Tupper, Thomas J. 1833-1913

TUPPER, BRONSON, BROWNSON, STAFFORD, STATFORD, BURGESS, LAMBERTSON, OVAITT, MCKINNEY

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 8 May 1913. Local News columns.

Through the courtesy of Geo. Monlux, of Rock Rapids, we learn that Thomas J. Tupper, a pioneer settler of Clayton County, and well known in Elkader, died at Rock Rapids, Iowa, April 24th, 1913. He was a veteran of the Civil War and served and was wounded in action in Co. K, first Iowa Cavalry. He was a former member of James Miller Post No. 503, G.A.R., at McGregor, Iowa, and became a member of Dunlap Post No. 147 G.A.R., Dec. 2nd, 1887, and belonged to the latter post when he died.

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Added by S. Ferrall 7/11/2019:

The funeral of Thomas J. Tupper, who passed away in the McKennan hospital in Sioux Falls Thursday morning of last week, was held from the congregational church in this city Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and was attended by a large number of friends of the deceased and his family. The church was filled to over-flowing, and many were unable to gain admission. Members of Dunlap post, G.A.R., acted as in escort, accompanying the remains from the home to the church and from the church to the cemetery. At the burial lot the services were in charge of the old soldiers. Their ritual service was said, and a squad of Sons of Veterans fired a salute over the grave. There was a beautiful floral offering, a silent token of the esteem in which Mr. Tupper was held. Rev. Evans, of the Congregational church preached a touching funeral sermon, and prayer was said by Rev. Burr of the Christian church.

Thomas J. Tupper was born in Franklin county, Vermont, May 11, 1833. He was married in 1857 at Elkader, Iowa, to Anstress Bronson, and of this union four sons were born, Clarence Tupper of Spokane, Wash., Frank Tupper of Joliet, Ill., Louis Tupper of Los Angeles, Cal.,and Benjamin Tupper of [Densmore or Dewsmore], Cal.

Mr. Tupper was married a second time in 1887 to Anna Stafford at Sibley. To them were born three children, Mrs. Beulah Burgess of Sioux Falls, Mrs. May Lambertson of Dickinson, N.D., and Harrison of this place.

Besides the widow and children, Mr. Tupper is survived by a brother, P.W. Tupper of Magnolia, Iowa, and a sister, Mrs. A.N. Ovaitt.

Mr. Tupper was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting September 20th, 1861, and being mustered into Company K, First Iowa Cavalry, on September 30th. He was seriously wounded April 14, 1862, at Montevillo, Mo., and was mustered out because of his disability February 20, 1863.

After the formation of the G.A.R. society he was for a time a member of the post at McGregor, Iowa, and when he came to this place in 1887, he joined Dunlap post. For fifteen years he was quartermaster of the post, and served two terms as commander. He was chosen as the post representative to the national encampment, and several times represented the post in state encampments.

Mr. Tupper was a kindly old gentleman, well acquainted and with a cheery word for all, and had a host of friends. For many years he was janitor at the grade school on Tama street and the love of the children for "Uncle Tom," was attested by their sending to his room in the hospital a generous supply of flowers during his illness. He was in all things a good citizen, honorable in his dealings, a firm friend and a good hater, and one who valued his word as his bond.

There was many a silent tear shed at the bier of the sturdy old veteran, who, though age had bent his form a little, and slowed his walk, never raised the "white flag" in the battle of life.

Card of Thanks - We wish to thank all those who were so kind to us in our late bereavement, for the beautiful floral offering and friendly services. We want especially to thank the members of the G.A.R. and W.R.C., who were so great a help and comfort during the illness and death of our beloved husband and father. - Mrs. T.J. Tupper and family.

~Rock Rapids Reporter, Thursday, May 1, 1913

Note: His first wife Anstress' maiden name 'Bronson' is at times spelled Brownson in Clayton county records. Her father was Horace D. Bronson/Brownson and she was likely named for her grandmother Anstress Brownson. Mr. Tupper and Anstress likely were divorced ca1885/1886 and he removed to Lyon co. about that time. Anstress remarried to James M. McKinney in 1899. She died in Spokane, WA 3/11/1929.
her obit:
http://iagenweb.org/boards/clayton/obituaries/index.cgi?read=725787

His 2nd wife, Anna (Stafford/Statford) Tupper, is buried in the Iowa Veterans Home cemetery, Marshalltown, IA.