After Thomas received his land patent for the homestead and timber claim in St John, Stafford, Kansas, he continued to improve the land. He was also active in the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) De Long Post 103 and later C F Smith Post. Additionally, he was elected as a republican delegate for St John many years.
Mary helped organize a sunday school, as there were no churches when they arrived in 1878. She was also a charter member of the C F Smith Women's Relief Corps No 199 and Ladies of GAR.
In September 1892, Thomas and Mary traveled with a group from the area to attend the reunion in Washington, DC. While in Washington, they visited the White House and other sites around the area.
During 1893, Thomas and Mary were ready for a change, so Thomas sold his homestead (160 acres) and timber claim (160 acres) 15 Apr 1893 for $3000 to W B Kendall. After selling the property, they wanted to relocate outside of Stafford County, Kansas. In early May 1893, Thomas traveled to the state of Oregon and Washington, looking for a better place to farm. After searching for two weeks, he returned disappointed, not finding anything he liked better. In late May 1893, he traveled to Northeast Kansas, and continued his search. He returned, deciding that he will move to Osage County, Kansas in June 1893. Thomas planned to rent a farm for one year, to determine if he liked the area better than Stafford County.
After renting for seven months, he decided to buy a 60-acre farm 2 Jan 1894 for $2600 from Elias and Elizabeth Schneck. The farm was located in the Wakarusa Township, five miles southwest of Lawrence on the west sixty acres of the Southeast Quarter of Section 11, Township 13, Range 19 (Near 2920 Harrison Avenue, Lawrence, Douglas, KS).
Thomas farmed in Wakarusa from 1894 to 1902, at which time he retired from farming. In August 1902 Thomas and Mary moved into Lawrence, renting a home, while looking for land to build their retirement home. Thomas purchased Block 52, Section 25, Township 12, Range 19 on 18 Aug 1902 for $450 from Katharine Higgins and Julia Ward Howe (645 Michigan Street, Lawrence, KS). He sold his sixty-acre farm 12 Sep 1902 for $3700 to Andrew Gibson. By the end of 1902 Thomas had built a $1,300 home on the purchased land and moved into his new residence.
Thomas and Mary were original members and financial supporters of the 2nd Presbyterian Church, 601 Missouri Street, Lawrence, KS. The church is currently located at Westside Presbyterian Church, 1024 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, KS.
On December 21, 1908, the church petitioned the Presbyterian of Topeka, Kansas to receive them into the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. This was done on this date, and Rev. Maughlin and 52 members of the congregation went over to the Presbyterian Church, USA. The congregation was enrolled in the Topeka Presbytery as the Second Presbyterian Church of Lawrence, Kansas.
Thomas was active in the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Washington Post 12. He served as a District Court Petit Jurymen, alongside James Naismith and others, in 1907.
Mary was active in the Women's Relief Corps No 9, serving as President, Chaplain, and Patriotic Instructress. She was also active in the Ladies' Circle 75 of GAR, serving as Chaplain and other offices. Newspapers tell of many injuries for Mary; Pueblo Train Wreck (1905), Buggy Accident (1909), Broken Hip (1912).
Both Thomas and Mary went to the local schools, encouraging students to remember family and veterans buried at local cemeteries. Encouraging them to decorate their grave on Decoration (Memorial) Day.
On 18 Apr 1920, Thomas died at his home, 645 Michigan Street, Lawrence, KS at the age of 82. The death certificate shows he died of apoplexy (stroke).
A handwritten obituary for Thomas J Lamont was found in the 2nd Presbyterian Church Session Book (1918-1920) that may have been written by Mary Lamont.
His funeral was at the home on 20 Apr 1920 at 2PM with Rev Lawson officiating. Following the funeral, burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, KS at Section 7, Lot 113, Space 3.
After Thomas death, Mary was awarded a widow pension on 25 Sep 1920 for an amount of thirty dollars a month. In her application, she described Thomas and her were only apart for the civil war. She also describes that no relative served in the World War (WWI).
On 8 Apr 1922, Mary died at her home, 645 Michigan Street, Lawrence, KS at the age of 78. The death certificate shows she died of carcinoma (cancer) of stomach and liver. Her funeral was at the home on 11 Apr 1922 at 2PM with Rev Lawson officiating. Following the funeral, burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, KS at Section 7, Lot 113, Space 4.
Thomas can be described as having hair light brown, eyes grey, height 5' 9", weight 145-152 pounds. He was patriotic and had a strong work ethic. Thomas dealt with much pain in his back and legs after returning from the Civil War. He was active in his local GAR Post in both St John and Lawrence. He was passionate about honoring fellow soldiers and family members buried at local cemeteries. Thomas spoke annually to children in Lawrence schools, explaining the importance of Decoration Day (Memorial Day), representing the GAR.
Mary can be described as serving in the community with the Women's Relief Corps and Ladies of GAR. She spoke annually to children in Lawrence schools, explaining the importance of Decoration Day (Memorial Day), representing the Ladies of GAR. Mary had a strong faith and supported her church in any way she could. She was a strong woman that endured much hardship in her early years in Kansas. She was a natural leader and was well liked and had many friends. Mary made a special effort to spend time with each of her children after they had left the home as adults.
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