Biography - ELBERT E. BEASLEY

Elbert E. Beasley, the proprietor of a livery stable at Virden, conducts the most extensive business of this character in the north end of Macoupin county. His birth occurred in Sangamon county, Illinois, on the 30th of September, 1865, his parents being James H. and Elizabeth (Hollingsworth) Beasley, who were natives of North Carolina and Tennessee respectively. Coming to Illinois, they first took up their abode in Morgan county. James H. Beasley, a brick mason and contractor, came to Virden when his son Elbert was two or three years of age, here continuing to reside until called to his final rest. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, as follows: William, who is a resident of Montgomery county, Illinois; Elisha, living in Kansas; Martha, the wife of William Staton, of Palmyra, Illinois; Flora, the wife of John Steel, of Kansas; John W., of Virden, Illinois; Elbert E., of this review; Edgar, who makes his home at Pasadena, California; Josie, who is the wife of Clay Boshlog, of Kansas; and Nettie, who died in infancy.

On attaining his majority Elbert E. Beasley went to Kansas and took up a quarter section of land. Disposing of the property, he returned to Virden and rented a farm of two hundred and forty acres, in the cultivation of which he was engaged for several years. Eventually he purchased land of his own, operating a tract of eighty acres for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the farm and in 1905 took up his abode at Virden, here buying a livery stable. At the end of three years he sold out and went to California, there remaining for one year. On again returning to Virden he purchased two building lots and a fine barn and has since conducted a livery stable, having the largest business of this kind in the north end of Macoupin county.

On the 26th of January, 1887, Mr. Beasley was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Shutle, a daughter of Marion and Elvira (Lowdermilk) Shutle. Mrs. Beasley was one of seven children born to her parents and the only one who survived infancy. She is now the mother of three children, as follows: Mina, whose natal day was May 30, 1888; Leola, whose birth occurred on the 1st of May, 1900; and Floyd, who was born July 8, 1902.

Mr. Beasley gives his political allegiance to the democracy and belongs to the Court of Honor. His life has been so honorable, his character development so admirable and his worth so pronounced that wherever known Elbert E. Beasley is respected and esteemed. He well merits the success which has come to him, for it has been gained through business methods which neither seek nor require disguise. His wife is a member of the Baptist church.

Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 45-46.