FRANK M. BEADLE is the owner of one of the fine farms of Jefferson County, a tract of land of one hundred acres, situated on sections 16 and 17, Grand Prairie Township. His home is a comfortable and commodious dwelling, in the rear of which stand a large barn and other outbuildings, which are models of convinience. These are surrounded by rich and well cultivated fields, and the farm, which is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicates the careful supervision of the owner, who is recognized as a most successful agriculturist.

Our subject was born on the old Beadle homestead on section 17, and is a son of Richard F. Beadle, who was born in Clark County, Ind., October 12, 1814. The father came to Illinois in 1840, settling on section 15, Grand Prairie Township, where he made his home for about three years, and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 17, which he transformed into one of the model farms of the community. He was a Republican in politics and a zealous worker in the interests of that party. For some years he served as School Director and School Trustee. He was united in marriage June 19, 1834, with Barbara Butoff, and to them were born nine children, six of whom are yet living: Susan A., wife of William Johnson, of Centralia; Catherine E., wife of James R. Johnson, who served in the late war and is now living one mile east of Centralia; Nancy J., wife of Z. C. Moore, who was a member of Company H, Eightieth Illinois Infantry, and is now living in Tamalco, Ill.: John, who wedded Mary A., daughter of John Jackson, and resides in Grand Prairie Township; F. M., who wedded Mary M., daughter of William Craig, and is also Living in Grand Prairie Township; and William, deceased, who married Mary Ann Grismore.

The mother of this family was born December 31, 1812, and died in February, 1866. Mr. Beadle afterward married Mrs. Catherine Piercy and took up his residence upon her large farm. In politics he was a Republican, and was one of the honored pioneers and representative citizens of the community. He passed away June 25, 1885.

Frank M. Beadle was reared to manhood under the parental roof. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood during the winter season until twenty-one years of age.

To his father he gave the benefit of his services until twenty-five years of age, when he was married. On the 11th of August, 1870, he wedded Mary M. Craig, daughter of William Craig, of Centralia Township, Marion County, but she died October 27, 1890 leaving six children, viz.: William C., Susan A., Richard F., Catherine B., Julia. F. and Francis C. On the 30th of August, 1892, Mr. Beadle was united in marriage with Miss Mary Long, a most estimable lady. Our subject has always been a Republican until recently, when he joined the Populist party, and, is now one of its zealous members. He has served as Tax Collector for two terms, was Assessor for two terms, and has been School Director for several terms. He discharged his duties in a prompt and able manner, proving a capable officer. Socially, he is a member of the Odd Fellows' lodge of Irvington, the Illinois Mutual Protective Association and the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His entire life has been passed in Jefferson County, and those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his warmest friends, a fact which indicates an honorable career.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Governors of the State and the Presidents of the United States,"
Chicago: Chapman Publishing Co., 1894

Submitted by: MARK STROHBECK