Note: I have made various corrections to Tom's scanned text, denoted by [] Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:37:31 -0400 From: TLN To: BECK-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <01BD743D.208D4C40.tomnagy@nauticom.net> Subject: [BECK-L] BECK book chapter 1of 9 THE BECK FAMILY IN AMERICA HISTORICAL DATA GATHERED AND TRANSCRIBED INTO BOOK FORM BY WILLIAM M. BECK GALION, OHIO 1940 Acknowledgments The preparation of a family history has its pleasures and disappointments. There have been many who have gladly responded in effort to secure accurate data which contributes materially in making the history valuable This work has awakened the writer to a realization that there is much available material which might be developed by continued labor. The Library of Public instruction at Easton, Pennsylvania, and the Department of Public Instruction and Stale Archives at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, have rendered especially valuable assistance WILLIAM M. BECK ATTENTION Any purchaser or reader of this pamphlet who questions the authenticity of the statement that Yahone Heinrich Beck and Family landed at Philadelphia, Sept. 27th, 1740, enroute from Rotterdam, Netherlands to America on ship Lydia, Capt. Allen commanding; women passengers were not required to sign the shiop's register; but the signature of Yahon Heinrich Beck, Yahon William Beck and Yahon Jacob appear. For a nominal fee the Director of the Bureau of Public Instruction, Harrisburg, Penna., will give careful attention. W.M. BECK Chapter One History is an accumulation of facts about individuals, families, groups and communities. The activities of all are influenced [to] a great extent by the thoughts and purposes of the strongest individuals, as these are effective in inspiring confidence among [those] with whom they are associated. Purposeful people of strong character give to a community its standards, and the growing influence naturally radiates to other communities, to the ultimate strengthening of the standards of state and nation. Strong people of early days found themselves face to face with undesirable conditions in their native countries, and were attracted by the possibilities of a freedom of thought and opportunity in the then growing and developing America. Men from all parts of Europe were impressed with the possibilities of America, and especially with [what] the William Penn colony offered them in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Province at the time of the arrival of John Henry Beck and his wife Anna [Maria] with their family offered every possibility of a peaceful life in the carving out of fruitful farms in the then undeveloped country. But the seeds of discontent, because of foreign dictation, soon resulted in what we know as the Revolutionary war, which was really a protest war against the taxation of the colonies for the support of old world institutions. Scarcely [had] John Henry Beck begun to enjoy the freedom from the domination of intolerable government of Europe until war was imminent in America. John Henry Beck died in 1766, but the forth-coming war was evident to all observers, and saddened the last days of this strong man who had counted [so] much on the possibilities of this country at that time. The signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 brought to this family, as to other families the need of taking their place with the forces, which were to lead in securing for the new country the values of independent citizenship. Following the signing of the Declaration of Independence William Beck, oldest son, and George, his brother were members of the Committee of Safety in support of the new government. The activities of the family of John Henry Beck seem to have been centered in the community where they first settled: Moore Township in Northampton County. When Leonard Beck turned his commission over in 1783 as a subordinate officer to the military authorities of PennsyIvania, he with his wife and family repaired to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania to take up farming land his government had presented him in recognition of his military services. Here, since peace had been restored to the Province of Pennsy1vania, Leonard and his wife, Susanna, reared a family of children who were to make homes for themselves, not only on their native soil of Pennsylvania, but notably in Ohio. It is not surprising that there was a feeling of apprehension on the part of the descendants not only of John Henry Beck but of Col. Leonard Beck himself, since the severing of old ties in their chosen communities made them wonder if the far horizon offered as fine a prospect for the future as the lives they had known in Pennsylvania. Many of the ancestral friends were severing the tie established in Pennsylvania and moving on to the new opportunities in Ohio. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:38:33 -0400 From: TLN To: BECK-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <01BD743D.45CE0A80.tomnagy@nauticom.net> Subject: [BECK-L] BECK BOOK chapter 2 of 9 Chapter Two YAHON HEINRICH BECK The emigration of increased numbers of people to America during the middle of the Eighteenth Century, especially to Eastern Pennsylvania meant that, first a depression existed in the countries of Europe because of taxation that had to be met to pay for wars that had been fought and the preparation for others threatened. On the social side, young men and women found it difficult to rise in the social scale higher than they had been born. Politically, in few exceptions, the people were subject to the caprice of their rulers. There was no freedom to think, plan and execute. Wages were low and the cost of living relatively high. Hence in sharp contrast to the difficulties of the time in Europe came the heartening news from America. The log of the Ship Lydia, commanded by Captain Allen, which sailed from Rotterdam and landed at Philadelphia, September 27, 1740, gives the names of the Passenger on that ship. An accounting of the Library of Public Instruction, Harrisburg, Penn. - Joseph Patter, Director, Westmoreland county Perhaps most interesting was the word coming from the Province of Pennsylvania, to which title had been granted to William Penn, by which he acquired the right to sell or rent land to settlers. Penn was advertising for settlers in his new domain, warning them, however, that they would have to do without some of the comforts of the Old World for a few years, at least, but explaining that it was a glorious opportunity "to spread the English influence in a new world" Penn was offering easy terms of rental, five thousand [acres] could be had by paying one hundred pounds sterling, and one shilling an acre for every hundred acres annually afterwards. These terms attracted many people who were eager to take a share of whet he called "His Holy Experiment", of Pennsylvania, and [hundreds] of settlers applied for land in the new colony. Penn was aided by the efforts of emigration officers, who made it easy for would-be emigrants to make the journey to America, So it is that the village of [Petersville], with the Union church located there, is one of the spots on Pennsylvania soil to which we, the descendants of Yahon Heinrich Beck and his wife Anne Maria may look as the scene where our Beck ancestors began life in America, the land of their dreams. The patriarch of his immediate family and his descendants when occasion offered, were loyal to Christian usages. For instance, in 1764 at the Church conference in Petersville Union church, it is observed that Heinrich Beck and his wife, Anna Marie, Fred Beck and others were the first communicants... "I certify that the above records are correct" (Charles Roberts.) These Lutheran people were thoughtful of their vows to God, their church, and their country SUBSTANTIAL EARLY HISTORY Henry Beck found the soil in Moore Township less fertile than on the acres he had left in Lehigh Township but with Henry at the helm, good yields from garden and fields were assured. Let us hope that under his care the soil he tilled soon became productive as the soil of the Virginia plantation of Sir Walter Raleigh, who said "You need but tickle the soil with a hoe and it will laugh with a harvest." As we pause to indulge in a backward glance over the past two hundred years since the arrival of Henry Beck and his family, it is with much speculation as to how they proceeded to assimilate themselves. A home must have been the all important question to settle. Doubtless there was