William Billingslea & Malinda Jennie (Crittenden) Beck
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Obit for William (Jan 29, 1848 - Mar 28, 1925)
© Checotah Times
May 1, 1925
Submitted by: A
Pioneer Citizen of McIntosh County Answers Final Summons Monday.
Following an illness of only a few days duration death claimed the life of W. B. Beck at his country home east of Checotah Monday afternoon. The news of his death was a great shock to the majority of our citizens as he appeared in good health the last time he was in the city about two weeks ago.
Mr. Beck was one of the best known citizens of McIntosh county and was indeed a pioneer in the point of residence having located here in 1869. He was a life long democrat and always took an active part in party affairs and held the honor of being McIntosh county's first representative in Oklahoma legislature. He was a man who was a friend to his neighbors, never forgot a friend nor betrayed a trust.
William Billingsly Beck was born at Corinth, Miss., January 29, 1847, and his early life was spent in that state. With his parents he moved to Texas in 1860 where he resided until the beginning of the Civil War. He enlisted in the cause of the Confederate army and served until the close of the war.
On September 6, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Malinda J. Crittendon at Dallas, Ark. He was remarried under the Cherokee law prior to 1875, thereby sharing full citizenship with the Cherokees by blood and the first white man to serve in the Cherokee Council, being elected to that body in 1898.
In 1868 he located near the present site of Westville, where he resided for nearly a year, when he moved to this country, which has since been his home.
Besides the wife deceased leaves one daughter, Mrs. Eliza Coughran, and two sones, Tom and Carel to mourn his loss. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
During his early manhood Mr. Beck united with the Methodist church. He was also a member of the Checotah Lodge A. F. & A. M., Checotah Lodge I. O. O. F., and several other organizations.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at Twin Grove cemetery in charge of Rev. C. T. Davis, pastor of the Methodist church, assisted by Rev. E. A. Spiller, pastor of the Baptist church. The beautiful Masonic service was held at the grave in charge of the local lodge. Interment occurred a the Twin Grove cemetery east of Checotah.
