George Beebe1

b. 24 January 1894
Family
Father*George Beebe1 b. Sep 1835, d. 9 Aug 1911
Mother*Mary McFee1 b. 1852, d. 1897
Birth*24 January 1894George Beebe was born on 24 January 1894 in Oregon.2,3 
Name VariationHis full name was George Richard Beebe.3 
(Son) Death1897He was about 3 years old when his mother died in 1897 at about age 45. Her death left George's father with six children between the ages of 3 and 27 years.4 
(Son) Marriage1898About a year after his mother's death, his father married a second time to Mary Jane (Kesling) Hammer, who had also been widowed and had six children, four sons and two daughters, between the ages of 6 and 24 years.5,6,1 
(Son) Census US 190012 June 1900George was enumerated on the 1900 census taken on 12 June 1900 in the household of his father and stepmother in Oak Grove, Wasco County, Oregon. He was 6 years old.1 
(Nephew) Fratricide4 January 1911During a brutal and bloody fight between two of his uncles, Hiram and Nelson Beebe, on 4 January 1911 in the front yard of a neighbor's home in Clackamas Heights, Oregon City, Clackamas County, Oregon, Hiram lost his life. There were no witnesses to the tragedy, and the report of Nelson Beebe, who was drunk when arrested, was all the information obtained by the authorities. A Portland, Oregon newspaper, under the headline, "Aged Brothers Battle with Ax and Club", published Nelson Beebe's explanation of the event, writing that he had received a $60 pension payment that morning and spent most of the day in an Oregon City saloon. At about 4 o'clock, he left for the home that he and his brother shared. He said that as soon as he opened the door of his house he was met by his brother with an ax in his hand, and that had started the fight. How long it lasted was not known. According to Nelson, his brother slashed him with the ax and, in self-defense, he used a club. The newspaper reported that the ax and the club were found in the yard that night, and that when the body of Hiram was found, his nose was smashed in and his body terribly bruised, indicating that the encounter was long and severe. After the fight ended, Nelson went to the home of a neighbor for help. He requested that his bleeding wounds be dressed and an Oregon City doctor was immediately called. Two neighborhood men who were the first ones to visit the scene of the tragedy, said they found Hiram's body still warm, and that there was blood all over the front yard, indicating the terrible struggle. At the County Jail that night Nelson said his brother started the trouble when he met him at the door with an ax in his hand, and on his attempt to cross the threshold dealt him a terrible blow. The newspaper reported that Nelson told several conflicting stories at the jail before going to sleep, and that when the two neighbors examined the house they found nothing disturbed. They reported that even the cat and dog were quietly sleeping in the corner. The newspaper article stated that Nelson and Hiram had lived in the vicinity for many years, were unmarried, and that Nelson had a daughter living in California. On the way to jail Nelson asked why Hiram had not been arrested, as he had started the trouble. It was said by the neighbors that Hiram suffered from a weak heart, but it was believed that his wounds were sufficient to have killed him.

Developments the day after the murder had taken place the night before were varied. Nelson Beebe, who was still being held in the County Jail, remained unaware that his brother, Hiram, had died, and was also unaware that he was about to be charged with the slaying of his brother with a club. According to the sheriff, Nelson believed he was in jail only to make certain there would be no more trouble. Later that afternoon the Coroner and a picked jury held an inquest over the body of Hiram Beebe and rendered the verdict: "That deceased came to his death from a blow on the head from some blunt instrument in the hands of a party or parties not known." Daylight had revealed evidence for the jury that showed more plainly the desperate character of the battle that was fought around the cottage in which the brothers lived The grass had been trodden down by many shifting changes, each made by one or the other of the men in an attempt to get a better footing or into a more advantageous position from which to continue the fight. The blood stains, too, showed that the fight had covered a wide area, and the heel and toe prints evidenced that the struggle had been one testing the very nerves of both combatants. A newspaper reported that Nelson Beebe, in his rambling talk, told of the many fights he had been in during his life, how he had never been whipped, how he had never been known to run, and that he seemed willing to stand on his record for bravery. The paper also predicted that, because the Grand Jury was currently in session, the District Attorney was likely to bring his case forward within a day or two, so it wouldn't be long before Nelson would know that he was charged with the murder of his brother.

The following day, on Friday, January 6, Nelson was arraigned on the charge of manslaughter. The newspaper reported that Beebe appeared very nervous and, upon his request that his hearing be scheduled as soon as possible, it was set for the following Monday morning. Nelson was returned to prison with bail set for $1,000. He repeated his statement that it was the first time he knew of Hiram's death and that, while he thought Hiram might have been seriously hurt, he thought from remarks dropped in his presence that Hiram was living and had a hand in Nelson being in prison.

Three months later, on Monday April 22, Nelson was discharged from custody because the Grand Jury found insufficient evidence or probable cause to formally charge him with the crime of manslaughter for the killing of his brother, Hiram, with a club the previous January. Nelson Beebe was 80 years old and Hiram, who was killed, was age 77. Nelson had always asserted than Hiram attacked him with an ax and that he used the club to defend himself. The paper reported that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer plainsman, that both men had been married twice, that Hiram had no children and that his second wife was Mrs. Mary Cathro of Canemah, Oregon, and that Nelson had a daughter, Laura, of Red Bluff, California. It mentioned that George Beebe, a younger brother of the men, lived in Eastern Oregon and that a nephew, George, lived near Estacada.7,8,9,10 

Citations

  1. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary J. Beebe, Year: 1900; Census Place: Oak Grove, Wasco, Oregon; Roll: 1353; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 0150. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary J. Beebe, Year: 1900; Census Place: Oak Grove, Wasco, Oregon; Roll: 1353; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 0150; son George was 6 years old and his date of birth recorded as Jan 1894.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, George Richard Beebe, Memorial# 33395743, reporting his date of birth as 24 January 1889. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  4. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Mary (McFee) Beebe, Memorial# 22641983.
  5. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Mary Jane (Kesling) Davis, Memorial# 5342059.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, George Beebe, Memorial# 33395671.
  7. [S2945] Hiram and Nelson Beebe Engage in a Bloody Duel, Oregon 1911, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Oregon Daily Journal, (Portland, Oregon), Thursday, January 5, 1911, Page 4, (Downloaded on December 12, 2025), under the headlines, "Aged Brothers Battle with Ax and Club; One Dead" and "Hiram and Nelson Beebe of Oregon City Engage in a Bloody Duel; Cause of the Fight Not Known", and received as a special dispatch to the Journal dated Oregon City, January 5, reporting that a battle to the death occurred at Clackamas Heights the day before in the afternoon when two aged brothers engaged in a death struggle; that the affair took place in the front yard of Mary Roberts who lived two miles east of the city; that there were no witnesses to the tragedy and that the story of Nelson Beebe who was drunk when arrested was all the information obtainable; that it appeared that Nelson Beebe, who received a $60 pension that morning spent most of the day in an Oregon City saloon and about 4 o'clock left for his home; that as soon as he opened the door of his house he was met by his brother with an ax in his hand, and a death struggle was then commenced and how long it lasted is not known; that according to Nelson, his brother slashed him with an ax and in self-defense he used a club; that the ax and the club were found in the yard that night; that when the body of Hiram was found the nose was smashed in and the body terribly bruised, indicating that the encounter was long and severe; that after Hiram had breathed his last, Nelson went to the home of Mrs. George Mackiness who lived near and requested that his bleeding wounds be dressed and that an Oregon City doctor was immediately called; that Charles Grey and George Mackiness were the first ones to visit the scene of the tragedy, and they found the body yet warm; that there was blood all over the front yard, indicating a terrible struggle; that at the county jail that night Nelson said his brother started the trouble when he met him at the door with an ax in his hand, and on his attempt to cross the threshold dealt him a terrible blow; that Nelson told several conflicting stories at the county jail before going to sleep; that when Grey and Mackiness examined the house they found nothing disturbed, even the cat and dog quietly sleeping in the corner; that the two men had lived in the vicinity for many years; that they were widowers, Hiram having been married twice; that Nelson had a daughter living in California and that Hiram had no children; that on the way to jail Nelson asked why Hiram had not been arrested, as he started the trouble; that it was said by the neighbors that Hiram suffered from a weak heart, but that his wounds were sufficient to have killed him; that Hiram was a pioneer Oregonian of 1862, having crossed the plains with an ox team; that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and came to Oregon in 1870. Hereinafter cited as Hiram and Nelson Beebe Engage in a Bloody Duel, Oregon 1911.
  8. [S2949] Nelson Beebe Charged with Killing his Brother after Coroner's Inquest, January 5 1911, Oregon, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Friday, January 6, 1911, Page 12, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Murder Verdict Given", Coroner's Jury Passes on Beebe Case at Oregon City", and "Aged Alleged Slayer Still in Ignorance of Being Charged with Killing Brother", reporting from Oregon City on January 5, that developments that day in the murder that took place at Clackamas Heights the night before were varied; that Nelson Beebe, who was charged with the slaying of his brother with a club, still occupied a cell in the County Jail; that when he was visited that morning by the sheriff, he was reported to be as pert as if he had spent the night in pleasure rather than in a prison cell; that it was partly accounted for by the fact that he had not been informed of the death of his brother, Hiram, and believed he was in jail only to make certain there would be no more trouble; that the Coroner and a picked jury held an inquest over the body of Hiram Beebe that afternoon and rendered a verdict, "That deceased came to his death from a blow on the head from some blunt instrument in the hands of a party or parties not known"; that daylight revealed evidence that showed more plainly the desperate character of the battle that was fought around the cottage in which the brothers lived; that the grass had been trodden down by many shifting changes, each made by one or the other of these men in an attempt to get a better footing or into a more advantageous position from which to continue the fight; that the blood stains, too, showed that the fight had covered a wide range, and the heel and toe prints evidenced that the struggle had been one testing the very nerves of both combatants; that in his rambling talk, Nelson told of the many fights he had been in during his life, how he was never whipped and how he was never known to run; that he seemed willing to stand on his record for bravery; that because the grand jury was currently in session, the District Attorney was likely to bring his case forward within a day or two, so it wouldn't be long before Nelson would know that he was charged with the murder of his brother. Hereinafter cited as Nelson Beebe Charged with Killing his Brother after Coroner's Inquest, January 5 1911, Oregon.
  9. [S2948] Nelson Beebe Charged with Manslaughter 7 January 1911 Oregon, online at www.genealogybank.com, The Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Saturday, January 7, 1911, Page 8, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Manslaughter is Charge" and "Nelson Beebe is Arraigned for Killing his Brother", reporting from Oregon City on January 6, that Nelson Beebe, charged with killing his brother, Hiram Beebe, on Wednesday, January 4, was arraigned on the charge of manslaughter in Justice Samson's court on January 6, and that Beebe manifested considerable nervousness; that he wanted his hearing as soon as possible and it was set for the following Monday morning; that he was returned to prison, with bail set for $1,000; that Beebe reiterated his statement that it was the first time he knew of Hiram's death; that while he thought Hiram might have been seriously hurt, he thought from remarks dropped in his presence that Hiram was living and had a hand in Nelson being in prison. Hereinafter cited as Nelson Beebe Charged with Manslaughter 7 January 1911 Oregon.
  10. [S2950] Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe, April 1911, Oregon, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Sunday Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Sunday, April 23, 1911, Page 13, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Brother's Slayer Freed", and Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe", reporting from Oregon City on April 22, 1911, that Nelson Beebe, who killed his brother, Hiram, with a club the previous January at Clackamas Heights, was discharged from custody that afternoon because the Grand Jury returned not a true bill (which meant they found insufficient evidence or probable cause to formally charge Nelson with the crime of manslaughter); that Nelson Beebe was 80 years old and that Hiram, whom was killed, was age 77; that Nelson asserted than Hiram attacked him with an ax and he used the club to defend himself; that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer plainsman; that both men married twice; that Hiram had no children and that his second wife was Mrs. Cathrow of Canemah, Oregon, and that Nelson had a daughter, Laura of Red Bluff, California; that George Beebe, a younger brother, lived in Eastern Oregon and that a nephew lived near Estacada. Hereinafter cited as Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe, April 1911, Oregon.

George S. Beebe1

b. 2 November 1832
Family
Father*David Beebe1,2 b. bt 1801 - 1803, d. 14 Sep 1851
Mother*Amy Franklin1,3 b. bt 1805 - 1807, d. 12 Feb 1893
Birth*2 November 1832George S. Beebe was born on 2 November 1832 in New York.1 
(Son) Census US 185024 August 1850George was enumerated on the 1850 census taken on 24 August 1850 in the household of his parents in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. He was 17 years old and worked as a laborer.4,5 
Marriage*28 May 1853He married first, as her first husband, Mercy Ann Wilcox, daughter of Philip D. Wilcox and Tabatha Sterling, on 28 May 1853 in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. George's 1st cousin, Nelson Beebe, had married Mercy's sister, Betsey, the previous year.6,7,8 
(Son) Census US 18606 June 1860George was enumerated with his mother and five of his siblings on the 1860 census taken on 6 June 1860 in the household of Roswell Fuller in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. George was 27 years of age and worked as a farm laborer.9,10,11 
Census US 1870*26 August 1870Mercy and George Beebe were enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 26 August 1870 in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. George was 35 years of age and a farmer with real estate valued at $600 and a personal estate valued at $300; Mercy was 31 years of age and keeping house. Three children were enumerated with the couple in 1870. Merton, Viola and Alexander were ages 13, 11 and 6 years, respectively, and had all attended school within the census year. George's brother, Elbert, with his wife and children, were enumerated in the first next household after George's on the same census page of 15B, and the brothers' mother, Amy Beebe, with two of their siblings, were enumerated in the first previous household before George's, which was the last household on the previous page of 15A.6,12,13 

Family

 Mercy Ann Wilcox b. 1835

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, George S Beebe, Memorial# 51194204. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, David Beeby, Memorial# 134117527.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Amy (Franklin) Beeby, Memorial# 174661108.
  4. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a.
  6. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mercy Beebe, Year: 1870; Census Place: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: M593_698; Page: 15B. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  7. [S2224] Michigan, U.S., Divorce Records, 1897-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, divorce decree granted 18 December 1897 in Muskegon, Michigan, USA, to George S "Bube" in his filing dated 13 August 1897 vs. Mercy Ann "Bube", married on 28 May 1853 in Berlin, Michigan, number of children-7, grounds cruelty, case contested, absolute divorce granted to husband, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Michigan. Divorce records. Hereinafter cited as Michigan, U.S., Divorce Records, 1897-1952.
  8. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Mercy Ann (Wilcox) Farley, Memorial# 51459175.
  9. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, enumeration of Amy Bebee and six of her children, (her surname recorded as "Fuller" and her name recorded as "Ama" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
  10. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Roswell Fuller, The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559.
  11. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Elbert and Lucina Bebee, The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559.
  12. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Elbert and Lucina Beebe, Year: 1870; Census Place: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: M593_698; Page: 15B.
  13. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Amy Beebe, Year: 1870; Census Place: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: M593_698; Page: 15A.

Georgia Elizabeth Beebe1

b. July 1877, d. 8 March 1926
Family
Father*Burr Beebe1,2 b. 1840, d. 17 Mar 1905
Mother*Harriet Amanda Bray1,3 b. 25 Jan 1842, d. 17 Jul 1929
Birth*July 1877Georgia Elizabeth Beebe was likely born in July 1877 in California.4,5,6 
Name VariationShe was also called Lizzie.7 
(Daughter) Census US 18804 June 1880Lizzie was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 4 June 1880 in the household of her parents in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. She was 2 years old.7,8 
(Daughter) Murder12 April 1884She was 6 years old when her father shot and killed his neighbor, Norris A. Phillips, on 12 April 1884 in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. The prosecuting attorney gave a report to the newspaper after his preliminary examination regarding the killing. He outlined for the paper the following facts that had been brought forward during his examination:

Burr Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood.

The Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land.

For that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land.

It seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field.

On the morning of the killing, Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground.

While he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction.

The hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate.

After a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through.

Beebe and his two brothers, Erastus Beebe, who was called Ras, and George were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for Phillips at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him.

Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up.

A report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks.

The prosecutor said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up, Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired. However, they also admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor, would seem to indicate that Burr came up with pistol in hand and ready to shoot. The prosecutor also said, that in his neighborhood, Burr was considered the "boss" pistol shot and, like the famous James brothers, could send a bullet about where he wanted it. Mrs. Fannie Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction. She said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing. Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her.

The prosecutor said that Beebe’s preliminary examination had been conducted before Justice Long and resulted in Beebe being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday, April 25, was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial.

The argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court. In less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached, and the Court was reconvened. The verdict of "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" was announced, and the penalty fixed by the jury was imprisonment for life in the State Prison. One newspaper reported that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Another paper reported that Beebe had introduced a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows.

Less than two months after Burr’s conviction, his brother, Erastus Beebe, was on trial in Superior Court for complicity in the same murder of Norris A. Phillips. After eight days, his trial ended on Monday, September 8, and the newspaper reported the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who had done the killing. Burr had been found guilty of murder in the first degree the previous July and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life.

The only new evidence introduced was that of Emma S. (Beebe) Walls, who was identified as Mrs. David Walls, a daughter of Burr Beebe. She testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe]) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime.

The argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury. Three hours later, the jury returned with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life. When the verdict was announced, Erastus stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away. He revived in a short time and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning. When the time arrived, however, Beebe was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18. The paper wrote that his health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered.9,10,11,12,13,14,15 
(Niece) Pardoned19 November 1891Her uncle, Erastus J. Beebe, was serving a life sentence for murder in Folsom Prison, Folsom, Sacramento County, California, when he was pardoned by California Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891.16 
Marriage*1894She married John Edward Royce, son of Isaac Danford Royce and Alice Jane Catherine Whitney, about 1894.17,1,18 
(Daughter) Commutation24 December 1898A San Francisco newspaper, on 11 December 1898, reported that her father, Burr Beebe, who was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in Modoc County in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Two weeks later, another San Francisco newspaper, making much of the Christmas present, reported that Burr was among six murderers and other prisoners convicted of high crimes who had been given commutations by California Governor James Herbert Budd. Burr received his full liberty on 24 December 1898.14,15 
Death*8 March 1926She died at age 48 after a lingering illness of many months, on 8 March 1926 in Alturas, Modoc County, California,1 
Burial* and was buried in Old Cemetery I, Lot 2, of Cedarville Cemetery, Cedarville, Modoc County.1 

Family

 John Edward Royce b. 1 May 1873, d. 9 Dec 1948

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Georgia Elizabeth (Beebe) Royce, Memorial# 66859471. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Burr Beebe Sr., Memorial# 93995676.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Harriett Amanda (Bray) Beebe, Memorial# 37846755.
  4. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of John and Georgia Royce, Year: 1900; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 94; Page: 7; Enumeration District: 0084, reporting Georgia's date of birth as July of 1877. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Harriet Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067, reporting daughter Lizzie's age as 2 years, and estimating her year of birth as 1878. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Georgia Elizabeth (Beebe) Royce, Memorial# 66859471, reporting her year of birth as 1875.
  7. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Harriet Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067.
  8. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of E. J. and Lucinda Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067.
  9. [S2938] Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Plumas County Bulletin, (Greenville, California), Monday, April 28, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), reporting among the items under the caption, "Things in General", that Modoc County had acquired a very unenviable notoriety for perpetration of murders; that at Cedarville recently, a man named Burr Beebe shot and instantly killed another man named Phillips; that the men had quarreled about a piece of land and a water ditch. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884.
  10. [S2939] Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Feather River Bulletin, (Quincy, California), Saturday, May 3, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "The Last Murder in Modoc", reporting that from the Modoc Independent of April 24 in the report of F.W. Ewing who conducted the prosecution of Burr Bebe in his preliminary examination for the killing of Norris A. Phillips on April 12, the following facts were brought forth in the examination; that Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood; that the Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land; that for that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land; that it seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field; that on the morning of the killing Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground; that while he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction; that the hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate; that after a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through; that Beebe and his two brothers, Ras and George, were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for him at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him; that Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up; that a report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks; that Mr. Ewing said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired; that they, however, admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor would seem to indicate that he came up with pistol in hand and ready for business and that in his neighborhood he was considered the "boss' pistol shot and like the famous James brothers, can send a bullet about where he wants it; that Mrs. Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction; that she said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing; that Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her; that Beebe had a preliminary examination before Justice Long which resulted in his being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial. Hereinafter cited as Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California.
  11. [S2940] Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Monday, July 28, 1884, page, Page 4, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Murder in the First Degree", and reporting from the Modoc Independent, that the argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and that by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court; that in less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached; that upon the Court being convened, the verdict "Guilty of murder in the first degree" was announced; that the jury fixed the penalty at imprisonment for life in the State Prison; that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California.
  12. [S2941] Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, July 26, 1884, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "En Route to State Prison", reporting that Burr Beebe, a Modoc county farmer, was lodged in the city prison the night before enroute to State Prison where he was to spend the remainder of his days on a charge of murder; that he was arrested the previous April for having shot and killed Norr Phillips, a neighboring farmer, with whom he had a row over the right to a piece of property; that the prisoner interposed a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California.
  13. [S2924] Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Thursday, September 18, 1884, Page 1, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Another Conviction: Erastus Bebe Found Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" and referencing the Modoc Independent of September 11, reporting that the trial in Superior Court of Erastus Beebe for complicity in the murder of Norris A Phillips had ended on Monday after eight days and that the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who did the killing and two months previously had been found guilty of murder in the first degree and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life; that the only new evidence introduced was that of Mrs. David Wall, a daughter of Burr Beebe who testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime; that the argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury; that the jury returned three hours later with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" and with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life; that when the verdict was announced, Beebe stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away; that in a short time he revived and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning; that when the time arrived, however, the prisoner was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18; the Beebe's health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered. Hereinafter cited as Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884.
  14. [S2942] Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination: Did Insanity Cause Him to Commit the Crime? Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Sunday, December 11, 1898, Page 12, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), noting that Burr Beebe, serving a life sentence for murder committed in Modoc county in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination Dec 1898 California.
  15. [S2943] Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, December 24, 1898, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the headlines, "Christmas Presents of Liberty to Convicts" and "Six Murderers and Other Prisoners Convicted of High Crimes are Turned Loose by Governor Budd", and reporting from Sacramento on December 23, that Governor Budd had that day issued a number of commutations which would, without doubt, be received as welcome Christmas presents by those prisoners in whose favors they were made; that in each instance the prisoner was to receive his full liberty the following day, December 24; that among the pardons was Burr Beebe, sent from Modoc county in July 1884, life imprisonment for murder. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California.
  16. [S2923] California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950, online at www.ancestry.com, Folsom State Prison, Prison Registers, 1880-1896, E. J. Beebe, nativity New York, crime Murder, when received 15 September 1884, term of sentence Life, county sent from Colusa, age 29, occupation Butcher, height 5'10", complexion Florid, eyes Brown, hair, Dark Brown, remarks Pardoned by Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950.
  17. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, John Edward Royce, Memorial# 190787958.
  18. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of John and Georgia Royce, Year: 1900; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 94; Page: 7; Enumeration District: 0084.

Henry Beebe1

b. 1875
Family
Father*George Beebe1 b. Sep 1835, d. 9 Aug 1911
Mother*Mary McFee1 b. 1852, d. 1897
Birth*1875Henry Beebe was born about 1875 in California.1 
(Son) Census US 18802 June 1880Henry was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 2 June 1880 in the household of his parents in Cascade, Clackamas County, Oregon. He was 6 years old.1 
(Son) Death1897He was about 22 years old when his mother died in 1897 at about age 45. Her death left Henry's father with six children between the ages of 3 and 27 years.2 
(Son) Marriage1898About a year after his mother's death, his father married a second time to Mary Jane (Kesling) Hammer, who had also been widowed and had six children, four sons and two daughters, between the ages of 6 and 24 years.3,4,5 

Citations

  1. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cascade, Clackamas, Oregon; Roll: 1080; Page: 181a; Enumeration District: 016. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Mary (McFee) Beebe, Memorial# 22641983. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Mary Jane (Kesling) Davis, Memorial# 5342059.
  4. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, George Beebe, Memorial# 33395671.
  5. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary J. Beebe, Year: 1900; Census Place: Oak Grove, Wasco, Oregon; Roll: 1353; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 0150. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.

