Dr. Joel Smith THOMAS (1.John1) was born 26 Aug 1845 in Louisiana, Pike, MO. Joel died 19 Jul 1912 in Pleasant Hill, Pike, IL, at the age of 66, and was buried 21 Jul 1912 in Crescent Hgt.cem., Pike, IL. NOTES for Joel: Birth & death dates from Crescent Hgts. cem. book, Pike Co. IL. also have his Death certificate, says died of Auto Intoxication, his biography says he died of pneumonia. J. Smith Thomas, M.D., one of the leading physicians and citizens of Pike Co., is located at Pleasant Hill, where he has spent the greater part of his active life. He devotes himself thoroughly to his profession, in the theoretical department of which he is well versed and in its practical application skillful. He owns two hundred and sixty acres of land, and with a brother has charge of the operation of about one thousand acres of his father's estate. For ten years he has been interested with T. J. Shultz in buying and shipping grain under the name of Shultz & Thomas. Dr. Thomas was born in Pike Co., MO., Aug. 26, 1845, but reared at Pleasant Hill, this State, his father having removed hither during his childhood. He obtained a good English education prior to 1862, when he went to Idaho, remaining there three years. On his return he spent nine months as a student in Watson's Seminary, in Ashley, Pike Co., MO., after which he entered a wholesale grocery establishment at Macon City, MO. He continued his work there until 1870, when, having met with an accident, he returned home and took up the study of medicine. In March 1872, he was graduated from the Medical College of Ohio, and at once began practice in the town which is now his home. In 1876-77 Dr. Thomas attended St. Louis Medical College in St. Louis. He has continued his practice in Pleasant Hill since his graduation, except a short time, in 1882-83, which was in San Antonio, Tx. Our subject belongs to Knights of Honor, and he and his wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the paternal line Dr. Thomas traces his ancestry to Wales, his great-grandfather having imigrated from that country to Virginia. "from Portrait and Biographical Album" pg 542-543 From The Pike Press April 21, 1993 - Pictured are "Sweetheart" and "Katie" These are 2 horses from J. Smith Thomas stable - that are buried in the southwest corner of Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill in what is known as the Thomas Addition lies a little bit of unusual history. A one-of-a-kind marker, with faintly readable script that reads "Sweetheart" and "Katie." Altho it is not known when they died or how, Thomas purchased the memorial in November of 1905, although he owned several horses Sweetheart and Katie were his favorites. Story has it they never missed a house call with the doctor. He married Mollie S. WELLS 24 Nov 1874 in Pike, IL. She was born 4 Jul 1851 in Pleasant Hill, Pike, IL. She was the daughter of Perry WELLS and Lizzie KERR. Mollie died 19 Dec 1924 in Pleasant Hill, Pike, IL, at the age of 73, and was buried 22 Dec 1924 in Crescent Hgt.Cem., Pike, IL. NOTES for Mollie: Mrs. Mollie S. Thomas, widow of the late Dr. J. Smith Thomas, died at her home in Pleasant Hill, Friday, Dec 19, 1924, at the age of 73 years and 5 months. She had spent the past several weeks in a St. Louis MO. hospital with no material benefit and came home to await the end, her condition had been quite serious for several weeks. She had always been an active worker for the welfare of the community and was held in the highest regard by a multitude of friends. Mrs. Thomas married Dr. J. Smith Thomas in November 1874. In girlhood she was Mollie Wells, daughter of Perry Wells, pioneer settler of Pleasant Hill township. To Dr. and Mrs. Thomas were born five children, all of whom survive her. They are: Mrs. Frank Darrah of St. Louis; Mrs. Blanche Waugh, of Pleasant Hill; Mrs. Elizabeth Archer of Kansas City; Mrs. Jessie Galloway, of Pleasant Hill and Leslie, with whom Mrs. Thomas made her home. Mrs. Thomas made a friend of all who knew her and had many friends in this city who are grieved to hear of her passing. She had lived all her long life in the neighborhood in which she died. Funeral services were held in the Pleasant Hill M.E. church Monday afternoon, Dec 22, 1924, and interment was in Crescent Heights cemetery.