Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-02-02
Dr.. Austin Thomas

II is with rain that we record the
death Of DR.. Austin Thomas in
Plattsbure. ~ T., which occurred on
the Soth Of January. 1922. He was
born in Waterville, Maine, Sept. S.
Eunice Miriam Bragg Thomas. He
prepared for college in the high school
and Waterville Academy and entered
Colby College in 1851, graduating with
honors in 1883. In the meantime he
enlisted in the 150th Ohio Regiment
OF Infantry in Cleveland. known as
the City Grays." He was at the de-
Tense OF the national capital when the
rebel Gen. Early was thrown back il,
the battle Of Bladenburgh by REIN
forccments under Gen. L. S. Grant.
When mustered out he began the
study Of medicine in BoWdoin College,
Brunswick, graduating June /, 1870,
with marked ability and honor with
the encomium of being the banner
scholar of the class,
Or. Thomas received the appoint
ment Of assistant physician of the in
sane asylum at Concord, n. H.. holding
fUlS posltlOH tNo years unuST tuG te
esteemed DR.. Bancroft. But he chose
the life Of general practitioner to
that IN such an institution. He located
in Unity, Maine. where he held tho
entire village and the region round
about in his professional grasp for
many years, esteemed and beloved. In
Concord he became high authority and
an expert in mental disorders.
Dr. Thomas married on Sept. II,
1873, in Plattsburg. n. Y. Mary Nor
ton, the daughter of the late Christie
pher Norton. state senator. One son
and a daughter were born to them. lie
settled in Plattsburg, gaining very
fair and lucrative practice. He took
a postgraduate course in Albany in
1874, but the tics OF New England
blood and birth enticed him 10 Unity.
Maine. where most OF his professional
life was passed with marked success.
Such was his large practice that he
kept three lively horses to carry him
10 his patients. both as general prac-
titioner and a surgeon. In obstetrics
he never lost mother. This rushing
professional life in New England con-
tinued many years and he was beloved
as the genuine family doctcr and
friend long before the days Of autos
and hospitals. when each home was
its own hospital
In 1893 Mrs. Thomas died and in
1897 he married in Augusta. Me-. the
wife Of the late physician. DR.. I. Plat
Foote-Mary Sawyer Foote-and Mrs.
Foote left the enticements OF Wash
,ngton, d. c.. and cast her lot in with
one Of natures noblemen. DR.. Thorn
es health failing gradually. he remov-
ed to Portland, Me, where the burden
OF country practice could be lessened.
But in 1913 he retired, owing to in
creasing deafness and such frequent
attacks of neuritis. withdrawing his
shingle in Portland His late years
we're passed amid the enticements of
a happy home.
The doctors love of books was in
suitable and his well-stored mind
brought him rational enjoyment and
diversions.
Having made Plattsburg again mis-
home in August Of 1921, he was greet
ing old friends. renewing tie ac-
ouaintances Of "auld lang syne."
though feeble in health, when severe
main and illness laid him low. Hospi-
tal treatment and skill was OF no
eyail except 70 alleviate suffering and
prolong life.
This cannot tell fully of the noble
life Of Or. Thomas. commanding the
esteem Of ALL He was truly relig-
ious man, a Christian in beliefsAnd ex-
ample Of honest living. He attended
the Episcopal church and was last
week baptized and thus confessed his
faith in the Redeemer Of the World.
He belonged to several college socie'
ties. among the Chi chapter OF the
zeta Psi. was member Of the Grand
Army Of the Republic.
Or. Thomas is survived by his wife
and his daughter. Miss Helen Chase
Thomas Of washington. D. c. IVA
teryiiie and Portland. papers please