Thomas Masson

• Born: 30 Jul 1878, Dehler (Beresowka), Volga, Russia
• Marriage: Barbara Margaret Freidenberger in 1911 in Brabander (Kaziskaja), Volga, Russia
• Died: 12 Aug 1942, St. Marys, Pottawatomie, Kansas at age 64
• Buried: Mt. Calvary Cemetery - St. Marys, Pottawatomie, Kansas

General Notes:

Thomas Masson knew Life At the Front in War Years of 1914 to 1918.

Thomas, a veteran of the first World War who saw four years of embattled service in the Russian armies of the Czar and Premier Lenin, died August 12, 1942 at his home on Palmer street in St. Marys, Kansas. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage just a few weeks after he had enrolled for American selective service in the second military registration of his career.

The 64-year-old caretaker of Loyola Hall at St. Mary's College had been a resident of the city for twenty years, one of the last of the many Russian emigrants who came to Kansas during the 30 year period, which began in the early 1890's.

Tom was a native of Dehler, Russia and was born there July 30, 1878. He spent five years as a settler in South America. He returned in 1911 to Russia and there was married to Barbara Freudenburger in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Brabender. In 1914 at the outbreak of the first World War he was called to service in the Russian Army and served actively on several fronts until the signing of the Russian armistice.

On July 6, 1922 Tom brought his family across the Atlantic to the United States and since has resided in St Marys. Kansas.

Twelve Jesuits from the college were in the sanctuary of the Catholic church for the requiem Mass Friday morning, sung by the pastor. Rev. John A. Berens. Members of the clergy also chanted the Benedictus before interment in Mt. Calvary cemetery.

Pallbearers were Joe Messmer, John Homan, Gilbert Van de Wiele, Joe Finn, Jim Glasgow and Richard Seitz.

Tom is survived by his wife Barbara, two daughters Marie of the home and Sister Mary Ignatius of St. Louis, Missouri, and a half-sister Katharina (Fuchs) Martel of St. Marys.

Thomas married Barbara Margaret Freidenberger in 1911 in Brabander (Kaziskaja), Volga, Russia. (Barbara Margaret Freidenberger was born on 27 Jul 1893 in Brabander (Kaziskaja), Volga, Russia, died on 25 Jan 1973 in Topeka, Shawnee, Kansas and was buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery - St. Marys, Pottawatomie, Kansas.)