FRED THOMA 1832-1893

THOMA, POESCH, KOEVENING

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 2/11/2005 at 07:41:52

Perhaps the greatest shock ever experienced by our people occurred about 7:00 o'clock last Monday evening, when it was announced that Fred THOMA was dead, and by his own hand. Family troubles had been preying on him for a long time. He was found by members of the family in the orchard, suffering from poison. Before Dr. BECKER arrived he was past human aide and shortly expired. Strychnine was supposed to be the deadly drug taken, but he would give no information as to that, but said he had done what he had long purposed to do and that his business afairs were all adjusted.

Fred THOMA was born in 1832, and came to Clayton county in 1847, settling in Ohio. One year later he came to Clayton county settling at Garnavillo. Married Catherine POESCH in 1855. She died in 1876. He came to Grand Meadow in 1860. He had nine children by his first wife, six of whom are living. In 1886 he was married to Mrs. Catherine KOEVENIG, by whom he had two children, one of whom is living. All but two of his children were at the funeral.

He leaves a wife, one brother and five sisters. He died July 17th, 1893, aged 61 years and 23 days. The funeral, which was held from the residence on Wednesday, the services being in charge of the Workmen, Rev. GASS being the officiating clergyman. The interment was in the old Postville cemetery, by the side of his first wife. Note: extracted from a lengthily article.

Postville Review, 7/22/1893 - contributed by Sharyl Ferrall