SAUR, Jesse Francis Theodore ‘Ted’ 1891 – 1950
SAUR, BOSS, MILLS, NOBLE
Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 2/28/2011 at 19:44:01
“The Fairfield (Ia.) Daily Ledger”
Wednesday, January 18, 1950
Pages 1 and 3Death Takes J. F. T. SAUR
PRINCIPAL OF LOCAL SCHOOL FOR 23 YEARS
J. F.T. “Ted” SAUR, veteran educator and one of the city’s best known residents, died suddenly in an Ottumwa hospital last night after he was stricken with a heart attack several hours earlier.
SAUR, 58, had been a member of the Fairfield public school system since 1919 and principal of the Fairfield high school since 1927.
Although he had stated earlier in the day that he did not feel well, his suden (sic) attack and death were a complete shock to the community. He left his duties early yesterday afternoon, telling his secretary that he was not feeling quite as well as usual.
He was stricken shortly after 5:00 p.m. at his home, 605 North Court street. He was taken to Ottumwa by ambulance and entered St. Joseph’s hospital where he passed away about 9:30 p.m.
The body was returned to the Monger funeral home where last rites are pending word from California relatives.
High school classes met on schedule this morning, but the shock of SAUR’s passing was evident throughout the building.
Because of his long-time service in the Fairfield public schools, his influence has been widespread throughout this community. At least some member of nearly every family in Fairfield had “Ted” as a teacher sometime during the 31 years he has been here.
He took up his duties at the Fairfield high school immediately after he was discharged from service following World War I. He was separated from service in August, 1919, and when school opened that fall he was here to fulfill his duties as coach and teacher.
He was athletic coach for two years, then he confined his duties to teaching in the science and mathematics department.
SAUR succeeded Martha Emory as principal of the Fairfield high school in 1927, a position he has held since. Several of the students who recently attended school here, or are students now, are children of those who were in high school at the time, or shortly after “Ted” joined the local school system.
All his efforts were not confined to school work, however. SAUR was a member of the Methodist church; member of the Rotary club and past president of that organization; a present member and past master of the Masons; and a member of the American Legion. He was also a former Dad of Dunlavey Chapter of the De Molay.
While carrying out his regular duties in the local schools during World War II, SAUR served as commanding officer of the Service company, Iowa State Guard, located in Fairfield. He attended several summer encampments, and was discharged with the rank of major.
He also held statewide recognition in the athletic department. He was a member of the Honor Educational Fraternity, a Science Honor Student, had served as a member of the National Athletic Rules Committee and served for six years as a board member of the Iowa State Athletic Association.
SAUR was also well known throughout the state for many years as a top-flight athletic official and officiated several state basketball tournaments.
While in school he won all-state football and basketball honors.
Just before entering the armed forces in February, 1918, SAUR served as basketball coach at Simpson college during the 1917 and ’18 season. He also coached the cage team at Parsons college in 1920 and 1921 while on the high school teaching staff.
Born in 1891
Jesse Francis Theodore SAUR was born December 12, 1891, at Barney, Iowa, the son of the late John and Elsie SAUR. When “Ted” was eight years of age, his father passed away. A short time later the mother and three children moved to Indianola where he made his home until he entered the armed forces during World War I and later came to Fairfield. He saw overseas service during the first world conflict.
SAUR graduated from the Indianola high school in 1910, and from Simpson college at Indianola in 1915 with a B. A. degree. He later did graduate work at Parsons college, University of Iowa and the University of Southern California.
He was united in marriage on December 31, 1919, at Indianola, to Ellen BOSS (sic – Frankie Ellen BOSS), who survives. She also was a resident of Indianola, attended high school there and graduated from Simpson college.
Other survivors include two children; J. F. T. SAUR, Jr., LaJolla, California; and Patricia SAUR, a student at the University of California at Los Angeles.
Also surviving are two sisters; Mrs. Clarence MILLS and Mrs. T. E. NOBLE, both of Long Beach, California; and a niece, Willa Ann NOBLE. He was preceded in death by his parents.
~~~~
“The Fairfield (Ia.) Daily Ledger”
Wednesday, January 18, 1950
Page 1STUDENTS MOURN PASSING OF SAUR
Fairfield high school students were informed of the death of their principal, J. F. T. SAUR, at a called assembly held in the high school auditorium this morning.
The following message was read to the student body by Supt. of schools W. G. Pence:
“Greater love has no man than this, that he give his life for his friends. Yesterday our friend, Ted SAUR, gave the last bit of strength to us.
“Fairfield high school was his life. He believed in you; he gloried in your successes; he grieved when you failed to do your best; he trusted you and led you to grow into the finest group of young people that can be found.
“Twelve years ago the 22nd of next April, the high school faced a lesser tragedy. While the remains of the old high school still smoldered, Ted called the student body together. They proved by their high morale during the next two years that it is possible to have a good high school without a building.
“Today we have complete confidence that you and the faculty will carry on in the days of adjustment that are ahead.
“It will be some time before Ted’s family can get here from California. School will be dismissed for the final services. We shall keep you informed.”
~~
“The Fairfield (Ia.) Daily Ledger”
Date not specified – January 18th or 19th, 1950SAUR FUNERAL SCHEDULED AT 3 P.M. FRIDAY
Last rites for J. F. T. SAUR, who had served as principal of the Fairfield high school since 1927, will be held at the First Methodist church at 3 p.m. Friday afternoon.
The service will be in charge of Dr. L. L. Weis, pastor of the church. He will be assisted by Rev. Dale Williams, a relative of Mrs. SAUR, and Rev. Pearl DeKalb, member of the teaching staff at the local high school.
Arrangements for the final rites are in charge of the Monger funeral home and male members of the high school faculty will serve as ushers. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.
A daughter, Patricia SAUR, who is a student at Los Angeles, California, was scheduled to arrive home today. A son, J. F. T. Jr., will be unable to make the trip from his home in California because of injuries he received in an automobile accident several months ago. Word has been received here that his doctor ordered him not to make the trip.
According to announcements being made by school officials and heads of various organizations, the well known principal’s funeral will be one of the largest held in Fairfield in many years.
Many outsiders with whom he worked, as well as those in Fairfield who will pay their last respects to a man whose influence was widespread, will jam the spacious church to attend the final services.
Word has been received from school officials in many cities and towns in Iowa stating they will be present at the funeral. In addition, several local organizations are planning to attend in a body.
They include the Rotary club, high school student body, members of the school board, and the Eastern Star. An announcement has been made that Eastern Star members will meet in a body at the Masonic hall to attend the services.
Another announcement this morning stated that the regular meeting of the retail bureau of the Chamber of Commerce scheduled for Friday afternoon had been postponed until Monday so members may attend the SAUR funeral.
W. G. Pence, superintendent of schools, said this morning all grade and high school classes will be held until 2 p.m. Friday, at which time they will be dismissed for the day. A space in the balcony of the church will be reserved for the high school student body.
School busses (sic) will operate as usual in the morning, and will leave from their regular stations at the regular time, 4:15 p.m., tomorrow afternoon.
*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.
Note: Ted and wife Frankie, who died in 1952, are buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, Lot 4th.049.
Jefferson Obituaries maintained by Joey Stark.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen