Randolph B. Thomas was born February 8, 1852 at Alfred, N. Y.
He was the third child born to Stephen Silas and Martha Crandall Thomas. One child died in infancy, a sister in her womanhood, while one sister survives him.
When Randolph was three years old his parents moved from Alfred to Albion, Wis., and engaged in farming. In 1863 while his father was in the Union Army the family returned to New York state for a year. Since then the deceased made his home in Wisconsin.
On January 1, 1874, he was married to Sylvia M. Coon. They began their happy home making on a farm at Albion which was their home till they removed to Milton in 1898. Their married life was blessed with three children, Harry E. of Albion; Bessie E. (Mrs. B. F. Johanson) of Battle Creek, Mich.; and Florence E. who died April 30, 1916.
When Randolph was a young man he accepted the Christ as his Lord and became a member of the Seventh-day Baptist church at Albion, March 24, 1866. Elder Joshua Clark was the pastor at the time.
On his removal to Milton his membership was transferred to the latter place.
In his christian life Mr. Thomas was especially active in his devotion to his worship of the church. He always loyally supported the prayer meeting. He was very fond of music and often sang in quartets and glee clubs. For years he was leader of the choir at Albion and superintendent of the Sabbath school for several years. He was also a member of and devoted to the interests of the organization of the Sons of Veterans in which he was chaplain for a time.
For a long time Mr. Thomas had suffered from a malignant growth.
A short time before his death he went to a hospital in Madison, Wis., where he hoped to find relief and restored vitality. The quest was in vain and he died July 23, 1919. He leaves in loneliness and sorrow his widow, his son Harry, his daughter Bessie, his sister, Mrs. Mary L. Maxson and four grandchildren.
On Friday afternoon, July 25, 1919, funeral services were held at the Seventh-day Baptist church in Milton. Pastor Henry N. Jordan was assisted in the services by Elder Simeon H. Babcock, who was a former pastor of Mr. Thomas. Interment was made in the Milton cemetery.
