JOHN MORRIS THOMAS. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
John M. Thomas, father of Mrs. Curtis Haynes of Granville, died Monday, March 27th after being in ill health for some time, although she was able to attend to his duties up until a few weeks ago. Born in Festiniog, North Wales, he developed a talent for music at an early age.He came to this country when a young man and made his home in Fair Haven, where he had charge of the music in one of the churches there. He then moved his family to Granville and resided in what was known as the John Fraser property on Morrison Avenue. Many residents of Granville now residing here sang under his leadership and competed in some of the largest Eisteddfods throughout the country. He possessed a framed collection of thirty-three badges and gold medals. He also had charge of the music at the Granville Methodist Church and in Poultney.
After Mr. Morris's first wife's death, he move dto Utica, where he was soloist and director at Sayr Memorial Church there. About 1911 he was married to Ellen Ann Roberts of Delta, Pennsylvania, who survives him with four daughters and one son, Mrs. Thomas P. Jones of South Poultney, Mrs. W. A. Belboa, Utica, Mrs. G. Curtis Haynes of Granville and Miss Helena Thomas and Howell Thomas of Philadelphia.
A beautiful prayer was offered at the house of Major Owen of the Salvation Army, formerly of Granville. A large number of friends assembled at the Welsh Church for the funeral services which were conducted by Rev. O. R. Williams, who paid Mr. Thomas a lovely tribute. He was assisted by Rev. R. F. Williams. A quartet rendered three numbers and the congregation joined in several of the deceased's favorite hymns.
The burial was at the Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia. There were many beautiful floral tributes.
The Jones possessed a warming personality and will be greatly missed by a host of friends.