George W. Beadle

BEADLE, STREETER, DEAN, ONEIL

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/7/2010 at 05:37:14

GEORGE W. BEADLE

In the history of George W. Beadle is given the life record of one who for many years was a prominent factor in the business life and development of Iowa. He was recognized as a man of sterling worth. He arrived in Winnebago county in the period of its pioneer development and lived to witness the remarkable changes which have transformed this from a frontier district into one of the populous and prosperous counties of the state. He was born in Woodbury, Washington county, Vermont, on the 8th of July, 1835, and was there reared to manhood, while its public schools afforded him his educational opportunities. In 1855, when twenty years of age, he came toIowa, making his way first to Lyons, Clinton county, where he resided for two years. He was afterward in Worth county for two years and then came to Winnebago county. However, as a youth of twenty years he had visited Winnebago county, where he became acquainted with an old trapper and for a short period was associated with him in trapping and hunting in the vicinity of the present town of Lake Mills. He arrived in this district about the same time as Judge Robert Clark and they later became fast friends. He established a brickyard, which he operated for a year or two, and made the brick for the first courthouse and the old Clark Hotel. He then bought land from the government and settled at Ellington, the old county seat of Hancock county. There he engaged in farming and upon that place made his home for thirty-two years. He also bought other land adjoining his first purchase and ultimately acquired seven hundred acres, which he converted into rich and productive fields. In addition to tilling the soil he also engaged in stock raising and for several years he conducted a general store at Ellington. He was also postmaster there for many years and was a very prominent factor in the development and progress of the district in which he lived. He continued upon the farm for many years. A year and a half was spent in Britt, Iowa, where he organized and, as its president, conducted the Farmers Savings Bank. At the end of that period, however, he sold the bank and in 1895 he came to Forest City, where he conducted a general store for five years. At the end of that period he disposed of his general mercantile interests and retired from active business.

On the 24th of June, 1860, Mr. Beadle was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Streeter, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, who survives him. Her father, Zimri Streeter, was a native of Vermont and in 1856 came to Iowa, where his remaining days were passed. He engaged in farming near Cedar Falls and was in the legislature three years. Although not a lawyer he served as one in many instances. His wife was in her maidenhood Lucinda Dean. To Mr. and Mrs. Beadle were born five children: Howard G.; Clara, now the wife of Michael O'Neil: Julia M.; Charles L., who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; and Angie, who died when but ten months old. There are also eleven grandchildren and one great-grandson. For a few years John Beadle, a brother, made his home with Mr. Beadle of this review. John Beadle was born in Newport, Vermont, February 5, 1829, and in 1849 went to California by way of Central America. In 1852 he returned to his native state and the year following came to Iowa, but again went back to Vermont. In 1859, however, he located at Bristol, Worth county, Iowa, and later removed to Ellington township, Hancock county. lie enlisted at the first call for volunteers for service in the Civil war and fought in nearly all the most important battles in the war, including Gettysburg. He was a member of Company C, Twelfth United States Infantry. At the close of hostilities he returned to Iowa and bought two hundred and seventy-six acres of land five miles south of Forest City. He lived there until a few years before his death, when he went to live with his brother, G. W. Beadle. He passed away July 9, 1913, at the age of eighty-four years.

George W. Beadle always took an active interest in politics and for many years filled the office of county supervisor, discharging his duties with marked promptness, capability and fidelity. He was deeply interested in education, served during his entire residence in Hancock county as a member of the school board and for many years was school treasurer. He ever contributed to public progress through his aid and cooperation in movements projected for the general good. He never united with any church but was a man of deep religious convictions, which he manifested in his everyday affairs and in his relations with his fellowmen. His death occurred on the 18th of August, 1914, and he was laid to rest in the Ellington cemetery, leaving a widow, four children and many friends to mourn his loss. His was an active and well spent life which won for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact and many who knew him entertained for him the warmest regard. Mrs. Beadle still owns the old homestead of four hundred and forty acres in Hancock county, a finely improved tract of land. She is a woman whose many admirable qualities have won her the friendly regard and confidence of all who know her. No history of this section of the state would be complete without extended reference to Mr. and Mrs. Beadle, for from early pioneer times he was connected with Hancock and Winnebago counties, witnessing their development from a wild frontier region and ever bearing his part in the task of promoting the upbuilding of his section of the state.

Source: History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II. Pioneer Publishing Company (Chicago), 1917. pp. 309-310.