OBIT: Thomas H. N. MCGRATH, 1903, York, York County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/ _______________________________________________ A PHILANTHROPIST DEAD. Thomas McGrath, of York, Who Devoted His Life to Good Works After an illness of less than a week, Thomas H. N. McGrath, one of York's most highly respected and aged citizens, died at his home last evening from the effects of an attack of apoplexy. Mr. McGrath was best known through his ministrations to the spiritual welfare of the inmates of the almshouse and jail. His earnest desire was the care and uplifting of the poor and lowly and for the past fifty years he conducted religious services at the almshouse, and for a lengthy period up to within a few weeks ago similar services at the jail. He received no pay for his services. Mr. McGrath, who was the last of the immediate family of McGraths, was a son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth McGrath. He received his early education at the York County Academy and throughout his life, made a complete study of the Bible. He was not an ordained minister, but conducted his religious work from a simple sense of duty. No matter what the weather he would always walk to the county institutions every Sunday afternoon and on church festival days unassisted until about five years ago, when his enfeebled condition warranted his being taken there in a carriage, for which he insisted on paying. Nearly every grand jury for many years made it a point to return thanks to Mr. McGrath for his excellent ministrations. Mr. McGrath made his last visit to the jail and almshouse Nov. 29th. He was seized with a sudden illness last Sunday. He is survived by a large number of nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and nieces and great-grand-nephews and nieces. Evening Herald, Hanover, PA, Friday, December 11, 1903