William's parents were:
Lewis Wheat Beal 1806–1884
Mary Lester -1864
Thanks to FindAGrave member, Sue Walcott, for information about William's mother on July 3, 2016:
Mary was daughter of daughter of David Lester and Sarah Applebee(by).
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William married Jane Stout in IN on Independence day - July 4, 1855.
Their children were:
John, Elgin, Charles, & Grant (all who once served as editors of a newspaper)
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On July 19, 1860,
William (Wm) & Jane Beal, ages 32 & 25, lived in Prairie Township, Audrain Co, MO where William farmed to support them. They owned land & personal wealth valued at $1600 & $3000. Their Post Office was in Littleby. They had three sons, John, age 5; Elgin, 2; & Wm., 3 months.
Another member of their house hold included William's single brother, Augustus Beal, age 24, who helped with the farm work.
Household Members
Wm Beall 32 (born in IN)
Jane Beall 25 (born in OH)
John Beall 5 (born in MO)
Elgin Beall 2 (born in MO)
Wm Beall 3 months (born in MO)
Augustus Beall 24 (born in IN)
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William & Jane owned a farm five miles northwest of Laddonia.
In June 1880,
W.H. & Jane Beal, ages 52 & 44, lived in Prairie Town, Audrain co, MO. William farmed with the help of their sons. Their sons included John, age 23; Elgin, 21; Charles, 19; & Grant, 15.
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Mexico Weekly Ledger (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 11, 1885
LADDONIA LACONICS.
The Glorious Fourth - Speeches Being Practiced - a Fine Old Gentleman, Religious, &e.
Correspondence of the Ledger
"Laddonia, June 8. - The interest in the 'Fourth' increases, and everybody is making some preparation for it. Music is being arranged for the occasion and speeches are being practiced. 'Tis said that Messrs. W.H. Beal and E.C. Kennen resort to the public square of evenings to practice speaking their orations; but since the citizens have read the account of the editor of the LEDGER'S speech before the 'Press Association,' and how the trees were affected by it, and also the affect it had on the editors at Columbia, they go out to the square and watch to see if the trees tremble from the sound of their voices. Should any of the trees be shaken to death we presume the town treasury will be increased thereby. ... "
On June 2, 1900,
William & Jane Beal, ages 72 & 63, owned a farm in Prairie, Audrain Co, MO. He was a Land Lord. They had been married 45 years; Jane had given birth to 5 children - 4 were living.
A member of the household included a boarder was Robert T. Steel, widowed, age 65. Robert, also a Land Lord, had immigrated from England in 1865.
Household Members
William Beal 72 (born in April 1828)
Jane Beal 63 (born in OH in Jan. 1837)
Robert T Steel 65 (born in England in Oct. 1834)
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, August 1, 1901
"Dr. E.D. Vandeventer, Levi McDaniel, Ed Ferris, Hiram Morey, Mrs. W.H. Beal and a little childd of Rev. Stover are among those who have been quite seriously sick in Laddonia vicinity."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 7, 1904
"The custer County (Neb.) Beacon, speaking of an Audrain country man, who has lived here since 1855, says: W.H. Beal, father of E.L. and C.W. Beal, arrived in the city Monday morning, for an extended visit with his sons and Levi Poor, a friend for 25 years.
Mr. Beal is a well preserved man for his age, vigorous and progressive in though, proud of his unworthy boys, three of whom are editors and one a farmer and stockraiser. He neither used tobacco nor takes any kind of stimulants, neither do any of the boys, nor any of his brothers, three of whom are still living. He believes in the golden rule in politics. In politics he believes in government, ownership of public utilities. He insists that religion, morality and education are necessary for good government, and for long life, he is a believer in cheerfulness, exercise and wholesome foo."
Letter by William Beal
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 21, 1904
FROM NEBRASKA
AUDRAIN COUNTY AND CUSTER COUNTY, NEB., COMPARED
"Broken Bow, Neb., Jan. 9 - Left Laddonia Sunday before the new year on morning train. Took dinner at Mexico. Found the Wabash train late and asked the agent to check my trunk thru to Broken Bow. 'Broken Bow, he-,' he remarked. 'Who ever heard of that place! It's Broken Bowl.' 'Never mind,'[ I said 'Put it Broken Bow.'
At Kansas City I had 6 minutes to change cars. Got to the Bow at 8 o'clock next morning, 2 hours late on account of hott boxes. Found Chas. Beal in his office and the weather just as fine as it was in the stage of Louisiana when we were there Jan. 8, 1852. Charles lives in a fine house a half mile from his office. Has a fine practice at law and owns an 80 acre farm 20 milses south of the Bow.
Elgin Beal came after us New Year's day. He lives 5 miles west of the Bow. Can stand in his door and see the town. Has a 3-room house and is building an addition - horses, hogs and cattle, don't try to count them.
Levi Poor lives south of him 1/4 mile. He has considerable live stock around him and plenty of feed. He was digging postholes the other day and said the ground was frozen 12 inches. Tried it myself to see how deep the soil is and gave it up at two feet.
Writing this letter at 'Uncle Lee's.' He is out in his shirt sleeves with weather as fine as one ever saw in Missouri in April.
Saw Misses Myrtle and Hannah Lisle the other day, known to some northwest of Laddonia.
Took dinner with Mr. Peal and wife who used to be Mattie Bond. Saw Pyra Bond-Rupert yesterday at Elgin's. Charles and I will attend a meeting of a new organization of disappointed office-seekers at the Bow Tuesday night. They admit women to membership. They teach some good things and some are too extreme. Their motto: Do all the good you can, coupled to the Golden Rule.
If you want to see a face sample of Elgin's and Levi Poor's places you have it from the old fair grounds at Mexico east one mile.
W.H. Beal"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 9, 1905
"W.H. Beal, of this county, who is spending the winter with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb., writes that they have been experiencing weather out there with the thermometer 23 degrees below zero."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 1, 1905
"Laddonia is making ready for a big Fourth of July celebration. The following committees are at work: On program and printing, W.H. Beal, P.H. Derrick and C.C. Denmark; on privileges, T.S. Pearson and J.A. Pierce; speakers, Judge J.J. Alexander."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 30, 1905
"W.H. Beal, of Laddonia, father of the MESSAGE editor, left this week to spend the remainder of the winter with his two sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Father Beal has tried it two winters in Nebraska and thinks it a better place in cold weather than in Missouri - maybe it is because when it does get cold out there it gets so cold a fellow has to shut the door and stay in."
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 17, 1906
"Rev. S.L. Beal, brother of W.H. Beal of this county and an uncle of the editor of the MESSAGE, who about 20 years ago spent six months at Laddonia, this county, died a few days ago at his home in Brockton, Mass.
A Brockton paper published a column article in reference to his death and life-work. The article is headed in these words: 'Rev. Samuel L. Beal, retired clergyman and ex-alderman, died last evening at his home. Lived here 30 years. His life was useful and eventful and his work will survive.'
Mr. Beal has preached in this county and many of the older settlers will remember him. He was a man of goodness and strength of purpose and in his daily walk ever practiced what he preached. He was a great friend of the children and always had time to say a cheering word for the little boy or girl whom he might meet on the street. His was just such a life of which nothing but beautiful, good things could be said. He was a classmate of Will Charleton, the author."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, September 6, 1906
"W.H. Beal last Thursday evening on his way up town from the passenger depot in stepping from the sidewalk to the paving on Jefferson street missed his footing and sustained a very hard fall. Tendons of his right leg were badly injured and he has been confined to his room ever since."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 15, 1906
"W.H. Beal, father of the MESSAGE editor, left this week for Broken Bow, Neb., where he will spend the winter with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 7, 1907
"W.H. Beal, of Laddonia, is home from a year's stay with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Father Beal will remain in Audrain for a few weeks, looking after some business affairs, and then will make a visit to his sister, Mrs. J.V. William, at Green Brier, Ark. Mrs. Williams was formerly a resident of this county and lived for a time also at Perry."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, March 26, 1914
"Attorney E.C. Kennen: Laddonia is looking up. Thee is some talk of paving Front street with brick. I was think about Father W.H. Beal, who away back near the middle of the last century came from Indiana and took a Government claim on Middle Lick Creek, seven miles northwest of Laddonia - got his land at 12 1/2 cents an acre. He raised a family of five boys. There were seven in the family, a sunny, happy family. But three of the boys are now dead and the mother is also gone. The aged father lingers; will be 86 next month. We are all passing."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 14, 1915
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS (in part)
"W.H. Beal: 'This is January 8, 1915, the 100th anniversary of the battle of New Orleans. I went over those grounds about 60 years ago. They were used as a cow pasture then. Big oak trees stood here and there and I could see where the minnie balls had plowed them 40 years before. I have read in history that the night before the battle the British arrested an American and took him into camp and forced him to talk. He was told that the British had Lord Packenham, Lord Gilbert and Lord Lambert on their side. 'Now who have you fellows got?' he was sternly asked. 'Well, sirs,' answered the American, 'we have the Lord God Almighty, the Lord Jesus Christ and General Jackson.' The battle followed the next day and the British lost 1,400 men killed and the Americans but 14 killed, and that day made Jackson President of the United States.'"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 1, 1915
"Big snows in Nebraska. Emery Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb., writes to his grandfather, W.H. Beal, of this city, that in places in his locality snow is drifted 40 feet deep."-----
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 8, 1915
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS (in part)
"W.W. Cornett: I live down on Cuivre, near Wellsville. Was in Mexico to attend the meeting of the Audrain Baptist Mission Board: I have known Father W.H. Beal, father of the editor of the Message, for many, many years. He's quite expert in giving the early history of Audrain county. Tell him to give us an account of the picnic on Lick Creek 50 years ago, more or less, - less, I guess, - where Jim Coil, father of Dr. Paul E. Coil of Mexico and of Billie Coil of Laddonia, opposed the building of the C.& A. Railroad and when he further said, followed by one of his famous laughs, that when he got to be Governor there were two things he would do, stop the drouth and kill the cinch bugs."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 29, 1915
"W.H. Beal will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Mr. Beal celebrated his 87th birthday Monday. He came to Audrain county in 1855, driving thru form Indiana with an ox team.
