Obituary of J.P. Meder
DEATH OF J. P. MEDER
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One of Carson City's Best Known Men Answers Summons
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John P. Meder, one of the best known men of Carson City, died at his home yesterday morning after an illness of but a couple of weeks. Mr. Meder had been ailing for some time but kept to his work as freight agent for the Virginia and Truckee Railway Company in this city. A couple of weeks ago he took to his bed with a bad cold and an attack of pleurisy. He rapidly grew worse and a bad attack of pneumonia soon developed. Everything was done that was possible but he gradually became weaker and was unable to withstand the ravages of the disease.
On last Friday he suffered a relapse and his relatives were summoned. His son Ross Meder and family, arrived from Manhattan [Nev.] on Saturday evening after making a record trip from that camp. Shortly before the final summons the sick man regained consciousness and was able to recognize the members of his family gathered around his bedside.
Mr. Meder was known to every man, woman and child in Carson City where he spent the greater part of his life. For many years past he has been freight agent for the V. & T. Railway here, and has made a host of warm personal friends by his courteous manner and square treatment.
Mr. Meder was a native of Bath, Maine, and was 58 years of age. In 1864, when a young man, he came to this coast with his parents and located in this city. During the early years of his life he worked as a telegrapher for the local railroad, holding the office of dispatcher to both Virginia City and Gold Hill. He also held several other positions with the local road and was held in high esteem by the officials.
Mr. Meder was a musician of ability, being adept on several instruments and it is safe to say that there is hardly any one in this city who has not enjoyed his piano playing on many occasions. He also composed many instrumental pieces, among them being the Nevada State March, which was well received by the public which made for him considerable of a reputation. His ability as a theatrical man was well known and also highly appreciated in this city where he handled many a successful amateur play. In this line Mr. Meder was ever willing to give his services, and many years of his life has been spent in the putting on of attractions for benefits and local church organizations. For a number of years past he has been the manager of the local play house and has a wide personal acquaintance among the theatrical profession.
Mr. Meder was also an enthusiast of base ball and has been identified with the national game in this State for many years. He was one of the officers and main supporters of the Nevada League that was formed in this State last year.
For the past sixteen years Mr. Meder has been a member of the school board of this city and at the time of his death was president of the board. In this line he has been a constant worker for the upbuilding of the educational system in this city and to him personally are due many of the excellent features that go to make the schools of Carson City among the best of the high schools of the coast.
A number of relatives survive the deceased. A wife and three children, Ross Meder of Manhattan, Horace Meder, freight agent at Minden, and a daughter, Amy Meder, who is at present in the East. Two brothers, James G. Meder of this city, and Charles D. Meder of Canville, Cal. a nephew, Frank E. Meder of this city and two nieces, Mrs. Fred Bonn and Mrs. Ernest Folsom of California, beside two grandchildren and a number of other more distant relatives.
The funeral will be held from Odd Fellows Hall next Tuesday afternoon under the auspices of the Odd Fellows of this city, it being the wish of the deceased that this lodge should officiate at his funeral. Mr. Meder was also a member of the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. In all three orders he had ascended to the highest offices, having also represented the local lodges at the meeting of their Grand Lodge on several occasions.
In the death of John P. Meder Carson City has lost a true friend and one who was always working for its betterment and advancement. A man who always had aid for the needy and whose rare abilities were always at the call of charity. His family will miss a loving husband and father and his friends a friendship that was always sincere. May he rest in peace.
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Obituary from Nevada State Journal (Reno), Monday, March 2, 1908
JOHN MEDER HAS PASSED AWAY
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Freight Agent of Virginia and Truckee Railroad Dies at Carson.
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John Meder died at his home at Carson City yesterday morning at 8:30 o'clock. He died of pneumonia, and had been ill but five days.
Meder was one of the most prominent men in Carson, and in his position as freight agent of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company, one of the best known.
He came to Carson about a quarter of a century ago, and ever since has been in the employ of that company.
He was quite a musician, was organist of the Episcopal church at Carson for many years, and never lost a positively youthful interest in everything pertaining to theatricals, professional or local. No local entertainment was quite complete without his assistance, and it was always cheerfully given. For a long time he was manager of the Carson Opera House.
He had many friends, and his death is keenly regretted by all of them.
He was 59 years old and leaves three children, two sons, Ross B., of Manhattan, and Horace G. Meder, of Carson, and a daughter, who is married and resides in Southern California.