Iowa
Old Press
West Union Argo-Gazette
West Union, Fayette Co., Iowa
April 23, 1919
page 1, column 5
J.W. TOPE DROPS DEAD - Falls to Floor During Dance at
I.O.O.F. Anniversary Hall Early Yesterday Morning - WAS 58 YEARS
OF AGE - Moved to This City Six Weeks Ago to Conserve Health; Was
Well Known and Popular
Jacob W. Tope dropped dead just after midnight yesterday morning
in the I.O.O.F. hall, where he was attending the Odd Fellow
anniversary celebration. Mr. Tope, who was fifty-eight years old,
had moved from his farm to town six weeks ago to conserve his
health, but was still able to go to the farm every day to look
after matters there. Mr. Tope's death came just after he had
participated in one lively dance, and when he had started on
another, a waltz quadrille, the tune for which had been announced
as "played at Jake Tope's special request." In one of
the movements of the dance he suddenly fell away from his
partner, Mrs. Herbert Schaeffer, and dropped to the floor. Dr.
Mercer, who was quickly brought to the lodge room, said his death
had been instant. Mr. Tope was a man of active, cheerful, social
disposition, who in spite of the knowledge that his heart was not
strong could not restrain his tendency to keep busy with his work
and take part in social enjoyment. His hearty, jovial nature made
him popular in the community, where he had spent his life and was
known to all.
Jacob W. Tope, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Tope, was born in Dover
township March 20, 1861. He was married Dec. 25, 1884, to Mary
Wells, and they have made their home in Fayette county, always
living near West Union, and in this city since March 11. Three
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tope: two sons, Glenn and
Harry, and one daughter, Susie. Harry died at eight years of age
and Susie (Mrs. Clinton Humphry) died five years ago. Glenn, the
only surviving member of the family except Mrs. Tope, moved to
his father's farm March 1. The deceased is also survived by his
mother, Mrs. Susan Tope; two brothers, Bert and Harvey of West
Union; and four sisters – Mrs. Grant Soward of Nekoosa,
Wis., Mrs. C.A. Lower, Mrs. T.W. Swale, and Mrs. Guder Peterson
of West Union. Complete arrangements for the funeral have not
been made, as some of the relatives have not been heard from yet,
but it probably will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the
Methodist church, conducted by Rev. C.E. Baker.
Page 3
DECORATE CAPT. W.H. FOX - Recognition by Serbian
Government of Waucoma Doctor Who Died on Washington's Birthday
FOX HOSPITAL NAMED - Letters Tell of Affection
Felt For Him by Serbians, and of Funeral Honors Paid
Dr. Walter H. Fox of Waucoma, who as a captain in the medical
corps of the United States army died in Serbia on Feb. 22, was
decorated by the Serbian government, and a military hospital has
been named in his honor Dr. Fox spent most of his life in West
Union, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Fox, are residents of
this city.
Recent letters received by Dr. Fox's widow, Mrs. Bess Fox of
Waucoma, have been forwarded by her to Dr. Fox's parents here.
One of them is written from Belgrade on Feb 25 by Lieut.-Col.
Thomas W. Farnam, commissioner for Serbia of the American Red
Cross, and addressed to Col. Anderson of the Balkan commission,
at Rome. It is as follows:
"I wrote you hurriedly, in long hand, on Washington's birthday in order to take advantage of the courier leaving that afternoon. That evening I received a telegram from Smederevo announcing the death of Capt. Walter H. Fox, who was in charge of our unit there.
"Captain Fox had been ill for a week, and as soon as pneumonia developed the doctors felt that his case was hopeless. Everything that could be done for him was done. Three of our best nurses were with his unit, and we sent two doctors from here.
"The Serbian authorities at Smederevo held an impressive memorial service there, and marched with the body to the boat when it was brought to Belgrade Sunday afternoon. Through the courtesy of the Serbian government, a military funeral was given Dr. Fox yesterday afternoon, here. All the officials were present, or sent representatives. We all marched to the cemetery under escort of a full company of Serbian soldiers. At the cemetery a volley was fired and American 'taps' were sounded by one of the Serbian buglers. The funeral services were very impressive, and the kindness and sympathy of the Serbians were very much appreciated.
"Dr. Fox was awarded a decoration by the minister of war in recognition of the fine work that he had done during the short time he was in our service here."
Miss Harriet L. Leete, chief nurse for northern Serbia, who was chief nurse in A. R. C. military hospital No. 5 when Dr. Fox was there, writes to his widow as follows:
"Before this you have received the cable from Lieut.-Col. Farnam telling of Capt. Fox's death. I cannot tell' you how my 'heart aches for you, even though he gave his life for others. His memory is a blessed one, for he had made the people for whom he worked love him. The nurses who were with him will write about his life at Semendria.
"Capt. Fox was with us at No. 5 military hospital, so Lieut. Regan, adjutant at No. 5, and I, went down to see Capt. Fox on Saturday. He knew us, and smiled back, even though he was so desperately ill that we knew he could not recover. The only flowers we could obtain in Belgrade were some white wild flowers which were sent into Belgrade for the first time on Monday. The doctors and nurses took all the florist had, and made two wreaths for him. We also made an ivy, blanket for under the casket One of my nurses will write you about the flowers from Semendria. I was especially touched by the flowers they arranged around the head of the casket, as I know you would have been. I tried to take some pictures of the funeral procession for you, but the pictures here have hot been very successful, so I am nit sure whether they will be good or not. If they are I will send them on to you, also will send the films. It will be several weeks, as they cannot be developed at once. I am also sending some flowers from the casket. Under the wreath given by the Serbian people was placed the little American flag, and over everything a large American flag was stretched, The funeral was entirely military, with an English clergyman officiating. At the last, the bugler blew our own 'taps'. The sorrow and the sweet sympathy were beautifully expressive of appreciation for an American who had died in service for them. I wish you might know how greatly he was appreciated by this country, and I know that when the nurses who were with him write you about his illness you will get a picture of their devotion to him."
The news concerning the naming of the "Fox Hospital"
for Dr. W.H. Fox comes to Mrs. Fox from Mrs. McPherson of Kansas
City, whose husband, Dr. McPherson, is Dr. Fox's successor in
charge.
Clermont Overseas Men Return
Clermont, April 21,
— Harry White returned to home folks Thursday from fifteen
months' service overseas, and is looking his best.
— Dr. and Mrs. L. L. Carr are expected to return here in a
short time. The doctor received his discharge from service on
Friday. We will all welcome the doctor and family back, they have
been gone since June.
— Melvin Stray returned last week from overseas service and
is at the parental Ed Stray home.
— Charles Larrabee of Fort Dodge is reported ill at the
Methodist hospital at Des Moines.
[transcribed by J.S., August 2011 (pg 1) and C.D., December 2016 (pg 3)]