State Senator C.W. Beal of Broken Bow, Neb., a brother of the editor of the Mexico Message, arrived here Saturday on a visit to relatives and friends."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 13, 1915
"Farber Forum: W.H. Beal, one of the pioneers of Audrain county and father of John Beal of the Mexico Messagej, celebrated his 87thth birthday last week. He came from Indiana in an ox cart in 1855 and settled near Laddonia where he ling resided. He will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal, at Broken Bow, Nebraska."-----
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, October 7, 1915
"W.H. Beal has returned from a five months' visit to his son, C.W. Beal, and Nephew, Emory Beal, of Broken Bow, Nebraska."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 20, 1916
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS.
" 'Sixty years ago last fall I changed locations from Indiana to Audrain county' said W.H. Beal to the Message a few days ago. 'That winter the prairie chickens would come and alight around your dwelling place thicker'n you ever see the tame chickens around any farm house in these times. You could throw and hit 'em with a rock - if there were a rock around. It commenced snowing on Christmas day, 1855, it was, and kept it up for a week. There was snow on the ground til 'spring.'"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 22, 1916
"W.H. Beal left this week for Broken Bow, Neb., where he will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 30, 1916
"Rufus Pearson is 91 years old. He gets around over town 'like a two-year-old.' W.H. Beal is nigh 89 and has amused himself this fall by the use of a maul and wedge in making up a large oak tree into stove wood. Both these old boys are quite young for their age."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 8, 1917
"W.H. Beal, the aged father of the editor of The Message, has been confined to his bed for five weeks as the result of an attack of the grippe. He is better and expects to be around the house some in a few days."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 15, 1917
"W.H. Beal, 88 years old, father of John Beal, editor of The Mexico Message, died at the home of the latter in this city at 2:40 Monday morning, as the result of an attack of grippe.
Mr. Beal was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, April 24, 1818. There he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. Subsequently he went to Kentucky and for several years built hay presses.
In 1854 he came to Missouri and entered land from the Government at 12 1/2 cents and acre in the 'Lick Creek country,' 16 miles northeast of Mexico.
Mr. Beal returned to Indiana and on July 4, 1855, he and Miss Jane Stout were married. The same summer Mr. and Mrs. Beal drove across the country in a two-horse wagon for their new settlement in Missouri.
the next year Mr. Beal built a small home on the land he had entered. Oak siding was used and the building was thatched with straw. Bushwhackers during the Civil War threatened to burn this building one night when Mr. Beal was away and only Mrs. Beal and her two or three babies were at home. They were hunting Mr. Beal's gun and Mrs. Beal refused to tell them where to find it. They searched the house and the gun was lodged behind a cupboard in quite conspicuous view, but they overlooked it completely, while yet threatening to burn the house.
Mr. Beal remained at home during the War, but was enrolled for a time in the State militia stationed at Mexico.
There were five children - John, now editor of The Mexico Message; Elgin, of Broken Bow, Neb., who died a few years ago; C.W. Beal, now a member of the State Senate of Nebraska; Dave Beal, who died 30 years ago, and Grant Beal, now dead, who was editor of the Laddonia Herald for a number of years.
'Traded' in Mexico.
There were no towns nearer than Mexico, Paris, Louisiana or Hannibal when Mr. and Mrs. Beal settled on Lick Creek. Mr. Beal used to haul lumber from Hannibal, get his milling at Hickman's Mill in Monroe County and sell his produce and buy his groceries in Mexico. Those wee the days of J.D. Morris, James Pasqueth, J.F. Liewellyn, R.R. Arnold and other in Mexico.
Mr. Beal always took an active interest in all educational matters. For years he served as clerk of his school district. He was one of the main promoters of the schools now called Elm Bend and Oak Grove. He and Dr. William Girten organized the first debating society in that locality.
The early settlers up and down the Creek near the woods and the swimming holes used to amuse themselves at Mr. Beal's expense because he chose prairie ground for settlement, but the old homestead today perhaps could not be bought for less than $100 an acre.
In 1884 Mr. Beal left the old home and moved to Laddonia. There he lived until 1903. February 4 of that year his wife died and since then he has spent his time in Nebraska with his won, C.W. Beal, and with his son, John Beal, of Mexico.
He had been a Mason more than sixty years - one of the oldest in the State.
W.H. Beal was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, April 24, 1828. Died February 12, 1917, aged 88 years, 10 months and 10 days. Was married to Miss Jane Stout July 4, 1855. Came to Missouri the same summer and settle near Laddonia.
Five children were born into the home. All have died except John Beal, of Mexico, Mo., and C.W. Beal, of Broken Bow, Nebraska. He was of a large family of children but only one is now left, Mrs. Jane Williams, of Arkansas. The beloved wife and mother passed hence February 4, 1903.
Mr. Beal had the sturdy character generally possessed by the early pioneers. He was always interested in education and the work of the public schools and the colleges and higher institutions of learning. He was a man widely read and was able to discuss any matter that might present itself. His favorite books were Shakespeare and the Bible. In his early life he had membership in the Missionary Baptist church. In his later years he often referred to death - to him- as no unwelcome thought. When death at last approached him he welcomed it and, as it were, 'drew his shroud about him and lay down to pleasant dreams.'
He was a model citizen - true and loyal to his country and always uncompromisingly for the right as he sat it. Audrain county has lost a valuable citizen in his passing.
Short religious services were held at the home yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S.W. Hayne. The body was taken to Laddonia in the afternoon where regular funeral services were held at the M.E. Church, conducted by Rev. H.B. Rice. Laddonia Masons assisted by Masonic brethren from Mexico had charge in the service at the grave."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 22, 1917
"C.W. of Broken Bow, Neb., and Mrs. Onie Beal and two sons, Garth and Clark Beal, of Odessa, Mo., attended the funeral of W.H. Beal in Mexico last week."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 22, 1917
"LEGACY OF A GOOD NAME
The Centralia Courier comments as follows:
The Courier extends sympathy to John Beal, editor of the Mexico Message, upon the death of his father, W.H. Beal, who died in Mexico Monday at the at the advanced age of 88 88 years. Mr. Beal was a native of Indiana. Coming to Missouri from Kentucky in 1854, he settled in Audrain county where he has since resided.
He was a pioneer and a man of character and conviction. For sixty years a Mason, a friend of education, a man of honor and honesty, he was one of the men who made the civilization of today possible. After a long and useful life has has been garnered for the harvest of eternity like a ripe shock of wheat. But the legacy of a good name lingers behind to bless the community in which he lived and wrought."
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Mexico Ledger (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 26, 1949
SOME FIRSTS IN AUDRAIN HISTORY (in part)
"The first Hungarian grass grown in the county was introduced by a man named Tucker, in the Upper Lick Creek Country, near the Ralls county line. The first German millet was grown by Curtis E. Smith in 1858. The firs sorghum was planted by W.H. Beal. The seed came from Washington, D.C. Beal made a small wooden mill, and managed to manufacture two gallons of fine molasses for the season. He furnished seed to his neighbors. The next year there were several crops.
I. JJ N. Smith, Lina Shultz, Jim Carmen and Beal joined in Partnership and constructed a mill with rollers two feet in diameter, and everybody had some sweetness the next year. You could hear that mill squeak two miles away when it was in operation, reports the Mexico Message of July 1915."
