Jeremiah Todd, 1894 Obituary

TODD, MATHIAS

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 5/12/2007 at 12:28:08

I translated the following obituary from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. It was originally published on Friday, 26 October 1894. Any information in brackets or notes at the end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:

Jeremiah Todd

Jeremiah Todd died Monday morning at the advanced age of 78 years. Although the old gentleman had not been feeling well for some time, there was no present reason to expect the worst. On the very same day, he arose at 6:00 a.m. and performed his usual chores, planted rose bushes, and did other work. Not until later in the day did he complain of chest pain, which, however, went away in the evening, whereupon he expressed a desire to eat dinner. While he was seated in his chair, his head sank back and his life was gone.

Jeremiah Todd was born on 22 April 1816 in Fairfield County, Ohio. His life’s companion died six years ago, and with his dear wife’s departure, he lost the best of himself, so that he was never able to overcome the painful parting.

Three children mourn the loss of their dear father: Sam, the only son, who like his father is very respected by all the citizens of Carroll County; Ella, who for years has operated a millinery business in Carroll; and Mrs. Mathias, who lives in Topeka, Kansas.

On the day of his death, it was exactly 25 years since the Todd family had moved to Carroll County. The family first moved to Roselle, on a farm, and for the last 15 years the family has lived in Carroll.

The burial took place on Wednesday afternoon from the home of the deceased amid a large attendance of mourners. An innumerable number of citizens were present to show their last respects to the beloved old man. The interment followed at the city cemetery. Honor to his memory.

NOTES: Cemetery records list his birth date as 22 Apr 1816, and death date as 22 Oct 1894.