Beach, Alexander Lyman, 1847-1905

BEACH, BONHAM

Posted By: Lydia Lucas-Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/25/2011 at 22:15:19

PIONEER GONE

After an illness of two years, during which time he has been under almost constant medical attention, A. L. Beach died at Sioux City Monday evening [May 1].

In 1872 Mr. Beach was established at Alton as station agent and shortly afterwards started in the lumber and grain and hardware and farm implement business here. He was joined later in this business by his brothers A. B. Beach and I. W. Beach. In 1883 Mr. Beach although a democrat was elected a representative to the general assembly from this district defeating Isaac Struble. He refused a second term. The firm of Beach Brothers was dissolved in 1883 and A. L. Beach removed to Sioux City with his family.

Alexander Lyman Beach was born at Kentville, Ontario June nineteenth 1847. He received his education in the common schools in Canada. He was married on April third 1869 to Miss Jennie Bonham at Brantford, Ontario. Soon after Mr. and Mrs. Beach removed to Superior, Michigan and Mr. Beach went to Winona, Minnesota with a surveying party. Later he was associated with Captain Gere now of Sioux City under General Bishop of St. Paul in the survey of the townsites between St. James, Minnesota and LeMars on the line of the old Sioux City & St. Paul, now the Omaha road.

The immediate cause of death was Bright's disease with complications. He died at the German Lutheran hospital where he has been for two months following the operation. The operation was successful but the patient was not sufficiently strong to recover.

The funeral occurred Wednesday afternoon at the family residence and was in charge of Tyrian Masonic lodge and Columbian commandery of the Knights of Templars. Mr. Beach was a past commander of Columbian commandery. Rev. McFadden of the First Presbyterian church conducted the services and the pall bearers consisted of the past commanders of the Columbian commandery.

Mr. Beach leaves a wife and six daughters and one son. The son is Wilfred Beach the architect. The daughters are Mrs. Detwiler and Misses Edna, Abbie, Nettie, Margaret and Nellie. Miss Abbie Beach resides in Omaha. Three brothers, A. J. Beach of Sioux City, I. W. Beach of Sherman, South Dakota and A. B. Beach of Chicago survive him.

Source: Alton Democrat, May 6, 1905.