A.L. Bessire & Mrs. A.L. Bessire (Hattie)
Newspaper extracts transcribed & compiled by Stephanie Bessire Mecham
November 2011
Newspaper extracts transcribed & compiled by Stephanie Bessire Mecham
November 2011
Early 20th century newspapers give us an insight of the life of A.L. (Alcide Lucian) Bessire and his second wife, Hattie, first in Iowa, then in Idaho. It is interesting to note the Hattie is referred to most often as Mrs. A.L. Bessire, most likely a custom of the day.
Through these little snippets of news, we discover what hard working, enterprising, talented, and civic-oriented people they were. My summation is that to call on Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Bessire for service or a particular job, resulted in a job responsibly well done.
Most of the following extracts cover the years 1905-1909. By no means are these the sum total of instances this couple appears in the Twin Falls newspapers for this range of years. Other years are yet to be searched and not all newspapers for the area are accessible at this time. A few extracts are complemented with a photo of the original article. The dates preceding each entry are the date of the newspaper.
Once again, I give kudos to those saving these historical records by digital means and allowing them to be searchable for hidden treasures such as these, simple yet revealing. (See www.newspaperarchive.com, a subscription website.)
May 22, 1903--Iowa
“Mr. & Mrs. A.L. Bessire arrived Wednesday from Washington to visit their daughter, Mrs. John Bohning.”
Buffalo Center, Iowa: Buffalo Center Tribune, Friday May 22, 1903, p. 5.
“Mr. & Mrs. A.L. Bessire arrived Wednesday from Washington to visit their daughter, Mrs. John Bohning.”
Buffalo Center, Iowa: Buffalo Center Tribune, Friday May 22, 1903, p. 5.
June 30, 1905—Idaho
“I, Iva Riley, assignee of Alcide Bessire of Twin Falls, Ida., who made entries No. 161 and 577 under the provision of an act of the legislature of the State of Idaho, commonly known as the ‘Carey Act’ approved March 2, 1889, which embraces E [½?] of NW [¼?] of sections 21 to township [10?] S. of range [18?] East B.M. do hereby give notice of my intentions to make final proof to establish my claim to the land above described, and that I expect to prove that I resided on, reclaimed and cultivated said land as required by law, before C.D. Thomas representative of the State land Board at Twin Falls, Idaho on July 15, 1905, by two of the following witnesses: Alcide Bessire, R.W. [Steele?], Miss Sadie Ryan and Mrs. Hattie Bessire, all of Twin Falls, Ida. Iva Riley, Entryman."
“Notice for Publication-Final Proof.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, June 30, 1905, p. 7. [This notice was repeated weekly in June and July. The numbers were difficult to interpret. Incidentally, Hattie’s maiden name was Riley. Iva Riley could be a relative.]
“I, Iva Riley, assignee of Alcide Bessire of Twin Falls, Ida., who made entries No. 161 and 577 under the provision of an act of the legislature of the State of Idaho, commonly known as the ‘Carey Act’ approved March 2, 1889, which embraces E [½?] of NW [¼?] of sections 21 to township [10?] S. of range [18?] East B.M. do hereby give notice of my intentions to make final proof to establish my claim to the land above described, and that I expect to prove that I resided on, reclaimed and cultivated said land as required by law, before C.D. Thomas representative of the State land Board at Twin Falls, Idaho on July 15, 1905, by two of the following witnesses: Alcide Bessire, R.W. [Steele?], Miss Sadie Ryan and Mrs. Hattie Bessire, all of Twin Falls, Ida. Iva Riley, Entryman."
“Notice for Publication-Final Proof.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, June 30, 1905, p. 7. [This notice was repeated weekly in June and July. The numbers were difficult to interpret. Incidentally, Hattie’s maiden name was Riley. Iva Riley could be a relative.]
July 8, 1905
“A.L. Bessire, who has leased the Hotel Burrington and will manage it in connection with the Twin Falls House, is refitting the hotel neatly within and proposes to make it exceedingly comfortably. The dining room has been closed while the alterations are being made. It will be reopened Sunday when the first dinner will be served by the new management. The office and halls are being papered and the interior of the building has been greatly improved in appearance.”
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, Saturday, July 8, 1905, p. 8.
“A.L. Bessire, who has leased the Hotel Burrington and will manage it in connection with the Twin Falls House, is refitting the hotel neatly within and proposes to make it exceedingly comfortably. The dining room has been closed while the alterations are being made. It will be reopened Sunday when the first dinner will be served by the new management. The office and halls are being papered and the interior of the building has been greatly improved in appearance.”
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, Saturday, July 8, 1905, p. 8.
July 14, 1905
“A.L. Bessire has commenced an ice express service between Twin Falls and Shoshone. If he succeeds in staving off the threatened famine he should be pensioned.”
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, July 14, 1905, p. 8.
“A.L. Bessire has commenced an ice express service between Twin Falls and Shoshone. If he succeeds in staving off the threatened famine he should be pensioned.”
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, July 14, 1905, p. 8.
August 11, 1905
Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, August 11, 1905, p. 4. [Ad]
Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, August 11, 1905, p. 4. [Ad]
Photo courtesy of Twin Falls Public Library, Twin Falls, Idaho
The Earliest Hotels
"Our town's first hostelry--the Twin Falls Rooming House--was opened in November , 1904 by Scott W. Hazen at what is now 227 Main Avenue East."
James F. Varley. Tales of the Tract: The Beginnings of Twin Falls, Idaho and the "Magic" Valley. (Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls Library Foundation & Big Lost River Press), 2004, p. 75
January 11, 1907
“A.L. Bessire, plump and bronzed, led the audience in a popular old song as a starter. Mr. Bessire is a reformed lumberman and a splendid road overseer. He is responsible for many road improvements in the vicinity of Kimberly and is deserving of public thanks and encouragement for his good work. In speaking of the lumber industry, Mr. Bessire expressed the opinion, based upon years of expertise, that the lack of transportation facilities was largely responsible for the scarcity of lumber and the high price which it commanded.”
“Kimberly Commercial Club Plays the Host.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, January 11, 1907, p. 7.
“A.L. Bessire, plump and bronzed, led the audience in a popular old song as a starter. Mr. Bessire is a reformed lumberman and a splendid road overseer. He is responsible for many road improvements in the vicinity of Kimberly and is deserving of public thanks and encouragement for his good work. In speaking of the lumber industry, Mr. Bessire expressed the opinion, based upon years of expertise, that the lack of transportation facilities was largely responsible for the scarcity of lumber and the high price which it commanded.”
“Kimberly Commercial Club Plays the Host.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, January 11, 1907, p. 7.
February 15, 1907
“Kimberly, Feb 14. . . . A.L. Bessire Leads the Season by Sowing Spring Wheat. . . . A.L. Bessire is considerably ahead of his neighbor farmers, having already planted eight acres of wheat. Mr. Bessire will farm on a very extensive scale this year, having rented the MacMaster place adjoining him on the west. All of this land he had plowed last fall. He believes in getting the grain in the ground early and intends to do it.”
“Spring Weather Stirs Kimberly.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, February 15, 1907, p. 7.
“Kimberly, Feb 14. . . . A.L. Bessire Leads the Season by Sowing Spring Wheat. . . . A.L. Bessire is considerably ahead of his neighbor farmers, having already planted eight acres of wheat. Mr. Bessire will farm on a very extensive scale this year, having rented the MacMaster place adjoining him on the west. All of this land he had plowed last fall. He believes in getting the grain in the ground early and intends to do it.”
“Spring Weather Stirs Kimberly.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, February 15, 1907, p. 7.
February 22, 1907
“Kimberly, Feb. 21. . . . A.L. Bessire has rented the farm of George Peterson south of town. Mr. Peterson has accepted a position as ditch rider for the summer.”
“Minidoka Buys Kimberly Grain.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, February 22, 1922, p. 4
“Kimberly, Feb. 21. . . . A.L. Bessire has rented the farm of George Peterson south of town. Mr. Peterson has accepted a position as ditch rider for the summer.”
“Minidoka Buys Kimberly Grain.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, February 22, 1922, p. 4
March 1, 1907
“Kimberly, Idaho, Feb. 28. . . . One of the valuable horses of A.L. Bessire suffered a severe accident caused by stepping on the upturned tooth of a harrow.”
“Kimberly Spuds Are In Demand.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, March 1, 1907, p. 1
“Kimberly, Idaho, Feb. 28. . . . One of the valuable horses of A.L. Bessire suffered a severe accident caused by stepping on the upturned tooth of a harrow.”
“Kimberly Spuds Are In Demand.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, March 1, 1907, p. 1
March 8, 1907
“Mr. & Mrs. Scott W. Hazen and Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Ring visited Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Bessire at Kimberly a few days ago. Mr. Hazen reports a remarkable condition of affairs at Mr. Bessire’s farm. Mr. Bessire is one of the best farmers in the country and he likes to have everything shipshape.
“Mr. & Mrs. Scott W. Hazen and Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Ring visited Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Bessire at Kimberly a few days ago. Mr. Hazen reports a remarkable condition of affairs at Mr. Bessire’s farm. Mr. Bessire is one of the best farmers in the country and he likes to have everything shipshape.
“Not long ago, that portion of his fence posts above the upper strand of wire disappeared. Mr. Bessire thought perhaps the jack rabbits had gnawed off the ends of the posts b__ they proved an alibi. The tops were missing and Mr. Bessire was wrathy [sic]. Hazen suggested that the posts might grow if they were irrigated or it might be possible to splice the tops on. He offered to supply Mr. Bessire with a bushel of auger holes for the purpose and the plan is being considered.”
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, March 8, 1907, p. 5.
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, March 8, 1907, p. 5.
March 15, 1907
“Kimberly, March 14. . . .The roads about here at the present time are in a frightfully band condition. A.L. Bessire had to use four of his big horses to haul 2100 pounds of coal from Twin Falls.”
“Kimberly Is To Have Flour Mill.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, March 15, 1907, p. 1.
“Kimberly, March 14. . . .The roads about here at the present time are in a frightfully band condition. A.L. Bessire had to use four of his big horses to haul 2100 pounds of coal from Twin Falls.”
“Kimberly Is To Have Flour Mill.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, March 15, 1907, p. 1.
April 5, 1907
“Kimberly, April 4. . . . The Johnson horsepower thresher was again resurrected long enough to thresh 1350 bushels of oats on the R.W. Jones place which were bought in the stack by A.L. Bessire and J.F. Henley.”
“Will Beautify Kimberly Park.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, April 5, 1907, p. 8, paragraph 15.
“Kimberly, April 4. . . . The Johnson horsepower thresher was again resurrected long enough to thresh 1350 bushels of oats on the R.W. Jones place which were bought in the stack by A.L. Bessire and J.F. Henley.”
“Will Beautify Kimberly Park.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, April 5, 1907, p. 8, paragraph 15.
June 7, 1907
“For Sale—30 acres all seeded. A.L. Bessire, Kimberly.”
Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, June 7, 1907, p. 4 [Ad]
“For Sale—30 acres all seeded. A.L. Bessire, Kimberly.”
Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, June 7, 1907, p. 4 [Ad]
July 19, 1907
“Kimberly, Idaho, July 17. . . . It is reported that A.L. Bessire has sold the north forty of his farm.”
“Shipping Hay From Kimberly.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, July 19, 1907, p. 1.
“Kimberly, Idaho, July 17. . . . It is reported that A.L. Bessire has sold the north forty of his farm.”
“Shipping Hay From Kimberly.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, July 19, 1907, p. 1.
September 20, 1907
“Kimberly, Idaho, Sept. 19. . . . George Moore and his partner who have charge of the Peterson thresher, were at work for A. L. Bessire Saturday. George is carrying his right hand in a sling and his partner has one eye out of business as a result of some stranger trying to run their business for them. George, in striking the man, broke three bones in his hand and had to go to Twin Falls to have the doctor set them Friday. . . .
“Kimberly, Idaho, Sept. 19. . . . George Moore and his partner who have charge of the Peterson thresher, were at work for A. L. Bessire Saturday. George is carrying his right hand in a sling and his partner has one eye out of business as a result of some stranger trying to run their business for them. George, in striking the man, broke three bones in his hand and had to go to Twin Falls to have the doctor set them Friday. . . .
“The Ladies Pioneer club met at the home of Mrs. W.H. Turner last Thursday. This was the regular business meeting and there were about [number?] members present. The following officers were elected: Mrs. A.L. Bessire, president. . .”
“Four Threshers Are Kept Busy.” Twin Falls Idaho: Twin Falls News, September 20, 1907, p. 9.
“Four Threshers Are Kept Busy.” Twin Falls Idaho: Twin Falls News, September 20, 1907, p. 9.
October 18, 1907
“Kimberly, Idaho, Oct [date?]. . . . A.L. Bessire has returned from Washington, where he was suddenly called by the illness of his daughter.” [Effie Bessire Watkins]
“Shooting Was Rather Costly.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, October 18, 1907, p. 8 [This title does not refer to the cause of Effie’s illness.]
“Kimberly, Idaho, Oct [date?]. . . . A.L. Bessire has returned from Washington, where he was suddenly called by the illness of his daughter.” [Effie Bessire Watkins]
“Shooting Was Rather Costly.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, October 18, 1907, p. 8 [This title does not refer to the cause of Effie’s illness.]
February 5, 1909
“A.L. Bessire, E. Brown and F. Tessier have formed a partnership to be known as the Twin Falls Excavating & Freighting Co. They will make a specialty of excavating, furnishing rock, sand and gravel, moving houses and transport heavy freight. They have opened an office at the Iris rooming house. The three gentlemen are all well known. They have the stock and the “git up” and are well able to keep things moving.”
