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Permanent LinkSenator Charles H. Thomas View All Years
CHARLES H. THOMAS
MR. PRESIDENT: Your committee which was appointed to prepare resolutions commemorating the life, character, and public services of Senator Charles H. Thomas, late of Union county, Iowa, begs leave to submit the following report:
Charles H. Thomas was born near Roseville, Warren county, Illinois, on the 29th day of September, 1860. His parents, Matthew and Emaline Thomas, were of Welsh and Scotch descent and with them he removed to Union county, Iowa, when he was fifteen years of age.
In 1876 the family moved to Cromwell, Iowa, where he completed his education in the public school, after which he engaged in the lumber and hardware business, first as a clerk and later as a member of the firm.
In 1891 Mr. Thomas opened a hardware store in Creston, and four years later removed to Kent to engage in the lumber and hardware business. He was vice president of the Kent Savings Bank and president of the “Blue Grass Road,” crossing Iowa from Burlington to Council Bluffs, having both originated and named this highway.
Mr. Thomas was active in republican politics of his district for many years. He was elected to the state Senate in 1913 and was a member of the Thirty-fifth and Thirty-sixth General Assemblies. He was appointed by Governor Kendall as a member of the state board of education, ably serving in the capacity of vice president of this organization. Three years ago he was appointed postmaster of Creston, Iowa.
Charles Thomas was a great student. He had an indomitable determination to do well, that which he undertook. He was fair, straightforward and always upon the right side in every moral and economic question. He was a tireless worker, a faithful friend, an upright and respected citizen in the community in which he lived. No one can fill his place. He speaks in lives made better—in works done that will stand out as time goes on. It may be truly said of him as Watt put it
What I saved I had.
What I had I lost.
What I gave I have.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, By the Senate of the Forty-second General Assembly of Iowa, that the Senate takes this occasion to express its high appreciation of his lofty character and faithful public service and adopt this memorial in the name of the public of Iowa, as a tribute to his name and memory.
Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions appear in the Journal of the Senate, and that the secretary be directed to send an engrossed copy thereof to his family.
H. GUY ROBERTS,
S. E. FACKLER,
W. S. BAIRD,
Committee.
The resolution was unanimously adopted by a rising vote.