Was Well Known Member of Old Jefferson County Family;
Is Survived by Wife and Nine Children; Served in Civil War and was Held in Libby Prison

Thaddeus C. Moss, a Civil war veteran, and well known old citizen of Jefferson county, died at one o'clock New Year's day at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Carl Wallace near Dunwoody, Ga.

Mr. Moss went south some time ago in an effort to regain his health, which was failing rapidly. He was suffering from a complication of heart diseases, and had grown steadily worse. The family was prepared for the end as recent reports of Mr. Moss' condition had been very discouraging.

The wife and son, Roy Moss, were at the father's bedside when the end came.

Mr. Moss was a member of a family that had been prominent in Jefferson county since pioneer days.

He was the oldest son of Thomas L. Moss who was born in Shiloh township in 1824*, the son of Ransom Moss the pioneer member of the family in Jefferson county. The mother of Thaddeus Moss was Mrs. Sarah Brock Moss.

Thaddeus Moss was born in Shiloh township in 1845 and was in his seventy-second year.

He was the oldest of a family of seven children. They were: Mahala, Mrs. G. W. Smith, now dead. Rose, Mrs. John L. Fergerson, living near Mt. Vernon. Lafayette B. , residing in Mt. Vernon. Walter Douglas, engaged in the grocery business in Mt. Vernon. Mary E. , Mrs. J. M. Maxey, residing in this county. Elise, Mrs. P. M. Johnson, now dead.

In March 1864, Mr. Moss enlisted in Company C. of the Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, taking part in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Resaea, Altoona, Marietta, Chatthoochie, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro.

He was taken prisoner and was in Libby prison for two months.

In 1867 he was married to Miss Elmora, daughter of William Thomas who survives.

With an exception of a period of a period from 1881 to 1889, when he engaged in farming in Southern Missouri, Mr. Moss spent all of his life in this county. He engaged in farming and was a successful farmer. In recent years he had resided in Mt. Vernon having retired from active business.

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moss, all of whom survive. They are: Robert B. - A well known farmer residing in the Pleasant Grove neighborhood. Rado - Mrs. Carl Wallace, living near Atlanta, Georgia. Mollie - Mrs. H. M. Swift, of this city. Maude - Mrs. O. D. Smith, of this city. Gail - Mrs. Harry Anderson, of Centralia. Roy - residing in Mt. Vernon. Blanche - Mrs. Jesse Whitlock. Nettie - Mrs. Homer Pace of the Pleasant Grove neighborhood. Bessie - Mrs. Bessie Estes of this city.

The body of Mr. Moss will be shipped to this city for burial and will probably reach the city some time Wednesday. Details of the funeral have not yet been completed.

Mr. Moss was a member of the Knights of Pythias which organization will probably act at the funeral services. He was also a member of Coleman Post, G. A. R.

He was a member of the First M.E. church of this city.

ANOTHER OLD CITIZEN ANSWERS LAST CALL

Thaddeus C. Moss Well Known Mt. Vernon Resident Died at Home of Daughter Mrs. Carl Wallace in Dunwoody, Ga. On New Year's Day --Had Heart Trouble

The curtain of life has again been lowered in one of the prominent and old homes of Mt. Vernon and Thaddeus C. Moss, who was one of the best known in the county, has been taken away. His death occurred on New Year's day at Dunwoody, Ga., at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Carl Wallace.

Mr. Moss has been in a weakened condition for almost a year, suffering from heart leakage which followed an attack of pneumonia last spring. Part of the time he was able to get about his duties fairly well, but for the most part his efforts were a struggle.

Five weeks ago he went to Georgia hoping that his span of life might be extended, but the change brought no apparent relief and since his journey he has grown steadily worse and for several days his death has been expected, as almost daily information from his bedside brought no encouraging reports.

Deceased was a member of one of the old, well known and highly respected families of the county and a family upon which the hand of death has been heavily laid of late.

Mr. Moss was the son of the late Thomas L. Moss and wife and was the oldest of a family of seven children. His father was a man that when his life was ended that all who knew him felt the blow. He passed away March 15, 1890 on his farm in Shiloh township. He was a native of Jefferson county and raised a family to reflect credit upon the name. He was also a member of a family of seven children.

"Thad" Moss, as he was known by most everybody was a man whose make-up was unique and distinctive, He was a lover of nature, and one to encounter him in his daily walks of life would never think that a wave of trouble crossed his mind. If there was anything wrong with him he would try and smile the discomfort away and look to something better. Most of the time he had a moment to stop and chat with old friends and generally had a funny story to tell them if they showed signs of being out of sorts. It was natural for him to do these things and in doing them he did not actually realize that he was bringing a brightness into a life. It was always a cheery smile and a word of good cheer to meet up with Mr. Moss.

He was born in Shiloh township in 1845, and in that neighborhood grew to manhood. He was given the best opportunities for advancement in an educational way that the times afforded and was a careful and painstaking man.

In 1864, Mr. Moss enlisted in the Union army as a member of Co. C, Sixtieth Illinois, and with his regiment took part in the battles of Buzzard's Roose, Dalton, Resaca, Kenshaw Mountain, Altoona, Marietta, Chattachoohie, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, and Jonesboro. He also took part in Sherman's march to the sea. He was taken prisoner and served two months in Libby prison.

He was married in 1867 to Miss Elmora Thomas, and with the widow there are nine surviving children, all grown, and with two exceptions are residents of Mt. Vernon and Mt. Vernon township. The children are Robert Moss, Mrs. Rado Wallace, Dunwoody, Ga., Mrs. Mollie Swift, Mrs. Maude Smith, Mrs. Gale Anderson, Centralia, Roy Moss, Mrs. Blanche Whitlock, Mrs. Nettie Pace and Mrs. Bessie Estes. Two brothers and two sisters also survive. They are L.B. and W. D. Moss and Mrs. Rose Fergerson and Mrs. J. M. Maxey, all residents of this city.

In his days of active life Mr. Moss was engaged extensively in farming and his farm was one of the prettiest in the county. He was a raiser of fine stock and his dairy herds were of the prettiest and best to be found anywhere. In 1881 he located to Cape Girardeau, Mo., and remained there until 1889, when he came back to Jefferson county.

He was a member of Jefferson lodge Knights of Pythias, the Grand Army of the Republic, and had long been identified with the Methodist church, associating himself with this organization at the Shiloh church early in life. His family grew up in the Methodist church and they are loyal to that body.

The body will arrive from Georgia tomorrow at 11 o'clock, via the L.&N., and will be taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mollie Swift. Friends who desire to view the remains will have an opportunity by calling at the Swift home Thursday morning from 9 until 12. It is planned to hold the funeral service at the First M.E. church, Thursday afternoon, and talks will be made by a number of old friends. Interment at Oakwood.

Source: Mt Vernon newspaper
Date: January 1917
Submitted by Mary Jane Ohms - June 5, 2001