Bellesfield, David 1837-1896

BELLESFIELD, NEUHART

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/28/2011 at 18:39:28

From the Rock Valley Register of May 29, 1896
Last Sumday morning at an early hour David Bellesfield passed after a long illness, at his home north of town, Bright's disease being the cause of death.
The deceased was born in Monroe county, Penn., on April 27, 1837, and in '52 removed with his parents to Janesville, Wis., where he worked
upon a farm until September 6, 1861, when be enlisted in the 8th Wisconsin infantry and served
three years in the defense of the Union in the Western department.
He saw some severe fighting, being in all the heavy engagements of this division of the army. In the assaults in and around Pilot Knob, Mo., and Corinth, Miss., he was commended for his bravery. He was at Vicksburg, Miss., on May
22, 1863, during that terrible and trying ordeal for men, and through all the siege.
He landed in Sioux county on May 10, 1868, and took up a homestead near where now Elm Springs is situated. At the time of his death he was
the oldest settler in Sioux county in point of residence.
His father, who joined him here two mouths after his arrival, was the first white man to die a natural death in this county. Deceased was a charter member of Jery Rusk Post G. A. R., under whose auspices the funeral was conducted. He was a married man his widow survives him, but no
children blessed their union.
The funeral services were held a the U, P. church in this city at 2:30 p. m.. Monday, and Rev. Mr Mclaughlin delivered the oration over the remains. A very large number of comrades attended and assisted in escorting the remains to
their last resting place in the Rock Valley cemetery.
(His wife was believed to be Emma J. age 45 in 1895 census of Settlers Township Sioux County. David was born 27 Apr 1836 Stroudsburg PA and died 23 May 1896 at 60 years of age buried in Rock Valley. David's parents were Peter Bellesfield and Elizabeth Neuhart)