Robert Beckett (1825-1897)

BECKETT, DELONG, BENN

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 1/20/2018 at 03:13:44

Mr. Robert Beckett died at his home in Osceola Saturday, August 12th of paralysis, after a long illness dating from the stroke in November, 1897.

He was born in Daviess county, Indiana, December 27, 1825, and was therefore seventy-three years, seven months and fifteen days old. He came to Iowa in 1840; stopped in Cedar county through the winter; went to Madison county next spring, where he taught school a while, then came to Osceola in 1851.

He was among the first businessmen in Osceola. In 1854 he became a partner in a general store and remained in business until 1855, when he was elected treasurer of Clarke county and served one term. After going out of office, he again engaged in business for a number of years.

On February 16, 1862, he was married to Miss Mary A. DeLong at the home of Wm. Kelley in Washington township. The seven years following his marriage, Mr. Beckett farmed on and near the site of the old fair ground.

In 1869 he traded his farm for the Tom Brown stock of general merchandise. A few years afterward he failed. After that he followed grain and stock buying mostly. Mr. Beckett was quite prominent in the early history of the county. In his active life he was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders. In 1867 and 1869 he was candidate on the Democratic ticket for representative, but could not overcome the large Republican majority.

Mr. Beckett was a good-hearted, whole-souled man. He made hosts of friends and died with the satisfaction of knowing he had no enemies. His generous nature proved disastrous to him as a businessman, but he did not let this detract from his own integrity.

He leaves three children, Mrs. Alice Benn, A. J. Beckett of Albia and Charley Beckett of Pittsburg, Pa. and the bereaved wife and mother. The funeral services were held at his late home in Osceola Monday forenoon. Rev. Wright delivering the sermon, after which the remains were interred in the Osceola cemetery.

Osceola Sentinel, August 17, 1899