Obituaries, Death Notices, and Funeral Notices - Be-Bez

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Bean, Mrs. Amos D. and Infant Son

It is estimated that 1200 people attended the double funeral of Mrs. Amos D. Bean and infant son at the Lower Mennonite meeting house, in Skippack, recently. It was probably the largest ever held at the meeting house. Mrs. Bean and child died at Ironbridge.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 20, 1899, p. 3. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bean, Daughter of Manassas and Kate Frederick

Schwenksville Schools Closed.

The schools of Schwenksville have been closed, as diphtheria is raging in that borough. 16 cases have been reported, and two death have resulted, Miss Kate Frederick died Wednesday morning from the dread disease and a young daughter of Manassas Bean died last week from the same disease. Dr. Markley, of Gratersford, had charge of the patients, and he pronounced the disease tonsillitis, but Dr. Bechtel, of Schwenksville, after a through examination, said it was diphtheria. Many of the residents had attended little Miss Bean's funeral, hence the spread of the disease. There is some talk of the whole town being quarantined.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 10, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bean, Henry

Bean, Mrs. Henry D.

Bean, Henry F.

Bean, Howard

Lansdale. Howard Bean, of West Point, who died last week of typhoid fever, was a younger brother of W.Z. Bean, who has a grocery store in this place.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, October 13, 1898, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bean, Jesse H.

Miss Hannah Bean, teacher of the auxiliary department of the Ambler public schools, was called home on Sunday by the death of her father, Jesse H. Bean, of Norristown, aged 78 years. The funeral was held this Wednesday and interment was made in Norris City cemetery. In the absence of Miss Bean a substitute was procured by Professor Rahn.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 6, 1897, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bean, John H. Sr.

John H. Bean, Sr., an old resident of Worcester township, died Friday, Nov. 11, after a protracted illness of cancer of the stomach, at his home, in the western part of the township, aged 76 years. Deceased was born in the vicinity of the Water street schoolhouse, and always lived in the township and followed farming. He leaves a widow and two sons--F.G. Bean and John H. Bean, Jr., both of Worcester. Deceased also leaves one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Brant, of Worcester.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 24, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bean, John K.

John K. Bean, of Lower Providence township, father of William Bean, who has a store in Norristown, who has been living at Trooper village since last spring, died at the latter place last week.

The deceased had been sorely afflicted for more than a year and his sufferings excited the commiseration of every one.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, October 15, 1903, p. 3. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bean, Theodore B.

Temporarily Insane.

Coroner McGlathery Thursday afternoon held an inquest on the death of Theodore B. Bean, the Worcester farmer who committed suicide by blowing off the top of his head with a shot gun Wednesday afternoon. The evidence showed that the suicide, while he was by no means in a state of financial distress, had imaginary losses. Two days before he took his life he remarked to his father that he felt like shooting himself, but no attention was paid to the remark, as Mr. Bean had always been very much averse to suicide in any manner.

The jury rendered a verdict of death by shooting himself with a shot gun while temporarily insane.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 22, 1899, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beans, J. Mathias

Major J. Mathias Beans, a brother of the late Joshua Beans, for 30 years a resident of Philadelphia, died at his late residence, 612 Wood street, in that city, on Wednesday morning, June 22, in the 64th year of his age. Major Beans was born near Mechanicsville, five miles from Doylestown. When a youth he entered the office of the Doylestown Democrat as an apprentice, and, after serving his time, became one of the editors and publishers of the Democratic Standard, a new political organ, started in 1858, and since merged into the present Doylestown Democrat. The paper had an existence of about two years and a half.

He was second Lieutenant of Company I, One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by General W.W.H. Davis, and served with the regiment from Williamsburg to Malvern Hill, when sickness obliged him to resign and return home. Upon regaining his health he once more entered the service as Captain of Company K, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth regiment, Nov. 4, 1862, being subsequently on Feb. 1, 1863, elected major of the same command, which position he occupied until mustered out.

After the close of the war he was appointed to a position in the custom house in Philadelphia, and upon General Grant assuming the duties of chief magistrate of the nation he was removed for political reasons. He afterwards served on the police force of the city under Mayor Fox, but resigned and resumed his occupation as a compositor on the Age, where he remained until the latter was merged into the Times, on which journal he remained until about three years ago, when he retired, and recently entered the Soldiers' Home, at Hampton, Va.