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Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
May 2016
Lewis Wheat Beal 1806–1884
Mary Lester -1864
Thanks to FindAGrave member, Sue Walcott, for information about William's mother on July 3, 2016:
Mary was daughter of daughter of David Lester and Sarah Applebee(by).
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William married Jane Stout in IN on Independence day - July 4, 1855.
Their children were:
John, Elgin, Charles, & Grant (all who once served as editors of a newspaper)
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On July 19, 1860,
William (Wm) & Jane Beal, ages 32 & 25, lived in Prairie Township, Audrain Co, MO where William farmed to support them. They owned land & personal wealth valued at $1600 & $3000. Their Post Office was in Littleby. They had three sons, John, age 5; Elgin, 2; & Wm., 3 months.
Another member of their house hold included William's single brother, Augustus Beal, age 24, who helped with the farm work.
Household Members
Wm Beall 32 (born in IN)
Jane Beall 25 (born in OH)
John Beall 5 (born in MO)
Elgin Beall 2 (born in MO)
Wm Beall 3 months (born in MO)
Augustus Beall 24 (born in IN)
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William & Jane owned a farm five miles northwest of Laddonia.
In June 1880,
W.H. & Jane Beal, ages 52 & 44, lived in Prairie Town, Audrain co, MO. William farmed with the help of their sons. Their sons included John, age 23; Elgin, 21; Charles, 19; & Grant, 15.
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Mexico Weekly Ledger (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 11, 1885
LADDONIA LACONICS.
The Glorious Fourth - Speeches Being Practiced - a Fine Old Gentleman, Religious, &e.
Correspondence of the Ledger
"Laddonia, June 8. - The interest in the 'Fourth' increases, and everybody is making some preparation for it. Music is being arranged for the occasion and speeches are being practiced. 'Tis said that Messrs. W.H. Beal and E.C. Kennen resort to the public square of evenings to practice speaking their orations; but since the citizens have read the account of the editor of the LEDGER'S speech before the 'Press Association,' and how the trees were affected by it, and also the affect it had on the editors at Columbia, they go out to the square and watch to see if the trees tremble from the sound of their voices. Should any of the trees be shaken to death we presume the town treasury will be increased thereby. ... "
On June 2, 1900,
William & Jane Beal, ages 72 & 63, owned a farm in Prairie, Audrain Co, MO. He was a Land Lord. They had been married 45 years; Jane had given birth to 5 children - 4 were living.
A member of the household included a boarder was Robert T. Steel, widowed, age 65. Robert, also a Land Lord, had immigrated from England in 1865.
Household Members
William Beal 72 (born in April 1828)
Jane Beal 63 (born in OH in Jan. 1837)
Robert T Steel 65 (born in England in Oct. 1834)
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, August 1, 1901
"Dr. E.D. Vandeventer, Levi McDaniel, Ed Ferris, Hiram Morey, Mrs. W.H. Beal and a little childd of Rev. Stover are among those who have been quite seriously sick in Laddonia vicinity."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 7, 1904
"The custer County (Neb.) Beacon, speaking of an Audrain country man, who has lived here since 1855, says: W.H. Beal, father of E.L. and C.W. Beal, arrived in the city Monday morning, for an extended visit with his sons and Levi Poor, a friend for 25 years.
Mr. Beal is a well preserved man for his age, vigorous and progressive in though, proud of his unworthy boys, three of whom are editors and one a farmer and stockraiser. He neither used tobacco nor takes any kind of stimulants, neither do any of the boys, nor any of his brothers, three of whom are still living. He believes in the golden rule in politics. In politics he believes in government, ownership of public utilities. He insists that religion, morality and education are necessary for good government, and for long life, he is a believer in cheerfulness, exercise and wholesome foo."
Letter by William Beal
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 21, 1904
FROM NEBRASKA
AUDRAIN COUNTY AND CUSTER COUNTY, NEB., COMPARED
"Broken Bow, Neb., Jan. 9 - Left Laddonia Sunday before the new year on morning train. Took dinner at Mexico. Found the Wabash train late and asked the agent to check my trunk thru to Broken Bow. 'Broken Bow, he-,' he remarked. 'Who ever heard of that place! It's Broken Bowl.' 'Never mind,'[ I said 'Put it Broken Bow.'
At Kansas City I had 6 minutes to change cars. Got to the Bow at 8 o'clock next morning, 2 hours late on account of hott boxes. Found Chas. Beal in his office and the weather just as fine as it was in the stage of Louisiana when we were there Jan. 8, 1852. Charles lives in a fine house a half mile from his office. Has a fine practice at law and owns an 80 acre farm 20 milses south of the Bow.
Elgin Beal came after us New Year's day. He lives 5 miles west of the Bow. Can stand in his door and see the town. Has a 3-room house and is building an addition - horses, hogs and cattle, don't try to count them.
Levi Poor lives south of him 1/4 mile. He has considerable live stock around him and plenty of feed. He was digging postholes the other day and said the ground was frozen 12 inches. Tried it myself to see how deep the soil is and gave it up at two feet.
Writing this letter at 'Uncle Lee's.' He is out in his shirt sleeves with weather as fine as one ever saw in Missouri in April.
Saw Misses Myrtle and Hannah Lisle the other day, known to some northwest of Laddonia.
Took dinner with Mr. Peal and wife who used to be Mattie Bond. Saw Pyra Bond-Rupert yesterday at Elgin's. Charles and I will attend a meeting of a new organization of disappointed office-seekers at the Bow Tuesday night. They admit women to membership. They teach some good things and some are too extreme. Their motto: Do all the good you can, coupled to the Golden Rule.
If you want to see a face sample of Elgin's and Levi Poor's places you have it from the old fair grounds at Mexico east one mile.
W.H. Beal"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 9, 1905
"W.H. Beal, of this county, who is spending the winter with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb., writes that they have been experiencing weather out there with the thermometer 23 degrees below zero."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 1, 1905
"Laddonia is making ready for a big Fourth of July celebration. The following committees are at work: On program and printing, W.H. Beal, P.H. Derrick and C.C. Denmark; on privileges, T.S. Pearson and J.A. Pierce; speakers, Judge J.J. Alexander."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 30, 1905
"W.H. Beal, of Laddonia, father of the MESSAGE editor, left this week to spend the remainder of the winter with his two sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Father Beal has tried it two winters in Nebraska and thinks it a better place in cold weather than in Missouri - maybe it is because when it does get cold out there it gets so cold a fellow has to shut the door and stay in."
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 17, 1906
"Rev. S.L. Beal, brother of W.H. Beal of this county and an uncle of the editor of the MESSAGE, who about 20 years ago spent six months at Laddonia, this county, died a few days ago at his home in Brockton, Mass.
A Brockton paper published a column article in reference to his death and life-work. The article is headed in these words: 'Rev. Samuel L. Beal, retired clergyman and ex-alderman, died last evening at his home. Lived here 30 years. His life was useful and eventful and his work will survive.'
Mr. Beal has preached in this county and many of the older settlers will remember him. He was a man of goodness and strength of purpose and in his daily walk ever practiced what he preached. He was a great friend of the children and always had time to say a cheering word for the little boy or girl whom he might meet on the street. His was just such a life of which nothing but beautiful, good things could be said. He was a classmate of Will Charleton, the author."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, September 6, 1906
"W.H. Beal last Thursday evening on his way up town from the passenger depot in stepping from the sidewalk to the paving on Jefferson street missed his footing and sustained a very hard fall. Tendons of his right leg were badly injured and he has been confined to his room ever since."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 15, 1906
"W.H. Beal, father of the MESSAGE editor, left this week for Broken Bow, Neb., where he will spend the winter with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 7, 1907
"W.H. Beal, of Laddonia, is home from a year's stay with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Father Beal will remain in Audrain for a few weeks, looking after some business affairs, and then will make a visit to his sister, Mrs. J.V. William, at Green Brier, Ark. Mrs. Williams was formerly a resident of this county and lived for a time also at Perry."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, March 26, 1914
"Attorney E.C. Kennen: Laddonia is looking up. Thee is some talk of paving Front street with brick. I was think about Father W.H. Beal, who away back near the middle of the last century came from Indiana and took a Government claim on Middle Lick Creek, seven miles northwest of Laddonia - got his land at 12 1/2 cents an acre. He raised a family of five boys. There were seven in the family, a sunny, happy family. But three of the boys are now dead and the mother is also gone. The aged father lingers; will be 86 next month. We are all passing."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 14, 1915
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS (in part)
"W.H. Beal: 'This is January 8, 1915, the 100th anniversary of the battle of New Orleans. I went over those grounds about 60 years ago. They were used as a cow pasture then. Big oak trees stood here and there and I could see where the minnie balls had plowed them 40 years before. I have read in history that the night before the battle the British arrested an American and took him into camp and forced him to talk. He was told that the British had Lord Packenham, Lord Gilbert and Lord Lambert on their side. 'Now who have you fellows got?' he was sternly asked. 'Well, sirs,' answered the American, 'we have the Lord God Almighty, the Lord Jesus Christ and General Jackson.' The battle followed the next day and the British lost 1,400 men killed and the Americans but 14 killed, and that day made Jackson President of the United States.'"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 1, 1915
"Big snows in Nebraska. Emery Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb., writes to his grandfather, W.H. Beal, of this city, that in places in his locality snow is drifted 40 feet deep."-----
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 8, 1915
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS (in part)
"W.W. Cornett: I live down on Cuivre, near Wellsville. Was in Mexico to attend the meeting of the Audrain Baptist Mission Board: I have known Father W.H. Beal, father of the editor of the Message, for many, many years. He's quite expert in giving the early history of Audrain county. Tell him to give us an account of the picnic on Lick Creek 50 years ago, more or less, - less, I guess, - where Jim Coil, father of Dr. Paul E. Coil of Mexico and of Billie Coil of Laddonia, opposed the building of the C.& A. Railroad and when he further said, followed by one of his famous laughs, that when he got to be Governor there were two things he would do, stop the drouth and kill the cinch bugs."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 29, 1915
"W.H. Beal will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Mr. Beal celebrated his 87th birthday Monday. He came to Audrain county in 1855, driving thru form Indiana with an ox team.
