Obituary: Jackson County, Wisconsin: John H. THAYER ************************************************************************ Submitted by Joan Benner, May 2005 © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ From the Adams County Press, Saturday March 19, 1904, Page 1 (apparently partially copied from the Necedah Republican) DEATH OF JOHN H. THAYER John H. THAYER, a popular traveling salesman for Smith, Thorndike & Brown, of Milwaukee, grocery house, died at his home in Sparta last Saturday morning from a stroke of apoplexy. Mr. THAYER was well known in Necedah having made regular trips here for years. Mr. THAYER went to Sparta in 1887. He was alderman of the first ward seven years, six years of which he served as president of the council, and during that time all the improvements the city enjoyed were in large measure due to his personal efforts. He was always a public spirited citizen who thought more of the advancement of the city's interest than his own welfare. Mr. THAYER was born in Lincoln, Penobscot County, Maine, in 1848 and came to Wisconsin in 1867, locating in Black River Falls and afterwards to Iona Michigan, where he was employed as a clerk. He then went to Neillsville , where for eleven years he was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1887 he came to Sparta to reside, and the same year went on the road for the wholesale grocery firm of Roundy, Peckham & Co., of Milwaukee with whom he remained until last Jan 1, when he accepted a position with the Smith, Thorndike & Brown Co. of Milwaukee. He was prominent in secret society circles, as a member of Sparta commandery No. 16, K. T., an Oddfellow, a Woodmen, past master of the A. O. U. W. and one of the grand trustees of that order for the state of Wisconsin. He was also prominent in the organization of the local lodge, U. C. T. a year ago. Mr. THAYER was married September 16, 1876 to Mary E. AUSTIN of Neillsville. They have three daughters and one son all of whom survive him. The funeral services were held from the church at Sparta last Monday afternoon and were largely attended by members of the orders of which he was a member, and citizens. ---Necedah Republican Mr. THAYER was well and favorably known in Adams county, having made regular trips to Friendship and other points for many years.