----Source: NEILLSVILLE PRESS (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 05/15/1924

Lowe, Thomas (29 AUG 1850 - 24 May 1924)

Thomas Lowe, for many years one of Neillsville, Clark County, Wisconsin's prominent men, passed away at his home on Grand Avenue at 2:30 o'clock Saturday morning, May 24, 1924. Mr. Lowe had not been in good health for a number of years, but was able to be about and attend to his business regularly. Eighteen weeks previous to his death he was stricken, and while at times he seemed somewhat better, he gradually lost strength until he died. He seemed to possess wonderful vitality, which with the best of care from those about him, prolonged his life far beyond the expectations of his relatives and friends.

Thomas Lowe was born at Nutta Lane, Ramsbottom, Nearbury, in Lancashire, England, Aug. 29, 1850. His parents with their children, immigrated to America, landing in New York City, July 4, 1857. They went to Providence, Rhode Island, where they lived a year and then moved to Lonsdale, in the same state, where in the great cotton factories the family found employment. When still a young lad, Mr. Lowe worked long hours in these mills, which were then operated under very unhealthy conditions. With view to securing a more favorable place for the children's health, the family came west, landing at Sparta, Wis., April 14, 1865. From there they came across country to Trempealeau valley in Jackson Co., where a farm was secured. Here Thomas Lowe grew to manhood, and in 1875 was married to Miss Ida Sechler. On Sept. 1, 1876, they came to Neillsville, where Mr. Lowe went into partnership with his brother Jesse Lowe in the meat business, in which he continued, either in partnership or by himself, until 18 years ago. In 1878 he built the house on Grand Av., which remained his home until his death. In recent years, while retired from his former active business, he has had a variety of interests to which he devoted much of his time; having business buildings in this city, farm lands and timberlands to look after, besides interests in the Neillsville Bank, of which he was vice president for many years. Mr. Lowe was a man of excellent business ability and of high integrity. He was quiet in his manner, but always stood firmly for what was right. He was exemplary in his habits, a lover of home and its ties. He was particularly fond of trees, and with his own hands planted most of the large elms on the west side of Grand Av., which will in a way stand through the centuries as a monument to his memory. His disinclination's to speak of himself hid from the public many kindly acts of his life, which were known only to a few persons.

He is survived by his wife. To them was born one child, a daughter, Genevieve, who died when grown to womanhood, about 20 years ago. He leaves also three brothers, Jesse Lowe and Joseph Lowe of Neillsville and James Lowe of Portland, Ore.

The funeral was held at the home Monday afternoon, Rev. G. W. Longenecker officiating.