Bio: Begley, Thomas R. (History - 1826)

Contact: Janet Schwarze

Surnames: BEGLEY REESMAN BULAND COLEMAN

----Source: ----Source: "Biographical History of Clark Jackson Counties, WI," Lewis pub. co., 1891, pg. 265

THOMAS R. BEGLEY, proprietor of the La Belle House, Greenwood, was born in Wolford Township, Province of Quebec, Canada, August 19, 1862, the son of William H., who emigrated from Canada to this county in 1869, settling in Greenwood. Here our subject has since remained, excepting during the years 1881-82, when in Montana. While in that State he worked eight months in the placer mines at Helena, and also in the yards of the La Belle Lumber County, at Butte four months. Returning to this State in October, 1882, Mr. Begley commenced lumbering, and was also engaged in driving logs. He engaged in his present business in August, 1890, and now has a first-class hotel. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and on national questions a Republican.

He was married, July 9, 1884, to Melissa Reesman, a daughter of Philip Reesman, of Alma Center, Jackson County, Wisconsin. They have four children: Nina, Marion, Cledlla and Harold. The wife died April 13, 1891, a member of the W.C.T.Ul, and after her death a memorial service was held at which resolutions were passed, and a copy of them was furnished to the bereaved family. The local press, in speaking of her death, says: "She started to attend the evening services at the Baptist Church, into the fellowship of which she was shortly to be baptized, but returned sick, before reaching there. Dr. Buland was at once called, but medicine seemed useless, and in spite of his hope and skill she died in the morning. Her husband, who was foreman on the drive for Colman, was summoned at once, as was also her father's family, from Alma Center. All arrived in time for the last sad services and tributes of respect, which were held in the Methodist chapel, Rev. Pettingill, the Baptist pastor, officiating. "Though she died at the age of twenty-five, after a married life of but seven years, she leaves behind her as monuments of her love, her devotion and her virtues, four children. The world lives not by the greatness of its men but by the devotion and virtue of its mothers. Though her life was short and less eventful than many, yet the good fruit of it shall abide ever in the hearts of all who knew her."