BEETEM, Charles L. 1839-1911

BEETEM, MCPHERSON, OCOBOCK, BERTZ, IRONS, HAZLETT

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 4/20/2019 at 21:20:20

Death of Charles L. Beetem
After many months of intense suffering with cancer, Chas. L. Beetem died at his home in Douglas last Thursday evening at 8:20 o'clock. Although Mr. Beetem has been in constant pain during the past year, he has borne it all most heroically and with the greatest patience. It was thought his life would be taken many months ago, and it was only his remarkable vitality that kept the spark of life going so long.

Chas. Louis Beetem was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, Oct. 24, 1839, and reached the age of 71 years, 6 months and 8 days.

When he was seven years old he went to Dubuque county, Iowa and at sixteen moved to Allamakee county. On Sept. 27, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Iowa cavalry under Capt. Scott Shattuck, at the same time as his brother, J.T. Beetem, and served as a private in the Union ranks exactly three years, being mustered out of service Sept. 27, 1865.

Mr. Beetem married Miss Margaret McPherson in 1866, who has proved a worthy helpmeet, especially during his last illness. They came to Nebraska in 1871, filing on a homestead, some of which is now occupied by the west part of Douglas.

The couple were the parents of ten children, three of whom died in childhood. The others are: Frank Beetem, of Lincoln; Wm. Beetem, of Juanita; Thos. Beetem, of Douglas; Chas Beetem, of Lincoln; John Beetem, of Pickrell; Mrs. Ernest Ocobock, of Vesta; and Mrs. L.H. Bertz, of Cortland.

He is also survived by five brothers, Joseph of Garfield county; R.G., of Lincoln; George and Frank, of South Dakota; and J.T., of Douglas; and two sisters, Mrs. Louise Irons, of New Albin, Ia.; and Mrs. Sarah Hazlett, of Mason City, Neb.

Chas. Beetem was one of those types of pioneers which all admire. He was courageous and honorable in his dealings and was held in high esteem by his neighbors and acquaintances. He had many friends and his loss is keenly felt.

He was converted to the Christian faith in a revival meeting held by the veteran Nebraska preacher, Rev. Harrison Presson. During the last months of his life he showed a very strong faith and more than once expressed a wish that he might die.

The funeral services were held in the M.E. church Saturday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. J.H. Bounds preaching the sermon. The attendance was very large and the floral offerings were profuse and very beautiful. The body was laid to rest in Rose Hill cemetery.

~The Douglas Enterprise, Douglas, Otoe Co., Nebraska, Thurs., May 11, 1911