Thomson, William James 1877 - 1942 -
THOMSON, OLSON, JORDAN, SIMMERS, CONDIT, JONES, ARNOLD, MARTI, ZIMMERMAN, ELLENBOLDT, HAMMOND, BULMAN, JEFFRIES, BOYDEN, ORNESS, WILDE, JACOBSON, RUMPH, HERMANSON
Posted By: Errin Wilker (email)
Date: 1/20/2013 at 17:52:46
Well known farmer of Center township where he had lived for over sixty years, was born to Mr. and Mrs. James Thomson April 24, 1877, in Lansing township. When he was two years old the family moved to Center, where he attained his manhood and on October 25, 1899 was wedded to Miss Roxie Olson. The ceremony took place at the residence of her parents, now the Thomson family home.
They became the parents of seven children, namely: Lester and Betty at home; Mrs. Mildred Jordan, Los Angeles; Mrs. Ileen Simmers, Alhambra, California; Mrs. Gladys Condit, Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. Evelyn Jones and Miss Charlotte Thomson of Minneapolis, all of whom with their mother are bowed with sorrow over the loss of their loved one. Two brothers and a sister are also left to mourn, Albert Thomson, Luana; Edward Thomson and Mrs. J. J. Arnold, Waukon.
Deceased was known as a public-spirited and progressive citizen, in business affairs he was always found capable, energetic and farsighted, and held the respect and warm regard of all who were associated with him. He served as president of the Calhoun Creamery Co. and for a number of years was a member of the board of directors.
Services were held Monday at the Thomson home at 1:30 by the Rev. J. R. Lindblom, pastor of the Center Swedish Baptist church, and at 2:30 at the Waukon Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. A. H. Grossheim, assisted by Rev. L. D. Eaton. Vocal solos were rendered by George Aschom of Lansing. That edifice was filled to capacity by sorrowing friends and many were unable to gain admittance. The casket was laden and surrounded by a wealth of floral tributes, testifying to the high regard felt for the bereaved family.
Burial took place in Oakland cemetery. The pall bearers were Ed. Schultz, Harry Lenz, Joe Weipert, Gilman Hagen, Theodore Anderson and Elmer Kolsrud.
The children were all in attendance at the funeral and other relatives from a distance included the following: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thomson, Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Whitney, Mora, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Deitel and daughter Marjorie, Sumner, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Thomson, La Crosse; Miss Cora Thomson, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thomson, Miss Hattie Kumpf and Miss Emma Bock, New Albin.
Source: Waukon Democrat, Waukon, Iowa, 24 September 1942
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WILL THOMSON FUNERAL LARGELY ATTENDED
Since Thursday morning, September 17, when Will Thomson met accidental death near Forest Mills, our community mourns the departure of a kind, cheerful, and accommodating neighbor and friend. His widow and seven children have lost a devoted companion and father, and a dependable and faithful provider. Reverend Lindblom conducted the services at the home and was assisted by the pastors of the Baptist and Presbyterian churches at Waukon. George Aschom of Lansing rendered vocal solos at the home and church.
The large attendance at the funeral services at his home as well as at the church at Waukon, and the large donations of floral offerings was evidence of his loyalty to others in their sorrow and distress and the acquaintance and respect formed in all his official duties in the county and township. The Farm Bureau staff met in a body at the church and the pall bearers were directors of the creamery board, namely: Ed. Schultz, Mr. Weipert and Harry Lenz, and three neighbors, Almer Kolsrud, Ted Anderson and Gilman Hagen.
We sincerely sympathize with Mrs. Thomson, Lester and Betty who live in our midst, and to those who are soon leaving to their homes at distant points, namely, Mrs. Mildred Jordan, San Diego, California; Mrs. Eileen Simmers, Alhambra, California; Mrs. Evelyn Jones and Miss Charlotte Thomson of Minneapolis; Mrs. Bob Condit, Detroit, Michigan, and three grandchildren, Karen Simmers, Bob Condit and Sally Ann Jones.
~The Democrat, Waukon, Iowa, 24 September 1942
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Tragic Auto Accident Takes Lives of Prominent Allamakee Farmers
Group on Inspection Tour Interests of Creamery Co.
Two homes in this vicinity were plunged into deepest sorrow as the result of an automobile tragedy 6:30 Thursday morning which suddenly and without warning resulted in the death of two prominent residents of this county, Wm. Thomson, Center township, and Willard Marti of Church.
The accident occurred on a sharp curve atop a high embankment on what is known as the Cherry Valley road or short cut from highway 51 to Luana. The auto driven by Fred Zimmerman of Church, failed to make the curve and plunged 70 feet down the steep hill into a dry creek bed across from the Roy Ellenboldt farm house. The last 40 or 50 feet of its fatal drop was straight down. He witnessed the accident and with Henry Hammond, who also lives nearby, hurried to the scene. They notified Sheriff Bulman who called for Dr. R.R. Jeffries, and later Coroner Charles Boyden and the Ryan ambulance were notified that their services were also needed.
The three men named above, Ole Orness and Milton Wilde, all connected with the Calhoun creamery, were enroute to Luana and West Union creameries to observe a new type equipment with a view in mind to purchase similar machinery for the creamery at Church. According to Mr. Wilde, who in spite of the shock, it is thought the car turned several times before taking its final plunge to the creek bed.
Wm. Thomson, 65, was riding in the front seat with Mr. Zimmerman and was instantly killed. Willard Marti, 38, secretary for the Calhoun Creamery Co., suffered a broken back and both legs were fractured. He died a short time after being rushed to St. Francis hospital, La Crosse. Fred Zimmerman, 52, sustained a brain concussion, a broken shoulder bone and other severe injuries, and was taken to the hospital with Mr. Marti. He is reported by Dr. Jeffries, who visited him Sunday, as having a good chance for recovery. Ole Orness, 60, sustained a fractured pelvis, broken left arm below the elbow and other injuries. He is reported making a satisfactory recovery at the Waukon hospital. Milton Wilde, 30, the fifth occupant of the ill-fated car, was discharged from the local hospital Thursday evening, after being treated for shock, cuts and bruises.
Coroner Charles Boyden impaneled a jury Friday morning consisting of Arthur Jacobson, Gus Rumph and L.T. Hermanson, who returned a verdict of accidental death in its investigation of the accident and examination of seven witnesses. The car which is a total wreck was towed to the Johnson garage and has been viewed by hundreds of persons residing in Allamakee and adjoining counties.
Allamakee Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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