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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of Martin BEEBE 

Page 265, transcribed in full by Danni Monn Hopkins

[Surnames: BEEBE, BOYER, ELEM, HARRIS, RILEY, RINGHOUSE, ROSECAMP*, SAYLES, WILLARD] 

    
MARTIN BEEBE. This enterprising and progressive farmer, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is the owner of what is known as the Duck Island Farm, consisting of fifteen hundred and ninety acres of land on sections 33, 34 and 35, Banner Township. Nine hundred acres are under cultivation, producing from forty to fifty bushels of wheat and from seventy to one hundred bushels of corn per acres. Mr. Beebe is extensively engaged in raising corn and hogs, although other products are not neglected. His residence on section 33, presents an appearance of comfort and homelikeness, and is accompanied by the numerous buildings needful to the prosecution of the work of the place. 
    
Our subject was born in Chemung County, N. Y., April 6, 1819, to Hezekiah and Sarah (Boyer) Beebe. He was reared on a farm, removing with his parents to LaGrange County, Ind., in 1837, and remaining there until 1839. In December of that year he came to this county, employing himself at work by the month for two years. He next learned the trade of a cooper, at which he worked about fifteen years. In 1849 Mr. Beebe bought a small farm in Banner Township, near Utica, and in 1860 purchased the Island Farm from John N. Willard, of St. Louis, Mo. Here he has made his home since that time, devoting himself assiduously to the pursuit of his chosen calling and reaping a satisfactory reward for his perseverance, intelligence and prudence. 
    
Mr. Beebe has been twice married, the first union having been consummated in 1847. His bride was Miss Diana Saylers, an efficient and affectionate lady, with whom he lived happily until her death, January 8, 1862. She left five children, whose record is as follows: Henry Clay, born April 12, 1851, married Clara Rosecamp*; Clara A., born January 28, 1853, died at the age of eighteen years; Marcus T., born February 1, 1856, married Polly Harris and lives in Missouri; Josephine, born March 28, 1858, married William Ringhouse in October, 1886, and now lives in Mason County; Orrin, born February 29, 1861, married Miss Minnie Riley and lives in Buckheart Township, this county. 
    
The second marriage of our subject was celebrated November 24, 1870, the bride being Miss Emma Elem, who, while devoted to her family and their interests, finds time and opportunity for kindly intercourse with her many friends. This marriage has resulted in the birth of the following sons and daughter: John, born July 27, 1873; Amos, January 1, 1875; Hector, June 24, 1877; Frederick, July 28,1879; Carrol, January 14, 1882; Sheldon, September 5, 1884; Mary Belle, December 22, 1887. 
    
When he became old enough to vote, Mr. Beebe was an old-line Whig, and on the formation of the Republican party identified himself with it, but is now a member of the Greenback party. He is not an active participant in political affairs, preferring to give his attention to his personal pursuits and the joys of domestic life. He is respected, as his merits deserve, by all who are acquainted with his character and attainments. 

*Notes: Cemetery Inscriptions vol. 5, page 44, lists the last name of the wife of Henry Clay Beebe as Clara Roskamp. I do have a little more on the spouses of the children of this couple if any one is interested.-- Danni Monn Hopkins