Major Beans leaves a wife and five children, three daughters and two sons. Interment was made at Doylestown on Sunday.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 30, 1898, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beatty, Samuel

Runaway at a Funeral.

A long line of mourners driving behind the body of Samuel Beatty, one of the Exeter train wreck victims, to the grave in Plymouth township, on Friday, was thrown into disorder by a disastrous runaway accident. Something frightened the horse of John Gillen and Albert Sugden, as the procession was passing St. Matthew's Catholic cemetery, on the Conshohocken pike, and it dashed wildly from its place near the rear, up the road.

The carriage swung about from side to side and the people ahead hastily got out of the way. Horses were prancing about in all directions. Finally the runaway came up with a crash against the team of Alan Barr, of Lower Merion. The wheel of the latter's buggy was torn off and both vehicles were overturned in the road. Gillen and Sugden were thrown on their heads and seriously injured. Mr. and Mrs. Barr were much bruised, but their injuries were not so severe.

The accident created consternation among the mourners, and it was some time before the funeral procession was started again on its way to Barren Hill. Gillen and Sugden were taken to a nearby farmhouse, and later sent to their homes at Black Horse.

Services over Mr. Beatty's remains were held at his home, Rev. J.F. Sheppard, of the Conshohocken Presbyterian church, officiating. There were also brief services in St. Paul's Lutheran church, at Barren Hill, and the interment was in the adjoining cemetery. The pall bearers were Harry B. Heywood, George Corson, Charles Smith and Robert Macauley.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 25, 1899, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beaver, Fred.

North Wales. Fred. Beaver, an aged and well known farmer of this vicinity, died at the homestead on North Main street, just beyond the borough, on Monday afternoon, aged about 85 years. Mr. Beaver was well known throughout the county and held various public trusts in corporations and Reformed church circles, and was one of the last of a family of early settlers of this community. His wife died several years ago and since then he has resided with his son, Barnard, at the old home. Another son is Samuel, who resides in our town, and is one of the officials of the turnpike company. Mr. Beaver also leaves three daughters: Mrs. Mary Fleck, Mrs. Louise Danehower and Mrs. Kate Danehower, and a number of grownup grandchildren.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 18, 1902, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beaver, Jacob

Jacob Beaver died at his residence in Lansdale early Wednesday morning, aged 81 years 8 months and 7 days. He had been ailing for several weeks, but until Saturday was able to walk out. Deceased was one of the oldest residents of the vicinity. He was the head of the second family who lived on the site of what is now Lansdale. From 1844 to 1857 he kept store in Montgomery township. In 1857 he moved to Lansdale and started storekeeping in a part of the Junction House. Some years later he moved into a building adjoining, long known as Beaver's block. This building was removed about 15 years ago and the present block of stores erected in its stead. Mr. Beaver sold it to the present proprietor about 10 years ago.

Jacob Beaver was a son of Abraham Beaver, of Montgomery township. He married Mary Ann Snyder, and two children were born--one dying in infancy, and Uriah, who resides in Lansdale.

The funeral will take place next Saturday morning. Interment at Lansdale cemetery.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 12, 1897, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bechtel, Catharine

Mrs. Catharine Bechtel, widow of the late Henry H. Bechtel, died Thursday morning at the residence of her son, Henry D. Bechtel, near Black Rock, Upper Providence township, aged 86 years, 4 months and 21 days. She was sick more than a month. Deceased is survived by three sons and one daughter. They are Daniel D. Bechtel, of Collegeville; Henry D., with whom she resided; A.D. Bechtel, of Royersford, and Mary, wife of Charles H. Tyson, of near Trappe.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 7, 1901, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bechtel, Elizabeth D.

Bechtel, H.

Bechtel, H.K.

Bechtel, H.K.

Bechtel, Harry K.

Bechtel, Irwin B.

Bechtel, John

Bechtel, John

Bechtel, John

Bechtel, Mrs. John

Bechtel, John B.

Bechtel, Mabel

Bechtel, Mabel H.

