Juste THEBIAY

THEBIAY, MONTAVON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:03

Juste Thebiay
13 April 1839 --- 2 April 1917

Juste Thebiay was born in the village of Ramonchamp in the Department of the Vosges, France, April 13, 1839 and was one of the eight children, there being four sisters and four brothers in the family. He is survived by a brother, Edward of this city and a sister in the war-stricken region of northeastern France.

Three of this family of eight were imbued sufficiently with the spirit of adventure to cast their all in America. The other five could not break the tie that bound them to France. Mr. Thebiay left France at the age of 30 and in 1869 he began the struggle that beset a foreigner among unknown people at Ashton, Illinois and considered locating there. He then went to New Orleans but returned after a short stay owing to the climate and located in Lee County, Illinois where he followed the making of wagons and buggies for about nine years. He succeeded in this until factory competition set in.

He was united in marriage to Mary Montavon who is of Swiss-French parentage in the year 1870. Mrs. Thebiay survives him. To this union was born a family of fourteen children, ten daughters and four sons. Eight daughters and four sons are still living. In the order of their age Edward, Joseph, Mary, Lydia, Sarah, Alice, Carrie, Jesse, Emma, John, Ines, and Bernice.

In 1879 the family then consisting of father, mother, Edward, Joseph, Mary, and baby Lydia moved to Wright County. At the age of 40 he changed his occupation under difficulties and began farming in Troy township and with the family developed Forest View Farm.

On coming to Iowa, he took out naturalization papers and became an American citizen of which he was ever proud. In 1900 he visited his native land which he held in memory with the admiration characteristic of all French people. While bound to France by ties of birth on his return to Iowa he never again expressed a desire to again see his native land.

He moved to Eagle Grove in 1911 where he has resided in a retired capacity for six years.

He was called suddenly from an illness of a little more than two weeks duration.

The funeral was held at Sacred Heart church Wednesday morning and the interment was in Calvary cemetery. Rev. Father Nolan conducted the services.

This family is an unusual one, twelve children and each one a credit to its parentage, successful, respected and honored wherever known.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, April 5, 1917

Source --- Paul Wilde