Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Beggs, James W 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 3, 2007, 1:33 am

Author: Genealogical/Biographical Publishing Co

JAMES W. BEGGS, of Plainfield, was born at Troy Grove, near Ottawa, Ill., 
March 5, 1835. When he was a boy he attended the district schools, but these 
being very poor, the knowledge that he acquired was largely gained through 
observation and experience. When he became of age he embarked in the hotel 
business at Naperville, where he remained for seven years. He then returned to 
his father's farm one-half mile south of Plainfield, where he assumed the 
management of the place, devoting it to the raising of stock and of farm 
products. He spent three years on the farm but, preferring the hotel business, 
he came to Plainfield, and purchased the Central Hotel property, enlarging the 
building and conducting it in a manner that drew considerable trade. A man of 
genial and accommodating disposition, as a landlord he was very popular, and 
the traveling public made his place their headquarters.  

He also ran a stage line to Joliet, carrying mail prior to the building of the 
railroad. He continued to conduct the hotel until 1894, when he sold out the 
business and retired from active cares. His interests are large, and include 
town property which he rents, and a fine farm of one hundred and fifteen acres 
one mile south of Plainfield.

In politics Mr. Beggs is a Democrat, and has borne his share in the work for 
the party here. Both to county and state conventions he has served as a 
delegate. He has served as a member of the board of aldermen, and in the 
spring of 1899 was elected mayor, a position that he has filled with signal 
ability and tact. Under President Cleveland he held the office of postmaster 
for two terms. His marriage united him with Emerette, daughter of Hilton 
Clary, and formerly of Palmyra, Wayne County, N. Y. 

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present

Biographical Publishing Company; Chicago 1900

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