Newspaper extracts relating to Thomas George Thorburn
Searching Welsh Newspapers online under Thorburn AND Scranton
Welsh Newspapers online site (in Welsh) shows that Thomas George graduated as Bachelor of Music in 1908 - known as Tom, faithful member of Bethel who joined in all activities, especially singing, left Glynneath in 1897. lost his parents when young and care of the family fell on him. In the US is an eisteddfod adjudicator and leads the singing in the Hyde Park church, Scranton (brief English version mentions he has Kidwelly roots)
There is also a report of him and family returning to Resolven and Pontardawe in for a visit in July 1914
A couple of articles from 1914-18 refer to him as Prof Thomas Thorburn
The Welshman 20 Mar 1908
Mr. T .G. Thorburn, of Scranton, U.S.A., hasse- cured the degree of Mus. Bac. U.S.A. Mr. Thorhum comes of Kidwelly parentage, but before his departure to the states lived 'at Glyn Neath, where he was the tutor to a number of musical students, many of whom have attained considerable distinction. Mr. Thorbutnn has a good many relatives reaiding at Kidwelly now
October 12, 1908
The Scranton Republican from Scranton, Pennsylvania • Page 7
Prof. Jones sang another solo; Mr. Williams gave a recitation; Prof. Thorburn played a selection on the piano and Tom Abrams sang "Mona," Mr. Humphrey and Rev.' Mr. Griffith each followed with addresses during which they paid a tribute to the people of Scranton for the treatment they had received while , here. Prof. Harri E. Jones sang "Rocked In the Cradle of the Deep," as but few can sing that favorite selection, and Mr. Williams favored the assemblage with another recitation. During the evening refreshments were served by Mrs. Davis assisted by Mrs. Edward Roberts and Mrs. Margaret Thomas. The meeting came to a close with Prof. Jones singing "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" all joining in the chorus. Prof. Thorburn was the accompanist of the evening. Those present were; Mr. Richard Humphrey and Rev. J. W. Griffith, of Buffalo; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Reese, of the North End; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Roberts, Prof. Harri E. Jones,Thomas Abrams, D. J. Williams, Prof. Thomas Thorburn, Mr. and Mrs. W. J.Davies, Mrs. Margaret Thomas. Miss Edith Roberts, Mrs. W. H. Fuller, MiltonDavies, Percy Thomas, Wilford Thomas, Eugene Fuller and Master Everett Davies.
October 19, 1929
The Scranton Republican from Scranton,Pennsylvania • Page 17
In the death of Thomas George Thorburn, Scranton has lost a musician of prominence. Not that he was active in the performance or the promotion of music during his later years, but that he acted in an advisory capacity to many of our leaders and vocalists, Mr. Thorburn has acquired the art of listening, and to form a sane and sound judgment on the performances of others. His opinion and advice was therefore sought, and his analyst; was generally found to be correct. Of a retiring disposition, he found a Joy and solace In composition. A few years ago he interested the writer In some compositions of his own which showed much originality and an unquestioned gift for melody. The: included choruses, vocal solos and hymn - tunes. and only Mr. Thorburns own reticence kept these deserving works from becoming (thenroDertv or the musical puouc??). Some years ago he was the director of music at the First Welsh Baptist church and while there the church choir under his direction presented several cantatas, and on one occasion an abridged version of Mendelssohn oratorio. "Saint Paul. Occasionally he served as an eisteddfod adjudicator, and he had been selected for that position at the North Scranton eisteddfod which will be held Oct. 29. Mr. 'Thornburn was born in Wales, and at an early age received the advanced certificate of the London Tonn Solfa college.He had been a resident of Scranton for thirty - two years.
October 15, 1929
The Scranton Republican from Scranton,Pennsylvania • Page 15
Thomas G. Thorburn. Full military honors were given Thomas G. Thorburn, 319 Thirteenth avenue yesterday afternoon at funeral services held from the late home. A large delegation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars was present and conducted services at the grave in the Washburn Street Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. T. T. Richards, pastor of the First Welsh Baptist Church, and the Rev. Dr. John Mattes, pastor of St. John's Lutheran church officiated. The casket bearers were: David Jamas, Thomas Davis. Chester Thomas Jonn Redmond, W. A. Morgan, William Edwards, and David Williams. To Serve Lunches The Ladies' Aid society, of the First Welsh Baptist church, will entertain at a noonday luncheon tomorrow In the church parlors. Mrs. George Wettling is in charge.