State Senator C.W. Beal of Broken Bow, Neb., a brother of the editor of the Mexico Message, arrived here Saturday on a visit to relatives and friends."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 13, 1915
"Farber Forum: W.H. Beal, one of the pioneers of Audrain county and father of John Beal of the Mexico Messagej, celebrated his 87thth birthday last week. He came from Indiana in an ox cart in 1855 and settled near Laddonia where he ling resided. He will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal, at Broken Bow, Nebraska."-----
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, October 7, 1915
"W.H. Beal has returned from a five months' visit to his son, C.W. Beal, and Nephew, Emory Beal, of Broken Bow, Nebraska."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 20, 1916
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS.
" 'Sixty years ago last fall I changed locations from Indiana to Audrain county' said W.H. Beal to the Message a few days ago. 'That winter the prairie chickens would come and alight around your dwelling place thicker'n you ever see the tame chickens around any farm house in these times. You could throw and hit 'em with a rock - if there were a rock around. It commenced snowing on Christmas day, 1855, it was, and kept it up for a week. There was snow on the ground til 'spring.'"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 22, 1916
"W.H. Beal left this week for Broken Bow, Neb., where he will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 30, 1916
"Rufus Pearson is 91 years old. He gets around over town 'like a two-year-old.' W.H. Beal is nigh 89 and has amused himself this fall by the use of a maul and wedge in making up a large oak tree into stove wood. Both these old boys are quite young for their age."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 8, 1917
"W.H. Beal, the aged father of the editor of The Message, has been confined to his bed for five weeks as the result of an attack of the grippe. He is better and expects to be around the house some in a few days."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 15, 1917
"W.H. Beal, 88 years old, father of John Beal, editor of The Mexico Message, died at the home of the latter in this city at 2:40 Monday morning, as the result of an attack of grippe.
Mr. Beal was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, April 24, 1818. There he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. Subsequently he went to Kentucky and for several years built hay presses.
In 1854 he came to Missouri and entered land from the Government at 12 1/2 cents and acre in the 'Lick Creek country,' 16 miles northeast of Mexico.
Mr. Beal returned to Indiana and on July 4, 1855, he and Miss Jane Stout were married. The same summer Mr. and Mrs. Beal drove across the country in a two-horse wagon for their new settlement in Missouri.
the next year Mr. Beal built a small home on the land he had entered. Oak siding was used and the building was thatched with straw. Bushwhackers during the Civil War threatened to burn this building one night when Mr. Beal was away and only Mrs. Beal and her two or three babies were at home. They were hunting Mr. Beal's gun and Mrs. Beal refused to tell them where to find it. They searched the house and the gun was lodged behind a cupboard in quite conspicuous view, but they overlooked it completely, while yet threatening to burn the house.
Mr. Beal remained at home during the War, but was enrolled for a time in the State militia stationed at Mexico.
There were five children - John, now editor of The Mexico Message; Elgin, of Broken Bow, Neb., who died a few years ago; C.W. Beal, now a member of the State Senate of Nebraska; Dave Beal, who died 30 years ago, and Grant Beal, now dead, who was editor of the Laddonia Herald for a number of years.
'Traded' in Mexico.
There were no towns nearer than Mexico, Paris, Louisiana or Hannibal when Mr. and Mrs. Beal settled on Lick Creek. Mr. Beal used to haul lumber from Hannibal, get his milling at Hickman's Mill in Monroe County and sell his produce and buy his groceries in Mexico. Those wee the days of J.D. Morris, James Pasqueth, J.F. Liewellyn, R.R. Arnold and other in Mexico.
Mr. Beal always took an active interest in all educational matters. For years he served as clerk of his school district. He was one of the main promoters of the schools now called Elm Bend and Oak Grove. He and Dr. William Girten organized the first debating society in that locality.
The early settlers up and down the Creek near the woods and the swimming holes used to amuse themselves at Mr. Beal's expense because he chose prairie ground for settlement, but the old homestead today perhaps could not be bought for less than $100 an acre.
In 1884 Mr. Beal left the old home and moved to Laddonia. There he lived until 1903. February 4 of that year his wife died and since then he has spent his time in Nebraska with his won, C.W. Beal, and with his son, John Beal, of Mexico.
He had been a Mason more than sixty years - one of the oldest in the State.
W.H. Beal was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, April 24, 1828. Died February 12, 1917, aged 88 years, 10 months and 10 days. Was married to Miss Jane Stout July 4, 1855. Came to Missouri the same summer and settle near Laddonia.
Five children were born into the home. All have died except John Beal, of Mexico, Mo., and C.W. Beal, of Broken Bow, Nebraska. He was of a large family of children but only one is now left, Mrs. Jane Williams, of Arkansas. The beloved wife and mother passed hence February 4, 1903.
Mr. Beal had the sturdy character generally possessed by the early pioneers. He was always interested in education and the work of the public schools and the colleges and higher institutions of learning. He was a man widely read and was able to discuss any matter that might present itself. His favorite books were Shakespeare and the Bible. In his early life he had membership in the Missionary Baptist church. In his later years he often referred to death - to him- as no unwelcome thought. When death at last approached him he welcomed it and, as it were, 'drew his shroud about him and lay down to pleasant dreams.'
He was a model citizen - true and loyal to his country and always uncompromisingly for the right as he sat it. Audrain county has lost a valuable citizen in his passing.
Short religious services were held at the home yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S.W. Hayne. The body was taken to Laddonia in the afternoon where regular funeral services were held at the M.E. Church, conducted by Rev. H.B. Rice. Laddonia Masons assisted by Masonic brethren from Mexico had charge in the service at the grave."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 22, 1917
"C.W. of Broken Bow, Neb., and Mrs. Onie Beal and two sons, Garth and Clark Beal, of Odessa, Mo., attended the funeral of W.H. Beal in Mexico last week."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 22, 1917
"LEGACY OF A GOOD NAME
The Centralia Courier comments as follows:
The Courier extends sympathy to John Beal, editor of the Mexico Message, upon the death of his father, W.H. Beal, who died in Mexico Monday at the at the advanced age of 88 88 years. Mr. Beal was a native of Indiana. Coming to Missouri from Kentucky in 1854, he settled in Audrain county where he has since resided.
He was a pioneer and a man of character and conviction. For sixty years a Mason, a friend of education, a man of honor and honesty, he was one of the men who made the civilization of today possible. After a long and useful life has has been garnered for the harvest of eternity like a ripe shock of wheat. But the legacy of a good name lingers behind to bless the community in which he lived and wrought."
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Mexico Ledger (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 26, 1949
SOME FIRSTS IN AUDRAIN HISTORY (in part)
"The first Hungarian grass grown in the county was introduced by a man named Tucker, in the Upper Lick Creek Country, near the Ralls county line. The first German millet was grown by Curtis E. Smith in 1858. The firs sorghum was planted by W.H. Beal. The seed came from Washington, D.C. Beal made a small wooden mill, and managed to manufacture two gallons of fine molasses for the season. He furnished seed to his neighbors. The next year there were several crops.
I. JJ N. Smith, Lina Shultz, Jim Carmen and Beal joined in Partnership and constructed a mill with rollers two feet in diameter, and everybody had some sweetness the next year. You could hear that mill squeak two miles away when it was in operation, reports the Mexico Message of July 1915."
