BESWICK, Mrs. Viola: 1849-1936

BESWICK, RACER, MCCLAVE, GREGORY, JOHNSTON, NIXON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 12/23/2013 at 08:35:28

Mrs. Viola Beswick

Viola Racer, daughter of Benjamin and Sidnah Racer, was born Sept. 6, 1849 near Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, and departed this life at her home in Stockport, Iowa, Feb. 17, 1936 at 10 a.m.

She had been an invalid for twelve years. She was next to the youngest of ten children. One sister, Mrs. Charlotte McClave, of Cleveland, Ohio, survives.

She came to the home of her sister, Mrs. G.G. Beswick of Edina, Mo. Apr. 25, 1863. She lived there until Nov. 25, 1869, when she was united in marriage to James Beswick and came to Iowa to make her home.

Four children came to bless their home. Willis Lloyd of Laurel, Montana; Worthy D. and Mrs. Lola Gregory, of Stockport, Iowa; one child died in infancy; also four step-children: Mrs. Agnes Johnston and Mrs. Lena Nixon, of Stockport; and Mrs. Alice Johnston and Shannon Beswick, deceased. She also leaves twenty-two grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and innumberable friends.

Mr. Beswick passed away Mar. 31, 1913. After his death she spent considerable time with her sons and other relatives but for the past 12 years Lola has been almost a constant companion and rendered the best of care through all her long and painful illness.

Mrs. Beswick was converted under the ministry of Brother Decker in 1880 at Utica Baptist church. She was interested in the welfare of the church and attended as long as she was able.

Her life was devoted to her church, home, family and neighbors. She taught in the public schools of Missouri during her residence there and later took great pleasure in writing for papers and magazines. She was a charter member of the L.L.G., a literary club in which she was much interested.

Her long illness was marked by Christian patience she had at all times, pleasant, patient and kind through the many, many months of her illness and intense suffering. She will be greatly missed in the home. Death came peacefully, ending a beautiful life.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Stockport, Feb. 19 at 1:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. McCargar. Interment was in the Winchester cemetery.

Music was furnished by a mixed quartet: Miss Edna Crawford, Mrs. Sam Watkins, Percy Smith and Phil Morris, Mrs. Dick Workman pianist. The pall bearers were the grandsons, Harold and Gerald Beswick, Ernest Gregory, Clarence Johnston, James and Aura Nixon.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 382, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA