Thomas - George Keifer
Source: Logan KS Republican Thu 11 June 1891 p 3
George Keifer Thomas, MD was born in Troy, Miami Co Ohio July 1839 and died from organic disease of the heart June 1, 1891. He was married to Miss Lilas Stevens in 1857. Unto this union were born two children, Charley and Edward. The mother died in 1859. He married the second time Betsy Ann Burk who preceded him in death last October. The deceased enlisted in the 72nd Ind Sept 19, 1862 as a private Co B and soon after was promoted to Sergeant. In 1864 he was promoted to Sgt. Lt. and received an honorable discharge at Nashville, Tenn. He was the son of an eminent physician and surgeon. At the close of the war he studied medicine under Dr. Alvin Hamilton. Dr. Thomas was a member of Lenora Lodge No 107, Knights of Pythias and JB Milroy Post No 182 of Lenora. The funeral services were conducted at the ME Church, a fine little chapel, too by Rev. AF Cumbow of Logan, a Knight himself. His sermon was excellent, full of good words for the dead, full of hope to the living friends. His allusion for the mystic ties that bind Knights in fraternalism was eloquent. Dr. Thomas had two sons and one brother at the funeral. The interment was in the cemetery east of the city, a high seat of ground dotted with mounds and marble and there under a score of myrtle sprigs cast upon him by hands whose touch to him was language, the Dr. sleeps “sind die.” The following resolutions were adopted by Lenora Lodge No 107 K of P – whereas, the Supreme Chancellor and Creator of the universe has seen fit to remove from our midst our beloved brother, George K. Thomas and whereas in his death we realized that the Knights of Pythias have lost from their counsels a willing hand, a noble heart, a wise counselor and a mutual benefactor and the community an honored citizens, a respected neighbor and his family a kind and loving father. Be it remembered. Resolved that the Order of Knights of Pythias while bowing in humble submission to the power that has caused our sore affliction, mourn the loss of our noble brother and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family in this their hour of distress and counsel them to cherish the principles he professed: friendship, charity and benevolence. Resolved that these resolution be spread on the minutes of this Lodge our charter draped in mourning a copy presented to the family and published in the Norton County papers. - kbz
Source: The Norton, Kansas Champion Thu 7 June 1917 p 3
Looking backward – 26 years ago – “George Keifer Thomas, MD of Lenora died June 1st. He was born in Troy, Ohio July 1839. The funeral services were in charge of Prairie Valley Lodge, K of P, Norton.