Grayson County TXGenWeb

The Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, March 9, 1902
pf.4

JOHN MANDERE DEAD
Death has effaced another old landmark. John Mandere, the pioneer baker, died Monday night at his little shop on West Woodard street. For many years in his quiet way he conducted the bakery. He was peculiar, but those who knew him intimately pay much tribute to his goodness of heart. Mr. Mandere had his list of regular customers, which for many years he has supplied daily, carrying his basket on his arm and delivering in person. For many years what was known as "The French Bakery" enjoyed a large patronage; hundreds of families would take no other bread, as in their estimation no other bread was quite as good. When the old gentleman called, they delighted to entertain him and show expressions of kindness.
He raised a family of beautiful girls in Denison, who are married and doing well. Mrs, John Lenders and Mrs. J.J. Hoover are his daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Lenders left a few days ago for old Mexico, but a telegram reached them, and they were here to attend the funeral.
The deceased lacked only a few days of being 74 years old, having been born March 31, 1828 at Albertin, department of Berne, France. In 1849 he left his native land to try his fortune in America. He landed in New Orleans and followed his trade as a baker. He married there and in 1880 moved with his family to Denison. The children were in the habit of visiting their father, and it was their wish that he should pass his declining years with them, but he was wedded to Denison and preferred to remain here.
John Mandere was laid to rest Wednesday afternoon at the Oakwood Cemetery. The services at the grave were very simple; Mr. Louis Lebrecht saying a few appropriate words. There was also band music, which added to the solemnity of the occasion. Quite a number of old timers paid the last respects.