Bechtel, Richard

Bechtel, William

Bechtel, Wm. B.

Beck, Edwin F.

The funeral of Edwin F. Beck, son of the late Rev. Levi G. Beck, took place at New Britain on Thursday. Dr. Beck died at his home at Chalfont. The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends. Addresses were made by the pastors of the Montgomery, New Britain and Hilltown Baptist churches and an associate pastor of Grace Temple, Philadelphia. Rev. Levi G. Beck, father of the deceased, was pastor of the New Britain Baptist church in 1858.

Dr. Beck was a dentist and lived for many years on the Stevens farm, midway between Chalfont and Colmar. His wife was Mary Stevens and her two brothers, Thomas and Joshua Stevens, tilled the farm. Mr. Beck was about 60 years of age, and leaves no children. Rev. L.G. Beck, his fathers, was a minister in the Baptist denomination for over 50 years. Dr. Beck died from the effects of a paralytic stroke received upon his return from a visit to Chalfont.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 11, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beck, Ellen S.

Ellen S., wife of Albert Beck, of Ambler, died Tuesday morning at 12.15 after several years of illness and suffering. She was the daughter of James and Savina Walton and was born in Philadelphia. On Dec. 24, 1868, she was married to Mr. Beck and they moved to Ambler, where they have since resided, and where Mr. Beck has carried on extensive building operations for 35 years. One son, Walter C., was born, who with his father survive.

Deceased was a member of the Mount Pleasant Baptist church, of Ambler, and during her earlier years was actively identified with many of the societies and organizations connected with the church and was also active in Christian and charitable work throughout the town.

The funeral will be held at 11.30 this Thursday morning, services being conducted in the Baptist church. The interment will be strictly private, and the remains will be laid in the family lot at St. Thomas' cemetery, Whitemarsh.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 23, 1904, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beck, Ellen S.

The remains of Ellen S., wife of Albert Beck, were interred in St. Thomas' cemetery, Whitemarsh, Thursday afternoon. The funeral services were held in Mount Pleasant Baptist church, Ambler, Rev. E.E. Valentine, pastor, being in charge.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 30, 1904, p. 6. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beck, Hannah Maria

Mrs. Hanna Maria Beck, widow of the late Theodore Beck, of Ambler, died Friday morning at her brother's residence, Edward Kibblehouse, North Wales, with whom she had made her home for the past seven years. She was born July 26, 1843, and was therefore 57 years of age. She leaves a daughter, Lena Rivers Beck. The funeral was held Tuesday morning. Services and interment at Union M.E. church, Blue Bell.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 31, 1901, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beck, Philip

Suicide on Tree Limb

The body of a one-legged man, apparently about 60 years old, was found hanging to a tree in a woods near Melrose station Monday morning by some boys.

After cutting the body from the limb the boys notified a constable of their discovery. The body was removed to Jenkintown, where it was left in charge of an undertaker.

Coroner McGlathery says that from papers found on the person of the man he thinks the deceased was an old soldier who lived in Germantown. An inquest was held Wednesday, when it was found the man was Philip Beck. About a year ago he had his foot crushed by a trolley car and it was amputated at the German hospital.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 27, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Becker, Catharine

Becker, Cuno

Becker, Ida

Beckman, Edward Sr.

Beerer, Franklin T.

Springhouse. B.F. Danehower and family attended the funeral of Franklin T. Beerer at Montgomery cemetery, Norristown, on Thursday.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 27, 1899, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beideman, John

Centre Square. A large number of friends attended the funeral of John Beideman on Friday last.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 1, 1898, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beiler, Harry

Belford, Richard

Richard Belford, formerly a resident at this place, but who for some time past has resided with his parents, died after a prolonged illness. Mr. Belford formerly resided in Ambler and was employed at the chemical works. The funeral was held on Thursday. Interment near his late home.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 19, 1903, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bell, Annie Eliza

Hatboro. Annie Eliza, wife of John Bell, and daughter of John and Jane Campbell, of Ireland, died on Friday at the Orange home, in her 27th year. The funeral was held on Monday, interment at Hillside cemetery.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 5, 1904, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bell, Jacob C.

