Abraham M and Lillian Thorf
Abraham M Thorf was born 17 July 1891 in Perovo, Russia to Jacob Jauber and Hannah Thorf, and in 1903 he immigrated to the United States with his sister. The family had settled in Kentucky and they joined them there. In 1910 Jacob and Hannah are living in Catlettsburg, Boyd Co Ky where Jacob was working as a junk dealer.
Children of Jacob Thorf and Hanna
Frances Thorf b-1881 in Perovo Russia
Harry Thorf b-20 Apr 1884 in Perovo Russia
Abraham H Thorf b-17 July 1891 in Perovo Russia
Paris Thorf b-22 Oct 1892 in Perovo Russia; d-June 1972 in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
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Before WWI he came west, settling in Rexburg, Idaho, where he worked
in a store owned by Nathan Levine. Nathan's wife was Lillian Lewis' first
cousin and Sam Lewis' niece. Samuel Lewis was the founder of the Fair
Store in Montpelier opened in 1888. It was a general store, selling clothes,
shoes, fabric, sewing notions and groceries.
During WWI Abraham served in the U.S. Army. After training in Fort Lewis, Washington, he went to France with the rest of his unit and held the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second highest award, for extreme bravery under fire. He also became a naturalized citizen during his army service. He returned to Idaho after the war.
He married Lillian Lewis 1 Feb 1922 in Salt Lake City and they then helped to manage the Fair Store. Lillian was born 8 Oct 1895 in Montpelier, the daughter of Samuel Lewis and Flora Gesas. Eventually Abe and Lillian bought ownership of the business, but not of the building.
Children of Abraham M Thorf and Lillian Lewis
Betty Lou Thorf b-18 May 1923; d-15 Sep 2007 in
Sacramento California; m-R W Jack
Renee Thorf b-22 July 1933 in Montpelier Idaho; d-13 May 2007 in Pasadena,
California
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Ownership of the building remained with Samuel and Flora Lewis who rented out the second floor to Doctors Lindsay and Rich who also established the Bear Lake Hospital there. Abe and Lillian ran the store together until 1966 when Abe died August 11. He was buried in the Montpelier Cemetery. Lillian continued the business until she moved to Pasadena, California and lived with her daughter where she died 2 Aug 1978. She was buried also in the Montpelier Cemetery.
The Fair Store and the Bear lake Hospital building was torn down years ago.
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Montpelier Examiner, Thursday, 12 January 1928, page 1
A M Thorf of the Fair Store left last Thursday for Huntington West Virginia, having been called there by the serious illness of his mother. Mr. Thorf was notified of his mother's condition Wednesday by long distance telephone. He will visit his old home in Kentucky before returning.
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The News-Examiner, Thursday, 20 May 1937
The Montpelier Gold Club will officially open its season this Sunday. Some good contests have been arranged and a big turn out is expected.
Abe Thorf of the Fair Store is again donating the major prize for the driving contests, while Seth Kelsey of the Utah Oil Refining Company is putting up his usual generous prize for the handicap contest.
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