BEDELL BROTHERS

BEDELL, BELCHER, BURSELL, BOHN

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 5/25/2004 at 16:40:58

Biography reproduced from page 381 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Among the representative business men of Irvington must be mentioned B. D. and J. L. Bedell, who, under the firm name of Bedell Brothers, are engaged in the grain, coal and lumber business here. They have been engaged in the conduct of this enterprise, which was formerly operated under the name of Winkel & Company, for about ten years, and during that period have made a most favorable impression in local circles by reason of their high principles and upright methods of doing business. They carry hard and soft coal, wood, lumber and building materials and also buy and sell grain. The enterprise has developed very largely under their management and they are enjoying an excellent and constantly increasing patronage. During the period of their ownership they have built a large lumber shed and greatly increased their stock, which is adequate to any demands of the local trade. Both members of the firm own very pleasant residences in town, in addition to which they hold title to two hundred and forty acres of land, in Irvington township, that is partially improved. The Bedell brothers are natives of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, and are sons of Henry and Hannah (Belcher) Bedell. The father was born in the vicinity of Newark, New Jersey, but in childhood he removed with his parents to Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to manhood. He always devoted his energies to farming, in which he has met with good success and continues to make his home in the Keystone state. The mother, who was presumably a native of Pennsylvania, passed away in 1905. Her father was born in the vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts, but the paternal grandfather was a native of New Jersey. They were parents of five sons, as follows: Frank A., who is engaged in contracting and building in St. Paul, Minnesota; B. D.; Ernest, a railroad man in Scranton, Pennsylvania; J. L.; and Lewis, who died in 1906. The parents were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which they reared their family.

B. D. Bedell was born March 31, 1864, and was reared very much in the manner of other lads, who live on a farm. He began his education in the district schools and completed it in Keystone College, Wyoming county Pennsylvania, where his brothers were also educated. At the age of twenty-one years he left home and west to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he obtained a position as brakeman on the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad. He continued in the railway service for fifteen years and during that time was promoted until he held the position of conductor. Ambitious and realizing that there was little future for him as an employe, he resigned his position in 1902 and came to Irvington, where his brother was engaged in business.

In 1893 B. D. Bedell was married to Miss Olive Bursell, of Elmore, Minnesota, and they have become the parents of three children, as follows: Walter, who graduated from the Algona high school with the class of 1912; and Paul and Rowena. Mr. Bedell votes the republican ticket and although he has never sought political preferment is not at all remiss in matters of citizenship, but assists in forwarding every movement that he feels will advance the community welfare.

J. L. Bedell’s natal day was January 1, 1871. He was educated in the public schools and at Keystone College, Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, remaining at home until 1894. In the latter year he came west settling in Elmore, Minnesota, where he was employed by the Elmore Milling Company for a year. From there he came to Kossuth county and purchased a grain and flour business in Bancroft, but he subsequently sold this and came to Irvington where he has ever since been associated with his brother.

In addition to his business and residence property, since coming here Mr. Bedell has acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land located on sections 29 and 32, Irvington township. He has made all of the improvements on the place and tiled the fields, and it is now considered to be one of the valuable farming properties of that vicinity.

J. L. Bedell was married in 1898 to Miss Katie Bohn, who was born and reared on a farm four miles west of Irvington, and they have one child, Mabel, who is twelve years of age and a student in the public schools. His political support Mr. Bedell accords the republican party, believing that their policy is best adapted to protect the interests of the majority. He is a man of estimable qualities and during the period of his residence here has won the respect of all with whom he has had dealings by reason of his honorable methods in conducting his transactions.