Father of Thomas M. Beck

William B. Beck was born in Alabama on August 31, 1823. William moved to Itawamba County, Miss. with his Parents between 1840 and  1850, where he married Mary H. Long on November 3, 1844. Mary was also born in Alabama around 1825 and was raised in West Tennessee, before moving to Itawamba County, Miss with her parents. William started out in business as a farmer and miller. His mill was known for miles and miles, and his customers came from the southern part of  Tennessee and all over Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi to have their corn and flour ground from this old watermill on the Tom Bigby River.  He also had what is called a Southern plantation Negro colony which he owned and operated until the War came on. He was a Methodist preacher and traveled allover that country on horseback, spreading the gospel of the Methodist Church. He also wrote and composed the music to a song which is entitled, "Why I am a Methodist" 

William was also a Methodist Episcopal Minister and a member of the Masonic Fraternity.  William died on March 5, 1877 at the age of 54 and Mary died in 1872 at the age of 47. William & Mary are buried in the Kirkville Cemetery in Itawamba County.  The Cemetery is located west of Fulton on Hwy 371 near Mantachie.

 They were parents of the following children :

Mary's Brother, William Long, Lived with them and worked on the farm between 1850 and 1860.  He was 21 years old in 1860.