THAYER, John B. 1829-1875

THAYER

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/24/2023 at 18:09:19

Last Wednesday afternoon, about half past one o'clock, John B. Thayer, one of the workmen employed in putting up the iron bridge at Columbus, fell from a temporary scaffolding to the ice beneath, a distance of about 18 feet. Several other workmen employed on the bridge saw him fall and ran immediately to his assistance.

He was carried up to the residence of Michael Fry and medical aid summoned. In the course of an hour he came to sufficient to recognize the pain caused by the fall and to know those around him. Dr. Davis soon arrived, and upon examination ascertained that his right wrist was broken, his head bruised, and that he was injured internally.

The injured man's residence was in Waverly, Bremer county, this State, and his wife was telegraphed to to [sic] come on as soon as she could. Dr. Davis also telegraphed to LaCrosse for a physician of the homeopathic profession to come down and hold council with him over the case.

In the meantime the Odd Fellows of this city were notified of the case, Mr. Thayer being a member of that fraternity, and they at once took all the necessary steps to provide for any aid and assistance that might be required.

Thursday afternoon, Dr. Ober, of La Crosse, arrived and repaired at once to the house where the suffering man was, but he pronounced his case almost hopeless as quick as he saw him. About five o'clock P.M. Dr. Taylor and ourself [sic] went down to see him, and the Dr. said, as soon as he looked at him that he was dying, and in about a half an hour, before we left there, he was a corpse. He died very easy, without a struggle, but was insensible nearly all day.

The Odd Fellows took charge of the body and prepared it for transportation to the late home of the deceased in Waverly. On Friday the members turned out in funeral procession in accordance with their regulations and escorted the remains to the depot, and saw it placed on the train.

The deceased's wife arrived on the up train while the Odd Fellows were going down to Columbus, and passed them on the way. She looked out of the car window, saw the procession passing and asked if they were not Odd Fellows. It flashed through her mind at once that her husband was dead, and who knows the feelings of that poor woman! She returned home with the corpse, accompanied by Mr. J.C. Good, one of the bridge builders, who was very kind and attentive to the unfortunate man while life lasted, and did all he could to alleviate his suffering.

The Odd Fellows, too, are to be greatly commended for the interest they exhibited in the welfare of the brother while he lived and the faithful discharge of their duties before and after his death. The deceased brother was an entire stranger to them all, yet when misfortune befell him he was amidst his friends upon whom implicit reliance could be placed for succor. And yet this is but one of the many "daily ministrations of our order."

~North Iowa Journal (Lansing, Allamakee co. IA), Wednesday, March 24, 1875; pg 3

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A Sad Death
Wednesday evening of last week, Mrs. J.B. Thayer received a telegram informing her of the fatal injuries of her husband, near Lansing, in Allamakee county. Owing to the snow blockade, she was unable to reach Lansing until after his death, and just as the Odd Fellows were escorting the remains to the depot, preparatory to sending them home.

Mr. Thayer met his death by the breaking of a plank on a bridge he was assisting in building at Columbus, near Lansing. He was precipitated about fifteen feet, striking on his head, face and side. He was taken up and tenderly cared for by his companions. His injuries consisted of a broken arm, a severe or perhaps fatal bruise on the head, and a collapse of one lung. The accident occurred about two o'clock on the 17th.

The best of medial skill was employed, but without hope, for at six o'clock of the next day he breathed his last. He was conscious most of the time after the accident until his death, but did not converse any more than to answer questions propounded to him. Mr. Thayer had been in the employ of the King Bridge Company for nearly four years. He assisted in building bridges in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Minnesota. He was a good mechanic, and a safe, careful manager, but by the treachery of a single board, met an untimely death.

John B. Thayer was born in Otsego county, N.Y., on the __ day of October, 1829. He came to Waverly about eight years ago, and has resided here since. He was a kind-hearted and upright man, highly esteemed by those who knew him.

He was a member of Waverly Lodge No. 63 of the I.O. of O.F. His remains were accompanied home by his friend and brother, J.F. Good. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. F.A. Marsh, of Independence, at the Baptist church, Sunday, at two o'clock, before an immense audience. The obsequies were taken in charge by the Odd Fellows.

A large procession followed the body to the cemetery, where the beautiful burial service of the Order was read. The procession of brethren numbered about 70, composed of Waverly and Shell Rock brothers. The sermon by Rev. Marsh was a very excellent one, and appropriate to the occasion. Having lived in Mr. Thayer's family while pastor here, the speaker fully appreciated the true worth of the deceased.

The sympathies of the whole community go out to Mrs. Thayer. Her burden is a double one, for scarcely had she ceased mourning for her only child, Charley, ere she is robbed of the companion of her youth. Alone she is left to struggle through the balance of life; but we are glad to say not without real genuine warm sympathy and friendship.

On account of the blockade, his only brother, Eugene, was not able to reach here until after his burial. To J.F. Good all honor is due for the faithful and kind care he rendered to Mr. Thayer in his last hours, and for his tender sympathy to the distressed wife. "Friendship is nobler than wealth or fine gold."

~Waverly Republican, Thursday, March 25, 1875; pg 8

Notes: Following the obituary in the 'Republican' were printed Resolutions on the Death of John B. Thayer, read at Waverly Lodge No. 63, I.O.O.F. on 3/26/1875. The transcriber did not include them here, as they contained no additional information for Thayer family researchers.

John Thayer has a gravestone in Harlington cemetery, Washington twp., Bremer co. IA. It can be viewed on the FindaGrave website.