John Besch 1841-1903

BESCH

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 7/30/2012 at 14:27:38

Nov 20, 1903 - Algona Courier - The household of John B Besch has been suddenly changed from one of rejoicing to one of mourning. On Wednesday of last week Mr. Besch's son was married, and there was rejoicing in two households. On Sunday the son and his bride were to visit the home of his parents, and great preparations for a hearty welcome was made for them. Most of the members of the Besch household went to Church in Whittemore, and Mr. Besch remained at home to look after matters.

He was about to go to the barn and concluded to take a sip of medicine or brandy that was in a bottle on the shelf. But there were two bottles there and he took the sip out of the wrong one. It was carbolic acid that he swallowed. He noticed the mistake and took a drink of water, and not feeling any immediate bad effects he started for the barn. But before reaching there he felt the effects and returned to the house and started a boy for the doctor but before the arrival of the doctor he was dead. We are told that he did not suffer pain as might be expected, but simply sank away. The funeral services were held at the Catholic church in Whittemore and the interment took place at St. Joe.

Mr. Besch was born in Germany in 1841, and for several years was a farmer in Whittemore township. He was a man of excellent standing and of considerable means. His death makes a profound sensation in and about Whittemore.

He was a very prosperous farmer and well known in the southern part of the county. He leaves a wife and several grown sons and daughters. The funeral was yesterday.