MARTIN M. BEESON, In America, pre-eminently a land of self-made men, opportunities for achieving success are to be found as in no other land. The youth of energetic spirit, ambitious nature and industrious habits may here establish a position for himself in any of the various vocations of life, provided that he respect the principles of integrity and honorable dealing, for his fellow-citizens will quickly recognize and appreciate the force of character and persistent determination which have enabled him to work his way from a humble position to one of independence and prominence, Madison County is fortunate in that it numbers among its best citizenship many men who have been the architects of their own fortunes, and in this class undoubtedly stands Martin M. Beeson, of Van Buren Township, the owner of a valuable tract of 120 acres of laud, located on the Thorn road, about four and one-half miles north of Summitville, Mr. Beeson is a native of the Hoosier State, having been born in Johnson County, October 29, 1867, and is a son of Isaac and Emma (Hendricks) Beeson.
Isaac Beeson was a native of Wayne County, Indiana, from whence he removed to Johnson County, and in 1875 came to Madison County, his subsequent agricultural operations being carried on in Boone and Van Buren Townships, He became a substantial citizen and moderately successful agriculturist, and died in Van Buren Township October 10, 1912. Of the family of eight children, M. M. is the last survivor.
M. M. Beeson was seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to Madison County, and his education was secured in the public schools of Boone Township, During the period of his educational training, he spent the summer seasons in assisting his father on the homestead, and after he left school continued to remain under the parental roof until reaching the age of twenty-three years. His entrance upon a career of his own as an agriculturist occurred when he rented a tract of land in Van Buren Township, and for fifteen years he worked faithfully and industriously, carefully saving his earnings with the end in view of becoming himself a land-owner. In 1906 he realized his ambition when he purchased his present property, a farm which he has since developed into one of the best of its size in the Township, He has engaged successfully in general farming and has also met with prosperity in his stock raising ventures, his well-fed cattle invariably bringing good prices in the markets, Thoroughly versed in modern methods, he has neglected no opportunity to familiarize himself with the advancements which have been made in his vocation in recent years, and his property gives ample evidence of the presence of thrift and good management, He is a worthy representative of the fanning interests of Madison County, and throughout his career has been interested in the growth and development of this region, doing all in his power for its progress and development.
On October 5, 1890, Mr. Beeson was united in marriage with Miss Laura M. Nutt, and to this union there have been born seven children Lennet and Russell, both deceased, Elva, Emma, Orville, Mate and Murray, Mrs. Laura M. Beeson is a native of Union County, Indiana, born May 15, 1869, the eldest of six children-four sons and two daughters born to Levi and Harriett (Knowland) Nutt-and all the family are living at present (1914), namely: Mrs. Beeson; Nelson, a resident of the far west and by trade a decorator; Clara, residing in Summitville, Indiana; George, a resident of the Republic of Mexico and a carpenter; Arthur, a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Clyde, a resident of Van Buren Township, married and an agriculturist, Mr. Nutt, the father, is a native of Union County, Indiana, and was educated in the common schools. He was a soldier in the Civil war for four years, Politically he is a Republican and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mrs. Nutt is a native of Butler County, Ohio, and she and her husband are retired in life and reside in Summitville, Indiana, A remarkable fact in the Nutt family is that there has never been a death within its circle. Mrs. Beeson was educated in the common schools. She is a worthy matron over one of the beautiful homes in northern Madison County, and she and her husband enjoy the high esteem of all who know them, In his religious faith Mr. Beeson is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. He is a Democrat, but has taken no active part in political matters. His modern residence is located on Summitville Rural Free Delivery Route, No, 26, and near the home is located the handsome new barn, built to replace the original structure, which was destroyed in a disastrous fire, August 31, 1912.