Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1910-12-24
DIED.

william McBeath passed from this
earth life December 18th, 1910, aged 81
years. His departure took place at his
ranch near Pass Creek, twenty-five miles
southwest from Custer, and was altogeth-
er sudden and unexpected, as he had
been in his usual health and was only
sick for a few hours.
Mr.. McBeath was born in Edinburgh,
Scotland, and was about q years of age
when he came to the United States
staying for short time in Alleghaney
county and finally settling in Prophets
town, Whiteside county, Illinois. In
this place he remained for eleven years
where he was engaged in dairy and
creamery business until 1883 when he
came to Custer and resided with his
family on his ranch about five miles
southeast from town.
Mr.. McBeath was married to Mrs.
Charlotte Thompson in Illinois in 1873.
His wife accompanied him to the
Hills and still resides on the ranch,
bowed down in sorrow, mourning for
her departed mate. The funeral was
held in the Congregational church, Rev.
Katherine w. Powell officiating, and
his remains were buried in the Custer
cemetery on the Goth of December, 1910.
Such in brief is the record of one who
has lived in this community for twenty
seven years and was known far and wide
as good citizen, a good husband, a good
friend and an honorable man. 1t is
customary upon occasions of this kind,
when we are called upon to bid long
farewell to one whom we have all known
so long and we'll to remark upon his dis
position, to call incidents of his life,
and dwell upon any peculiar character
istics of the man.
Upon these points there is not much
that we are called upon to note, except
perhaps to say that in all his ways and
walk and conversation he was essential
ly Scotcbman. He was large of mould
strong in his likes and dislikes, keen to
appreciate Kindness, quick to resent
an insult or wrong and honest in his
dealings with his fellow men. He was
Industrious and diigent in his business,
and acquired a small fortune in the
raising of cattle and horses which was
his occupation.
He was strong in his individuality,
strong in his Scotch accent, and although
he was life long member of the Pres
byterian church and believed in the
doctrines of the lowly Nazerene, He
did not always find it easy to comply
with it's teachings. mean with regard
10 the doctrine of returning good for
evil. He believed in IAN eye for an
eye, and tooth for a TOOTH" and this
to him to be fair and right and
just. Had he adopted that rule in life
he might perhaps have spared himself
much friction, but l appeal to you who
knew him in the town and to you who
were his neighbors on the broad prairie,
look into your own hearts and see how
many ofyo have practiced that sub
lime virtue in your lives.
Of his relatives across the ocean little
is known. There is nephew living on
the ranch and helping care for the stock
and sister of the widow on a visit is
still with her and will do what they can
to comfort her in her sad and sorrowful
bereavement.
And now on behalf of the many
friends of the deceased in this commun-
ity we extend our heartfelt sympathy
in this her hour of deep affliction and
grief. May the good Angels draw close
around her to soothe to comfort and
her until she is called to meet
her loved one in the better land.
G. w. ROBBINS.