OBIT: Thomas A. NOKES, 1920, Gaysport, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Tomi Larson 
<tomil23@hotmail.com> July 28, 2008, 7:50 pm

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_________________________________________ 

BURGESS NOKES DEAD
Grandfather of T. J. and Joseph Nokes Expired This Morning at Gaysport

  Thomas A. Nokes, aged 77 years, grandfather of Thomas J. Nokes and 
Joseph Nokes, of this city, whose health had been impaired for a long 
time, died this morning at Gaysport, Blair County, where he was Burgess 
for many years.  His death was due to general debility. 
  The deceased was a resident of this city some 60 years ago, when he 
was an employee of the Cambria Iron Company.  His wife died at Gaysport 
a year ago.  Burgess Nokes is survived by five sons: Howard Nokes of 
Cleveland, and Gilbert Nokes of Gaysport, both former residents of this 
city; William of Chicago, and Charles and David, at home. 
  The funeral will take place Monday afternoon, with burial in the 
Gaysport Cemetery.

The Johnstown Tribune, Johnstown, Pa., December 4, 1920

THOMAS A. NOKES

  Thomas A. Nokes, a former Burgess of Gaysport Borough, who served in 
the executive office of that municipality for four terms, and a 
foremost citizen closely identified with the advertisement of the 
community for more than 60 years, died at the home of his son, David 
Nokes, at 197 Wall Street, Gaysport, last night at 9:25 o'clock. His 
death was sudden and painless.  Mr. Nokes was not bedfast and while an 
invalid, was able to meet and greet his friends up until the time of 
the final summons. 
   The deceased was a son of Evan Nokes, a master coker at the Gaysport 
furnaces in the early history of the town and was born in Pontypool, 
England on May 14, 1838, being 82 years, 6 months and 19 days.  It is 
noteworthy, that another former Burgess of Gaysport, William J. Powell, 
was born in the same town in England and was christened in the same 
church as was Mr. Nokes.  When only seven years old, Mr. Nokes crossed 
the sea for America.  The family first resided in Johnstown, coming to 
Gaysport in 1865.  On June 1, 1865, he was married to Miss Almira 
Hewitt, a daughter of David Hewitt, of Hollidaysburg, at the Altoona 
First Methodist Church, the ceremony being performed by Rev. J. W. 
Mills.
  Mr. and Mrs. Nokes were the progenitors of five sons, eighteen 
grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  The sons are Howard E. of 
Cleveland, O., William L. of Chicago, Ill., David, Charles and Gilbert 
I., of Gaysport.  A brother, Anthony Nokes, resides at Conemaugh.  Mrs. 
Nokes died November 9, 1919.
  For many years, Mr. Nokes was the general foreman of the Cambria Iron 
furnaces in Gaysport.  His popularity in the town was attested by the 
fact that, despite the pronounced Democracy of the electors, he was the 
first Republican ever elected Burgess.  He also served on the school 
board and in the Borough Council and was the heaviest property owner in 
the town.  He was a patriarch in Free Masonry and Odd Fellowship, being 
affiliated with Portage Lodge No. 220, F& A.M., and Hollidaysburg 
Lodge, No. 119, I.O.O.F.
  The Gaysport water works was planned and built under his direction 
and he never demanded a cent of compensation for this faithful public 
service.  He was confirmed in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church by Bishop 
Darlington upon the recent occasion of the visit of that prelate to 
Hollidaysburg.  Mr. Nokes was a courteous and honorable gentleman of 
the old school and his demise will be noted with general regret in the 
community.

Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pa., December 4, 1920

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