FRAZIER, Thomas (1863-1939)

FRAZIER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 8/16/2023 at 21:03:04

Thomas Frazier
(August 16, 1863 – January 7, 1939)

Indianola Tribune, Indianola, Iowa, Wed., Jan 11, 1939, p.1
Heart Attack Is Fatal to Thomas Frazier, Aged 75
Had Been Resident of Indianola For Nearly Fifty Years, Where He Had Been Real Estate Dealer, Drover
Thomas Frazier, 75, widely known real estate dealer and drover and a resident of Indianola for near 50 years, died of a heart attack at this residence, 806 West Boston Avenue, Saturday morning, January 7, at 5 o’clock. He had been ill since Dec. 26. Largely attended funeral services were held at the Friends Church on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, conducted by the Rev. Glenwood L. Stanley. Interment was in the family lot at the Indianola Cemetery.
About seven years ago Mr. Frazier was stricken with a heart attack and at that time fears were entertained for his recovery. He rallied, however, and continued to pursue his work in the real estate business up to the time of his last illness. He also did considerable trading in livestock.
Surviving Relatives
Mr. Frazier is survived by his widow: three sons, Jesse O. Frazier and Leo Frazier of Indianola, and Arthur Frazier of Martensdale; five daughters, Mrs. Bonnie McCord of Indianola, Mrs. Earl O’Bleness of Minneapolis, Minn., Mrs. Jahu Hadley of New Providence, Mrs. Ernie Klink of Belle Plaine, and Mrs. Max Knauer of Guthrie Center, one brother, G. W. Frazier of St. Charles; one sister, Mrs. Rachel Marshall of Indianola, 27 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A son, Oliver Frazier, died about nine years ago.
He was born at Dover, Ind., on Aug. 16, 1863. When he was three years old, he moved with his parents to Jefferson County, Iowa, where he lived until he was 20 years old, when his parents moved to Washington, Kans.
Learned Blacksmith Trade
In 1883, he was united in marriage to Rhoda S. Carey, also of Washington. A short time later, the family moved to Warren County, locating first at Ackworth and later at Indianola. As a boy Mr. Frazier learned the blacksmith trade, which was also the occupation of his father, the late Isaiah Frazier. He worked at that business both here and in Des Moines where he was regarded as an expert smith, and made a reputation for himself among horsemen. He quit the blacksmith trade to enter the business of trading in livestock, which he followed to a greater or less degree throughout the remainder of his life. He built up a large friendship out over the county as a drover, and the acquaintances which he made were a great help to him in his later life.
Active Church Worker
He later entered the real estate business in which he engaged for 35 years, but he continued to trade in livestock. He continued his work up to his last illness and was downtown looking after business until the day of his illness, Dec. 26. Mr. Frazier was always interested in community affairs and was an active worker in the Friends Church of which he had been a lifelong member. For many years he served as superintendent of the Sunday School and for more than 25 years he was chairman of the pastoral committee. He was particularly interested in his home life and took deep interest in his children and their families. He was particularly happy when they gathered at his home to spend the day. He was pleased when they were happy and a never-failing helper when misfortune overtook them.
Highly Esteemed
When the McCord children lost their father in an accident, he was a father to them and watched over them constantly, helping them and giving advice. The manner in which they responded to his teachings gave him many happy hours, and finally as his health began to fall, they were able, in a measure, to repay him for his fatherly interest. Mr. Frazier was highly esteemed by those who knew him intimately and he had established many friendships during his long residence in this county. The pallbearers were his three sons, Jesse, Arthur and Leo, and three of his grandsons, Ross and Ray McCord, and Oliver Frazier of Martensdale.