George S. Beeson, Sr. 1808-1903

BEESON, MENSER, HOSELTON

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/30/2001 at 19:02:26

GRANDPA BEESON GONE.
A Grand Old Man Dies at The
Extreme Ripe Old Age of 95.
MANY LOVING FRIENDS PAY
TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY.

[PHOTO]

Although it was not unexpected the entire community was shocked and pained to hear of the death of grandfather Beeson, which occurred at an early hour last Saturday morning, May 23d.

George S. Beeson, Sr., was one of Iowa's grandest and noblest men, and he was for many years closely identified with Farmington and Van Buren county interests. Everyone here knew him, and none knew him but to love him. Over and over again he had been honored by his fellow-men by holding honorable public positions which he always occupied with credit to himself and in strictest fidelity to the trust reposed in him. He has been mayor of Farmington, member of the town council, and for many years justice of the peace, which last office he held at the time of his death.

Mr. Beeson was born in Martinsburg, Va., August 15, 1808, moved to Ohio at an early age and thence to Iowa in 1854. He was made a Mason at Circleville, Ohio, in Pickaway Lodge, No. 23, in July, 1851. He served as Master of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 17, Farmington, Iowa, from 1856 to 1866 and as High Priest of Kadosh Chapter, No. 83, of Farmington, from 1876 to 1886 and again from 1891 to 1900. He was admitted to the Mystic Shrine at Des Moines when over ninety-three years of age. For the last twenty-five years he held the office of recording secretary of the Farmington M. E. church. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Menser, November 12, 1832, she dying June 23, 1843. He was again married in May 26, 1846 to Miss Ann Hoselton. She died November 23, 1892.

Mr. Beeson was perhaps the oldest Mason in Iowa and took a great interest in the work of the fraternity. He belonged to the Knight Templar and also to the Mystic Shriners. Up to the last year or two he was frequently called upon by lodges in various parts of the State to do degree work in which he was very proficient.

Notwithstanding Mr. Beeson's extreme age, he was, until recently able to be about, and his mind remained strong and clear and his judgment good to the last. Although nearly ninety-five years of age, he heard a case in his court a few weeks previous to his death. His sight and hearing were but slightly impaired, and though he walked with a cane he moved about as easily as most men of sixty-five years. He was always of a cheerful and uncomplaining turn of mind, and his good nature and evenness of temper, doubtless contributed to his long lease of life.

If ever a man quitted this world without an enemy grandfather Beeson was such a man. Fe men live so nearly a century and occupy important positions in social, business and political life and leave behind none but loving friends. He was a whole-hearted man, a good neighbor, a warm friend and a kindly, genial pleasant gentleman. In politics he was a democrat: a true blue and enthusiastic Bryan man. He often expressed the hope that he could live to see Bryan president.

His funeral was held from the Methodist Episcopal church on Monday the 25th inst. At 3 o'clock p.m. under the auspices of the Knights Templar of El Chanan Commandry, No. 28 of Keosauqua. Rev. J. Herbert Taylor delivering the funeral sermon. A large number of Knights Templars from Keosauqua was in attendance and Masons from Bonaparte, Ia., Anson, Mo., and other neighboring towns were present to assist in the performance of the last, sad rites. He was buried in the Hill Cemetery with full Masonic honors.

When the new Methodist church was built, something like a year ago, a seat located near the chancel fail was presented to Mr. Beeson for his own private use -- being the only private pew in the church. This seat, upon the occasion of the funeral, was vacant and treated as a hallowed spot.

[hand written on obit. was "1903"]

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.

Van Buren Obituaries maintained by Rich Lowe.
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