Thayer, John C. 1819-1894

THAYER

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 10/13/2010 at 10:55:11

From the Alton Democrat of March 24, 1894
John C. Thayer, aged 75, the father of our county treasurer, died at this home at Rock Valley, last week Wednesday.

From the Rock Valley Register of March 16, 1894 -
John C. Thayer, a Prominent Citizen, Passes away.
Just a little after dawn on Wednseday morning when the busy bustling world was feeling the quickening pulse of night's calm hour, the strife for the weary patient sufferer was over and as sweetly as a tired child rests upon a loving mother's breast, so John C. Thayer, deceased, enter into rest.
Up to the time of his death he was conscious, and was surrounded by his loving wife, who survives him, his three sons and one daughter.
He was confined to his room for the past six weeks, and only longed for death, which he knew was certain. A year ago he made a trip to Chicago and had the best of medical aid but they told him they were unable to give him any assistance. During his protraced sickness he had the constant and loving care of his family who ministered to all his wants. The immdiate cause of his death was cancer of the bladder.
John C. Thayer was the oldest of ten children born to Rufus and Dolly Thayer, and was born at Preble, Courtland County, NY, Decemeber 2, 1818. He leaves a sister at Girard and one at Mason, Mich. In 1822 he moved with his parents to Truxton, NY., and 1826 to Guilford, OH and agian in 1845 to Batavia, Branch County MI. He was married Martha J. Webb September 22, 1847, and five children were given to them. Wilton E., Adelbert, Edward S. and Verna C. survive him. Mr. Thayer made a home for his bride in the midst of the dense forest. Indeed so far was he from a neighbor that trees were marked in order to find his way to a settlement. In this spot he resided for 40 years until the country was thickly settled and the forest had disappeared before the woodman. Being a tireless worker he helped to build the first railroad into Chicago 1850, also run into that place on the first train ran into the city.
With his family then all grown, Mr. Thayer emigraged to Black Hawk county in FEb. 1870, but returned to MI the same fall, in July 1885 he again returned to this state and settled on a farm 7 miles SE of Rock Valley. Feeling the necessity of leading a less active life he rented his farm and moved to town about six years ago where he could pass his remaining days free from toil.
He had the proud distinction of tracing his ancestry from Richard and Thomas Thayer. Richard was admitted freeman in 1640 and Thomas was a freeman and recieved title of lands in 1636, and they emigrated with the Massachuetts colony from Braintree, Essex County, England, and setteld in America naming the town after their birthplace and his forefathers were revolutionary heroes. The funeral services were held at the UP Church, thursday at 2:30 pm. Rev. Jory officiating. The interment was in the Rock Valley cemetery, where a large concourse of friends followed him. He was carried to his last rest by the hands of his friends and neighbors.