Beumer, Sebastian J., 1890-1936

BEUMER, CASEY, ESCHER

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

From the Alton Democrat, February 7, 1936, Rock Valley news:

Funeral services were held Saturday morning in St. Mary’s Catholic Church for Sebastian J. Beumer, who would have been 46 years of age on January 30th. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Margaret Beumer; four sons and two daughters, Bernard, Francis, Margaret Rose, Viva Jane, Paul and James; and by two brothers and three sisters. His parents and two brothers preceded him in death. Interment took place in St. Mary’s Cemetery

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From the Rock Valley Bee, February 7, 1936:

S. J. BEUMER PASSED AWAY LAST WEDNESDAY

The death of S. J. Beumer, who died at his home in Rock Valley last Wednesday, January 22, a brief mention of which was made in last week’s Bee, was a surprise and shock to his friends and acquaintances. Although he had not been well for a year or more, it was not realized that the end was so near. He was up and around most every day, even the day before his death.

Mr. Beumer, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Beumer, who have preceded him in death, was born in Rock Valley January 23, 1890, and he would have been forty-six years old had he lived another day. The greater part of his life was spent in Rock Valley where he grew to manhood and received his education.

In 1916, he was united in marriage with Margaret Casey, of Kenebeck, S.D., and since that time, until his death, they lived continuously in Rock Valley, where Mr. Beumer has conducted a restaurant for over 20 years.

Besides his parents, two brothers and two sisters have preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn, his wife and six children, four boys, Bernard, Francis, Paul, and James, and two daughters, Rose and Viva, all at home. He also leaves two brothers, Lawrence of Rock Valley and Joe of Denver, Colo., and three sisters, Mrs. Anna Duwa and Mrs. Julia O’Brien of Independence, Iowa, and Mrs. Ross Punty of Andover, S.D., all of whom were here for the funeral services which were held in St. Mary’s church in Rock Valley Saturday forenoon, Rev. A. J. Foerster, officiating.

Friends of the bereaved family and relatives extend to them sincere sympathy in their bereavement.

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RESEARCH NOTES

His death certificate gives his wife’s name as Rose Beumer [did the recorder mistake his daughter for his wife?]; adds information on his parents, Bernard Beumer, born in Tennessee, and Theresa Escher, born in Iowa City, Iowa; died at 11:50 a.m. January 29, 1936; causes, cirrhosis of liver, onset 1934, chronic nephritis, onset 1934, and aortic insufficiency, date of onset unknown.

His FindaGrave page gives his full name, Sebastian Joseph “Paste” Beumer (an unattributed added note says he was nicknamed “Paste” because of his early work in a bakery). Parents Bernard Joseph Beumer (1854-1926) and Theresa Magdalena Escher Beumer (1858-1935). Nine siblings listed. Wife Margaret Ellen Casey Beumer (1895-1987); there is a photo of their joint headstone. Seven children listed: Mary Lavina Beumer (died 1918), Bernard Joseph Beumer (1916-1974), Francis Lawrence Beumer (1919-2019), Margaret Rose Beumer Brower (1921-2013), Viva Jane Beumer McCollum (1924-1998), Paul Edward Beumer (1925-2003), James Eugene Beumer (1927-1995).

The 1910 census shows him living at home in Rock Valley with his parents and siblings, and working as a brick maker. Subsequent censuses show him as a restaurant owner in Rock Valley.

His World War I draft registration card (June 1917) shows him as a Rock Valley restauranteer with a wife and child; tall, medium build, brown eyes, light hair.