NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899, p396.

JOHN WESLEY BEAVERS.

Mr. BEAVERS, who is residing in Washington township, near Pottersville, was born in Lebanon township, Hunterdon county, on the 26th of October, 1831, and is a son of Joseph BEAVERS, who was born in the same locality and there died. He was a farmer by occupation, as were his father and grandfather, and like them he supported the Whig party until the organization of the Republican party, when he joined its ranks. His father bore the name of Ralph BEAVERS, his grandfather was George W. BEAVERS. The latter owned and operated a mill on Spruce Run, above Highbridge, and was a thrifty, enterprising business man and a substantial and respected citizen. His son Ralph accumulated a modest fortune as a farmer and was prominent in Hunterdon county, in both politics and business. He served his township as freeholder and supported all measures for the general good. His wife bore the maiden name of Christiana DILCH, and to them were born the following named: Harmon; Joseph; Elizabeth, who married for her third husband Richard PILHAUER; Mahala; Catherine, who married Jacob D. FRITZ; and Naomi. Elizabeth and Catherine are now the only survivors.

Joseph BEAVERS, father of our subject, married Margaret STOUT, daughter of Andrew Stout. She died in 1892. Her children were John W.; Jane, wife of George PICKLE, of Chester township; Martha, wife of Theodore LANCE; Joseph C. deceased, a soldier of the Civil war; George. who died in the military service of his country, during the Civil war, near Falmouth Station, his disease being typhoid fever; Christiana, deceased; Ralph, who is living in Bennett, Nebraska; Harmon, of Hunterdon county; and Elijah and Andrew, both deceased.

During the first nine years of his life John W. BEAVERS remained on the old family homestead, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to a farm in Tewksbury township, Hunterdon county, where he remained for thirteen years. The educational privileges which he enjoyed were those afforded by the common schools, which he attended until his twentieth year. He located upon his present farm in 1853 and has since devoted his time and energies to its cultivation. The fields have ever been well tilled and with great care Mr. BEAVERS has looked after his interests. so that his labors have been rewarded with a fair degree of success.

He was married on the 18th of August. I855, the lady of his choice being Miss Emeline SEAVERS, a daughter of Abram and Hannah (MANNING) SEAVERS. Mr. and Mrs. BEAVERS became the parents of seven children: Rebecca, deceased; Elijah W., of Hunterdon county, who married Blanche APGAR; Joseph, deceased; Georgiana, wife of Peter L. APGAR, of Washington township; William S., deceased; Ulysses G., of Morris county, who married Sarah APGAR; and Samuel S., of Hunterdon county, who wedded Emma VAN PELT.

In his political association Mr. BEAVERS is a Republican and is deeply interested in the success of his party, although he has never sought or desired official preferment for himself. For twelve years he has served as trustee of the Fairmount Methodist church, in which he has long held membership. His farm comprises one hundred and six acres. and to its cultivation he devotes the greater part of his time. His business methods are honorable and reliable and in his intercourse with his fellowmen he has always borne himself as a quiet, unassuming gentlemen, his true worth winning him the regard of all.

Transcribed by Brianne Kelly-Bly

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