Thomas Meltesen

MELTESEN

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 9/5/2014 at 11:59:59

THE FINAL SUMMONS

THOMAS MELTESEN PASSES AWAY LAST NIGHT.

Suffers Great Agony During the Last Hours--Deep Regret Felt by His Hosts of Young Friends in This City--Funeral Will be Held Friday Morning.

Thomas Meltesen, nineteen year old, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Meltesen, died last night at 10:30 o'clock with tetanus or lock jaw. The suffering of the young man was intense during the last hours of his life. He had grown rapidly worse from the moment the very first signs of the dread disease was discovered and though the best medical aid was secured it was of no avail and the end came at the hour state above.

"Tommie", as he was known among his hosts of friends, among whom he was very popular, accidently shot himself in the hand on the evening of July Fourth with a revolver, which he had asked permission to inspect from a young person to whom it belonged.

He immediately went ot the nearest physician and had the wound dressed.

It did not seem to be very serious and he remained out with his friend that evening fro some time after the accident occurred. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday he was around among his friend being unable to work on account of his hand, and did not feel any great amount of pain. Sunday he paid a visit to a camping party of friends who have a camp on the island in the river. Monday morning he did not arise until late and when he did so decided to wait for dinner before eating.

When he attempted to eat he discovered he could not open his mouth and was immediately impressed with the fact that he had lock jaw.

A physician was summoned and it was decided to take him immediately to Mercy hospital. He suffered some during the afternoon with muscular contractions about the neck and throat. In the evening a number of his boy and girl friends went to the hospital to see him. With the consent of the house physician he was permitted to go into the yard with them and they sat in a hammock during the evening talking and laughing. Still he felt the unusual pain and muscular contraction.

As they started to leave and he attempted to arise he was caught by a sort of muscular spasm in the back and neck, the most serious he had experience. They told him that he must hurry and get well in order that he might be with them again some frolic they were to have at Central Park. He replied that by that time he would be resting in a park a mile or two north of there. He was admonished not to speak that way, but replied that eh thought about two day would settle him. It was even shorter than that. He seemed to rest fairly well during the latter part of Monday night, but on Tuesday morning he was considerably worse. Tuesday morning he was considerable worse. Tuesday afternoon he continued to have spasms more frequently up until the time of death. He retained consciousness until almost the very last.

Thomas Meltesen was born in Davenport, August 24, 1881. He was 18 years, 10 months, and 16 days of age and resided with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Meltesen 514 East Ninth. He is a nephew of Mrs. Byron Rumsey and his father has been a trusted employe of the Washburn-Halligan Coffee company for the past twelve years, and a year ago or more he was also employed by the company. Faithful in his work, he was given an advance in his salary but a short time ago.

He was of a happy disposition and with his friends was always a central figure in their funmaking. A favorite with them all he was in great demand, and his sad death comes as a fearful shock to them. Besides his bereaved parents he is survived by one sister, Miss Fannie Meltesen and the bereaved family have general sympathy. Tommie had recently joined Co. A. of the Illinois National Guards. Sixth Regiment, Rock Island and the members will give him a military funeral.

The funeral will be held from the residence Friday morning at 9 o'clock with services at Sacred Hear Cathedral. Interment at St. Marguerite's cemetery.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Ia., 12 July 1900, p. 10.