Beardsley, William S.

BEARDSLEY

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/17/2021 at 21:44:15

Source: History of Warren County, Iowa, by Gerard Schultz and Don L. Berry, The Record and Tribune Co., Indianola, Iowa, 1953, p.285

WILLIAM S. BEARDSLEY
William S. Beardsley, son of William and Carrie (Shane) Beardsley, was born at Beacon, Iowa, May 13, 1901. He is a graduate of Birmingham High School of Birmingham, Iowa, and Bowen Institute of Pharmacy Chemistry of Brunswick, Missouri.
Mr. Beardsley married Charlotte E. Manning, daughter of George and Helen (Speer) Manning of Birmingham, Iowa. The Beardsleys are the parents of four children living: Blaine, Mary (Mrs. Henry F. Schieg), Charlotte (Mrs. Doyle E. Stickel) and Dan; and William, deceased. In 1922 Mr. Beardsley established a drugstore in New Virginia. In 1940 he moved to his farm near New Virginia, and has since been actively engaged in its operation. Mr. Beardsley served as senator from Clarke and Warren counties from 1932 through 1940. In 1947 he was elected to the house of representatives from Warren County. Nov. 2, 1948, he was elected governor of Iowa. Two years later he was reelected as governor, and to a third term in 1952, which he is now serving.
Gov. Beardsley is a member of the Methodist church, Masonic bodies, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lions club and the American Academy of Political Science. In politics he is a Republican. More concerning Gov. Beardsley's political career will be found in Chapter V in the history of Virginia township, under the heading, "Two Gentlemen from New Virginia," starting on page 98.