Train Kills Deaf Mute. Jacob C. Bell Mangled at the Hoopeston Mill. Engine and Two Cars Back Over Him as He was Hurrying Homeward--Honest, Industrious Workman--Funeral Largely Attended.

About 2.30 o'clock Saturday afternoon Jacob C. Bell, aged 36 years, an employe at Hoopeston rolling mills, Fort Washington, was frightfully mangled by engine No. 808, which was shifting cars close to the iron works. The deceased was fearfully mangled, having an arm and leg cut off and the back of his head was badly mashed. When picked up directly after being struck Mr. Bell gave a low murmur and expired. The heavy engine wheels had evidently passed over the body and dragged it for some distance.

The unfortunate man had just left his work at the plant, where he was a helper on one of the mills, and was hurrying homeward, and it was probably his haste that led to his death by this means, as he took to the track instead of the road. It is supposed he had seen the engine drawing the two cars start for the incline, but in the first attempt to climb it failed, in backing down in order to get up more speed, Mr. Bell was struck from behind and the heavy engine and cars passed over his body. The accident occurred within 20 feet of the scales, a short distance from the mill and just where the tracks are laid between two high banks.

Deceased was a mute, having been left without hearing and speech by illness. His widow is also a mute, but the two little girls have their faculties and are bright and active. The man was very active and above the average intelligence and was a valuable workman, being steady, honest and industrious.

For several months the family resided in the tenant house of A.H. Carn, on Bethlehem pike and Township line, but previously had occupied the home with Mr. and Mrs. Pottiger, on the Engardtown road. They had moved into the neighborhood from Reading about a year ago and had relatives in Conshohocken, besides having a large number of friends in this locality.

The coroner came over from Norristown on Sunday. On Monday interment was made in St. Thomas' Episcopal cemetery, the remains being followed to the grave by a large number of people who attended the funeral.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 22, 1903, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Benfield, Infant child of Amandus

Benington, Mary

On the 6th day, the 8th inst., Mary, wife of Samuel Benington, in the 36th year of her age. Her relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral, without further notice, on Third day morning, the 12th inst., at 11 o'clock, from the late residence of her father, Jacob Albertson, Plymouth, Montgomery county, Pa.

[Source: Philadelphia Press, April 11, 1859, p. 3. Submitted by Nancy.]

Benner, Charles

Charles Benner, for many years a resident of Lower Salford, died Monday evening, Jan. 2, at the home of his son, Abraham, near Lansdale, aged 80 years. His wife and the following children survive: Harvey, of Quakertown; Henry, of Sellersville; Abraham, of Lansdale, and Mrs. Lewis Hakel, of Quakertown. Mrs. Jacob Markley, of Schwenksville, and Mrs. Jacob O. Bergey, of Mainland, are sisters of the deceased. The funeral took place last Saturday. Interment was made at the Lower Salford Mennonite meeting house.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 12, 1899, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Benner, Christian

Benner, Irvin L.

Benner, Jacob

Benner, Jonathan

Bennett, Elizabeth

Lansdale. Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett, wife of Captain C.H. Bennett, died here on Monday of last week at the age of 63, and her funeral was on Thursday. Her husband was formerly a sea captain of vessels in the China trade.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, October 26, 1899, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Benninger, Child of Solomon

Benson, Harry K.

Harry K. Benson, aged 40 years, a butcher, of Bethlehem pike, near Chestnut avenue, Chestnut Hill, died at the Germantown hospital on Saturday morning from the effects of laudanum. It is understood that for some time past Benson's business was not prosperous, he having quite a sum of money outstanding from credit sales, which he could not collect. Through worriment, it is said, his health became bad. On Friday evening Benson and his family visited his sister-in-law, Mrs. Joseph Carr, at Twenty-seventh and Highland avenue. Benson complained of trouble with his knee, and the injured part was poulticed with laudanum. The bottle containing the poison was given him to renew the poultice. He was left alone and on Mrs. Carr's return he was found asleep. When attempts were made to arouse him it was found he was unconscious. A physician stated he had taken the laudanum, that he was beyond recovery, and ordered his removal to the hospital. The police are of the opinion that Benson committed suicide, while the theory of the family is that Benson swallowed the laudanum to strengthen his nerves and took an overdoes. A widow and three children survive.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 28, 1898, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bergey, Mrs. Charles