much activity in business in the City of Philadelphia where they first landed, where employment for the family, or at least part of it, might have offered itself, but the country appealed more strongly. AGRICULTURE SEEMS LEADING PROSPERITY It remains an unanswered question, why so many of our family, fathers, cousins and sons of our line, have chosen the soil as a means of livelihood. Down deep in our natures there lives a yearning to cultivate the soil. From earlier settlers in Northampton County who had bought land and supplied themselves with improvements and equipment for farming, and were offering their chattels for sale as they retired from active life, Henry Beck and his wife purchased the necessary farming equipment, such opportunities being quite to the liking of this family who had a sense of pride in feeling that German thrift and enterprise stimulated [an] ambition to make good. DEATH OF HENRY BREAKS FAMILY TIES Twenty-six years after the arrival of Henry Beck to these shores, he was called to his Fathers. His death severed family ties which we feel must have been firmly cemented. Henry, with true German patience and industry had lived [to] realize his dream of that America which had been pictured to him as he viewed it from the Homeland. His death occurred in 1766, at the age of 75 years. The year of the death of his wife is not known nor the place of their burial. FITTING TRIBUTE A glad hand tribute seems fitting on the passing of Yahon Heinrich Beck and his wife, Anna Maria, for the worth they and their families have been to America during the days of internal strife with England, and for the evident good will with which our German ancestors proved themselves loyal Americans. Two grandsons, George and Leonard Beck when occasion offered, were found in the ranks of the Army of the Revolution. But their greatest contribution was the gift of themselves to the land of their adoption. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:40:06 -0400 From: TLN To: BECK-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <01BD743D.7CFFAE00.tomnagy@nauticom.net> Subject: [BECK-L] BECK BOOK chapter 3 of 9 Chapter Three WILLIAM BECK EMERGES FROM PRIVATE LIFE When Great Grandfather Beck died at his homestead in Moore Township, he left no will. His oldest son, William asked the county for permission to put up and sell the property and improvements to pay debts, stating there were five children in his father's family of whom he was the eldest. Permission was granted and the settlement was approved by the court. Sometime afterward a man by the name of Peters made a complaint of fraud in the settlement. Executor Beck went into court again but found no fraud to exist. So much for William's honesty. The objector was probably one of Heinrich's family. Henry Beck's property was sold by William to George Kindt for 100 pounds, six shillings and nine pence. INVENTORY AND APRAISEMEMT OF THE ESTATE OF HENRY BECK, DEC'D. EXHIBITED THE 8TH DAY OF MARCH, 1766. One improvement, 80 pounds, one beehive, three shillings, one cow, four pounds, 5 shillings, one bull, 2 shillings, one horse, 5 pounds, one horse collar and saddle, 1 shilling, one iron kettle, 7 shillings, one other kettle, 2 shillings, 3 iron spoons, 1 shilling, 3 knives, 3 shillings, 1 pan, 2 shillings, 1 tin and one meat fork, 1 shilling, 10 wooden plates, 1 shilling, five dishes, 1 shilling, 2 bridles, 2 shillings, 4 pieces of chain and wooden ha [sic], 2 shillings, 1 fire tong, 2 shillings, 2 axes, 3 shilling, 2 shovels, 1 shilling, 2 iron wedges and maul rings, 4 shillings 1 box cornmeal, 7 shillings, 1 plane and hammer, 2 shillings, 1 bell, 4 shillings, 3 flax combs, 1 shilling, 1 auger and shaving knife, 2 shillings, 2 sickles and 1 carpenter square, 3 shillings, 4 bake baskets, 8 pence, 2 sieves, 1 shilling, 4 earthen crocks, 1 shilling, 1 basket of salt, 2 shillings, 1 basket of oats, 1 shilling, 5 bushel less 1/8 peck of wheat, 19 shillings, 1 straw knife, 1 shilling, grindstone, 2 shillings, 1 churn, 1 shilling, 2 barrels, 7 shillings, 3 kegs, 3 shillings, 1 hogshead (barrel with 1 head ), 1 shilling, 10 pounds of butter, 5 shillings, bedtick, sheet and large pillow, 10 shillings, 6 pounds lard, 3 shilling, 1 iron stove, 4 pounds, 1 small jug, 8 pence, 1 large stone jug, 1 shilling, 16 pewter spoons, 2 shillings, 1 bowl, 6 pence, 1 light, 2 shilling, 1 mirror, razor and mug, 1 shilling, 1 hand saw, 1 shilling. The above is an inventory of the goods and chattels of Henry Beck, deceased of Moore Township, county of Northampton and Province of Pennsylvania, and appraised this seventh day of February, one thousand, seven hundred and sixty-six. {Signed: - Timothy Reed, Paul Flick} -WILLIAM PROGRESSES IN [] NEW WORLD William was eighteen years of age when the family [arrived] in Philadelphia. To a young man of eighteen his environment and life's experiences so far must have been a medley, severing the ties of youth and starting on an ocean voyage where reaching the desired haven whether William Penn had been honest with them, to enter upon a pioneer life - all presented a complex picture. Not until signing the Allegiance to King of England, when the ship Lydia landed at Philadelphia had his name been made known. Although no mention is made of his marriage, previously, at the age of 44 years, records show his wife's given name was Eva Ann. Rapid progress was being made by William in his new surroundings. Five years before his [father's] death he acquired 100 acres of land in Lehigh Township, also 60 acres in Moore Township, in Northampton County, which land he bought from Thomas and Richard Penn. By that time our Great Grandfather, Yahon Heinrich Beck emerged from being a sharecropper to owner of a homestead. The purchase of the 160 acres from the Proprieiaries was made under the Great Seal of the State of Pennsylvania, for which a deed was given and recorded at Easton, Pa. - (Deed b Vol. 2, P. 245) Clement S. Frederick, Recorder, at the time of record, 1761. The farm of John Henry Beck was sold by William Beck, his son, the 60 acres of the John Henry Beck estate was purchased by William Beck. ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY INTERESTS William's farm did not absorb all of his time. Community interests in and around Moore Township as they came up in their turn were taken up. First a Christian Missionary project was taken up with his friend and neighbor Captain Paul Flick. These men were possessed of a kindred spirit as to patriotism for America and the general good of the land of their adoption and devotion to church missions. The country side about Petersville and Moore Township had during these years been populated by foreign-born families whose opportunity to attend church services were as usual in a new country, quite limited. To meet this need William Beck and Paul Flick joined hands to put their missionary zeal into practice by laying a foundation for their enterprise. An application known as No. 478 was made to the [Proprietaries] for a tract of land, which was jointly owned by the purchasers, and on which there was a house of worship. After a time a school for the instruction of children in useful knowledge and Christian service of German Lutheran and Reformed congregation was established. History records the undertaking a success. A board of trustees to care for the property and assets was organized. While the act of settling his [father's] estate was apparently the final notice of William's entrance into public life, yet his close friendship and association with such high-minded men as Captain Flick, neighbor and citizen of Moore Township, speaks well for his interest in civic affairs of the community. Among the activities to which the loyal patriots of Pennsylvania were called upon to engage in by such a leader as Benjamin Franklin, was to assist in the organization of "Committees of Defense" where English opposition to America's sovereignty was strongest. MOORE TOWNSHIP WAS ABLY REPRESENTED BY WILLIAM AND GEORGE BECK AND PAUL FLICK. These committees were said to have helped to form the "New Government". At this juncture, in 1777, William, who was born in 1721, died. His title to the mission now passed to the trustees. Although it cannot be said that William had lived to see the complete fruition of his plans, nor the full development of the missionary project involving the investment of the funds for the purchase of land in partnership with his neighbor and friend, Paul Flick, great credit is due him for his founding [of] so great an enterprise. William and his wife, Anna Eva, were