The Observer, Petersburg, IL December 13, 1929 Page 1 col. 2

Leon L. Beard of Rochester a son of the late Mr. And Mrs. Hiram Beard and a resident of this community until five years ago, died almost instantly Thursday evening of last week after being shot by one of two bandits who attempted to rob the filling station at Eighteenth and Cook Streets in Springfield, at which he was attendant. Robert Riley and Clark Johnson were arrested a short time later charged with murder. Johnson was seriously wounded, having been shot twice by Beard in the gun battle that resulted in Beard's death.

Police heard the shots and rushed to the filling station. They found Beard lying on the ground in a dying condition, and he expired a few minutes after they arrived. They found Johnson lying on the walk a few blocks from the station, and rushed him to St. John's Hospital. There he implicated Riley, stating that Riley fired the shots that caused Beard's death.

Mr. Beard was born August 2, 1883 on the Beard farm near this city and spent the greater part of his life there. On January 18, 1905 he was married to Miss Mary D. Gum of the same community and to this union were born two sons and two daughters, who survive.

Mr. Beard was a member of the Christian church of this city, having united with that church at the age of fifteen years, and retaining his membership throughout his life.

He is survived by his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Anna Taft of Rochester and Miss Leona at home; two sons, Charles and Ralph, both at home, and a number of other relatives and friends. His father preceded him in death a number of years ago, and his mother died only two months ago, at her son's home.

Following Mr. Beard's death, the body was removed to a Springfield establishment, and funeral arrangements were in charge of Thompson & Harms, of this city. Funeral services were held from the home of an aunt, Mrs. Hattie Briscoe, 820 East Miller Street, Springfield at 1 o'clock Saturday afternoon December 7, and burial was in Oakland cemetery.

Illinois State Journal, Springfield, IL 12/7/1929 Page 14 Col. 2

BEARD, LEON L., of Rochester died at 9 o'clock Thursday evening, December 5, 1929, aged 46 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. John W. Taft and Leona Beard, both of Rochester; two sons, Charles A. and Ralph Beard. Remains were removed to the E.P. Metcalf funeral home, and were taken at 4 p.m. Friday to the residence of an aunt, 820 East Miller street, where services will be held at 1 o'clock this afternoon. Burial will be made in Oakland cemetery, Petersburg.

Note: Leon was the son of Hiram & Lilly Simons Beard and the grandson of Oliver B. & Serepta Williamson Simons.

Submitted by: Alyce Beggs