John Besecker 1809-1891

BESECKER, PELL, SHERMAN, CUSTAR

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 12/1/2001 at 09:49:45

John Besecker was born near Easton, Northampton county, Penn., February 17th, 1809.

He came to Iowa in 1840 and settled in Keosauqua. In 1843 he married Miss Alice Pell and within twelve years he was left childless and alone by her death. In 1845 he removed to Bonaparte where for many years he made his home. In 1859 he married Mrs. Martha A. Sherman, a widow with three children, the daughter of A. H. Sherman, Esq. This union was blessed with five children, of these, two died in childhood.

The remaining three survive, two step sons, James W. and John R. Sherman, now living in Osceola, and Mrs. C. L. Custar of Pella. He made his home with the latter moving from Bonaparte to Pella, September, 1888, where he died of Appoplexy [sic] Saturday morning, April 25, 1891, being 82 years, 2 months and 8 days old. Of this life fifty-two years were spent in the service of Christ. He was converted in 1837 and baptized into the fellowship of Enon Baptist church, at Cincinnati, Ohio, by Elder Cook.

For many years he was treasurer of Mt. Zion Baptist church at Bonaparte. He was always interested in all departments of church work and cheerfully and liberally contributed of his means for the Redeemer's kingdom at home and abroad. His gifts to the cause of christian education constituted him a life member of the Baptist Theological Union now located at Morgan Park, Chicago.

He was a loving, tender father alike to his step-children as to his own. He was known only to be loved and respected, and many rejoice in the memory of such a man and bear abundant testimony to his high christian character. While here his great delight was in the house of God and in the reading of his word. He has now entered the mansions the Savior has gone to prepare.

Monday the remains were brought to Bonaparte and were met at the depot by Undertaker Demple with the hearse and pall bearers and carriages for accompanying relatives. The procession proceeded to the Baptist church where he had so often worshipped. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. G. W. Barber of Selma, and after his old friends had gazed upon his kindly face once more, he was conveyed to the Bonaparte cemetery.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 6, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

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