buried at Petersville cemetery, but as has been mentioned before, no gravestones for Heinrich and Anna Maria were to be found there. Epitaphs on William and Anna Eva's grave markers are found in the German language. GRAVE MONUMENTS OF WILLIAM AND ANNA EVA BECK (Roberts, Interpreter.) Reformed and Lutheran Church at Petersville, Moore Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania In the rear of cemetery is a very old graveyard containing 20 tombstones. Among these are these two: "William Beck ist gabohren im Jahr Jesu Christ, 1721, und gestorben im Jahr 1777, den 30 Mertz und sein ganses alier war 56 Jahr, Anna Beck ist gabohren in Jahr Jesu Christ, 1725, und gestorben den 4 April 1777. Ihr alter is 52 Jahn, 1776 Ano, 1764 Johan Beck." Translation: - "William Beck was born in the year Jesus Christ, 1721, and died in the year 1777, on March 30, and his entire age was 56 years.: "Anna Eva Beck was born in the year Jesus Christ, 1725, and died the 4th of April, 1777. Her age is 52 years." Fredrick, William's oldest son, assumed the settlement of his father's estate. There was no will. The inventory shows a total of 2300 pounds with a fraction over. Cupboard, 5 pounds clock and case, 12 pounds, bible, 5 pounds, testament, 1 shilling, three English books, 5 shilling, seven books, 2 shillings 4 chairs, 2 shillings, 2 pewter mugs, 8 shillings, tile, 8 shillings, reel and barrel iron, 3 shillings, 3 bedsteads, 1 pound, iron pot, 10 shillings, 2 iron pots, 7 shillings, cooking plate and feet, 7 shillings, 3 trammels and pair of tongs, 1 pound, 10 earthen dishes, 2 shillings, iron kettle, 1 pound, pepper mill, 5 shillings, flat iron, 6 shillings, milk screen and lantern, 2 shillings, 3 pans, 12 shillings, tea kettle, 7 shillings, 3 tin dishes, 2 shillings, 10 pewter dishes, 1 pound, three shillings, candle mould, 1 shilling, large spoon and meat fork, 4 shillings, kitchen cupboard, 1 shilling, 6 buckets, 6 shillings, 4 scythes, 6 shillings, kneeling trough, 2 shilling, 6 chisels, 6 shillings, hand saw, 5 shillings, 7 augers, 6 shillings, 2 pinchers and pair compasses, 6 shillings, 2 axes, 10 shillings, chip-axe and adse, 7 shillings, Michael Englehard, a book dept, 17 shillings, 2 wedges and 2 rings, 12 shillings, knife and sieve, 4 shillings, 3 corn hoes, 8 shillings, 4 horse collars, 8 shillings, 2 chains, 1 pound, halter chain, 2 shillings, 6 halters, bridles and back straps, 12 shillings, saddle, 3 shillings, 2 rear harness, 7 shillings, 6 collars, 15 shillings, 4 iron traces, 1 pound. 10 shillings, back strap and belly bands, drawing bench, 7 shillings, leather line, whip and com, 3 shillings, wheel barrow, 5 shillings, plow and line, 2 shillings, 3 bridles and saddle, 1 pound, harrow, 15 shillings, woman's saddle. 2 pounds, 10 shillings, basket with old iron, 5 shillings, 5 sickles, 5 shillings, metal chest, 1 pound, sheep shear, 1 shilling, 2 planes, 8 shillings, 3 sickles, 1 pound, 5 shillings, curtain for bed, 15 shillings, feather bed with pillows, 5 pounds, sprinkling can, 4 shillings, quilt, 1 pound, 10 shilling, 2 spinning wheels, 2 shillings, 2 scythes, 2 shillings, wagon cover, 10 shillings, spinning wheel for wool, 7 shillings, chest, 7 shillings, 8 baskets, 4 shillings, 4 bells, 12 shillings, copper kettle, 4 pounds, sole leather, upper leather, 1 pound, 7 pine barrels, 5 shillings, grain cradle, two scythes, 6 shillings, 3 flails, 6 shillings, salad cutter and cabbage cutter, 2 shillings, half bu. hemp seed, 3 shillings, apple mill, 15 shillings, 6 barrels, 1 pound, 5 shillings, old barrels, 1 shillings, 3 barrels, 3 shillings, butter keg, 5 shillings, small tub, 2 shillings, basket, 6 pence, iron crow, 7 shillings, 3 meat stones, 5 shillings, cutter, 4 pence, 7 bottles, 3 shilling, 9 glasses, 2 shillings, sleigh, 1 pound, 10 shillings, wagon, 2 pounds, apple trough for apple mill, 5 shillings, plow and 2 augers, 1 pound, mare, 25 pounds, horse, 15 pounds, 4 cows, 20 pound, 3 heifers, 9 pounds, straw cutter, 15 shillings, wind mill, 3 shillings, feed trough, 1 shilling, half bu. measure, 6 pence, keg, 6 pence, 7 cow chains, 14 shillings, 2 candles, 2 shillings, candle stick, 1 shilling, steel yard, 13 shillings, tea box and stone jug, 1 shilling, bed, 1 pound, 10 shillings, 14 acres of corn, 30 pounds, table, 7 shillings, 12 pigs, 4 pounds, 3 geese, 6 shillings, note from Nicholas Brutzman, 2 pounds, 7 shillings, note from Simon Ruffner, 3 pounds, 10 shillings, bond from Jacob Frack, 29 pounds, two shovels, 6 pence, 2 manure forks, 4 shillings, 2 forks, 4 shillings, band box, 7 shilling, hay rope, trowel and hatchet, 2 shillings, small basket with loose article, 3 shillings." P. Flick, N. [Miltenberger] Exhibited April 23,1777. The inventory is filed in Easton and is in [the] German script. Noting among the [items] listed "a Bible, a Testament, and many English books and Christopher Saul Newspaper" we are sure our ancestor was well posted and quite fitted to have a "Committeeman from Moore Township" to help form the new government of the United States of America. For the bill of sale for the two tracts of land of 160 acre, Frederick had to petition the court in 1779, stating that the heirs of his father, William Beck (dec'd) were himself, William Jr., George Leonard, (still a minor), Susanne and Eva Elizabeth. The petition was granted and Frederick took it at the appraised price, 1900 pounds. Study of the inventory as submitted by Fredrick to the court revealed that his father's equipment for farming must have been ample. Stocks of implements, livestock and goods general were available at pubic sales, which were common then, 150 years ago. William Beck, father of Leonard Beck, was born of German parents in 1722, being 18 years of age when the family landed at Philadelphia September 7, 1740. Anna Eva was the name of his wife. FREDERICK BECK DIES IN 1819 Frederick Beck oldest son and heir at law of William Beck, died in 1819, leaving a wife, Margaret and six children: [viz]., Frederick Beck, Jr., William Beck, John Beck, Mrs. Henry Zellner, Mrs. Joseph Musselamn and Mrs. Joseph Albert. The children renounced their rights to take out letters of administration so letters of administration were granted to Esquire Larch. He filled an inventory on Feb. 22, 1819, which totals up nine thousand and fifty pounds (9005 pounds) and 73 shillings of personal property. (Court of Records, Northampton County, Pa.) Susanna, Frederick's sister, who married Casper Altman had three children: 1 - Catharine B., born July 2, [1780]; bap. May 21, 1782. 2 - John Peter, born Aug. 24 (no year), bap. Dec 7, 1782. 3 - Susanna B., born March 6, bap. May 31, 1784. Eva Elizabeth, another sister of Fredrick was married to Martin Eshbach. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:43:24 -0400 From: TLN To: BECK-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <01BD743D.F348BF20.tomnagy@nauticom.net> Subject: [BECK-L] BECK BOOK chapter 4 of 9 Chapter Four LEONARD BECK Leonard Beck, fourth son of William Beck, and brother of Frederick, was born in Northampton County, Pa., in 1759. Before he could answer the call of the soil and settle down to the industrious and happy life of a farmer in rural Pennsylvania, [he] had to enter his county's service to protect that soil in the War of the Revolution. He must have been about 20 years of age when enlisted in the Continental army, and the period of his services must have extended to [1783]... (The military record of Leonard Beck, who served in the Northampton County Militia can be found in the PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES: Fifth Series, Volume VIII, pages 245, 259, 297 and 595. It lists Leonard Beck as a private, First Company, Third Battalion, Northampton Militia under Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Kern in the year 1780. It shows that Leonard Beck served as a substitute for Adam Leemer in Colonel Kern's Battalion. On page 595 we find Leonard Beck entered the service September 8, 171 on a return of John Ritter's Company of Militia in actual service on the Frontiers, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Christian Shousa.") This is the extent of the records of Leonard Beck of Northampton County. Joseph L. Rafter, Director, State Library and Museum, Harrisburg, Pa. With what pride the spints of his grandfather, Yahon Heinrich Beck, and his father, Yahon William Beck must have looked down on their sturdy descendant as he strode to the defense of the land they had helped to settle, and with other patriot filled the hearts of the populace with strains of martial