Hiram Beebe1

b. October 1833, d. 5 January 1911
Family
Father*Philo Beebe1 b. 1795
Mother*Laura Franklin1 b. 1801
Birth*October 1833Hiram Beebe was born in October 1833 in Michigan.1,2 
(Son) Census US 185024 August 1850Hiram was enumerated on the 1850 census taken on 24 August 1850 in the household of his parents in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. He was 16 years old.1,3 
(Unmarried Son) Census US 186026 June 1860Hiram was enumerated on the 1860 census taken on 26 June 1860 in the Nebraska Territory. He was within a group of connecting households containing members of the extended family of his father, Philo Beebe, who was 65 years of age and a farmer. Hiram was 27 years of age and a farmer with a personal estate valued at $100. Other family members in the connecting households included Hiram's brothers, Alonzo, with his wife and daughter, and Burr, with his wife and baby daughter.4 
(Brother) Census US 18802 June 1880Hiram was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 2 June 1880 in the household of his brother and sister-in-law, Mary and George Beebe, in Cascade, Clackamas County, Oregon. Hiram was single, 46 years of age, and worked as a farmer.5 
(Brother) Murder12 April 1884His brother, Burr Beebe, shot and killed his neighbor, Norris A. Phillips, on 12 April 1884 in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. The prosecuting attorney gave a report to the newspaper after his preliminary examination regarding the killing. He outlined for the paper the following facts that had been brought forward during his examination:

Burr Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood.

The Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land.

For that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land.

It seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field.

On the morning of the killing, Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground.

While he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction.

The hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate.

After a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through.

Beebe and his two brothers, Erastus Beebe, who was called Ras, and George were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for Phillips at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him.

Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up.

A report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks.

The prosecutor said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up, Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired. However, they also admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor, would seem to indicate that Burr came up with pistol in hand and ready to shoot. The prosecutor also said, that in his neighborhood, Burr was considered the "boss" pistol shot and, like the famous James brothers, could send a bullet about where he wanted it. Mrs. Fannie Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction. She said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing. Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her.

The prosecutor said that Beebe’s preliminary examination had been conducted before Justice Long and resulted in Beebe being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday, April 25, was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial.

The argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court. In less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached, and the Court was reconvened. The verdict of "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" was announced, and the penalty fixed by the jury was imprisonment for life in the State Prison. One newspaper reported that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Another paper reported that Beebe had introduced a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows.

Less than two months after Burr’s conviction, his brother, Erastus Beebe, was on trial in Superior Court for complicity in the same murder of Norris A. Phillips. After eight days, his trial ended on Monday, September 8, and the newspaper reported the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who had done the killing. Burr had been found guilty of murder in the first degree the previous July and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life.

The only new evidence introduced was that of Emma S. (Beebe) Walls, who was identified as Mrs. David Walls, a daughter of Burr Beebe. She testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe]) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime.

The argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury. Three hours later, the jury returned with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life. When the verdict was announced, Erastus stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away. He revived in a short time and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning. When the time arrived, however, Beebe was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18. The paper wrote that his health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered.6,7,8,9,10,11,12 
Marriage*24 August 1889He married Mary __?__ on 24 August 1889 at the bride's home in Clackamas County, Oregon. They were married by A. Hildebrand, Rector of St. John's Church, a Catholic Priest.13 
(Brother) Pardoned19 November 1891His brother, Erastus, was serving a life sentence for murder in Folsom Prison, Folsom, Sacramento County, California, when he was pardoned by California Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891.14 
Divorce*April 1892Mary (__?__) Cathro Beebe filed for a divorce from Hiram Beebe in April 1892 in Clackamas County, Oregon. They had been married for less than three years.15 
(Brother) Commutation24 December 1898A San Francisco newspaper, on 11 December 1898, reported that his brother, Burr Beebe, who was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in Modoc County in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Two weeks later, another San Francisco newspaper, making much of the Christmas present, reported that Burr was among six murderers and other prisoners convicted of high crimes who had been given commutations by California Governor James Herbert Budd. Burr received his full liberty on 24 December 1898.11,12 
Census US 1900*3 July 1900Hiram Beebe was enumerated on the 1900 census taken on 3 July 1900 in the Maple Lane Precinct, Clackamas County, Oregon. He was a boarder in the household of William Myers, 56 years of age and recorded as a widower. He was able to read, write and to speak English, and worked as a farm laborer.2 
Death*5 January 1911He died on 5 January 1911 in Oregon City, Clackamas County, Oregon, at age 77.16 
Fratricide*4 January 1911During a brutal and bloody fight between brothers, Hiram and Nelson Beebe, on 4 January 1911 in the front yard of a neighbor's home in Clackamas Heights, Oregon City, Clackamas County, Oregon, Hiram lost his life. There were no witnesses to the tragedy, and the report of Nelson Beebe, who was drunk when arrested, was all the information obtained by the authorities. A Portland, Oregon newspaper, under the headline, "Aged Brothers Battle with Ax and Club", published Nelson Beebe's explanation of the event, writing that he had received a $60 pension payment that morning and spent most of the day in an Oregon City saloon. At about 4 o'clock, he left for the home that he and his brother shared. He said that as soon as he opened the door of his house he was met by his brother with an ax in his hand, and that had started the fight. How long it lasted was not known. According to Nelson, his brother slashed him with the ax and, in self-defense, he used a club. The newspaper reported that the ax and the club were found in the yard that night, and that when the body of Hiram was found, his nose was smashed in and his body terribly bruised, indicating that the encounter was long and severe. After the fight ended, Nelson went to the home of a neighbor for help. He requested that his bleeding wounds be dressed and an Oregon City doctor was immediately called. Two neighborhood men who were the first ones to visit the scene of the tragedy, said they found Hiram's body still warm, and that there was blood all over the front yard, indicating the terrible struggle. At the County Jail that night Nelson said his brother started the trouble when he met him at the door with an ax in his hand, and on his attempt to cross the threshold dealt him a terrible blow. The newspaper reported that Nelson told several conflicting stories at the jail before going to sleep, and that when the two neighbors examined the house they found nothing disturbed. They reported that even the cat and dog were quietly sleeping in the corner. The newspaper article stated that Nelson and Hiram had lived in the vicinity for many years, were unmarried, and that Nelson had a daughter living in California. On the way to jail Nelson asked why Hiram had not been arrested, as he had started the trouble. It was said by the neighbors that Hiram suffered from a weak heart, but it was believed that his wounds were sufficient to have killed him.

Developments the day after the murder had taken place the night before were varied. Nelson Beebe, who was still being held in the County Jail, remained unaware that his brother, Hiram, had died, and was also unaware that he was about to be charged with the slaying of his brother with a club. According to the sheriff, Nelson believed he was in jail only to make certain there would be no more trouble. Later that afternoon the Coroner and a picked jury held an inquest over the body of Hiram Beebe and rendered the verdict: "That deceased came to his death from a blow on the head from some blunt instrument in the hands of a party or parties not known." Daylight had revealed evidence for the jury that showed more plainly the desperate character of the battle that was fought around the cottage in which the brothers lived The grass had been trodden down by many shifting changes, each made by one or the other of the men in an attempt to get a better footing or into a more advantageous position from which to continue the fight. The blood stains, too, showed that the fight had covered a wide area, and the heel and toe prints evidenced that the struggle had been one testing the very nerves of both combatants. A newspaper reported that Nelson Beebe, in his rambling talk, told of the many fights he had been in during his life, how he had never been whipped, how he had never been known to run, and that he seemed willing to stand on his record for bravery. The paper also predicted that, because the Grand Jury was currently in session, the District Attorney was likely to bring his case forward within a day or two, so it wouldn't be long before Nelson would know that he was charged with the murder of his brother.

The following day, on Friday, January 6, Nelson was arraigned on the charge of manslaughter. The newspaper reported that Beebe appeared very nervous and, upon his request that his hearing be scheduled as soon as possible, it was set for the following Monday morning. Nelson was returned to prison with bail set for $1,000. He repeated his statement that it was the first time he knew of Hiram's death and that, while he thought Hiram might have been seriously hurt, he thought from remarks dropped in his presence that Hiram was living and had a hand in Nelson being in prison.

Three months later, on Monday April 22, Nelson was discharged from custody because the Grand Jury found insufficient evidence or probable cause to formally charge him with the crime of manslaughter for the killing of his brother, Hiram, with a club the previous January. Nelson Beebe was 80 years old and Hiram, who was killed, was age 77. Nelson had always asserted than Hiram attacked him with an ax and that he used the club to defend himself. The paper reported that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer plainsman, that both men had been married twice, that Hiram had no children and that his second wife was Mrs. Mary Cathro of Canemah, Oregon, and that Nelson had a daughter, Laura, of Red Bluff, California. It mentioned that George Beebe, a younger brother of the men, lived in Eastern Oregon and that a nephew, George, lived near Estacada.17,18,19,20 
Burial*He was buried in the 1st Addition, Lot 120, Grave 4, of Mountain View Cemetery, Oregon City.16 

Family

 Mary __?__ b. Aug 1855, d. 20 Jan 1921

Citations

  1. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, enumeration of Hiram Beebe, (his surname spelled "Beeby" by the census taker), as a boarder in the household of Wiliam Myers, Year: 1900; Census Place: Maple Lane, Clackamas, Oregon; Roll: 1345; Page: 24; Enumeration District: 0082. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b.
  4. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo Beebe, (his name transcribed as "Phily Bube" by Ancestry), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Unorganized County, Nebraska Territory; Roll: M653_665; Page: 236; Family History Library Film: 803665. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cascade, Clackamas, Oregon; Roll: 1080; Page: 181a; Enumeration District: 016. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  6. [S2938] Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Plumas County Bulletin, (Greenville, California), Monday, April 28, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), reporting among the items under the caption, "Things in General", that Modoc County had acquired a very unenviable notoriety for perpetration of murders; that at Cedarville recently, a man named Burr Beebe shot and instantly killed another man named Phillips; that the men had quarreled about a piece of land and a water ditch. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884.
  7. [S2939] Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Feather River Bulletin, (Quincy, California), Saturday, May 3, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "The Last Murder in Modoc", reporting that from the Modoc Independent of April 24 in the report of F.W. Ewing who conducted the prosecution of Burr Bebe in his preliminary examination for the killing of Norris A. Phillips on April 12, the following facts were brought forth in the examination; that Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood; that the Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land; that for that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land; that it seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field; that on the morning of the killing Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground; that while he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction; that the hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate; that after a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through; that Beebe and his two brothers, Ras and George, were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for him at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him; that Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up; that a report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks; that Mr. Ewing said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired; that they, however, admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor would seem to indicate that he came up with pistol in hand and ready for business and that in his neighborhood he was considered the "boss' pistol shot and like the famous James brothers, can send a bullet about where he wants it; that Mrs. Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction; that she said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing; that Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her; that Beebe had a preliminary examination before Justice Long which resulted in his being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial. Hereinafter cited as Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California.
  8. [S2940] Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Monday, July 28, 1884, page, Page 4, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Murder in the First Degree", and reporting from the Modoc Independent, that the argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and that by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court; that in less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached; that upon the Court being convened, the verdict "Guilty of murder in the first degree" was announced; that the jury fixed the penalty at imprisonment for life in the State Prison; that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California.
  9. [S2941] Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, July 26, 1884, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "En Route to State Prison", reporting that Burr Beebe, a Modoc county farmer, was lodged in the city prison the night before enroute to State Prison where he was to spend the remainder of his days on a charge of murder; that he was arrested the previous April for having shot and killed Norr Phillips, a neighboring farmer, with whom he had a row over the right to a piece of property; that the prisoner interposed a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California.
  10. [S2924] Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Thursday, September 18, 1884, Page 1, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Another Conviction: Erastus Bebe Found Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" and referencing the Modoc Independent of September 11, reporting that the trial in Superior Court of Erastus Beebe for complicity in the murder of Norris A Phillips had ended on Monday after eight days and that the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who did the killing and two months previously had been found guilty of murder in the first degree and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life; that the only new evidence introduced was that of Mrs. David Wall, a daughter of Burr Beebe who testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime; that the argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury; that the jury returned three hours later with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" and with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life; that when the verdict was announced, Beebe stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away; that in a short time he revived and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning; that when the time arrived, however, the prisoner was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18; the Beebe's health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered. Hereinafter cited as Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884.
  11. [S2942] Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination: Did Insanity Cause Him to Commit the Crime? Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Sunday, December 11, 1898, Page 12, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), noting that Burr Beebe, serving a life sentence for murder committed in Modoc county in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination Dec 1898 California.
  12. [S2943] Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, December 24, 1898, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the headlines, "Christmas Presents of Liberty to Convicts" and "Six Murderers and Other Prisoners Convicted of High Crimes are Turned Loose by Governor Budd", and reporting from Sacramento on December 23, that Governor Budd had that day issued a number of commutations which would, without doubt, be received as welcome Christmas presents by those prisoners in whose favors they were made; that in each instance the prisoner was to receive his full liberty the following day, December 24; that among the pardons was Burr Beebe, sent from Modoc county in July 1884, life imprisonment for murder. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California.
  13. [S2946] Oregon, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1849-1967, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of Mr. Hiram Beebe and Mrs. Mary Cathro on 24 August 1889 in Clackamas County, Oregon, USA, marriage license issued on 23 August 1889, referencing Oregon State Archives; Salem, Oregon; Oregon, County Marriage Records, 1849-1967. Hereinafter cited as Oregon, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1849-1967.
  14. [S2923] California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950, online at www.ancestry.com, Folsom State Prison, Prison Registers, 1880-1896, E. J. Beebe, nativity New York, crime Murder, when received 15 September 1884, term of sentence Life, county sent from Colusa, age 29, occupation Butcher, height 5'10", complexion Florid, eyes Brown, hair, Dark Brown, remarks Pardoned by Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950.
  15. [S2947] Mary Beebe vs. Hiram Beebe, Divorce filed in April 1892 in Oregon, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Wednesday, April 27, 1892, Page 5, (Downloaded on December 14, 2025), under the captions, "Oregon City Court Matters" and "Work Done by the Circuit Judge and Grand Jury", reporting that among the divorces filed was that of Mary Beebe vs. Hiram Beebe. Hereinafter cited as Mary Beebe vs. Hiram Beebe, Divorce filed in April 1892 in Oregon.
  16. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Hiram Beebe, Memorial# 92717377. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  17. [S2945] Hiram and Nelson Beebe Engage in a Bloody Duel, Oregon 1911, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Oregon Daily Journal, (Portland, Oregon), Thursday, January 5, 1911, Page 4, (Downloaded on December 12, 2025), under the headlines, "Aged Brothers Battle with Ax and Club; One Dead" and "Hiram and Nelson Beebe of Oregon City Engage in a Bloody Duel; Cause of the Fight Not Known", and received as a special dispatch to the Journal dated Oregon City, January 5, reporting that a battle to the death occurred at Clackamas Heights the day before in the afternoon when two aged brothers engaged in a death struggle; that the affair took place in the front yard of Mary Roberts who lived two miles east of the city; that there were no witnesses to the tragedy and that the story of Nelson Beebe who was drunk when arrested was all the information obtainable; that it appeared that Nelson Beebe, who received a $60 pension that morning spent most of the day in an Oregon City saloon and about 4 o'clock left for his home; that as soon as he opened the door of his house he was met by his brother with an ax in his hand, and a death struggle was then commenced and how long it lasted is not known; that according to Nelson, his brother slashed him with an ax and in self-defense he used a club; that the ax and the club were found in the yard that night; that when the body of Hiram was found the nose was smashed in and the body terribly bruised, indicating that the encounter was long and severe; that after Hiram had breathed his last, Nelson went to the home of Mrs. George Mackiness who lived near and requested that his bleeding wounds be dressed and that an Oregon City doctor was immediately called; that Charles Grey and George Mackiness were the first ones to visit the scene of the tragedy, and they found the body yet warm; that there was blood all over the front yard, indicating a terrible struggle; that at the county jail that night Nelson said his brother started the trouble when he met him at the door with an ax in his hand, and on his attempt to cross the threshold dealt him a terrible blow; that Nelson told several conflicting stories at the county jail before going to sleep; that when Grey and Mackiness examined the house they found nothing disturbed, even the cat and dog quietly sleeping in the corner; that the two men had lived in the vicinity for many years; that they were widowers, Hiram having been married twice; that Nelson had a daughter living in California and that Hiram had no children; that on the way to jail Nelson asked why Hiram had not been arrested, as he started the trouble; that it was said by the neighbors that Hiram suffered from a weak heart, but that his wounds were sufficient to have killed him; that Hiram was a pioneer Oregonian of 1862, having crossed the plains with an ox team; that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and came to Oregon in 1870. Hereinafter cited as Hiram and Nelson Beebe Engage in a Bloody Duel, Oregon 1911.
  18. [S2949] Nelson Beebe Charged with Killing his Brother after Coroner's Inquest, January 5 1911, Oregon, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Friday, January 6, 1911, Page 12, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Murder Verdict Given", Coroner's Jury Passes on Beebe Case at Oregon City", and "Aged Alleged Slayer Still in Ignorance of Being Charged with Killing Brother", reporting from Oregon City on January 5, that developments that day in the murder that took place at Clackamas Heights the night before were varied; that Nelson Beebe, who was charged with the slaying of his brother with a club, still occupied a cell in the County Jail; that when he was visited that morning by the sheriff, he was reported to be as pert as if he had spent the night in pleasure rather than in a prison cell; that it was partly accounted for by the fact that he had not been informed of the death of his brother, Hiram, and believed he was in jail only to make certain there would be no more trouble; that the Coroner and a picked jury held an inquest over the body of Hiram Beebe that afternoon and rendered a verdict, "That deceased came to his death from a blow on the head from some blunt instrument in the hands of a party or parties not known"; that daylight revealed evidence that showed more plainly the desperate character of the battle that was fought around the cottage in which the brothers lived; that the grass had been trodden down by many shifting changes, each made by one or the other of these men in an attempt to get a better footing or into a more advantageous position from which to continue the fight; that the blood stains, too, showed that the fight had covered a wide range, and the heel and toe prints evidenced that the struggle had been one testing the very nerves of both combatants; that in his rambling talk, Nelson told of the many fights he had been in during his life, how he was never whipped and how he was never known to run; that he seemed willing to stand on his record for bravery; that because the grand jury was currently in session, the District Attorney was likely to bring his case forward within a day or two, so it wouldn't be long before Nelson would know that he was charged with the murder of his brother. Hereinafter cited as Nelson Beebe Charged with Killing his Brother after Coroner's Inquest, January 5 1911, Oregon.
  19. [S2948] Nelson Beebe Charged with Manslaughter 7 January 1911 Oregon, online at www.genealogybank.com, The Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Saturday, January 7, 1911, Page 8, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Manslaughter is Charge" and "Nelson Beebe is Arraigned for Killing his Brother", reporting from Oregon City on January 6, that Nelson Beebe, charged with killing his brother, Hiram Beebe, on Wednesday, January 4, was arraigned on the charge of manslaughter in Justice Samson's court on January 6, and that Beebe manifested considerable nervousness; that he wanted his hearing as soon as possible and it was set for the following Monday morning; that he was returned to prison, with bail set for $1,000; that Beebe reiterated his statement that it was the first time he knew of Hiram's death; that while he thought Hiram might have been seriously hurt, he thought from remarks dropped in his presence that Hiram was living and had a hand in Nelson being in prison. Hereinafter cited as Nelson Beebe Charged with Manslaughter 7 January 1911 Oregon.
  20. [S2950] Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe, April 1911, Oregon, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Sunday Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Sunday, April 23, 1911, Page 13, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Brother's Slayer Freed", and Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe", reporting from Oregon City on April 22, 1911, that Nelson Beebe, who killed his brother, Hiram, with a club the previous January at Clackamas Heights, was discharged from custody that afternoon because the Grand Jury returned not a true bill (which meant they found insufficient evidence or probable cause to formally charge Nelson with the crime of manslaughter); that Nelson Beebe was 80 years old and that Hiram, whom was killed, was age 77; that Nelson asserted than Hiram attacked him with an ax and he used the club to defend himself; that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer plainsman; that both men married twice; that Hiram had no children and that his second wife was Mrs. Cathrow of Canemah, Oregon, and that Nelson had a daughter, Laura of Red Bluff, California; that George Beebe, a younger brother, lived in Eastern Oregon and that a nephew lived near Estacada. Hereinafter cited as Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe, April 1911, Oregon.

Joseph S. Beebe1

b. 22 December 1879, d. 21 February 1958
Family
Father*Burr Beebe1,2 b. 1840, d. 17 Mar 1905
Mother*Harriet Amanda Bray1,3 b. 25 Jan 1842, d. 17 Jul 1929
Birth*22 December 1879Joseph S. Beebe was born on 22 December 1879 in California.4,5,6,7 
Name VariationHis birth name may have been Josiah.8 
(Son) Census US 18804 June 1880Josiah was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 4 June 1880 in the household of his parents in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. He had been born in late December and was five months old.8,9 
(Son) Murder12 April 1884He was 4 years old when his father shot and killed his neighbor, Norris A. Phillips, on 12 April 1884 in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. The prosecuting attorney gave a report to the newspaper after his preliminary examination regarding the killing. He outlined for the paper the following facts that had been brought forward during his examination:

Burr Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood.

The Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land.

For that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land.

It seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field.

On the morning of the killing, Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground.

While he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction.

The hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate.

After a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through.

Beebe and his two brothers, Erastus Beebe, who was called Ras, and George were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for Phillips at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him.

Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up.

A report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks.

The prosecutor said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up, Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired. However, they also admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor, would seem to indicate that Burr came up with pistol in hand and ready to shoot. The prosecutor also said, that in his neighborhood, Burr was considered the "boss" pistol shot and, like the famous James brothers, could send a bullet about where he wanted it. Mrs. Fannie Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction. She said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing. Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her.

The prosecutor said that Beebe’s preliminary examination had been conducted before Justice Long and resulted in Beebe being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday, April 25, was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial.

The argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court. In less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached, and the Court was reconvened. The verdict of "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" was announced, and the penalty fixed by the jury was imprisonment for life in the State Prison. One newspaper reported that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Another paper reported that Beebe had introduced a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows.

Less than two months after Burr’s conviction, his brother, Erastus Beebe, was on trial in Superior Court for complicity in the same murder of Norris A. Phillips. After eight days, his trial ended on Monday, September 8, and the newspaper reported the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who had done the killing. Burr had been found guilty of murder in the first degree the previous July and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life.

The only new evidence introduced was that of Emma S. (Beebe) Walls, who was identified as Mrs. David Walls, a daughter of Burr Beebe. She testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe]) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime.

The argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury. Three hours later, the jury returned with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life. When the verdict was announced, Erastus stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away. He revived in a short time and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning. When the time arrived, however, Beebe was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18. The paper wrote that his health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered.10,11,12,13,14,15,16 
(Nephew) Pardoned19 November 1891His uncle, Erastus J. Beebe, was serving a life sentence for murder in Folsom Prison, Folsom, Sacramento County, California, when he was pardoned by California Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891.17 
(Son) Commutation24 December 1898Joseph was 19 years old when a San Francisco newspaper, on 11 December 1898, reported that his father, Burr Beebe, who was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in Modoc County in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Two weeks later, another San Francisco newspaper, making much of the Christmas present, reported that Burr was among six murderers and other prisoners convicted of high crimes who had been given commutations by California Governor James Herbert Budd. Burr received his full liberty on 24 December 1898.15,16 
Marriage*2 December 1917He married Josephine M. Fogarty, daughter of John Michael Fogarty and Mary Ann Tierney, on 2 December 1917 in Nampa, Canyon County, Idaho.18,1,19 
(Brother) Missing Person11 August 1957 On Sunday, 11 August 1957, his sister, Rose (Beebe) Jewett, wandered away from a family berry-picking camp in rugged country near the Elk River in north-central Idaho. An organized search for her had begun as soon as she was reported missing, It was called off on Tuesday, then resumed on Wednesday at the request of her daughters, Nellie Wymore and Eula Johnson. Nelllie, who lived in Boise, Idaho, described her mother as an elderly 85-year-old woman, who was "quite active", although her memory had been failing. Nellie believed her mother may have been picked up along a highway, then left off somewhere, and that with her memory failing, she may have forgotten who she was or where she was from. Nellie said her mother was about five feet tall, weighed about 117 pounds, and had white hair. At the time of her disappearance, she had no money with her.

Newspapers reported that many searchers and woods workers had been released from their jobs to aid in the hunt for the missing woman, and that a helicopter had also been in use. Some searchers reported on Wednesday that they had combed the area so thoroughly it appeared doubtful the elderly Mrs. Jewett was anywhere near the spot she wandered away from on Sunday.

By Thursday, October 17, Rose had still not been found. Newspapers reminded their readers that the frail, elderly woman had been missing for two months, since August 11, in the heavily timbered mountain country near Elk River. They reported that Rose's daughter, Eula Johnson of Juliaetta, Idaho, was offering a reward for the finding of her mother who had disappeared while on a family huckleberry picking expedition. Eula would pay $500 for information leading to the finding of her mother alive and $300 for information leading to the discovery of her body. Volunteers and deputies, aided by planes and bloodhounds, had made a long and extensive search of the area without turning up any trace of Mrs. Jewett. There had been speculation the woman might have been given a ride by a motorist, but officers had checked out all tips without result. Mrs. Johnson stated she had not given up hope that her mother would be found alive.

Two of Rose's sons, Joseph and Hubert, had predeceased their mother's disappearance in 1957. In addition to Rose's two daughters, Nellie and Eula, who were featured in the newspaper stories regarding her disappearance, five of Rose's other children were living. Clara, Preston, William and Nora also lived in Idaho at the time, and Bulah, who had lived in Idaho much of her life, had moved to Oregon after her second marriage in 1955.20,21 
Death*21 February 1958He died on 21 February 1958 in Boise, Ada County, Idaho, at age 781,7 
Burial* and was buried in Plot# MHILL_SJ11_52_4 of Morris Hill Cemetery, Boise.1 

Family

 Josephine M. Fogarty b. 19 Jul 1896, d. 2 Feb 1975

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Joseph S. Beebe, Memorial# 59467128. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Burr Beebe Sr., Memorial# 93995676.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Harriett Amanda (Bray) Beebe, Memorial# 37846755.
  4. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Harriet Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067, Joseph was recorded as 5 months old with a notation that he had been born in December. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Amanda Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Baba" by the census taker), Year: 1870; Census Place: Washington, Oregon; Roll: M593_1288; Page: 475B, Josiah (or Joseph) was not enumerated on the 1870 census. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Joseph S. Beebe, Memorial# 59467128, his date of birth recorded as 22 December 1869.
  7. [S2169] Idaho, U.S., Death Records, 1890-1967, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Joseph S. Beebe, age 88, on 21 February 1958 in Boise, Ada, Idaho, USA, married to Josephine Beebe, farmer, born on 22 December 1869 in California, son of Burr Beebe and Harriet Bray, informant his wife, Mrs. Josephine Beebe, citing Certificate# 000463, Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Boise, ID, USA, Death Index and Images, 1911-1973. Hereinafter cited as Idaho, U.S., Death Records, 1890-1967.
  8. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Harriet Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067.
  9. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of E. J. and Lucinda Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067.
  10. [S2938] Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Plumas County Bulletin, (Greenville, California), Monday, April 28, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), reporting among the items under the caption, "Things in General", that Modoc County had acquired a very unenviable notoriety for perpetration of murders; that at Cedarville recently, a man named Burr Beebe shot and instantly killed another man named Phillips; that the men had quarreled about a piece of land and a water ditch. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884.
  11. [S2939] Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Feather River Bulletin, (Quincy, California), Saturday, May 3, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "The Last Murder in Modoc", reporting that from the Modoc Independent of April 24 in the report of F.W. Ewing who conducted the prosecution of Burr Bebe in his preliminary examination for the killing of Norris A. Phillips on April 12, the following facts were brought forth in the examination; that Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood; that the Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land; that for that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land; that it seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field; that on the morning of the killing Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground; that while he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction; that the hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate; that after a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through; that Beebe and his two brothers, Ras and George, were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for him at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him; that Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up; that a report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks; that Mr. Ewing said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired; that they, however, admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor would seem to indicate that he came up with pistol in hand and ready for business and that in his neighborhood he was considered the "boss' pistol shot and like the famous James brothers, can send a bullet about where he wants it; that Mrs. Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction; that she said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing; that Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her; that Beebe had a preliminary examination before Justice Long which resulted in his being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial. Hereinafter cited as Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California.
  12. [S2940] Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Monday, July 28, 1884, page, Page 4, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Murder in the First Degree", and reporting from the Modoc Independent, that the argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and that by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court; that in less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached; that upon the Court being convened, the verdict "Guilty of murder in the first degree" was announced; that the jury fixed the penalty at imprisonment for life in the State Prison; that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California.
  13. [S2941] Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, July 26, 1884, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "En Route to State Prison", reporting that Burr Beebe, a Modoc county farmer, was lodged in the city prison the night before enroute to State Prison where he was to spend the remainder of his days on a charge of murder; that he was arrested the previous April for having shot and killed Norr Phillips, a neighboring farmer, with whom he had a row over the right to a piece of property; that the prisoner interposed a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California.
  14. [S2924] Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Thursday, September 18, 1884, Page 1, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Another Conviction: Erastus Bebe Found Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" and referencing the Modoc Independent of September 11, reporting that the trial in Superior Court of Erastus Beebe for complicity in the murder of Norris A Phillips had ended on Monday after eight days and that the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who did the killing and two months previously had been found guilty of murder in the first degree and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life; that the only new evidence introduced was that of Mrs. David Wall, a daughter of Burr Beebe who testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime; that the argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury; that the jury returned three hours later with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" and with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life; that when the verdict was announced, Beebe stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away; that in a short time he revived and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning; that when the time arrived, however, the prisoner was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18; the Beebe's health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered. Hereinafter cited as Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884.
  15. [S2942] Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination: Did Insanity Cause Him to Commit the Crime? Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Sunday, December 11, 1898, Page 12, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), noting that Burr Beebe, serving a life sentence for murder committed in Modoc county in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination Dec 1898 California.
  16. [S2943] Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, December 24, 1898, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the headlines, "Christmas Presents of Liberty to Convicts" and "Six Murderers and Other Prisoners Convicted of High Crimes are Turned Loose by Governor Budd", and reporting from Sacramento on December 23, that Governor Budd had that day issued a number of commutations which would, without doubt, be received as welcome Christmas presents by those prisoners in whose favors they were made; that in each instance the prisoner was to receive his full liberty the following day, December 24; that among the pardons was Burr Beebe, sent from Modoc county in July 1884, life imprisonment for murder. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California.
  17. [S2923] California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950, online at www.ancestry.com, Folsom State Prison, Prison Registers, 1880-1896, E. J. Beebe, nativity New York, crime Murder, when received 15 September 1884, term of sentence Life, county sent from Colusa, age 29, occupation Butcher, height 5'10", complexion Florid, eyes Brown, hair, Dark Brown, remarks Pardoned by Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950.
  18. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Josephine M. Beebe, Memorial# 59467129.
  19. [S2170] Idaho, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1864-1967, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage on 2 December 1917 in Nampa, Canyon County, Idaho, of "Joesiah" Beebe of Boise, Ada County, and Josephine Fogarty of Boise, referencing Idaho State Archives and Historical Society, Boise, Idaho, Idaho, County Marriage Records. Hereinafter cited as Idaho, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1864-1967.
  20. [S2931] Rose Jewett, 85, Missing in Idaho on 11 August 1957, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Idaho Statesman, (Boise, Idaho), Thursday, August 15, 1957, Page 24, (Downloaded on November 24, 2025), with a photo and under the headline, "Daughter of Lost Woman Appeals for Search Aid", reporting that the daughter of an elderly north Idaho woman, who had been missing in rugged country near Elk river since Sunday issued a plea Wednesday in Boise for aid in locating the aged woman; Mrs. Nellie Wymore of 1802 North Twenty-sixth street, Boise, said there was a chance her mother, 85-year-old Mrs. Rose H. Jewett, may have reached a highway and had been picked up by a passerby; that Mrs. Jewett apparently wandered away from a family berry-picking camp near Elk river on Sunday afternoon; that she had been the object of an organized search ever since she had been reported missing; that although the search had been called off Tuesday, it was resumed Wednesday at the request of Mrs. George Johnson of Juliaetta (Idaho), another of Mrs. Jewett's daughters; authorities expressed little hope that Mrs. Jewett would be found alive, but the daughter in Boise said the elderly woman may have reached a highway; that Mrs. Wymore described her mother as "quite active', but said her memory had been failing; that Mrs. Wymore believed her mother may have been picked up along a highway, then left off somewhere; that with her memory failing, Mrs. Jewett may have forgotten who she was or where she was from; that Mrs. Wymore described her mother as about five feet tall, weighing about 117 pounds, and having white hair; that she had no money with her at the time she disappeared; that many searchers and woods workers had been released from their jobs to aid in the hunt, and that a helicopter had also been in use; that some searchers reported Wednesday that they had combed the area so thoroughly it appeared doubtful the elderly woman was anywhere near the spot she wandered away from Sunday. Hereinafter cited as Rose Jewett, 85, Missing in Idaho on 11 August 1957.
  21. [S2932] Rose Jewett: Reward Offered for Information on Lost Woman Idaho October 1957, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Idaho Statesman, (Boise, Idaho), Friday, October 18, 1957, Page 23, (Downloaded on November 24, 2025), from Juliaetta, Idaho, under the title, "Reward Offered for Information on Lost Woman", reporting that rewards were offered Thursday for a frail, elderly woman missing since August 11 in heavily timbered mountain country near Elk River; that Mrs. George Johnson offered the rewards for the finding of her mother, Mrs. Rose Jewett, 95 (sic), who disappeared while on a family huckleberry picking expedition; that she would pay $500 for information to the finding of her mother alive and $300 for information leading the discovery of her body; that volunteers and deputies, aided by planes and bloodhounds, made a long, extensive search of the area without turning up any trace of Mrs. Jewett; that there had been speculation the woman might have been given a ride by a motorist, but officers had checked out all tips without result; that Mrs. Johnson said she had not given up hope that her mother would be found alive. Hereinafter cited as Rose Jewett: Reward Offered for Information on Lost Woman Idaho October 1957.

Laura Beebe1

b. 1857
Family
Father*Alonzo S. Beebe1 b. 1823, d. 1862
Mother*Mary Cantrall1 b. 13 Feb 1838
Birth*1857Laura Beebe was born about 1857 in Illinois.1 
(Granddaughter) Census US 186026 June 1860Laura was 3 years old when she was enumerated with her parents on the 1860 census taken on 26 June 1860 in the Nebraska Territory. They were within a group of connecting households containing members of the extended family of Laura's paternal grandfather, Philo Beebe.1 
(Niece) Census US 1870between 1 June 1870 and 23 August 1871Laura was enumerated on the 1870 census taken between 1 June 1870 and 23 August 1871 in the household of her aunt and uncle, Amanda and Burr Beebe, in Washington County, Oregon. Laura was 14 years old and able to read, although not yet abke to write.2 

Citations

  1. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo Beebe, (his name transcribed as "Phily Bube" by Ancestry), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Unorganized County, Nebraska Territory; Roll: M653_665; Page: 236; Family History Library Film: 803665. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Amanda Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Baba" by the census taker), Year: 1870; Census Place: Washington, Oregon; Roll: M593_1288; Page: 475B. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.

Laura Beebe1

b. April 1870, d. July 1870
Family
Father*Erastus J. Beebe1 b. 17 Jan 1828, d. 17 Nov 1911
Mother*Lucinda McFee1 b. Feb 1842, d. 3 Jan 1905
Birth*April 1870Laura Beebe was born in April 1870 in Washington County, Oregon,1,2 
Death*July 1870 and died there of typhoid fever in July 1870 at the age of two months.2 

Citations

  1. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Erastus and Lucinda Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Baba" by the census taker), Year: 1870; Census Place: Washington, Oregon; Roll: M593_1288; Page: 475A. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S2536] U.S., Federal Census Mortality Schedules Index, 1850-1880, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Laura Beebe, age 2 months, of Typhoid Fever in July 1870 in Washington County, Oregon, born in Oregon, citing ID# 197_20102. Hereinafter cited as U.S., Federal Census Mortality Schedules Index, 1850-1880.

Laura Beebe1

b. 27 February 1867, d. 27 March 1949
Family
Father*Nelson Beebe2,3,1,4 b. 24 May 1831, d. 27 Feb 1921
Mother*Sarah Cantrall1 b. 1842
Birth*27 February 1867Laura Beebe was born probably on 27 February 1867 in Illinois.2,5,4 
Name VariationHer full name was Laura Malinda Beebe.6 
(Daughter) Census US 18706 July 1870Laura was enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 6 July 1870 in the household of her parents in Surprise Valley, Siskiyou County, California. She was recorded as 4 years old.7 
(Daughter) DivorceHer parents separated, and were probably divorced, not long after they were enumerated as a family on the 1870 census. Her mother married a second time about 1874, and Laura, who was about 7 years old, continued to live with her father.8,9 
(Niece) Census US 18802 June 1880Laura was enumerated with her father on the 1880 census in the household of her aunt and uncle, Mary and George Beebe, taken on 2 June 1880 in Cascade, Clackamas County, Oregon. Laura was 12 years old and keeping house for her father.1 
Marriage*15 April 1888She married, as her first husband, Jesse McCollum, son of Jesse McCollum and Elleanor Welsh, on 15 April 1888 in Santa Clara County, California.6,10,11 
(Daughter) Fratricide4 January 1911During a brutal and bloody fight between her father, Nelson Beebe, and his brother, Hiram Beebe, on 4 January 1911 in the front yard of a neighbor's home in Clackamas Heights, Oregon City, Clackamas County, Oregon, Hiram lost his life. There were no witnesses to the tragedy, and the report of Nelson Beebe, who was drunk when arrested, was all the information obtained by the authorities. A Portland, Oregon newspaper, under the headline, "Aged Brothers Battle with Ax and Club", published Nelson Beebe's explanation of the event, writing that he had received a $60 pension payment that morning and spent most of the day in an Oregon City saloon. At about 4 o'clock, he left for the home that he and his brother shared. He said that as soon as he opened the door of his house he was met by his brother with an ax in his hand, and that had started the fight. How long it lasted was not known. According to Nelson, his brother slashed him with the ax and, in self-defense, he used a club. The newspaper reported that the ax and the club were found in the yard that night, and that when the body of Hiram was found, his nose was smashed in and his body terribly bruised, indicating that the encounter was long and severe. After the fight ended, Nelson went to the home of a neighbor for help. He requested that his bleeding wounds be dressed and an Oregon City doctor was immediately called. Two neighborhood men who were the first ones to visit the scene of the tragedy, said they found Hiram's body still warm, and that there was blood all over the front yard, indicating the terrible struggle. At the County Jail that night Nelson said his brother started the trouble when he met him at the door with an ax in his hand, and on his attempt to cross the threshold dealt him a terrible blow. The newspaper reported that Nelson told several conflicting stories at the jail before going to sleep, and that when the two neighbors examined the house they found nothing disturbed. They reported that even the cat and dog were quietly sleeping in the corner. The newspaper article stated that Nelson and Hiram had lived in the vicinity for many years, were unmarried, and that Nelson had a daughter living in California. On the way to jail Nelson asked why Hiram had not been arrested, as he had started the trouble. It was said by the neighbors that Hiram suffered from a weak heart, but it was believed that his wounds were sufficient to have killed him.

Developments the day after the murder had taken place the night before were varied. Nelson Beebe, who was still being held in the County Jail, remained unaware that his brother, Hiram, had died, and was also unaware that he was about to be charged with the slaying of his brother with a club. According to the sheriff, Nelson believed he was in jail only to make certain there would be no more trouble. Later that afternoon the Coroner and a picked jury held an inquest over the body of Hiram Beebe and rendered the verdict: "That deceased came to his death from a blow on the head from some blunt instrument in the hands of a party or parties not known." Daylight had revealed evidence for the jury that showed more plainly the desperate character of the battle that was fought around the cottage in which the brothers lived The grass had been trodden down by many shifting changes, each made by one or the other of the men in an attempt to get a better footing or into a more advantageous position from which to continue the fight. The blood stains, too, showed that the fight had covered a wide area, and the heel and toe prints evidenced that the struggle had been one testing the very nerves of both combatants. A newspaper reported that Nelson Beebe, in his rambling talk, told of the many fights he had been in during his life, how he had never been whipped, how he had never been known to run, and that he seemed willing to stand on his record for bravery. The paper also predicted that, because the Grand Jury was currently in session, the District Attorney was likely to bring his case forward within a day or two, so it wouldn't be long before Nelson would know that he was charged with the murder of his brother.

The following day, on Friday, January 6, Nelson was arraigned on the charge of manslaughter. The newspaper reported that Beebe appeared very nervous and, upon his request that his hearing be scheduled as soon as possible, it was set for the following Monday morning. Nelson was returned to prison with bail set for $1,000. He repeated his statement that it was the first time he knew of Hiram's death and that, while he thought Hiram might have been seriously hurt, he thought from remarks dropped in his presence that Hiram was living and had a hand in Nelson being in prison.

Three months later, on Monday April 22, Nelson was discharged from custody because the Grand Jury found insufficient evidence or probable cause to formally charge him with the crime of manslaughter for the killing of his brother, Hiram, with a club the previous January. Nelson Beebe was 80 years old and Hiram, who was killed, was age 77. Nelson had always asserted than Hiram attacked him with an ax and that he used the club to defend himself. The paper reported that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer plainsman, that both men had been married twice, that Hiram had no children and that his second wife was Mrs. Mary Cathro of Canemah, Oregon, and that Nelson had a daughter, Laura, of Red Bluff, California. It mentioned that George Beebe, a younger brother of the men, lived in Eastern Oregon and that a nephew, George, lived near Estacada.12,13,14,15 
Census US 1920*21 January 1920Laura M. and Jesse McCollum were enumerated on the 1920 census taken on 21 January 1920 at 224 B Street, Marysville, Yuba County, California. Jesse was 63 years of age and his occupation was recorded as "None", and Laura was 52 years of age and her occupation was "Keeps Roomers" on her own account. They rented their house. Laura's father, Nelson Beebe, was living with them in 1920. He was recorded as 90 years of age and a widower. Five lodgers were also enumerated in the McCollum household and rooming house in 1920. One of them, Thomas Scoggins, who was 56 years of age, single, and worked boring (drilling) wells on his own account, would become Laura's second husband in 1925.16 
(Daughter) Death27 February 1921Her father died at her home in Marysville, Yuba County, California, on 27 February 1921 at age 89.3,6 
(Wife) Death7 December 1921Laura became a widow when Jesse McCollum died on 7 December 1921 at age 64.10,17 
Marriage*12 February 1925She married, as her second husband, Thomas Scoggins, son of William Gustavus Scoggin and Amanda Elizabeth Grubbe, on 12 February 1925 in Yuba City, Sutter County, California.18,6,19 
(Wife) Death21 March 1935Laura became a widow for the second time when Thomas Scoggins died on 21 March 1935 at age 74.18 
Death*27 March 1949She died on 27 March 1949 in Yuba County, California, at age 826 
Burial* and was buried with her second husband in Plot# 3-273-3 of Sutter Cemetery, Sutter, Sutter County, California.6,18 

