THOMAS, CLARK

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Thursday, March 06, 2014 at 06:48:36 :

San Anselmo Herald
Saturday, April 27, 1912

Mayor Thomas of Sausalito, Dead

Jacques Thomas, three times mayor of Sausalito, died in that city on Friday, April 26th, in the sixtieth year of his age. The funeral services will be conducted at the home on Monday, April 29th, and the interment will be in Fernwood cemetery.

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Sausalito News
Saturday, May 4, 1912
Page 3

Pioneer Laid At Rest
Ex-Mayor Thomas Buried

Hundreds of people attended the funeral services of Jacques Thomas, Park Commissioner and ex-mayor and ex-School Trustee of Sausalito on Monday afternoon. All the available carriages were engaged long before the funeral. A feeling of sadness prevailed among the citizens over the early death of their highly esteemed citizen of thirty-one years residence in Sausalito. People were present from every section and walk of life. Telegrams and letters came from those unable to attend. Sausalito Lodge of Moose adjourned their meeting out of respect for the deceased. The flag in the park which he always had hoisted at half mas on the funeral day of old residents, was at half mast for him. The public schools were closed for half a day out of respect for him.

The funeral services were held at his home, the Rev. Mr. Maxwell officiating. At the grave, in Fernwood Cemetery, Emil Puharich, chief ranger of the Court Sausalito of Foresters of America, read the funeral services over their beloved brother. The pallbearers were Louis Schnetzler, W. Z. Tiffany, F. D. Linsley, T. L. Couglin, Jacob Kling and John A. Hannon. The honorary pallbearers were Charles Forrest, W. S. Rutherford, Sr., L. C. Pistolesi, Paul Trouette, A. Marshall, Sr., and J. V. Silva. Handsome floral pieces were received from Court Sausalito Foresters of America, Sausalito Aerie of Eagles, Sausalito Lodge of Moose, Mt. Tamalpais and Sea Point Parlors of Native Sons and others.

Jacques Thomas was born in Alsace on August 24th, when it was a part of France and there met his loving helpmate when they were children. He came to America in 1871, and after spending a couple of years in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, came to San Francisco and opened a barber shop in 1875. After several visits to Sausalito, he became charmed with the spot and moved here and opened a shop in 1881. He took great interest in civic affairs and was elected to offices of honor and trust. During his fifteen years as a member of the Board of School Trustees, he always took a very active interest and was instrumental in having the South school built and in maintaining a high educational standard.

He was a member of the Town Trustees for twelve years, serving several years as Mayor. He took great pride in Sausalito and it was chiefly through his untiring efforts that we have our pretty little park and its present condition. The Sausalito municipal water system was built during his administration at a cost of nearly $100,000. Before that time Sausalito had water about half the time, and no water for fire fighting. Two years ago, he felt that he had served the people long enough and declined to run for Trustee. The Trustees, recognizing his great interest in the park, created a park commission, naming him on it.

About three months ago he was taken ill with fatty degeneration of the heart, and after bearing with great fortitude great pains, surrounded by his loving family, he passed away at 5:35 p.m. on Friday evening, April 26th. His death was a sudden shock to the community and to him it was a great relief from the untold agony of his last days. He leaves a loving wife Elizabeth, who was first his playmate at school and then cheery helpmate, and he was the father of Harry J., George Evelyn and Raymond Thomas and Mrs. Charles Clark, and grandfather of Thomas Clark and Thelma R. Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was always a progressive citizen and a staunch democrat. His life was gentle, but like the still waters, it was deep. In his heart of hearts, he carried those he loved, and his hand was never weary, his step never failed in caring for and ministering to those who were in any way dependent upon him.