MESSER, Jacob 1840-1878

MESSER, BERG

Posted By: Cathy Labath (email)
Date: 1/28/2006 at 20:23:15

Fairfield Ledger
Fairfield, Jefferson, Iowa
February 6, 1878

This week again the LEDGER chronicles another of those accidents on the road which resulted fatally to one of Jefferson County's good citizens. Thursday last Jacob Messer who lives about eleven miles northeast of the city, started for town with a load of wood in company with his cousin, each having a loaded wagon. When near the Blakely farm, about eight miles from town, Charles, who was ahead on the road, was startled by having the other team come dashing up the road, frightened, and breaking the wagon to pieces. As soon as possible he secured his horses and started back to look for his friend. He found him a short distance back lying in the road bleeding profusely, his head crushed and lacerated and life extinct. The body was carried to a neighboring house and medical aid summoned, but of no availl--the spirit had fled. It is the thought that by breaking some part of the wagon the man was thrown under it, probably dragged some distance, and then, unable to extricate himself, the wheels bearing their heavy load passed over his head, crushing it and causing instant death.

Mr. Messer was an industrious and thrifty German citizen about 35 years of age living in Walnut Township, where he was much respected. He leaves a wife and two children, we are informed in comfortable circumstances. His body was interred in the Lutheran Cemetery near Germanville on Saturday.

[Jacob Messer was my gg grandfather. He married Augusta Berg 22 June 1873. I am searching for his parents. This obit mentions a cousin, Charles Messer, who may be a clue for me. I would be interested in any further information on his cousin, Charles Messer]