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Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
May 2016
William's parents were:
Lewis Wheat Beal 1806–1884
Mary Lester -1864
Thanks to FindAGrave member, Sue Walcott, for information about William's mother on July 3, 2016:
Mary was daughter of daughter of David Lester and Sarah Applebee(by).
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William married Jane Stout in IN on Independence day - July 4, 1855.
Their children were:
John, Elgin, Charles, & Grant (all who once served as editors of a newspaper)
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On July 19, 1860,
William (Wm) & Jane Beal, ages 32 & 25, lived in Prairie Township, Audrain Co, MO where William farmed to support them. They owned land & personal wealth valued at $1600 & $3000. Their Post Office was in Littleby. They had three sons, John, age 5; Elgin, 2; & Wm., 3 months.
Another member of their house hold included William's single brother, Augustus Beal, age 24, who helped with the farm work.
Household Members
Wm Beall 32 (born in IN)
Jane Beall 25 (born in OH)
John Beall 5 (born in MO)
Elgin Beall 2 (born in MO)
Wm Beall 3 months (born in MO)
Augustus Beall 24 (born in IN)
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William & Jane owned a farm five miles northwest of Laddonia.
In June 1880,
W.H. & Jane Beal, ages 52 & 44, lived in Prairie Town, Audrain co, MO. William farmed with the help of their sons. Their sons included John, age 23; Elgin, 21; Charles, 19; & Grant, 15.
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Mexico Weekly Ledger (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 11, 1885
LADDONIA LACONICS.
The Glorious Fourth - Speeches Being Practiced - a Fine Old Gentleman, Religious, &e.
Correspondence of the Ledger
"Laddonia, June 8. - The interest in the 'Fourth' increases, and everybody is making some preparation for it. Music is being arranged for the occasion and speeches are being practiced. 'Tis said that Messrs. W.H. Beal and E.C. Kennen resort to the public square of evenings to practice speaking their orations; but since the citizens have read the account of the editor of the LEDGER'S speech before the 'Press Association,' and how the trees were affected by it, and also the affect it had on the editors at Columbia, they go out to the square and watch to see if the trees tremble from the sound of their voices. Should any of the trees be shaken to death we presume the town treasury will be increased thereby. ... "
On June 2, 1900,
William & Jane Beal, ages 72 & 63, owned a farm in Prairie, Audrain Co, MO. He was a Land Lord. They had been married 45 years; Jane had given birth to 5 children - 4 were living.
A member of the household included a boarder was Robert T. Steel, widowed, age 65. Robert, also a Land Lord, had immigrated from England in 1865.
Household Members
William Beal 72 (born in April 1828)
Jane Beal 63 (born in OH in Jan. 1837)
Robert T Steel 65 (born in England in Oct. 1834)
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, August 1, 1901
"Dr. E.D. Vandeventer, Levi McDaniel, Ed Ferris, Hiram Morey, Mrs. W.H. Beal and a little childd of Rev. Stover are among those who have been quite seriously sick in Laddonia vicinity."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 7, 1904
"The custer County (Neb.) Beacon, speaking of an Audrain country man, who has lived here since 1855, says: W.H. Beal, father of E.L. and C.W. Beal, arrived in the city Monday morning, for an extended visit with his sons and Levi Poor, a friend for 25 years.
Mr. Beal is a well preserved man for his age, vigorous and progressive in though, proud of his unworthy boys, three of whom are editors and one a farmer and stockraiser. He neither used tobacco nor takes any kind of stimulants, neither do any of the boys, nor any of his brothers, three of whom are still living. He believes in the golden rule in politics. In politics he believes in government, ownership of public utilities. He insists that religion, morality and education are necessary for good government, and for long life, he is a believer in cheerfulness, exercise and wholesome foo."
Letter by William Beal
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 21, 1904
FROM NEBRASKA
AUDRAIN COUNTY AND CUSTER COUNTY, NEB., COMPARED
"Broken Bow, Neb., Jan. 9 - Left Laddonia Sunday before the new year on morning train. Took dinner at Mexico. Found the Wabash train late and asked the agent to check my trunk thru to Broken Bow. 'Broken Bow, he-,' he remarked. 'Who ever heard of that place! It's Broken Bowl.' 'Never mind,'[ I said 'Put it Broken Bow.'
At Kansas City I had 6 minutes to change cars. Got to the Bow at 8 o'clock next morning, 2 hours late on account of hott boxes. Found Chas. Beal in his office and the weather just as fine as it was in the stage of Louisiana when we were there Jan. 8, 1852. Charles lives in a fine house a half mile from his office. Has a fine practice at law and owns an 80 acre farm 20 milses south of the Bow.
Elgin Beal came after us New Year's day. He lives 5 miles west of the Bow. Can stand in his door and see the town. Has a 3-room house and is building an addition - horses, hogs and cattle, don't try to count them.
Levi Poor lives south of him 1/4 mile. He has considerable live stock around him and plenty of feed. He was digging postholes the other day and said the ground was frozen 12 inches. Tried it myself to see how deep the soil is and gave it up at two feet.
Writing this letter at 'Uncle Lee's.' He is out in his shirt sleeves with weather as fine as one ever saw in Missouri in April.
Saw Misses Myrtle and Hannah Lisle the other day, known to some northwest of Laddonia.
Took dinner with Mr. Peal and wife who used to be Mattie Bond. Saw Pyra Bond-Rupert yesterday at Elgin's. Charles and I will attend a meeting of a new organization of disappointed office-seekers at the Bow Tuesday night. They admit women to membership. They teach some good things and some are too extreme. Their motto: Do all the good you can, coupled to the Golden Rule.
If you want to see a face sample of Elgin's and Levi Poor's places you have it from the old fair grounds at Mexico east one mile.
W.H. Beal"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 9, 1905
"W.H. Beal, of this county, who is spending the winter with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb., writes that they have been experiencing weather out there with the thermometer 23 degrees below zero."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 1, 1905
"Laddonia is making ready for a big Fourth of July celebration. The following committees are at work: On program and printing, W.H. Beal, P.H. Derrick and C.C. Denmark; on privileges, T.S. Pearson and J.A. Pierce; speakers, Judge J.J. Alexander."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 30, 1905
"W.H. Beal, of Laddonia, father of the MESSAGE editor, left this week to spend the remainder of the winter with his two sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Father Beal has tried it two winters in Nebraska and thinks it a better place in cold weather than in Missouri - maybe it is because when it does get cold out there it gets so cold a fellow has to shut the door and stay in."
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 17, 1906
"Rev. S.L. Beal, brother of W.H. Beal of this county and an uncle of the editor of the MESSAGE, who about 20 years ago spent six months at Laddonia, this county, died a few days ago at his home in Brockton, Mass.
A Brockton paper published a column article in reference to his death and life-work. The article is headed in these words: 'Rev. Samuel L. Beal, retired clergyman and ex-alderman, died last evening at his home. Lived here 30 years. His life was useful and eventful and his work will survive.'
Mr. Beal has preached in this county and many of the older settlers will remember him. He was a man of goodness and strength of purpose and in his daily walk ever practiced what he preached. He was a great friend of the children and always had time to say a cheering word for the little boy or girl whom he might meet on the street. His was just such a life of which nothing but beautiful, good things could be said. He was a classmate of Will Charleton, the author."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, September 6, 1906
"W.H. Beal last Thursday evening on his way up town from the passenger depot in stepping from the sidewalk to the paving on Jefferson street missed his footing and sustained a very hard fall. Tendons of his right leg were badly injured and he has been confined to his room ever since."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 15, 1906
"W.H. Beal, father of the MESSAGE editor, left this week for Broken Bow, Neb., where he will spend the winter with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 7, 1907
"W.H. Beal, of Laddonia, is home from a year's stay with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Father Beal will remain in Audrain for a few weeks, looking after some business affairs, and then will make a visit to his sister, Mrs. J.V. William, at Green Brier, Ark. Mrs. Williams was formerly a resident of this county and lived for a time also at Perry."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, March 26, 1914
"Attorney E.C. Kennen: Laddonia is looking up. Thee is some talk of paving Front street with brick. I was think about Father W.H. Beal, who away back near the middle of the last century came from Indiana and took a Government claim on Middle Lick Creek, seven miles northwest of Laddonia - got his land at 12 1/2 cents an acre. He raised a family of five boys. There were seven in the family, a sunny, happy family. But three of the boys are now dead and the mother is also gone. The aged father lingers; will be 86 next month. We are all passing."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 14, 1915
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS (in part)
"W.H. Beal: 'This is January 8, 1915, the 100th anniversary of the battle of New Orleans. I went over those grounds about 60 years ago. They were used as a cow pasture then. Big oak trees stood here and there and I could see where the minnie balls had plowed them 40 years before. I have read in history that the night before the battle the British arrested an American and took him into camp and forced him to talk. He was told that the British had Lord Packenham, Lord Gilbert and Lord Lambert on their side. 'Now who have you fellows got?' he was sternly asked. 'Well, sirs,' answered the American, 'we have the Lord God Almighty, the Lord Jesus Christ and General Jackson.' The battle followed the next day and the British lost 1,400 men killed and the Americans but 14 killed, and that day made Jackson President of the United States.'"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 1, 1915
"Big snows in Nebraska. Emery Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb., writes to his grandfather, W.H. Beal, of this city, that in places in his locality snow is drifted 40 feet deep."-----
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 8, 1915
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS (in part)
"W.W. Cornett: I live down on Cuivre, near Wellsville. Was in Mexico to attend the meeting of the Audrain Baptist Mission Board: I have known Father W.H. Beal, father of the editor of the Message, for many, many years. He's quite expert in giving the early history of Audrain county. Tell him to give us an account of the picnic on Lick Creek 50 years ago, more or less, - less, I guess, - where Jim Coil, father of Dr. Paul E. Coil of Mexico and of Billie Coil of Laddonia, opposed the building of the C.& A. Railroad and when he further said, followed by one of his famous laughs, that when he got to be Governor there were two things he would do, stop the drouth and kill the cinch bugs."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 29, 1915
"W.H. Beal will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Mr. Beal celebrated his 87th birthday Monday. He came to Audrain county in 1855, driving thru form Indiana with an ox team.
