Person:Ralph Beal (1)

Ralph Leroy Beal
m. 16 Jun 1887
  1. Gladys Beal1889 - 1890
  2. Elsie Fredericka Beal1890 - 1983
  3. Ralph Leroy Beal1891 - 1991
  4. Jesse L. Beal1894 - 1971
  5. Frederick K. Beal1896 - 1984
  6. Edith M. Beal1899 - 1959
  7. Harold Francis Beal1902 - 1975
m. 5 Sep 1917
  1. Stanley Ralph Beal1920 - 2014
  2. Mary Elizabeth Beal1922 - 2018
  3. Charles Beal1927 - 1927
  4. Barbara Louise Beal1929 - 2010
Facts and Events
Name Ralph Leroy Beal
Gender Male
Birth? 22 Nov 1891 Hudson, Black Hawk, Iowa
Marriage 5 Sep 1917 Round Lake, Nobles, Minnesotato Frieda Morgan
Death? 5 Aug 1991 Worthington, Nobles, Minnesota
Burial? 7 Aug 1991 Round Lake, Nobles, Minnesota

Ralph found in the following census:

1895 Black Hawk Twp., Black Hawk, IA State Census 1900 Center, Emmet, IA Federal Census 1920 Indian Lake, Nobles, MN Federal Census 1930 Round Lake, Jackson (Nobles), MN Federal Census

The following pages include information about the ancestry of Ralph and Frieda Morgan Beal. Ralph Beal was born on November 22, 1891 to Harvey and Mary Kistner Beal. Ralph was born in Black Hawk County, Iowa. Ralph remembers his mother telling him about being baptized in the Cedar River at Waterloo, Iowa. Their family went to church at the Baptist church in Grouver, Iowa for a number of years. In the early 1900’s they moved to Emmet County, Iowa and then to Mission Hills, a small town near Yankton, South Dakota. Ralph attended Sunday School at the Congregational Church there as a boy and later became a member. They later moved to a farm near Milan, Minnesota. Ralph attended Mankato Commercial College where he met Delbert Coyer of Round Lake, Minnesota. Delbert helped Ralph find employment with Phillip C. Horstman, which brought him to Round Lake in 1914. Ralph was 23 years old. Ralph became acquainted with Frieda Morgan. Ralph remembers he and his brother driving to Reading, Minnesota to ask the pastor if he would marry them. Rev. Anderson agreed to make the trip, and on Wednesday, September 5, 1917 they were married in Round Lake.

Frieda was born on the family farm northeast of Round Lake on October 8, 1896. She is the daughter of Curtis and Caroline Elizabeth (Elise) Antritter Morgan. Frieda spent her entire life living in Round Lake, Minnesota. Frieda grew up on the family farm with her grandparents living just a mile north of her. The Morgans lived on the East side of the road and the Antritters on the West side.

On Tuesday, September 18, 1917, just two weeks after Ralph and Frieda were married, Ralph left for 19 months of military service in World War I. Seven months were spent in Europe. He served as a Private First Class, Headquarters Co. 346th Infantry. In April of 1919 Ralph returned home from the military and he and Frieda started their family.

They had four children: Stanley was born Sunday, February 29, 1920. One month later the Beals moved to the northwest quarter of section 30, Round Lake Township, where they farmed until retirement. Mary Elizabeth(Betty)was born on Thursday, May 18, 1922, (she arrived before the doctor did. The doctor was coming from Worthington and had to return to Worthington to get a new battery), Barbara was born on Friday, August 20, 1926, Charles was stillborn on Saturday, April 2, 1927.

In 1927, Rev. Prentice was the first minister to officially be installed in the Presbyterian Church. It is at this time Ralph and Frieda joined the Presbyterian Church. Ralph and Frieda were both very active in their church. Frieda kept busy being a member of the Women’s Organizations of the church. Ralph sang in the choir for many years. He was a member of a quartet, which sang at many funerals throughout the years. He was elder and trustee for several continuous years. Serving 9 continuous years as a trustee. Ralph was also Financial Secretary for many years and would spend many Sunday afternoons counting the church money. In 1949 Frieda and her family were one of two 4 generations in the Presbyterian Church. Caroline Elizabeth (Elise) Morgan, Frieda Morgan Beal, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Beal Anderson, and Linda Anderson. The other 4 generation was Flora Mosher Mitchell, Marian Mitchell Anderson, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Beal Anderson, and Linda Anderson.

Ralph and Frieda were also active in the American Legion and Auxiliary.

After Ralph’s father died in 1933, his mother Mary moved in with him and Frieda until her death in 1941.

In September of 1960, Ralph, Frieda and Stanley moved to the southeast 80 acres of section 30. They remained there until September of 1979 when they retired from farming and moved to town, 409 Main Street, Round Lake, Minnesota. Stanley continues to live at this address.

