Benjamin Thomas
April 4, 1918 -- Whitesville News
(Researched & Submitted by Mary Rhodes)
Once Prominent Oil Prospector Around Petrolia Died At Genesee
Benjamin Thomas died at his home in this place at 12:10 am Thursday. Funeral at M.E. Church Sat. at 10 am Rev. J. E. Tallant officiated.
Mr. Thomas has been a resident of Genesee for about 16 years and will be greatly missed. He was 76 years of age. Besides his wife he leaves two sons EP Thomas of Duke Center and B F Thomas, Riverside California, and one daughter Eve at Home. Also 4 grandchildren.
Fred Wildman of Whitesville was the undertaker.
Mr. Thomas for a number of years was identified with the oil prospecting business in the vicinity of Petrolia, in fact it is said that he started oil operations there but did not strike paying wells so gave up the venture in the field that later proved a rich one for others.
He for years conducted a store and lunch room near the B & S Railroad station in Genesee.