THOMAS N. HANCOCK. DEAD

A Pioneer Johnson County Citizen A Victim of Pneumonia.

The sudden death of our beloved townsman, Thomas N. Hancock, which occurred at his home on north Chestnut street in this city last Tuesday forenoon at about 11 o'clock, brought sadness to the hearts of Olathe people. Mr. Hancock had been enjoying fair health most of the winter and was only confined to his bed seven days with pneumonia when the end came. While he had not been seriously ill for months, his system was in poor condition to battle against the disease which fastened itself upon him and proved his master. His illness was indeed brief. On Tuesday, just one week prior to his death, he in company with R. J. Henry called on Col.Marquis south of town as a committee on general arrangements for the joint installation of officers in the Franklin Post G. A. R. No. 68, of which Mr. Hancock was a worthy member, and the W. R. C. On their return Mr. Hancock complained to Mr. Henry saying, "I have taken a bad cold and feel so bad." That afternoon he came down a chill and from the first his condition was considered serious by his physicians, but the danger was not generally known until Friday when the physicians announced that his recovery was doubtful.

The funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church at 2 o'clock p. m. Wednesday, January 6, conducted by Rev. McNutt, and were very largely attended by relatives and friends from all parts of the county. Mr. Hancock was 64 years and 6 days old at the time of his death. He came to Kansas in the fall of 1866 and located upon a splendid farm in Oxford township near Stanley. In 1868 he was married to Elizabeth Corbin at Yates Center, Ill. To them have been born four children Mrs. Dr. Johnson of Neosho, Mo.; Lyman, who now lives on one of his father's farms near Stanley; Miss Inez and Miss Pearl at home.

Thomas N. Hancock was born in Wyandotte county. Ohio, in December 1839.  At the age of 8 his parents moved to Marshall county, Ill. , where he was reared ona a farm. In September, 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Illinois Infantry and served three years and was honorably discharged as sargent.

Mr. Hancock was a man of more than ordinary prominence, coming to Kansas as he did in an early day he at once became active in public affairs. He was one of the founders and orga izers of the Johnson county co-operative association and at one time its president. For many years he was a member of its board of directors. Mr. Hancock was also president of the Patron's bank and always a prominent in its management. He was the owner of  320 acres of splendid farmingland in Oxford township where he was engaged in farming and stock raising which business he had over to his son Lyman.

During all his residence in Kansas Mr. Hancock has been an active republican. In 1873 he was a member of the legislature. He was chairman of the republican congressional central committee during the period Mr. Funston represented the district, of whom he was an ardent supporter. Mr. Hancock was always an advocate and example of clean politics. For four years under the Stanley administration he was chairman of the board of control of the Kansas State Soldier's Home at Dodge City, and in the management fo its affairs be showed the same qualities of manhood, good citizenship and unimpeachable integrity that he has in his private life. He has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the whole state and he will be missed much more than the ordinary citizen. He was a power for good, a man whom you would be glad to call a friend

Olathe Mirror
January 7, 1904
Page 3, col 2