Iowa Old Press
Alton Democrat
March 2, 1895
~Miss Nora Beck, of Remsen, died last week of inflammatory rheumatism. She
was 12 years of age. Her brother, Frank Beck, of Granville, is also very
sick.
REMSEN RIPPLES:
Last Sunday the remains of Leonora, the 12-year-old daughter of M. Beck were
buried in the Catholic cemetery at this place. All the school children
turned out in a procession and gave her the escort from the house to her
last resting place. May she rest in peace.
GRANVILLE:
Among those who attended the funeral of Frank Beck’s sister at Remsen Sunday
were: F. X. Beck and family, Chas. Wagner and family, Mrs. J. P. Schwebach,
Miss Mary Croat, Mrs. T. Wiltgen and daughter, Eugene Schwebach and
daughter, Mat Welter, N. C. Martin, and John Croat.
Alton Democrat
March 16, 1895
SHORT AND SWEET.
Chris Allen of Struble committed suicide by hanging last Thursday. He had
injured one of his eyes during the winter and it seemed incurable. This is
supposed to have been the cause of the rash act. He was 22 years of age and
unmarried.
DEATH OF GOOD MRS. BETTSWORTH.
Ever since locating in Sioux county, we have heard the name of Bettsworth
referred to by the early settlers with affection and good will. Scarcely a
reminiscence of olden times has been published without reference to good
Captain Bettsworth and his wife, who, as residents of LeMars were ever
willing to extend assistance to the pioneers of this northwest country.
Hundreds of the citizens of Sioux county have broken bread at the table of
Mrs. Bettsworth and scarcely a settler came to Sioux county during the first
half dozen years of its early settlement, but that stopped at the Bettsworth
cabin on the Floyd and shared the frugal hospitality of this good couple. It
is therefore with feelings of sorrow that we chronicle the death of Mrs.
Bettsworth this week. At the funeral of this good woman, held at LeMars last
Sunday, the church was crowded by old settlers and the funeral sermon of
Rev. Joel A. Smith was touching and eloquent. Among other things said, was
the following which we glean from the LeMars Globe:
Alvira Dorothy, a native of Somerset county, Maryland, was born May 5, 1822.
She was united in marriage with Capt. B. F. Bettsworth in 1839. To this
union there were born fifteen children, eleven sons and four daughters.
Nine sons and four daughters still live to revere the memory of a sainted
mother. In 1856 they moved to Kane county, Illinois, where they remained
until 1866 when they moved to Iowa and settled in LeMars. Their first home
was a log house built on the banks of the Floyd, but the heart made the home
spacious for the friend or the stranger and many found a welcome shelter
under its roof. Capt. Bettsworth also built the first two frame houses
erected in LeMars.
Beginning life in Plymouth county, Mother Bettsworth shared with her husband
privations that are known to the pioneer of this western land. She was
truly a faithful helpmeet. While her husband was breaking the first ground
about their new home, she was busy in caring for the family and household
needs. She was the only instructor until after the first school house was
built, in which the eldest son taught the first term. To Mother Bettsworth
was given the honor of entertaining the first gospel service held in LeMars,
in her own house and until her death the minister of the gospel always had a
welcome.
As a Christian woman, there was an enduring tenderness in her love never
chilled by selfishness. In all her struggles to do right, she was not
daunted by danger nor stifled by opposition. She was ever ready to sacrifice
every comfort to her family’s convenience. She surrendered every personal
pleasure to the enjoyment of her friends. She said little about herself but
never failed to exalt in the prosperity of her friends and neighbors. When
misfortune or disgrace came, she was the first to extend a hand of help.
When cares of the world came to her neighbors, Mother Bettsworth was the
first to help in the solution of the problem. The light of her loving
endeavor fell upon the path of those in distress. As a mother she looked
upon home as not merely the dwelling place of parenthood, but where sober
reality and an unselfish life can ever aid and beautify the lives of others.
Her home appealed to every fiber of her soul. Her home moved every chord of
her heart. Her queenly place is vacant, but yonder may we not think of her
as sceptered as her worth would entitle her!
Alton Democrat
March 30, 1895
REMSEN RIPPLES.
It is reported that Carl Kuchenbecker, formerly of this place has died of
lung fever at his new home in South Dakota.
Phil Conway of Remsen, was in this city Thursday, and brings us news
of a most distressing accident which happened the same day to a little
daughter of J. J. Swain, a wealthy farmer residing four miles south of that
town. While the family were in town, the little girl and her brothers were
playing, and the dress of the girl got on fire. She rain into the yard and
the wind fanned it so that the clothing was burned entirely from her body. A
passing farmer ran to her assistance but was tool late to render much aid.
All the clothing was burned from her except her shoes, and the tender flesh
scorched to a crisp in places. Medical aid was summoned and everything
possible was done for the little sufferer, but Mr. Conway says that her
death was expected hourly when he left.