PASSING OF A PIONEER
Allison Becknell Spent Over Half a Century in This County.
Sunday afternoon, Nov. 20, 1910, saw one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the history of this county, when hundreds of friends met at the late home of Allison W. Becknell, near Stennett, to pay their last respects to a man who through 53 years of residence there had proved himself a man worthy the friendship of all with whom he had dealings or was thrown in contact.
The funeral services were held at the home at 1 o'clock, Rev. W. W. Merritt, of Red Oak, who had known Mr. Becknell during his entire residence in this county, and Rev. T. J. Reznor, each delivering an address. Both delivered splendid tributes to the character and worth of Mr. Becknell. There was music by the choir of the Elliott Christian church. Friends who acted as pallbearers were Paul P. Clark, J. J. Abbott, Geo. W. Pogue, Henry Sweger, Henry Ebert and Henry Wright. The body was brought to Red Oak for burial in Evergreen cemetery, the accompanying cortege being nearly a mile in length.
Attendance at the funeral was in no wise confined to people living in the neighborhood of Stennett, but included large numbers from Red Oak, Elliott, and all parts of the county. It is doubtful if for a good many years there has been a gathering of any kind where the attendance of Montgomery county pioneers has been so general.
Mr. Becknell passed away, Wednesday, November 16, at about 12:20 o'clock, noon, from illness with which he suffered for about five years. Two years ago a stroke of paralysis proved the final breaking of his strength and since that time he had been unable to attend to business matters but not until about four weeks before his death did he take to his bed.
At the time of his death Mr. Becknell was in his 73d year. He was born in Washington county, Indiana, January 20, 1838, and when nine years of age moved to Iowa with his parents who located in Scott county. Two years later his mother died, and the remainder of his boyhood days were spent with an uncle, Joseph Mounts. Mr. Becknell came to Montgomery county first in 1857, returning to Scott county for a few months, and then again to this county, in 1858. He purchased from Jason Straight an 80 acre farm where he had since continuously made his home, and upon which he died. Another piece of 20 acres and one of 40 acres were added to the original farm in later purchases.
While Mr. Becknell was actively engaged in farming during the greater part of the time, he was in the business of buying livestock for many years. He first associated with Wm. Penn and Chas. Atwood in the firm of Becknell, Penn & Atwood, and later engaged with Wayne Stennett, at Stennett and Red Oak, and with Henry Reynolds at Elliott.
Since young manhood Mr. Becknell had been a staunch Democrat. In 1887 Mr. Becknell was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for member of the board of supervisors. At the election he received 216 more votes than the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor received, he running ahead of the party ticket in every precinct but two. He carried his home township of Sherman by a majority of 82, the total vote of the township being 224.
At the time of Mr. Becknell's arrival in Montgomery county it was sparsely settled, and he made the acquaintance of all the pioneers. With them he stood well and among them universal respect was accorded him. As the country became more thickly populated, he kept in touch with the new comers and only those who arrived here after he was a man of past middle age, were outside the circle of acquaintance and friendship. In business, in politics and in social intercourse, he was a man in whom all could find virtues worthy of the upright, fair-minded man that he was.
On February 10, 1861, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Stennett, at the home of Wayne Stennett the bride's brother, in Stennett. Nine children were born to them, twins, a son and daughter, dying in infancy. Mrs. Becknell and seven children survive. The children are Mrs. Josie Mick of Stennett, Mrs. Maggie Smith of Falls Creek, Pa., E. E. Becknell of West township, Mrs. Ida Thomas of Murray, Mrs. Ella Sandquist of Stennett and Henry M. and Miss Anna Becknell, who made their home with their parents. All were in attendance at the funeral except Mrs. Smith, who could not come. Three sisters, Mrs. Luther Clark of Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Samantha Hughes of St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. Bell Henderson of Omaha, and a half-brother, H. Becknell of Chandler, Okla., also survive him. Mrs. Henderson was here for the funeral and Mrs. Clark left about two weeks ago, having been here during Mr. Becknell's illness. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cole, Mr. Cole, a nephew, were here from Hancock, Iowa, and Oscar Harlan was here from Kearney, Neb., also.
The following is a part of Rev. Merritt's tribute to the memory of Mr. Becknell:
REV. MERRITT'S TRIBUTE.
A good man has fallen in life's battle. He has been a familiar figure in this community during the entire history of Montgomery county. A pioneer of the pioneers, and has contributed in no small way to the various lines of progress in the up building of the county.
He was industrious and diligent in business, commanding the confidence and respect of those with whom he had business relations. He was the noblest work of God, an honest man, and nearing life's close he found satisfaction, and pleasure in the reflection, as he expressed it "of never having knowingly wronged a human being."
He died in confidence in a power too wise to err and too good to be unkind. The golden rule was his law and gospel; this was more to him than any abstract theories expressed in the creeds of men.
Men of his type conserve the best interest of society, Mr. Becknell was charitable, tolerant, of broad and liberal views; a good neighbor, a kind husband and father.
He will be greatly missed in this community. After an acquaintance and friendship of more than half a century, I bear testimony and indulge in no undue eulogy.
J. A. Shuey, a friend of many years, says in tribute to Mr. Becknell, "After an acquaintance of more than 40 years, I am pleased to say that Allison Becknell was one of God's noblemen, plain, honest, sincere and unassuming, having what may be called the homely virtue in full measure. His estimate of his fellows was based in their acts, not on their professions. He was cordial in his friendship, and will be greatly missed by the community. Because of his pure heart and correct life, the Lord has owned him and taken him into eternal rest."
Allison Becknell Spent Over Half a Century in This County.
Sunday afternoon, Nov. 20, 1910, saw one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the history of this county, when hundreds of friends met at the late home of Allison W. Becknell, near Stennett, to pay their last respects to a man who through 53 years of residence there had proved himself a man worthy the friendship of all with whom he had dealings or was thrown in contact.
The funeral services were held at the home at 1 o'clock, Rev. W. W. Merritt, of Red Oak, who had known Mr. Becknell during his entire residence in this county, and Rev. T. J. Reznor, each delivering an address. Both delivered splendid tributes to the character and worth of Mr. Becknell. There was music by the choir of the Elliott Christian church. Friends who acted as pallbearers were Paul P. Clark, J. J. Abbott, Geo. W. Pogue, Henry Sweger, Henry Ebert and Henry Wright. The body was brought to Red Oak for burial in Evergreen cemetery, the accompanying cortege being nearly a mile in length.
Attendance at the funeral was in no wise confined to people living in the neighborhood of Stennett, but included large numbers from Red Oak, Elliott, and all parts of the county. It is doubtful if for a good many years there has been a gathering of any kind where the attendance of Montgomery county pioneers has been so general.
Mr. Becknell passed away, Wednesday, November 16, at about 12:20 o'clock, noon, from illness with which he suffered for about five years. Two years ago a stroke of paralysis proved the final breaking of his strength and since that time he had been unable to attend to business matters but not until about four weeks before his death did he take to his bed.
At the time of his death Mr. Becknell was in his 73d year. He was born in Washington county, Indiana, January 20, 1838, and when nine years of age moved to Iowa with his parents who located in Scott county. Two years later his mother died, and the remainder of his boyhood days were spent with an uncle, Joseph Mounts. Mr. Becknell came to Montgomery county first in 1857, returning to Scott county for a few months, and then again to this county, in 1858. He purchased from Jason Straight an 80 acre farm where he had since continuously made his home, and upon which he died. Another piece of 20 acres and one of 40 acres were added to the original farm in later purchases.
While Mr. Becknell was actively engaged in farming during the greater part of the time, he was in the business of buying livestock for many years. He first associated with Wm. Penn and Chas. Atwood in the firm of Becknell, Penn & Atwood, and later engaged with Wayne Stennett, at Stennett and Red Oak, and with Henry Reynolds at Elliott.
Since young manhood Mr. Becknell had been a staunch Democrat. In 1887 Mr. Becknell was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for member of the board of supervisors. At the election he received 216 more votes than the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor received, he running ahead of the party ticket in every precinct but two. He carried his home township of Sherman by a majority of 82, the total vote of the township being 224.
At the time of Mr. Becknell's arrival in Montgomery county it was sparsely settled, and he made the acquaintance of all the pioneers. With them he stood well and among them universal respect was accorded him. As the country became more thickly populated, he kept in touch with the new comers and only those who arrived here after he was a man of past middle age, were outside the circle of acquaintance and friendship. In business, in politics and in social intercourse, he was a man in whom all could find virtues worthy of the upright, fair-minded man that he was.
