Mrs. Mary Bonner Thomas

Obituary

[Newspaper]

Publication: The Sun

Springfield, OH, United States
vol. 7, no. 297, p. 3, col. 1


MRS. THOMAS DEAD


Widow of the Late Millionaire

Implement Manufacturer,


A Christian Woman Whose Heart's

Desire Was to See Church and

Charity Upheld.


Mrs. Mary Bonner Thomas, widow of the late millionaire manufacturer, John H. Thomas, died yesterday morning at 4 o'clock at the Thomas home on East High street. She had not been in good health since the death of Mr. Thomas last January, and has made several trips to various health resorts in an attempt to better her condition. Eminent specialists were consulted as well, all to no purpose.

During her illness, Mrs. Thomas seemed to have a premonition of approaching death, and despite her seeming good health labored under a depressed condition. Friends and relatives gave her assurance that she would yet live to see many bright and happy years, holding out to her the prospects of the future, none feeling that her death would come so suddenly. It comes as a great shock to hundreds of Springfield people who have known her for years, and loved her for her sterling worth as a true Christian woman and a great factor in the betterment of the city from a moral standpoint.

Mrs. Thomas was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, September 21, 1835, and was the youngest child of Judge Jacob Bonner, one of the early settlers and prominent citizens of the place. She was married to John H. Thomas, October 29, 1854, and their four children survive, as follows: Miss Mabel Thomas, Mrs. A. N. Summers, wife of Judge Summers of the circuit court; Finley B. and William S. Thomas, who are now conducting the large manufacturing concern built under the careful business administration of their father.

She was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian church and loved to labor for her Master's cause. During the past few years, her advanced years has in a measure prevented the active work of which she was for years capable, yet her heart's desire and interest in church work never weakened. She has been known to say when speaking of the Woman's Society of the church of which she was a member: "There is so much in all this that is sacred, and helpful in the past, that one knows not where to begin or end. Volumes could be written by us who loved the work, and enjoy speaking of it. It is work now; then rest and reward."

The funeral will be held at the last residence, 329 East High street, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and friends of the family are invited to attend.


Keywords:Hemingray : Family
Researcher notes:Mrs. Mary Bonner was the mother of Mabel Thomas who married Lewis P. Matthews, brother of Virginia (Jennie) Matthews, first wife of Ralph Hemingray. Ralph's daughters, Carroll and Llewellyn, frequently visited these families in Springfield, Ohio.
Supplemental information: 
Researcher:Glenn Drummond
Date completed:April 23, 2005 by: Glenn Drummond;