| Notes |
- Galena Daily Gazette, Tuesday, April 5, 1938
FRED W. BIESMANN, PROMINENT CITIZEN, MEETS TRAGIC DEATH
Citizens of Galena and the entire vicinity were shocked and deeply saddened by news of the sudden death of Frederick William Biesmann, which occurred at approximately 6:15 at his home on Gear street.
A coroner's jury returned a verdict at the inquest this afternoon that Mr. Biesmann had come to his death by his own hands while despondent from ill health. Mrs. Biesmann informed County Coroner Ray Bertsch that her husband had been in ill health for a period of several months which caused him to be very discouraged.
"Fred" or "Fritz" the names by which he was more familiarly known, was generally considered the "happiest man in the world" by his consistent good spirits. He knew everyone and everyone he knew was his friend. His trait of being cheerful to everyone at all times was greatly admired by his many acquaintances.
The many worries included in the office of the Supervisor of the town of West Galena to which he was elected in 1933, and re-elected in 1937, are believed to have contributed greatly to his illness. Fred believed in performing those duties to the best of his ability and he devoted almost his entire life to those services. While a member of the Board of Supervisors, he was on the following committees: Finance, State Attorney, and Beverage Licenses, Officers' Purchasing, Printing, Pauper relief, Fuel and County Superintendent of Schools, and Dance Halls.
As a citizen Fred was believed to have been one of the best boosters for Galena this city ever had. Regardless of what was requested of him he was ready at all times to assist in any way that his community spirit could help. As one can be called a true American, Fred could be called a true Galenian.
He was an ardent member of the Democratic party and was a candidate for nomination as County Treasurer at the coming primary election. Although his affiliation was with that party, his opinions were very liberal and his political beliefs had no bearing on the discharge of his duties as Supervisor.
Mr. Biesmann was born in Galena on January 9, 1881, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George C. Biesmann. He spent his entire life in this city succeeding his father in the manufacture of the famous "Leadmine" cigar. Besides his occupation he was a tuner and repairer of pianos.
He was a member of the Galena lodge of Eagles and served that fraternity for many years in the offices of President and Secretary. He was married in Galena on June 30, 1903, to Miss Angeline Meneguin, who with the following children will mourn a great loss: his daughters, Mrs. Otto Harris, and Jeanne Biesmann, Galena, and his son, Robert, of Appleton, Wis., and Charles of Dixon, Ill. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Frederick Heinecke and one brother George, both of Long Beach, Calif., also three grandchildren, Barbara, Richard and Thomas Harris; four nieces and three nephews.
The funeral announcement will be made later.
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1881 - 1938 (57 years)