State Senator C.W. Beal of Broken Bow, Neb., a brother of the editor of the Mexico Message, arrived here Saturday on a visit to relatives and friends."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 13, 1915
"Farber Forum: W.H. Beal, one of the pioneers of Audrain county and father of John Beal of the Mexico Messagej, celebrated his 87thth birthday last week. He came from Indiana in an ox cart in 1855 and settled near Laddonia where he ling resided. He will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal, at Broken Bow, Nebraska."-----
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, October 7, 1915
"W.H. Beal has returned from a five months' visit to his son, C.W. Beal, and Nephew, Emory Beal, of Broken Bow, Nebraska."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 20, 1916
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS.
" 'Sixty years ago last fall I changed locations from Indiana to Audrain county' said W.H. Beal to the Message a few days ago. 'That winter the prairie chickens would come and alight around your dwelling place thicker'n you ever see the tame chickens around any farm house in these times. You could throw and hit 'em with a rock - if there were a rock around. It commenced snowing on Christmas day, 1855, it was, and kept it up for a week. There was snow on the ground til 'spring.'"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 22, 1916
"W.H. Beal left this week for Broken Bow, Neb., where he will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 30, 1916
"Rufus Pearson is 91 years old. He gets around over town 'like a two-year-old.' W.H. Beal is nigh 89 and has amused himself this fall by the use of a maul and wedge in making up a large oak tree into stove wood. Both these old boys are quite young for their age."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 8, 1917
"W.H. Beal, the aged father of the editor of The Message, has been confined to his bed for five weeks as the result of an attack of the grippe. He is better and expects to be around the house some in a few days."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 15, 1917
"W.H. Beal, 88 years old, father of John Beal, editor of The Mexico Message, died at the home of the latter in this city at 2:40 Monday morning, as the result of an attack of grippe.
Mr. Beal was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, April 24, 1818. There he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. Subsequently he went to Kentucky and for several years built hay presses.
In 1854 he came to Missouri and entered land from the Government at 12 1/2 cents and acre in the 'Lick Creek country,' 16 miles northeast of Mexico.
Mr. Beal returned to Indiana and on July 4, 1855, he and Miss Jane Stout were married. The same summer Mr. and Mrs. Beal drove across the country in a two-horse wagon for their new settlement in Missouri.
the next year Mr. Beal built a small home on the land he had entered. Oak siding was used and the building was thatched with straw. Bushwhackers during the Civil War threatened to burn this building one night when Mr. Beal was away and only Mrs. Beal and her two or three babies were at home. They were hunting Mr. Beal's gun and Mrs. Beal refused to tell them where to find it. They searched the house and the gun was lodged behind a cupboard in quite conspicuous view, but they overlooked it completely, while yet threatening to burn the house.
Mr. Beal remained at home during the War, but was enrolled for a time in the State militia stationed at Mexico.
There were five children - John, now editor of The Mexico Message; Elgin, of Broken Bow, Neb., who died a few years ago; C.W. Beal, now a member of the State Senate of Nebraska; Dave Beal, who died 30 years ago, and Grant Beal, now dead, who was editor of the Laddonia Herald for a number of years.
'Traded' in Mexico.
There were no towns nearer than Mexico, Paris, Louisiana or Hannibal when Mr. and Mrs. Beal settled on Lick Creek. Mr. Beal used to haul lumber from Hannibal, get his milling at Hickman's Mill in Monroe County and sell his produce and buy his groceries in Mexico. Those wee the days of J.D. Morris, James Pasqueth, J.F. Liewellyn, R.R. Arnold and other in Mexico.
Mr. Beal always took an active interest in all educational matters. For years he served as clerk of his school district. He was one of the main promoters of the schools now called Elm Bend and Oak Grove. He and Dr. William Girten organized the first debating society in that locality.
The early settlers up and down the Creek near the woods and the swimming holes used to amuse themselves at Mr. Beal's expense because he chose prairie ground for settlement, but the old homestead today perhaps could not be bought for less than $100 an acre.
In 1884 Mr. Beal left the old home and moved to Laddonia. There he lived until 1903. February 4 of that year his wife died and since then he has spent his time in Nebraska with his won, C.W. Beal, and with his son, John Beal, of Mexico.
He had been a Mason more than sixty years - one of the oldest in the State.
W.H. Beal was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, April 24, 1828. Died February 12, 1917, aged 88 years, 10 months and 10 days. Was married to Miss Jane Stout July 4, 1855. Came to Missouri the same summer and settle near Laddonia.
Five children were born into the home. All have died except John Beal, of Mexico, Mo., and C.W. Beal, of Broken Bow, Nebraska. He was of a large family of children but only one is now left, Mrs. Jane Williams, of Arkansas. The beloved wife and mother passed hence February 4, 1903.
Mr. Beal had the sturdy character generally possessed by the early pioneers. He was always interested in education and the work of the public schools and the colleges and higher institutions of learning. He was a man widely read and was able to discuss any matter that might present itself. His favorite books were Shakespeare and the Bible. In his early life he had membership in the Missionary Baptist church. In his later years he often referred to death - to him- as no unwelcome thought. When death at last approached him he welcomed it and, as it were, 'drew his shroud about him and lay down to pleasant dreams.'
He was a model citizen - true and loyal to his country and always uncompromisingly for the right as he sat it. Audrain county has lost a valuable citizen in his passing.
Short religious services were held at the home yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S.W. Hayne. The body was taken to Laddonia in the afternoon where regular funeral services were held at the M.E. Church, conducted by Rev. H.B. Rice. Laddonia Masons assisted by Masonic brethren from Mexico had charge in the service at the grave."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 22, 1917
"C.W. of Broken Bow, Neb., and Mrs. Onie Beal and two sons, Garth and Clark Beal, of Odessa, Mo., attended the funeral of W.H. Beal in Mexico last week."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 22, 1917
"LEGACY OF A GOOD NAME
The Centralia Courier comments as follows:
The Courier extends sympathy to John Beal, editor of the Mexico Message, upon the death of his father, W.H. Beal, who died in Mexico Monday at the at the advanced age of 88 88 years. Mr. Beal was a native of Indiana. Coming to Missouri from Kentucky in 1854, he settled in Audrain county where he has since resided.
He was a pioneer and a man of character and conviction. For sixty years a Mason, a friend of education, a man of honor and honesty, he was one of the men who made the civilization of today possible. After a long and useful life has has been garnered for the harvest of eternity like a ripe shock of wheat. But the legacy of a good name lingers behind to bless the community in which he lived and wrought."
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Mexico Ledger (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 26, 1949
SOME FIRSTS IN AUDRAIN HISTORY (in part)
"The first Hungarian grass grown in the county was introduced by a man named Tucker, in the Upper Lick Creek Country, near the Ralls county line. The first German millet was grown by Curtis E. Smith in 1858. The firs sorghum was planted by W.H. Beal. The seed came from Washington, D.C. Beal made a small wooden mill, and managed to manufacture two gallons of fine molasses for the season. He furnished seed to his neighbors. The next year there were several crops.
I. JJ N. Smith, Lina Shultz, Jim Carmen and Beal joined in Partnership and constructed a mill with rollers two feet in diameter, and everybody had some sweetness the next year. You could hear that mill squeak two miles away when it was in operation, reports the Mexico Message of July 1915."
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Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
May 2016
Lewis Wheat Beal 1806–1884
Mary Lester -1864
Thanks to FindAGrave member, Sue Walcott, for information about William's mother on July 3, 2016:
Mary was daughter of daughter of David Lester and Sarah Applebee(by).
