BEESON, Albert W.: 1855-1913

BEESON, HOSLETON, RHOADES, HAMLIN, WOLFE, SMITH

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/12/2014 at 06:28:22

**Handwritten: New Rep. Thurs. 13 Nov. 1913

ALBERT W. BEESON

The gloom in Farmington on account of death was thickened Monday morning when new came that Albert Beeson passed to his reward at bout 9:00 o'clock a.m. He had only been sick about ten days and had undergone an operation on Sunday, Nov. 2, for appendicitis and very serious complications were discovered which gave small hopes for his recovery.

The town loses one of its best and most active citizens. Strong in his convictions, courageous and untiring in his efforts for right, he went forth to meet life's battles. He was a princely man. He was quiet in his manner but nevertheless was successful in what he undertook because of his untiring zeal. He was to be always found on the side of right when he knew what the right was. In all movements for good in the community he could be found in the foremost rank.

Albert W. Beeson, son of George and Anna Hosleton Beeson was born just below Farmington, May 8, 1855. His father was one of the old settlers and prominent in the early affairs of the town, living to be very old.

He was married on May 10, 1976, to Sadie Rhoades and to them six children were born, four of them surviving. They are William A. and George J. of this city, Mrs. Anna Hamlin of Keokuk, Ia., and Harry C. of Marshaltown. These with one brother, B.P. Beeson of Sapulpa, Okla., and two sisters, Mrs. Thomas Wolfe of this city, and Mrs. Mary Smith who lives in California and many other relatives are left to grieve over the departure of a loved one.

All his life had been spent in Farmington. When a young man he entered the grocery business with his father and followed this for about seven years. He was Secretary of the Stirling Woolen Mills for a number of years and later cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank. For some time he managed the dry goods store of Mr. Johnson and later bought him out and moved the store from the Franks building to the building on the corner which he occupied when called so suddenly away. He was identified with the Chautauqua movement and active in it from its very beginning. He was a member of the first program committee and remained on that committee until the last two years. He has been a director most of the time and Secretary for the past six years, in all of which positions he did faithful work.

He was converted and united with the Baptist Church in 1878, since which time he has been devoted to its success both locally and in the Keokuk Association of which he was secretary for many years, holding that position when he died. His position in the church was official most of his life, his influence being felt there as in all other positions he was called to do. He served for many years as superintendent of the Sunday School which position he was also holding when ?????ed him.

He was selected to write a history of the Keokuk Baptist Association and for several months he had devoted his spare time to the accomplishment of that work, having it practically completed and ready for publication.

The community is richer for Mr. Beeson's having in it and much poorer in having to give him up. While we bow to the inevitable our hearts are pained when re realize we must say good by.

The funeral was held from the Baptist Church Wednesday at 2:90(?) p.m., all places of business closed. Rev. T.L. Smith, pastor of the Baptist Church at Bonaparte was in charge.

The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful, coming from business, chautauqua and church associates, as well as from friends and relatives.

The body was carried by loving hands to its last resting place in Farmington Cemetery.

**Handwritten: Albert W. Beeson; Obit can also be found in the St. Line Demo. Sat. 15 Nov. 1913; Farm. Demo. 14 Nov. 1913

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book D, Page 31, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA