Weger, John Mathias 1841 - 1907

WEGER, SMIDT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/11/2019 at 09:57:20

Elkader Register, Thur., 7 Feb. 1907. Local News columns.

This community was greatly shocked to hear of the sudden death of John Mathias Weger, which occurred Sunday afternoon about 2 o'clock, near St. Sebald. He was getting water from the well, when he suddenly fell backwards on the ice and broke his neck, the result being almost instant death. He was discovered shortly afterward by Mrs. Weger, but before she could secure assistance, his clothes were frozen fast to the ice. Mrs. Weger is suffering a severe nervous shock as a result of his death. Mr. Weger was born in Schlauersbach, Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 12, 1841. He also spent his boyhood days near that place. In 186_ (looks like 3 or 8) he joined the army and was in the war from 1870 to 1871 against France. He was married to Mary Smidt in 1878 and five children were born to them, four of them died. In 1880 they came to America and the same fall to this place, where they have resided since. He was 65 years, 1 month and 15 days old. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon by Rev. Fuehr. - Mail-Press