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, February 5, 1909, p. 5.
“A.L. Bessire, E. Brown and F. Tessier have formed a partnership to be known as the Twin Falls Excavating & Freighting Co. They will make a specialty of excavating, furnishing rock, sand and gravel, moving houses and transport heavy freight. They have opened an office at the Iris rooming house. The three gentlemen are all well known. They have the stock and the “git up” and are well able to keep things moving.”
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, February 5, 1909, p. 5.
May 7, 1909
“Kimberly, Idaho, May 5. . . . A.L. Bessire has a large force at work excavating the basement for the Townsite company’s building located between the hotel and drug store. The size will be 50 x 80 and nine feet deep.”
“Kimberly Trees Are Destroyed.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, May 7, 1909, p. 1
“Kimberly, Idaho, May 5. . . . A.L. Bessire has a large force at work excavating the basement for the Townsite company’s building located between the hotel and drug store. The size will be 50 x 80 and nine feet deep.”
“Kimberly Trees Are Destroyed.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, May 7, 1909, p. 1
March 19, 1909
“Old Register from Shoshone Falls Hotel. Gus Johnson, the Proprietor, Lays Aside the Old Book Which Has Done Service For Nearly Five Years at the Noted Resort. Gus Johnson, proprietor of the Shoshone falls hotel, has purchased a new register. There would be nothing extra ordinary about this purchase were it not that in abandoning his old register, Mr. Johnson has laid aside a book that contains a great deal of Twin Falls history.
“Old Register from Shoshone Falls Hotel. Gus Johnson, the Proprietor, Lays Aside the Old Book Which Has Done Service For Nearly Five Years at the Noted Resort. Gus Johnson, proprietor of the Shoshone falls hotel, has purchased a new register. There would be nothing extra ordinary about this purchase were it not that in abandoning his old register, Mr. Johnson has laid aside a book that contains a great deal of Twin Falls history.
“The old register is in an excellent state of preservation and its pages bear the names of many men and women who have been prominent in the up-building of the greatest irrigated tract on earth.
“The register was opened on Wednesday, June [20?], 1904. The first name appearing therein is that of M.B. DeLong of sweet memory, the first secretary and treasurer of the Twin Falls Land and Water Co. . . .
[some of the other registrants include notable names of Idaho: Mark M. Murtaugh, I.B. Perinne, Frank Filer, Peter Kimberly, Frank H. Buhl, Senator and Mrs. Heyburn, etc.]
“During the week following August 15 [1904] many pioneers recorded their names on the old register, among them Charlie Hawk, John M. Hale now of Jerome, A.L. Bessire, E.B. Critchlow and others. . . .”
“Contains Many Notable Names.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, March 19, 1909, p. 1
“Contains Many Notable Names.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, March 19, 1909, p. 1
May 21, 1909
Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, May 21, 1909, p. 9. [Ad]
Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls News, Friday, May 21, 1909, p. 9. [Ad]
May 21, 1909
“Mrs. A.L. Bessire has disposed of the Iris rooming house to Miss Olive Platt, a recent arrival from Colorado.”
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho, Twin Falls News, Friday, May 21, 1909, p. 5.
“Mrs. A.L. Bessire has disposed of the Iris rooming house to Miss Olive Platt, a recent arrival from Colorado.”
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho, Twin Falls News, Friday, May 21, 1909, p. 5.
July 21, 1931
“Leaves for Vacation—A.L. Bessire left Sunday evening for a ten-day vacation at Lava Hot Springs.” [At age 78, vacation deserved?]
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls Daily News, Tuesday Morning, July 21, 1931, p. 2.
“Leaves for Vacation—A.L. Bessire left Sunday evening for a ten-day vacation at Lava Hot Springs.” [At age 78, vacation deserved?]
“Brevities.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Twin Falls Daily News, Tuesday Morning, July 21, 1931, p. 2.
“Funeral services for A.L. Bessire, pioneer resident of Twin Falls and veteran Odd-Fellow, were held Monday afternoon at the Twin Falls mortuary chapel. Rev. H.G. McCallister, pastor of the Methodist church, and members of the Twin Falls Odd Fellows lodge were in charge of services. Mrs. W.O. Watts presented musical numbers. Pallbearers were William Thietten, S. E. Crismor, G.W. Gerrish, C.I. Davis, F.L. Gogswell, and C.W. Clark, all I.O.O.F. members. Interment was in the Twin Falls Cemetery."
“Bessire Services Pay Last Honors.” Twin Falls, Idaho: Times-News, Wednesday, November 11, 1942, p. 2.
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