Although the subject of this sketch has not resided in Oregon as long as some within Wallowa County, still he is nevertheless a true pioneer, having wrought with faithfulness for the welfare of other sections and since coming to this region has made commendable efforts in the development of the resources of the county and in the material progress of the same, while he has ever manifested excellent capabilities and showed both zeal and integrity, coupled with which are sound principles and sagacity that dominate a tireless energy and constant industry.
Mr. Beach was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, on March 13, 1852, being the son of Dr. Joshua A. and Hettie A. (Lynch) Beach. He received a good education in the schools of Bloomfield, and in Smithville College in Wayne County, and thus fortified he began the labors of life for himself at the age of twenty-three years. At that time he migrated to Kirksville, Missouri, laboring there for a time and then returned to Ohio. In his native state, on November 7, 1877, Mr. Beach married Miss Ruvilla D., daughter of Edward J. and Cynthia (Smith) Carpenter, and then he returned to his home in Missouri, where he wrought with energy and wisdom, being numbered with the leading agriculturists of his section until 1890. In that year he took the long journey across the plains to the Web-foot state, arriving in La Grande in due time, where he remained until the following spring and then came to Wallowa County, selecting here the place where he now lives, two miles north from Paradise, and entering a homestead right. He at once set to work to improve the farm and he now has it all well fenced and under cultivation and has comfortable buildings, and is numbered with the leading agriculturists of his community. Mr. Beach has a goodly portion of stock cattle and horses, as well as other property. While he commenced his career with the capital of two good hands and dauntless spirit with plenty of pluck, he has accumulated a generous portion of the goods of this world that make life comfortable, and his skill and financial ability have been well manifested in this worthy achievement.
To Mr. And Mrs. Beach there have been born the following children: Lillie E., Nellie M., Hettie C., Mable N. (deceased), Shannon Dale and Zelpha A. The two oldest of these children have been thoroughly educated and are now making a commendable record in the work of the educator, being both employed in the county, where they take rank with the best instructors of Wallowa County. The next daughter is a diligent student and bids fair to equal her sisters in successful pedagogy. Mr. Beach has always taken a praiseworthy interest in educational matters and has done much for their advancement both in this county and elsewhere, while also he has manifested the interest proper to the intelligent citizen in the affairs of the county and in politics generally. Mr. Beach is one of the substantial citizens of our county and he has the confidence of all his fellows and is a valuable addition to our population.