William Reed Beggs (1829-1903)

BEGGS, LOCKHART

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/27/2009 at 19:17:47

Maquoketa Excelsior, April 24, 1903.

Reed Beggs-

Our people were shocked and surprised Tuesday morning, to hear that Mr. Reed Beggs was dead. He had been as well as usual Monday, went to bed feeling tired, but in his usual health. In the after part of the night Mrs. Beggs thought she heard him speak and went to his bed and found him unconscious. The doctor was immediately summoned but found he could give no relief, and at half past three he quietly breathed his last.

William Reed Beggs was born in Sharpesville, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, February 3rd, 1829 and died April 21st, 1903. He was married to Mary Jane Lockhart, January 5th, 1856, who still survives him. They came to Jackson County, Iowa in 1857, which has been their place of residence ever since. Besides his devoted wife and niece, who has lived with them since a child 6 years old, he leaves two sisters and three brothers to mourn his loss. Mr. Beggs was a consistent member of the U. P. Church, an honest upright man, a good neighbor and had no fear of death. He had often talked to his wife and niece, and told them what to do should he be taken from them, made arrangements for his burial, and when his sudden summons came was prepared to go. Funeral services were conducted Thursday by his pastor, Rev. Huston of the U. P. Church. Interment was in the Andrew Cemetery. The devoted wife and niece have the sympathy of the entire community.