Mary Melissa (LESAN) LESAN

LESAN, BEARD, VANCE

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 12/16/2008 at 03:38:48

The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1927

OBITUARY - MARY MELISSA LESAN

Mary Melissa LESAN was born near Sebec, Maine, February 27, 1837, daughter of Charles and Mahitabel LESAN. She was one of a family of five brothers and four sisters, who attained manhood and womanhood. The family early moved to Bangor, where they lived till she was about fourteen years of age. They then moved to Illinois and she resided there with the family until her marriage to George W. LESAN on March 13, 1853.

With her sister and husband, D. M. LESAN [1828-1907], brother of George W. LESAN, they moved to Ringgold county in May 1855, and established their homes in section one of Poe township. They lived the first years in log houses till time and material could be had to build a home. A home was built across the road from the log house and in this place a family of four children was raised to maturity. The sons, O. L. LESAN, of Chanute, Kansas; B. M. LESAN and Dr. Cassius T. LESAN, of Mount Ayr, still survive; the daughter, Laura E. BEARD, died in 1914. Her husband died in April, 1913. All of her brothers and sisters preceded her in death, one brother, William, was killed at Stone River in the war of the rebellion. Mrs. J. E. LESAN, of Mount Ayr, and Mrs. J.P. LESAN, of Neosho, Mo., sisters-in-law, are left of her generation. She leaves to mourn her going fifteen grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Early in life with her husband she became a member of the Free Will Baptist church. Her children were raised according to high standards of christianity and morality. She was always of service to her community, truly a pioneer. She was for many years a member of the W.C.T.U. and on January 1, 1922, was made a life member of that organization.

In 1894 the home was made in Mount Ayr. After her husband's death she, for a little over a year, lived with her daughter and since the daughter's death, with her son, Dr. LESAN. Her health has been exceptional for one of her age. She celebrated her ninetieth birthday this year and kept a strong courage during her son's recent serious sickness. She was in her usual health till Monday evening. She developed pneumonia Tuesday and without much suffering approached her quiet death Wednesday morning.

Funeral services were held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Dr. LESAN home, being conducted by Rev. Jay KIRKENDALL, pastor of the Methodist church. Six grandsons, Clyde, Glen and Hugh LESAN, George VANCE and H. C. and J. W. BEARD, served as pall bearers. Interment was in Rose Hill cemetery.

NOTE: George W. LESAN, husband of Mary Melissa, was born in 1880 and died in 1913 with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Iowa.Of George W. and Mary Melisaa LESAN's children: Owen L. (O. W.) was born on February 17, 1859, and died on April 19, 1943; Burritt M. (B. M.) Was born on February 4, 1861, and died November 4, 1941; Dr. Cassius True was born on April 2, 1874, and died July 9, 1932; Laura E. (LESAN) BEARD was born on January 23, 1857, and died July 7, 1914; all interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, 2008