401. Frances Mae Watkins
Frances and James lived at Ashfield
1406. Capt (Dr)Randal Vivian McDonnell
Awarded the Military Cross in 1917 (France)
OBITUARY.
RICHARD. ANGLESEY THOMAS. j
By the death of Mr. Richard Anglesey Thomas, which took place at the residence of his mother, Mrs. William Thomas, of " Anglesey," Templar street, Forbes, at 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning (says Friday's "Advocate"), a very well-known Forbes family is robbed of one of its members. The death came as a complete surprise to a great many who were intimately acquainted with him, for a little over a week before the sad event occurred, " Dick " Thomas, as he was familiarly termed, appeared to be in the best of health. However, a few days ago he was attacked with a distressing illness, double pneumonia, and becoming rapidly worse, no hope was held out for his recovery. Deceased was but 29 years of age, and a native of Forbes, and was the youngest living son of Mrs. William Thomas A little over eight years ago he was married to Miss Flossie Williams, who came from the Northern Rivers district, and he leaves a sorrowing widow and four young children to mourn their loss, the eldest child being seven years of age, and the youngest not yet two years old. For some time the late Mr. Thomas had been the local agent for the Singer Machine Co. He was an active member of the choir of St. John's Church of England, taking his place amongst the singers for many years past. The funeral took place yesterday morning, the remains being carried from Anglesey House to the church, where a short service was conducted by the Rev. A. J. Gar dner, after which the funeral proces sion wended its way to the Church of England cemetery, the coffin being placed in the family vault. The service at the cemetery was conducted by the Rev. A. J. Gardner, and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. W. E. Luthje. As a token or respect for the family of deceased, the flag at the town hall was flown at half mast. Mr. W. J. Thomas is a brother of deceased, and his sisters are Miss Annie Thomas and Mrs. Dr. McDonnell, of Forbes, and Mesdames Burr and Lamrock, of Sydney. The greatest sympathy is expressed for deceased's widow and children, as well as for his mother, brother, and sisters. The Thomas family have in the past been actively associated with Forbes district. In 1864 Mr. William Tho mas, father of deceased, opened a store in Ranlcin-street, and the dig gings being then in full swing, the business rapidly extended, until the Store, now occupied by Messrs. John Meagher and Co., Limited, was erect ed to cope with the growing trade. Mr. Thomas, senr., also owned Anglesey farm, now the property of Messrs J. B. Reymond and Sons, Ltd., and a considerable amount of town property. He took an active part in public matters, and was Mayor of Forbes for many years, and to-day his memory lives as one of the most progressive Mayors in the history of the town. He presented the town with the fountain now standing in Victoria Park, and was at the head of the Council when the stately town hall was opened. The history of the important progress of Forbes can be traced back to the time when the late Mr. William Thomas was in his prime. When the father died, the store business was for some time conducted by the sons, but misfortunes followed rapidly, and the store was disposed of. To-day the members of the family are highly es teemed, and the memory of Mr. Wil liam Thomas and family will remain In the minds of the residents for many years to come.
Source: Western Champion 6 Feb 1913