Thomas, Eleazer, Dd

Thomas, Eleazer, D.D.

a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in the State of New York; received an academic education at Cazenovia; was converted when seventeen; and entered Genesee Conference as a probationer in 1839. He was transferred to California in 1852, and was pastor one year of the Powell Street Church, San Francisco. In 1856 he was elected editor of the California Christian Advocate; and re-elected in 1.860 and 1864. He was chosen book agent in 1868, and, at the end of his four years term in 1872, was appointed presiding elder of the Petaluma District. In the spring of 1873 he was appointed a member of the Peace Commission, and sent to treat with the Modoc Indians. On April 11 the commissioners were decoyed into the Lava Beds, Southern Oregon, and Dr. Thomas and Genesis Canby were killed. Dr. Thomas was a man of good presence, fine address, and great zeal and energy as a minister. See Simpson, Cyclop. of Methodism, s.v.