Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-08-24

was as well known almost in the state
capital as he was at home, and at
Washington there were few Of the big
men who did not know him.
Politically he was power, and
there was little of consequence in the
city, county or state affecting the re
publican party that he did not fig
ure i'm. He was Il quantity 10 be reck-
oned with on all occasions; brilliant
talller. strong personality, and un-
limited capacity fer work, he was
looked upon us Il conner politically,
and to this day one hears the remark
that Maj. BeardslcY would have been
i'm the United States senate had he
pursued the proper course of life.
He was member of the com
mission appointed to settle the fam
Gus Tilden-Hayes contest, the latter
being seated as president of the Unit
ed States. He was chairman of the
board appointed to supervise the
erection of the state soldiers orphans
home. For several years after the
home was completed he served as the
boards chairman.
Promoted For Bravery.
Ellingt on, Chautauqua county. y.
Y. was the place of his birth, which
occurred Oct. 50, 1888. Aug. 10. 1861, lac
enlisted at Dixon as first lieutenant in
Company ID, 18th Illinois infantry
serving throughout the conflict and
displaying such courage in battle that
he was twice promoted, first to Il cap
taincy on Aug 10. 1861. and then to
ma jor Feb. 10, 1864, the latter rank to
Gate from Nov. -. 1868. when Boards
ley was wounded in the fighting at
Ringgold Gap. Ga. where the lives of
COO union soldiers were forfeited
Maj BeardsIey afterwards was de-
tailed to the staff of Gen. OsterhauS as
assistant adiutant general i'm the first
division. fifth army corps. Mai.
Beardsley had the distinction of serv-
ing i'm the commands of Grant and
Sherman. participating in the capture
of Lookout Mountain, where $500 Con-
federates were taken prisoners, in
the attack on Chickasaw Bayou, the
capture of jackson, surrender of
NicIsburg, and numerous other less
important engagements.
In October, 1864, Mai. Beardsley was
united in marriage with Miss LUranY
Comet, of Rock Island. The war over,
he took up the activities of civil life.
His honors won on the field of battle
had made him descrvedly popular over
the county. and when his name was
proposed in connection with the cOun-
ty cIerkship. he was elected by a nice
ma ioritY. He continued in this ca
pacity for 10 years. In the meantime
he had taken up the study of law,
and when he retired as county clerk
he entered into partnership with John
n. Kenworthy, and they were in the
law business together for a number of
years On the dissolution of the part
nerShip Maj. BeardsIey opened an of
flee of his own. He enjoyed large
practice and was considered one of
the ablest lawyers i'm this section,
criminal trials Being his fort.
Maj Beardsley served as post
master here from 1876 to
1880
He now leaves as survivors
his son, Wyman Beardsley, two
daughters, Mrs H. G. Brooks and Miss
Amanda Beardsley.a sister, Mrs. Steph-
ems, of Pennsylvania, and a brother,
Ezra Beardsley, of California a son,
Lee Beardsley, died about ten years
ago.
Spent Several Fortunes.
Maj. Beardsley accumulated and
spent several fortunes. Had he
managed his affairs iudiciously his
estate today would be one of the
richest in the county. Aside from
things political, he was n commercial
plunger, identifying himself with
numerous extensive deals that cost
him dearly. He was one of the prime
movers in the location of the capftai