Goodspeed's Biography of John J. Beavers, Grant Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Jackie Dill Date: 27 Jul 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** In the compilation of this history and the biographical sketches of prominent men of Grant County the name of J. J. Beavers should not be omitted, as the county recognizes in him one of its substantial and influential citizens. He was born in what is now Grant County, December 13, 1851, and is the son of Judge W. E. and Margaret E. Beavers, natives of Tennessee and Mississippi, respectively. W. E. Beavers was a farmer in Mississippi for a number of years after his marriage, but about 1842 moved to Arkansas and located in Saline (now Grant) County, where he resided until his death. Judge W. E. Beavers is well remembered by the early settlers, he having served as judge of Saline County before the war. He went to Virginia during that struggle to visit two sons, and died there in 1861. At one time he was engaged in the mercantile business, having a store on his farm at Turin, where he enjoyed a very good patronage. Judge Beavers was the father of six sons and two daughters that grew to maturity. Five of the sons entered the Confederate army. Henry, the oldest, was a captain, and one brother W. W., was wounded and died in the service. Capt. H. H. was afterward a minister of the Baptist Church. The next, B. B. Beavers, was a physician by profession, and was also a prominent politician. He was elected secretary of State, and held that office with credit for two terms. Death ended his brilliant career in 1886. V. V. Beavers is a merchant in Charleston, Franklin Co., Ark. M. M. is an attorney and editor at Waldron, Scott County. John J. Beavers received a common-school education in youth, but by his careful and continual observation and self-application is better posted on matters and current events than the generality of men who can boast of having received educational advantages superior to his. He went south with the family during the war, but later went to Northwest Arkansas and clerked in several different places. He also clerked in the secretary of State's office while his brother held that position. In 1879 he returned to Grant County, and was a teacher to the youths of the surrounding country, also engaging in farming for a time. In 1886 he was appointed deputy clerk, and in 1888 was elected clerk of this county as a Democrat, which position he is now filling. Mr. Beavers was fortunate in the selection of a wife. She was formerly Miss Lulu E. Whitthorne, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of Col. S. H. Whitthorne. Their marriage occurred November 30, 1873, and they are the parents of two bright children: Maggie L. and Lucy. Mrs. Beavers is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Beavers of the Baptist Church. He is Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge located at Sheridan. Of Democratic proclivities, Mr. Beavers has ever believed in the principles of democracy, aiding by his support and influence and working for the success of that political party.