THOMAS J. BEARD
Thomas J. Beard, farmer, Crawfordsville was b. in Wayne Co IN Feb 19, 1822. He attended Wabash College 3 years and in his youth, worked in a store. When young he worked some in the state engineering service, and helped run the first RR to Lafayette. Since his majority he has farmed most of the time. He enlisted in 1862, in Co K 86th Ind Vol. for 3 years and served about one year, being discharged on account of disability. After the war he served 3 years in Wash. on the Capitol police force. He was also a printer for some six years, working for awhile on the old "State Journal" at Indianapolis. He is a Mason, a member of the Methodist church and a Republican. His last and 3rd marr. was in July in 1855, to Miss Susan Tiffany. She is a member of the Methodist church. They have two children: George F. and Mary, the latter grad. at the public high school of this city. Mr. Beard's father, John Beard, was b. Jan 4, 1795 and settled in Wayne Co in an early day and in 1823 moved to Mont Co near Crawfordsville, where he lived till his death, Sept 29, 1874. John Beard lived a very active and useful life. He was justice of the peace for a number of years, and was appointed receiver of public moneys at the land office at Crawfordsville, by Gen. Harrison, and held the office until Van Buren became president. He was a member of both houses of the state legislature for about 25 years, distinguishing himself as a legislator. In fact he is the father of our glorious public school system in Indiana. Many other bills for the public good rece3ived his earnest and efficient support. He was a member of the State Blind Asylum for about 6 years, holding that position when he died. He was marr. to Maria Borroughs in 1816. His widow still survives him, at the advanced age of 83. John Beard was a member of the convention that organized the Republic party.Submitted by: Karen Zach
County Coordinator: Suzy Sprague suzyq.wa@worldnet.att.net