On February 10, 1861, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Stennett, at the home of Wayne Stennett the bride's brother, in Stennett. Nine children were born to them, twins, a son and daughter, dying in infancy. Mrs. Becknell and seven children survive. The children are Mrs. Josie Mick of Stennett, Mrs. Maggie Smith of Falls Creek, Pa., E. E. Becknell of West township, Mrs. Ida Thomas of Murray, Mrs. Ella Sandquist of Stennett and Henry M. and Miss Anna Becknell, who made their home with their parents. All were in attendance at the funeral except Mrs. Smith, who could not come. Three sisters, Mrs. Luther Clark of Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Samantha Hughes of St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. Bell Henderson of Omaha, and a half-brother, H. Becknell of Chandler, Okla., also survive him. Mrs. Henderson was here for the funeral and Mrs. Clark left about two weeks ago, having been here during Mr. Becknell's illness. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cole, Mr. Cole, a nephew, were here from Hancock, Iowa, and Oscar Harlan was here from Kearney, Neb., also.
The following is a part of Rev. Merritt's tribute to the memory of Mr. Becknell:
REV. MERRITT'S TRIBUTE.
A good man has fallen in life's battle. He has been a familiar figure in this community during the entire history of Montgomery county. A pioneer of the pioneers, and has contributed in no small way to the various lines of progress in the up building of the county.
He was industrious and diligent in business, commanding the confidence and respect of those with whom he had business relations. He was the noblest work of God, an honest man, and nearing life's close he found satisfaction, and pleasure in the reflection, as he expressed it "of never having knowingly wronged a human being."
He died in confidence in a power too wise to err and too good to be unkind. The golden rule was his law and gospel; this was more to him than any abstract theories expressed in the creeds of men.
Men of his type conserve the best interest of society, Mr. Becknell was charitable, tolerant, of broad and liberal views; a good neighbor, a kind husband and father.
He will be greatly missed in this community. After an acquaintance and friendship of more than half a century, I bear testimony and indulge in no undue eulogy.
J. A. Shuey, a friend of many years, says in tribute to Mr. Becknell, "After an acquaintance of more than 40 years, I am pleased to say that Allison Becknell was one of God's noblemen, plain, honest, sincere and unassuming, having what may be called the homely virtue in full measure. His estimate of his fellows was based in their acts, not on their professions. He was cordial in his friendship, and will be greatly missed by the community. Because of his pure heart and correct life, the Lord has owned him and taken him into eternal rest."
PASSING OF A PIONEER
Allison Becknell Spent Over Half a Century in This County.
Sunday afternoon, Nov. 20, 1910, saw one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the history of this county, when hundreds of friends met at the late home of Allison W. Becknell, near Stennett, to pay their last respects to a man who through 53 years of residence there had proved himself a man worthy the friendship of all with whom he had dealings or was thrown in contact.
The funeral services were held at the home at 1 o'clock, Rev. W. W. Merritt, of Red Oak, who had known Mr. Becknell during his entire residence in this county, and Rev. T. J. Reznor, each delivering an address. Both delivered splendid tributes to the character and worth of Mr. Becknell. There was music by the choir of the Elliott Christian church. Friends who acted as pallbearers were Paul P. Clark, J. J. Abbott, Geo. W. Pogue, Henry Sweger, Henry Ebert and Henry Wright. The body was brought to Red Oak for burial in Evergreen cemetery, the accompanying cortege being nearly a mile in length.
Attendance at the funeral was in no wise confined to people living in the neighborhood of Stennett, but included large numbers from Red Oak, Elliott, and all parts of the county. It is doubtful if for a good many years there has been a gathering of any kind where the attendance of Montgomery county pioneers has been so general.
Mr. Becknell passed away, Wednesday, November 16, at about 12:20 o'clock, noon, from illness with which he suffered for about five years. Two years ago a stroke of paralysis proved the final breaking of his strength and since that time he had been unable to attend to business matters but not until about four weeks before his death did he take to his bed.
At the time of his death Mr. Becknell was in his 73d year. He was born in Washington county, Indiana, January 20, 1838, and when nine years of age moved to Iowa with his parents who located in Scott county. Two years later his mother died, and the remainder of his boyhood days were spent with an uncle, Joseph Mounts. Mr. Becknell came to Montgomery county first in 1857, returning to Scott county for a few months, and then again to this county, in 1858. He purchased from Jason Straight an 80 acre farm where he had since continuously made his home, and upon which he died. Another piece of 20 acres and one of 40 acres were added to the original farm in later purchases.
While Mr. Becknell was actively engaged in farming during the greater part of the time, he was in the business of buying livestock for many years. He first associated with Wm. Penn and Chas. Atwood in the firm of Becknell, Penn & Atwood, and later engaged with Wayne Stennett, at Stennett and Red Oak, and with Henry Reynolds at Elliott.
