Abram Leon Beardslee

BEARDSLEE, FARR, HEALEY, LIDDY, HAYES

Posted By: Oregon Rain
Date: 1/19/2007 at 22:33:33

Abram Leon Beardslee, deceased, was for many years identified with the business interests of Delaware county in a manner that promoted public progress along material lines. He was a native of the state of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred on a farm near Canton, October 12, 1845. His parents, Jacob and Polly (Farr) Beardslee, were of English and German nativity respectively and lived and died in the east.

Abram Leon Beardslee received his early training in the common schools and subsequently attended the Poughkeepsie (N. Y.) Commercial College. In October, 1864, he came to the west, making his way to Delaware county, and for a time he taught in the schools of Earlville. Later he entered the agricultural implement establishment of E. Healy and after a time was admitted to a partnership in the business. In 1868 the stock was removed to Manchester, the partnership obtaining until the retirement of Mr. Healy in 1876. Mr. Beardslee then conducted the business alone until 1893 and under his able management the concern prospered and became one of the solid and substantial business houses of the city. He also conducted for many years a cigar factory in which he employed from twenty five to thirty men. This was a most important industry and was very successfully conducted. In 1893 Mr. Beardslee became one of the organizers of a local insurance company and later acted as secretary and general manager of the Manchester Light, Heat & Power Company. In 1893 he became a member of the firm of Beardslee Brothers & Rhoades of Canton, Pennsylvania, manufacturers of wood alcohol, and continued in the same until his death. A man of strong purpose, his plans were always clearly defined, and he was indefatigable in carrying them forward to successful completion. More over, his efforts were of a character that contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual success.

Mr. Beardslee was twice married. On the 12th of October, 1867, he wedded Miss Amelia Healy, and they became the parents of one son, who died in infancy. The mother passed away in 1888 and on the 12th of October, 1890, Mr. Beardslee married Miss Della C. Liddy, a daughter of Dennis H. and Margaret (Hayes) Liddy, who were natives of County Clare, Ireland, and in childhood came to America. They were married in the state of Maine and subsequently removed westward to Dubuque and afterward to Clayton county, Iowa. They passed away in Clayton county and were there laid to rest. To Mr. and Mrs. Beardslee were born three sons, two of whom died in infancy, the one surviving being Leon Alphonse, whose birth occurred in 1893, and who is now attending the Iowa State University at Iowa City as a medical student.

While greatly interested in public affairs, it must, in justice, be said of Mr. Beardslee that he was in no sense a politician, nor did he aspire to public position. He took great delight in his home and was also deeply interested in the affairs of the Masonic fraternity. He belonged to Manchester Lodge, No. 65, A. F. & A. M.; Olive Branch Chapter, No. 48. R. A. M.; and Nazareth Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templar of which he was at one time eminent commander. He also belonged to De Molay Consistory, A. A. S. R., at Clinton, and oF the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, being a member of El Kahie Temple, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in which he was an officer at the time of his death. At one time he served as grand captain general of the grand commandery of Knights Templar and in 1890 was deputy grand commander of the state of Iowa. His death occurred April 7, 1900, and with his passing Delaware county lost a good man and a valued and respected citizen. His life was guided by high and honorable principles and in his relations with his fellowmen he displayed those sterling traits of consideration and kindliness which ever win high regard.

~ source: History of Delaware County, Iowa and its People, Illustrated, Volume II. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1914, Chicago. Page 189-190. Call Number 977.7385 H2m; LDS microfilm #934937.