music. Many must have been the inspiring rat-a-tat-tats he beat upon his drum, as he marched with his company which saw plenty of action... Note - Leonard's brother George, too, was a drummer and soldier. Incidentally, the soldiers of Pennsylvania were not called to fight the battles of the Revolutionary was on their native soil, but were detailed to serve in the ranks where they were most needed and which seemed to have been almost entirely outside the state of Pennsylvania. So when on October 19, 1783, General Cornwallis, at Yorktown, Va., having exhausted all his resources, surrendered his army of 7,000 troops with all his stores, cannon and several ships of war, the war closed and a treaty of peace was signed as Paris between America and Great Britain on the 30th of November, 1782 and a formal treaty in 1783. Now [Leonard] could quit soldiering, scouting and enlivening the waning spirits of his comrades with his martial music, forsaking the open air barracks of Central Pennsylvania, and could go to Pittsburgh with his wife, the former Susanna Deeter (whose father was also a Revolutionary soldier) and whom he married in 1781. Proof that the young couple resided in Pittsburgh for a time is found in reference to a statement found by S. Roberts at the Kendryville Lutheran church, Northampton County, Pa. The news that the Colonel was to receive depreciation pay for military service pictured young Leonard and his wife a rosy future. Events had moved rapidly in the 40 years since Leonard's grandfather emigrated to these shores. Pittsburgh had doubtless been a rallying point for scouting parties patrolling the western part of the state and Col. Beck naturally felt at home within its borders. This Pennsylvania city was coming into prominence as one of the important commonwealths of the state. It was a favorite marketing place and highly favored as a place to buy or sell by farmers, as well as a shopping center preparatory for making the great experiment of setting up housekeeping. It probably required some time before the plans of the young couple developed into action, but they were consummated eventually with the declaration of peace. It required no gift of prophecy to predict an era of prosperity the like of which the state of Pennsylvania had never before experienced. All sorts of commodities were needed to replace necessities destroyed in the states which were devastated by the long drawn out struggle for liberty. Following a brief residence in Pittsburgh, Col. Leonard and his wife moved to Westmoreland County, where they took up land granted to Leonard by the government, as his [soldier's] bounty for military services from the very beginning [of] the war until its close. To have right and title to 177 acres of virgin soil such as the Colonel received as part of his reward for helping to win America its freedom, was one of the few good pieces of luck to befall this young soldier and his wife and their young son Adam. Their first step taken toward the erection of a home was the clearing of land selected as a likely location for the house. Then the house was built, and later the outbuildings and the barn, to assist in the construction of which neighbors came from surrounding farms, it being among pioneer customs that each farmer should help the other. A huge fireplace held an iron crane on which were hung the family kettles and pots in which the roasting and baking were done. The young Beck couple held a "housewarming" and families from miles around attended, partook of the appetizing viands, among which were such delicacies as roast wild turkey and roast venison, to be had for the taking, and the price of a charge of powder from the old "blunderbus". The jolly and laughing crowd gathered around the fireplace after supper, admired the new house, and men discussing their plans for the bettering of their land, and the women exchanging neighborhood gossip and talking about their children. But the hours sped away and the time came at last for goodbyes. Left alone at last, Leonard Beck and his wife Susanna sat for a time before the dying embers of the fire and listened to the soft singing of the kettle on the crane. "The lights are out and gone are all the [guests], That thronging came with merriment and jests. To celebrate the hanging of the Crane, In the new house, into the night are gone, But still the fire upon the hearth burns on. O fortunate, O happy day, When a new household finds its place. Among the myriad homes of earth, Like a new star just sprung to birth, And rolled on its harmonious way Into the boundless realm of space. So said he guests in speech and song As in the chimney, burning bright We hung the iron crane tonight And merry was the feast and song. For two alone there in the hall Is spread the table round and small, Upon the polished silver shine The evening lamps, but more divine The light of love shines over all. Seated I see the two again But not alone, they entertain A little angel unaware, With face as round as is the moon, A royal guests with flaxen hair Who throned upon his lofty chair Drums on the table with a spoon. There are [two] guests at table now, The king deposed and older grown No longer occupies the throne - The crown is on his sister's brow. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:44:37 -0400 From: TLN To: BECK-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <01BD743E.1EA0F020.tomnagy@nauticom.net> Subject: [BECK-L] BECK BOOK chapter 5 of 9 Chapter Five SETTLING DOWN TO FARMING The festivities attending the formality of the "hanging of the Crane" over, Col. Beck as farmer has the task of formulating a policy best suited to the use for which his land is best adapted. Some clear portions will be planted at once, but [the] timber must be disposed of before much farming is done. The Colonel eventually, it will appear, has a profitable property, equally as good as his neighbors. His land is underlain with coal, besides salt water springs, whose saline water could [be] utilized for making commercial salt. As time advanced and circumstances seemed favorable, ninety-four acres were sold to an adjoining land-owner. The Colonel gave the purchaser a deed in the presence of a competent witness. The Colonel was sued for non-performance, but proved his testimony correct - that the deed (Westmoreland Co. Records) had been delivered. The reduction of the farm acreage indicates that help had grown less, it may [be] inferred that most of the sons and daughters had found mates, and had set out for themselves. Daniel, one of the grandsons farmed the homestead. Then David Beck, youngest son of Daniel, farmed it and then became owner - the last farmer to own it, as he sold the farm to the Westmoreland Coal Co., by whom the coal was mined and sold. Col. Leonard Beck died March 11, 1831. Born 1759. Another point of interest to the descendant of Col. Leonard Beck is the cemetery at [Seanor's] church. Not only is Col. Leonard Beck himself buried there but also some of his children and members of their families. The "back to the soil" movement and slogan was a wide step involving the agricultural future of generations yet unborn and probably of sons who would support the father in his days of declining strength. Col. Leonard named his wide and fertile acres "The Continent" and on this estate their nine children were born and grew to manhood and womanhood, all marrying in time, and for the most part, had homes of their own. At some [distance] from the homestead stood a hill of unusual formation. It was spherical in shape and was a farm. One-fourth of the height of the hill at the top is bare of vegetation, hence the name of "Bald Hill" which it bears. At early morning, when the sun shone over the brow of the hill, it must have been a beautiful sight, which was no doubt geared with delight by the family of eleven - father, mother and nine children. The children of Leonard and Susanna Beck: 1 - Adam, married Mariah Wegley. 2 - William, married Mariah Tritchman. 3 - John, married Ann Bell. 4 - Elizabeth, married John Singhone. 5 - Jacob, married Mary Croft. 