Dr. James Martin Beamer, son of Philip and Sarah Jane Beamer, was born October 9, 1880, and died at Proctor hospital in Peoria October 11, 1910, aged 30 years and two days. The deceased grew to manhood at his home four miles south of West Jersey and, after leaving the country school, he attended Toulon Academy and the Chicago Veterinary College. After a three-year course in the latter he graduated with high honors and located in Williamsfield, where he practiced until October 4 last, when he met with a very serious accident, which culminated in his death.
He was spending the night in Peoria previous to attending the state fair at Springfield, Illinois, when, while dreaming of fire, he jumped from a third-story window to the pavement nearly forty feet below. He was taken immediately to the hospital where he suffered a great deal during the remainder of his life. He was conscious through all and by his patience and gentle ways strengthened the love of his near relatives who were with him during his last hours. It seems sad that one so young should be called away so early in life. By dint of great perseverance in his work, he had acquired a large and ever growing practice and will be greatly missed by all his patrons and by all with whom he came in contact.
The deceased leaves to mourn his loss a father, mother, five sisters and five brothers, namely: Mrs. L. A. Biederbeck, of Toulon; Mrs. J. A. Barrett, of Elmwood; Jeffrey H. Beamer, of West Jersey; Mrs. Alex Reed, of Laura; Sidney L. Beamer, of Laura; Alice E. Beamer, deceased. Maude Beamer, Ralph Beamer, Glenn Beamer, Dale Beamer and Blanche E. Beamer are still with their parents.
Funeral services were held at the West Jersey M. E. church Thursday, October 13. The interment was in West Jersey cemetery.