Family 1

 Jesse McCollum b. 8 Mar 1857, d. 7 Dec 1921

Family 2

 Thomas Scoggins b. 7 Nov 1860, d. 21 Mar 1935

Citations

  1. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cascade, Clackamas, Oregon; Roll: 1080; Page: 181a; Enumeration District: 016. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Laura Malinda (Beebe) Scoggins, Memorial# 125407953, daughter of Nelson Beebe, born 27 February 1867. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, PVT Nelson A. Beebe, Memorial# 95099347.
  4. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Nelson and Sarah Beebe, (his name transcribed as "Welson" by Ancestry), Year: 1870; Census Place: Surprise Valley, Siskiyou, California; Roll: M593_89; Page: 640B; Laura was recorded as 4 years old and her year of birth estimated as 1866. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cascade, Clackamas, Oregon; Roll: 1080; Page: 181a; Enumeration District: 016; Laura was recorded as 2 years old and her year of birth estimated as 1868.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Laura Malinda (Beebe) Scoggins, Memorial# 125407953.
  7. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Nelson and Sarah Beebe, (his name transcribed as "Welson" by Ancestry), Year: 1870; Census Place: Surprise Valley, Siskiyou, California; Roll: M593_89; Page: 640B.
  8. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Robert Dalton, Memorial# 191381227.
  9. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Sarah (Cantrall) Hancox, Memorial# 42140834.
  10. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Jesse McCollum, Memorial# 28922887.
  11. [S1726] California, County Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1849-1980, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of Jessie McCollum and Laura "McCollum" on 15 April 1888 in Santa Clara County, California, USA, referencing California Department of Public Health, courtesy of www.vitalsearch-worldwide.com. Digital Images. Hereinafter cited as California, County Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1849-1980.
  12. [S2945] Hiram and Nelson Beebe Engage in a Bloody Duel, Oregon 1911, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Oregon Daily Journal, (Portland, Oregon), Thursday, January 5, 1911, Page 4, (Downloaded on December 12, 2025), under the headlines, "Aged Brothers Battle with Ax and Club; One Dead" and "Hiram and Nelson Beebe of Oregon City Engage in a Bloody Duel; Cause of the Fight Not Known", and received as a special dispatch to the Journal dated Oregon City, January 5, reporting that a battle to the death occurred at Clackamas Heights the day before in the afternoon when two aged brothers engaged in a death struggle; that the affair took place in the front yard of Mary Roberts who lived two miles east of the city; that there were no witnesses to the tragedy and that the story of Nelson Beebe who was drunk when arrested was all the information obtainable; that it appeared that Nelson Beebe, who received a $60 pension that morning spent most of the day in an Oregon City saloon and about 4 o'clock left for his home; that as soon as he opened the door of his house he was met by his brother with an ax in his hand, and a death struggle was then commenced and how long it lasted is not known; that according to Nelson, his brother slashed him with an ax and in self-defense he used a club; that the ax and the club were found in the yard that night; that when the body of Hiram was found the nose was smashed in and the body terribly bruised, indicating that the encounter was long and severe; that after Hiram had breathed his last, Nelson went to the home of Mrs. George Mackiness who lived near and requested that his bleeding wounds be dressed and that an Oregon City doctor was immediately called; that Charles Grey and George Mackiness were the first ones to visit the scene of the tragedy, and they found the body yet warm; that there was blood all over the front yard, indicating a terrible struggle; that at the county jail that night Nelson said his brother started the trouble when he met him at the door with an ax in his hand, and on his attempt to cross the threshold dealt him a terrible blow; that Nelson told several conflicting stories at the county jail before going to sleep; that when Grey and Mackiness examined the house they found nothing disturbed, even the cat and dog quietly sleeping in the corner; that the two men had lived in the vicinity for many years; that they were widowers, Hiram having been married twice; that Nelson had a daughter living in California and that Hiram had no children; that on the way to jail Nelson asked why Hiram had not been arrested, as he started the trouble; that it was said by the neighbors that Hiram suffered from a weak heart, but that his wounds were sufficient to have killed him; that Hiram was a pioneer Oregonian of 1862, having crossed the plains with an ox team; that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and came to Oregon in 1870. Hereinafter cited as Hiram and Nelson Beebe Engage in a Bloody Duel, Oregon 1911.
  13. [S2949] Nelson Beebe Charged with Killing his Brother after Coroner's Inquest, January 5 1911, Oregon, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Friday, January 6, 1911, Page 12, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Murder Verdict Given", Coroner's Jury Passes on Beebe Case at Oregon City", and "Aged Alleged Slayer Still in Ignorance of Being Charged with Killing Brother", reporting from Oregon City on January 5, that developments that day in the murder that took place at Clackamas Heights the night before were varied; that Nelson Beebe, who was charged with the slaying of his brother with a club, still occupied a cell in the County Jail; that when he was visited that morning by the sheriff, he was reported to be as pert as if he had spent the night in pleasure rather than in a prison cell; that it was partly accounted for by the fact that he had not been informed of the death of his brother, Hiram, and believed he was in jail only to make certain there would be no more trouble; that the Coroner and a picked jury held an inquest over the body of Hiram Beebe that afternoon and rendered a verdict, "That deceased came to his death from a blow on the head from some blunt instrument in the hands of a party or parties not known"; that daylight revealed evidence that showed more plainly the desperate character of the battle that was fought around the cottage in which the brothers lived; that the grass had been trodden down by many shifting changes, each made by one or the other of these men in an attempt to get a better footing or into a more advantageous position from which to continue the fight; that the blood stains, too, showed that the fight had covered a wide range, and the heel and toe prints evidenced that the struggle had been one testing the very nerves of both combatants; that in his rambling talk, Nelson told of the many fights he had been in during his life, how he was never whipped and how he was never known to run; that he seemed willing to stand on his record for bravery; that because the grand jury was currently in session, the District Attorney was likely to bring his case forward within a day or two, so it wouldn't be long before Nelson would know that he was charged with the murder of his brother. Hereinafter cited as Nelson Beebe Charged with Killing his Brother after Coroner's Inquest, January 5 1911, Oregon.
  14. [S2948] Nelson Beebe Charged with Manslaughter 7 January 1911 Oregon, online at www.genealogybank.com, The Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Saturday, January 7, 1911, Page 8, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Manslaughter is Charge" and "Nelson Beebe is Arraigned for Killing his Brother", reporting from Oregon City on January 6, that Nelson Beebe, charged with killing his brother, Hiram Beebe, on Wednesday, January 4, was arraigned on the charge of manslaughter in Justice Samson's court on January 6, and that Beebe manifested considerable nervousness; that he wanted his hearing as soon as possible and it was set for the following Monday morning; that he was returned to prison, with bail set for $1,000; that Beebe reiterated his statement that it was the first time he knew of Hiram's death; that while he thought Hiram might have been seriously hurt, he thought from remarks dropped in his presence that Hiram was living and had a hand in Nelson being in prison. Hereinafter cited as Nelson Beebe Charged with Manslaughter 7 January 1911 Oregon.
  15. [S2950] Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe, April 1911, Oregon, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Sunday Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Sunday, April 23, 1911, Page 13, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Brother's Slayer Freed", and Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe", reporting from Oregon City on April 22, 1911, that Nelson Beebe, who killed his brother, Hiram, with a club the previous January at Clackamas Heights, was discharged from custody that afternoon because the Grand Jury returned not a true bill (which meant they found insufficient evidence or probable cause to formally charge Nelson with the crime of manslaughter); that Nelson Beebe was 80 years old and that Hiram, whom was killed, was age 77; that Nelson asserted than Hiram attacked him with an ax and he used the club to defend himself; that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer plainsman; that both men married twice; that Hiram had no children and that his second wife was Mrs. Cathrow of Canemah, Oregon, and that Nelson had a daughter, Laura of Red Bluff, California; that George Beebe, a younger brother, lived in Eastern Oregon and that a nephew lived near Estacada. Hereinafter cited as Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe, April 1911, Oregon.
  16. [S73] 1920 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Jesse and Laura M. McCollum, Year: 1920; Census Place: Marysville Ward 1, Yuba, California; Roll: T625_153; Page: 16B; Enumeration District: 176. Hereinafter cited as 1920 United States Federal Census.
  17. [S2096] U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current, online at www.ancestry.com, Marysville Democrat, Marysville, California, Thursday, December 08, 1921, "Death of Jesse McCollum", after lingering illness, widow Laura, son Nelson, brother Edward of Gilroy. Hereinafter cited as U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current.
  18. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Thomas Greenleaf Scoggins, Memorial# 125408016.
  19. [S2161] U.S., Newspapers.com Marriage Index, 1800s-current, online at www.ancestry.com, Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, California, Friday, February 13, 1925, marriage of Thomas "Scoggin", 62, and Laura M. McCollum, 58, the day before at the home of Justice Tucker in Yuba City; both were residents of Marysville where they would continue to make their home. Hereinafter cited as U.S., Newspapers.com Marriage Index, 1800s-current.

Lizzie Beebe1

b. 1879
Family
Father*George Beebe1 b. Sep 1835, d. 9 Aug 1911
Mother*Mary McFee1 b. 1852, d. 1897
Birth*1879Lizzie Beebe was born about 1879 in California.1 
(Daughter) Census US 18802 June 1880Lizzie was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 2 June 1880 in the household of her parents in Cascade, Clackamas County, Oregon. She was one year old.1 
(Daughter) Death1897She was about 18 years old when her mother died in 1897 at about age 45. Her death left Lizzie's father with six children between the ages of 3 and 27 years.2 
(Daughter) Marriage1898About a year after her mother's death, her father married a second time to Mary Jane (Kesling) Hammer, who had also been widowed and had six children, four sons and two daughters, between the ages of 6 and 24 years.3,4,5 

Citations

  1. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cascade, Clackamas, Oregon; Roll: 1080; Page: 181a; Enumeration District: 016. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Mary (McFee) Beebe, Memorial# 22641983. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Mary Jane (Kesling) Davis, Memorial# 5342059.
  4. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, George Beebe, Memorial# 33395671.
  5. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary J. Beebe, Year: 1900; Census Place: Oak Grove, Wasco, Oregon; Roll: 1353; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 0150. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.

Maria Beebe1

b. 24 December 1829
Family
Father*David Beebe2 b. bt 1801 - 1803, d. 14 Sep 1851
Mother*Amy Franklin2 b. bt 1805 - 1807, d. 12 Feb 1893
Birth*24 December 1829Maria Beebe was born on 24 December 1829, probably in New York.1,2 
Marriage*5 January 1849She married, as his first wife, Raymond Beebe, son of Philo Beebe and Laura Franklin, on 5 January 1849 in Berlin, St. Clair County, Michigan. If their fathers were brothers, as we suspect, Raymond and Maria were first cousins.1 
Divorce*Maria and Raymond separated shortly after their marriage, and were probably divorced. In August of 1850 they were enumerated separately in the households of their respective parents. Raymond moved away from the area and married a second time in the early 1850s.2,3 
(Eldest Daughter) Census US 185024 August 1850Maria was enumerated on the 1850 census taken on 24 August 1850 in the household of her parents in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. She was 21 years old and had no occupation reported. We note that Maria had married the previous year and was separated, and possibly already divorced, from her husband, Raymond Beebe, a son of Philo Beebe, who was Maria's uncle, being her father's brother. As with Maria, Raymond was enumerated with his parents in 1850. The households of the two brothers, David and Philo Beebe, were recorded on the same census page in 1850 with only one other household between them.4,5 
(Daughter) Census US 18606 June 1860Maria was enumerated with her mother and five of her siblings on the 1860 census taken on 6 June 1860 in the household of Roswell Fuller in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. Maria was 31 years of age and her occupation was described by the census taker as "vagrant."6,7,8 

Family

 Raymond Beebe b. 4 Feb 1827, d. 31 Mar 1899

Citations

  1. [S2922] St. Clair County, Michigan, Marriages, 1838-1857, Book 1, online at https://sites.rootsweb.com/%7Emistcla2/m_records1.htm, marriage on 5 January 1849 in Berlin, St Clair County, Michigan, of Raymond Beebe of Berlin, age 22 on 4th day of February, and Maria Beebe of Berlin, age 19 on 24th day of December (last), witnesses John C. Clark and George Rutherford, both of Berlin, married by Chandler P. Stone, Justice of the Peace. Hereinafter cited as St. Clair County, Michigan, Marriages, 1838-1857, Book 1.
  2. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b; Maria was recorded as 21 years of age and her date of birth estimated as 1829. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a; Raymond was recorded as 24 years of age and his date of birth estimated as 1826.
  4. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b.
  5. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a.
  6. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, enumeration of Amy Bebee and six of her children, (her surname recorded as "Fuller" and her name recorded as "Ama" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
  7. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Roswell Fuller, The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559.
  8. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Elbert and Lucina Bebee, The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559.

Mary A. Beebe1,2

b. April 1870
Family
Father*Burr Beebe1 b. 1840, d. 17 Mar 1905
Mother*Harriet Amanda Bray1 b. 25 Jan 1842, d. 17 Jul 1929
Birth*April 1870Mary A. Beebe was born in April 1870 in Oregon.1 
(Daughter) Census US 1870between 1 June 1870 and 23 August 1871Mary A. was enumerated on the 1870 census taken between 1 June 1870 and 23 August 1871 in the household of her parents in Washington County, Oregon. She had been born in April and was one month old.1 
(Daughter) Insanity5 May 1873She was 3 years old when her mother, Harriet A. Beebe, was admitted on 5 May 1873 to the Insane Asylum of the State of California at Stockton, California's first public hospital solely for the mentally ill. Its name was changed to Stockton State Hospital around 1897/1898, because superintendents at the time disliked the terms "asylum" and "insane". Harriet's husband, Burr Beebe, John H. Cratty, who was a local constable, and two physicians, Dr. George W. Greer and Dr. Daniel Ream, had been successful in having her committed by Judge Edwin Shearer of the County Court of Siskiyou County California four days before on 1 May 1873.

Harriet's hospital admittance records first documented her personal information: She was age 31, a native of Maine, married, her maiden name was Harriet Amanda Bray, her husband’s name was Burr Beebe, they were last from Oregon, had been in California 2 years, her occupation was housewife, and she had no property.

The evidence given to the Court regarding her behaviors and the diagnoses leading to her incarceration, were also included in her hospital admittance record. It was recorded that: She showed evidence of insanity through insane acts; Her most recent attack of insanity occurred about the previous December; She had another attack in 1864; Her disease was increasing, although she had rational intervals; She had a desire to be divorced and return to her relatives; She was disposed to injure her husband; She occasionally threatened to kill herself; She was not filthy or destructive; Her father and two brothers had been insane; She had suffered from suppressed menstruation; She had had an injury on the head; There had been no change in her physical health since the attack; She had not been intemperate or uncontrollable.

After hearing the evidence, the Court found that the cause of her insanity was Heredity Predisposition, and the class of her insanity was Mania.

Harriet was discharged on 7 February 1874, nine months after her confinement. It may be of note to mention that Burr and Harriet were 19 and 17 years old, respectively, when they married about 1859. At the time of her hospitalization in 1873, they had been married for fourteen years and Harriet had given birth to five children all during the time while the family was migrating across the country to settle, about 1871, in California. She had given birth to their sixth child in 1872.3 
(Daughter) Census US 18804 June 1880Mary A. was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 4 June 1880 in the household of her parents in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. She was 10 years old and attending school.2,4 

Citations

  1. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Amanda Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Baba" by the census taker), Year: 1870; Census Place: Washington, Oregon; Roll: M593_1288; Page: 475B. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Harriet Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S2925] California, U.S., State Hospital Records, 1856-1923, online at www.ancestry.com, record for Harriet A Beebe, age 31, born about 1842 in Maine, admitted on 5 May 1873 to Stockton State Hospital, located in Stockton, San Joaquin, California, USA, referencing California State Archives; Sacramento, California; Stockton State Hospital Commitment Registers, Volumes 5-6, 1870-1875; Roll Number: 3; Film Location: MF8:10. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., State Hospital Records, 1856-1923.
  4. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of E. J. and Lucinda Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067.

Mary A. Beebe1

b. 27 July 1862, d. 1 August 1944
Family
Father*Erastus J. Beebe1 b. 17 Jan 1828, d. 17 Nov 1911
Mother*Lucinda McFee1 b. Feb 1842, d. 3 Jan 1905
Birth*27 July 1862Mary A. Beebe was born on 27 July 1862 in Utah Territory.1,2 
Name VariationHer full name was Annetta Mary Beebe or, possibly, Mary Annetta Beebe.3,2 
(Daughter) Census US 18804 June 1880Mary A. was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 4 June 1880 in the household of her parents in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. She was 18 years old and at school.1,4 
(Daughter) Murder12 April 1884She was 21 years old when her father and her uncle, Burr Beebe, were charged and convicted in two separate trials for the murder of Burr's neighbor, Norris A. Phillips, on 12 April 1884 in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. The prosecuting attorney gave a report to the newspaper after his preliminary examination regarding the killing. He outlined for the paper the following facts that had been brought forward during his examination:

Burr Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood.

The Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land.

For that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land.

It seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field.

On the morning of the killing, Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground.

While he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction.

The hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate.

After a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through.

Beebe and his two brothers, Erastus Beebe, who was called Ras, and George were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for Phillips at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him.

Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up.

A report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks.

The prosecutor said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up, Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired. However, they also admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor, would seem to indicate that Burr came up with pistol in hand and ready to shoot. The prosecutor also said, that in his neighborhood, Burr was considered the "boss" pistol shot and, like the famous James brothers, could send a bullet about where he wanted it. Mrs. Fannie Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction. She said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing. Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her.

The prosecutor said that Beebe’s preliminary examination had been conducted before Justice Long and resulted in Beebe being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday, April 25, was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial.

The argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court. In less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached, and the Court was reconvened. The verdict of "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" was announced, and the penalty fixed by the jury was imprisonment for life in the State Prison. One newspaper reported that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Another paper reported that Beebe had introduced a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows.

Less than two months after Burr’s conviction, his brother, Erastus Beebe, was on trial in Superior Court for complicity in the same murder of Norris A. Phillips. After eight days, his trial ended on Monday, September 8, and the newspaper reported the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who had done the killing. Burr had been found guilty of murder in the first degree the previous July and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life.

The only new evidence introduced was that of Emma S. (Beebe) Walls, who was identified as Mrs. David Walls, a daughter of Burr Beebe. She testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe]) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime.

The argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury. Three hours later, the jury returned with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life. When the verdict was announced, Erastus stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away. He revived in a short time and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning. When the time arrived, however, Beebe was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18. The paper wrote that his health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered.5,6,7,8,9,10,11 
(Daughter) Pardoned19 November 1891Her father was serving a life sentence for murder in Folsom Prison, Folsom, Sacramento County, California, when he was pardoned by California Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891.12 
(Niece) Commutation24 December 1898A San Francisco newspaper, on 11 December 1898, reported that her uncle, Burr Beebe, who was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in Modoc County in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Two weeks later, another San Francisco newspaper, making much of the Christmas present, reported that Burr was among six murderers and other prisoners convicted of high crimes who had been given commutations by California Governor James Herbert Budd. Burr received his full liberty on 24 December 1898.10,11 
Death*1 August 1944She died on 1 August 1944 in Modoc County, California, at age 82.2 

Citations

  1. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of E. J. and Lucinda Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S112] California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Annetta Mary Jones, mother's maiden name McFee, father's surname Beebe, born on 27 July 1862 and died on 1 August 1944 in Modoc County. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997.
  3. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Erastus and Lucinda Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Baba" by the census taker), Year: 1870; Census Place: Washington, Oregon; Roll: M593_1288; Page: 475A. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  4. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Harriet Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067.
  5. [S2938] Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Plumas County Bulletin, (Greenville, California), Monday, April 28, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), reporting among the items under the caption, "Things in General", that Modoc County had acquired a very unenviable notoriety for perpetration of murders; that at Cedarville recently, a man named Burr Beebe shot and instantly killed another man named Phillips; that the men had quarreled about a piece of land and a water ditch. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884.
  6. [S2939] Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Feather River Bulletin, (Quincy, California), Saturday, May 3, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "The Last Murder in Modoc", reporting that from the Modoc Independent of April 24 in the report of F.W. Ewing who conducted the prosecution of Burr Bebe in his preliminary examination for the killing of Norris A. Phillips on April 12, the following facts were brought forth in the examination; that Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood; that the Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land; that for that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land; that it seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field; that on the morning of the killing Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground; that while he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction; that the hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate; that after a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through; that Beebe and his two brothers, Ras and George, were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for him at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him; that Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up; that a report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks; that Mr. Ewing said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired; that they, however, admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor would seem to indicate that he came up with pistol in hand and ready for business and that in his neighborhood he was considered the "boss' pistol shot and like the famous James brothers, can send a bullet about where he wants it; that Mrs. Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction; that she said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing; that Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her; that Beebe had a preliminary examination before Justice Long which resulted in his being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial. Hereinafter cited as Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California.
  7. [S2940] Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Monday, July 28, 1884, page, Page 4, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Murder in the First Degree", and reporting from the Modoc Independent, that the argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and that by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court; that in less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached; that upon the Court being convened, the verdict "Guilty of murder in the first degree" was announced; that the jury fixed the penalty at imprisonment for life in the State Prison; that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California.
  8. [S2941] Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, July 26, 1884, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "En Route to State Prison", reporting that Burr Beebe, a Modoc county farmer, was lodged in the city prison the night before enroute to State Prison where he was to spend the remainder of his days on a charge of murder; that he was arrested the previous April for having shot and killed Norr Phillips, a neighboring farmer, with whom he had a row over the right to a piece of property; that the prisoner interposed a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California.
  9. [S2924] Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Thursday, September 18, 1884, Page 1, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Another Conviction: Erastus Bebe Found Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" and referencing the Modoc Independent of September 11, reporting that the trial in Superior Court of Erastus Beebe for complicity in the murder of Norris A Phillips had ended on Monday after eight days and that the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who did the killing and two months previously had been found guilty of murder in the first degree and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life; that the only new evidence introduced was that of Mrs. David Wall, a daughter of Burr Beebe who testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime; that the argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury; that the jury returned three hours later with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" and with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life; that when the verdict was announced, Beebe stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away; that in a short time he revived and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning; that when the time arrived, however, the prisoner was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18; the Beebe's health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered. Hereinafter cited as Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884.
  10. [S2942] Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination: Did Insanity Cause Him to Commit the Crime? Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Sunday, December 11, 1898, Page 12, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), noting that Burr Beebe, serving a life sentence for murder committed in Modoc county in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination Dec 1898 California.
  11. [S2943] Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, December 24, 1898, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the headlines, "Christmas Presents of Liberty to Convicts" and "Six Murderers and Other Prisoners Convicted of High Crimes are Turned Loose by Governor Budd", and reporting from Sacramento on December 23, that Governor Budd had that day issued a number of commutations which would, without doubt, be received as welcome Christmas presents by those prisoners in whose favors they were made; that in each instance the prisoner was to receive his full liberty the following day, December 24; that among the pardons was Burr Beebe, sent from Modoc county in July 1884, life imprisonment for murder. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California.
  12. [S2923] California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950, online at www.ancestry.com, Folsom State Prison, Prison Registers, 1880-1896, E. J. Beebe, nativity New York, crime Murder, when received 15 September 1884, term of sentence Life, county sent from Colusa, age 29, occupation Butcher, height 5'10", complexion Florid, eyes Brown, hair, Dark Brown, remarks Pardoned by Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950.

Melissa Beebe1

b. 1836
Family
Father*David Beebe1,2 b. bt 1801 - 1803, d. 14 Sep 1851
Mother*Amy Franklin1,3 b. bt 1805 - 1807, d. 12 Feb 1893
Birth*1836Melissa Beebe was born about 1836 in New York.1 
(Daughter) Census US 185024 August 1850Melissa was enumerated on the 1850 census taken on 24 August 1850 in the household of her parents in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. She was 15 years old and worked as a laborer.4,5 

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Melissa (Beebe) Peacock, Memorial# 51195292. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, David Beeby, Memorial# 134117527.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Amy (Franklin) Beeby, Memorial# 174661108.
  4. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a.

Minerva Jane Beebe1

b. 15 June 1860, d. 4 April 1938
Family
ChartsDescendants of John Heaton of Lincolnshire, including the Immigrant Nathaniel
Father*Raymond Beebe2 b. 4 Feb 1827, d. 31 Mar 1899
Mother*Elizabeth Smith3,4,5
Birth*15 June 1860Minerva Jane Beebe was probably born on 15 June 1860 in Platte Center, Platte County, Nebraska.6,7,8,5 
Name VariationShe was called Jane.9,10 
(Daughter) DeathJane and her brother, Charles, were very young when their parents' marriage ended, we suspect with the death of their mother.11 
(Daughter) MarriageShe was about 8 years old when her father married again to Jane Hall, who had a daughter, Lillian, who was 2 years old.12 
(Daughter) Census US 18708 August 1870She was enumerated as Jane on the 1870 census taken on 8 August 1870 in the household of her father and stepmother in Ela, Lake County, Illinois. She was 11 years old, and her place of birth was recorded as Colorado.11 
Marriage*3 November 1877She married first William Kelley on 3 November 1877 in Marion, Osceola County, Michigan.1,9,10 
Census US 1880*7 June 1880Jane and William Kelley were enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 7 June 1880 in Hartwick, Osceola County, Michigan. William was 34 years of age and a farm laborer, and Jane was 30 years of age and keeping house. Their daughter, Mary, was one year old. Jane's father and stepmother, Raymond and Jane (Hall) Beebe, were enumerated with Jane's siblings in another township in the same county as the Kelleys.10 
Divorce*The marriage of Jane and William ended, although whether by divorce or William's death, we don't know. Jane married a second time in January of 1882.13 
Marriage*29 January 1882She married second James S. Heaton, son of James Andrew Heaton and Esther Ann Lewis, on 29 January 1882 in Highland, Osceola County, Michigan.1,13 
Census US 1900*1 June 1900Jane and James Heaton were enumerated on the 1900 census taken on 1 June 1900 in Hartwick, Osceola County, Michigan. James was 44 years of age and a farmer, and Jane was age 39. They owned their farm with a mortgage, had been married for 18 years, and Jane had given birth to six children, five of whom were living. Five children were enumerated with them in 1900. William Kelley, Jane's son from her first marriage, was 19 years old and working as a farm laborer; the couple's four children, Florence, Clarence, Clara Esther, who was recorded as "Hester C.", and James Heaton were all recorded incorrectly with the surname "Kelley". Florence was 17 years old; Clarence was 15 years old and working as a farm laborer; and Hester and James were ages 13 and 10 years, respectively, at school, and had both attended school for six months of the census year. Everyone in the Heaton household was able to read, write and to speak English.14 
(Wife) Death24 September 1932Jane became a widow when James Smith Heaton died on 24 September 1932 at age 76.15,16 
Death*4 April 1938She died on 4 April 1938 in Osceola County, Michigan, at age 775,17,18 
Burial* and was buried with her husband in Lot 42 of Maple Valley Cemetery, Hartwick Township, Osceola County.19,20 

Family 1

 William Kelley
Children 1.Mary Kelley21 b. 1879
 2.William Kelley14 b. Nov 1880

Family 2

 James Heaton b. 1 Oct 1855, d. 24 Sep 1932
Children 1.Florence Heaton14 b. Jan 1883
 2.Clarence Heaton14 b. 22 Sep 1884
 3.Clara Esther Heaton14 b. 3 Jan 1887
 4.James Heaton14 b. 27 Jan 1890