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William married Jane Stout in IN on Independence day - July 4, 1855.
Their children were:
John, Elgin, Charles, & Grant (all who once served as editors of a newspaper)
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On July 19, 1860,
William (Wm) & Jane Beal, ages 32 & 25, lived in Prairie Township, Audrain Co, MO where William farmed to support them. They owned land & personal wealth valued at $1600 & $3000. Their Post Office was in Littleby. They had three sons, John, age 5; Elgin, 2; & Wm., 3 months.
Another member of their house hold included William's single brother, Augustus Beal, age 24, who helped with the farm work.
Household Members
Wm Beall 32 (born in IN)
Jane Beall 25 (born in OH)
John Beall 5 (born in MO)
Elgin Beall 2 (born in MO)
Wm Beall 3 months (born in MO)
Augustus Beall 24 (born in IN)
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William & Jane owned a farm five miles northwest of Laddonia.
In June 1880,
W.H. & Jane Beal, ages 52 & 44, lived in Prairie Town, Audrain co, MO. William farmed with the help of their sons. Their sons included John, age 23; Elgin, 21; Charles, 19; & Grant, 15.
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Mexico Weekly Ledger (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 11, 1885
LADDONIA LACONICS.
The Glorious Fourth - Speeches Being Practiced - a Fine Old Gentleman, Religious, &e.
Correspondence of the Ledger
"Laddonia, June 8. - The interest in the 'Fourth' increases, and everybody is making some preparation for it. Music is being arranged for the occasion and speeches are being practiced. 'Tis said that Messrs. W.H. Beal and E.C. Kennen resort to the public square of evenings to practice speaking their orations; but since the citizens have read the account of the editor of the LEDGER'S speech before the 'Press Association,' and how the trees were affected by it, and also the affect it had on the editors at Columbia, they go out to the square and watch to see if the trees tremble from the sound of their voices. Should any of the trees be shaken to death we presume the town treasury will be increased thereby. ... "
On June 2, 1900,
William & Jane Beal, ages 72 & 63, owned a farm in Prairie, Audrain Co, MO. He was a Land Lord. They had been married 45 years; Jane had given birth to 5 children - 4 were living.
A member of the household included a boarder was Robert T. Steel, widowed, age 65. Robert, also a Land Lord, had immigrated from England in 1865.
Household Members
William Beal 72 (born in April 1828)
Jane Beal 63 (born in OH in Jan. 1837)
Robert T Steel 65 (born in England in Oct. 1834)
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, August 1, 1901
"Dr. E.D. Vandeventer, Levi McDaniel, Ed Ferris, Hiram Morey, Mrs. W.H. Beal and a little childd of Rev. Stover are among those who have been quite seriously sick in Laddonia vicinity."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 7, 1904
"The custer County (Neb.) Beacon, speaking of an Audrain country man, who has lived here since 1855, says: W.H. Beal, father of E.L. and C.W. Beal, arrived in the city Monday morning, for an extended visit with his sons and Levi Poor, a friend for 25 years.
Mr. Beal is a well preserved man for his age, vigorous and progressive in though, proud of his unworthy boys, three of whom are editors and one a farmer and stockraiser. He neither used tobacco nor takes any kind of stimulants, neither do any of the boys, nor any of his brothers, three of whom are still living. He believes in the golden rule in politics. In politics he believes in government, ownership of public utilities. He insists that religion, morality and education are necessary for good government, and for long life, he is a believer in cheerfulness, exercise and wholesome foo."
Letter by William Beal
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 21, 1904
FROM NEBRASKA
AUDRAIN COUNTY AND CUSTER COUNTY, NEB., COMPARED
"Broken Bow, Neb., Jan. 9 - Left Laddonia Sunday before the new year on morning train. Took dinner at Mexico. Found the Wabash train late and asked the agent to check my trunk thru to Broken Bow. 'Broken Bow, he-,' he remarked. 'Who ever heard of that place! It's Broken Bowl.' 'Never mind,'[ I said 'Put it Broken Bow.'
At Kansas City I had 6 minutes to change cars. Got to the Bow at 8 o'clock next morning, 2 hours late on account of hott boxes. Found Chas. Beal in his office and the weather just as fine as it was in the stage of Louisiana when we were there Jan. 8, 1852. Charles lives in a fine house a half mile from his office. Has a fine practice at law and owns an 80 acre farm 20 milses south of the Bow.
Elgin Beal came after us New Year's day. He lives 5 miles west of the Bow. Can stand in his door and see the town. Has a 3-room house and is building an addition - horses, hogs and cattle, don't try to count them.
Levi Poor lives south of him 1/4 mile. He has considerable live stock around him and plenty of feed. He was digging postholes the other day and said the ground was frozen 12 inches. Tried it myself to see how deep the soil is and gave it up at two feet.
Writing this letter at 'Uncle Lee's.' He is out in his shirt sleeves with weather as fine as one ever saw in Missouri in April.
Saw Misses Myrtle and Hannah Lisle the other day, known to some northwest of Laddonia.
Took dinner with Mr. Peal and wife who used to be Mattie Bond. Saw Pyra Bond-Rupert yesterday at Elgin's. Charles and I will attend a meeting of a new organization of disappointed office-seekers at the Bow Tuesday night. They admit women to membership. They teach some good things and some are too extreme. Their motto: Do all the good you can, coupled to the Golden Rule.
If you want to see a face sample of Elgin's and Levi Poor's places you have it from the old fair grounds at Mexico east one mile.
W.H. Beal"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 9, 1905
"W.H. Beal, of this county, who is spending the winter with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb., writes that they have been experiencing weather out there with the thermometer 23 degrees below zero."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 1, 1905
"Laddonia is making ready for a big Fourth of July celebration. The following committees are at work: On program and printing, W.H. Beal, P.H. Derrick and C.C. Denmark; on privileges, T.S. Pearson and J.A. Pierce; speakers, Judge J.J. Alexander."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 30, 1905
"W.H. Beal, of Laddonia, father of the MESSAGE editor, left this week to spend the remainder of the winter with his two sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Father Beal has tried it two winters in Nebraska and thinks it a better place in cold weather than in Missouri - maybe it is because when it does get cold out there it gets so cold a fellow has to shut the door and stay in."
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 17, 1906
"Rev. S.L. Beal, brother of W.H. Beal of this county and an uncle of the editor of the MESSAGE, who about 20 years ago spent six months at Laddonia, this county, died a few days ago at his home in Brockton, Mass.
A Brockton paper published a column article in reference to his death and life-work. The article is headed in these words: 'Rev. Samuel L. Beal, retired clergyman and ex-alderman, died last evening at his home. Lived here 30 years. His life was useful and eventful and his work will survive.'
Mr. Beal has preached in this county and many of the older settlers will remember him. He was a man of goodness and strength of purpose and in his daily walk ever practiced what he preached. He was a great friend of the children and always had time to say a cheering word for the little boy or girl whom he might meet on the street. His was just such a life of which nothing but beautiful, good things could be said. He was a classmate of Will Charleton, the author."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, September 6, 1906
"W.H. Beal last Thursday evening on his way up town from the passenger depot in stepping from the sidewalk to the paving on Jefferson street missed his footing and sustained a very hard fall. Tendons of his right leg were badly injured and he has been confined to his room ever since."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 15, 1906
"W.H. Beal, father of the MESSAGE editor, left this week for Broken Bow, Neb., where he will spend the winter with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 7, 1907
"W.H. Beal, of Laddonia, is home from a year's stay with his sons, Elgin and Charles Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Father Beal will remain in Audrain for a few weeks, looking after some business affairs, and then will make a visit to his sister, Mrs. J.V. William, at Green Brier, Ark. Mrs. Williams was formerly a resident of this county and lived for a time also at Perry."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, March 26, 1914
"Attorney E.C. Kennen: Laddonia is looking up. Thee is some talk of paving Front street with brick. I was think about Father W.H. Beal, who away back near the middle of the last century came from Indiana and took a Government claim on Middle Lick Creek, seven miles northwest of Laddonia - got his land at 12 1/2 cents an acre. He raised a family of five boys. There were seven in the family, a sunny, happy family. But three of the boys are now dead and the mother is also gone. The aged father lingers; will be 86 next month. We are all passing."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 14, 1915
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS (in part)
"W.H. Beal: 'This is January 8, 1915, the 100th anniversary of the battle of New Orleans. I went over those grounds about 60 years ago. They were used as a cow pasture then. Big oak trees stood here and there and I could see where the minnie balls had plowed them 40 years before. I have read in history that the night before the battle the British arrested an American and took him into camp and forced him to talk. He was told that the British had Lord Packenham, Lord Gilbert and Lord Lambert on their side. 'Now who have you fellows got?' he was sternly asked. 'Well, sirs,' answered the American, 'we have the Lord God Almighty, the Lord Jesus Christ and General Jackson.' The battle followed the next day and the British lost 1,400 men killed and the Americans but 14 killed, and that day made Jackson President of the United States.'"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 1, 1915
"Big snows in Nebraska. Emery Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb., writes to his grandfather, W.H. Beal, of this city, that in places in his locality snow is drifted 40 feet deep."-----
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 8, 1915
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS (in part)
"W.W. Cornett: I live down on Cuivre, near Wellsville. Was in Mexico to attend the meeting of the Audrain Baptist Mission Board: I have known Father W.H. Beal, father of the editor of the Message, for many, many years. He's quite expert in giving the early history of Audrain county. Tell him to give us an account of the picnic on Lick Creek 50 years ago, more or less, - less, I guess, - where Jim Coil, father of Dr. Paul E. Coil of Mexico and of Billie Coil of Laddonia, opposed the building of the C.& A. Railroad and when he further said, followed by one of his famous laughs, that when he got to be Governor there were two things he would do, stop the drouth and kill the cinch bugs."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, April 29, 1915
"W.H. Beal will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal, at Broken Bow, Neb. Mr. Beal celebrated his 87th birthday Monday. He came to Audrain county in 1855, driving thru form Indiana with an ox team.
