Thomas Nast Descendants gather from nine states
Nineteen guests from nine states gathered at the home of Van and Viola “Vi” Koelliker in rural Brown County for a time of visiting, reminiscing, eating and touring on September 24-25, 2025. Nine cousins attending are direct descendants of Thomas Nast (1840-1902), America’s best-ever political cartoonist. Thomas Nast is renowned for creating the Republican Elephant and the Democratic Donkey. He also created the modern images of Uncle Sam and Santa Claus, illustrating Clement Moore’s The Night Before Christmas. Born in Landau, Germany, his family immigrated to New York City when he was six.