Thomas Young Nelson 1875-1933

NELSON, GREENLEAF, RISSER, SHERWOOD, CURTIS, ANTHONY, OBRIEN, JACKSON, BUNCH

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/12/2002 at 05:57:25

SUDDEN DEATH OF THOMAS Y. NELSON, FARMINGTON MAN
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UNEXPECTED END CAME LAST THURSDAY EVENING AT HIS HOME
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Hearts are heavy in Farmington today. From public circles has gone another familiar face and voice.

T. Y. Nelson died very suddenly about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, in the prime of his physical and intellectual powers. In his passing, a loss deeper than the taking of one of its active citizens has come to Farmington and the surrounding country.

Altruistic to a rare degree, he helped to smooth the pathway of countless fellow-beings. He never allowed his work to dry up his humanity. No one in need appealed to him in vain. His policy in life included the interests and ambitions of others.

Thomas Young Nelson, son of Thomas Benton Nelson and Arabella Greenleaf, was born in Clark county, Mo., July 6, 1875, and died at his home in Farmington, Iowa, Oct. 19, 1933, at the age of 58 years, 3 months and 13 days. His early life was spent within a few miles of Farmington. He was a country school teacher for a number of years.

In 1899 he was united in marriage with Miss Clara Risser. Three children were born to this union, a son, Max, and two daughters, Lois and Gladys, all of whom with their mother survive.

In 1908 the family moved to Farmington where they have since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson united with the Congregational church by letter when Rev. James E. Ball, now in Minneapolis, Minn., was pastor. They have both been faithful in church and Sunday School during the years. At the time of his death Mr. Nelson had been a teacher of the Bible class for many years. It was a matter of conscience with him to be present regularly, thrusting aside outside interests. His last Sunday on earth was a rainy one, and with his usual thoughtfulness he went to the home of a member living at a distance from the church and drove her to Sunday school.

In the family life there was devotion. Between his wife and himself there existed a loving harmony. He enjoyed being a grandfather, and his home was a Mecca for his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Nelson was a rural mail carrier for twenty-eight years and every one on his route today mourn his death. All have memories of cordiality, cheering and hearty welcome. He was a lover of nature. On his drives the wayside beauty thrilled him. As the seasons changed he exulted in the delights that were unfolded daily to his vision.

In his leisure he cultivated flowers. His roses and lilies, his garden with its pool, new varieties of plants--all afforded him deep joy. Many a lovely blossom found its way through him to the sick.

Not only was Mr. Nelson upright in his ways but he was a man easy to approach. The homes of the lowly knew him as their friend.

A valued member of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 27, A.F. & A.M., of Mizpah chapter O.E.S., and of Wildey Lodge No. 17 I.O.O.F., he held various offices from the highest down, in all these orders. Mr. Nelson was never ostentatious nor self-seeking, but did his work with a high sense of duty and honor.

Expressions of popular esteem and feeling of loss are heard on every side. Those who knew him grieve that he was spared to enjoy the sunset years.

He is survived by his wife, his son, Max Nelson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, his daughters, Mrs. H. B. Sherwood of Tucson, Arizona, and Mrs. E. J. Curtis of Ft. Madison; five grandchildren, Jeannette and Marilyn Nelson, Charlotte and Richard Sherwood and Thomas Curtis. Also three sisters, Mrs. Mary Anthony of Ottumwa, Mrs. Wm. O'Brien of Randall, Ill., and Mrs. Albert Jackson of Altoona, Iowa, one half-brother, Frank Bunch of Oxnard, Calif., other relatives and a host of friends in every walk of life.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 48 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, Iowa Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in November 1999. Name and date of newspaper not given.)

I am NOT related to this person and am posting it for those who may find him/her in their family tree.

[Original Post 14 January 2000]