Rev. Benedict Belt (1822-1906)

BELT, GRIFFIS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 2/23/2023 at 10:30:07

Obituary

Rev. B. Belt was born in Lickin county, Ohio, Jan 13, 1822. Was married to to Ceilia Griffis May 18,1848. To this union eleven children were born; five having preceded the father unto the great beyond, while six survive to mourn the loss of an earthly parent. He was brought into a saved relation with the Lord Jesus Christ in 1857 and was given a license to exhort in the M. E. church. In 1862 he was ordained to the office of Elder in the M. P. Church and continued in the active ministry until failing health made it necessary for him to retire. He died October 22, 1906, aged 84 years, 9 months and 9 days.

The above short biography of deceased was read by Rev. D. H. Howry this pastor, who preached the sermon at the funeral which was held in the M. P. church yesterday afternoon. Although the weather was wet and disagreeable, many old friends and neighbors of deceased were present. A fine choir sang appropriate songs and the floral tributes were beautiful. The pallbearers were: Geo. Lingenfeiter, Hugh Graef, J. Thompson, J.T. Stanton, David Denniston and P. A. Kitchell.

Rev. Howry preached a fine sermon, just such a discourse as would please the departed veteran in the ministry. He gave a deserved tribute to the deceased: that Bro. Belt filled his place and did his duty in his day.

Rev. Belt was one of the best known men in Central Iowa. He had a strong character and a keen intellect. Above all he was intensely loyal to his convictions and his friends. There was nothing secretive about him. He was an open nature that scorned deception. His fund o humor was wonderful. Even when near the end and the grim monster death waiting to claim him, he was able to rise above the depression by his God-given wit. He has been an active force in the town of Collins for many years and has enjoyed the esteem of our people, who sympathize with the bereaved wife and family.

The following relatives from a distance were present at the funeral; Marion Belt and Albert Belt of Eagle Grove; Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Belt of Waterloo; Leon Belt of Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Loomis Belt of Chicago; Ben Belt and daughter, Mrs. Root of Colo; Mrs. Mary Belt of Ames, and Miss Ruby Belt of Oklahoma. The interment was at Evergreen Cemetery.

Transcribed by Martha Malinowski