Transcript:Indiana, United States. Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties/B/Beck, John W.

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John W. Beck (p 442)

For over half a century John W. Beck, Sr., was a prominent figure in the annals of Union County and aided materially in its development. By a life of uprightness, industry and square dealing --- a life devoted to the support of whatever was good and true --- he won the admiration and genuine regard of a large circle of acquaintances, who sincerely mourned his loss when, upon the 1st of August, 1887, he was called upon to lay aside the burdens, joys and sorrows which had fallen to his share, as to all, in the journey of life. The birth of John W. Beck, Sr., occurred December 19, 1809, in Stokes County, North Carolina, and when he was about three years old his parents removed to Hamilton County, Ohio. Soon afterward they came to this state, settling in Liberty Township, Union County. Here the mother died, and subsequently the father went to Boone County, this state, where his death occurred.

When he had arrived at man's estate the subject of this sketch chose for his wife Miss Lavina La Fuze, whose birth had taken place February 28, 1813. Their marriage was solemnized August 23, 1832. Mrs. Beck, who was a sister of Samuel La Fuze, was born in Pennsylvania and was but four years old when she came to Indiana. About 1835 or 1836 Mr. Beck settled on the homestead, in Brownsville Township, which is now owned and managed by his son and namesake. The rest of his life was passed here in the enjoyment of the hard-earned fruits of his toil, and year by year he added to his possessions, by frugality and thrift, until he was numbered among the well-to-do farmers of this section of the county. In addition to owning his home place he had two other farms, aggregating about three hundred acres. The substantial residence on the old homestead was erected by him in 1855 or 1856, and is finely preserved, as the owners have taken good care of it and have made such repairs as were deemed necessary from time to time.

In politics a Democrat, Mr. Beck was never absent from the polls at election time unless positively prevented by illness, and to the best of his ability he discharged the duties which devolved upon him as a citizen. Though he was not a member of any church he was constant in his attendance upon religious services and gave liberally of his means to the support of the same. He was never involved in a lawsuit, never had an enemy as far as is known, and sought to live in peace and harmony with his neighbors. His wife, who died December 25, 1895, was a member of the church at Silver Creek. Both were kind and loving parents, sympathetic and responsive to the needs of the poor, just and noble in all the relations of life. Thirteen of their fifteen children lived to maturity, and eleven of the number still survive. At the time of Mr. Beck's death he had thirty-eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren living. His five sons surviving in 1899 are Samuel Johnson and Ezra L., of Cass County; Joseph, a resident of Liberty Township, this county; Rufus W., of Howard County; and John Wesley, who occupies the old homestead.

The last named son, one of the younger members of this large family, was born October 9, 1858, and has always resided upon the farm formerly owned by his father. He early manifested ability as a businessman and farmer and took upon his own shoulders the cares and anxieties which were then beginning to weigh rather heavily upon his aging father. Since the senior man's death John Wesley Beck has been the sole owner of the farm, as he bought the interests of the other heirs, and thus succeeded to the entire estate. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations and is identified with the Masonic fraternity.

In 1880 the marriage of John W. Beck and Miss Mary K. Bryant was celebrated. They have three children, namely: Minta, Blanche and Lester. Mrs. Beck is a member of the Christian Union Church, of Brownsville.