J. S. Beard is a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and the eldest son of a family of five sons and three daughters.  His father, James Beard, was born in Clark county, Ohio, and his mother, --Susan M. Gehrig,--in Berks county, Pennsylvania.  His boyhood days were passed amid the scenes and busy life of the beautiful valley of the Susquehanna.  He received the education afforded by the common schools and private academies of that locality.  In 1853 he became a member of a corps of civil engineers, and for about two years was employed, under Hon. Kimber Clever, on the survey and construction of the Shamokin Valley railroad.  He quit this employment to accept a deputyship under his father, who then held the office of prothonotary of Northumberland county.  During the time he was employed in this office he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1857.  For a short time he practiced law in his native county and adjoining districts, then bade adieu to kindred, friends, and home, and started westward.  Once on the wing, he did not find a permanent resting place until the shores of the Pacific were reached.  He arrived in California in 1859, and, being then young, hopeful and ambitious at once sought the fortune which he supposed awaited him.  Failing to secure a satisfactory business in the practice of law, he shelved his books and went to work as "an honest miner."  After much tramping, toil, and disappointment, he abandoned mining for other pursuits.  In 1864 Mr. Beard re-engaged in the practice of his profession, at Yreka, and for a year was associated in business with L. M. Ketcham, now deceased.  The business of this place was not sufficient to support the army of attorneys then engaged in practice, hence the subject of our sketch again quit the law, and became connected with our common schools as teacher, and thereafter taught school in the Humbug, Hawkinsville, Union, and Etna districts.  In 1872 he opened a law office in Etna, where he is now permanently located, and well established in business.  July 12, 1874, he married Miss Annie Webster Ackley, eldest daughter of Hosea and Nancy Ackley, who came to Scott valley in 1864, from East Rumford, Maine.  The issue of this marriage has been four children, two boys and two girls, three of whom, Annie Ackley, John Augustus, and James Gehrig, are now living.  In early manhood he espoused the principles of the Democratic party, but in 1864, becoming dissatisfied with the course and policy of that party, went over to the ranks of the Republicans, and took the stump in advocacy of the election of their nominee for the presidency.  And since then he has with his voice and pen supported and advocated Republican principles.  For many years he has been identified with, and labored for the advancement of the public schools of the county, and is now president of the County Board of Education.  In 1857 he was initiated into the mysteries and beauties of Odd Fellowship, and is one of the charter members of Etna Lodge, No. 184, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He is also a charter member of Etna Lodge No. 177, Ancient Order of United Workmen.  He is most public spirited, and every movement made in the interest of the people, or to benefit the masses, receives his hearty support.  He has been identified with every enterprise of a public, or quasi public character undertaken or accomplished in Etna and vicinity since he has made that place his home.  He loves the quiet of home life, and finds delight in the society and companionship of his family and friends, and as a lawyer, a man, and a citizen, commands the confidence and respect of all classes.

The above picture and text are from: History of Siskiyou County, Harry L. Wells, D. J. Stewart & Co., 1881; pg. 84B

J. S. Beard is buried in Evergreen Cemetery

Copyright February 16, 2002

Siskiyou Cemeteries Online

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