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Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1893.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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BYRON R. BEEBE. Pre-eminence is a goal most men strive to attain. No matter in what field, whether it be literature, art, science or commerce, the ambition of the true man will push him to such endeavor that his success shall stand out with glaring distinctness, and his position shall be one above all others. To reach the highest mark in any calling is in these days of rush and activity no easy matter. In the commercial world, particularly, it is most difficult. There competition is so great, so many men are striving for the almighty dollar and for fame, that the man who makes his mark high above his fellows is justly entitled to great praise and to all honor and glory. He has won the prize only through true merit and by having energy and push.

We are led to these reflections by a study of the career of Byron Beebe, who is one of the prominent merchants of Marcellus, and a member of the firm of Beebe & Beebe, dealers in dry goods and general merchandise. The father of our subject, Roswell R. Beebe, was a native of the Keystone State, born in Wilkes Barre on the 3d of October, 1806, and the son of Gideon Beebe, who was a native of Connecticut. The latter moved to Pennsylvania at an early day and followed farming on an extensive scale until his death. He had four sons and two daughters who grew to manhood and womanhood, and one son, John, served in the Black Hawk War. The father of our subject was the youngest son.

Roswell R. Beebe was but fifteen years of age when he moved to Huron County, Ohio, with his mother, and settled on the farm where he grew to manhood. There he married Miss Permelia Latham, who died at the end of six or seven years, leaving three children, two of whom are now living, Gideon and Bruce. Mr. Beebe’s second marriage occurred in Huron County, Ohio, when he married Miss Mary Young, a native of Huron County, and the daughter of Lazarous Young, who was born in Pennsylvania. The latter was one of the earliest settlers of Huron County, Ohio, and for some time lived with the Indians. He was the first man married in the county, and his child was the first white child born in what is known as the Fire Lands of Ohio. He was well acquainted with the famous Slocura family. Lazarous Young was the father of fourteen children, of whom Mrs. Beebe was the third in order of birth.

The father of our subject followed farming, and in connection was engaged as a mason, following the trade in Cleveland and Sandusky until 1845, when he came to Michigan. He first located in Marcellus Township, on section 1, and bought partly wild land, on which he resided until 1881, when he moved to Marcellus. Here his death occurred on the 28th of April, 1893. His wife died April 29, 1890. He was one of the pioneers of the county, and became the owner of two hundred and sixty acres, but divided with his children, and owned but one hundred acres at the time of his death. Early in life he affiliated with the Whig party, but later became a Republican. He was well known all over the county, was well respected by all; and was prominent in all affairs of importance in the county. Two children were born to his second marriage: our subject, and Wealthy, who became the wife of William Carrier, and now resides on the old homestead in Marcellus Township.

Byron R. Beebe was born on the 20th of April, 1845, in Huron County, Ohio, and was about three years of age when his father came to the Wolverine State. His youthful days were passed on the old homestead, and his scholastic training was received in the country schools of this township. On the 4th of February, 1806, he married Miss Mary Ophelia Aldrich, who was the daughter of Lewis Aldrich, one of the prominent farmers of Flowerfield Township. Mrs. Beebe was born in New York State and died in 1869. Mr. Beebe’s second marriage was to Miss Josephine D.Bucklin, daughter of Pitt Bucklin. After his first marriage Mr. Beebe lived on the old homestead, which he carried on until 1873, when he removed to Marcellus, and was there engaged in the meat business for about six years. He then resumed farming, but subsequently engaged in the agricultural-implement business in Marcellus, which he carried on for over two years.

In December, 1891, he engaged in his present business, buying out the firm of Kester & Arnold. This business is located opposite the bank on Main Street, and they have a flourishing trade. Besides this Mr. Beebe is the owner of two hundred acres of land, eighty acres on section 1, and one hundred and twenty acres in St. Joseph County, just over the line. He is the father of two children, one by his first and one by his second union. The elder, Clark L., is a member of the firm of Beebe & Beebe; and the younger child, Arthur L., is clerking in the store. Politically, Mr. Beebe is a Republican, and, socially, a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published in 1893. 

View additional Cass County, Michigan family biographies here: Cass County, Michigan Biographies

View a map of 1911 Cass County, Michigan here: Cass County Michigan Map

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