Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-07-03
ANSWERED TO THE
CALL OF DEATH.
Reuben Beeston, a Pioneer of Wood County
Passes Away.

Reuben Beesten, for forty-seven
years a resident of the town of Mon
roe, 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 di Sease on April q, 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 10 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 clear
ly 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 native of
England, having been born at Weston
Hills, Lincolnshire, in that county,
on March 6. 1927. He remained in
the old country until % years of age,
when he came to the States and pur-
| chased 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 veteran of the
| War of the Rebellion, serving from
| November to July in the 18th Regi-
ment, Co. E., 18th Brigade, and was
with Sherman on his long march to
| the sea.
Mr.. Beeston enjoyed the greatest
confidence and respect of his fellow
townsman, 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 COM
PEELED to resign on account of i'll
health.
For the past fOrty-Seven years with
every enterprise that tended to de-
veiopment of the town of Monroe and
the advancement of the public good
has been found closely associated the
name of Reuben Beeston-a name re-
vered by all his friends and on which
his enemies, if such there be, coulC
find no stain.
To Mr.. and Mrs. Beeston were borr
nine children-th three sons and six
daughters Jane died in infancy
May at the age of three months
William Henry at the age of ter
months. The six surviving children
are-Mrs. VIM. 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, anC
Martin of Eacine. 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 hi.
wife, by whose faithful, constant care
during his long illness his life wa.
tgreatly prolonged.
| Mr.. Beeston many years ago EN-
braced the Methodist faith, and hal
ever remained a faithful and conscien
tious member of the church of his
choice.
In his family relations he was most
exemplary, and the influence of the
| life of such father is attested by the
large family of children who have
gone forth from the roof tree and are
now leading useful, honorable lives il
the great world outside
Funeral services for Mr.. Beestor
were held at the family home Sunday
afternoon at one o'clock, conducted by
the Rev. Robt. Smith of Barnum
who chose for his text this passage
"And 1. heard voice from HEAVIER
saying, write, blessed are the deat
which die in the Lord from hence
forth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that
they may rest from their labors; ano
their works do follow them"
| The floral offerings were many and
beautiful, among them being one OF
white rosebuGs forming the WORD
crest" The local choir furnished ap
propriate music, and Mr.. j. w. Gun.
ming 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