Zed BEAMER, farmer, section 6, Benton Township, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, November 16, 1840, son of Phillip and Sarah (MORRIS) BEAMER. He was the fifth of a family of twelve children. When fifteen years of age his parents removed to Appanoose County, Iowa, where they resided several years. His early life was passed in working on a farm and in attending the public schools. At the breaking out of the civil war he was one of the first to go forth in defense of his country's flag. July 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Sixth Iowa Infantry. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Jackson, Mississippi, Black River Bridge, Mission Ridge, Resaca, and the princpal engagements from Chattanooga to Atlanta. After three years of hard service he was honorably discharged July 17, 1864, and returned to his home in Appanoose County. During the winter of 1864-'5 he worked in a packing-houseat Eddyville. The following spring he engaged with the Western Stage Company to drive stage, and followed that occupation four years. His route was principally from Mount Ayr to Bedford, and from the latter place to Clarinda. He became an expert in handling the reins, and passengers always felt safe when "Zed" occupied the driver's seat. March 3, 1869, he was married to Miss Martha F. STEVENSON [born 1845], daughter of John and Margaret (RAMER) STEVENSON. That same year he purchased a portion of his present farm which then in its primitive condition. His farm now contains 400 acres and is considered one of the best farms in Benton Township. It is one of the best-watered farms in the county, and is well-adapted to stock-raising. He has a good story-and-a-half residence, well furnished and surrounded with shade trees, native groves, a fine orchard, stock scales, and everything about the place is in a prosperous condition. Mr. and Mrs. BEAMER are the parents of three children - Elva Dora, Lena D., and Luella Belle. Mr. BEAMER has held the office of assessor two terms. He is a member of the Masonic order, Lodge 156, and politically is a Republican. Postoffice, Clearfield, Taylor County.

NOTE: Zadock M. "Zed" BEAMER was a stage coach driver for the line going from Eddyville, Iowa, to St. Joseph, Missouri during the early days of Ringgold County. He died in 1916, and was interred at Clearfield Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa. Elva "Dora" BEAMER was born in 1868, and died in 1937. Luella Belle BEAMER was born in 1886, and died in 1902. They were also interred at Clearfield Cemetery.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 235-36, 1887.

LESAN, Mrs. B. M. Early History of Ringgold County: 1844 - 1937 p. 234. Blair Pub. House. Lamoni IA. 1937.

WPA Grave Survey

Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z