After Ralph retired he took up the hobby of making windmills. His shop was in the cellar of their farm home. Through the years, he would spend many hours there. Grandma would stomp on the floor when it was time for meals. He had a hard time keeping up with demand for his wood projects. People found out by word of mouth and they wanted to buy the windmills. He even made the front page of the Worthington Globe. He would also make wood projects for his grand children. He was very good at caneing chairs.

Even though Ralph and Frieda were busy serving their community they were never too busy for family, especially their grandchildren. There were birthday parties, holiday gatherings, taffy pulls, Sunday afternoon gatherings, road trips with Grandma and Grandpa, and having the grandkids take our turn spending a week of summer vacation at their home. Grandma never forgot any of her grandchildren’s birthdays. She sent us a card and money every year without fail.

Spending a week at Grandma and Grandpa Beal’s was one of the highlights of our summer vacation! Grandpa would make us whistles out of squash vines. Grandma’s cooking was always delicious. Pineapple ice cream sauce was always available. Grandpa would put the flat bed under the Mulberry tree and we would enjoy shaking the tree and picking the mulberries. Grandma would then make pie or jam from the berries. We would also pick wild strawberries by the railroad tracks. Grandma and Grandpa had a large garden and a large raspberry patch.

I remember enjoying taking a bath in Grandma’s big bathtub before we went to bed and then waking up to the smell of breakfast cooking. Grandma would let us play in her big kitchen sink with the eggbeater and dish soap making lots of bubbles. After she would wash her dishes she would throw the dish water out the porch door. In her front porch you would find big beautiful blooming hibiscus plants. No one would ever visit their home without eating before they left!

Christmas was always a special time at Grandpa and Grandma Beals. We would all join in the fun of making taffy. We would butter our hands and begin to pull the hot taffy until just the right consistency. Then after it was cooled we would cut it into bite size pieces and wrap in wax paper. Grandpa always made divinity. And of course, there was fudge. Grandma would keep her freshly made popcorn balls in the living room closet in a big blue enamel canner. It kept them cool and crisp. Her dining table would be draped with her red tablecloth and candles and fancy table decorations. We would all gather at the same table for many years. Through the years as we became teenagers we would bring our boy/girl friends to dinner with us. Grandma and Grandpa always made everyone feel welcome. After the delicious traditional Christmas Dinner we could hardly wait to open our Christmas gifts. There were always the dinner dishes that must be done first. Once the dishes were done we would all gather in the living room and enjoy our Christmas gift exchange. The gathering usually included the Beals, Kazembas and the Andersons. It was a great time. The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting, playing with gifts and snacking on the Christmas goodies. Before leaving we would set the table again with the leftovers. As Grandma and Grandpa grew older, the Christmas Dinner’s were moved to either the Kazembas or the Andersons. I cherish the memories of Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Beal’s home.

Grandma and Grandpa also used to make their own Horseradish. We did this outside of course. The smell was very strong and burned your eyes. We also enjoyed listening to grandpa play his harmonica. He was very good. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, he or us grandkids. He also enjoyed telling us stories of his childhood and a few jokes and pranks he pulled through the years. He was an exceptional grandfather. Both Ralph and Frieda were extra ordinary people. I feel very fortunate to have had them for my grandparents. There were many a fishing trip that Grandpa and I went on. We caught lots of bullheads and Grandma would cook them. Can you imagine a Grandpa being patient enough to let his granddaughter wear rubber gloves to put that night crawler on the hook? He did...and never made me feel bad about it either. After awhile I was able to do it without gloves and he was so proud of me. After we came home with our catch, we would go out behind the lilacs and clean fish. I don't know who had more fun, Grandpa or me.

After Grandma and Grandpa retired from farming and moved into town, the gatherings would still continue. We would go to Grandma and Grandpa’s after church for coffee and cookies/bars. There was always something good Grandma had made.

I remember celebrating Grandma and Grandpa’s 50th Wedding anniversary at the Presbyterian Church in September of 1987. There were many friends that attended and it was a wonderful afternoon. We also had an open house for Grandpa’s 90th birthday. He enjoyed the attention. Grandma was just the opposite and did not want to be the center of attention.

Grandma and Grandpa were blessed to have celebrated 71 wedding anniversaries together. They were both able to remain in their home for many years as Stanley lived with them and cared for them. Grandma died on Sunday, March 5, 1989. Grandpa continued to live with Stanley until it was difficult to care for him. Arrangements were made and he lived at Fauske’s Nursing Home for a time. We would take Grandpa on outings as often as we could. He was always ready to go and enjoyed getting out often. We took him to church and to the Memorial Day Services each year. It was important that he wear his legion shirt and cap to the services. He enjoyed going out to the cemetery for the services there. We would take lunch back to the nursing home and have lunch outside on the patio. He enjoyed the nice weather. We would sometimes stop and just take him for a ride. We took him out to Grandma’s grave. We would pick him up and bring him to our homes. He was always so appreciative of everything. In April of 1991 he was recognized at the Presbyterian Church as being the oldest member.

