BEAMER, Cornelius H.

Portrait & Biographical Record of Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Publishing Co., 1892, pp 965-966

Cornelius H. BEAMER is a native of NY, born in Wheeler, Steuben County [NY], 10 Jun 1814, a son of Philip and Nancy (DIXON) BEAMER, the former a native of Holland, and the latter of Scotland.  When young they came to this country and were married in NY.  They passed away in Ottawa [LaSalle County], IL, the father dying at the advanced age of 90 years, his wife at the age of 78.  They had 12 children, all of whom grew to mature years.  One brother, Thomas, was slain in the siege of Vicksburg, and Rosilla, a teacher, took cold while going to her school, and died of consumption at the age of 22.

Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm, and on 11 Nov 1837, arrived in Chicago, IL, then a small village.  He refused to buy a half section of land near where the court house now stands, but instead purchased a horse for $35 and rode to Belvidere.  Since that time he has been a resident of this locality.   [An IL Public Land Purchase is recorded for 27 Aug 1844 for Cornelius H. BEAMER for the NESE part of section 19, township 43N, range 3E, 40 acres purchased at $1.25 per acre.]  Before leaving the East, he was married in North Cohocton [Steuben County, NY], 16 Aug 1836, to Sarah WALTERS, who was born in that place, and was of [p 966] German descent.  She died on 20 May 1849, leaving four sons and two daughters.  One son, Albert, died quite young, and was buried by his mother in Belvidere; Barbara became the wife of Caleb LEWIS, and died leaving six children; and B. F. BEAMER.  Sarah BEAMER died in Cairo [Alexander County], IL.  Mr. BEAMER was again married, this time to Lois HARTLEY, a native of England, who died 11 Apr 1890, leaving one son, Hartley, who is living, in IL.

Mr. BEAMER has had a varied and rather adventurous life.  He was a stage driver for a number of years, also followed farming, and was a dealer in horses, but, as he is now well advanced in years, he has laid aside all business cares, and is living a retired life in Pontiac, IL.  His son, Alva R. BEAMER, was only 12 years of age when his mother died.   He then went to live with George LEMONS, in Boone County, with whom he remained until 17 years of age, after which he resided with George M. CRANE, of Cherry Valley Township, until he rented land and began farming for himself.  He was married, 22 Jan 1863, to Mary C. DOOLITTLE, of Harlem [Winnebago County], IL, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (STEDMAN) DOOLITTLE, both of whom were natives of New England, and emigrated to IL in 1837.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. BEAMER were born three children:  Minnie L., wife of Archie L. RUMMELHART, of Harlem Township; Etta M., and Herbert E., both at home.   The children have received good educational advantages.

Mr. BEAMER is a friend to all that can benefit or improve the communty.  In politics he is a Republican, and has served as School Director.   He has followed general farming throughout his entire life, and is now a successful and enterprising agriculturalist.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.