Bergey, Cornelius

Bergey, Henry

Bergey, Mrs. Henry

Bergner, C. William

The funeral of C. William Bergner, former president of the Bergner & Engel Brewing company, and one of the most widely known brewers in the country, took place at noon Thursday at his residence in Ambler. A special train for the funeral left the Reading terminal at 10.34 a.m. The services were conducted by Rev. W.C. Richardson, rector of St. James Protestant Episcopal church, Twenty-Second and Walnut streets, Philadelphia. There was a large crowd at the house, but the interment at Central Laurel Hill cemetery was private.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 14, 1903, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bergner, Charles William

C.W. Bergner Is Dead. Well-Known Brewer Dies in Philadelphia. Death Results from Paralysis of the Heart--Sketch of His Active and Successful Life--Mastered the Brewing Business--His Many Interests.

Charles William Bergner, president of the Bergner & Engel brewing company, died Tuesday at 10 o'clock a.m. in Philadelphia. His death came suddenly, although he had been in ill health for nearly two years. He had a malady of the stomach, liver and kidneys which brought on an acute affection of the heart that proved fatal.

Last year Mr. Bergner went to the mountains of Scotland by order of his physician and his health was much improved in consequence. He came back feeling quite well and continued so for some months. He left his office a week ago with a sharp attack of indigestion, which developed into paralysis of the heart.

Mr. Bergner was born in Philadelphia, Dec. 20, 1854, and was the only son of Gustavus Bergner, who until his death in May 1883, was president of the Bergner & Engel Brewing company, which he had founded. The son received his early education at a private academy in Philadelphia and at the high school at Lawrenceville, N.J. He afterwards studied at Augsburg and Munich, in Germany, and spent three years in travel in Europe.

Returning to this country he mastered the brewing business in every detail, serving in every part of the great establishment of which his father was the head. This was in 1873. His progress in this practical education was rapid and he assumed duties of greater and greater importance after his father's death, until in 1891 he was elected president of the company.

Mr. Bergner became interested in several financial and industrial institutions, but at his death he was connected with only two, the Standard Ice company and the bank of the Northern Liberties. Of the former he was president and of the latter a director. He had been a director of the Commercial National bank, the Delaware Insurance company, and the Teutonic Insurance company, and vice president of the Guarantors' Indemnity Company of Pennsylvania.

He was president of the United States Brewers' association from 1897 to 1899, and for many years was president of the Philadelphia Lager Beer Brewers' association. He was consul for the kingdom of Belgium, and in 1888 was vice president of the United States commission to the Brussels exposition. The king of the Belgians conferred upon him the following year the order of Leopold.

He was president of the board of trustees of the Medico-Chirurgical hospital, but resigned that position in January, 1898. He was a life member of the Union League club, a member of the Art club, the Historical society, the Franklin institute and all the German societies of Philadelphia. He sold his house at 1627 Walnut street about a year ago and since then has resided altogether at his country place in Ambler, which was erected over a dozen years ago at great cost and is one of the most beautiful and complete in this region.

A widow, a son, Gustav, and a daughter, Catharine, who is the wife of Charles Bispham, survive him. Mrs. George A. Fletcher, his sister, resides at 216 North Thirty-fourth street, Philadelphia, in winter and at Radnor in summer. Mr. Bergner was very charitable in a quiet and unostentatious way. He did not speculate either in real estate or in stocks.

The funeral will be at noon this Thursday at the family residence, Ambler, and the interment will probably be in West Laurel Hill cemetery.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 7, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bergstrasser, Edith

Berkheimer, James G.

James Berkheimer Killed.

