Tena Elfers 1877-

ELFERS

Posted By: Judy Kelley, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/9/2012 at 22:02:28

MISS TENA ELFERS HAS PASSED AWAY

WELL KNOWN YOUNG LADY DIED EARLY THIS MORNING.

Nervous Prostration Results Fatally After a Five Weeks Illness - Had Wide Acquaintance.

Miss Tena Elfers, one of the best known young ladies in the South part of the city, succumbed at an early hour this morning at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Elfers, at 606 Evans street. Her death was caused by nervous prostration, and a general break-down and the announcement of her untimely demise was a shock to her great number of acquaintances, many of whom did not even know that her condition was serious. Even the members of the immediate family did not realize until yesterday that her condition was precarious and the realization of their loss is keenly felt. Miss Elfers was esteemed by all who knew her, and her death is generally regretted in the city.

Until about five weeks ago Miss Elfers enjoyed her usual excellent health. At that time, however, she was forced to give up her work at the grocery conducted by her brother, Henry Elfers, and was confined to her home for about three weeks. About ten days ago she recovered from the first attack, and when her friends were confidently anticipating that she would completely regain her health, she suffered a relapse, which resulted fatally, Until Thursday night little fear was felt by the members of the family, but on that night she rapidly grew weaker, and yesterday it became evident that hourly her chances for recovery decreased and her life was despaired of last evening.

Miss Elfers was prominently known in Muscatine, especially in the south part, where she resided for many years. She was born in Germany on May 18, 1877, and came to Muscatine with her parents in 1882. She attended the city schools here, and she was also a member of the German Lutheran church. Fraternally she was affiliated with the Fraternal Aid Association.

Miss Elfers gained her exceptionally wide acquaintanceship through her business connections with local mercantile firms. She was employed in the capacity of clerk at the Batterson Store for more than five years and also clerked at the Leader. During the past twelve years she has been engaged as a clerk in the grocery conducted by her brother. Henry Elfer's on Grandview avenue.

Mrs. Elfers has been preceded in death by five brothers and sisters. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Elfers, and seven brothers and one sister. They are Peter, Herman, Henry, George, Otto, Rudolph, and Willie, and Miss Hannah, all of this city. No definite arrangements have been made as yet.

Source: newspaper clipping with handwritten date of Feb. 25, 1910