State Senator C.W. Beal of Broken Bow, Neb., a brother of the editor of the Mexico Message, arrived here Saturday on a visit to relatives and friends."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 13, 1915
"Farber Forum: W.H. Beal, one of the pioneers of Audrain county and father of John Beal of the Mexico Messagej, celebrated his 87thth birthday last week. He came from Indiana in an ox cart in 1855 and settled near Laddonia where he ling resided. He will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal, at Broken Bow, Nebraska."-----
Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, October 7, 1915
"W.H. Beal has returned from a five months' visit to his son, C.W. Beal, and Nephew, Emory Beal, of Broken Bow, Nebraska."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, January 20, 1916
SOME VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS.
" 'Sixty years ago last fall I changed locations from Indiana to Audrain county' said W.H. Beal to the Message a few days ago. 'That winter the prairie chickens would come and alight around your dwelling place thicker'n you ever see the tame chickens around any farm house in these times. You could throw and hit 'em with a rock - if there were a rock around. It commenced snowing on Christmas day, 1855, it was, and kept it up for a week. There was snow on the ground til 'spring.'"
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, June 22, 1916
"W.H. Beal left this week for Broken Bow, Neb., where he will spend the summer with his son, C.W. Beal."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, November 30, 1916
"Rufus Pearson is 91 years old. He gets around over town 'like a two-year-old.' W.H. Beal is nigh 89 and has amused himself this fall by the use of a maul and wedge in making up a large oak tree into stove wood. Both these old boys are quite young for their age."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 8, 1917
"W.H. Beal, the aged father of the editor of The Message, has been confined to his bed for five weeks as the result of an attack of the grippe. He is better and expects to be around the house some in a few days."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 15, 1917
"W.H. Beal, 88 years old, father of John Beal, editor of The Mexico Message, died at the home of the latter in this city at 2:40 Monday morning, as the result of an attack of grippe.
Mr. Beal was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, April 24, 1818. There he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. Subsequently he went to Kentucky and for several years built hay presses.
In 1854 he came to Missouri and entered land from the Government at 12 1/2 cents and acre in the 'Lick Creek country,' 16 miles northeast of Mexico.
Mr. Beal returned to Indiana and on July 4, 1855, he and Miss Jane Stout were married. The same summer Mr. and Mrs. Beal drove across the country in a two-horse wagon for their new settlement in Missouri.
the next year Mr. Beal built a small home on the land he had entered. Oak siding was used and the building was thatched with straw. Bushwhackers during the Civil War threatened to burn this building one night when Mr. Beal was away and only Mrs. Beal and her two or three babies were at home. They were hunting Mr. Beal's gun and Mrs. Beal refused to tell them where to find it. They searched the house and the gun was lodged behind a cupboard in quite conspicuous view, but they overlooked it completely, while yet threatening to burn the house.
Mr. Beal remained at home during the War, but was enrolled for a time in the State militia stationed at Mexico.
There were five children - John, now editor of The Mexico Message; Elgin, of Broken Bow, Neb., who died a few years ago; C.W. Beal, now a member of the State Senate of Nebraska; Dave Beal, who died 30 years ago, and Grant Beal, now dead, who was editor of the Laddonia Herald for a number of years.
'Traded' in Mexico.
There were no towns nearer than Mexico, Paris, Louisiana or Hannibal when Mr. and Mrs. Beal settled on Lick Creek. Mr. Beal used to haul lumber from Hannibal, get his milling at Hickman's Mill in Monroe County and sell his produce and buy his groceries in Mexico. Those wee the days of J.D. Morris, James Pasqueth, J.F. Liewellyn, R.R. Arnold and other in Mexico.
Mr. Beal always took an active interest in all educational matters. For years he served as clerk of his school district. He was one of the main promoters of the schools now called Elm Bend and Oak Grove. He and Dr. William Girten organized the first debating society in that locality.
The early settlers up and down the Creek near the woods and the swimming holes used to amuse themselves at Mr. Beal's expense because he chose prairie ground for settlement, but the old homestead today perhaps could not be bought for less than $100 an acre.
In 1884 Mr. Beal left the old home and moved to Laddonia. There he lived until 1903. February 4 of that year his wife died and since then he has spent his time in Nebraska with his won, C.W. Beal, and with his son, John Beal, of Mexico.
He had been a Mason more than sixty years - one of the oldest in the State.
W.H. Beal was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, April 24, 1828. Died February 12, 1917, aged 88 years, 10 months and 10 days. Was married to Miss Jane Stout July 4, 1855. Came to Missouri the same summer and settle near Laddonia.
Five children were born into the home. All have died except John Beal, of Mexico, Mo., and C.W. Beal, of Broken Bow, Nebraska. He was of a large family of children but only one is now left, Mrs. Jane Williams, of Arkansas. The beloved wife and mother passed hence February 4, 1903.
Mr. Beal had the sturdy character generally possessed by the early pioneers. He was always interested in education and the work of the public schools and the colleges and higher institutions of learning. He was a man widely read and was able to discuss any matter that might present itself. His favorite books were Shakespeare and the Bible. In his early life he had membership in the Missionary Baptist church. In his later years he often referred to death - to him- as no unwelcome thought. When death at last approached him he welcomed it and, as it were, 'drew his shroud about him and lay down to pleasant dreams.'
He was a model citizen - true and loyal to his country and always uncompromisingly for the right as he sat it. Audrain county has lost a valuable citizen in his passing.
Short religious services were held at the home yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S.W. Hayne. The body was taken to Laddonia in the afternoon where regular funeral services were held at the M.E. Church, conducted by Rev. H.B. Rice. Laddonia Masons assisted by Masonic brethren from Mexico had charge in the service at the grave."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 22, 1917
"C.W. of Broken Bow, Neb., and Mrs. Onie Beal and two sons, Garth and Clark Beal, of Odessa, Mo., attended the funeral of W.H. Beal in Mexico last week."
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Mexico Missouri Message (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, February 22, 1917
"LEGACY OF A GOOD NAME
The Centralia Courier comments as follows:
The Courier extends sympathy to John Beal, editor of the Mexico Message, upon the death of his father, W.H. Beal, who died in Mexico Monday at the at the advanced age of 88 88 years. Mr. Beal was a native of Indiana. Coming to Missouri from Kentucky in 1854, he settled in Audrain county where he has since resided.
He was a pioneer and a man of character and conviction. For sixty years a Mason, a friend of education, a man of honor and honesty, he was one of the men who made the civilization of today possible. After a long and useful life has has been garnered for the harvest of eternity like a ripe shock of wheat. But the legacy of a good name lingers behind to bless the community in which he lived and wrought."
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Mexico Ledger (Mexico, MO)
Thursday, May 26, 1949
SOME FIRSTS IN AUDRAIN HISTORY (in part)
"The first Hungarian grass grown in the county was introduced by a man named Tucker, in the Upper Lick Creek Country, near the Ralls county line. The first German millet was grown by Curtis E. Smith in 1858. The firs sorghum was planted by W.H. Beal. The seed came from Washington, D.C. Beal made a small wooden mill, and managed to manufacture two gallons of fine molasses for the season. He furnished seed to his neighbors. The next year there were several crops.
I. JJ N. Smith, Lina Shultz, Jim Carmen and Beal joined in Partnership and constructed a mill with rollers two feet in diameter, and everybody had some sweetness the next year. You could hear that mill squeak two miles away when it was in operation, reports the Mexico Message of July 1915."
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Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
May 2016
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