several months past, but had
only been kept to his home during the
past week. His illness was not thought
to be critical. and the friends who called
10 inquire into his condition Friday even
ing found him in a happy and hopeful
mood Shortly after midnight Mir. Thomas
became unconscious. and despite the
efforts of his physicians never regained
consciousness, dying at about z o'clock
Bora In New YORK state.
Mr.. Thomas was born in Chautauqua
County, New Yerk, Ia 1856. and when a
young man moved to Michigan, where he
remained until he came to Washington In
1884 to enter the government service as
disbursing clerk in the Post office Depart
ment. afterward becoming chief clerk.
He left the government service In 1886 10
found the Frank H. Thomas Company in
the insurance business. He had active
control of the business, and represented
many prominent insurance companies in
Washington.
He was one Of the best known mem
bers of the Masonic order in the United
States. Ia Washington he Was at diff
ferent times the head OF the bodies Of
which he was a member and WIS twice
the grand commander of Columbia Com
mandery. No. TX. n. Mr.. Thomas was
a thirty-third degree Mason, and lead
ing knight Templar, having had the dis
tinction Of being the grand captain gen
eral Of the Grand Encampment Knights
Temrlars. Of the United States.
Survived by Family.
II was expected that Mr.. Thomas
would have I'm time advanced to the grand
mastership Of the knights TempIars. he
attained most of his Masonic degrees
while in Michigan. on his removal to
Washington he became a member OF the
New Jerusalem Lodge. No. 9, F. A. A. NJ
lie later transferred his membership from
that body 10 William r. Singleton Lodge,
No. -. OF which he was the first worship
ful master. lie was also a past grand in
Odd Fellowship. and the second ehanceI-
lor commander of Superior Lodge, No. =.
Knights Of Pythias. which is nov merged
Ia Rathboue-Superior Lodge. No. .. Mr..
Thomas was actively interested in tile
arrangements for the approaching grand
eacampment of Knights Templars at Sara
toga at the time Of his death.
Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife. one
son. II. W. Thomas. who was associated
with him ia business. and a brother. Mark
J. Thomas, who is connected with the
Department Of Justice.
At "a meeting OF the board Of control
Of the Masonic Fair last night. President
B. +. Smith al the opening Of the meet
ing. referred feelingly TO the death OF
Mr.. Thomas. who was chairman OF
the executive committee of the fair Of
1892. At the conclusion Of Mr. Smiths re-
marks. the board adopted resolutions ex-
pressing the profound sorrow of the mem
bers at the loss Of their distinguished
brother, and rendering his widow their
sincere sympathy in her bereavcT ent.