A gloom was cast over Simcoe and vicinity when the sad news was received of the death of Fred A. Toms, 
who went three months ago in company with his mother to San Antonio, Texas, in hopes of regaining his heath. 

Not improving as he had hoped, he started for home on Tuesday, but expired suddenly at Decatur, Illinois.

The saddest part of it is that he could not reach his wife and children before the end came.

The funeral was held at two o'clock Monday afternoon of last week, from his late residence in Woodhouse to Oakwood cemetery. 

He was carried to the grave by six of his comrades of the 39th Battalion Band, of which he was a member for 18 years. 

The floral tributes were many and beautiful, namely, a wreath from the Band, a spray from Miss Eadie Potts, 
W. E. McLean, Mrs. John Russell, Mrs. Geo. W. Lea, 
and Mrs Decou.

Besides a wife and two small children, deceased leaves a mother, and five sisters: 
Mrs. Hannaford, of Copus Christi; 
Mrs. Hodgson, of Bracebridge; 
Mrs. Thomas, of New York; 
Mrs. Crysler, of Toronto; and Mrs. Mills, of [Halbrite], 
who have the sympathy of the entire community.

Mrs. Toms wishes to thank Mr. John Sutton, the Band, and neighbors, for their kindness in their sad bereavement.