This is an obituary for an important citizen of Bendigo, and one of those in my 'tree'. It is also of interest to new member, Julia in the US. Trevor Obituary in the ³Geelong Advertiser² Tuesday 1st. August 1933 Page 5, Column 4 MR. EDWARD THOMAS DEAD. PROMINENT CHURCHMAN. Building Society ounder. By the death of Mr. Edward Thomas at his home in Mackenzie Street yesterday morning, there has been removed a highly respected citizen of Bendigo, who played a worthy part in many spheres of public life. For some time the late Mr. Thomas, who was 74 years of age, had been in failing health. A native of Clunes, Mr Thomas came to Bendigo 37 years ago, and found employment as an insurance agent. Later he established the Bendigo and Eaglehawk Starr Bowket Building Society, now the Bendigo and Eaglehawk Star Permanent Building Society. He was secretary of that institution from its establishment until his retirement in 1927, since when he has occupied the position of director. Much of the success of the society is due to his conscientious and able direction. For many years Mr, Thomas was associated with the Methodist Church. He was a fully accredited local preacher at the time of his arrival in Bendigo , and ministered in this way for more than 56 years. In 1907 he occupied the position of president of the Victorian Local Preachers¹ Association and at the time of his death he was the senior local preacher of Bendigo Methodist Circuit. From 1909 to 1824 he was a trustee of the Forest Street Methodist Church, and was for many years a visitor of the Sunday School Union. The office of Treasurer of the Bendigo Rescue Home was held by him for many years, and he also discharged the duties of honorary auditor for the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum. He displayed an interest in the prohibition movement, and was closely connected with temperance organizations. He was a past master of the Golden and Corinthian Masonic Lodge and was worshipful master of the Corona Lodge in 1916-17. Mr. Thomas is survived by a widow, two sons and three daughters, all of whom are well known. The sons are Mr. Henry Thomas, of Malvern, who is widely known as a vocalist, and Mr, Edward T. Thomas, of Bendigo, who succeeded his father as secretary of the Bendigo and Eaglehawk Star Permanent Building Society. The daughters are Mrs. W. Ellis, of Parkdale; Mrs J. S. Wilson, of Bendigo; and Mrs. W. Brown, of Adelaide. The funeral will take place in Bendigo Cemetery at 10 o¹clock this morning. (Acknowledgement: Corinne Thompson)