Grandpa died on Monday, August 5, 1991 at the Worthington Regional Hospital. He was approximately 100 days shy of being 100 years old. Although he missed Frieda very much in the 2 ½ years after she died, his goal was to reach the 100 mark until just a few days before he died. At that time he told me it was more important to find Grandma. At noontime on Friday, August 2, 1991 Susan and Molly visited Grandpa at the hospital. The sun was shining. It was a beautiful day. We gave each other our last hugs and kisses and ended our visit with I love yous. We both seemed to know it would be our last visit. It was a wonderful visit and we had an awesome conversation. I fed Grandpa lunch. Actually, only a few bites. He told me he wasn’t hungry and would rather visit with me….. and we did. We talked about days gone by. We laughed and we cried. He told me it wasn’t important anymore to be 100 years old. He told me to go to Omaha and be with Dave and take care of Molly. He told me to tell Amy and Eric he wished them to have a good life together. He thanked me for all I had done for him. I returned the thank you to him! He told me he would never ever forget me and again I told him the same. I held his hand. He told me when he got to Heaven, the first thing he was going to do was find Grandma. We had an agreement, when he found her he was going to tell her hello and give her a big hug and kiss from me. I have no doubt this mission was accomplished. It was difficult to leave him that Friday afternoon, but I was leaving with nothing unsaid and that felt good. I carry my Grandparents memories close to my heart for the rest of my life. I believe my Grandpa Beal is my guardian angel. I have felt his presence. He is with me always.

Both Ralph and Frieda are buried at the Round Lake Cemetery.


Children of Ralph and Frieda: Stanley was born on Sunday, February 29, 1920. He farmed with his parents for many years. Stanley never married. Lives in Round Lake.

Mary Elizabeth (Betty) was born on Thursday, May 18, 1922. She Married Russell L. Anderson. They have five children: Linda, Susan, Kathy, Larry, and Elise. Farmed for many years. Live in Round Lake.

Barbara was born on August 20, 19 Married Marvin Kazemba. Farmed in the Sioux Valley area for several years. The have four children: Diane, Dale, Duane, and LeAnn. Marv died of complications of diabetes. Barb remained widowed for many years. Remarried Bob Kennedy and lives in Sioux Valley. She enjoys quilting, gardening, playing piano. Was church organist.

Charles stillborn

Centennial Memories by Ralph Beal April – 1991

Memories of my life in the church begin many years ago. My mother was Baptist and I remember her telling us about being baptized in the Cedar River at Waterloo, Iowa. We were part of the Baptist church for a number of years. That’s where I first went to Sunday School, the Baptist Church in Grouver, Iowa.

Sometime in the early 1900’s we moved to Mission Hill, South Dakota. I attended Sunday School in the Congregational Church there as a boy and later became a member. In 1914 Delbert Coyer helped me to find a job with Phil Horstman and I moved to Round Lake and joined the First Presbyterian Church by letter of transfer. Rev. Prentis was the pastor. It must have made quite an impression. I remember just where I was sitting on that day…..half way back on the North side of the sanctuary. Little did I know that because of that move I’d meet my bride to be, Frieda Morgan.

One of the highlights of my early involvement with our church was Sunday School. Transportation was a lot different then. Roy Erickson would pick up the young people with a triple box bobsled. One day he upset the whole load down by the elevator. That didn’t stop us. We just all piled back in and went on to Sunday School. It didn’t take long before those trips were made in an Overland with side curtains.

I remember the day I drove to Reading with my brother to ask the pastor if he would marry Frieda and I. He agreed to make the trip and on Monday, September 5, 1917 Rev. Anderson married us here in Round Lake.

We were a pretty active group. For the men we had Baraca Class. It was a Bible class taught by Mrs. Tripp. We met on Sunday mornings at the town hall. The wives would furnish cake and coffee. Sometimes there would be special gatherings at Mrs. Tripp’s home. During one such occasion, Frieda placed a sleeping baby Stanley on the bed for “safe Keeping”. It wasn’t such a safe place after all. One of our fellow members sat on him! That was one Baraca Class that stayed in our memories for a long time.

The church has seen many pastors over the years and many pastors’ homes. At one point student pastor, Dick Boyd used the church basement for the manse. He had a small kitchen and living room there. It may not have been the most convenient and comfortable but we made do with what we had. I remember the original manse too. It was located on Second Avenue just west of the water tower. It wasn’t until 1952 that the manse as we know it today was built. I remember the day Paul Ling came to ask for financial help to build that manse. I was one of the first contributors.

