MR. BENJAMIN THOMAS. WEST PAWLET, RUTLAND, VERMONT.
The death of Benjamin Thomas, which occurred at his home last Thursday, marks the passing of a man who, although quiet and unostentatious of manner, was a remarkable character. He had been an extensive traveller, and possessed much ability as a writer, both of prose and poetry. In former days he was a well known competitor in eisteddfodau, taking the honors at all times.He was the son of Jeremiah and Ann Hughes Thomas, and was born April 9th, 1838 in Bethesda, North Wales.
When a young man he spent some time in the British Isles. In the 60s he came to the United States, and lived in Fair Haven, Vermont, and Granville for a time. There were then but few buildings in Granville. Later he went to Maine, where he married Abby Berry of Brownville. Their first daughterr, Mina was born there. After a few years he moved with his family to Virginia, where their second daughter, Virginia, now Mrs. William J. Pierce, was born. In 1876 Mr. Thomas and family went to Wales, where they lived nine years.
Returning to America he located in Minnesota, from there going to Australia, where slate quarrying was new. After two years he went from there to California, where his family joined him, and lived there for a few years. From there the family moved to New Rockland, Canada, where Mr. Thomas was quarry foreman for five years.
In 1894 they came to Wells, Vermont, settling in Bull Frog Hollow, where they remained until 1901, when they built just this side the Safford homestead, East Main street.
He had unusually good health and kept at his work in the quarries until a few years ago, but was confined to the bed but a week.
While in Wales Mr. Thomas was one of the prominent competitors at the eisteddfodau, at which he won a large silver medal, and had the honour of being carried home in the bardic chair, under crossed swords. This chair id still in the old home at Tyntwr, Bethesda, North Wales, where his sister Ann, still lives. His two brothers died some years ago. He has written for magazines and papers in the Welsh language. In late years he he wrote a detailed book of his life, but never had it published. His desk and books are filled with writings and verses of all descriptions. During his residence in California he was presented a fine gold medal, and he received many smaller prizes.
He is survived by his wife, who is in very feeble health, his daughter, Mrs. Pierce (the eldest daughter dying several years ago.) Two grandchildren also survive, Percy Pierce, who served in a Canadian regiment overseas during the war, and Eva Pierce Brown.
The funeral services were held from the home Saturday morning, Rev. W. O. Williams officiating. Burial was in the family plot at North Pawlet, as he had desired. The bearers were Thomas Edmunds, Thomas Roberts and Isaac Davies of Poultney; Thomas Griffith, Thomas Evans and Jarrett Jones of Granville.