Since young manhood Mr. Becknell had been a staunch Democrat. In 1887 Mr. Becknell was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for member of the board of supervisors. At the election he received 216 more votes than the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor received, he running ahead of the party ticket in every precinct but two. He carried his home township of Sherman by a majority of 82, the total vote of the township being 224.
At the time of Mr. Becknell's arrival in Montgomery county it was sparsely settled, and he made the acquaintance of all the pioneers. With them he stood well and among them universal respect was accorded him. As the country became more thickly populated, he kept in touch with the new comers and only those who arrived here after he was a man of past middle age, were outside the circle of acquaintance and friendship. In business, in politics and in social intercourse, he was a man in whom all could find virtues worthy of the upright, fair-minded man that he was.
On February 10, 1861, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Stennett, at the home of Wayne Stennett the bride's brother, in Stennett. Nine children were born to them, twins, a son and daughter, dying in infancy. Mrs. Becknell and seven children survive. The children are Mrs. Josie Mick of Stennett, Mrs. Maggie Smith of Falls Creek, Pa., E. E. Becknell of West township, Mrs. Ida Thomas of Murray, Mrs. Ella Sandquist of Stennett and Henry M. and Miss Anna Becknell, who made their home with their parents. All were in attendance at the funeral except Mrs. Smith, who could not come. Three sisters, Mrs. Luther Clark of Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Samantha Hughes of St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. Bell Henderson of Omaha, and a half-brother, H. Becknell of Chandler, Okla., also survive him. Mrs. Henderson was here for the funeral and Mrs. Clark left about two weeks ago, having been here during Mr. Becknell's illness. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cole, Mr. Cole, a nephew, were here from Hancock, Iowa, and Oscar Harlan was here from Kearney, Neb., also.
The following is a part of Rev. Merritt's tribute to the memory of Mr. Becknell:
REV. MERRITT'S TRIBUTE.
A good man has fallen in life's battle. He has been a familiar figure in this community during the entire history of Montgomery county. A pioneer of the pioneers, and has contributed in no small way to the various lines of progress in the up building of the county.
He was industrious and diligent in business, commanding the confidence and respect of those with whom he had business relations. He was the noblest work of God, an honest man, and nearing life's close he found satisfaction, and pleasure in the reflection, as he expressed it "of never having knowingly wronged a human being."
He died in confidence in a power too wise to err and too good to be unkind. The golden rule was his law and gospel; this was more to him than any abstract theories expressed in the creeds of men.
Men of his type conserve the best interest of society, Mr. Becknell was charitable, tolerant, of broad and liberal views; a good neighbor, a kind husband and father.
He will be greatly missed in this community. After an acquaintance and friendship of more than half a century, I bear testimony and indulge in no undue eulogy.
J. A. Shuey, a friend of many years, says in tribute to Mr. Becknell, "After an acquaintance of more than 40 years, I am pleased to say that Allison Becknell was one of God's noblemen, plain, honest, sincere and unassuming, having what may be called the homely virtue in full measure. His estimate of his fellows was based in their acts, not on their professions. He was cordial in his friendship, and will be greatly missed by the community. Because of his pure heart and correct life, the Lord has owned him and taken him into eternal rest."
Allison Becknell Spent Over Half a Century in This County.
Sunday afternoon, Nov. 20, 1910, saw one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the history of this county, when hundreds of friends met at the late home of Allison W. Becknell, near Stennett, to pay their last respects to a man who through 53 years of residence there had proved himself a man worthy the friendship of all with whom he had dealings or was thrown in contact.
The funeral services were held at the home at 1 o'clock, Rev. W. W. Merritt, of Red Oak, who had known Mr. Becknell during his entire residence in this county, and Rev. T. J. Reznor, each delivering an address. Both delivered splendid tributes to the character and worth of Mr. Becknell. There was music by the choir of the Elliott Christian church. Friends who acted as pallbearers were Paul P. Clark, J. J. Abbott, Geo. W. Pogue, Henry Sweger, Henry Ebert and Henry Wright. The body was brought to Red Oak for burial in Evergreen cemetery, the accompanying cortege being nearly a mile in length.
Attendance at the funeral was in no wise confined to people living in the neighborhood of Stennett, but included large numbers from Red Oak, Elliott, and all parts of the county. It is doubtful if for a good many years there has been a gathering of any kind where the attendance of Montgomery county pioneers has been so general.