Citations

  1. [S45] Dean Heaton, Heaton Families II, in two volumes, with indexes in Volume II. Warning: In this researcher's opinion, the information in these volumes often proves to be inaccurate. At the same time, the information presented has provided us with valuable clues for pursuing future research strategies in our attempt to establish a factual history of our Heaton family. (Tempe, Arizona: published for the author by Graphics of Tempe, 1999), Volume I, Chapter 2, page 35. Hereinafter cited as Heaton Families II.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Raymond Beebe, Memorial# 187839829. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  3. [S2920] Charles Milton Beebe 1936 Obituary, Michigan, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Grand Rapids Press, (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Thursday, April 23, 1936, Page 13, (Downloaded on September 29, 2025), under the title, "Milton Beebe, Lumberman, Dies at His Home in Marion", and dated Marion, April 23, reporting that Milton Beebe, 79, a veteran lumberman of the section and one of the most widely known Marion residents, died Wednesday at his home; that as an early settler in Highland township, Beebe, at the time of his death, was still owner of the farm he cleared when the township was a forest; that Beebe was survived by his widow, two sons, Frank of Texas and George of Marion, five daughters, Mrs. May Timlin of Petoskey, Mrs. Nettie Wing, Mrs. Fern Berry, and Mrs. Crystal Bigford of Marion, and Mrs. Anna Emory of Cadillac; one sister Mrs. Jane Heaton of Marion; three half-brothers, Spencer, Ray and Levi Beebe of Marion; and three half-sisters, Mrs. Lottie Gillan of Marion, Mrs. Dorothy Rexford of Muskegon and Mrs. Annie Edgett of Battle Creek. Hereinafter cited as Charles Milton Beebe 1936 Obituary, Michigan.
  4. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Charles Milton Beebe, age 79, lumberman and farmer, retired in October 1935, married to Lillian (Thompson) Beebe, born on 20 December 1856 in Iowa to Raymond Beebe and Elizabeth Smith, both parents born in Pennsylvania, died on 22 April 1936 in Marion, Osceola, Michigan, USA, informant Mrs. L. M. Beebe, Marion, Michigan, burial in Marion, Michigan, referencing File# 002640, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records. Hereinafter cited as Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952.
  5. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Minerva Jane Heaton, age 78, widow of James Heaton, housewife, born on 13 June 1859 in Platte Creek Iowa to Raymond Beebe and Libbie Beebe, died on 4 April 1938 in Hartwick, Osceola, Michigan, USA, informant her son, James Heaton of Marion, Michigan, burial in Hartwick Cemetery, referencing File# 002993, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records.
  6. [S45] Dean Heaton, Heaton Families II, Volume I, Chapter 2, page 35, Jane's date of birth reported as 15 June 1859.
  7. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of James and Jane Heaton, Year: 1900; Census Place: Hartwick, Osceola, Michigan; Roll: 737; Page: 9; Enumeration District: 0147; Jane was recorded as 39 years of age, her date of birth as June 1860, and her place of birth as Nebraska. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
  8. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Minerva Jane (Beebe) Heaton, Memorial# 81165151, her date of birth recorded as 15 June 1860, and her state of birth as Nebraska.
  9. [S2090] Michigan, U.S., Marriage Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of Jane Beebe of Marion Township, age 18, born in Ireland, married William Kelley of Marion Townshiip, age 29, born in Nebraska, occupation none, married on 3 November 1877 in Marion, Osceola, Michigan, USA, by William Roper, Justice of the Peace, record# 60, citing Michigan, U.S., Marriage Records, 1867-1952, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, MI, USA, Michigan, Marriage Records, 1867-1952, Film# 15, "1877 Mason-1878 Gratiot". Hereinafter cited as Michigan, U.S., Marriage Records, 1867-1952.
  10. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of William and Jane Kelley, Year: 1880; Census Place: Hartwick, Osceola, Michigan; Roll: 600; Page: 62d; Enumeration District: 220; reporting William's place of birth as Ireland, and Jame's place of birth as Nebraska. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  11. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Raymond and Jane Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), Year: 1870; Census Place: Ela, Lake, Illinois; Roll: M593_242; Page: 592B. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  12. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Jane Beebe, age 73, widow of Raymond Beebe, housework, born on 3 August 1847 in Canada to Mathew Hall and Anna Morrison, died on 29 September 1920 in Highland, Osceola, Michigan, USA, informant her son, Spencer Beebe, Marion, Michigan, burial in Highland Cemetery, referencing File# 49, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records.
  13. [S2090] Michigan, U.S., Marriage Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of James S Heaton of Highland Township, farmer, born in New York, married Jane M Kelley of Highland Township, born in Nebraska, on 29 January 1882 in Highland Township, Osceola, Michigan, USA, married by Cyrus Smith, Minister, record# 5, citing Michigan, U.S., Marriage Records, 1867-1952, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, MI, USA, Michigan, Marriage Records, 1867-1952, Film# 24, "1882 Monroe-1883 Benzie."
  14. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of James and Jane Heaton, Year: 1900; Census Place: Hartwick, Osceola, Michigan; Roll: 737; Page: 9; Enumeration District: 0147.
  15. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of James S Heaton, age 76, farmer, married to Jane Heaton, born on 1 October 1855 in New York to Andrew Heaton and Esther Lewis, died on 24 September 1932 in Highland, Osceola, Michigan, USA, informant his son, James Heaton of Marion, Michigan, burial in Hartwick, referencing File# 001985, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records.
  16. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, James Smith Heaton, Memorial# 81420443, reporting his year of death incorrectly as 1938.
  17. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Minerva Jane (Beebe) Heaton, Memorial# 81165151, recording her date of death as 4 April 1938.
  18. [S45] Dean Heaton, Heaton Families II, Volume I, Chapter 2, page 35, reporting her date of death as 4 April 1939.
  19. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Minerva Jane (Beebe) Heaton, Memorial# 81165151.
  20. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, James Smith Heaton, Memorial# 81420443.
  21. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of William and Jane Kelley, Year: 1880; Census Place: Hartwick, Osceola, Michigan; Roll: 600; Page: 62d; Enumeration District: 220.

Nelson Beebe1

b. 24 May 1831, d. 27 February 1921
Family
Father*Philo Beebe1,2 b. 1795
Mother*Laura Franklin1,3 b. 1801
Birth*24 May 1831Nelson Beebe was born about 24 May 1831, possibly in Brookfield, Madison County, New York.4,5,6 
(Son) Census US 185024 August 1850Nelson was enumerated on the 1850 census taken on 24 August 1850 in the household of his parents in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. He was 19 years of age, worked as a laborer, and owned real estate valued at $100.1,7 
Marriage*14 March 1852He married, as his first wife, Betsey Wilcox, age 20, of Attica, Lapeer County, Michigan, daughter of Philip D. Wilcox and Tabatha Sterling, on 14 March 1852 in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. They were married by Thomas A. Goul, Justice of the Peace, at the Beebe family home with his brother, Alonzo S. Beebe, and sister-in-law, Polly M. (Wilcox) Beebe, as their subscribing witnesses. Betsey’s sister, Mercy, would marry Nelson and Alonzo's 1st cousin, George S. Beebe, the following year.8 
(Brother) Census State IA 18561856Nelson was listed as N. Beebe on the Iowa State census for 1856 in the household of his brother, Alonzo S. Beebe, in Liberty, Buchanan County, Iowa. Nelson was 24 years of age and a farmer, had lived in Iowa for less than a year and was a member of the Iowa militia.9 
(Husband) DeathNelson became a widower when Betsey (Wilcox) Beebe died, probably in Illinois at about age 26, shortly after the birth of their daughter Emma.10,11 
Marriage*19 November 1860He married second, as her first husband, Sarah Cantrall, daughter of William Cantrall and Malinda Boyer, on 19 November 1860 in Lake County, Illinois. Nelson's brother, Alonzo, had married, as his third wife, Sarah's sister, Mary, in 1853.11 
Civil War (U.S.)*7 October 1861He was living in Barrington, Lake County, Illinois, on 7 October 1861 when he enlisted to serve for the Union in the Civil War. He was mustered in on 31 December 1861 as a Private in Company C of the 13th Illinois Cavalry. He also served in Company B of the same regiment.2,12,13 
Civil War (U.S.)30 December 1864 He was mustered out of his Civil War service on 30 December 1864.2 
Census US 1870*6 July 1870Sarah and Nelson Beebe were enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 6 July 1870 in Surprise Valley, Siskiyou County, California. Nelson was 37 years of age and a farmer, and Sarah was 28 years of age and keeping house. Their young daughter, Laura, was recorded as 4 years old.14 
Divorce*Nelson and Sarah separated, and were probably divorced not long after they were enumerated on the 1870 census. Sarah married a second time about 1874, and the Beebe's daughter continued to live with her father.15,16 
(Brother) Census US 18802 June 1880Nelson was enumerated with his daughter on the 1880 census taken on 2 June 1880 in the household of his brother and sister-in-law, Mary and George Beebe, on Cascade, Clackamas County, Oregon. Nelson was 47 years of age, recorded as single, and worked as a farmer. His daughter, Laura, was 12 years old and keeping house for her father.17 
Pension*10 October 1882 In Oregon he filed for and received an invalid pension on 10 October 1882 for his service during the Civil War.13 
(Brother) Murder12 April 1884His brother, Burr Beebe, shot and killed his neighbor, Norris A. Phillips, on 12 April 1884 in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. The prosecuting attorney gave a report to the newspaper after his preliminary examination regarding the killing. He outlined for the paper the following facts that had been brought forward during his examination:

Burr Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood.

The Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land.

For that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land.

It seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field.

On the morning of the killing, Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground.

While he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction.

The hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate.

After a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through.

Beebe and his two brothers, Erastus Beebe, who was called Ras, and George were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for Phillips at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him.

Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up.

A report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks.

The prosecutor said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up, Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired. However, they also admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor, would seem to indicate that Burr came up with pistol in hand and ready to shoot. The prosecutor also said, that in his neighborhood, Burr was considered the "boss" pistol shot and, like the famous James brothers, could send a bullet about where he wanted it. Mrs. Fannie Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction. She said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing. Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her.

The prosecutor said that Beebe’s preliminary examination had been conducted before Justice Long and resulted in Beebe being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday, April 25, was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial.

The argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court. In less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached, and the Court was reconvened. The verdict of "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" was announced, and the penalty fixed by the jury was imprisonment for life in the State Prison. One newspaper reported that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Another paper reported that Beebe had introduced a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows.

Less than two months after Burr’s conviction, his brother, Erastus Beebe, was on trial in Superior Court for complicity in the same murder of Norris A. Phillips. After eight days, his trial ended on Monday, September 8, and the newspaper reported the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who had done the killing. Burr had been found guilty of murder in the first degree the previous July and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life.

The only new evidence introduced was that of Emma S. (Beebe) Walls, who was identified as Mrs. David Walls, a daughter of Burr Beebe. She testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe]) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime.

The argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury. Three hours later, the jury returned with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life. When the verdict was announced, Erastus stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away. He revived in a short time and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning. When the time arrived, however, Beebe was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18. The paper wrote that his health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered.18,19,20,21,22,23,24 
(Brother) Pardoned19 November 1891His brother, Erastus, was serving a life sentence for murder in Folsom Prison, Folsom, Sacramento County, California, when he was pardoned by California Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891.25 
(Brother) Commutation24 December 1898A San Francisco newspaper, on 11 December 1898, reported that his brother, Burr Beebe, who was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in Modoc County in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Two weeks later, another San Francisco newspaper, making much of the Christmas present, reported that Burr was among six murderers and other prisoners convicted of high crimes who had been given commutations by California Governor James Herbert Budd. Burr received his full liberty on 24 December 1898.23,24 
Fratricide*4 January 1911During a brutal and bloody fight between brothers, Hiram and Nelson Beebe, on 4 January 1911 in the front yard of a neighbor's home in Clackamas Heights, Oregon City, Clackamas County, Oregon, Hiram lost his life. There were no witnesses to the tragedy, and the report of Nelson Beebe, who was drunk when arrested, was all the information obtained by the authorities. A Portland, Oregon newspaper, under the headline, "Aged Brothers Battle with Ax and Club", published Nelson Beebe's explanation of the event, writing that he had received a $60 pension payment that morning and spent most of the day in an Oregon City saloon. At about 4 o'clock, he left for the home that he and his brother shared. He said that as soon as he opened the door of his house he was met by his brother with an ax in his hand, and that had started the fight. How long it lasted was not known. According to Nelson, his brother slashed him with the ax and, in self-defense, he used a club. The newspaper reported that the ax and the club were found in the yard that night, and that when the body of Hiram was found, his nose was smashed in and his body terribly bruised, indicating that the encounter was long and severe. After the fight ended, Nelson went to the home of a neighbor for help. He requested that his bleeding wounds be dressed and an Oregon City doctor was immediately called. Two neighborhood men who were the first ones to visit the scene of the tragedy, said they found Hiram's body still warm, and that there was blood all over the front yard, indicating the terrible struggle. At the County Jail that night Nelson said his brother started the trouble when he met him at the door with an ax in his hand, and on his attempt to cross the threshold dealt him a terrible blow. The newspaper reported that Nelson told several conflicting stories at the jail before going to sleep, and that when the two neighbors examined the house they found nothing disturbed. They reported that even the cat and dog were quietly sleeping in the corner. The newspaper article stated that Nelson and Hiram had lived in the vicinity for many years, were unmarried, and that Nelson had a daughter living in California. On the way to jail Nelson asked why Hiram had not been arrested, as he had started the trouble. It was said by the neighbors that Hiram suffered from a weak heart, but it was believed that his wounds were sufficient to have killed him.

Developments the day after the murder had taken place the night before were varied. Nelson Beebe, who was still being held in the County Jail, remained unaware that his brother, Hiram, had died, and was also unaware that he was about to be charged with the slaying of his brother with a club. According to the sheriff, Nelson believed he was in jail only to make certain there would be no more trouble. Later that afternoon the Coroner and a picked jury held an inquest over the body of Hiram Beebe and rendered the verdict: "That deceased came to his death from a blow on the head from some blunt instrument in the hands of a party or parties not known." Daylight had revealed evidence for the jury that showed more plainly the desperate character of the battle that was fought around the cottage in which the brothers lived The grass had been trodden down by many shifting changes, each made by one or the other of the men in an attempt to get a better footing or into a more advantageous position from which to continue the fight. The blood stains, too, showed that the fight had covered a wide area, and the heel and toe prints evidenced that the struggle had been one testing the very nerves of both combatants. A newspaper reported that Nelson Beebe, in his rambling talk, told of the many fights he had been in during his life, how he had never been whipped, how he had never been known to run, and that he seemed willing to stand on his record for bravery. The paper also predicted that, because the Grand Jury was currently in session, the District Attorney was likely to bring his case forward within a day or two, so it wouldn't be long before Nelson would know that he was charged with the murder of his brother.

The following day, on Friday, January 6, Nelson was arraigned on the charge of manslaughter. The newspaper reported that Beebe appeared very nervous and, upon his request that his hearing be scheduled as soon as possible, it was set for the following Monday morning. Nelson was returned to prison with bail set for $1,000. He repeated his statement that it was the first time he knew of Hiram's death and that, while he thought Hiram might have been seriously hurt, he thought from remarks dropped in his presence that Hiram was living and had a hand in Nelson being in prison.

Three months later, on Monday April 22, Nelson was discharged from custody because the Grand Jury found insufficient evidence or probable cause to formally charge him with the crime of manslaughter for the killing of his brother, Hiram, with a club the previous January. Nelson Beebe was 80 years old and Hiram, who was killed, was age 77. Nelson had always asserted than Hiram attacked him with an ax and that he used the club to defend himself. The paper reported that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer plainsman, that both men had been married twice, that Hiram had no children and that his second wife was Mrs. Mary Cathro of Canemah, Oregon, and that Nelson had a daughter, Laura, of Red Bluff, California. It mentioned that George Beebe, a younger brother of the men, lived in Eastern Oregon and that a nephew, George, lived near Estacada.26,27,28,29 
(Father-in-Law) Census US 192021 January 1920Nelson was enumerated on the 1920 census taken on 21 January 1920 in the household and rooming house of his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Jesse McCollum, at 224 B Street, Marysville, Yuba County, California. Nelson was recorded as 90 years of age and a widower.30 
Death*27 February 1921He died at the home of his daughter, Laura Malinda (Beebe) McCollum, on 27 February 1921 in Marysville, Yuba County, California, at age 892,31 
Burial* and was buried as Private Nelson A. Beebe in Sutter Cemetery, Sutter, Sutter County, California.2 

Family 1

 Betsey Wilcox b. 1832
Child 1.Emma Beebe10 b. 1858

Family 2

 Sarah Cantrall b. 1842
Child 1.Laura Beebe32,2,17,33 b. 27 Feb 1867, d. 27 Mar 1949

Citations

  1. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, PVT Nelson A. Beebe, Memorial# 95099347. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, PVT Nelson A. Beebe, Memorial# 95099347; his mother's name reported as Laura "Franklin."
  4. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a; Nelson was recorded as 19 years old, and his year of birth estimated as 1831.
  5. [S2922] St. Clair County, Michigan, Marriages, 1838-1857, Book 1, online at https://sites.rootsweb.com/%7Emistcla2/m_records1.htm, marriage on 14 March 1852 at the home of Nelsons's father, "Philco" Bebee, in Berlin Township, St Clair County, Michigan, of Nelson Beebe of Berlin Township, age 20, and Betsy Wilcox of Attica, Lapeer County, Michigan, age 20, witnesses Alonzo Beebe and Polly Beebe, married by Thomas W. Goul, Justice of the Peace. Hereinafter cited as St. Clair County, Michigan, Marriages, 1838-1857, Book 1.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, PVT Nelson A. Beebe, Memorial# 95099347; reporting his date of birth as 24 May 1827 in Brookfield, Madison County, New York.
  7. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b.
  8. [S2922] St. Clair County, Michigan, Marriages, 1838-1857, Book 1, online at https://sites.rootsweb.com/%7Emistcla2/m_records1.htm, marriage on 14 March 1852 at the home of Nelsons's father, "Philco" Bebee, in Berlin Township, St Clair County, Michigan, of Nelson Beebe of Berlin Township, age 20, and Betsey Wilcox of Attica, Lapeer County, Michigan, age 20, witnesses Alonzo Beebe and Polly Beebe, married by Thomas W. Goul, Justice of the Peace.
  9. [S1448] Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Alonzo S. Beebe, State Historical Society of Iowa (Via Heritage Quest); Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 As Well Various Special Censuses From 1836-1897. Hereinafter cited as Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925.
  10. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of William and Malinda Cantrall, The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Ela, Lake, Illinois; Roll: M653_193; Page: 739; Family History Library Film: 803193. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
  11. [S1681] Illinois, U.S., Marriage Index, 1860-1920, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of Nelson Beebe and Sarah Cantrall on 19 November 1860 in Lake County, Illinois, USA. Hereinafter cited as Illinois, U.S., Marriage Index, 1860-1920.
  12. [S207] U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865, online at www.ancestry.com, record for Nelson Beebe, as a Private for the Union on 7 October 1861, muster date 31 December 1861 in Illinois in C Company of the 13th Cavalry, citing the Illinois: Roster of Officers and Enlisted Men. Hereinafter cited as Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865.
  13. [S1447] U.S. Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934, online at www.ancestry.com, pension index record for Nelson Beebe, Soldier, received his invalid pension, filed for on October 10, 1882 in Oregon, referencing The National Archives in Washington, DC; Washington, DC, USA; U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934; NAI Title: General Index to Civil War and Later Pension Files, Ca. 1949-Ca. 1949; NAI Number: 563268; Record Group Title: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773-2007; Record Group Number: 15; Series Number: T288; Roll: 28, citing application# 462007, certificate# 725789. Hereinafter cited as Civil War Pension Index to Pension Files,1861-1934.
  14. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Nelson and Sarah Beebe, (his name transcribed as "Welson" by Ancestry), Year: 1870; Census Place: Surprise Valley, Siskiyou, California; Roll: M593_89; Page: 640B. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  15. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Robert Dalton, Memorial# 191381227.
  16. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Sarah (Cantrall) Hancox, Memorial# 42140834.
  17. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mary Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cascade, Clackamas, Oregon; Roll: 1080; Page: 181a; Enumeration District: 016. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  18. [S2938] Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Plumas County Bulletin, (Greenville, California), Monday, April 28, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), reporting among the items under the caption, "Things in General", that Modoc County had acquired a very unenviable notoriety for perpetration of murders; that at Cedarville recently, a man named Burr Beebe shot and instantly killed another man named Phillips; that the men had quarreled about a piece of land and a water ditch. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884.
  19. [S2939] Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Feather River Bulletin, (Quincy, California), Saturday, May 3, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "The Last Murder in Modoc", reporting that from the Modoc Independent of April 24 in the report of F.W. Ewing who conducted the prosecution of Burr Bebe in his preliminary examination for the killing of Norris A. Phillips on April 12, the following facts were brought forth in the examination; that Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood; that the Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land; that for that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land; that it seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field; that on the morning of the killing Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground; that while he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction; that the hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate; that after a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through; that Beebe and his two brothers, Ras and George, were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for him at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him; that Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up; that a report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks; that Mr. Ewing said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired; that they, however, admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor would seem to indicate that he came up with pistol in hand and ready for business and that in his neighborhood he was considered the "boss' pistol shot and like the famous James brothers, can send a bullet about where he wants it; that Mrs. Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction; that she said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing; that Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her; that Beebe had a preliminary examination before Justice Long which resulted in his being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial. Hereinafter cited as Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California.
  20. [S2940] Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Monday, July 28, 1884, page, Page 4, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Murder in the First Degree", and reporting from the Modoc Independent, that the argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and that by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court; that in less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached; that upon the Court being convened, the verdict "Guilty of murder in the first degree" was announced; that the jury fixed the penalty at imprisonment for life in the State Prison; that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California.
  21. [S2941] Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, July 26, 1884, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "En Route to State Prison", reporting that Burr Beebe, a Modoc county farmer, was lodged in the city prison the night before enroute to State Prison where he was to spend the remainder of his days on a charge of murder; that he was arrested the previous April for having shot and killed Norr Phillips, a neighboring farmer, with whom he had a row over the right to a piece of property; that the prisoner interposed a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California.
  22. [S2924] Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Thursday, September 18, 1884, Page 1, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Another Conviction: Erastus Bebe Found Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" and referencing the Modoc Independent of September 11, reporting that the trial in Superior Court of Erastus Beebe for complicity in the murder of Norris A Phillips had ended on Monday after eight days and that the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who did the killing and two months previously had been found guilty of murder in the first degree and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life; that the only new evidence introduced was that of Mrs. David Wall, a daughter of Burr Beebe who testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime; that the argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury; that the jury returned three hours later with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" and with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life; that when the verdict was announced, Beebe stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away; that in a short time he revived and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning; that when the time arrived, however, the prisoner was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18; the Beebe's health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered. Hereinafter cited as Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884.
  23. [S2942] Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination: Did Insanity Cause Him to Commit the Crime? Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Sunday, December 11, 1898, Page 12, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), noting that Burr Beebe, serving a life sentence for murder committed in Modoc county in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination Dec 1898 California.
  24. [S2943] Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, December 24, 1898, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the headlines, "Christmas Presents of Liberty to Convicts" and "Six Murderers and Other Prisoners Convicted of High Crimes are Turned Loose by Governor Budd", and reporting from Sacramento on December 23, that Governor Budd had that day issued a number of commutations which would, without doubt, be received as welcome Christmas presents by those prisoners in whose favors they were made; that in each instance the prisoner was to receive his full liberty the following day, December 24; that among the pardons was Burr Beebe, sent from Modoc county in July 1884, life imprisonment for murder. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California.
  25. [S2923] California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950, online at www.ancestry.com, Folsom State Prison, Prison Registers, 1880-1896, E. J. Beebe, nativity New York, crime Murder, when received 15 September 1884, term of sentence Life, county sent from Colusa, age 29, occupation Butcher, height 5'10", complexion Florid, eyes Brown, hair, Dark Brown, remarks Pardoned by Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950.
  26. [S2945] Hiram and Nelson Beebe Engage in a Bloody Duel, Oregon 1911, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Oregon Daily Journal, (Portland, Oregon), Thursday, January 5, 1911, Page 4, (Downloaded on December 12, 2025), under the headlines, "Aged Brothers Battle with Ax and Club; One Dead" and "Hiram and Nelson Beebe of Oregon City Engage in a Bloody Duel; Cause of the Fight Not Known", and received as a special dispatch to the Journal dated Oregon City, January 5, reporting that a battle to the death occurred at Clackamas Heights the day before in the afternoon when two aged brothers engaged in a death struggle; that the affair took place in the front yard of Mary Roberts who lived two miles east of the city; that there were no witnesses to the tragedy and that the story of Nelson Beebe who was drunk when arrested was all the information obtainable; that it appeared that Nelson Beebe, who received a $60 pension that morning spent most of the day in an Oregon City saloon and about 4 o'clock left for his home; that as soon as he opened the door of his house he was met by his brother with an ax in his hand, and a death struggle was then commenced and how long it lasted is not known; that according to Nelson, his brother slashed him with an ax and in self-defense he used a club; that the ax and the club were found in the yard that night; that when the body of Hiram was found the nose was smashed in and the body terribly bruised, indicating that the encounter was long and severe; that after Hiram had breathed his last, Nelson went to the home of Mrs. George Mackiness who lived near and requested that his bleeding wounds be dressed and that an Oregon City doctor was immediately called; that Charles Grey and George Mackiness were the first ones to visit the scene of the tragedy, and they found the body yet warm; that there was blood all over the front yard, indicating a terrible struggle; that at the county jail that night Nelson said his brother started the trouble when he met him at the door with an ax in his hand, and on his attempt to cross the threshold dealt him a terrible blow; that Nelson told several conflicting stories at the county jail before going to sleep; that when Grey and Mackiness examined the house they found nothing disturbed, even the cat and dog quietly sleeping in the corner; that the two men had lived in the vicinity for many years; that they were widowers, Hiram having been married twice; that Nelson had a daughter living in California and that Hiram had no children; that on the way to jail Nelson asked why Hiram had not been arrested, as he started the trouble; that it was said by the neighbors that Hiram suffered from a weak heart, but that his wounds were sufficient to have killed him; that Hiram was a pioneer Oregonian of 1862, having crossed the plains with an ox team; that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and came to Oregon in 1870. Hereinafter cited as Hiram and Nelson Beebe Engage in a Bloody Duel, Oregon 1911.
  27. [S2949] Nelson Beebe Charged with Killing his Brother after Coroner's Inquest, January 5 1911, Oregon, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Friday, January 6, 1911, Page 12, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Murder Verdict Given", Coroner's Jury Passes on Beebe Case at Oregon City", and "Aged Alleged Slayer Still in Ignorance of Being Charged with Killing Brother", reporting from Oregon City on January 5, that developments that day in the murder that took place at Clackamas Heights the night before were varied; that Nelson Beebe, who was charged with the slaying of his brother with a club, still occupied a cell in the County Jail; that when he was visited that morning by the sheriff, he was reported to be as pert as if he had spent the night in pleasure rather than in a prison cell; that it was partly accounted for by the fact that he had not been informed of the death of his brother, Hiram, and believed he was in jail only to make certain there would be no more trouble; that the Coroner and a picked jury held an inquest over the body of Hiram Beebe that afternoon and rendered a verdict, "That deceased came to his death from a blow on the head from some blunt instrument in the hands of a party or parties not known"; that daylight revealed evidence that showed more plainly the desperate character of the battle that was fought around the cottage in which the brothers lived; that the grass had been trodden down by many shifting changes, each made by one or the other of these men in an attempt to get a better footing or into a more advantageous position from which to continue the fight; that the blood stains, too, showed that the fight had covered a wide range, and the heel and toe prints evidenced that the struggle had been one testing the very nerves of both combatants; that in his rambling talk, Nelson told of the many fights he had been in during his life, how he was never whipped and how he was never known to run; that he seemed willing to stand on his record for bravery; that because the grand jury was currently in session, the District Attorney was likely to bring his case forward within a day or two, so it wouldn't be long before Nelson would know that he was charged with the murder of his brother. Hereinafter cited as Nelson Beebe Charged with Killing his Brother after Coroner's Inquest, January 5 1911, Oregon.
  28. [S2948] Nelson Beebe Charged with Manslaughter 7 January 1911 Oregon, online at www.genealogybank.com, The Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Saturday, January 7, 1911, Page 8, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Manslaughter is Charge" and "Nelson Beebe is Arraigned for Killing his Brother", reporting from Oregon City on January 6, that Nelson Beebe, charged with killing his brother, Hiram Beebe, on Wednesday, January 4, was arraigned on the charge of manslaughter in Justice Samson's court on January 6, and that Beebe manifested considerable nervousness; that he wanted his hearing as soon as possible and it was set for the following Monday morning; that he was returned to prison, with bail set for $1,000; that Beebe reiterated his statement that it was the first time he knew of Hiram's death; that while he thought Hiram might have been seriously hurt, he thought from remarks dropped in his presence that Hiram was living and had a hand in Nelson being in prison. Hereinafter cited as Nelson Beebe Charged with Manslaughter 7 January 1911 Oregon.
  29. [S2950] Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe, April 1911, Oregon, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Sunday Oregonian, (Portland, Oregon), Sunday, April 23, 1911, Page 13, (Downloaded on December 20, 2025), under the headlines, "Brother's Slayer Freed", and Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe", reporting from Oregon City on April 22, 1911, that Nelson Beebe, who killed his brother, Hiram, with a club the previous January at Clackamas Heights, was discharged from custody that afternoon because the Grand Jury returned not a true bill (which meant they found insufficient evidence or probable cause to formally charge Nelson with the crime of manslaughter); that Nelson Beebe was 80 years old and that Hiram, whom was killed, was age 77; that Nelson asserted than Hiram attacked him with an ax and he used the club to defend himself; that Nelson was a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer plainsman; that both men married twice; that Hiram had no children and that his second wife was Mrs. Cathrow of Canemah, Oregon, and that Nelson had a daughter, Laura of Red Bluff, California; that George Beebe, a younger brother, lived in Eastern Oregon and that a nephew lived near Estacada. Hereinafter cited as Grand Jury Fails to Indict Octogenarian, Nelson Beebe, April 1911, Oregon.
  30. [S73] 1920 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Jesse and Laura M. McCollum, Year: 1920; Census Place: Marysville Ward 1, Yuba, California; Roll: T625_153; Page: 16B; Enumeration District: 176. Hereinafter cited as 1920 United States Federal Census.
  31. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Laura Malinda (Beebe) Scoggins, Memorial# 125407953.
  32. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Laura Malinda (Beebe) Scoggins, Memorial# 125407953, daughter of Nelson Beebe, born 27 February 1867.
  33. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Nelson and Sarah Beebe, (his name transcribed as "Welson" by Ancestry), Year: 1870; Census Place: Surprise Valley, Siskiyou, California; Roll: M593_89; Page: 640B; Laura was recorded as 4 years old and her year of birth estimated as 1866.

