Mr. Thomas J. VANCE, the subject of this notice, died at his home in St. Genevieve County, Mo., in the evening of May the 10th, 1882, at 15 minutes past ten o'clock.

Four weeks prior to this death he was seized with an attack which threatened to become fatal and from which he never and died.

His son A. P. VANCE, was telegraphed for and attended his bedside until his death.

Deceased was born in Smith County, Tennessee on the 28th day of July 1827, and was therefore, 55 years, 9 months and 12 days old when he died. His father died when he was a mere boy, leaving him the sole dependence for the support of his widowed mother and a helpless sister, which he kept sacred till death released them from his care.

At an early day he migrated to Illinois and engaged in farming until the outbreak of the Mexican War, at which time he enlisted in the service of his country. It was while in Mexico that he contracted the disease which lasted him to his grave. Mr. Vance, notwithstanding his physical infirmities, was possessed of a strong, vigorous mind. He was a man of great tenacity, of purpose and undoubt_____ ____rity.

He leaves behind him _____ of a well spent life. Shortly after his return from Mexico he was married to Miss Elizabeth OSBORN in Jefferson County, Illinois, and re-engaged in the business of farming, at which he was very successful while his health permitted him to oversee the work in person. His wife was a daughter of Philip OSBORN, a wealthy farmer and one of the early settlers of Southern Illinois.

Mr. VANCE leaves a wife and six children (four sons and two daughters) to mourn his death.

He was a loving husband, a kind and indulgent father. During his early married life he professed religion and joined the Christian Church, and has ever since been a worthy member of the church and a zealous worker in the cause of Christ. His dying words were: "Thanks be to Almighty God, I have kept the faith."

He was also a member of the I.O.O.F., and was therefore, buried in the Odd-fellows' burying grounds near Farmington, St. Francis. (Note: As far as is known, there is no stone for him.)

It was in November of last year that he left Illinois and came to Missouri thinking that a change of climate might possibly improve his health, but he had scarcely got settled when he was taken down with the end result mentioned above. During his illness, all that could be done to alleviate his suffering, was done by his family, assisted by neighbors, who were night and day wakend and watchful. Every want seemed to be anticipated, and as far as possible met. To the latter, who were so kind to this stranger among them, we extend in behalf of the family, our sincere and heartfelt thanks, O, how precious are such friends. Where their friendship is based upon true Christian principles, eternity will but intensify and perfect them. May 19th, 1882.

Source: Unknown
Date: Unknown
Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta