Besh, S.C.

BELL, REYNOLDS, BRUMBLE, SATTERLEE, PATTEE

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/8/2010 at 09:48:10

Among the able and progressive farmers of Jefferson township is numbered S.C. Besh, operating one hundred and sixty-five acres of highly improved land on section 35. He has been a resident of Iowa since 1864, but was born in New York state in 1862. He is a son of Michael and Maria Besh, natives of Germany, who settled in the Empire state after their arrival in America and there remained until 1864. In that year they came to Iowa and settled in Blackhawk county, where the father purchased land, engaging in farming until he retired from active life in 1896. He then moved into Bremer county and there resided until his death, which occurred in 1907. His wife survived him several years, dying in June, 1913. Eight children were born to their union, four of whom survive: George, who resides in Bremer county; S.C., of this review; Ida M., the wife of A.W. Bell, of Blackhawk county; and Amanda, who married William Reynolds.

S.C. Besh acquired his education in the public schools of Bremer county and when he was twenty-one years of age began his independent career, working for a time as a farm laborer. In 1895, he bought one hundred and forty-two acres of land to which he has since added, his farm now comprising one hundred and sixty-five acres. This he has greatly improved, erecting substantial buildings and installing modern equipment, making the place one of the finest in this locality.

In 1894 Mr. Besh married Miss Minnie Brumble, who was born in Bremer county, in 1875, a daughter of Steven and Harriet Brumble, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ohio. they were pioneers in Iowa and their marriage occurred at Waterloo, this state. Shortly afterward they came to the vicinity of Waverly, in Bremer county, and after residing there for a few years purchased a farm, making their home in Jefferson township until the father reitred from active life. They then moved to Waterloo and there the father died in 1893, his wife surviving him until 1910. To their union were born three daughters: Maggie, the widow of John Satterlee, of Waterloo; Jessie, who married Fred Pattee, of Bremer county; and Minnie, the wife of the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Besh have five children: Charles, whose birth occurred in 1896; Maggie, born in 1898; Florence, born in 1900; Theodore, born in 1904; and Marie, born in 1911.

The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Besh is connected fraternally with the Yeomen. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has been a trustee of his township. Having passed practically all of his life within the borders of this county, his record is well known to the residents of the locality and his salient characteristics are such as have always awakened confidence, respect and good-will.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914