Person Page - 66

Charles A. Bezanson.

The entire community was shocked and saddened Thursday afternoon to hear of the sudden death of Charles Benzanson, who was accidentally electrocuted while employed as tinner on a school house at Hibbing. His left hand came in contact with a live wire, causing almost instant death.

Charles Amos Bezanson was born in Minneapolis on February 15, 1897. About fifteen years ago he came to Wahkon with his parents. He was the first pupil to graduate from the local high school. After graduating here he attended the state college of agriculture for one year. When war was declared he was among the first to answer his country's call, enlisting in the 135th Minnesota infantry, Co. E, he .served in different organizations until he returned from France and was mustered out about July 1, 1919. He remained home for about a year then went to the range, where he worked until he was killed. He leaves to mourn his unexpected departure besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Benzanson, one brother, Donald; three sisters, Mrs. N. A. Kinney of Virginia, Minn; Misses Edna, Hazel, and Helen of Wahkon.

Funeral services were conducted on Sunday afternoon, at the Presbyterian church, with which the deceased united when a very young man. Rev. Owens of Onamia conducted the services. The Odd Fellows attended in a body and interment was made at Isle cemetery. The numerous beautiful floral offerings gave proof of the affection and esteem in which Charlie was held, as did the large number of people who attended the funeral and accompanied the body to its last resting place, waiting while the legion bugler from Isle sounded taps over the grave of a departed buddy.

The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the family in their hour of sorrow.¹

Bethel Treasurer Bound Over for $2,000 Shortage

St. Paul--AP--Richard Golling, state public examiner, said Tuesday an audit of the accounts of Donald H. Bezanson, village treasurer of Bethel, in Anoka County, during 1945 and 1946, discloses a shortage after certain repayments still totalling $2,000.

Golling quoted Bezanson as saying he found it necessary to use village funds to meet his living expenses and doctor bills and make a full accounting to the Standard Oil Company which employs him to sell and deliver bulk gasoline, including a repayment of $600 in company funds which he lost while on a collecting tour.

Copies of the report were sent to Bethel officials and L.D. Cutter, Anoka county attorney. Golling said Bezanson was bonded for $2,000.

"Bezanson specifically admitted misappropriating funds to cover the loss of $600 in money belonging to the Standard Oil Company. Mrs. Bezanson also admitted taking money from the place where the village funds were kept for the purpose of paying household expenses."

When Bezanson became aware late in 1946 that the shortage in his villae accounts was "substanial," the report continues, "he says he sold his Plymouth car for $700. He obtained $500 from the sale of bonds and an addition $500 on a loan from the First State Bank of [illegible]."

This $1,700 was turned over to the village and another repayment of $737.70 on May 10, 1947, reduce the shortage to an even $2,000," Golling said.⁸

JOHN L. BEZANSON.

John L. Bezanson, 75, of Wahkon, Minn., died Friday. He was a native of Nova Scotia. Survivors are his widow, Sarah Jane, a son, Ralph, four grandchildren and four brothers. Services will be Sunday at 2 p. m. at Wahkon.⁷

BEZANSON -- Mrs. J. L. (Sarah), age 80, of 3142 Lincoln st NE. Survived by son Ralph, brother William Romans, Nova Scotia; 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Friends may call at Davies Mortuary, Harmon place at 14th st, Frl., from noon until 8 p.m. Services at Wahkon, Minn., 12 noon Sat. Interment Wahkon.⁵

Annie R. (Thompson) Bezanson
Wife of Rev. W. B. Bezanson
Died May 28, 1943
73 years of age at death

Born at Hammonds Plains, daughter of the late Councillor Samuel Thompson and Frances Piers, of Halifax.

Surviving are her husband and one son, Gordon A., of Birch Cove; one daughter, Mrs. Marion Harris, Sydney. Two brothers, Harold and Bernard, of Hammonds Plains. Funeral May 30, Interment at Hammonds Plains.⁷