Mathias Belles 1836-1916

BELLES, RENWICK, PINNEY, DEWEY, PRICE

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:30

13 November 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser
page 6

Word was received in this city this morning of the death of M. B. Belles, a resident of this city, whose death occurred at Independence, Ia., at 1 o'clock this morning after an illness of a couple of months duration.

The deceased was about 81 years of age and was one of the oldest members of Emulation lodge of Masons. Mr. Belles was a resident of Clinton since 1883, with the exception of the past few years, when he was making his home with his daughter, Mrs. A. E. Pinney, of this city.

The remains are expected to arrive in this city Tuesday morning and will be taken to the Pinney home at 422 South Fourth street, from where the funeral will probably be held Wednesday afternoon.

Deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Belles, a brother, Frank Belles of Clinton, and three daughters, Mrs. O. M. Dewey of Milwaukee, Wis., Mrs. Henry Price of Clinton, and Mrs. A. E. Pinney of this city.

14 November 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser
page 6

The remains of the late Matthias H. Belles arrived from Independence, Ia. this morning and were taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Alvin Pinney on South Fourth street.

The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Pinney home and will be in charge of Emulation lodge A.F. and A.M. Rev. N. A. McAulay, pastor of the Presbyterian church will officiate. Burial will be made in Oakland cemetery.

16 November 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser
page 6

Funeral services for Mathias Belles were held Wednesday afternoon from the A. E. Pinney home, 422 South 4th street and burial was made in Oakland cemetery. Rev. N. A. McAulay officiated and during the service Miss Stebbins and Mrs. Holm rendered several hymns. The pall bearers were Richard Price, Harry Price, Will Price, Robert Belles, Julius Au and Byron Pinney.

Mr. Mathias B. Belles was born in Wilkesbarre, Pa., July 22, 1836. When he was 22 years of age the family moved west to Sycamore, Ill.

Here on Sept. 4, 1866 he married Miss Mary Renwick a native of Canada. Nineteen years later they came to Clinton, where they resided continuously until about two years ago, since which time they have made Lyons their home.

While in Sycamore Mr. Belles became a member of the Masonic fraternity and on coming to Clinton transferred his membership to Emulation lodge of that city. He took a great interest in the order, and always enjoyed the fellowship of its meetings.

While a young man he professed his faith in Christ and for over sixty years had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, first in Sycamore and later in Clinton.

Mr. Belles was a good man, a worthy citizen, an industrious and competent workman, strictly temperate in his habits, devoted to the interests of his home and family, and highly respected by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Belles, three daughters, Mrs. Henry Price, Clinton, Mrs. O. M. Dewey, Milwaukee and Mrs. A. E. Pinney of this city.

He also leaves one brother.