Bessie Billingsley 1866 - 1937

BILLINGSLEY, WHITSON

Posted By: Netha M Meyer (email)
Date: 3/10/2003 at 20:22:15

Bessie I Whitson was born in North English on November 4, 1866, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Perry Whitson. Her father was a pioneer stock buyer and store keeper, the store he operated having been located in the present Omer Smith residence when the town was Nevada.

Bessie grew up in North English in the house now occupied by the Tippie family, and received her education in the local public schools. On July 29, 1888 she was united in marriage to Samuel W Billingsley who came to North English in 1886 from Riverside and operated the first creamery in North English. After being in the creamery business for several years he and Mrs. Billingsley opened a grocery store which they both operated until Sam's death in February, 1933. Friends of both the older and younger generation , they made their places in the hearts of North English people and never will be forgotten.

To Sam and Bessie was born one daughter, Ferne. She with her daughters, Dorothy and Marian, were the pride and joy of their grandparents, are the only survivors.

Died Monday Night at the Home of Daughter in Evanston, Ill--Funeral Services Held Here On Wednesday Morning.

Mrs. Bessie Billingsley, 71, lifelong resident of North English died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Denton in Evanston, Ill. Monday night after an illness of only a few days, although she had been in poor health for a number of months. She was able to be up and about on Thanksgiving Day, but was taken ill on Friday. Her cousin, Mrs. Heald of Sigourney, came to the Denton home to be with her during her final illness.

The body was brought to North English on Tuesday and lay in state at the Mahannah funeral parlors until time for the services. Funeral services were held on Wednesday at the Christian Church at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Roy Leeds of Ottumwa having charge of the services. Frank Owen lifelong friend of the Billingsley family read a memorial written by M. Etta Cox and gave a short talk.

Pallbearers were: George H Smith, Bob Markwell, Hugh O'Brien, Earl Warner, Geo. M Smith and Gean Smith. Burial was made in the North English Cemetery.