Pg 288

         VAN BUREN BEANE, Recorder of Louisa County, Iowa, is a native of Maryland, and was born in Washington County, Dec. 4, 1834, his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth (Ridenour) Beane, the father a native of Franklin County, Pa., of English descent, and the mother also of Pennsylvania, descended from German ancestors. Her death occurred in 1852, and Mr. Beane departed this life in 1876, at the age of sixty-seven years. In 1853 our subject removed with his father to Lancaster County, Pa., where he was employed on his father’s farm, and also attended the public schools. He began teaching in 1855, and subsequently attended the State Normal School at Millersville, Pa. He pursued the vocation of teacher in Pennsylvania, principally at Middletown, Dauphin County, and was married at that place, in October, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Kendig, daughter of Martin Kendig, and a native of Middletown. Nine children were born of their union, four sons and five daughters, of whom seven are living: Horace is with C. M. Wright, an attorney and pension agent of Wapello; Alice is the wife of O. P. Myers, of the Wapello Republican; Kendig is engaged as a clerk in Burlington; Harriet is a teacher; Van Buren, Jr., is a printer by trade; Cora and America are at home. Two children died in infancy.

Mr. Beane continued to reside at Middletown, Pa., until 1871, when he removed to Columbus City, Louisa Co., Iowa, where he was employed in teaching, and was also engaged in the grocery business. He was chosen to various local offices, and remained in business at Columbus City until he was elected Recorder for Louisa County in the fall of 1884, when he sold out and removed to Wapello, where he has since resided. Mr. Beane was re-elected in November, 1888; he is now serving his fourth year in that office, and will commence on this third term Jan. 1, 1889. He is a Republican in politics, and has always supported that party since its organization.

In the discharge of official duty Mr. Beane is methodical and exact, and has proved an efficient and accommodating officer. As a citizen, he is esteemed for his upright character and courteous manner. Mrs. Beane and second daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church, of Wapello, and the eldest daughter is a member of the Christian Church at Columbus City. Mr. Beane attends the Presbyterian Church regularly, and has been active in Sunday-school work, both in Columbus City and in Wapello. He was Superintendent of the school at Columbus City for seven years, and was Superintendent in Wapello for one year, then declined to serve further in that capacity. He is an Ancient Odd Fellow, having joined that order at Middletown, Pa., in 1867, and has been a member of the Knights of Pythias, Liberty Lodge No. 22, of Columbus Junction, since 1873.