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The history of William A.
Beebe, if written in detail, would constitute a narrative as interesting
as any stirring tale of fiction, for his has been a life of adventure,
filled with varied and exciting experiences. For twenty-two years he has
been a resident of Blairmore and his name is inseparably associated with
the growth and development of the town from the time of its
establishment until the present. He was born in Norfolk, Ontario,
September 26, 1847, of the marriage of Jordan and Elizabeth (Thompson)
Beebe, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Canada. Both
are now deceased. The father was one of the best known hotel proprietors
in eastern Canada, conducting his operations in Oakland, Ontario, for
twenty-one years, while for ten years he managed a hotel at Bentley, in
that province. To Mr. and Mrs. Beebe six children were born, two of whom
survive, William A. and Mrs. Lewis Andrews, the latter a resident of
Portland, Oregon.
William A. Beebe
William A. Beebe was
reared and educated in his native province and started out in commercial
life at Bay City, Michigan, in the dredge and vessel business and later
he established a wholesale fisheries business at Port Arthur, Ontario.
While thus engaged he became known as "Captain" Beebe. He spent the
greater part of his time on the American side and afterward sold out,
going to the gold region of the Klondike. He remained in that country
from 1898 until 1900 and his thrilling experiences during that period
are recorded in a diary, for which he has received many tempting offers
from newspaper owners, but has always refused to sell. In 1900 he made
his way to Blairmore and established a real estate and insurance
business, which he has since successfully conducted. At the time of his
arrival here the town was in its infancy, consisting only of a railroad
station, and it now has a population of twenty-five hundred. Through his
real estate activities Captain Beebe has converted unsightly vacancies
into attractive business and residential districts and his work has been
of signal service in promoting Blairniore's upbuilding and improvement.
He represents a number of 01(1 and reliable insurance firms and has
built up a large business in both departments through honest methods and
capable management.
William A. Beebe married
Miss Mollie Holmes, a native of the United States. She was born in
Kentucky and her fathei' was one of the successful planters of the
south, growing principally cotton and tobacco. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are
both deceased, as is also their daughter, who became the mother of six
children, three of whom survive: Emma, who is living in Detroit,
Michigan; Frank A., a resident of Regina, Saskatchewan; and Jordan, who
resides in Cincinnati.
Captain Beebe's I)UbI1C
spirit has found expression in Practical efforts for the welfare of his
community and he has been chosen by his fellow citizens to fill a number
of public offices of honor and trust. He has served as mayor, and for
twenty-one years has been a member of the school board, while he is also
a member of the town council, doing effective public service in each of
these connections. his fraternal relations are with the Masons and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was one of the first settlers to
Penetrate into this section of the Dominion and belongs to that hardy
type of pioneers whose courageous spirit and untiring industry have
enabled them to aid in planting the seeds of civilization here. He has
been an interested witness of the entire growth and up- building of
Blairmore and his record is a matter of pride to its citizens, for his
life has ever been an upright, honorable and useful one, commanding for
him the respect and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. |
