THOMAS, (Dr) Charles Lambert - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

March 5, 1917 Eminent citizen called in death sunday evening Dr. Charles L. Thomas Expires After An Illness Of Several Weeks' Duration. HAD SPLENDID RECORD AS SOLDIER AND MAN

Served Thruout [sic] the Civil War With Honor

Prominent in Activities of the City for Many Years.

Dr. Charles Lambert Thomas, eighty-four years old, one of the most highly respected and widely known residents of Crawfordsville, died at his home, 123 south Green street, Sunday evening at 7 o'clock after an illness of several weeks. In his death the city loses a man who has held a prominent place in the affairs of Crawfordsville for many years and who has at all times had the best interests of the city at heart. During the past few weeks since it became known that Dr. Thomas was dangerously ill, the whole city has watched the progress of his illness, hoping for the recovery of the venerable man.

Dr. Thomas was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 24, 1832, the second child in a family of twelve. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Horatio Thomas, moved to Indiana in 1835, settling in Warren County. Here the son grew to young manhood and in 1852 at the age of twenty years, he came to Crawfordsville, entering Wabash College. He gradated in 1856 and was the last member of that class of Wabash to be called in death. Following his graduation from Wabash he entered Miami Medical College and after he had received his degree there he became a hospital [physician] at Cincinnati, Ohio.

At the outbreak of the civil war, Dr. Thomas enlisted in the 25th Indiana Volunteer Regiment as an assistant surgeon. Shortly afterward he was promoted to the position of surgeon with the rank of major. His military career was a noteworthy one. He served during the entire course of the war, taking part in Sherman's historical march thru Georgia. At the close of the conflict, Dr. Thomas was in the grand review of the troops at Washington with General Sherman.

Following his service in the army Dr. Thomas returned to Crawfordsville taking up the practice of medicine here. He also became a member of the Montgomery County bar and formed a law partnership with his brother Albert D. Thomas. 1878 Dr. Thomas was appointed deputy revenue collector for the district. His first wife, Mrs. Mattie Binford Thomas, died in 1871 and later Dr. Thomas was married to Miss Josephine Tuttle, daughter of Dr. Joseph Tuttle.

Dr. Thomas was a member of the city council of Crawfordsville for two terms and was a member of the city school board for years, finally asking to be relieved from this position. He was prominent in the activities of Center Presbyterian Church of which he had been a member for years. He was a member of the Loyal Legion and of McPherson post, G. A. R. In his passing the city loses on of the few remaining links that bind us with the best things of our past history. He was the intimate associate of General Lew Wallace, Senator Henry S. Lane, Samuel Binford, John Butler, Joseph E. McDonald, M. D. White, and many others prominent in the earlier activity contributing to the fame of the city. His fund of reminiscence gathered from long and varied experiences and his notable associations, combined with an unusually droll humor and brilliant wit made Dr. Thomas a most captivating entertainer. And he enjoyed his acquaintances as much as they did him. He had few equals as an after-dinner speaker, but his humor was ever kindly and genial. While a rare gentleman of the older school, the doctor, as he was always called, never grew old. He was alert, in full possession of his faculties, and a delight to all who knew him clear up to the evening when his last sleep began. Perhaps his dominant trait was his unfailing, rugged, virile good sense. No one ever questioned his integrity or fairness. And while outspoken, if his sentiments were invited, he was so genuine, of such rigid probity, and so free from guile, whether in criticism or praise, that those who differed with him took no offense. He was a worthy and sturdy descendant of that worthy and sturdy pioneer stock to whom we owe so much - truly the "salt of the earth."

Surviving Dr. Thomas are his widow, Mrs. Josephine Thomas, two children, Mrs. Martha Rose and Samuel B. Thomas, both of Chicago, and two brothers, Judge A. D. Thomas of this city, and Colonel Darwin Thomas of St. Paul, Minn., and one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Essick, of this city.

Funeral services will be held from the late home Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock.