Margaret Isabella Ryan Belden (1842-1911)

Margaret Isabella Ryan Belden

Birth

27 Apr 1842

Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, USA

Death

23 Mar 1911 (aged 68)

Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, USA

Burial

Bilbo Cemetery

Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, USA Add to Map

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d/o Jacob Ryan - w/o Robert L. Belden

DEATH OF DAUGHTER OF THE FOUNDER OF LAKE CHARLES

MRS. R. L. BELDEN ANSWERS FINAL SUMMONS AFTER 69 YEARS OF LIFE, BORN BEFORE LAKE CHARLES WAS BUILT

Margaret Isabella, wife of Judge R. L. Belden, died last night at 9:20 o'clock at the home of her daughter Mrs. Press Lyons, 804 Lyons Street following an illness from Bright's disease and other allments extending back a period of three or more years. The lady had been ill in bed but a few weeks prior to her death. She had been rapidly declining the past few days and her demise was not unexpected. She was surrounded by most of her children and other surviving relatives when the final summons came.

The deceased, was a daughter of Jacob Ryan, who was one of the early settlers and founders of Lake Charles. Mrs. Belden was born and reared in this city, the old Ryan homestead being at that time on the present site of the American Press building. With the exception of about twelve years spent in New Orleans after her marriage, the deceased passed all of her life in Lake Charles.

Margaret Ryan was born on April 27, 1842, and at the time of her death was aged 69 years, 10 months and 11 days. She was united in marriage to Robert L. Belden in this city in 1857. To this union fourteen children were born of whom seven survive, five daughters and two sons as follows;

Mrs. J.T. Brooks, of San Antonio, Texas; Mrs. R.E. McDonald, of Nerfield, Miss.; Mrs. S.S. Baker, of Mena, Ark.; Mrs. Press Lyons, 804 Lyons street, Goosport; Mrs. Charles F. Taylor, Miller avenue and East street; R.W. Belden, of 2444 Ryan street, and Thomas R. Belden of San Antonio, Texas. Two sisters, a half sister and a brother also survive; Mrs. J.P. Geary of this city and Mrs. Minerva Burleson of Rosalle, Miss. are the surviving sisters. The only brother living is George W. Ryan of this place. The half sister who still survives is Mrs. Daisy Ryan of Lake Charles.

After living in Lake Charles for a number of years, where Mr. Belden began the practice of law, the family moved to New Orleans. Here his law practice was resumed. This was in 1871. In 1883 the family returned to Lake Charles and have remained here ever since. The deceased was a lifelong member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church (South) having united in this faith as a child. She was a leading spirit in church work during her entire lifetime.

The only children absent from Belden were Mrs. McDonald of Norfield, Miss., and Thomas Belden of San Antonio, Texas. They both arrived in Lake Charles this morning. Mrs. Burleson, a sister, is at death's door at her home in Mississippi, and was consequently unable to come here.

The funeral services took place this afternoon at the residence of the daughter, 804 Lyons street, burial being made in Bilbo cemetery. The Rev. W.W. Drake of the Methodist church, officiated. The ceremony was attended by a large concourse of the friends of the deceased woman and family.

24 Mar 1911