Gresham Pioneer Dies After Long Illness

William M. Beers, for 43 years a resident near Gresham, passed away at his home July 2, aged nearly 68 years. He was born in Douglas county, Iowa, July 25, 1858. On July 2, 1881 he married Mrs. Annie Summerfelt at Mariden, Kansas, who with four sons and three daughters survives him. Mr. Beers spent many years in the saw mill business in the Gresham and Pleasant Home districts. His home during the greater part of the time was on his farm near Hogan station. For more than three years he has been in ill health and has been a great sufferer from Bright's disease and attending ailments.
Besides his widow, Mrs. Annie Beers, Mr. Beers is survived by the following sons and daughters: G. Ernest, Hobart and Mrs. Bessie Dixon of Portland, William, Mrs. Etta Hoover and Mrs. Lucy Donley of Gresham and Henry of Estacada, also nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The following brothers and sisters also remain: Mrs. Clementine Metzger of Gresham, Zeek, Frank and George Beers and Mrs. Violet Pfaff of Portland, Mrs. Catherine Weatherley of Newberg and Mrs. Emma Metzger of Lodi, California.
Mr. Beers was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Gresham, of Gresham Rebekah lodge, Golden Rule Encampment of Odd Fellows and of Multnomah Camp No. 77, Woodmen of the World.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist Episcopal church, which were largely attended by relatives and friends of the deceased. Dr. C. W. Huett had charge of the service. Dr. A. Thompson preached the sermon and the Rev David Cathey, an old friend and neighbor, spoke of the character of Mr. Beers. Music for the occasion was furnished by a quartet consisting of C. E. Rusher, Miss Martha Hagberg, Mrs. H. L. St. Clair and Leslie Walrad with Miss Amy Cooper at the piano. The pall bearers were John and George Sleret, George Kenney, E. H. Kelly, C. H. Lane and Will Johnson. Interment was in the family lot in Gresham cemetery, where the Gresham Odd Fellows lodge had a charge of the burial service. A wonderful array of beautiful floral pieces covered the last resting place of the deceased.
Funeral arrangements were in the hands of Gates Funeral home.