6 - Michael, married Mary Long. 7 - Susanna, married Simon Bell. 8 - -Daniel, married Hannah Fish. 9 - Katharine, married Abraham Suter. Leonard Beck died March 14, 1831, at his home. During the year 1834, William Beck, his second son, petitioned the court, for a settlement of his father's estate, stating that his father left a widow and property, but had died intestate. The court acceded to his wishes, whereupon the property was appraised according to law, the value reported at $1832. William was named executor. The widow received one-third of the appraised value, but was to receive interest thereon for life. On May 19, 1834, Adam Beck, the oldest son went before the court and accepted the land and instructions to provide for his mother, and at the end of one year to pay the heir's their respective shares and interest for one year. Adam Beck and William Beck were each held for $1046 as surety. Michael Beck married Mary Long. After her death he married a second wife in the name of Eva Bair. At that time, and for many years thereafter marriage licenses were not recorded in Pennsylvania. Being bereft a second time he married a third wife, Roxanna Moore. Michael Beck is buried at New Bedford, Coshocton [County], Ohio. Amos Beck was married to Mary Sibley. They were the parents of ten children: 1 - David 2 - Sarah 3 - John 4 - Jacob 5 - Albert 6 - Lewis 7 - Susan 8 - Greely 9 - Linny - Mrs. Parton. 10 - Eli The children of Michael Beck and wife were: 1 - Joseph 2 - Susan 3 - Daniel 4 - Mary 5 - Michael 6 - Benjamin Benjamin Beck was quite wealthy, owning over a thousand acres of land, stores and several mills in and around Coshocton, Ohio. He was unmarried, very different from his father, for he died [as] he lived, as he made no profession of Christianity. John Beck, son of Adam and Mary Wegley Beck, was married to Eliza Swisher. After her death he had a second wife in the person of Eliza Rhodes, and they were the parents of seven children. 1 - Mary 2 - Anna 3 - Franklin 4 - Ellen 5 - Hattie 6 - Joseph 7 - Alice Eliza Alice was born in 1887, she was married to Albert Lonius in 1911, and to them was born one daughter, Ruby. After the death of Albert Lonius she was married in 1912 to John D. Winters of Galion, Ohio. Ruby, the granddaughter of Alice Eliza Winters married Shelby Burden, a merchant of Galion, Ohio. They have two children John B. Burden and Mary Alice Burden. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:46:35 -0400 From: TLN To: BECK-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <01BD743E.64B01E60.tomnagy@nauticom.net> Subject: [BECK-L] BECK BOOK chapter 6 of 9 Chapter Six FAMILY GRAVEYARD The Beck family graveyard is in Seanor Cemetery, located in Hempfield Township (formerly North Huntington Township) in Westmoreland County, Pa., about nine miles from Greensburg, the county seat. The graves have the old sandstone headstones and are in a remarkable state of preservation and are still standing. The grave of Leonard Beck is visited annually and a small American flag was waving over it on the occasion of the visit {of the} writer about 2:30 o'clock on the afternoon of Saturday, 23, 1933, a bright and sunshiny day. The inscriptions on the grave of Leonard and his wife, Susanna are as follows, and marked by D.A.R. markers: In In Memory of Memory of Leonard Beck, who Susanna, Relict died March the 14, of 1831 in the 72 year Leonard Beck, of his life. who died Sept. 18, 1844 REV. Aged 87 years. Soldier WILLIAM BECK William was the second son of the Leonard Beck home, his given name William serves to perpetuate the name of his grandfather, William Beck, of Northampton Co., who has a monopoly of namesakes as at least [one] male member of a family directly descended from William Beck but that he was named after him. Leonard's William was born Feb 8, 1751, d. July 18, 1851, married Anne Maria Tritchburn, b. Sept 27, 1779, d. March 15, 1845. William was executor for his father's estate that came to a settlement in 1835, the farm was purchased by Adam Beck, who then sold out to his brother Daniel the following year. Two daughters were born to them, i.e. to William and Maria Beck. They grew up to become wives, first one married a Mr. [Cross]. Their second one married a Mr. [Harrold]. Their parents are buried by the side of their grandparents, Leonard Beck and Susanna Deeter Beck at Seanor's Cemetery near the Seanor's Church. JACOB BECK Jacob was the fourth son of Leonard and Susanna Beck. His birth date was March 15, 1890, died March 2, 1833 age 43 years. He was married to Mary Croft, who was born June 9, 1795, died June 9, 1873, age 78 years. In 1818 they [emigrated] to Gallia County, Ohio, near Gallipolis. The route of travel followed the Ohio River to their destination, by flatboat, which may prove interesting reading. [See Family Reminiscences.] LINEAGE OF THE BELLS Simeon Bell, a native of Ireland, came to the United States June 18th, 1792. This Simeon Bell represents the foundation of all the Bells that have lived in and around Jackson Township, Perry County, Ohio, since 1830. He married Susanne Beck, daughter of Leonard and Susanna Beck, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and lived there till 1829, when he, together with his family drove through to Jackson Township, Perry County, Ohio. Here he located on a 400-acre tract of all wooded land. This farm later represented the farms of his sons Leonard, Hiram, Eli and John. He, together with his wife are buried in the old Cochran graveyard in Jackson Township, Perry County, Ohio. LINEAGE OF THE BELLS IN AND AROUND JACKSON TOWNSHIP, PERRY COUNTY, OHIO Simon Bell, born May 1, 1783, died Nov. 4, 1861. Susanne Beck Bell, born Nov. 6, l793, died July 25, 1868. Simon Bell and Sussanna Beck were married about 1812. They are the grandparents of Albert Bell and the great grand-parents of Gaylord Bell. Children of Simon and Susanna Bell: Leonard Bell, born June 6, 1813. Anna Bell, born, December 16, 1814. Married Benj. Rudisill. George Bell, born Feb 10, 1817, Simon Bell, born February 17, 1819, married Lucinda Grimes. Susanna Bell, born March 2, 1822, died March 24, 1873. Married Jacob Emrick. Mary Bell, born March 20, 1824. Married Reed Harden. Hiram Bell, born January 1, 1824. Married Jane Sibley. Daniel Bell, born November 16, 1827. Eli Bell, born May 3, 1830. Married Sarah Ashbaugh. John Bell, born June 2, 1832. Married Hester Lewis. Jackson Bell, born May 19, 1834. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:47:35 -0400 From: TLN To: BECK-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <01BD743E.88DE3420.tomnagy@nauticom.net> Subject: [BECK-L] BECK BOOK chapter 7 of 9 Chapter Seven RECORD OF THE HARDEN AND LEWIS FAMILY John Harden and ? his wife, together with their four sons and daughters came from Pennsylvania to Perry County, Ohio. Their family was all born in Pennsylvania and when they came to Ohio, all they had to travel [on] was a one-horse cart. Rebecca (Grandma Lewis) was the only one of the children that got to ride. The babies were twin sisters and could not walk, so their brothers had to walk and carry them. Reported by Mr. Bert Bell of Columbus, Ohio. John Harden and his wife were relatives of Bells. MICHAEL BECK Michael Beck was the sixth son of Leonard and Susanne Beck, and was born Dec. 1, 1793 on the homestead in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, he was of sturdy build, and in his manhood always wore a beard. His first wife was Mary Long, and they had six children, as follows: Joseph, Susan, Daniel, Mary, Michael and Benjamin. After coming to Ohio in 1822 his wife Mary, died. Comparing ages, Adam, his brother was 47 years of age when he settled in Crawford County, in 1830. Michael was 29 years of age when he came to Holmes County in 1823. The population of Mechanic Twp., Holmes County, then was 702. To utilize waterpower for driving machinery, for manufacturing lumber, feed and flour mills, was the objective of the investor. Not so much was the land attractive for farming but with prophetic eye, he must have seen the opportunity for profit, by supplying the need of the newcomers, like themselves and the citizens of Mechanic Twp. with flour, feed, lumber and so forth. A stream called Gowdy's River was chosen as best adapted for manufacturing. Dates are not available by which progress may be measured. A house to protect the family was perhaps first constructed, following close after was a sawmill and feed mill combined. The settler wanted flour, but did not have long to wait as a French Burrh mill was constructed for making good family flour, the customer receiving all feed, bran and so forth, by paying a toll of one-tenth in grain. The flourmill was built substantially and of several stories. CARRYING THE CIDER BARREL A stout stick was thrust into the middle bunghole. The barrel was then swung to his shoulder to be carried a half mile. One day a man came to Beck's Mill with a grist. One horse had no collar on his neck. The man said [the] collar was lost on the way, but wished to borrow one. The man's name was Dibble. The