NEESSEN, Thomas W. 1838-1908

NEESSEN, ROOS

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/25/2016 at 15:25:33

Thomas W. Neessen was born at Logabirum, Ostfriesland, Germany, August 24, 1838. At the age of seventeen he came to America. Two years later he went to Germany returning with his father, brothers and sisters. They settled in Stephenson county, Ill., which was their home for several years. During the Civil War he served the U.S. Government, working with the engineer corps. His work being in the southern states.

He was united in marriage to Maria A. Roos at Ridott, Ill. This union was blessed with nine children, three of whom preceded him to the other shore.

He came to Steamboat Rock in June 1868 entering the mercantile business which he followed about 30 years.

His health had been failing about a year, the end coming after about a week of serious illness, Dec. 12, 1908, at his home at Steamboat Rock, the time of death. His age was 70 years, 3 months and 8 days. He is survived by his wife and six children, Walter, of Wellsburg, Arthur, of Aredale, Jennie, Helen, Mary and Louie, who reside at home. Two grandsons, Bennie and Earl Neessen, of Wellsburg, one brother John Neessen, of Wellsburg, two sisters, Mrs. A. Boyd, of Ackley, Mrs. Wm. Meyers, of Storm Lake, Iowa, besides other relatives. He was united with the Christian Reformed church east of town, for several years. He was a kind and loving father and will be greatly missed by his family.

Short funeral services were held at the residence at 1 o'clock. The body of the deceased was then taken to the Christian Reform church east of town were the services were conducted.

Rev. John Drake, of near Holland, had charge of the services, and was assisted by Rev. E. C. Janzen, of this place. A quartet composed of E. Christian, H. Potgeter, Habbo Johnson and C. E. Gellhorn furnished music at the services. The remains were interred in the cemetery near the church.

--Grundy County Democrat (Grundy Center, Iowa), 24 December 1908, pg 3