Tams, John

TAMS, GOSCH

Posted By: Ann Selvig (email)
Date: 5/24/2026 at 14:53:23

John Tams was born in Dorpsteadt, Germany, June 28, 1840 and died at Gladbrook, Iowa, January 1st, 1924 at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 3 days.

He was confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran faith at the age of 16 years.

He came to America in 1866 and settled in Davenport, Iowa. On Oct 4, 1868 he was united in marriage to Margerita Gosch and to this union were born 3 children; 1 daughter, Mrs. Rolf Harmsen, and 2 sons Henry of Garwin and Louis of Davenport, Ia.

The family resided on a farm near Garwin until 25 years ago when Mr. and Mrs. Tams retired and moved to Gladbrook.

This was their home until last January when Mr. Tam's health failed and they moved to Garwin to make their home with their daughter, who with her husband had but recently moved back to Gladbrook to care of Mr. and Mrs. Tams in their old home.

Mr. Tams served in the Danish army in the war between Denmark and Prussia in 1864, for which he was still receiving a small pension.

He was always a kind and loving husband and father and counted his friends by all who knew him.

His death was caused by general debility and old age and he had patiently waited to be taken since that his health and strength were failing. He spent many of his last hours in prayer and was ready to meet his Savior.

Besides many friends, he leaves to mourn his death, his widow, daughter, two sons, four grand-daughters and one great-grandson. Out of town relatives attending the funeral were; Rolf Gosch, from Manitoba, Canada, Louis Tams and daughter, of Davenport, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Brickner and son Norman and Miss Freida Harmsen from Des Moines.

The funeral services took place in the home of Mrs. Rolf Harmsen, on Friday noon, Rev. J. F. Witter conducting the service. The body was interred in the Crystal Cemetery.

Tama Northern, Gladbrook, Iowa, Friday, January 11, 1924