collar was loaned to him but was never returned. Miller Beak concluded the Devil came to the Mill, too. These were signs that there were things happening. A woolen mill was equipped, and a flax mill to make linseed oil. A few settlers attracted by village airs, made their homes here. The need of a provision store was answered by someone putting in a stock of groceries, but enterprise was not stopped here, "Why not have a post office?" This was answered by petitioning Washington for a post office. "But you have no name for your town, they said, "what is it?" They answered "Beck's Mills". The post office was installed in the office of the Mill. The people now had outgrown common flour and wanted Roller flour. Miller Beck, not to be outdone, installed the Roller process, so the housewives of Beck's Mills and the Township should have the best flour. With the flight of the years Michael Back began to rely more on his youngest son Benjamin. Not that he was retiring from active life, but his mind was divided with things of spirit, and when the opportunity offered, church people were welcomed to his home for religious services. In summer such services were [held] in groves or in barns. In later years the family attended church at New Bedford, an Evangelical center. For the second time death crossed the threshold, taking a bosom companion, in the person of his second wife, who was Eva Bair and who passed away soon after their marriage. A third wife was taken, Roxanna Moore, with whom he lived to the end of his life. The courtship was waged, on his part, with the ardor of youth. Perhaps to make a call on her, prior to his marriage, or for some other reason, he drove through a field of wheat, which lay between his home and the home of Miss Moore to make the call. Michael Beck is buried at New Bedford, Coshocton County, Ohio. GREAT GRANDFATHER'S PARENTS Leonard Beck - Died March 14, 1831, aged 72 years, Revolutionary Soldier. Susanna Deeter Beck - died Sept. 18, 1844, aged 87 years. Children of Leonard and Susanna Beck are as follows: 1 - Adam 2 - William 3 - John 4 - Elizabeth (married to John Singhose) 5 - Jacob 6 - Michael 7 - Susanna (married to Simon Bell) 8 - Daniel (married to Hannah Fisher) 9 - Katharine (married to Abraham Suter) GRANDPARENTS Daniel Beck - Born June 1, 1796. Died Sept. 14, 1869, aged 75 years, 3 months, 13 days. Hannah Fisher Beck - Born June 6, 1803. Died Dec. 13, 1885, aged 82 years, 6 months, 7 days. Children of Daniel and Hannah Beck are as follows: 1 - Amos (married to Mary Sibley) 2 - Eli (married to Anne Cope) 3 - Leonard (married to Maria Mathies) 4 - Susanna (married to david Hentz) (daughter Anna at G.A.R. Home, Swissville, Pa.) 5 - Cyrus (died in infancy) 6 - Abraham [married to May. ZrrettI. 7 - Catherine (married to Michael Weaver) 8 - Wi1liam (married to Mary Albright) 9 - John (married to Nancy Highberger) 10 - David (married to Sarah Foz) All born in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. David Beck was born December 6, 1844, and died May 8, 1938. He married Sarah Fox who was born January 8, 1851 and died August 17, 1901. Their children were: 1 - Alice Dothera Beck, born June 10, 1873. 2 - Annie Lenora Beck, born May 13, 1875. 3 - Cora Belle Beck, born April 30, l877. 4 - Walter Bell Beck, born October 18, 1884, died January 31, 1907. 5 - Pearl Edith Beck, born September 30, 1895, died March 8, 1895. 6 - Susan Mary Beck, born July 4, 1891. Leonard Beck, the son of Daniel and Hannah Fisher Beck, married Maria Mathias. They had five children: 1 - Cyrus Franklin Beck (deceased) 2 - Catherine Elizabeth Althouse (deceased) 3 - Sanford Leroy Beck (deceased) 4 - Michael Mathias Beck (deceased) 5 - Sarah Jane Married Lyman Kintigh both of whom live at or near Irwin, [Penn]. ELI, SON OF DANIEL BECK Eli Beck - Born March 16, 1830. Died May 10, 1915. Anne Cope Beck - born Aug. 17, 1835. Died March 17, 1912. Children of Eli and Anne Beck are as follows: 1 - Emma J. Beck 2 - Mary Alice Beck 3 - Elizabeth C. Beck 4 - James W. Beck (died in infancy) 5 - Leonora C. Beck 6 - Sallie A. Beck All born in Westmoreland County, Pa. ABRAHAM SON OF DANIEL BECK Abraham Beck - born Feb. 9, 1834. Died Jan. 17, 1907. Mary Errettt Beck - Born Oct. 19, 1830. Died July 8, 1908. Children of Abraham and Mary Beck are as follow: 1 - Eli W. Beck 2 - James A. Beck 3 - G. Edward Beck AMOS, SON OF DANIEL BECK Amos, son of Daniel Beck, was married to Miss [Sibley] of [Perry] County, Ohio. He is buried at New Lexington, Ohio. ELIZABETH BECK Elizabeth beck was the eighth child of Col. Beck's family. Her birth was on [?] She married John Singhaus. A record states that they lived in Verona, Allegheny County, Pa. It must be laid to the neglect of friends that her identity is lost as to birth - W.M. Beck BOUQUET FLOURING MILLS Sanford L. Beck, Proprietor Bouquet, Pa., Sept. 14th, 1908. To Mrs. Jennie Kennedy, Junction City, Oh. Dear Step Cousin: Yours of the 7th to hand and contents carefully noted. I cannot give you the information you would like to have, more than to state I can well recollect of having my grandmother Beck talking of their journey from Germany into the United States, and landing in Pennsylvania, Westmoreland Co., and how they crossed the mountains going down over the mountains that they would [cut] down heavy sapling and tie it to the wagon so as to help the horses in holding the shove of the wagon and how they had to be on the lookout for the Indians and when once settled down in the county and Township near our old home that she always went with her husband out when at work he would chop and grub and she would stand on guard with the gun and be on the outlook for the savage Indians and they worked and guarded turn {about} and how she would on wash day {hang} all his shirt on {the line to make} the Indians believe that there were many more men about. SANFORD L. BECK {all of the following not part of the original scanned post} William S. Beck was born November 23, 1839 and died December 17, 1913. He married Mary Ann Albright who was born February 27, 1846 and died March 19, 1921. They were the parents of seven children: 1 - John Beck, born June 4, 1846 (?), died October 7, 1935. 2 - Elemett C. Beck, born May 19, 1866, died December 18, 1934. 3 - Alfred W. Beck, born November 10, 1867. 4 - Harry L. Beck, born October 20, 1870. 5 - Melvin P. Beck, born October 2, 1872, died July 2, 1909. 6 - Lizzie Torrence Beck, born September 2, 1874, died December 25, 1919. 7 - Emma Flora Beck, born December 2, 1876. John Beck son of Daniel Beck, Company E 206 Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, born Aug. 17, 1842, died Jan. 22, 1891. Nancy Catherine Highberger Beck, born March 8, 1849, died June 6, 1939. Andrew Delmar Beck, born Jan. 12, 1872, died March 22, 1873. Susannah Laura Beck, born July 5, 1875, died Jan. 26, 1877. Jesse Elmer Beck, born Jan. 11, 1879, died Dec. 20, 1896. Maurice Clyde Beck, born Oct. 12, 1880, died Mar. 29, 1881. Clark Merlin Beck, born June 29, 1882, died Sept. 9, 1888. Mary Jane (Jennie) Beck Null, born Nov. 29, 1868. Celia Fay Beck Eminhizer, born April 16, 1876. Charles Clifford Beck, born March 1, 1886. John Highberber Beck, born Nov. 3, 1887. {end of added text} ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:48:50 -0400 From: TLN To: BECK-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <01BD743E.B562FE40.tomnagy@nauticom.net> Subject: [BECK-L] BECK BOOK chapter 8 of 9 Chapter Eight FAMILY REMINISCENCES LEONARD BECK, GRANDSON OF LEONARD, SOLDIER About there was born in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pa,. and several miles from Greensburg a son to Jacob and [Mary] Beck to whom they gave the name of Leonard, undoubtedly in honor of his grandsire, Leonard Beck, who was a soldier of the American Revolution. Young Leonard spent his childhood days amidst the scenic hills near the Sewickley River in Westmoreland County. About 1816 the lure of the West and of adventure culminated in a decision to make their way down the Ohio River, but without a definite location in view. Then a flat boat was fitted out and launched at Pittsburgh loaded with personal effects and family. The voyage down the river began and must have been monotonous to the passengers but interesting enough for the captain of the miniature freighter. Jacob Beck and his wife Mary Croft Beck had five children: 1 - Leonard 2 - William 3 - Jacob 4 - Sarah Beck Campbell 5 - Susanna Sarah was the grandmother of James Campbell, deceased, who was noted for his business ability. Jacob Beck was gored by a domestic animal, the effects