Philo Beebe1

b. 1795
Family
Father*_____ Beebe2,1
Birth*1795Philo Beebe was born about 1795 in Massachusetts.1 
Relationship Note*Philo and David Beebe were probably brothers. On the 1850 census taken in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan, their two families were enumerated on the same census page with only one household between them.1,3 
Marriage*He married Laura Franklin.2,1 
Census US 1850*24 August 1850Laura and Philo Beebe were enumerated on the 1850 census taken on 24 August 1850 in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. Philo was 55 years of age, worked as a laborer and had real estate valued at $400; Laura was 49 years of age. Seven children and a daughter-in-law were enumerated with them in 1850. Their first four sons, Alonzo S., Raymond, Erastus J. and Nelson, who had been born in New York, were ages 27, 24, 22, and 19 years, respectively, were all recorded as laborers, and each owned a portion of real estate. Individually, the value of their ownerships was listed as $350 for Alonzo, $200 for Raymond, and $100 each for Erastus and Nelson. The couple's three younger sons, Hiram R., George and Burr, had all been born in Michigan and were ages 16, 14 and 10 years, respectively. George and Burr had attended school within the census year. The wife of their eldest son, Alonzo, Betsy A. (Whaling) Beebe, was 20 years old. Philo and Laura's second son, Raymond, who was enumerated with his parents in 1850, had married the previous year and was separated, and possibly already divorced, from his wife, Maria (Beebe) Beebe, a daughter of Philo's brother, David Beebe. As with Raymond, Maria was enumerated with her parents in 1850. The households of the two brothers, Philo and David Beebe, were recorded on the same census page in 1850 with only one other household between them.1,4 
(Father) Marriage14 March 1852He and Laura's son, Nelson, and Betsey Wilcox were married on 14 March 1852 at the Beebe family home in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. Nelson's brother, Alonzo S. Beebe, and his wife, Polly M. (Wilcox) Beebe, were their subscribing witnesses.5 
(Father) Census State IA 18561856 Philo was listed as F. Beebe on the Iowa State census for 1856 in the household of his son, Alonzo S. Beebe, in Liberty, Buchanan County, Iowa. Philo was 60 years of age, a farmer, and had lived in Iowa for one a year.6 
Census US 1860*26 June 1860Philo Beebe was enumerated within a group of connecting households containing members of his extended family on the 1860 census taken on 26 June 1860 in the Nebraska Territory. He was 65 years of age and a farmer. His son, Alonzo, who was recorded as A.S., was 34 years of age, a farmer, and had a personal estate valued at $150. Alonzo's wife, Mary, was 23 years of age and their daughter, Laura, was 3 years old. Alonzo's brother, Hiram, was 27 years of age and a farmer with a personal estate valued at $100, and their brother, Burr, was 22 years of age and a farmer with a personal estate valued at $150. Burr's wife, Amanda, was 17 years old, and their baby daughter, Sarah, was two months old. Several single men were also enumerated within the group of connecting households, and among them was Amanda (Bray) Beebe's brother, Benjamin D. Bray. He was 22 years of age and had no occupation recorded.7 

Family

 Laura Franklin b. 1801
Children 1.Alonzo S. Beebe+1 b. 1823, d. 1862
 2.Raymond Beebe+2,1 b. 4 Feb 1827, d. 31 Mar 1899
 3.Erastus J. Beebe+1 b. 17 Jan 1828, d. 17 Nov 1911
 4.Nelson Beebe+1,8 b. 24 May 1831, d. 27 Feb 1921
 5.Hiram Beebe1 b. Oct 1833, d. 5 Jan 1911
 6.George Beebe+1 b. Sep 1835, d. 9 Aug 1911
 7.Burr Beebe+1 b. 1840, d. 17 Mar 1905

Citations

  1. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Raymond Beebe, age 79, married, was age 25 when he married for the first time, had 11 children, 8 still living, born in 1820 in New York to Philo Beebe and _____ Frankton, died on 31 March 1899 in Highland, Osceola, Michigan, USA, informant his son, C. M. Beebe, Marion, Michigan, burial in Highland Cemetery, referencing File# 373, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records. Hereinafter cited as Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952.
  3. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b; Maria was recorded as 21 years of age and her date of birth estimated as 1829.
  4. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b.
  5. [S2922] St. Clair County, Michigan, Marriages, 1838-1857, Book 1, online at https://sites.rootsweb.com/%7Emistcla2/m_records1.htm, marriage on 14 March 1852 at the home of Nelsons's father, "Philco" Bebee, in Berlin Township, St Clair County, Michigan, of Nelson Beebe of Berlin Township, age 20, and Betsey Wilcox of Attica, Lapeer County, Michigan, age 20, witnesses Alonzo Beebe and Polly Beebe, married by Thomas W. Goul, Justice of the Peace. Hereinafter cited as St. Clair County, Michigan, Marriages, 1838-1857, Book 1.
  6. [S1448] Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Alonzo S. Beebe, State Historical Society of Iowa (Via Heritage Quest); Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 As Well Various Special Censuses From 1836-1897. Hereinafter cited as Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925.
  7. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo Beebe, (his name transcribed as "Phily Bube" by Ancestry), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Unorganized County, Nebraska Territory; Roll: M653_665; Page: 236; Family History Library Film: 803665. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
  8. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, PVT Nelson A. Beebe, Memorial# 95099347. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.

Raymond Beebe1

b. 4 February 1827, d. 31 March 1899
Family
Father*Philo Beebe2,3 b. 1795
Mother*Laura Franklin3 b. 1801
Birth*4 February 1827Raymond Beebe was born on 4 February 1827 in New York.4,5,6 
Marriage*5 January 1849He married first Maria Beebe, daughter of David Beebe and Amy Franklin, on 5 January 1849 in Berlin, St. Clair County, Michigan. If their fathers were brothers, as we suspect, Raymond and Maria were first cousins.4 
Divorce*Raymond and Maria separated shortly after their marriage, and were probably divorced. In August of 1850 they were enumerated separately in the households of their respective parents. Raymond moved away from the area and married a second time in the early 1850s.7,5 
(2nd Son) Census US 185024 August 1850Raymond was enumerated on the 1850 census taken on 24 August 1850 in the household of his parents in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. He was 24 years of age, worked as a laborer, and owned real estate valued at $200. We note that Raymond had married the previous year and was separated, and possibly already divorced, from his wife, Maria (Beebe) Beebe, a daughter of David Beebe, who was Raymond's uncle, being his father's brother. As with Raymond, Maria was enumerated with her parents in 1850. The households of the two brothers, Philo and David Beebe, were recorded on the same census page in 1850 with only one other household between them.3,8 
Marriage*He married, as his second wife, Elizabeth Smith.9,10 
(Husband) DeathElizabeth and Raymond Beebe's marriage ended, we suspect with Elizabeth's death not long after the birth of their second child in 1860. Raymond married again and was enumerated on the 1870 census with his second wife, their seven-month-old daughter, and his two children from his marriage with Elizabeth.11 
Marriage*He married, as his third wife, Jane Hall, daughter of Matthew Hall and Anna Morrison. Raymond was a widower with two children, Charles and Minerva, who were about 12 and 8 years old, respectively; Jane had a daughter, Lillian, who was 2 years old.12 
Census US 1870*8 August 1870Jane and Raymond Beebe were enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 8 August 1870 in Ela, Lake County, Illinois. Raymond was 43 years of age and worked as a laborer, and Jane was 23 years of age. Three children were enumerated with the couple in 1870. Raymond's two children from his first marriage, Charles and Jane, were ages 12 and 11 years, respectively, and at home. The couple's baby daughter, Anna, who had been born the previous November, was seven months old.11 
Census US 1880*14 June 1880Jane and Raymond Beebe were enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 14 June 1880 in Highland, Osceola County, Michigan. Raymond was 52 years of age and a farmer, and Jane was 30 years of age and keeping house. Five children were enumerated with the couple in 1880. Milton, Raymond's son from his first marriage, was 21 years old, had attended school within the census year, and was working as a farmer; the couple's daughter, Anna L., was 10 years old and had attended school within the census year; their daughter, Charlotte, who was recorded as Lotta, was age 4, and their baby son, Spencer, was five months old. Janes's daughter, Lilly Hall, was 14 years old, had attended school within the census year, and was identified by the census taker as "wife's daughter". Jane's mother, Ann Hall, was also enumerated with the family in 1880. She was a widow, 68 years of age, and able to read, although not to write. All the other adults in the Beebe household were able to both read and write.

Raymond's daughter, Minerva Jane (Beebe) Kelley, was enumerated with her husband and baby daughter in another township in the same county as her father and siblings.13 
(Brother) Murder12 April 1884He was living with his wife and children in Michigan, when his brother, Burr Beebe, shot and killed his neighbor, Norris A. Phillips, on 12 April 1884 in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. The prosecuting attorney gave a report to the newspaper after his preliminary examination regarding the killing. He outlined for the paper the following facts that had been brought forward during his examination:

Burr Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood.

The Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land.

For that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land.

It seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field.

On the morning of the killing, Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground.

While he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction.

The hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate.

After a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through.

Beebe and his two brothers, Erastus Beebe, who was called Ras, and George were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for Phillips at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him.

Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up.

A report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks.

The prosecutor said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up, Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired. However, they also admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor, would seem to indicate that Burr came up with pistol in hand and ready to shoot. The prosecutor also said, that in his neighborhood, Burr was considered the "boss" pistol shot and, like the famous James brothers, could send a bullet about where he wanted it. Mrs. Fannie Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction. She said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing. Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her.

The prosecutor said that Beebe’s preliminary examination had been conducted before Justice Long and resulted in Beebe being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday, April 25, was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial.

The argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court. In less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached, and the Court was reconvened. The verdict of "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" was announced, and the penalty fixed by the jury was imprisonment for life in the State Prison. One newspaper reported that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Another paper reported that Beebe had introduced a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows.

Less than two months after Burr’s conviction, his brother, Erastus Beebe, was on trial in Superior Court for complicity in the same murder of Norris A. Phillips. After eight days, his trial ended on Monday, September 8, and the newspaper reported the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who had done the killing. Burr had been found guilty of murder in the first degree the previous July and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life.

The only new evidence introduced was that of Emma S. (Beebe) Walls, who was identified as Mrs. David Walls, a daughter of Burr Beebe. She testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe]) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime.

The argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury. Three hours later, the jury returned with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life. When the verdict was announced, Erastus stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away. He revived in a short time and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning. When the time arrived, however, Beebe was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18. The paper wrote that his health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered.14,15,16,17,18,19,20 
(Brother) Pardoned19 November 1891His brother, Erastus, was serving a life sentence for murder in Folsom Prison, Folsom, Sacramento County, California, when he was pardoned by California Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891.21 
(Brother) Commutation24 December 1898A San Francisco newspaper, on 11 December 1898, reported that his brother, Burr Beebe, who was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in Modoc County in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Two weeks later, another San Francisco newspaper, making much of the Christmas present, reported that Burr was among six murderers and other prisoners convicted of high crimes who had been given commutations by California Governor James Herbert Budd. Burr received his full liberty on 24 December 1898.19,20 
Death*31 March 1899He died on 31 March 1899 in Highland, Osceola County, Michigan, at age 791,2 
Burial* and was buried in Highland Township Cemetery #1, Highland.1 

Family 1

 Maria Beebe b. 24 Dec 1829

Family 2

 Elizabeth Smith
Children 1.Charles Milton Beebe9 b. 20 Dec 1856, d. 22 Apr 1936
 2.Minerva Jane Beebe+1 b. 15 Jun 1860, d. 4 Apr 1938

Family 3

 Jane Hall b. 3 Aug 1847, d. 22 Sep 1920
Children 1.Anna L. Beebe13 b. Nov 1869
 2.Charlotte Beebe13 b. 23 Feb 1876
 3.Spencer Beebe13 b. Jan 1880

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Raymond Beebe, Memorial# 187839829. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Raymond Beebe, age 79, married, was age 25 when he married for the first time, had 11 children, 8 still living, born in 1820 in New York to Philo Beebe and _____ Frankton, died on 31 March 1899 in Highland, Osceola, Michigan, USA, informant his son, C. M. Beebe, Marion, Michigan, burial in Highland Cemetery, referencing File# 373, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records. Hereinafter cited as Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952.
  3. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  4. [S2922] St. Clair County, Michigan, Marriages, 1838-1857, Book 1, online at https://sites.rootsweb.com/%7Emistcla2/m_records1.htm, marriage on 5 January 1849 in Berlin, St Clair County, Michigan, of Raymond Beebe of Berlin, age 22 on 4th day of February, and Maria Beebe of Berlin, age 19 on 24th day of December (last), witnesses John C. Clark and George Rutherford, both of Berlin, married by Chandler P. Stone, Justice of the Peace. Hereinafter cited as St. Clair County, Michigan, Marriages, 1838-1857, Book 1.
  5. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a; Raymond was recorded as 24 years of age and his date of birth estimated as 1826.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Raymond Beebe, Memorial# 187839829, his date of birth reported as 1820.
  7. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b; Maria was recorded as 21 years of age and her date of birth estimated as 1829.
  8. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b.
  9. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Charles Milton Beebe, age 79, lumberman and farmer, retired in October 1935, married to Lillian (Thompson) Beebe, born on 20 December 1856 in Iowa to Raymond Beebe and Elizabeth Smith, both parents born in Pennsylvania, died on 22 April 1936 in Marion, Osceola, Michigan, USA, informant Mrs. L. M. Beebe, Marion, Michigan, burial in Marion, Michigan, referencing File# 002640, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records.
  10. [S2920] Charles Milton Beebe 1936 Obituary, Michigan, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Grand Rapids Press, (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Thursday, April 23, 1936, Page 13, (Downloaded on September 29, 2025), under the title, "Milton Beebe, Lumberman, Dies at His Home in Marion", and dated Marion, April 23, reporting that Milton Beebe, 79, a veteran lumberman of the section and one of the most widely known Marion residents, died Wednesday at his home; that as an early settler in Highland township, Beebe, at the time of his death, was still owner of the farm he cleared when the township was a forest; that Beebe was survived by his widow, two sons, Frank of Texas and George of Marion, five daughters, Mrs. May Timlin of Petoskey, Mrs. Nettie Wing, Mrs. Fern Berry, and Mrs. Crystal Bigford of Marion, and Mrs. Anna Emory of Cadillac; one sister Mrs. Jane Heaton of Marion; three half-brothers, Spencer, Ray and Levi Beebe of Marion; and three half-sisters, Mrs. Lottie Gillan of Marion, Mrs. Dorothy Rexford of Muskegon and Mrs. Annie Edgett of Battle Creek. Hereinafter cited as Charles Milton Beebe 1936 Obituary, Michigan.
  11. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Raymond and Jane Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), Year: 1870; Census Place: Ela, Lake, Illinois; Roll: M593_242; Page: 592B. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  12. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Jane Beebe, age 73, widow of Raymond Beebe, housework, born on 3 August 1847 in Canada to Mathew Hall and Anna Morrison, died on 29 September 1920 in Highland, Osceola, Michigan, USA, informant her son, Spencer Beebe, Marion, Michigan, burial in Highland Cemetery, referencing File# 49, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records.
  13. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Raymond and Jane Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebe" by the census taker), Year: 1880; Census Place: Highland, Osceola, Michigan; Roll: 600; Page: 64d; Enumeration District: 220. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  14. [S2938] Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Plumas County Bulletin, (Greenville, California), Monday, April 28, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), reporting among the items under the caption, "Things in General", that Modoc County had acquired a very unenviable notoriety for perpetration of murders; that at Cedarville recently, a man named Burr Beebe shot and instantly killed another man named Phillips; that the men had quarreled about a piece of land and a water ditch. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884.
  15. [S2939] Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Feather River Bulletin, (Quincy, California), Saturday, May 3, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "The Last Murder in Modoc", reporting that from the Modoc Independent of April 24 in the report of F.W. Ewing who conducted the prosecution of Burr Bebe in his preliminary examination for the killing of Norris A. Phillips on April 12, the following facts were brought forth in the examination; that Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood; that the Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land; that for that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land; that it seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field; that on the morning of the killing Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground; that while he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction; that the hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate; that after a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through; that Beebe and his two brothers, Ras and George, were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for him at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him; that Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up; that a report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks; that Mr. Ewing said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired; that they, however, admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor would seem to indicate that he came up with pistol in hand and ready for business and that in his neighborhood he was considered the "boss' pistol shot and like the famous James brothers, can send a bullet about where he wants it; that Mrs. Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction; that she said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing; that Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her; that Beebe had a preliminary examination before Justice Long which resulted in his being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial. Hereinafter cited as Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California.
  16. [S2940] Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Monday, July 28, 1884, page, Page 4, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Murder in the First Degree", and reporting from the Modoc Independent, that the argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and that by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court; that in less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached; that upon the Court being convened, the verdict "Guilty of murder in the first degree" was announced; that the jury fixed the penalty at imprisonment for life in the State Prison; that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California.
  17. [S2941] Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, July 26, 1884, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "En Route to State Prison", reporting that Burr Beebe, a Modoc county farmer, was lodged in the city prison the night before enroute to State Prison where he was to spend the remainder of his days on a charge of murder; that he was arrested the previous April for having shot and killed Norr Phillips, a neighboring farmer, with whom he had a row over the right to a piece of property; that the prisoner interposed a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California.
  18. [S2924] Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Thursday, September 18, 1884, Page 1, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Another Conviction: Erastus Bebe Found Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" and referencing the Modoc Independent of September 11, reporting that the trial in Superior Court of Erastus Beebe for complicity in the murder of Norris A Phillips had ended on Monday after eight days and that the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who did the killing and two months previously had been found guilty of murder in the first degree and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life; that the only new evidence introduced was that of Mrs. David Wall, a daughter of Burr Beebe who testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime; that the argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury; that the jury returned three hours later with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" and with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life; that when the verdict was announced, Beebe stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away; that in a short time he revived and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning; that when the time arrived, however, the prisoner was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18; the Beebe's health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered. Hereinafter cited as Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884.
  19. [S2942] Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination: Did Insanity Cause Him to Commit the Crime? Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Sunday, December 11, 1898, Page 12, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), noting that Burr Beebe, serving a life sentence for murder committed in Modoc county in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination Dec 1898 California.
  20. [S2943] Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, December 24, 1898, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the headlines, "Christmas Presents of Liberty to Convicts" and "Six Murderers and Other Prisoners Convicted of High Crimes are Turned Loose by Governor Budd", and reporting from Sacramento on December 23, that Governor Budd had that day issued a number of commutations which would, without doubt, be received as welcome Christmas presents by those prisoners in whose favors they were made; that in each instance the prisoner was to receive his full liberty the following day, December 24; that among the pardons was Burr Beebe, sent from Modoc county in July 1884, life imprisonment for murder. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California.
  21. [S2923] California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950, online at www.ancestry.com, Folsom State Prison, Prison Registers, 1880-1896, E. J. Beebe, nativity New York, crime Murder, when received 15 September 1884, term of sentence Life, county sent from Colusa, age 29, occupation Butcher, height 5'10", complexion Florid, eyes Brown, hair, Dark Brown, remarks Pardoned by Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950.

