My Genealogy Hound

Joseph C. Beeler was born in Grainger County, Tenn., November 29, 1832, the son of Jacob and Nancy (Cleveland) Beeler. His father was born in Grainger County also, in 1804, the son of Joseph, Sr., a native of Virginia, and one of the pioneers of Grainger County. The father, a farmer worth about $40,000, lost all of his personal and slave property during the war of the Rebellion; for half a century he was a deacon in the Baptist Church. His death in 1876 was universally mourned, for he was a generous, public-spirited man. The mother, born in 1816 in the same county, was the daughter of Martin Cleveland, a native of North Carolina. He was a brother to Robert and Benjamin F. Cleveland, of Revolutionary fame, and also of the same family connection as President Grover Cleveland. The mother died in 1884, a devoted Christian and life-long member of the Baptist Church. Out subject grew up on the farm, and was educated at Mossy Creek (now Carson) College. On leaving college he was elected without his application to superintendent of public instruction of Grainger County, for one year—at which time he declined re-election—the court refused to hold an election, in order to still hold him in office as the old officer under the law was to do the duties of the office till his successor was sworn in. He farmed until 1870, when he engaged in the mercantile business in Grainger County. He removed to Jefferson County in 1874, and in 1881 to Carsonville, and engaged in his present business, and by care and close watchfulness, has made a success both as a merchant and a farmer. He has always been willing to give any aid to public business, and encourage all social, public enterprises, but has under all circumstances refused to hold offices of trust and profit, preferring private life. In his thirteenth year he became a member of Missionary Baptist Church, and has been one of her most devoted members every since; he is also a Mason. September 13, 1869, he married Addie Hickle, who was born in Grainger County in 1843, the daughter of Calvin Hickle, who was born in Knox County. Mrs. Beeler is also a member of the Baptist Church; two of their three children are still living. He served as chairman of building committees, both for church and schools, whenever a new house was to be built in his neighborhood, and under all circumstances gave satisfaction both as a contracting party and a treasurer. The worthy unfed beggar never went away from his door hungry or naked. The Baptist Church at Mossy Creek fell behind when her building was constructed, the pastor, Jesse Baker, D. D., came to our subject and reported the balance which seemed could not be raised; although having done all he thought he ought, he squared the bill, though heavy.