From the Adams County Press, Saturday June 27, 1903, Page 4 Column 2 Reuben BEESTON, for forty-seven years a resident of the town of Monroe, and one of the most prominent and influential farmers of the county, died at his home in that town last Friday evening, of creeping paralysis. Mr. BEESTON was first stricken with the dread disease on April 21, 1890, and for the past six years had been confined to the house. During the last three months of his life he was entirely helpless. At about five o' clock Friday evening a marked change for the worse was noted in his condition, and he sank rapidly, passing away at ten o' clock. For some time prior to his death he had been unable to speak above a whisper, but shortly before the end he regained his voice and spoke clearly and distinctly, calling the members of the family to his bedside to bid them farewell. His last words to the stricken family were: "God be with you 'till we meet again." Reuben BEESTON was a native of England, having been born at Weston Hills, Lincolnshire, in that country, on March 6, 1827. He remained in the old country until twenty-three years of age, when he came to the States and purchased forty acres of farming land near what are now the limits of the great city of Chicago. Here, on March 6, 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. WILLIAMSON. In 1856, Mr. and Mrs. BEESTON came to this state and located in the town of Monroe in this county. For more than twenty-five years their home had been on the farm where Mr. BEESTON died. Mr. BEESTON was a veteran of the War of the Rebellion, serving from November to July in the 17th Regiment, Co. E., 17th Brigade, and was with Sherman on his long march to the sea. Mr. BEESTON enjoyed the greatest confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen, and was for many terms chosen by them as chairman of the town. He also for many years was one of the county poor commissioners, prior to the election of Edward WILLIAMSON to the office, being compelled to resign on account of ill health. For the past forty-seven years with every enterprise that tended to the development of the town of Monroe and the advancement of the public good has been found closely associated with the name of Reuben BEESTON--a name revered by all his friends and on which his enemies, if such there be, could find no stain. To Mr. and Mrs. BEESTON were born nine children--three sons and six daughters. Jane died in infancy; May at the age of three months; William Henry at the age of ten months. The six surviving children are--Mrs. Wm. WALKER of Friendship; George BEESTON of Chippewa Falls; Mrs. A. W. HORTON of Spring Creek; Mrs. W. E. SKINNER of Chicago; Susan BEESTON of Nekoosa, and Martin of Racine. All his children were at his bedside when he passed away, except George, Martin and Mrs. W. E. SKINNER. Mr. BEESTON is also survived by his wife, by whose faithful, constant care during his long illness his life was prolonged. Mr. BEESTON many years ago embraced the Methodist faith, and had ever remained a faithful and conscientious member of the church of his choice. In his family relations he was most exemplary, and the influence of such a father is attested by the large family of children who have gone forth from that roof and are now leading useful, honorable lives in the great world outside. Funeral services for Mr. BEESTON were held at the family home Sunday afternoon at one o' clock, conducted by Rev. Rob't Smith of Barnum, who chose for his text this passage: "And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." The floral offerings were many and beautiful, among them being one of white rosebuds forming the word "Rest". The local choir furnished the appropriate music, and Mr. J. W. Gunning, of Friendship, assisted in the funeral arrangements. The funeral services were largely attended, many being present from Necedah, Nekoosa and Friendship. More than forty carriages followed the remains to the Strongs Prairie cemetery, where, surrounded by his family and the friends and comrades of many years, he was laid at rest to await the summons of Him, to whom with the dying breath he commended his family till they meet again.Back to menu page
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