Born: Jersey, British Channel Is. — May 27, 1839
Sailor: March 18, 1857 to May 13, 1872
Came to Iowa: June 13, 1872
Worked on State Capitol: 1872 to 1883
Foreman of Derricks, Anamosa: April, 1883
Died as a result of fall: March 1, 1904
From the March 5, 1904 Prison Press
Thomas Couter Mollet, foreman of derricks here since April, 1883, died early Tuesday morning, March 1, from internal injuries received Monday morning in a fall off a ladder.
Mr. Mollet, with two inmate helpers, was engaged in removing the snow and ice from the roof of the portico adjacent to the Cellhouse (LUC porch roof). In coming down the ladder, which was lashed to the top of the portico, Mr. Mollet fell, a distance of twelve or fifteen feet, striking on his right side on the stone walk. Prison Physician Druet and Hospital Steward Kratochvil were quickly summoned and rendered temporary relief while Mr. Mollet lay reclined in one of the barber chairs.
"With the help of Patrolman Lowe, Steward Walker, and Assistant Deputy Smith, Mr. Mollet was removed to his home in the Colony carriage. An examination revealed no broken bones, but it was apparent from Mr. Mollet's suffering that his injuries were severe."
He suffered much during the night and at 5:20 o'clock Tuesday morning died.
Before his tenure at Anamosa, Mr. Mollet was instrumental in the construction of the state Capitol building in Des Moines. He served as Foreman of Derricks there as well, and reportedly was the last man to leave the dome of the completed Capitol, marking the end of a lifetime of distinguished service.