of which caused his death, being 43 years of age. Mary, his wife, added to the estate by wise management. Having passed scattered settlements, they came upon a cluster of queer block houses and log cabins perched upon the Ohio side of the river. Pennsylvania German was our Captain's mother tongue, and the prospect of landing at a place where German was spoken gave rise to fond expectations giving vent to the thrilling announcement: Aha! But instead of finding a German settlement it proved a community of Frenchmen, who inquisitively plied the strangers with: "Parlez vous Francais, Monsier?" (Do you speak French?) They could only shake their heads and say "Sprechen sie Deutsch?" But their landing was not altogether in vain but may be said to have been a great streak [of] luck as after history reveals. Fortunately among these Frenchmen was a German citizen. He told them the town was Gallipolis, and that the residents were all French. This German felt himself enriched to acquire acquaintance with a German family, and, knowing of desirable farming lands in the vicinity, persuaded [Captain] Beck to see for himself. A selection of good land, which, judging from Gallipolis Settlement was made on the land, which, judging from the price paid, must have been Government Land. Tradition tells of their trials as [newcomers] in an unsettled country and how much satisfaction they derived from companionship of their German friend, who still made his home at the French settlement, but whither our settlers often repaired on foot to talk with one who could understand their language. The farm consisted of seventy acres and cost our home seeker sixty dollars, thirty dollars down and ten years to pay the balance, receiving a warranty deed on the spot. The first tax was paid in 1836 amounting to thirty cents, possibly a half [year's] tax. Tradition has it that "Uncle Joe", the county treasurer, chucked the tax money into a big wooden bowl he kept under the table where the county funds were deposited. Note: Gallipolis is the county seat of Gallia County. Leonard had now grown to man's estate. Others had come into [the] community and naturally Leonard saw that the daughters of the land were fair so he proceeded to make a choice in the person of Miss Mary Swigert. In 1833 Leonard and Miss Swigert were married. They rode on horseback to the squire who married them. A big crowd gathered to see the marriage and help eat one of the biggest wedding dinners ever served in the county. Previous to his event, Leonard's father had died and farming in the homestead was now his calling. The farm is now known as the Susanna Beck farm, located about 00 [sic] miles from Gallipolis. Susanna Beck was his grandmother. The lad Leonard, playing along the Sewickley River and roaming the hills of Pennsylvania has now in our story passed many milestones in life's journey and we now call him "Uncle", that cognemen that seems so easily adopted by juniors in their address to seniors. When the frost of age shows on hair and beard, then it is "Uncle" one is called without regard to family ties. But sort of commiserating the victim of approaching age! "Uncle Len" as we are wont to call him often told of their first housekeeping, how he made a rough wooden bench which they used [as] a table, his wife sitting on the one end and he [on] the other with food on the bench between them. He had two brothers, Jacob and William, now deceased. Uncle Len died at an age lacking just fifteen days of one hundred years. He was active almost to the day of his death, having taken cold while sawing wood. Pneumonia developed fatally. While Uncle Len proved his worth as a useful citizen and as a workman, no amount of persuasion would induce him to relate to the press the interesting history and experiences incident to a long and busy life. - From Gallipolis Tribune. JACOB BECK - Pioneer Jacob Beck, the fourth son of Col. Leonard and Susanne Beck, was [attracted] by the rumor of rich lands in the Ohio river bottoms, which, although probably given out by realtors, proved true, when Jacob set out to set up a home in Ohio. He decided to reach his destination by navigating the Ohio River in a flat boat on which he set forth one day with his family and household possessions in quest of a new home. He had married Miss Mary Croft, who proved a worthy mate for the adventurous Jacob in being able to cope with the hardships and difficulties which beset the early agriculturalists of this country. Notes on River Flat Boats - By O.T. Beck, Pittsburgh, Pa. "Most early Ohio navigators built their own flat boats 15 X 50 feet, and they were capable of carrying 40 or 50 tons. There were several types. The Kentucky type was about two-thirds covered and the New Orleans type was all covered. These flat boats were used to convey all the family possessions. The owners floated down the river searching for a likely place to settle, and when a favorable building spot was secured the lumber from the flat boat was used in building a house or shelter. The speed made by the boats depended upon the depth of the water and the number of troubles or accidents encountered. It required from three to five weeks for Jacob Beck to navigate the 340 miles from Pittsburgh to Gallipolis, Ohio." Jacob carried with him into the new Ohio farming country, besides his household goods, a quantity of building material, lumber, hardware and tools. The effort of loading up his boat for such a journey into unknown territory must have been stupendous, and it required a stout courage, a well as a stout back. Jacob, as history records it, made this trip to Ohio in 1818. PIONEERS OF LOWER SEWICKLEY Indians used the navigable streams of Lower Sewickley as far as they were able for canoeing, and established trails, along the banks of those which were unnavigable. Sewickley Creek was scarcely a navigable stream for canoes, but it was beautifully picturesque, so much so that the Shawnees choose a spot near its mouth for one of their villages. Until we study the life of the pioneer along this creek we can scarcely appreciate that there were two or three distinct communities so central to the life of the county along the waters of Sewickley. The beautiful old Sewickley stone church stands as a monument to pioneer religion the faith which guided the pioneers. As an aid to their home planting, we have Stokely's Fort as the distinctive fortification here. The closing or the Revolutionary war did not end the white settlers' troubles with the Indians until General Anthony Wayne won his victory over them at Fallen Timbers. JOHN DEETER'S GRAVE John Deeter, the father of Susanna Deeter Beck, wife of Leonard Beck, Revolutionary soldier, and previously mentioned as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, was a member of the same unit as Leonard Beck. Susanna died in 1844, and was buried by her husband in Seanor's cemetery at Greensburg. John Deeter may have outlived his daughter, but as his grave could not be found, a thorough search was made for it, and it finally was discovered on a hillock near [Hunker]. It was surrounded by briars and underbrush to the extent that it had remained hidden for many years. It was given attention, and all underbrush and other encroaching vegetation cleared away, end when it was at last presentable, the Daughters of the American Revolution of Greensburg placed a marker on the grave as a token of honor for the service he had rendered to his country. John Beck in the order of his birth was the second son of Colonel and his wife, Susanna Deeter Beck. His first birthday was on November 20th, 1785, and at the farm named "The Continent". His young manhood was spent upon the farm. He married Mary Ann Bell. His father-in-law, Simon Bell, on coming to America settled in Westmoreland County, Pa. Sentiment was now growing about (1825-30) in flavor of Ohio farmland. Assuming that the newcomers came together, two tracts of land were purchased by the son-in-law aggregating a fair sized farm. One of the tracts became the homestead in Jackson Township, Perry County, Ohio. They had two sons, George and Leonard. John Beck died Sept. 7, 1855, age 67 years. Mary Ann Beck, wife, died Feb. 11, 1831. Place of burial, Cemetery, New Lexington, Ohio. The children were two sons, Leonard and Geroge. In 1848 Leonard attracted by the discovery of gold in California left Ohio never to return, but settled there permanently. George, the second son, inherited the homestead. He was born January 22, 1819, died Nov 16, 1897. His wife, Almaria Hillary Beck, born March 18, 1824. Burial of each at Friendship Cemetery, Junction City, Ohio. Amos Beck - son of Daniel Beck - born Nov. 5, 1828, died Nov. 4, 1899. His wife, Mary Elizabeth Sibley - born May 18, 1835, died Dec 25, 1900. They were buried at the cemetery at New Lexington, Ohio. