John W. Beaty

JOHN W. BEATY was born near Carrollton, Missouri, November 26, 1847, the fourth son of Harvey and Eliza (Campbell) Beaty. What is said in the preceding sketch about his grandfather William Beaty, his father, Harvey Beaty, and his brother Jasper should be read as an introduction to his own career.

John W. Beaty lived on a farm in Carroll County, Missouri, until going to Colorado in 1866, then a boy of nineteen years. He spent two years with his brothers James W. and Jasper N., freighting. In 1867 he sold out to them and returned to Missouri, where he purchased a farm and went into partnership with his brother Alvin R., conducting a general farm and live-stock business. On returning to Colorado he became interested, with his brothers James and Jasper N., in the cattle business. When they moved their cattle to Kansas in 1880 he went with them, where his brother Alvin R. was also interested in cattle raising. He remained there until they sold out in 1898. About 1882 he took up a homestead of 160 acres of land in Morton County, Kansas, near Point of Rocks, this being about the first homestead taken in that county. In 1906 he established a bank in Syracuse, Kansas, being its president until his death. During the remainder of his life he spent his time in looking after his interests in Kansas and Colorado. He was never married and died at the home of his brother James, in Manzanola, Colorado, November 3, 1912.

Everyone who knew John Beaty was his friend, for he never spoke a harsh word nor harmed a soul in his life. He went through hardships and privations in his early days but by steady application to business, hard work and good business judgment he made good, both in a financial way and to help others get on and make a start in life. His charitable deeds were many but he was very modest regarding them. He was of a quiet and retiring disposition, of a kind and loving nature, and good to everyone.