Untitled Document

JAMES M. BEARDSLEY

Senior member of the wholesale liquor firm of Beardsley & Bailey Company. of No. 217 Eighteenth street, is one of the substantial business men of Rock Island. He was born in Mercer county, Ill., in 1843. a son of Elisha and Caroline (Marvin) Beardsley. Mr. Beardsley was two years old when the family came to Moline. but eight years later removal was made to Illinois City, the father making these several changes as he engaged with various milling firms. When Mr. Beardsley was fourteen years old, settlement was made in Rock Island. The father was prominent politically, holding the offices of deputy sheriff and surveyor of both Mercer and Rock Island counties. He and his wife had eight children, two of whom still survive—James M. Beardsley and Mrs. A. N. Roberts. The father, born in 1795, died in 1882, and the mother, born in 1800, died in 1869.

James M. Beardsley attended school in the several localities in which his parents lived, finishing his educational training in Rock Island. He worked on a farm, and in various ways made himself useful until 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the conflict. In 1864, he was taken prisoner, and was confined in Libby Prison until hostilities were over. Prior to being taken a prisoner, he was with General Sherman on his march to the sea, and was twice wounded.

Returning to Rock Island, he was engaged in manufacturing brooms with his father until 1875, when he entered the revenue service asgauger and deputy revenue collector, thus con. tinuing until 1885. He then embarked in the wholesale liquor business, and is now president of his company, George E. Bailey being vice-president, and C. L. Beardsley, secretary and treasurer, although he has practically retired, his son, C. L. Beardsley, having charge.

In 1865, Mr. Beardsley married Hannah Halley, a native of this community, and five children have been born to them: Irving, who is deceased; Lydia C., who is deceased; Laura, who is the wife of A. A. McNeill; Henry M., who is secretary and treasurer of the Pells Brewing & Ice Co., of Trinidad, Colo.; and Calvin L., who is secretary and treasurer of the B. & B. company. Politically, Mr. Beardsley has always been a republican. Fraternally, he is a Mason, and he is connected with the G. A. R. The family residence is at No. 1108 First avenue. Mr. Beardsley stands very high in his community, and is a man who has always displayed an unusual amount of public spirit whenever the welfare of the city that has been his home for so many years, has been in question.

Historical Encyclopedia of llinois

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Picture submitted by James gr.granddaughter Barb Appleby

Illinois Ancestors