Charles B. Tollifson 1870-1904

TOLLIFSON, BIGELOW

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/18/2010 at 00:28:20

Charles Tollifson Dead
After a lingering illness of over two years with a disease that baffled the most eminent physicians of this country, Charles B. Tollifson, died at 8:45 Sunday evening at the home of his father-in-law, A. E. Bigelow, in this city. Deceased was born in High Lake township, this county, on August 17, 1870, being thirty-four years two months and six days of age at the time of his death. He was well known to nearly every one in this town and county and before his sickness was one of the well-to-do, industrious and prominent stock men of this county and has many friends who regret his untimely demise. His first sickness dates back over two years. It came upon him after he had assisted in dehorning his cattle and it is thought that he was poisoned by some of the animals as they were diseased with lump-jaw. He gradually grew worse and was taken to Chicago where he received relief for a while. He was brought home and in a short time taken to Hot Springs, Ark., but received little or no benefit from the treatment received there, although some of the best physicians in the south treated him. They told Mr. Bigelow that he could live but a short time and he brought him home. From that time on he seemed to gain and in a few weeks he was able to be up and around and attended to business matters. He felt so well that in the company of Mrs. Tollifson he made a trip to his farm in High Lake township and the family and friends were rejoicing that he had almost entirely recovered, but it proved only temporary. He was taken suddenly ill about four weeks ago and gradually grew worse until he passed away.

A loving wife, four sisters and three brothers are left to mourn his early taking away. Funeral services will be held in the Presbyterian church in this city at two o’clock this afternoon and the remains interred in the Oak Hill Cemetery. The sympathy of the entire community is extended the bereaved relatives. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, October 26, 1904)

The End Has Come
Charles B. Tollifson Passes Away Sunday Evening After a Long Illness

Charles B. Tollifson died at his home on the west side Sunday evening at 8:45 o’clock, after a lingering illness, at the age of 34 years. The funeral is being held at the Presbyterian church at 2 o’clock this afternoon, Rev. Dr. W. E. McLeod, conducting the services. The interment will be in Oak Hill cemetery.

Charles B. Tollifson was born in this county, August 17, 1870, and had lived here his entire life time. He was one of the brightest and most progressive young farmers in the county, having a fine farm in High Lake township. He was universally respected and esteemed and few young men had brighter prospects than he. He was married in June 1901 [1900] to Harriett E. Bigelow, then residents of Jack Creek township.

About two years ago Mr. Tollifson was stricken with some peculiar malady, the nature of which was never definitely determined. Local physicians soon came to the conclusion that they could not combat the disease, and Mr. Tollifson was taken elsewhere, first to Minneapolis, then to Chicago and finally to Hot Springs. In each place the disease was pronounced by some different name and in each place a different treatment was adopted. At times he showed marked improvement, only to grow worse again. Finally it was decided that he was receiving no benefit from the foreign physicians and several months ago he was brought home from Hot Springs, with the expectation that he could last but a short time. Contrary to expectations however, he began to improve and it seemed at one time as thought he might ultimately recover. A few weeks ago he purchased himself a new home on the west side and he and Mrs. Tollifson occupied it. A short time after this he became worse and gradually grew worse until the end. From the beginning of his illness he showed a most remarkable constitution. His suffering at times were seemingly almost beyond the power of human endurance. Yet he bore all with great fortitude and always looked forward to the future with bright hopes.

He is survived by his young wife, who was ever by his side from the commencement of his illness, showing a most loving faithfulness and endearment. He is also survived by three brothers and four sisters, Iver, Thomas and Theodore, Mattie, Nellie, Clara and Emma. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, October 26, 1904)