Beeler, Frederick 1814-1895

BEELER, DOLLARHIDE, RAILSBACK, GRIFFITHS, STOOKEY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/18/2011 at 17:34:40

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; March 1, 1895

--Marion, Iowa, Sentinel: Frederick Beeler was born in Wheeling, W. Va., in 1814, and died near Marion, Iowa, Feb. 12, 1895. Between these lines there is a long and eventful life. In 1837 he married a school-mate named Miss Nancy Dollarhide with whom he lived happily for nearly fifty-eight years, a record rarely reached. Directly after marriage the young couple came to Iowa, then but a wildernness, and almost directly to the country, where he took government land making his home 4 miles northwest of Marion, the spot chosen being always home from that hour till this. In a beautiful grove a log cabin was built; within was the music of glad hearts; without was the frequent chorus cry of hungry wolves with often the deep undertone of the bear's growl. But few families were then upon these prairies and these were widely scattered, but Indians were frequent and sometimes disagreeable callers. The nearest market was Davenport, and for a long time the only place where flour could be bought or corn ground.

Sixteen children came to this pioneer home and all grew to manhood and womanhood; those living are Frederick I.; Lewis C.; Jones V.; George M.; S. Douglas; Chas. V.; William C.; Mrs. Sarah Railsback; John S.; Mrs. Ella Griffiths; Mrs. Alice Stookey; Miss Lissa Beeler and the two daughters, Emma and Mary of California. Mr. Beeler was a man of remarkable physical proportion; his massive body sustaining a finely shaped head and his whole person impressing himself upon all as a man of extraordinary power. Many are the stories told of his great physical prowess and mental couryge in the early days. His business capacity is easily manifest in the financial success his life achieved, and his wealth has been secured without trick or wrong, but by splendid foresight, careful management and the smiles of a gracious Providence.

Mr. Beeler was a member of the Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal church, near his home, and has been such for many years. Physical infirmities had denied him the privileges of church attendance these later years but he was ever its supporter and defender. The last months of his life were rich in the manifestations and expriences that are the heritage of a christian's life.

Like autumn grain his soul ripened under the last days of a long life season, special sunbursts of God's presence and peace gave readiness for heavenly garnering. Of those who came west with him all have joined the majority; of those who were here, when he came, but one or two remain; he was indeed the "Last leaf upon the tree," and now he has been shaken from the bough of life, and though the body falls to the ground, his spirit has gone to the God who gave it. His pastor pays glad tribute to the victory hours that closed his life.

He rests in peace.

Transcriber Note: Buried in Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion, Linn County, Iowa.