OBIT: Thomas H. LEWIS, 1897, Hollidaysburg, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Tomi Larson 
<tomil23@hotmail.com>

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_________________________________________ 

Thomas H. Lewis

  A well-known and prominent citizen of this community, died at his 
home, corner of Union and Blair streets on Sunday morning [February 22, 
1897] at 11.10 o'clock. 
  Deceased had been a sufferer from blood poisoning for the past four 
weeks. Mr. Lewis was born in Wales, British Isles, on Aug. 13, 1837, 
being in his 60th year at the time of his death.  He came to this 
country when but 6 years old.  His father was drowned in the Allegheny 
river near Pittsburg.  The family removed from that city to Johnstown, 
and afterward to Bloomsburg, where the deceased spent the days of his 
boyhood and early manhood.  In 1859 the family came to Hollidaysburg.
  Mr. Lewis was the first employed here in the ore mines of the Blair 
Iron and Coal Company.  He was one of the founders of the Hollidaysburg 
Water Works System from Roaring Run on Brush Mountain.  He was the 
water superintendent of this borough for seventeen years.  For many 
years he was associated with Mr. John Manning in the limestone 
business, with the Bald Hill quarries one mile east of the town, as the 
centre of their operations.  He also was a leading stockholder and 
director of the Juniata Ganister Company of McKee's Gap; the Juniata 
Limestone Company, of Cove Forge, and the Carlim Supply Company of 
Carlim. 
  He was enrolled in the membership of the Hollidaysburg Conclave of 
Heptasophs.  A true sportsman and lover of the society of his fellows, 
he was a leading spirit in the Uncle Tom's Cabin club and the Juniata 
Fishing Club of Altoona.
  Mr. Lewis possessed an extensive knowledge on the subject of 
hydraulics and skill as a contractor.  He built the water works for 
Gaysport borough and the county almshouse, and also a large impounding 
reservoir for Hollidaysburg borough on Brush mountain.
  While being a staunch adherent to the doctrines of the democratic 
party he never aspired to any public office.
  His charitable actions, loyalty to friends, freedom from ostentation 
and display, and honesty of purpose in life are qualities that endeared 
him to a large circle of acquaintance and will cause many to drop a 
tear upon his bier.
  He is survived by 5 sons and 3 daughters, namely: James H.; Thomas C.; 
M. Calvin; John M.; Irvin; Mary; Harriet; and Capitola; also four 
sisters, Mrs. Joseph Rodgers of Oil City; Mrs. Hannah Jones of 
Pittsburg; Mrs. Sarah Wright of Coalport and Mrs. William Turner of 
Hollidaysburg. 
  The funeral services will be held at the late home on Wednesday 
afternoon at 3 o'clock.  Interment in the Presbyterian cemetery.

Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., February, 1897