The Mills County History Book, page 435, gives this account of Thomas Jefferson Kesterson. "Thomas J. Kesterson served in Company B, 29th Iowa Infantry in the Civil War; later he was a scout, a bear hunter and bounty hunter in Montana and ranched on the Dismal River in Nebraska. Married to Miranda Brown in 1868, they had 14 children, 10 living to adulthood. Thomas died and is buried in Albion, Nebraska." A short paragraph for such an extraordinary man! He fought in the Civil War - he then became a Scout, a bear hunter and a bounty hunter. Everything he did seemed to be of a dangerous and challenging nature. What interesting stories his children must have listened too !! Upon his return from the Civil War Thomas found himself a wife in the form of Miranda Brown, the lovely daughter of Charles and Ann (Purcell) Brown. Together they became the parents of 14 children..
L to R - Back: Franklin Thomas, Myrtle Mae, Frances Allen, Emma Frances, Mary Ellen and John Thomas.
Albion Aurgus June 7 1928 Pg 1 Column 5
Taps sounded last Thursday, May 31, for another one of the G.A.R. members, when Thomas Kesterson, beloved resident of this community for many years died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary Haas here.
Mr. Kesterson served for three years in the Union army during the Civil War from 1862 to 1865, when he was mustered out of service in October. He had been a comrade in the post here for many years.
He was born in Tennessee in 1842 and died at the age of 85 years. In 1869 he was married Miss Miranda Brown, who preceded him in death. Ten children survive him. Theya re, Charles and Franklin of Chico Calif, Mrs. Hattie Wilbur, Mrs. Emma Cummigns, Mrs. Mary Haas, Louis of Albion, Mrs Ida Warford from Arcadia, Samuel of Ekainha, Montana and Mrs. Fannie Kline of Chappell and John whos residence is not known. There were 39 grandchildren and 29 great grandchilren who also survive Mr. Kesterson.
Two brothers, Will of Malvern Iowa and James of Latham Kansas and two sisters, Mrs Kate Long of Emerson Iowa and Mrs Mary Smith of Nebraska are also among the mourners.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 Monday afternoon from the Baptist church in Albion and the remains were laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery. Members of the G.A.R. and Loyal Ladies and of the American Legion attended the funeral in a body. Rev. H.O. King officiated at the services
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