John L. Thomas, 1 April 1850

AGED PIONEER IS CALLED BY DEATH

John L. Thomas, 92, Who Came Here In 1866 Passed Away Sunday

John L. (Jack) Thomas, 92, who was Malad’s oldest resident and one of Oneida County’s prominent farmers and stockmen, died at his residence in Malad Sunday evening (1952) of ailments incident to old age.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the First Ward tabernacle with Bishop Junius Crowther presiding. Prayers were offered by H.E. Thomas and Edward Crowther; musical numbers were: solo, Jenkin Palmer, accompanied by Mrs. Phyllis Jones, trio, R.B. Davis, Melvin Yearsley, Ed Woozley; duet, Mr. and Mrs. Ruel Ipsen.

The speakers were: H.I. Mills, Joseph Isaacson, D.P. Woodland, Griff Jenkins and Bishop Crowther. The grave was dedicated by Guy Benson.

Those from out of town who attended the services were: Mr. and Mrs. Cleve harris, Salt lake; Mr. and Mrs. Rex Harris, Ogden; Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Caldwell, Soda Springs; Mrs. Ralph Jones, Mrs. Edison Jones, Mrs. Fred Ray, Edison Jones, Pocatello; Earl Jones, Schiller; Mr. and Mrs. Jenkin Jones, Preston; D.P. Woodland, Logan.

Mr. Thomas was born in South Wales, April 1, 1850, the son of Daniel and Mary Evans Thomas. The family came to Salt lake City in 1852, crossing the plains with ox teams. They moved to Brigham City the following year and came to Malad in 1866. Mr. Thomas has been a resident of this valley since that time with the exception of two years, 1870-72, when he worked at Butte, MT.

For several years, Mr. Thomas freighted from Corrine, UT to Butte, MT, driving oxen. Each trip required a little more than two months. Fourteen to 16 head of oxen were used to trail three wagons.

In 1878 he married Mary Jane Evans and began farming and raising stock. He was active in these pursuits until a few years ago.

Mr. Thomas was sheriff of Oneida County in 1892 and 1893 when this county included what is now Franklin and Power Counties. Two murders were committed in the county during his term of office and two important stage robberies, one involving $30,000 in gold bars occurred while he was sheriff.

Mr. Thomas is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Eli B. Jones, Mrs. Wood Davis and Mrs. Everett Harris, all of Malad; 21 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.