These are 2 horses from Dr. J. Smith Thomas stable - that are buried in the southwest corner of Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, IL in what is known as the Thomas Addition lies a little bit of unusual history.
A one-of-a-kind marker, with faintly readable script that reads "Sweetheart" and "Katie." Altho it is not known when they died or how, Thomas purchased the memorial in November of 1905, although he owned several horses Sweetheart and Katie were his favorites. Story has it they never missed a house call with the doctor.
From The Pike Press April 21, 1993 - These are 2 horses from J. Smith Thomas stable - that are buried in the southwest corner of Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill in what is known as the Thomas Addition lies a little bit of unusual history.
A one-of-a-kind marker, with faintly readable script that reads "Sweetheart" and "Katie". Although it is not known when they died or how, Thomas purchased the memorial in November of 1905, although he owned several horses Sweetheart and Katie were his favorites. Story has it they never missed a house call with the doctor.
Grandma said that these horses had the routes memorized. If Dr. Thomas fell asleep after a late night house visit, they took him home.
A doctor in a small rural county is a gift. Not every town had a doctor, or even access to one.
I can't imagine digging a grave for a horse, let alone two.
ReplyDeleteI know. They must have had some basic digging equipment.
DeleteThey were obviously much loved and appreciated. As I hope Dr Thomas was.
ReplyDeleteDr. Thomas was an excellent dr. apparently. He is still remembered in the community, as there are some Thomas family there.
DeleteYeah, that was a big grave.
ReplyDeleteWe visited a country doctor museum recently. Fascinating stuff!
those doctors worked hard, with little supplies.
DeleteWhat an amazing story, Susan. Thanks for sharing this with us today. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteDr. Thomas and then Dr. Wells served our area faithfully.
DeleteA person who loves their animals shows good character. The good Doctor was a good man!
ReplyDeleteDr. Thomas was well loved by the community. I want to learn more about him.
DeleteHe memorialized them the best way he knew how.
ReplyDeleteEven now, a century later, Katie and Sweetheart are still remembered.
DeleteIt was a tender closure.
DeleteIt's nice to see the horses appreciated and remembered.
ReplyDeleteHorses become part of the family as time goes on. Horses can live into 30 yr or more.
DeleteAhhh there are so many great stories of those dedicated doctors. Mama said those mules and horses were appreciated by all. It is good that a reminder of at least two are remembered, and they weren't even race horses. LOL Good story and entry.
ReplyDeleteSherry & jack
I hoped a farm boy would read this! Glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteGrandpa loved horses. He had one that all us little ones learned to ride on. Her name was Bird. A family favorite.
ReplyDelete