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Edward George Thomas |
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Edward George Thomas was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 2, 1853. He was the son of John Morgan Thomas and Mary Lewis. He attended public schools and afterwards attended the Model School at Toronto. When he was 16 he entered the Military school. After graduation he moved to Hamilton, where he learned to build organs at Thornton & Green. After he had mastered his trade, he became manager for the Canada Organ & Piano Company of Toronto. In 1874, he established a burial case factory. In 1875, he sold his interest in that business and started the Thomas Organ Company in Woodstock, Ontario. A Cyclopedia of Canadian Biography described his career in detail. At the time of the 1871 census, he was living in Hamilton, St. George Ward. He married Margaret Campbell in 1871 in Dundas, Ontario, Canada. Margaret was born on May 12, 1852. Her father was William Campbell. Edward and Margaret's children were: William Edward Brodie was named after Edward's sister, Celia Brodie's, husband. In 1881 and 1883 he was elected alderman for the City of Woodstock. He was a member of Oddfellows, Freemasons, the A.O.U.W. (The Ancient Order Of United Workmen), and the Order of Chosen Friends. He started the Thomas Organ Company's band. He died suddenly at age 37 in Hamilton, Ontario on January 28, 1891 of apoplexy of the heart. His death and funeral were described in detail in two articles in the Woodstock Sentinel-Review. The band played the Dead March and procession of men and carriages extended from Dundas almost to the house. The two bands took the lead, followed by canton Woodstock, No. 15 in full uniform. Next came Woodstock and Olive Branch Lodges, about a hundred strong, in full regalia, and bearing the usual sprig of green. The rear was brought up by the employees of the organ factory and the Fire brigade. At the time of the 1891 census, Margaret and the children were still living in Woodstock and William was working as a bank clerk. In 1907 Mary died of scarlet fever. Margaret passed away on January 1, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan and was buried with her husband at Woodstock Anglican Cemetery.
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©Roberta Tuller 2020
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