Rowland A. Thomas was born July 26, 1819, and died at Alfred, N. Y., April 19, 1901.
He was married to Ann Crandall in 1841. That the match was a happy one may be evinced by the fact that two of Rowland's brothers followed his example and married two sisters of the bride. Six children were born to them, of whom three survive. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were converted and baptized at the same time, when he was nineteen and she was fifteen. There was a pretty romance connected with the baptism, for it was then that the acquaintance began which was afterward so happily consummated.
He was a conscientious, truthful man. He owed no man anything; but there were many who owed him. If a debtor was poor, and had bad luck, he would not press him, but would be more likely to give over the debt. He was entrusted with positions of responsibility, being Assessor six years, Poormaster five years, Trustee of the University thirty-three years. When new students came here from other communities, they found in him an acquaintance and friend. He was for a number of years one of the committee to oversee the Regents' examinations.
He gave liberally and worked cheerful. If others thought he gave too liberally for his own good, he did not seem to share the thought; for he begrudged not the gifts, he always had plenty himself, and could walk the pathway of life with the happy consciousness that his life was a blessing to the world in which he lived. He was faithful in attendance on religious service so long as he was able, and greatly enjoyed the cottage prayer-meetings held at his home.
Pres. Davis and Eld. B. F. Rogers assisted in the funeral services. The pastor's text was from Isaiah 46: 4. L. C. R.
