Thomas - Joanna Bobo
Source: Crawfordsville Saturday Evening Journal 13 March 1886 p 5
Elmdale - Our little town was startled on Tuesday morning by the announcement that one of our most worthy and respected ladies, Mrs. Joanna Thomas had been found dead in her bed by her niece, who had occupied the bed with her. She was the widow of the late James Thomas who died some 12 years ago. Mrs. Thomas was born in Athens County, Ohio on August 5, 1815 and was therefore 71 years of age. She was married to James Thomas in Delaware County, Ind Dec 7, 1833 where she and her husband joined the CHristian Church soon after. In the spring of 1847 they came to this county and settled on the old homsetead near Elmdale in May of that year and lived there continuously after. Their house was blessed with 13 children and all lived until they grew to maturity and 8 of them still survive her; one son, Will Thomas, Rossville, Ill; and 7 daughters who today are wives of some of Montgomery's best citizens: Mrs. Dr. SS Detchon; Mrs. WW Tiffany; Mrs. Dr. JW Hurt; Mrs. J. Dinwiddy; Mrs. Jas. A. McClure; Mrs. Dr. James Henderson of Perrysville and Mrs. Gus McMullen of Sugar Grove, all whom have reared families that bear thoroughly respectable reference. Mrs. Thomas was the daughter of Martin Bobo. Mr. Thomas died about 12 years ago after which Mrs. Thomas began living among our people. She was a noble Christian lady possessing a true Christian piety that was seldom equaled. Her last act was to donate to the Christian Church a large bell, costing $140, which swings to and fro, its sweet notes pealing out on t he surrounding counmtry, her charitable acts across its wide expanse but alas she joined those in "Beulah Land." - transcribed by kbz