William R. Thomas, 15 November 1854

SAMARIA PIONEER CALLED BY DEATH

Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Samaria Ward meeting house for William R. Thomas, 81, of Samaria, who passed away Saturday at the home of his son, Alvin Thomas in Rexburg, where he had been staying for the past five weeks.

Elmer Price of the Samaria Ward Bishopric, conducted the services. The invocation was offered by C.E. Thomas. Musical numbers were two selections by the combined choirs of the Pleasantview and Samaria Wards, two male quartets by the Tovey Brothers and company; a vocal solo by Thomas Jones and a vocal solo by Mrs. Kate E. Jones.

Speakers were Wm. E. Morse, Sr., R.N. Hill, H.W. Jones, Samuel Williams and Bishop J.M. Isaacson. The benediction was offered by David Hughes. Interment was in the Samaria Cemetery. The grave was dedicated by Daniel Williams.

Mr. Thomas was born November 15, 1854 in South Wales. When a small boy, he cam e to America with his parents, and they made their home in Logan for five years. In the year 1864, Mr. Williams came to Samaria, and was one of the early pioneers in that section. He has made his home there since that time.

Surviving the deceased are six sons and three daughters, namely: James B. Thomas, Malad; Henry Thomas, Samaria; William Thomas, Midvale, UT; Albert Thomas, Salt Lake City; Ed Thomas, Pocatello; Alvin Thomas, Rexburg; Mrs. Samuel Williams, Mrs. Max Williams, and Mrs. Elizabeth Jenkins, all of Samaria.

A large number of out of town relatives and friends, as well as many from this community, attended the services.