|
JAMES N. BEAL, a fruit-grower and farmer of Mt. Vernon, has by the exercise of business ability, enterprise, industry and well directed efforts become one of the substantial citizens of Jefferson County. He was born in Lehigh, Pa., and in childhood came to Illinois with his parents, Jacob and Catherine (Kleemans) Beal, who were natives of Bavaria, Germany. They were married in their native country and three children were there born to them. In 1840 they came to America, locating in the Lehigli Valley, and there the family circle was increased by the birth of three children. Philip is now a farmer of Washington County, ILL. Wilhelma is the wife of Thomas Davis, of Centralia. Charles and Jacob follow farming in Jefferson County. Lewis is the next younger. William resides in Centralia. On coming to Illinois the parents located in St. Clair County and lived there and in Marion County until 1858, when they came to Jefferson County. Our subject was left an orphan at the age of nine years, and for five years worked on a farm for his board and clothes. His first wages were only $4 per month, but afterward he received $8 per month. Out of this he managed to save $25, which he loaned at interest. In 1856 he settled in the northwestern part of Jefferson County and has since been connected with its agricultural and horticultural interests. In January, 1872, Mr. Beal married Miss Sarah M., daughter of Franklin S. Casey, a native of Tennessee and one of the oldest settlers of Jefferson County. A man of liberal education and considerable influence, he took a prominent part in everything pertaining to the development of the county. For many years he served as Associate Judge and was also a member of the State Constitutional Convention. In the County Agricultural Society he served as a Director. His death occurred at Mt. Vernon in 1871. The grandfather of Mrs. Beal, Abraham P. Casey, came to Illinois in 1818, the year when the state was admitted to the Union. Mrs. Beal was one of a large family of children and in childhood was given excellent educational advantages. Upon a farm in Shiloh Township. Mr. and Mrs. Beal began their domestic life, and in 1877 located just south of Mt. Vernon, their house being within the corporate limits of the city. In 1885 our subject began the cultivation of small fruits, which he has continued until he has one of the finest fruit farms in the county and is acknowledged to be an authority on small fruits, as well as to be the most extensive grower in the county. Three children have been born to our subject and is wife, Alvin C., who is now attending the State Agricultural College; John F. and May E., at home. The children are bright and intelligent, and are popular in social circles. That the sons are industrious, the following clipping from a local paper furnishes abundant proof: "On the 11th of June, Alvin Beal, of Mt. Vernon, ILL., aged eighteen years, picked one hundred and fifty-seven quarts of gooseberries, thirty-nine and one-fourth gallons, or three quarts less than five bushels. On the same day John Beal, aged sixteen years, picked one hundred and sixty-three quarts of gooseberries, forty and three-fourths gallons, or five bushels and three quarts, making ten bushels for both boys. They picked without reward or pay and of their own will, to see how many they could pick in a day, besides doing the usual chores of the farm." In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Beal are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he has always been a stanch Republican. Upon the organization of the Grange of the county, he served as its first Master. He was a member of the State Southern Horticultural Society, and his success as a fruit-grower has made him widely known, especially among those interested in the same business. He has contributed a number of valuable articles on horticulture. His paper on "Strawberries," which was read at the Farmers' Institute of Jefferson County, afterward appeared in the Orchard Fruits, published at Effingham. At the present time he is officiating as President of the Farmers' Institute of Jefferson County.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" LEWIS N. BEAL, farmer, P.O. Mt. Vernon, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., April 28 1844, and is a son of Jacob Beal (deceased), a native of Bavaria, who emigrated to America about the year 1836. Our subject spent his boyhood days on the farm, and attended the common schools. He came to St. Clair County, Ill., with his parents in 1851, and in l855 to Centralia. He came to Jefferson County in 1858, where he has since resided, except two years that he spent in Kansas, which was during 1864 and 1865. He married Sarah M. CASEY January 20, 1872. She is a daughter of the well-known Franklin S. Casey (deceased). They have three children-Alvin C., John F. and May E. Mr. Beal owns eighty-live acres of very valuable land, and is engaged in general farming. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His farm lies in Section 30, and adjoining the city of Mt. Vernon.
SOURCE: History Of Jefferson County, Il |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer