Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 68, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 April 1908 — FORMER PRESIDING ELDER DEAD [ARTICLE]

FORMER PRESIDING ELDER DEAD

Rev. Samuel Beck, Well Known In Rensselaer, Died Wednesday At His Home in Sonth Bend. Rev. Samuel Beck, corresponding secretary of the Preachers' Aid society, and one of the best known Methodist ministers in this part of the state, died Wednesday morning at 10:30 o’clock at the family residence 820 Ashland avenue, South Bend, of uraemic poisoning following an extended illness with a complication of diseases, aged 75 years.' During his work in the ministry he filled many pastorates, for many years labored as a presiding elder and served more years in the Methodist conference than any one now living in the country. The funeral was held from the residence Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. M. H. Appleby, of South Bend, had charge of the services.. The pall bearers were Rev. William Forney Hovis, D. D., Rev. Fred W. Hixson, of South Bend; Rev. 0. Claud Travis, 0? Mishawaka; Rev. M. J. Perdue, of River Park; Rev. H. L. Davis, of Valparaiso, and Rev. A. H. Lawrence, of New Carlisle. The interment was made a,t the South Bend city cemetery. Rev. Samuel Beck, who for many years was an efficient laborer in the cause of Christianity in northern Indiana in the Methodist Episcopal church, was a son of William Beck, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, in 1908. He was bom in Wayne county, Ind., Nov. 3, i 832, the family having traveled overland before Indiana was admitted to statehood. His boyhood days were spent on a farm in Wayne county, where he attended common school during the fall and winter season. When 16 years old Mr. Beck moved with his parents to Putnam county, Ind., but prior to this time he had taught one term of school In Wayne county. During the winter of 1849-50 young Beck continued the dual occupation of teachng and farming. From his youth, Rev. Mr. Beck possessed a deeply religidus nature, and as he grew older the meaning and responsibilities of life wore a yet graver aspect for him, finally leading him into the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1858. In 1864 he entered the Northwest Indiana conference, his first appointment being at Covington; after that date he filled many appointments and achieved much success, A strong and forcible speaker, earnest In the presentation of the truth, his efforts were abundantly blessed, and although he practically retired from active ministry five years hgo, he earnestly continued the work to which he devoted his life lu early manhood. j

After his first appointment, Rev. Mr Beck was during his subsequent years stationed at Attica, Crawfordsvllle, Greencastle, Florenton, Terre Haute and Brazil. At this time he was made presiding elder of the Frankfort district, serving for four years. During the following three years he was stationed at Asbufy and Terre Haute, after which he served six years in the Laporte district, and took up his residence In South Bend. Subsequently for a similar period he served as the presiding elder of the Valparaiso district, closing his term of service there In 1902. He was then appointed corresponding secretary of the Preachers’ Aid society, while In addition and by request of the quarterly conference he served as associate pastor of the First M. E. church in South Bend. ! The well known minister was united In marriage Nov. 18, 1854, to Elizabeth Adair, of Putnam County, Indiana and they were the parents of 4 children, Emma, wife of Rev. J. W. Walker, D. D., presiding elder of the Greencastle district; another the wife of Dr. James Watson, of Des Moines, la.; Lillian, deceased wife of Daniel Rich, of South Bend, and Bertha 8., wife of Horace Zimmerman, circulation manager of the South Bend Times. Mrs. Beck died In Greencastle In 1875, and In 1876 Mr. Beck was married to Harriet N. Dunlap, of Perrysville. Their only child, Hubert beck, died at the age of two years. Mr. Beck, who was one of nine children, Is also survived by two brothers, M. M. Beck, who served aa captain of the Eighth Indiana battery during the civil war, and Is now editor of the Holton County Reoord and Tribune, Holton, Hans., and David D. Beck, postmaster at Soott, Kan a. See our new stock of lace curtains. ROWLEB ft PARKER.