Thomas Byron Beard, youngest son of William and Mary Bristow Beard, was born on the home farm in Lee county, Iowa Dec. 20, 1869. He grew to manhood in that neighborhood, attended the rural school; and united with the Christian church of Big Mound when he retained his membership until his death.
In 1891 he moved with his family to Bonaparte, which has since been his home. Oct. 24, 1900 he was united in marriage with Miss Daisy Peterie. They built what is now the Noah House residence in east Bonaparte. This was their home until 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Beard moved to the farm home in the northwest part of town, in order that he could be nearer his farm work. Here they have lived for the past twenty-five years. Previous to that time he had been for a number of years, a presser in Meek Bros. tailor shop.
In 1916 he joined the Masonic Lodge No. 73 at Bonaparte, later holding the office of Master of the lodge for two years. After coming to Bonaparte he cooperated with the Presbyterian church, serving as a trustee for several years.
Thomas Beard's parents had lived in London, England. They met in New Orleans; were married in St. Louis Oct. 23, 1847 and in 1848 came to Lee county, Iowa where they helped to establish an English colony. They were the parents of sixteen children, eight sons and eight daughters. Tom was the last surviving son, and only one daughter, Mrs. Rose Stevenson of Ottumwa, Iowa is now living.
Four of the Beard children, Ada May, Susannah, George W. and James, died in early childhood. Twelve grew to manhood and womanhood; they and their children and their children's children have exemplified the pioneer traditions of their parents, many of them being substantial citizens of southeastern Iowa.
The brothers and sisters who preceded Tom in death were Mrs Mary Jane Green, Mrs. Elizabeth Hillman, Mrs. Emma Beatty, Mrs. Jessie Hemmings, Mrs. Anna Dick, William, Stephen, Charles, Henry, Fremont and Arnold Beard,.
Mr. Beard's health began to fail early in the spring of this year. The latter part of May he went to the hospital in Kirksville, Mo., where he underwent an operation. His wife accompanied him and stayed with him during the weeks of his illness. Although everything was done that skill and affection could devise, it was a losing battle, and the end came at 12:15 Saturday morning, July 8, 1939. His age was 69 years, 6 months and 18 days.
Of his immediate family he leaves to mourn, his wife, and one sister, also a large number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Funeral services, conducted by Rev. L.E. Winfrey, were held Monday afternoon at the Presbyterian church. Interment in Bonaparte cemetery.