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:49:55 -0400 From: TLN To: BECK-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <01BD743E.DC0D5EA0.tomnagy@nauticom.net> Subject: [BECK-L] BECK BOOK chapter 9 of 9 Chapter Nine ADAM BECK In the order of birth, this son of Leonard and Susanna Deeter Beck was first. A record filed at the Hendryville church of Northampton County, Pa., stated and reported by R.B. Roberts of Allentown, Pa., that a "child was born to Col. Beck and his wife July 13th, 1782, baptized the following August. They named the child Adam. When hostilities ceased Col. Beck and his family repaired to Westmoreland County, Pa., where 177 1/2 acres of land were apportioned him by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for his military services. It is thought Leonard Beck and his wife lived along with the company of which Leonard was a member. A church record found at Hendryville church says a child was born to Leonard Beck and his wife Susanna, Jul 1782. It was baptized the following August. They named him Adam. As the son Adam grew to manhood it is presumed that he went to Armstrong County, Pa., where family friends resided. Here he met and married Mariah Wegley, daughter of Isaac and Catherine Wegley. Three of Mariah's sisters married men by the name of Beck, one of whom was George Beck, a brother of Leonard. The residence in Armstrong County was perhaps twenty years when his wife Mariah died, leaving to his care nine children, vis: 1 - Catherine, married Joseph Good 2 - John, married Ann Bell 3 - Jacob, married Mary Berlin 4 - Adam, Jr., married Sarah {Gloyd} 5 - Leonard, married Margaret Beltz 6 - Mary, married David Werts 7 - Susanna, married Fred Rhoads 8 - Isaac, married Catherine Henry 9 - Daniel, married Nancy Larimer The above children of Adam Beck and his wife. County Court House, Kittanning, Pa., Vol I, Page 224. These marriages occurred after the family of Adam Beck settled in Crawford County. The bereft father determined to return to his home, County of Westmoreland, distant forty-five miles. Feeling that as a new start must be made in life, it were easier to do so from there. In Greensburg he met Miss Catherine Worman, whom he married. There was a strong desire to go to Ohio to settle on the soil of that state. It is assumed that when a home was established in Ohio, the second wife, together with the husband and family occupied it in 1830. Susan Beck, the daughter of Adam and Mary Wegley Beck, was born January 16, 1809. She was married to Fred Rhoads. They were the parents of three daughters, May, Lucy and Elizabeth. Mary was married to Joseph Rhinehart, and to them was born one daughter Estella. Lucy was married to Amos Allbaugh. Elizabeth Rhoads married Leander Simons. Joseph Rhinehart, Mary's husband died soon after their marriage. She then married Joseph Baird, by whom she had a daughter, named Etha. Estella, daughter of Joseph Rhinehart married Mr. Gois. The surname of Mary Rhindhart's second husband is forgotten. Five of the sons and daughters of Colonel Beck had already left the state of Ohio. A mutual agreement was reached that a farm in Ohio should be purchased and occupied. One of 160 acres in Crawford County, Jefferson Township, six miles from the county seat was purchased of Benjamin Johns in Nov. 1830, receiving a Warrenty Deed. Records - County Recorder, Bucyrus, Ohio, April 8, 1940. {Housing was inadequate for a family of the present size as the children came along too. Catherine at this time was aged twenty-six.} It became [known] that a commodious mansion as to be built, the leaders of the United Brethren in Christ spoke in advance for the use of the house in which to hold sessions of the Conference. By 1834 the house was ready for occupation and the Conference convened as planned - Rev. Mather, Church Historian. Jocular persons were wont to say that when the clergy and delegates began to arrive, the feathered dwellers of the farmyard went into hiding during the day sessions of the Conference. The broadening of the social and business features for which the new proprietor seemed fitted must have widened the horizon of competent observers. The waters of the Sandusky River were harnessed for power, to saw lumber as well as to supply power for the conversion of grain into flour and feed. As time and tide await for no one, Catherine, his second wife became ill. A Miss Smith was employed in the house and to assist in the care of her mistress. But Catherine died Aug. 4, 1845. On her tombstone in the cemetery at Biddle, Ohio, is the inscription "she lived a Christian life from the time she was 17 years of age." My father, Isaac Beck, spoke of her in the most respectful terms as a kind, dutiful step-mother. Miss Mariah Smith became the third wife of my grandfather. He married [her] Nov. 7 1845, at the age of 17 years. She was born May 25, 1828, died Nov. 14, 1929. Was buried at Bloominggrove, Ohio. One child was born to Adam and Mariah Smith Beck, Caroline Lucretia Beck, born March 26, 1852, died June 30, 1927, buried at Lakeview, Ohio. Caroline Lucretia Beck was married to L. Hartsough, Oct 19, 1871. He died April 26, 1917, buried at McKeesport, Pa. Born to Hartsough and Caroline Lucretia Beck: 1 - Estella May Hartsbough, born Dec. 8, 1872, married Chas. E. McFerrin, Nov. 25, 1891 2 - Ava Pearl Hartsbough, born March 12, 1877, married Johnathan Lawry, Sept 24, 1914 3 - Chas. Garfield Hartsbough, born June 3, 1879, died Sept. 20, 1899 4 - Grace Lucretia Hartsbough, born June 28, 1885, married E. Sullivan, June 4, 1918. 5 - Harold Vincent Hartsbough, born April 18, 1891, married Anna Bush. Adam Beck, Jr., son of Adam Beck and Mary Wegley, was born March 25, 1812 and died November 21 He married Sarah Gloyd who died June 3, 1882. They lived in the vicinity of Luke's Cemetery in Crawford, Ohio. Their children were: 1 - Samuel Beck 2 - Ira Beck 3 - Daniel Beck 4 - William Beck 5 - James Beck 6 - Nancy Beck 7 - Lottie Beck [William S. Beck info moved from here to above] {Not found in my copy] The second wife of William S. Beck was Davella Bell. They had one child. {DANIEL BECK DIVISION} The children of Daniel Beck and his wife Nancy Larimer Beck were: 1 - Margaret Jane Beck 2 - Robert Beck 3 - Josiah Larimer Beck 4 - William Smith Beck 5 - Isaac Shannon Beck 6 - Lousia Frances Beck ADAM BECK AND MARY WEGLEY Catherine beck, daughter of Adam and Mary Wegley Beck was married to Joseph Good in 1820. Their children were: 1 - George Good 2 - Polly Ann Good 3 - Eliza Good 4 - Caterine Good 5 - Sarah Good 6 - Joseph Good 7 - Adam [Good] Mary Beck, daughter of Adam and his wife Mary, was married to Rev. David Werts. They had two sons, Adam and Samuel. Isaac W. Beck married Catherine Ann Henry the daughter of John Henry. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: 1 - Mary Beck 2 - Simon Beck 3 - Mahala Beck 4 - Nancy M. Beck 5 - John Albert Beck 6 - Eliza E. Beck 7 - William M. Beck 8 - Lina Bell Beck William M. Beck was married to Lydia M. Grimes, they were the parents of six children. 1 - Ethel Sunbeam Beck, married to Roy Kishler 2 - Irving, married Ada Cook 3 - Whitney, married Belle Deaton (divorced) {They had one child and were later divorced. He then married Davella Ball. Lived at 2367 Irol Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio.} 4 - Cady Ruth, married John Vance 5 - Clara Esther, maried Paul Miller 6 - Oliver Thoburn, married Vera Miller Leonard Beck, son of Adam and Mary Wegley Beck was married to Margaret Beltz. They had one son Alfred G. Beck. He died at a sanitarium in Chicago, late in life. Jacob Beck, son of Adam and Mary Wegley Beck, was married to Mary Berlin. He is buried at New Haven, Ohio. To this union were born: 1 - Leonard Beck 2 - Nancy Beck 3 - Susan Beck 4 - Jesse Beck 5 - Joseph Beck 6 - Henry James Beck 7 - Catherine Beck 8 - Amanda Beck 9 - Benjamin Franklin Beck 10 - Sarah Elizabeth Beck {Jacob Beck was the son of Adam and Mary Wegley Beck. He separated from his first wife and his second wife was Mary Hartnick, of Norwalk, Ohio. They were the parents of two children, Grace and Jenny. The family resided at Kendellville, Indiana. {Jacob Beck is buried at Kendallville.} The children of Jacob Beck and Mary Hartnick Beck were: 1 - Jenny May Beck 2 - Alice M. Beck 3 - Maud A. Beck 4 - Myrtle A. Beck 5 - Grace A. Beck} [Support RootsWeb]