The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1926-03-27
DEATH OF MR.. WILLIAM
THOMAS GAINES

fully closed his eyes in death at his
late home, $3.50 Prairie avenue, after
long spell Of sickness. He was BY
far one of the best known and one of
the most successful colored business
men in this city, in which he had re-
sided for many years.
His death was great blow or
shock to his many relatives and hosts
of friends. Funeral services were held
over his remains Thursday afternoon
at the undertaking parlors of Kersey,
MCGOWAN and Morsell, 35th and In
diana avenue. The funeral services
were conducted by A. t. Keeling, pas
master of the Grand Council Of the
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows,
No. 20, and, as Mr.. Gaines was one Of
the founders of Englewood Lodge, 1920,
Grand United Order Of Odd Fellows,
and its high officials assisted during
the funeral services. Mrs. Pauline
Coleman, Head OF Household of Ruth,
SSH, who was ably assisted by the
other lady members of her household,
conducted their several parts very
well, and reflected much credit upon
the members Of the Household Of Ruth
Of Chicago.
The heads of several clubs and So
cieties read resolutions for 10 years, he
served as Treasurer Of the Lady Veter-
ans of the Grand United Order of Odd
Fellows.
Being a prominent member of the
Episcopal church, Rev Father Brown,
pastor of St Thomas church, con-
Quoted the religious services which
were very impressive.
Many of the old-time citizens Of Chi
cago were present and joined in the
funeral services, and the floral tributes
were many and very beautiful. n
His remains were laid to rest in the
family burial lot in Lincoln cemetery.
The Late William Thomas Gaines
William Thomas Gaines was born
i'll Henderson, KY, in April, 1855, the
son of Mary and Thomas Gaines. He
was educated at Roger Williams Uni
versity and was among the first gradu-
ates of the university. He was always
intensely interested in the welfare of
his fellow man, a trait which showed
itself as early as his student days in
Nashville. On visiting the State peni-
tertiary there, he saw the condition of
the prisoners, and devoted many hours
to welfare work among them, teaching
and inspiring them to higher and better
lives. Returning to his home town he
became school teacher there. A firm
believer in THE temperance movement,
he toured his state lecturing for the
cause. He turned from teaching to
the business world and became a gro
ceryman, then plastering contractor.
Always alive to the best interest Of
his fellows, he was quick to realize the
enormous power of the ballot, and to
urge them to use it effectively. A
leader in all civic and uplift move
ments, he was elected alderman by the
voters Of his town. Another way in
which he was of untold use to his
people was in advising and helping
them to secure land and to build
homes.
After his removal to Chicago, he
continued his work as a contractor, and |
became an outstanding figure in the
building industry here. His success
may be measured by the fact that he
was the only Colored member Of the
Employing Plasterers' Association, an
organization. His sue
cess in the business world was not
merely personal one. He carried
with him his interest in uplift work.
1t was through his efforts that Colored
men became engaged in the building
trades in Chicago. He taught many
Of them his trade, and found work for
scores among his contracting friends.
During the labor shortage, he was in
'trumental in bringing north and plac-
ng in good positions many Coiored
radesmen.
He was an organizer and trustee of
st. Clements Protestant Episcopal
and remained an active mem
Der Of that church until his death.
His entire life is history of devo-
ion to Grand United Order Of Odd
fellows. He has received every degree
Of that order, and was member Of
every branch of it. He never missed
SO long as his health was
good.
He was married in 1880 to Miss
Mamie Newcomb. After her death he
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