David ACHESON

ACHESON, ROBINSON, BOOKMAN, IVEY, HOUGHTON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/26/2010 at 10:38:53

April 12, 1839 -- September 4, 1922

A Pioneer Called

David Acheson dies at his home in West Bend on Monday evening, September 4 at 11 o'clock. David Acheson passed away quietly and peacefully, away at his home in this city, at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 22 days.

David was born in the providence of Ulster, Ireland, Co. Sligo, April 12, 1839. He came to Pembroke Canada in 1840 with his parents and on September 6, 1862 he was united in marriage to Margaret Robinson of Westmeath, Renfrew Co.,Ontario. They continued their residence at Pembroke, where their 2 oldest children were born, until 1869, then they moved to Iowa and were among the earliest pioneers of Palo Alto Co. Their first home was established on the homestead 3 1/2 miles west of West Bend, where the remainder of the family, 7 in number were born. In 1899 they sold the old homestead and Mr & Mrs Acheson became residents of Belmond, IA. They lived there for 7 years and moved to Goldfield, resided there for a period of 6 years. They then moved to the old town where they have since continued to reside.

3 of the family have preceded their father in death: Clara and James who died in early childhood and Agnes the eldest, departed this life at their home in West Bend in 1912. Besides the widow and 12 grandchildren there remain to mourn the loss of this beloved father, 2 sons and 4 daughters: Wm. H.Acheson of Spokane, WA, and George L. Acheson of Dale, ND, Mrs. Elizabeth Bookman of Pocahontas, Mrs. Mabel Ivey formerly of West Bend and now resides in Rolef, Mrs. Maude Houghton of Montevideo, MN and Miss Marge Acheson of Pocahontas. The 4 latter, who with his aged wife, have been in faithful attendance at his bedside during the last weeks of his illness, which was dated since last October.

In more optimistic moments during his failing health, deceased expressed a desire to live until his 60th wedding anniversary but on Wednesday afternoon September 6 he was laid to rest in the West Bend cemetery. Funeral services being held in the Methodist Church under the charge of I.O.O.F. lodge, Rev. Bottom delivering the sermon. The following pall bearers were all past Grands, officiating: Frank Shellmyer, George Post, Chas. DeWitt, Frank Foley, Clem Grove and Louie Hofstudter.

The death of David Acheson marks the passing of another pioneer settler of our county. For 53 years Mr. & Mrs. Acheson experienced the hardships of early homestead life and built up a home whose hospitality portals never turned a stranger from the gate and where neighbors and friends were always sure of a welcome no matter when they came. Among the many who came during his confinement to his home to lend assistance and to help pass the long hours, were those whom he had rendered assistance in hours of like need. Deceased was a faithful attendant of the M.E. Church and a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge since it was first organized in West Bend. Up until the last October he was an active man and a familiar figure on the streets of our city taking a keen interest in the current events of the day and delighted in discussing them with his friends. He was a good citizen and a whole community, with the family mourns the passing of this grand old man.