James G. Berkheimer, a car record clerk, was struck by a Philadelphia and Reading engine, near Spring Garden water works, Philadelphia, early Thursday morning and almost instantly killed. W.F. McCracken, of North Wales, whose wife is an aunt to Mrs. Berkheimer, was notified of the occurrence and proceeded at once to the city to have proper disposition made of the body. It was first taken to the morgue, and removed from thence to the family residence, 2549 North Sixteenth street, from whence the funeral took place. Deceased was well-known in railroad circle. For several years he was a baggage master on the North Penn branch of the Reading railway, and later a conductor. He was the son of the late William and Mary Berkheimer, of Ambler, where he formerly resided. About 16 years ago he married Miss Eva Schroeder, a granddaughter of the late John Kuhn, of North Wales. She attended school here and has many friends to sympathize with her in her bereavement. Besides his wife, Mr. Berkheimer is survived by three sons, one brother, George, and one sister, a Mrs. Walton.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 24, 1902, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Berkhimer, Catharine

Blue Bell. The funeral of Mrs. Catharine Berkhimer, of Narcissa, took place at Boehm's church on Saturday.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, October 10, 1901, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Berkhimer, George

George Berkhimer, one of the oldest residents of that section of the county, died on the 16th inst., at his residence, Franklinville, Whitpain township, aged about 88 years.

The family is one of the oldest in Whitpain. On June 26, 1773, the deed for St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church property, on the Skippack road, a mile above the present village of Centre Square, was given by "George Kastner to Philip Bower and George Berkhimer, of Whitpain," the last named an ancestor of the deceased.

Deceased was a farmer, but had lived a retired life on a small farm at Franklinville for more than 25 years, he having accumulated considerable wealth. He leaves a widow, Phebe, a daughter of the late Levi Shepherd, of Montgomery township. The couple had no children.

Mr. Berkhimer was the owner of the fine farm which afterwards became the property of the late William M. Singerly and is known as the "Home Farm." It did not pass, however, directly from Berkhimer to Singerly, there being several intermediate owners.

The funeral was held on Friday morning from his residence, services and interment taking place at St. Thomas' church, Whitemarsh.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 25, 1898, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bernhart, Frank

Berry, Francis

Bertaud, Henry

Was It Suicide? Dead Body of a Philadelphian Found on the Railroad at Fort Washington.

The dead body of a man, supposed to be that of Henry Bertaud, of Philadelphia, was found at 4 o'clock Thursday morning lying near the North Penn railroad, a short distance below Fort Washington. A gash in his head and his left arm severed told the story of his death. He had been struck by a locomotive and hurled some distance, but at what time of the night is not known, as no one witnessed the occurrence, and none of the train crews passing Fort Washington Wednesday night saw anything to indicate that any one had been struck. It is strongly suspected that the man hurled himself in front of a moving train in a fit of despondency over financial straits and domestic infelicity. Nearly all day Wednesday he was lounging about Fort Washington, acting strangely, and Wednesday night he was ejected from the passenger station, on account of objectionable conduct. This was the last seen of him alive.

Coroner Kurtz was summoned to Fort Washington and took possession of the body and the contents of the man's pockets. These included a letter from his wife, a letter addressed to Linda Bertaud, care of Mrs. Swain, Bryn Mawr avenue, Bala; a number of pawn tickets for a watch, razor and several articles of clothing; bills, receipts, etc. One letter was evidently written by Bertaud himself in answer to an advertisement for a bookkeeper. Among the papers was a letter-head of "The International Employment Bureau of Philadelphia, 1501 Sansom street, Henry Bertaud, proprietor." There were several receipts for rent for the premises and an unpaid bill for telephone tolls.

The man had a small purse, the only contents of which were a rosary and a button. The only other article on his person was a penknife. He was 38 years of age.

The letter from his wife is dated Washington, Jan. 5, 1897, and is as follows:

