Simon BESECKER

Taylor,Lackawanna,Pennsylvania

Wisconsin

General Notes

# ID: I3127
# Name: Simon BESECKER
# Sex: M
# Birth: 15 APR 1824 in Taylor,Lackawanna,Pennsylvania
# Death: 1910/1916 in Wisconsin
# Note:

    BIOGRAPHY: Historical Facts and Sketches in the Life of Conrad Biesecker and His Family (by Mary Biesecker Stone, as transcribed by Alice Spencer)

    BIOGRAPHY: Simon Biesecker was strong built and well developed, a fine looking man. He never suffered any serious illness, and in the latter part of his life weighted from 200 to 225 pounds. He lived with his father in Taylor until 24 years of age. Then he married Melissa Miller, who was living in that neighborhood with her Uncle, Rufus Miller. (See Simon Biesecker-Melissa Miller Genealogy.)

    BIOGRAPHY: FAMILY NOTES
    Simon Biesecker was strong, well built, fine looking man. He never suffered any serious illnesses. To him and his wife, Melissa Miller, were born three children. Until he was 24 years of age he lived with his father in Taylor County. Then he married Melissa, who had been living in the home of her Uncle Rufus. Her father was living in Scott Township, Lackawanna County on a farm presented to him by his father's father (Grandfather Deacon John Phillips). Most of her relatives owned their own homes. This couple were very happy in their married life but it was not long before the wife said, "Simon, we must have a home of our own." The reply was, "My father has always lived in a rented farm and rised his family. Besides, I have no money ahead with which to by a home." Her only answer was, "We are going to have a home of our own and must plan for it."
    She never deprived her family of anything necessary to their health or comfort byt saved wherever possible. They were married February 1849 and on February 9, 1850 a son was born to them whom they named John Wesley. On May 22, 1851 a daughter Elvira Jane was born and on January 9, 1854 another daughter was born. She was named Mary Margaret.
    During the seven years of their marriage they had saved quite a sum of money and began to look for a suitable home of their own. One day driving through Abington they found a very desirable farm which could be obtained at a reasonable price for cash. They paid a visit to Grandpa Stephen Miller a few miles away and he approved and offered to loan them the balance of the needed cash. This they repaid before it was asked for. In the spring of 1856 they moved to the new farm with only an ox team and enough machinery to cultivate the farm. It was not long before the oxen were replaced by horses and as the years passed, improved machinery was placed on the farm and new comforts in the home. Barns and other buildings were erected and after living there 18 years a fine new home was built.
    At a nearby school the children were educated and at age 17 Elvira began teaching and continued several terms. In 1869 she married Orren Palmer Van Keuren and bore him eight children.

    BIOGRAPHY: (See children for continuation of narrative)

    BIOGRAPHY: Simon's wife Melisa died in the year 1892, sometime in the Spring. She was 74 years of age at the death. A year later Simon married Mrs. Susan Deterline, a woman about his age who had been a widow for 15 years. They lived together 19 years and her death occurred in the Spring of 1912.

    BIOGRAPHY: (See children for continuation of narrative)

    BIOGRAPHY: Simon in his last years was in charge of the weekly church meeting and since his advanced age and the fact his weight ranged around 150 lbs and better, made it hard for him to get around easily, the meetings were conducted in his home until his death. This picture of Simon and his second wife, Susan Deterline Biesecker was taken shortly before her death in 1910.

    1850 Census: Lackawanna, Luzerne, PA: Simon, 26, Melissa, 32, & John W., 9/12.

    1880 Census for North Abington, Lackawanna, PA: Simon Besecker (56, farmer, b. PA, both parents b. PA), Malissa Besecker (62, keeping house, b. & both parents b. PA), no children present in household.

    1900 Census: Waverly, Lackawanna, PA:
    Simon, b. 4/1824
    Susan, b. 9/1823, mar. 5 yrs

# Change Date: 14 FEB 2005 at 00:18:19

Father: Conrad BIESECKER b: 20 JAN 1781 in Upper Mt. Bethel Twp,Northampton,Pennsylvania
Mother: Margaret Matilda SWARTZ b: 13 NOV 1782 in Drinker,Lackawanna,Pennsylvania

Marriage 1 Melissa MILLER b: 27 OCT 1817 in ,Pennsylvania

    * Married: 1849

Children

   1. Has Children John Wesley BESECKER b: FEB 1850 in Pennsylvania
   2. Has Children Elvira Jane BESECKER b: 22 MAY 1851 in Wilkes-Barre,Lackawanna,Pennsylvania
   3. Has No Children Mary Margaret BESECKER b: 1854

Marriage 2 Susan Mrs. DETERLINE b: SEP 1823 in ,Pennsylvania

    * Married: 1893 in Lackawanna,Pennsylvania

Click here for details of Simon's family with Melissa MILLER

Click here for details of Simon's family with Mrs Susan Deterline