Mr. Becknell passed away, Wednesday, November 16, at about 12:20 o'clock, noon, from illness with which he suffered for about five years. Two years ago a stroke of paralysis proved the final breaking of his strength and since that time he had been unable to attend to business matters but not until about four weeks before his death did he take to his bed.
At the time of his death Mr. Becknell was in his 73d year. He was born in Washington county, Indiana, January 20, 1838, and when nine years of age moved to Iowa with his parents who located in Scott county. Two years later his mother died, and the remainder of his boyhood days were spent with an uncle, Joseph Mounts. Mr. Becknell came to Montgomery county first in 1857, returning to Scott county for a few months, and then again to this county, in 1858. He purchased from Jason Straight an 80 acre farm where he had since continuously made his home, and upon which he died. Another piece of 20 acres and one of 40 acres were added to the original farm in later purchases.
While Mr. Becknell was actively engaged in farming during the greater part of the time, he was in the business of buying livestock for many years. He first associated with Wm. Penn and Chas. Atwood in the firm of Becknell, Penn & Atwood, and later engaged with Wayne Stennett, at Stennett and Red Oak, and with Henry Reynolds at Elliott.
Since young manhood Mr. Becknell had been a staunch Democrat. In 1887 Mr. Becknell was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for member of the board of supervisors. At the election he received 216 more votes than the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor received, he running ahead of the party ticket in every precinct but two. He carried his home township of Sherman by a majority of 82, the total vote of the township being 224.
At the time of Mr. Becknell's arrival in Montgomery county it was sparsely settled, and he made the acquaintance of all the pioneers. With them he stood well and among them universal respect was accorded him. As the country became more thickly populated, he kept in touch with the new comers and only those who arrived here after he was a man of past middle age, were outside the circle of acquaintance and friendship. In business, in politics and in social intercourse, he was a man in whom all could find virtues worthy of the upright, fair-minded man that he was.
On February 10, 1861, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Stennett, at the home of Wayne Stennett the bride's brother, in Stennett. Nine children were born to them, twins, a son and daughter, dying in infancy. Mrs. Becknell and seven children survive. The children are Mrs. Josie Mick of Stennett, Mrs. Maggie Smith of Falls Creek, Pa., E. E. Becknell of West township, Mrs. Ida Thomas of Murray, Mrs. Ella Sandquist of Stennett and Henry M. and Miss Anna Becknell, who made their home with their parents. All were in attendance at the funeral except Mrs. Smith, who could not come. Three sisters, Mrs. Luther Clark of Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Samantha Hughes of St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. Bell Henderson of Omaha, and a half-brother, H. Becknell of Chandler, Okla., also survive him. Mrs. Henderson was here for the funeral and Mrs. Clark left about two weeks ago, having been here during Mr. Becknell's illness. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cole, Mr. Cole, a nephew, were here from Hancock, Iowa, and Oscar Harlan was here from Kearney, Neb., also.
The following is a part of Rev. Merritt's tribute to the memory of Mr. Becknell:
REV. MERRITT'S TRIBUTE.
A good man has fallen in life's battle. He has been a familiar figure in this community during the entire history of Montgomery county. A pioneer of the pioneers, and has contributed in no small way to the various lines of progress in the up building of the county.
He was industrious and diligent in business, commanding the confidence and respect of those with whom he had business relations. He was the noblest work of God, an honest man, and nearing life's close he found satisfaction, and pleasure in the reflection, as he expressed it "of never having knowingly wronged a human being."
He died in confidence in a power too wise to err and too good to be unkind. The golden rule was his law and gospel; this was more to him than any abstract theories expressed in the creeds of men.
Men of his type conserve the best interest of society, Mr. Becknell was charitable, tolerant, of broad and liberal views; a good neighbor, a kind husband and father.
He will be greatly missed in this community. After an acquaintance and friendship of more than half a century, I bear testimony and indulge in no undue eulogy.
J. A. Shuey, a friend of many years, says in tribute to Mr. Becknell, "After an acquaintance of more than 40 years, I am pleased to say that Allison Becknell was one of God's noblemen, plain, honest, sincere and unassuming, having what may be called the homely virtue in full measure. His estimate of his fellows was based in their acts, not on their professions. He was cordial in his friendship, and will be greatly missed by the community. Because of his pure heart and correct life, the Lord has owned him and taken him into eternal rest."
Inscription
FATHER
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
