Surnames: BARR HEIGES THOMAS

----Source: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 09/14/1907

Thomes, William R. (12 Jan 1832 - 7 Sep 1907)

Last Saturday evening, at about eight o'clock, Mr. Thomas passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Robert Barr, near the village (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.). He had been an invalid since being taken to his daughter's house home last February and during the last three months was entirely helpless; but he was patient and uncomplaining and entirely resigned to the inevitable. During his long illness he was tenderly cared for at his son-in-law's home. The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the M. E. Church and the remains were laid at rest beside those of his loved ones in the Houghtonburg cemetery.

William Riley Thomas was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, on Jan. 12, 1832. He was united in marriage with Catherine Heiges on Christmas day, 1851, and in 1855 came to Wisconsin, living in Fond du Lac Co. for a year or more. They then moved to Jackson Co. and lived at different place in Jackson and Clark Counties until five years later, when they settled on a homestead half a mile south of the village. Mrs. Thomas died in 1896 and some years afterward Mr. Thomas sold the farm and purchased property in town.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, only one of whom, Mrs. Robert Barr, survives.

Mr. Thomas held a number of offices of trust in the town, the duties of which her performed in a manner satisfactory to all. He was a member of the M. E. Church, having united with it in 1900.

One by one the pioneers are passing away, but it is doubtful if any left behind a memory of a brighter, nobler disposition, or a more cheerful, friendly greeting than he, over whose coffin the last sad rites were said Monday afternoon.