Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-12-28

On several occasions he declined pre-
ferment at the hands of his party in
the mayoral nomination and other dis
tinction. He was a natural organizer,
far-sighted and wise. He served in
various positions OF trust in the coun-
ellis of his party, being chairman OF
the congressional committee during the
| times when Hon. w. H. Gest was vic
| torioas in his candidacy for congress
| from this district. He had served on
the Rock Island public library board,
of which he was for several years sec
retary, and on the board of education,
during the time the system of recon
struction of the public school build
ings was inaugUrated:
| Postmaster Two Terms.
He was appointed Postmaster of
Rock Island by President Mckinley,
in October, 1897, succeeding the late
-. w. Potter, and was reappOinted by
President Roosevelt in February. 1902.
He served until Feb. 2S, 1906, when
lCaptain H. A. ]. Mcdonald became
postmaster. During his long term i'll
the Office Mr.. Thomas proved one of
the best postmasters in the history Of
Rock Island
He was member of the
Modern Woodmen of America,
of the Rock Island Club, the
Rock Island Business Mems associa-
ton, as well as of the Rock Island
County Retail Druggists association.
He was active in the old Rodman
Rifles. now Company A, Illinois Ma
tional Guard. For years he had been
trustee of the Rock Island Industrial
Homo association, and had successfully
managed the finances of that worthy
institution.
Representative Nina.
Mr.. Thomas had always taken keen
interest in all that made for Rock Is
lands betterment. He was public
: spirited and businesslike in all his
: transactions. He was fond of politics
, and a thorough student of its practical
K side. His place of business was foi
y years the center of evening assem-
X blages, political and social, of party
Y men, business men and professional
Y men.
Vi In the later years of his life he had
y retired from politics, but his friend,
Z of old, political and otherwise loved
y to run in at regular intervals ant
c greet him and talk with him. Franz
" and outspoken in his nature. Re wa:
VIa staunch friend, and it was only thCst
y who were near to him who understood
INN of 10 mo- llr
y Many an act of generosity and kind
X ness went unknown to anyone bu
v himself and the recipient of his kind
X ness His fondness for flowers ant
v for children constituted one of tbs
X dominant traits of his character Ht
y loved the beauties of nature H.
Wl loved children. It is told of MN tina
n he always carried some small chang
n in his vest pocket for the childrei
n whom he met ON the way TO and from
~ his place of business. and he Wa
H never more happy than when delightint
NJ the hearts of little ones whom he calle
X into his store summer evenings AM
NJ gave them soda water. Independent il
XIX all his dealings and relations, with hi
w fellow men. he was loyal and true
I'LL Once friend, he was always friend
XII Funeral services will be held froI
W the home, 61S Eighteenth street, g
Ml2:30 tomorrow afternoon, being COZ
W Quoted by Rev. Marion Humphreys c
W the Central Presbyterian church. TIL
N pail bearers will be Major c.. "
W Halves, Hon. E. w. Hurst, S. S. Ken
al BILE. l.. C. Banding, H. P. Simpso
SSH and Henry Koch Friends are invite
M to the house, the interment bein
w private.
III Retail Drug stores to Close.
ISL The Rock Island County Retail Dru
W gists' association held meeting we
Wlterday afternoon, when it was decide
XII that as mark of respect to the pi
y ,neer druggist, the drug stores of Roc