Jacob Wassom, 1872 - 1941

WASSOM, BACH, SOMMER, VANDYKE, STEELE, HIBBS, KRAMER, ROGERS SCHROEDER, GOWER, HANDLEY

Posted By: LaVerna K. Moser (email)
Date: 4/1/2009 at 19:19:57

Marengo Pioneer-Republican - October 1941
Front Page
JACOB WASSOM, 69 FOUND DEAD IN BED
Jacob F. Wassom, 69, Marengo carpenter and contractor for more than 40 years was found dead Friday night in his bed in his home on East Hilton street, which he had occupied alone since the death of his wife four years ago. Death is believed to have occurred Thursday morning and to have been caused by coronary thrombosis, with which Mr. Wassom was known to have been afflicted. Discovery of Mr. Wassom's passing was made by Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bach, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and Fred Sommer whom they asked to help unlock the door. Mr. and Mrs. Bach had not seen Mr. Wassom about and neighbors reported that the light in his bathroom had burned continuously for two days. Mr. Sommer managed to unhook the screen door and found the door to the home unlocked. Mr. Wassom had apparently died without a struggle. -FROM NATURAL CAUSES- County Cornoner C.E. VanDyke was called from North English. Upon investigating, he stated that it was apparent death was due to natural causes and that there was no evidence of foul play. For this reason he held that an inquest was unnecessary. Funeral services were conducted at the Guardian Mortuary Monday afternoon, the Rev. George E. Steele, pastor of the Presbyterian church, officiating. Duets were sung by Mrs. Charles Hibbs and Evelyn Kramer with Mrs. R.R. Hibbs at the piano. -BORN IN ILLINOIS- Mr. Wassom was born on April 04, 1872, at Nevada, Illinois, and it was there that he grew to manhood. He farmed for a year with his brother Bert at Blackstone, Illinois, and at the age of 20 started to learn the carpenter trade at Ransom, Illinois. In a short time he came to Marengo to engage in his trade and stayed at the Old Holden House, one of Marengo's early hotels. In September, 1898, Mr. Wassom was married at Victor to Almedia Rogers. They began housekeeping at once in Marengo. Mrs. Wassom passed away in the spring of 1907. There were born to them three children, a son and a daughter who died in infancy and Mason E. Wassom of Wilmington, Delaware, who survives his father. Mr. Wassom was wed at Marengo on January 06, 1914, to Mrs. Lisetta B. Schroeder, whose death occurred in this city on February 23, 1937. Active in his trade for many years, Mr. Wassom never really retired until about two years ago. He served his home city as a volunteer fireman for a long time and was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge for about 40 years. While he had become affiliated with the Methodist church early in life, he attended the German Reformed church in this city until his hearing became seriously impaired. -MOTHER SURVIVES- Among those who survive in additon to the son are Mr. Wassom's mother, Mrs. W. W. Wassom, 99, of Odell, Illinois, one brother, C. B. Wassom of Kansas City, Missouri, and two sisters, Mrs. Ada Gower and Mrs. Catherine Handley, both of Odell.