I served on the session for many years. I remember Rev. Prentis grabbing me by the lapel of my suit and asking me to serve. My fellow Elders were Frank Willardson and Frank Mitchell. We served as Elders together for many years. At the congregatoinal meeting each year they would make a motion that we continue as Elders. The Congregation was a lot smaller then so we didn’t have as many people available for church offices as we do now. After several terms, and as the Congregation grew, they made a ruling that you could only be an Elder for three consecutive years. That’s when I stepped down for a time and let someone else take over.

I’m not sure which of the next two areas took higher priority in my church life, Choir or Financial Secretary. I enjoyed both. I was financial Secretary for many years. Florence Peterson held the position prior to myself. Lots of Sunday afternoons were spent counting the church money. I’m sure Frieda would have appreciated a dish wiper, but the first thing I did after Sunday dinner was count money. Many times the grandchildren got to help. I don’t know if they were most interested in seeing all the money, being with Grandpa or begging to run the old Adometer! It wasn’t like the calculators they use today. It consisted of a row of wheels with numbers up to ten. It would add up to $10,000.00, but unfortunately, I never got to use it to its full potential. One Sunday I left the collection money lay on the chair next to me at Lloyd Johnson’s Café. It was a quick trip back to town to get it and a big sigh of relief when it was still there. I passed my responsibility as Financial Secretary on to Karen Tjoland. I remember spending a Sunday afternoon with her showing her the ropes.

I’m thankful for the years that I was able to sing in the Choir. It was a combination of the fellowship and the opportunity to sing the hymns I love that made it so special. I didn’t join the choir right away. It was June Thomsen who asked me to be apart of the group. We sang for many worship services. Florence Morgan, Dorothy Morgan, Barbara Beal, Margie Morgan and Josie Stoltenberg were some of the organists I sang with when I was in the choir. We had a quartet too. Mabel Lundholm, June Thomsen, Don Mitchell and myself were part of the original quartet. Ivy Hansen joined us sometimes. I think we sang for over 50 funerals over the years. I remember many a Sunday afternoon visiting friends in the nursing home, singing the songs we loved. We had lots of favorites, but mine are still, “Life’s Railway to Heaven” and “Love Lifted Me”.

I miss being an active part of the First Presbyterian Church in Round Lake but take a lot of pleasure in the memories that I have. One of those special memories happened just this past Easter Sunday when I was recognized as Outstanding Senior Presbyterian. I want to thank everyone for the recognition and tell you all how good it was to greet and visit with my friends in the Church.

Image Gallery
References
  1.   United States. Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. (Washington, D.C.: National Archives Microfilm Publication M1509, 1987-1988).

    World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
    Name: Ralph Leroy Beal
    City: Not Stated
    County: Nobles
    State: Minnesota
    Birthplace: Iowa;United States of America
    Birth Date: 22 Nov 1892
    Race: Caucasian
    Roll: 1675769
    DraftBoard: 0

  2.   State of Minnesota. Minnesota Death Index, 1908-2017.

    Minnesota Death Index, 1908-2002
    Name: Ralph Leroy Beal
    Birth Date: 22 Nov 1891 Death Date: 5 Aug 1991
    Death County: Nobles
    Mother's Maiden Name: Kistner
    State File Number: 021401 Certificate Number: 021401
    Certificate Year: 1991 Record Number: 2396478

  3.   Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index: Death Master File, database. (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service).

    Name: Ralph L. Beal
    SSN: 477-40-0652
    Born: 22 Nov 1891
    Died: 5 Aug 1991
    State (Year) SSN issued: Minnesota (1955)

  4.   Per Stanley Beal 8 Feb 2009 regarding article about his father swallowing a quarter as a child:
    Those are very special items and will go into the Story of My Life I have been asked to put together. Dad talked often about his swallowing the quarter and the Doctor's efforts to retrieve it unsuccessfully. He said he could taste silver until he was a young man. and had difficulty swallowing meat etc. at first.
  5.   Per an email from Stanley Beal 30 July 2010: Your past interest in the tombstones of family brings back this memory of when my Grandfather Harvey left us. I was 13. That was still THE GREAT DEPRESSION. The Appleton area, where Aunt Edith and Uncle Fred lived, was experiencing a bit of THE DUST BOWL and life was uncertain there while things were a bit better here in the heavier soil. The family felt my Dad and Uncle Jesse were the most permanently located at the time so he was buried here. I don't know if you want things like this in your records or not. Uncle Jesse's family moved to Washington during WW-II. I was born north of town and am still here. My mother was born here and my Granddad came at one year of age and never left. My Maternal Great Grandfather, Welsh, Homesteaded here after his Discharge from THE CIVIL WAR.