William B. Beeson
Died December 23, 1872
Our citizens were startled on Monday morning last with the report that William B. Beeson, one of our oldest settlers and the oldest merchant in this city, was in a dying condition. The writer of this hastened to his residence and found the report too true. Mr. Beeson expired at 15 minutes past 9 o'clock, on Monday morning, the 23d, at the age of 63 years. To his numerous friends it will be interesting to know that he expired as quietly and as easily as a child falls to sleep in its mother's arms. There were present his faithful wife, his sister, Mrs. R.P. Barker, two attending physicians, Drs. Richardson and Mead, his two sons, and an old friend. He was conscious until the last, and said to his physicians--"I am passing off very quietly." The last visit Mr. Beeson made to his store was on Friday previous to his death, where he was taken with a severe chill and was conveyed home. A furious fever followed the chill, congestion set in rapidly, and he sank away so quietly that but few knew of his serious illness.
Mr. Beeson came to this city in June, 1831, and has remained here most of this time since, and carried on a very heavy mercantile business. His store has long been the home of the old settler as well as hundreds of others. If a man wanted accommodation, his heart could hardly refuse. A new comer, perhaps just opening a farm, and was poor, he would seek out Mr. Beeson, who seldom failed to give him credit. No man among us will be missed more. Always generous, always accommodating, the farmers, the mechanics, and all will miss him, and long mourn his loss. In all public enterprises he was ever ready to contribute to the utmost extent of his abilities. He was followed to the grave on Thursday last by a large concourse of citizens.
(Source: Niles Democrat, Saturday, December 28, 1872, page 3, col. 2; Microfilm Niles District Library)