Lula Leola (Thrall) Thieker (1868 - 1951)

Born 26 Aug 1868 in Waukau, WI

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 15 Dec 1951 at age 83 in Georgetown, SC

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Alicia Thieker [send private message]

Biography

Family has many Of Lula's diaries - one from Wisconsin 1989 (among other things, she had a toothache and got it pulled), and others for years 1927-1951.

The diaries don't much mention her lost sons, except "The wind blows bleak in Elmwood Cemetery," and newspaper clippings about curing diphtheria and typhoid.

One entry was when Henry came home from visiting family in Iowa - Lula was so happy to hear his car, she ran out to greet him in her stocking feet!

She recorded the high and low temperature every day.

She helped with her church's ongoing fundraiser - making aprons. Several women each had a part, and would pass them off, assembly line style, but slower.

In the summer, she commented on neighbors' arguing keeping her awake (no air conditioning - open windows).

Lula wrote of Henry teaching others how to drive a car, including Frank Tarbox (whose granddaughter would later marry Lula & Henry's grandson). She also corresponded with Frank's uncle, the first Methodist Bishop to Brazil, so we have his wife's descriptions of life there.

She wrote of Henry driving several people "to vote against the repeal of prohibition." Henry kept a bottle in the wood pile, so he surely canceled out her vote. Automobiles were new to this generation, and she often wrote of "going for a drive" as relaxation and entertainment.

Lula's husband Henry co-owned the Winyah Lumber Company with Lula's brother John. It burned down in September, 1929. Her diary mentions picking through the smoldering rubble, but she didn't seem emotional about it. They had just collected the insurance when the stock market crashed. During The Great Depression, they often took a ham or something to her son's family. Family often came over to listen to their radio.

The Duncan Memorial Methodist Church bulletin from June 14, 1953 included: The handsome dossel which has recently been placed behind the Chapel Altar was given to our Church in loving memory of Mrs. H.J. Thieker by Mr. & Mrs. Forrest H. Thieker. The late Mrs. Thieker was a devoted member of Duncan Methodist Church, a member of Wesley Bible Class and an honorary life member of the Women's Society of Christian Service. The red color of the dossal is significant of the work and ministry of the church universal.

Sources

• Family collection includes items mentioned above. Plus, my dad told me about his grandmother.