Mary Frances Stevenson 1855 - 1922

STEVENSON, BEGGS, KNOX, JONES, MATHERSON

Posted By: Volunteer: Stacey Swierk
Date: 9/13/2008 at 00:41:03

Date & Newspaper Unknown

Mrs. James Beggs

Mary Frances, youngest daughter of James and Sarah Stevenson, was born in Macupin County, Illinois, March 20, 1855. At the age of seven years she came with her parents to Marion County, Io. They came overland, driving their stock, as was the custom in those days. From Marion they moved to Van Buren County, settling on a farm near Vernon. Here she was united in marriage to James Beggs on July 4, 1883. To this union two children were born, Arthur F. of Keosauqua and Otto D. of Vernon Prairie. On January 11, 1922 she passed from this life, aged 66 years, 9 months and 21 days, at the home of her son Otto, with whom she had made her home since the death of her husband on August 27, 1920. This loss seemed too great for her to bear, as she often spoke of the desire to be with him.

She leaves to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother, the two sons, Arthur and Otto, and a grandson Dale. She also leaves the following step-children: Mrs. Ella Knox, of College Springs, Iowa; James Jeffery Beggs, of Douds; James W., of Keosauqua; Mrs. Jennie Jones, Pagosa Springs, Colo.; Ross Beggs of Keosauqua and Roy of Ottumwa; two boys and two girls having preceded her in death. There are 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, also one sister, Mrs. Alex Matherson of Keosauqua, her father, mother, three sisters and one brother having passed beyond. The funeral was held at the M. E. church in Keosauqua, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. C. Caughlan.

[Photocopy of this obit is located on page 246 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA]