Dick Thomas
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Unknown Unknown 1700-1576-0000.jpg PO-1576 B&W 1700-1576-0000 1700-1576-0000 Postcard 3x5 Historic Photographs 1900s Reproduction requires permission. Digital images property of SHM Library & ArchivesDescription
Dick Thomas (b.1826 - d.1902) was born in Cayuga, New York on October 11, 1826. The names of his parents are unknown but his father was born in New York and his mother was born in Vermont.
"Uncle Dick" as he was known, arrived in the Agua Fria valley of Arizona in 1876. Previously, he had spent some time in California, then moved on to Idaho and Montana, working as a packer and miner.
Dick married Ellen Sanders in Burlington, Michigan on May 25, 1882 and brought her to Arizona.
Their home and ranch in the Agua Fria valley was a well-known road station where "Uncle Dick" and "Aunt Nell" served many a tired and hungry traveler for over 20 years.
In 1898, they suffered the loss of their foster son, Johnny Culver, who was killed by falling from his horse while driving cattle. "Uncle Dick" was never the same after the loss.
Handwriting on photograph reads: "Uncle Dick Thomas of Dewey".
Dick died on August 2, 1902. He had suffered with paralysis for the previous two years. Ten days before his death, Dick had fallen and broken his hip and never recovered.
He was rememberd for his kind words and help given to all in times of need. His funeral service was read by Miss Sharlot M. Hall who recited her poem "The End of the Trail".
Dick was buried in the Agua Fria valley near where he made his first stop on entering the valley in 1876.
Sources: U.S. Census, Agua Fria, Arizona 1900; Weekly Journal-Miner 8-13-1902.
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