BIO: Isaiah BECK, Centre County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including 
the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
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  ISAIAH BECK.  Among the influential members of the agricultural 
community of Centre county, and one of its most prosperous and 
prominent citizens, is the gentleman whose name here appears, and who 
is familiarly known as "Col. Beck."  He is a well read, accomplished 
gentleman, one who has made a close study of the leading questions and 
issues of the day, and is well informed on all topics of general 
interest.
  Of German descent, Mr. Beck was born in Half Moon, Centre county, 
April 27, 1843, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Cryder) Beck, 
natives of Huntingdon county, Penn., their births having occurred near 
Warrior's Mark.  About 1800 they came to Centre county, where both 
died, the father in 1883, the mother in the year following, and their 
remains were interred in the Lutheran cemetery of Half Moon township.  
In their family were seven children.
  On December 24, 1865, Isaiah Beck was married to Miss Emeline, 
daughter of Jacob Musser, a prominent farmer of Harris township, Centre 
county, and seven children bless their union, as follows: (1) Harry E., 
born December 27, 1866, was educated in the schools of Lock Haven and 
Westchester, Penn., the State Normal, and is also a graduate of the 
Pittsburg Business College; he now holds the position of bookkeeper for 
a coal company at Osceola, Clearfield Co., Penn., where he makes his 
home; he married Minnie Wood, of Coalport, and has two children. (2) 
Barbara E., born September 12, 1868, became the wife of Harry Ebbs, and 
died June 12, 1895, leaving two children - Helen and Mabel. (3) Irene 
S., born March 18, 1871, is the wife of Wilton Dunlap, a Lutheran 
minister living in Indiana, by whom she has one son. (4) John C., born 
April 1874, married Bessie Whippo, and has one son; they live at 
Osceola Mills, Clearfield county. (5) Anna E., born November 1, 1875. 
(6) Malan B., born December 28, 1877, and (7) Clyde 0., born May 26, 
1880, are all still at home.

380  COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

  Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Beck enlisted during the 
Civil war in the 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry, and on the expiration of 
his term of service re-enlisted in the 98th P. V. I.  When hostilities 
had ceased he returned home with an honorable war record, and has since 
devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits.  His fine farm 
of 160 acres is under a high state of cultivation and improved with 
excellent buildings, which stand as monuments to his thrift and 
industry.  Since 1874 he has been a valued and prominent member of the 
Grange, is a Lutheran in religious belief, and in politics supports the 
men and measures of the Republican party.  He is a leading and active 
member of society, honored and respected by the entire community, who 
look upon him as one of their most wide-awake farmers and model 
citizens.