My Dear Henry: Tuesday I waited all day for an answer. I would be glad to hear that you had work. That would be our mutual deliverance, if it is the will of God. I worry myself to such an extent about you that I can't sleep. Whole hours I am awake through the night and my thoughts are with you, my poor Henry. Have you got any prospects of work? My Heavenly Father! How unfortunate you must feel. For myself, I am yet with Albert and Emily. They will not let me go. Next week we move to Baltimore with Emily and the two little ones. They don't want me to take any place because Albert and Emily are ashamed to have me do so. I don't know whether I'll go from Baltimore to Philadelphia again or New York. I reside with Mrs. Winter. For the rest I'll decide in Baltimore what I'm going to do next. Do you think I'll find something to do in Philadelphia? Here they pat $12 and $15, and then you must have the best of reference. I have a thousand other reasons that I can only tell to your ears. I hope to see Phineas next Sunday. He was coming on Jan. 2, but on account of a big dinner he couldn't come. I think he will be here next Sunday sure. It is terrible for me that I can't earn anything and you can't help me. Notwithstanding that, I am glad we broke up housekeeping, but hope you can come to me soon, dear Henry. It is impossible to believe what I have to suffer. I try every way to get work. I hope you can earn enough to pay your board, at least. Dear man, how often did I rue my fickleness. This terrible woman! She shall suffer a thousand times more in hell than I. All is her fault. My dear Henry, I pray you to come to me soon, so I can have my Harry back again. I think you have the same thoughts that I have. Don't borrow any money from my relations. I have to shame myself to death. Write me a long letter, and one which I could rejoice in. I will write you from Baltimore. Answer right away and tell me what to do. Even now I am homesick. You have no idea. Best respects to you all and kisses. From your beloved and unhappy Lena.

Bertaud worked for an employment agency for some time, but left about a year ago to start an agency of his own. The place, which was at Fifteenth and Sansom streets, was levied upon by a constable some months ago and Bertaud left. The quarrel with his wife and their separation occurred about the time he left his former place. Since then she has seen little of him. When the quarrel arose the wife, who is past 50 years of age, obtained employment as a servant. She is now living on the Bristol pike, near Tacony.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 1, 1897, p. 6. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bertolet, Abraham B.

Bettinger, Philip

Bettinger, William

Betts, John H.

John H. Betts, of Germantown, about 35 years of age, a son of Colonel Charles H. Betts, whose summer home is at Hatboro, fell 11 stores down an elevator in the Real Estate Trust company's building, Philadelphia, Monday afternoon and was instantly killed.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 6, 1902, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beyer, Joseph C.

Ex-Sheriff Joseph C. Beyer, aged 75 years, died Sunday at Charity hospital, Norristown, of paralysis. Mr. Beyer, who was a descendant of an old Montgomery county family, was born in Worcester township, July 22, 1824. He was owner and manager of the Washington Square hotel, for nearly 40 years and was widely known as a horse dealer. As a Democrat he was twice elected coroner of Montgomery county and at the death of Sheriff Gerhard was, by virtue of his office, acting sheriff until the appointment of General Wm. Bolton by the governor. Subsequently he was appointed warden of Montgomery county jail, which office he held for four years. For many years he was a member of the congregation of Trinity Reformed church, in which his funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Beyer is survived by his two sons, Charles C. Beyer, of the firm of Miller, Bain and Beyer company, wholesale dry goods, and Oliver K. Beyer, of the Reading railway, both of Philadelphia.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 1, 1900, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beyer, Julia

Woman's Sudden Death.

Mrs. Julia Beyer, wife of Elias Beyer, residing in Worcester township, near Norritonville, died rather suddenly Sunday morning. She arose in her usual good health and after performing her customary household duties ascended to her room. An ominous fall startled the family, and Mrs. Beyer was found prostrate on the floor, having sustained a stroke of paralysis. She lived but two hours. She is survived by her husband and seven children as follows: Mrs. Fred Shepp, Norristown; Mrs. Joseph Davis, North Wales; Mrs. Elias Moore and Mrs. Mary Hunsberger, who live near the Beyer homestead; Harry M., of Pottstown; Josiah M., of Franklinville, and E. Vernon Beyer, of Belfry. Funeral Thursday at 1 o'clock. Interment at St. John's church, Centre Square.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 30, 1898, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beyer, Phillip H.

Centre Square. Phillip H., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Amos R. Beyer, died on Saturday afternoon, after an illness of only two days. He has been living with Aaron Ambler, near Norritonville, for nearly four years. The cause of his death was convulsions. Funeral Wednesday, interment at Riverside cemetery.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 15, 1902, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Beyer, Susan

Centre Square. On Wednesday afternoon Susan, wife of Wilson Beyer, of Custer station, was buried at St. John's Lutheran church, Centre Square. Mrs. Beyer had been ill several weeks with typhoid fever. She leaves a husband and three small children.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, May 29, 1902, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]