Surnames: THOMAS DAVIS EVANS WILLIAMS HALL

----Source: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Clark County, Wis.) 01/17/1883

Thomas, Lydia A. (SEP 1840 - 13 Jan 1883)

Died, at her home, three-fourths of a mile west of this village (Colby, Clark Co., Wis.), on Saturday the 13th inst., of paralysis, Lydia Ann, beloved wife of David J. Thomas, in the 43rd year of her age.

Lydia Ann Davis was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales in Sept. 1840, where she resided until seven years of age when her parents who settled at Clyman, Dodge Co., and five years after removed to Chilton, Calumet Co. June 10th, 1861, at the age of 21, she was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with David J. Thomas, of Menasha, and immediately removed with her husband to his home, where they resided until Oct. 1873, when she left her sumptuous home at Menasha, and came with her husband and family to this place. The following February she was called upon to mourn the loss of a bright little daughter, six years of age, who was stricken with death, and was laid in its narrow earthly bed near the family residence.

The death of Mrs. Thomas came so suddenly that it fairly took away the breath of this entire community, where she had many a dear friend who esteemed and loved her for her worth as a good, pure woman, whose every act was an act of kindness and generosity. For a day or two, she had been confined to her bed with a severe cold, from which she had so far recovered as to be able to sit up, and it was while in the act of getting up, that she was stricken with paralysis. At the time of the stroke she was merrily talking with Mrs. McMonagle, and so very sudden was the blow, that in fifteen minutes she had ceased to breathe. Her spirit had been wafted to the other shore.

Mrs. Thomas was a rare woman, one who loved her home and whose sole aim was to make a pleasant home for her husband and children. In her outward walks of life she was always quiet and unassuming, kin and courteous to all, and through this sunny trait in her character, she had won the love and respect of all who knew her.

Six children, all daughters, had been sent to bless her home, five of whom are still living, of whom Mrs. B. R. Evans is the eldest, and mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother.

The funeral occurred at the late residence yesterday, services being conducted by Rev. Chas. Barker of Medford, who delivered an excellent discourse, when the remains were conveyed to the narrow home prepared for them by the side of that little one who went before, to welcome the mother as she reached the shining shore.

The funeral was largely attended by our citizens, generally, also her brothers, Messrs. John and Evan Davis of Chilton, sisters, Mrs. D. E. Williams of Oshkosh, and Mrs. Wm. Hall of Menasha, and Messrs. D. E. Williams of Oshkosh and Rolland Thomas of Menasha.

It is needless to say that the bereaved family has the deepest sympathy of the entire community in this their irreparable loss.