Rena Urana Beebe1,2

b. 5 February 1862, d. 15 July 1960
Family
Father*Burr Beebe1,3 b. 1840, d. 17 Mar 1905
Mother*Harriet Amanda Bray1,4 b. 25 Jan 1842, d. 17 Jul 1929
Birth*5 February 1862Rena Urana Beebe was born on 5 February 1862 in Wasington Territory.1,2 
Name VariationShe was called herself Urana.5 
(Daughter) Census US 1870between 1 June 1870 and 23 August 1871Urana was enumerated on the 1870 census taken between 1 June 1870 and 23 August 1871 in the household of her parents in Washington County, Oregon. She was 8 years old.2 
(Daughter) Insanity5 May 1873She was 11 years old when her mother, Harriet A. Beebe, was admitted on 5 May 1873 to the Insane Asylum of the State of California at Stockton, California's first public hospital solely for the mentally ill. Its name was changed to Stockton State Hospital around 1897/1898, because superintendents at the time disliked the terms "asylum" and "insane". Harriet's husband, Burr Beebe, John H. Cratty, who was a local constable, and two physicians, Dr. George W. Greer and Dr. Daniel Ream, had been successful in having her committed by Judge Edwin Shearer of the County Court of Siskiyou County California four days before on 1 May 1873.

Harriet's hospital admittance records first documented her personal information: She was age 31, a native of Maine, married, her maiden name was Harriet Amanda Bray, her husband’s name was Burr Beebe, they were last from Oregon, had been in California 2 years, her occupation was housewife, and she had no property.

The evidence given to the Court regarding her behaviors and the diagnoses leading to her incarceration, were also included in her hospital admittance record. It was recorded that: She showed evidence of insanity through insane acts; Her most recent attack of insanity occurred about the previous December; She had another attack in 1864; Her disease was increasing, although she had rational intervals; She had a desire to be divorced and return to her relatives; She was disposed to injure her husband; She occasionally threatened to kill herself; She was not filthy or destructive; Her father and two brothers had been insane; She had suffered from suppressed menstruation; She had had an injury on the head; There had been no change in her physical health since the attack; She had not been intemperate or uncontrollable.

After hearing the evidence, the Court found that the cause of her insanity was Heredity Predisposition, and the class of her insanity was Mania.

Harriet was discharged on 7 February 1874, nine months after her confinement. It may be of note to mention that Burr and Harriet were 19 and 17 years old, respectively, when they married about 1859. At the time of her hospitalization in 1873, they had been married for fourteen years and Harriet had given birth to five children all during the time while the family was migrating across the country to settle, about 1871, in California. She had given birth to their sixth child in 1872.6 
(Daughter) Census US 18804 June 1880Urana was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 4 June 1880 in the household of her parents in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. She was 18 years old and at home.7,8 
Marriage*15 October 1882She married, as her first husband, Jesse Robert Sweet on 15 October 1882 in California.1,9 
(Daughter) Murder12 April 1884She was 22 years old and married when her father shot and killed his neighbor, Norris A. Phillips, on 12 April 1884 in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. The prosecuting attorney gave a report to the newspaper after his preliminary examination regarding the killing. He outlined for the paper the following facts that had been brought forward during his examination:

Burr Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood.

The Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land.

For that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land.

It seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field.

On the morning of the killing, Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground.

While he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction.

The hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate.

After a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through.

Beebe and his two brothers, Erastus Beebe, who was called Ras, and George were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for Phillips at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him.

Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up.

A report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks.

The prosecutor said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up, Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired. However, they also admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor, would seem to indicate that Burr came up with pistol in hand and ready to shoot. The prosecutor also said, that in his neighborhood, Burr was considered the "boss" pistol shot and, like the famous James brothers, could send a bullet about where he wanted it. Mrs. Fannie Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction. She said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing. Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her.

The prosecutor said that Beebe’s preliminary examination had been conducted before Justice Long and resulted in Beebe being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday, April 25, was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial.

The argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court. In less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached, and the Court was reconvened. The verdict of "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" was announced, and the penalty fixed by the jury was imprisonment for life in the State Prison. One newspaper reported that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Another paper reported that Beebe had introduced a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows.

Less than two months after Burr’s conviction, his brother, Erastus Beebe, was on trial in Superior Court for complicity in the same murder of Norris A. Phillips. After eight days, his trial ended on Monday, September 8, and the newspaper reported the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who had done the killing. Burr had been found guilty of murder in the first degree the previous July and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life.

The only new evidence introduced was that of Emma S. (Beebe) Walls, who was identified as Mrs. David Walls, a daughter of Burr Beebe. She testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe]) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime.

The argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury. Three hours later, the jury returned with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life. When the verdict was announced, Erastus stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away. He revived in a short time and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning. When the time arrived, however, Beebe was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18. The paper wrote that his health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered.10,11,12,13,14,15,16 
(Niece) Pardoned19 November 1891Her uncle, Erastus J. Beebe, was serving a life sentence for murder in Folsom Prison, Folsom, Sacramento County, California, when he was pardoned by California Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891.17 
(Wife) Murder4 October 1895Rena became a widow when Jesse Robert Sweet was murdered, six miles north of Lake City, Modoc County, California, on 4 October 1895 at age 53. The Governor of California, James H. Budd, offered a reward of $500 for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for his murder.9 
Marriage*1898She married, as her second husband, Willis E. Scammon about 1898.18,1 
(Daughter) Commutation24 December 1898A San Francisco newspaper, on 11 December 1898, reported that her father, Burr Beebe, who was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in Modoc County in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Two weeks later, another San Francisco newspaper, making much of the Christmas present, reported that Burr was among six murderers and other prisoners convicted of high crimes who had been given commutations by California Governor James Herbert Budd. Burr received his full liberty on 24 December 1898.15,16 
Divorce*1914Rena and Willis were divorced about 1914.1 
Marriage*9 August 1916She married third, as his second wife, Gilbert Finnis Arthur, son of Eli Clarke Arther and Mary Martha Kirkpatrick, on 9 August 1916.19,1,5 
(Wife) Death11 November 1931Rena became a widow for the second time when Gilbert Finnis Arthur died on 11 November 1931 at age 73.19 
(Sister) Missing Person11 August 1957 On Sunday, 11 August 1957, her sister, Rose (Beebe) Jewett, wandered away from a family berry-picking camp in rugged country near the Elk River in north-central Idaho. An organized search for her had begun as soon as she was reported missing, It was called off on Tuesday, then resumed on Wednesday at the request of her daughters, Nellie Wymore and Eula Johnson. Nelllie, who lived in Boise, Idaho, described her mother as an elderly 85-year-old woman, who was "quite active", although her memory had been failing. Nellie believed her mother may have been picked up along a highway, then left off somewhere, and that with her memory failing, she may have forgotten who she was or where she was from. Nellie said her mother was about five feet tall, weighed about 117 pounds, and had white hair. At the time of her disappearance, she had no money with her.

Newspapers reported that many searchers and woods workers had been released from their jobs to aid in the hunt for the missing woman, and that a helicopter had also been in use. Some searchers reported on Wednesday that they had combed the area so thoroughly it appeared doubtful the elderly Mrs. Jewett was anywhere near the spot she wandered away from on Sunday.

By Thursday, October 17, Rose had still not been found. Newspapers reminded their readers that the frail, elderly woman had been missing for two months, since August 11, in the heavily timbered mountain country near Elk River. They reported that Rose's daughter, Eula Johnson of Juliaetta, Idaho, was offering a reward for the finding of her mother who had disappeared while on a family huckleberry picking expedition. Eula would pay $500 for information leading to the finding of her mother alive and $300 for information leading to the discovery of her body. Volunteers and deputies, aided by planes and bloodhounds, had made a long and extensive search of the area without turning up any trace of Mrs. Jewett. There had been speculation the woman might have been given a ride by a motorist, but officers had checked out all tips without result. Mrs. Johnson stated she had not given up hope that her mother would be found alive.

Two of Rose's sons, Joseph and Hubert, had predeceased their mother's disappearance in 1957. In addition to Rose's two daughters, Nellie and Eula, who were featured in the newspaper stories regarding her disappearance, five of Rose's other children were living. Clara, Preston, William and Nora also lived in Idaho at the time, and Bulah, who had lived in Idaho much of her life, had moved to Oregon after her second marriage in 1955.20,21 
Death*15 July 1960She died on 15 July 1960 in Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon, at age 98.1 
Burial*She was buried with her third husband in Block 31, A lot 1S, of the IOOF Cemetery, Lakeview, Lake County, Oregon.1,19 

Family 1

 Jesse Robert Sweet b. 1842, d. 4 Oct 1895

Family 2

 Willis E. Scammon b. Feb 1862, d. 8 Jul 1918

Family 3

 Gilbert Finnis Arthur b. 24 Sep 1858, d. 11 Nov 1931

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Rena U (Beebe) Arthur, Memorial# 37843954, and her obituary attached to the memorial. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Amanda Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Baba" by the census taker), Year: 1870; Census Place: Washington, Oregon; Roll: M593_1288; Page: 475B. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Burr Beebe Sr., Memorial# 93995676.
  4. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Harriett Amanda (Bray) Beebe, Memorial# 37846755.
  5. [S2550] Oregon, U.S., State Deaths, 1864-1971, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage on 9 August 1916 in Lakeview, Lake County, Oregon, USA, of Urana Scammon of Lakeview, age 54, born in 1862 in Washington County, Oregon, housewife, her 3rd marriage, and Gilbert F Arthur of Lakeview, age 57, born about 1859 in Missouri, farmer, his 2nd marriage, referencing Oregon Center For Health Statistics, Portland, Oregon, USA, Oregon State Marriages, 1911-1945, citing File# 1743495. Hereinafter cited as Oregon, U.S., State Deaths, 1864-1971.
  6. [S2925] California, U.S., State Hospital Records, 1856-1923, online at www.ancestry.com, record for Harriet A Beebe, age 31, born about 1842 in Maine, admitted on 5 May 1873 to Stockton State Hospital, located in Stockton, San Joaquin, California, USA, referencing California State Archives; Sacramento, California; Stockton State Hospital Commitment Registers, Volumes 5-6, 1870-1875; Roll Number: 3; Film Location: MF8:10. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., State Hospital Records, 1856-1923.
  7. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Harriet Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  8. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of E. J. and Lucinda Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067.
  9. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Jesse Robert Sweet, Memorial# 89495704.
  10. [S2938] Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Plumas County Bulletin, (Greenville, California), Monday, April 28, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), reporting among the items under the caption, "Things in General", that Modoc County had acquired a very unenviable notoriety for perpetration of murders; that at Cedarville recently, a man named Burr Beebe shot and instantly killed another man named Phillips; that the men had quarreled about a piece of land and a water ditch. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884.
  11. [S2939] Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Feather River Bulletin, (Quincy, California), Saturday, May 3, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "The Last Murder in Modoc", reporting that from the Modoc Independent of April 24 in the report of F.W. Ewing who conducted the prosecution of Burr Bebe in his preliminary examination for the killing of Norris A. Phillips on April 12, the following facts were brought forth in the examination; that Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood; that the Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land; that for that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land; that it seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field; that on the morning of the killing Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground; that while he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction; that the hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate; that after a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through; that Beebe and his two brothers, Ras and George, were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for him at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him; that Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up; that a report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks; that Mr. Ewing said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired; that they, however, admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor would seem to indicate that he came up with pistol in hand and ready for business and that in his neighborhood he was considered the "boss' pistol shot and like the famous James brothers, can send a bullet about where he wants it; that Mrs. Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction; that she said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing; that Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her; that Beebe had a preliminary examination before Justice Long which resulted in his being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial. Hereinafter cited as Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California.
  12. [S2940] Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Monday, July 28, 1884, page, Page 4, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Murder in the First Degree", and reporting from the Modoc Independent, that the argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and that by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court; that in less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached; that upon the Court being convened, the verdict "Guilty of murder in the first degree" was announced; that the jury fixed the penalty at imprisonment for life in the State Prison; that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California.
  13. [S2941] Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, July 26, 1884, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "En Route to State Prison", reporting that Burr Beebe, a Modoc county farmer, was lodged in the city prison the night before enroute to State Prison where he was to spend the remainder of his days on a charge of murder; that he was arrested the previous April for having shot and killed Norr Phillips, a neighboring farmer, with whom he had a row over the right to a piece of property; that the prisoner interposed a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California.
  14. [S2924] Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Thursday, September 18, 1884, Page 1, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Another Conviction: Erastus Bebe Found Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" and referencing the Modoc Independent of September 11, reporting that the trial in Superior Court of Erastus Beebe for complicity in the murder of Norris A Phillips had ended on Monday after eight days and that the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who did the killing and two months previously had been found guilty of murder in the first degree and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life; that the only new evidence introduced was that of Mrs. David Wall, a daughter of Burr Beebe who testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime; that the argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury; that the jury returned three hours later with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" and with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life; that when the verdict was announced, Beebe stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away; that in a short time he revived and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning; that when the time arrived, however, the prisoner was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18; the Beebe's health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered. Hereinafter cited as Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884.
  15. [S2942] Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination: Did Insanity Cause Him to Commit the Crime? Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Sunday, December 11, 1898, Page 12, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), noting that Burr Beebe, serving a life sentence for murder committed in Modoc county in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination Dec 1898 California.
  16. [S2943] Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, December 24, 1898, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the headlines, "Christmas Presents of Liberty to Convicts" and "Six Murderers and Other Prisoners Convicted of High Crimes are Turned Loose by Governor Budd", and reporting from Sacramento on December 23, that Governor Budd had that day issued a number of commutations which would, without doubt, be received as welcome Christmas presents by those prisoners in whose favors they were made; that in each instance the prisoner was to receive his full liberty the following day, December 24; that among the pardons was Burr Beebe, sent from Modoc county in July 1884, life imprisonment for murder. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California.
  17. [S2923] California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950, online at www.ancestry.com, Folsom State Prison, Prison Registers, 1880-1896, E. J. Beebe, nativity New York, crime Murder, when received 15 September 1884, term of sentence Life, county sent from Colusa, age 29, occupation Butcher, height 5'10", complexion Florid, eyes Brown, hair, Dark Brown, remarks Pardoned by Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950.
  18. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Willis and Reney Scammon, Year: 1900; Census Place: Catalow, Harney, Oregon; Roll: 1347; Page: 4; Enumeration District: 0156. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
  19. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Gilbert Finnis Arthur, Memorial# 37843930.
  20. [S2931] Rose Jewett, 85, Missing in Idaho on 11 August 1957, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Idaho Statesman, (Boise, Idaho), Thursday, August 15, 1957, Page 24, (Downloaded on November 24, 2025), with a photo and under the headline, "Daughter of Lost Woman Appeals for Search Aid", reporting that the daughter of an elderly north Idaho woman, who had been missing in rugged country near Elk river since Sunday issued a plea Wednesday in Boise for aid in locating the aged woman; Mrs. Nellie Wymore of 1802 North Twenty-sixth street, Boise, said there was a chance her mother, 85-year-old Mrs. Rose H. Jewett, may have reached a highway and had been picked up by a passerby; that Mrs. Jewett apparently wandered away from a family berry-picking camp near Elk river on Sunday afternoon; that she had been the object of an organized search ever since she had been reported missing; that although the search had been called off Tuesday, it was resumed Wednesday at the request of Mrs. George Johnson of Juliaetta (Idaho), another of Mrs. Jewett's daughters; authorities expressed little hope that Mrs. Jewett would be found alive, but the daughter in Boise said the elderly woman may have reached a highway; that Mrs. Wymore described her mother as "quite active', but said her memory had been failing; that Mrs. Wymore believed her mother may have been picked up along a highway, then left off somewhere; that with her memory failing, Mrs. Jewett may have forgotten who she was or where she was from; that Mrs. Wymore described her mother as about five feet tall, weighing about 117 pounds, and having white hair; that she had no money with her at the time she disappeared; that many searchers and woods workers had been released from their jobs to aid in the hunt, and that a helicopter had also been in use; that some searchers reported Wednesday that they had combed the area so thoroughly it appeared doubtful the elderly woman was anywhere near the spot she wandered away from Sunday. Hereinafter cited as Rose Jewett, 85, Missing in Idaho on 11 August 1957.
  21. [S2932] Rose Jewett: Reward Offered for Information on Lost Woman Idaho October 1957, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Idaho Statesman, (Boise, Idaho), Friday, October 18, 1957, Page 23, (Downloaded on November 24, 2025), from Juliaetta, Idaho, under the title, "Reward Offered for Information on Lost Woman", reporting that rewards were offered Thursday for a frail, elderly woman missing since August 11 in heavily timbered mountain country near Elk River; that Mrs. George Johnson offered the rewards for the finding of her mother, Mrs. Rose Jewett, 95 (sic), who disappeared while on a family huckleberry picking expedition; that she would pay $500 for information to the finding of her mother alive and $300 for information leading the discovery of her body; that volunteers and deputies, aided by planes and bloodhounds, made a long, extensive search of the area without turning up any trace of Mrs. Jewett; that there had been speculation the woman might have been given a ride by a motorist, but officers had checked out all tips without result; that Mrs. Johnson said she had not given up hope that her mother would be found alive. Hereinafter cited as Rose Jewett: Reward Offered for Information on Lost Woman Idaho October 1957.

Rose Beebe1

b. October 1872
Family
Father*Burr Beebe1,3 b. 1840, d. 17 Mar 1905
Mother*Harriet Amanda Bray1,2 b. 25 Jan 1842, d. 17 Jul 1929
Birth*October 1872Rose Beebe may have been born in October 1872 in California.4,5,6 
(Daughter) Insanity5 May 1873She was seven months old when her mother, Harriet A. Beebe, was admitted on 5 May 1873 to the Insane Asylum of the State of California at Stockton, California's first public hospital solely for the mentally ill. Its name was changed to Stockton State Hospital around 1897/1898, because superintendents at the time disliked the terms "asylum" and "insane". Harriet's husband, Burr Beebe, John H. Cratty, who was a local constable, and two physicians, Dr. George W. Greer and Dr. Daniel Ream, had been successful in having her committed by Judge Edwin Shearer of the County Court of Siskiyou County California four days before on 1 May 1873.

Harriet's hospital admittance records first documented her personal information: She was age 31, a native of Maine, married, her maiden name was Harriet Amanda Bray, her husband’s name was Burr Beebe, they were last from Oregon, had been in California 2 years, her occupation was housewife, and she had no property.

The evidence given to the Court regarding her behaviors and the diagnoses leading to her incarceration, were also included in her hospital admittance record. It was recorded that: She showed evidence of insanity through insane acts; Her most recent attack of insanity occurred about the previous December; She had another attack in 1864; Her disease was increasing, although she had rational intervals; She had a desire to be divorced and return to her relatives; She was disposed to injure her husband; She occasionally threatened to kill herself; She was not filthy or destructive; Her father and two brothers had been insane; She had suffered from suppressed menstruation; She had had an injury on the head; There had been no change in her physical health since the attack; She had not been intemperate or uncontrollable.

After hearing the evidence, the Court found that the cause of her insanity was Heredity Predisposition, and the class of her insanity was Mania.

Harriet was discharged on 7 February 1874, nine months after her confinement. It may be of note to mention that Burr and Harriet were 19 and 17 years old, respectively, when they married about 1859. At the time of her hospitalization in 1873, they had been married for fourteen years and Harriet had given birth to five children all during the time while the family was migrating across the country to settle, about 1871, in California. She had given birth to their sixth child in 1872.7 
(Daughter) Census US 18804 June 1880Rose was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 4 June 1880 in the household of her parents in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. She was 8 years old and attending school.8,9 
(Daughter) Murder12 April 1884She was 11 years old when her father shot and killed his neighbor, Norris A. Phillips, on 12 April 1884 in Cedarville, Modoc County, California. The prosecuting attorney gave a report to the newspaper after his preliminary examination regarding the killing. He outlined for the paper the following facts that had been brought forward during his examination:

Burr Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood.

The Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land.

For that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land.

It seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field.

On the morning of the killing, Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground.

While he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction.

The hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate.

After a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through.

Beebe and his two brothers, Erastus Beebe, who was called Ras, and George were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for Phillips at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him.

Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up.

A report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks.

The prosecutor said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up, Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired. However, they also admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor, would seem to indicate that Burr came up with pistol in hand and ready to shoot. The prosecutor also said, that in his neighborhood, Burr was considered the "boss" pistol shot and, like the famous James brothers, could send a bullet about where he wanted it. Mrs. Fannie Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction. She said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing. Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her.

The prosecutor said that Beebe’s preliminary examination had been conducted before Justice Long and resulted in Beebe being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday, April 25, was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial.

The argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court. In less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached, and the Court was reconvened. The verdict of "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" was announced, and the penalty fixed by the jury was imprisonment for life in the State Prison. One newspaper reported that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Another paper reported that Beebe had introduced a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows.

Less than two months after Burr’s conviction, his brother, Erastus Beebe, was on trial in Superior Court for complicity in the same murder of Norris A. Phillips. After eight days, his trial ended on Monday, September 8, and the newspaper reported the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who had done the killing. Burr had been found guilty of murder in the first degree the previous July and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life.

The only new evidence introduced was that of Emma S. (Beebe) Walls, who was identified as Mrs. David Walls, a daughter of Burr Beebe. She testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe]) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime.

The argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury. Three hours later, the jury returned with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life. When the verdict was announced, Erastus stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away. He revived in a short time and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning. When the time arrived, however, Beebe was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18. The paper wrote that his health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered.10,11,12,13,14,15,16 
Marriage*2 August 1891She married Preston Alfred Jewett, son of Joseph Jewett and Elizabeth Bowker, on 2 August 1891 in Lake City, Modoc County, California.1,17,18,19 
(Niece) Pardoned19 November 1891Her uncle, Erastus J. Beebe, was serving a life sentence for murder in Folsom Prison, Folsom, Sacramento County, California, when he was pardoned by California Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891.20 
(Daughter) Commutation24 December 1898A San Francisco newspaper, on 11 December 1898, reported that her father, Burr Beebe, who was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in Modoc County in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Two weeks later, another San Francisco newspaper, making much of the Christmas present, reported that Burr was among six murderers and other prisoners convicted of high crimes who had been given commutations by California Governor James Herbert Budd. Burr received his full liberty on 24 December 1898.15,16 
(Wife) Death14 August 1924Rose became a widow when Preston Alfred Jewett died on 14 August 1924 at age 65.21,18,17 
Census US 1950*4 April 1950Rose was enumerated on the 1950 census taken on 4 April 1950 in the household of her son, William, in Slate Creek Road, Slate Creek, Idaho County, Idaho.22 
Missing Person*11 August 1957 On Sunday, 11 August 1957, Rose (Beebe) Jewett wandered away from a family berry-picking camp in rugged country near the Elk River in north-central Idaho. An organized search for her had begun as soon as she was reported missing, It was called off on Tuesday, then resumed on Wednesday at the request of her daughters, Nellie Wymore and Eula Johnson. Nelllie, who lived in Boise, Idaho, described her mother as an elderly 85-year-old woman, who was "quite active", although her memory had been failing. Nellie believed her mother may have been picked up along a highway, then left off somewhere, and that with her memory failing, she may have forgotten who she was or where she was from. Nellie said her mother was about five feet tall, weighed about 117 pounds, and had white hair. At the time of her disappearance, she had no money with her.

Newspapers reported that many searchers and woods workers had been released from their jobs to aid in the hunt for the missing woman, and that a helicopter had also been in use. Some searchers reported on Wednesday that they had combed the area so thoroughly it appeared doubtful the elderly Mrs. Jewett was anywhere near the spot she wandered away from on Sunday.

By Thursday, October 17, Rose had still not been found. Newspapers reminded their readers that the frail, elderly woman had been missing for two months, since August 11, in the heavily timbered mountain country near Elk River. They reported that Rose's daughter, Eula Johnson of Juliaetta, Idaho, was offering a reward for the finding of her mother who had disappeared while on a family huckleberry picking expedition. Eula would pay $500 for information leading to the finding of her mother alive and $300 for information leading to the discovery of her body. Volunteers and deputies, aided by planes and bloodhounds, had made a long and extensive search of the area without turning up any trace of Mrs. Jewett. There had been speculation the woman might have been given a ride by a motorist, but officers had checked out all tips without result. Mrs. Johnson stated she had not given up hope that her mother would be found alive.

Two of Rose's sons, Joseph and Hubert, had predeceased their mother's disappearance in 1957. In addition to Rose's two daughters, Nellie and Eula, who were featured in the newspaper stories regarding her disappearance, five of Rose's other children were living. Clara, Preston, William and Nora also lived in Idaho at the time, and Bulah, who had lived in Idaho much of her life, had moved to Oregon after her second marriage in 1955.23,24 
Burial*She was memorialized with her husband on a shared gravestone in White Bird Cemetery, White Bird, Idaho County, Idaho.1 

Family

 Preston Alfred Jewett b. 23 Sep 1858, d. 14 Aug 1924
Children 1.Clara E. Jewett25 b. 16 Nov 1890
 2.Preston H. Jewett25 b. 1 Feb 1892
 3.William J. Jewett25 b. 25 Oct 1894
 4.Nora Jewett25 b. 25 Sep 1896
 5.Hubert R. Jewett25 b. 2 Jun 1898, d. 24 Sep 1943
 6.Nellie Lizzie Jewett25 b. 1901
 7.Eula Jewett25,26 b. 31 Oct 1903
 8.Bulah Jewett25 b. 1 Mar 1908
 9.Joseph J. Jewett27 b. 25 Jan 1911, d. 24 Oct 1932

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Rose (Bebee) Jewett, Memorial# 16400900. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Harriett Amanda (Bray) Beebe, Memorial# 37846755.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Burr Beebe Sr., Memorial# 93995676.
  4. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Harriet Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067, reporting daughter Rosie's age as 8 years, and estimating her year of birth as 1872. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Preston A. and Rosa Jewett, Year: 1900; Census Place: Lake City, Modoc, California; Roll: 94; Page: 5; Enumeration District: 0083, reporting the date of Rosa's birth as October 1870. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Rose (Bebee) Jewett, Memorial# 16400900, reporting her date of birth as 29 January 1872.
  7. [S2925] California, U.S., State Hospital Records, 1856-1923, online at www.ancestry.com, record for Harriet A Beebe, age 31, born about 1842 in Maine, admitted on 5 May 1873 to Stockton State Hospital, located in Stockton, San Joaquin, California, USA, referencing California State Archives; Sacramento, California; Stockton State Hospital Commitment Registers, Volumes 5-6, 1870-1875; Roll Number: 3; Film Location: MF8:10. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., State Hospital Records, 1856-1923.
  8. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Burr and Harriet Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067.
  9. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of E. J. and Lucinda Beebe, Year: 1880; Census Place: Cedarville, Modoc, California; Roll: 69; Page: 4c; Enumeration District: 067.
  10. [S2938] Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Plumas County Bulletin, (Greenville, California), Monday, April 28, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), reporting among the items under the caption, "Things in General", that Modoc County had acquired a very unenviable notoriety for perpetration of murders; that at Cedarville recently, a man named Burr Beebe shot and instantly killed another man named Phillips; that the men had quarreled about a piece of land and a water ditch. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Shot and Instantly Killed a Man Named Phillips in California in 1884.
  11. [S2939] Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Feather River Bulletin, (Quincy, California), Saturday, May 3, 1884, page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "The Last Murder in Modoc", reporting that from the Modoc Independent of April 24 in the report of F.W. Ewing who conducted the prosecution of Burr Bebe in his preliminary examination for the killing of Norris A. Phillips on April 12, the following facts were brought forth in the examination; that Beebe and Phillips were neighbors living in a section where there were no county roads, but where neighborhood roads were made to run across the ranches for the convenience of the farmers who were compelled to pass in and out of the neighborhood; that the Phillips ranch was all sown to grain, while on Beebe's ranch there was only a small patch of ground under cultivation, the remainder being sagebrush or pasture land; that for that reason it was presumed that the neighborhood road was made to run across Beebe's land; that it seemed that Beebe became tired of that arrangement and went and staked out a new road, using for stakes some light thin stuff known as edgings, and at the same time plowed up a small patch of ground, probably two or three rods in width, across the road and just inside the gate which led into his field; that on the morning of the killing Phillips had to go to a neighbors and, mounting his horse, took the accustomed road and rode over the newly plowed piece of ground; that while he was gone, Beebe instructed his hired man to go and build a fence across the road to stop the travel in that direction; that the hired man stated that he did as directed and built two panels of fence across the road in front of the gate; that after a while Phillips came back on his way home and upon arriving at the newly made fence dismounted, tore the fence down, and passed on through; that Beebe and his two brothers, Ras and George, were watching him from the house and seeing it happening, immediately mounted their horses and started for him at a fast speed, taking a by-path to interrupt him; that Ras Beebe, who was riding the faster horse, overtook Phillips first and the two dismounted from their horses and were quarreling when Burr and George came up; that a report of a pistol was heard and Phillips dropped dead in his tracks; that Mr. Ewing said that the Beebes stated in their testimony that as soon as they came up Phillips seized one of the light sticks that had been used as a road stake, and attempted to hit Burr with it, whereupon the fatal shot was fired; that they, however, admitted in their testimony that Burr's horse had scarcely stopped running when the fatal shot was fired which, according to the prosecutor would seem to indicate that he came up with pistol in hand and ready for business and that in his neighborhood he was considered the "boss' pistol shot and like the famous James brothers, can send a bullet about where he wants it; that Mrs. Phillips, the wife of the deceased, was standing in her door, about 40 yards distant, and saw the whole transaction; that she said Phillips did not seize a stick, and made no attempt whatever to strike Beebe, and like the Beebes said, the pistol was fired the very instant that Burr came up to the spot where Ras and Phillips were standing; that Mrs. Phillips' testimony was corroborated by that of a girl who was staying with her; that Beebe had a preliminary examination before Justice Long which resulted in his being held to answer to the charge of murder, and on Friday was lodged in the County Jail to await his trial. Hereinafter cited as Murder of Norris A. Phillips and Trial of Burr Beebe, April 1884 in California.
  12. [S2940] Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Monday, July 28, 1884, page, Page 4, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Murder in the First Degree", and reporting from the Modoc Independent, that the argument in the case of the People vs. Burr Beebe was concluded about 5:30 o'clock on Friday, July 25, and that by 6:00 o'clock the jury had received its instructions from the Court; that in less than one hour's time it was announced that a verdict had been reached; that upon the Court being convened, the verdict "Guilty of murder in the first degree" was announced; that the jury fixed the penalty at imprisonment for life in the State Prison; that the prisoner received the verdict with a look of stolid indifference. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" July 1884 California.
  13. [S2941] Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, July 26, 1884, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "En Route to State Prison", reporting that Burr Beebe, a Modoc county farmer, was lodged in the city prison the night before enroute to State Prison where he was to spend the remainder of his days on a charge of murder; that he was arrested the previous April for having shot and killed Norr Phillips, a neighboring farmer, with whom he had a row over the right to a piece of property; that the prisoner interposed a plea of self-defense and escaped the gallows. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Escaped Gallows with Plea of Self Defense July 1884 California.
  14. [S2924] Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Thursday, September 18, 1884, Page 1, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the title, "Another Conviction: Erastus Bebe Found Guilty of Murder in the First Degree" and referencing the Modoc Independent of September 11, reporting that the trial in Superior Court of Erastus Beebe for complicity in the murder of Norris A Phillips had ended on Monday after eight days and that the evidence presented varied little from that taken at the trial of Burr Beebe, who did the killing and two months previously had been found guilty of murder in the first degree and was at that time serving a sentence of hard labor in the State Prison for the remainder of his natural life; that the only new evidence introduced was that of Mrs. David Wall, a daughter of Burr Beebe who testified that she had heard a conversation between her father (Burr Beebe) and her uncle (Erastus Beebe) in which her uncle advised her father to kill Phillips and get him out of the way, making it seem that while Burr Beebe was to do the killing, Erastus Beebe was the real instigator of the crime; that the argument was concluded at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the case was submitted to the jury; that the jury returned three hours later with a verdict of "Murder in the First Degree" and with the recommendation that the defendant be imprisoned in the State Prison for life; that when the verdict was announced, Beebe stood for a moment transfixed and then fainted away; that in a short time he revived and the Court ordered him to appear for sentencing at 10 o'clock the following morning; that when the time arrived, however, the prisoner was too ill to appear in Court, and the time for pronouncing judgement was deferred until Thursday, September 18; the Beebe's health had been deteriorating since his incarceration in the county jail, and it seemed to be the prevailing opinion that his term of imprisonment would be a short one, as it was plain to be seen that his days on earth were numbered. Hereinafter cited as Erastus Beebe Murder Trial (Modoc County, California) September 1884.
  15. [S2942] Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination: Did Insanity Cause Him to Commit the Crime? Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The San Francisco Examiner, (San Francisco, California), Sunday, December 11, 1898, Page 12, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), noting that Burr Beebe, serving a life sentence for murder committed in Modoc county in 1884, was recommended for examination by competent physicians as to his mental condition, it being claimed that insanity caused him to commit the crime. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe Recommended for Mental Examination Dec 1898 California.
  16. [S2943] Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, (San Francisco, California), Saturday, December 24, 1898, Page 3, (Downloaded on November 22, 2025), under the headlines, "Christmas Presents of Liberty to Convicts" and "Six Murderers and Other Prisoners Convicted of High Crimes are Turned Loose by Governor Budd", and reporting from Sacramento on December 23, that Governor Budd had that day issued a number of commutations which would, without doubt, be received as welcome Christmas presents by those prisoners in whose favors they were made; that in each instance the prisoner was to receive his full liberty the following day, December 24; that among the pardons was Burr Beebe, sent from Modoc county in July 1884, life imprisonment for murder. Hereinafter cited as Burr Beebe, Prison Sentence Commuted, 24 Dec 1898 California.
  17. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Preston Alfred Jewett, Memorial# 16400887.
  18. [S2926] Preston Alfred Jewett 1924 Idaho Obituary, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Idaho County Free Press, (Grangeville, Idaho), Thursday, August 21, 1924, Page 2, (Downloaded on November 24, 2025), reporting that Mr. Preston A. Jewett, husband of Rose Jewett and a resident of Whitebird, Idaho, passed away in his home on Slate Creek Thursday morning at the age of 64 years; that he was born in Maine on 23 September 1860, reared in California, was married to Miss Rose Beebe in Lake City, Modoc County, California on 2 August 1891 and moved with their family to Idaho in 1903; that survivors included his widow, Mrs. Rose Jewett, four sons, Herbert, Joseph, and Wiliam Jewett of Whitebird, Idaho, and Preston H. Jewett of Grangeville, Idaho, five daughters, Miss Bula Jewett of Whitebird, Idaho, Mrs. Ula Cain of Lucille, Idaho, Miss Nellie Jewett of Boise, Idaho, Mrs. Clara Lowther of Whitebird, Idaho, and Miss Nora Jewett of Los Angeles, California; that his body had been brought to Whitebird the previous Thursday to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Clara Lowther, and that funeral services were held Friday in the Methodist church, and he was laid to rest in Whitebird cemetery. Hereinafter cited as Preston Alfred Jewett 1924 Idaho Obituary.
  19. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Preston A. and Rosa Jewett, Year: 1900; Census Place: Lake City, Modoc, California; Roll: 94; Page: 5; Enumeration District: 0083.
  20. [S2923] California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950, online at www.ancestry.com, Folsom State Prison, Prison Registers, 1880-1896, E. J. Beebe, nativity New York, crime Murder, when received 15 September 1884, term of sentence Life, county sent from Colusa, age 29, occupation Butcher, height 5'10", complexion Florid, eyes Brown, hair, Dark Brown, remarks Pardoned by Governor Henry Harrison Markham on 19 November 1891. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851-1950.
  21. [S2169] Idaho, U.S., Death Records, 1890-1967, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Preston Alfred Jewett, age 63, on 14 August 1924 in Cottonwood, Idaho, USA, born on 23 September 1860 in Maine, married to Rose Beebe, farmer, informant his son, Preston Jewett of Whitebird, Idaho, who reported his own mother's name instead of the names of his father's parents, citing Certificate# 048089, Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Boise, ID, USA, Death Index and Images, 1911-1973. Hereinafter cited as Idaho, U.S., Death Records, 1890-1967.
  22. [S2295] 1950 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of William Jewett, National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Slate Creek, Idaho, Idaho; Roll: 2348; Page: 3; Enumeration District: 25-49. Hereinafter cited as 1950 United States Federal Census.
  23. [S2931] Rose Jewett, 85, Missing in Idaho on 11 August 1957, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Idaho Statesman, (Boise, Idaho), Thursday, August 15, 1957, Page 24, (Downloaded on November 24, 2025), with a photo and under the headline, "Daughter of Lost Woman Appeals for Search Aid", reporting that the daughter of an elderly north Idaho woman, who had been missing in rugged country near Elk river since Sunday issued a plea Wednesday in Boise for aid in locating the aged woman; Mrs. Nellie Wymore of 1802 North Twenty-sixth street, Boise, said there was a chance her mother, 85-year-old Mrs. Rose H. Jewett, may have reached a highway and had been picked up by a passerby; that Mrs. Jewett apparently wandered away from a family berry-picking camp near Elk river on Sunday afternoon; that she had been the object of an organized search ever since she had been reported missing; that although the search had been called off Tuesday, it was resumed Wednesday at the request of Mrs. George Johnson of Juliaetta (Idaho), another of Mrs. Jewett's daughters; authorities expressed little hope that Mrs. Jewett would be found alive, but the daughter in Boise said the elderly woman may have reached a highway; that Mrs. Wymore described her mother as "quite active', but said her memory had been failing; that Mrs. Wymore believed her mother may have been picked up along a highway, then left off somewhere; that with her memory failing, Mrs. Jewett may have forgotten who she was or where she was from; that Mrs. Wymore described her mother as about five feet tall, weighing about 117 pounds, and having white hair; that she had no money with her at the time she disappeared; that many searchers and woods workers had been released from their jobs to aid in the hunt, and that a helicopter had also been in use; that some searchers reported Wednesday that they had combed the area so thoroughly it appeared doubtful the elderly woman was anywhere near the spot she wandered away from Sunday. Hereinafter cited as Rose Jewett, 85, Missing in Idaho on 11 August 1957.
  24. [S2932] Rose Jewett: Reward Offered for Information on Lost Woman Idaho October 1957, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Idaho Statesman, (Boise, Idaho), Friday, October 18, 1957, Page 23, (Downloaded on November 24, 2025), from Juliaetta, Idaho, under the title, "Reward Offered for Information on Lost Woman", reporting that rewards were offered Thursday for a frail, elderly woman missing since August 11 in heavily timbered mountain country near Elk River; that Mrs. George Johnson offered the rewards for the finding of her mother, Mrs. Rose Jewett, 95 (sic), who disappeared while on a family huckleberry picking expedition; that she would pay $500 for information to the finding of her mother alive and $300 for information leading the discovery of her body; that volunteers and deputies, aided by planes and bloodhounds, made a long, extensive search of the area without turning up any trace of Mrs. Jewett; that there had been speculation the woman might have been given a ride by a motorist, but officers had checked out all tips without result; that Mrs. Johnson said she had not given up hope that her mother would be found alive. Hereinafter cited as Rose Jewett: Reward Offered for Information on Lost Woman Idaho October 1957.
  25. [S40] 1910 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Preston A. and Rose Jewett, Year: 1910; Census Place: Slate Creek, Idaho, Idaho; Roll: T624_224; Page: 1b; Enumeration District: 0157; FHL microfilm: 1374237. Hereinafter cited as 1910 United States Federal Census.
  26. [S1456] Social Security (U.S.) Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, online at www.ancestry.com, Social Security information for Eula Lena Johnson, born on 31 October 1903 at Lakeview, California, daughter of Preston A Jewett and Rosella Beebe, died on 27 September 2003, agency notes: 08 Sep 1987: Name Listed As Eula Lena Johnson; 21 Jan 1966: Name Listed As Eula L Johnson. Hereinafter cited as Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
  27. [S73] 1920 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Preston A. and Rosa Jewett, Year: 1920; Census Place: Slate Creek, Idaho, Idaho; Roll: T625_292; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 98. Hereinafter cited as 1920 United States Federal Census.

Sarah Beebe1

b. 1846
Family
Father*David Beebe1 b. bt 1801 - 1803, d. 14 Sep 1851
Mother*Amy Franklin1 b. bt 1805 - 1807, d. 12 Feb 1893
Birth*1846Sarah Beebe was born about 1846 in New York.1 
(Daughter) Census US 185024 August 1850Sarah was enumerated on the 1850 census taken on 24 August 1850 in the household of her parents in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. She was 4 years old.1,2 
(Daughter) Census US 18606 June 1860Sarah was enumerated with her mother and five of her siblings on the 1860 census taken on 6 June 1860 in the household of Roswell Fuller in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. Sarah was 14 years old.3,4,5 

Citations

  1. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a.
  3. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, enumeration of Amy Bebee and six of her children, (her surname recorded as "Fuller" and her name recorded as "Ama" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
  4. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Roswell Fuller, The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559.
  5. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Elbert and Lucina Bebee, The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559.

Spencer Beebe1

b. January 1880
Family
Father*Raymond Beebe1 b. 4 Feb 1827, d. 31 Mar 1899
Mother*Jane Hall1 b. 3 Aug 1847, d. 22 Sep 1920
Birth*January 1880Spencer Beebe was born about January 1880 in Michigan.1 
(Son) Census US 188014 June 1880Spencer was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 14 June 1880 in the household of his parents in Highland, Osceola County, Michigan. He was five months old.1 

Citations

  1. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Raymond and Jane Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebe" by the census taker), Year: 1880; Census Place: Highland, Osceola, Michigan; Roll: 600; Page: 64d; Enumeration District: 220. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.

Walter Frank Beebe1

b. 12 May 1848
Family
Father*David Beebe1,2,3 b. bt 1801 - 1803, d. 14 Sep 1851
Mother*Amy Franklin1,4,3 b. bt 1805 - 1807, d. 12 Feb 1893
Birth*12 May 1848Walter Frank Beebe was born on 12 May 1848 in New York.1 
(Son) Census US 185024 August 1850Walter was enumerated on the 1850 census taken on 24 August 1850 in the household of his parents in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. He was 2 years old.5,6 
(Son) Census US 18606 June 1860Walter was enumerated with his mother and five of his siblings on the 1860 census taken on 6 June 1860 in the household of Roswell Fuller in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. Walter was 12 years old and had attended school within the census year.7,8,9 
(Son) Census US 187026 August 1870Walter was enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 26 August 1870 in the household of his mother in Berlin Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. He was 22 years of age and a farmer.10,11,12 

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Walter Frank Beebe, Memorial# 36750013. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, David Beeby, Memorial# 134117527.
  3. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Walter Beebe, age 74, Widowed, born on 12 May 1848 in New York to David Beebe and Amay Franklin, died on 26 November 1922 in Berlin, St Clair, Michigan, USA, referencing File# 000673, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records. Hereinafter cited as Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952.
  4. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Amy (Franklin) Beeby, Memorial# 174661108.
  5. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  6. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a.
  7. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, enumeration of Amy Bebee and six of her children, (her surname recorded as "Fuller" and her name recorded as "Ama" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
  8. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Roswell Fuller, The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559.
  9. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Elbert and Lucina Bebee, The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Berlin, St. Clair, Michigan; Roll: M653_559; Page: 13; Family History Library Film: 803559.
  10. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Amy Beebe, Year: 1870; Census Place: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: M593_698; Page: 15A. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  11. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George and Mercy Beebe, Year: 1870; Census Place: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: M593_698; Page: 15B.
  12. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Elbert and Lucina Beebe, Year: 1870; Census Place: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: M593_698; Page: 15B.

_____ Beebe1,2

Family

Family
Children 1.Philo Beebe+2,1 b. 1795
 2.David Beebe+3,1 b. bt 1801 - 1803, d. 14 Sep 1851

Citations

  1. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Philo and Laura Beebe, (their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Page: 214a. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S2121] Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Raymond Beebe, age 79, married, was age 25 when he married for the first time, had 11 children, 8 still living, born in 1820 in New York to Philo Beebe and _____ Frankton, died on 31 March 1899 in Highland, Osceola, Michigan, USA, informant his son, C. M. Beebe, Marion, Michigan, burial in Highland Cemetery, referencing File# 373, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records. Hereinafter cited as Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952.
  3. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of David and Amy Beebe, (her name recorded as "Allia" and their surname recorded as "Bebee" by the census taker), The National Archives in Washington, DC; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Berlin, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 362; Pages: 214a-214b.

Mary A. Beech1

b. 21 January 1841, d. 18 June 1897
Family
Birth*21 January 1841Mary A. Beech was born on 21 January 1841 in New York.1 
Marriage*1864She married, as his first wife, Charles H. Dillenbeck in 1864.1,2 
Census US 1880*1 June 1880Mary and Charles H. Dillenbeck were enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 1 June 1880 in Bassett, Chickasaw County, Iowa. Charles was 41 years of age and a grocer and post master, and Mary was 36 years of age and keeping house. The couple's three children were enumerated with them in 1880. Owen and Ina were ages 15 and 12 years, respectively, and both were attending school; and Kate was 2 years old.3 
Divorce*1881Mary A. (Beech) Dillenbeck and Charles H. Dillenbeck were separated, and probably divorced, about 1881.1,3,4 
Death*18 June 1897She died on 18 June 1897 in Bremer County, Iowa, at age 561 
Burial* and was buried in Plot 63 of Oakland Cemetery, Janesville, Bremer County.1 

Family

 Charles H. Dillenbeck b. 8 Mar 1838, d. 4 Sep 1903
Children 1.Owen Lincoln Dillenbeck5 b. 30 Apr 1865, d. 4 Jun 1943
 2.Ina I. Dillenbeck6 b. 3 Jul 1867, d. 18 Aug 1946
 3.Leah Catherine Dillenbeck7 b. 22 Mar 1878, d. 30 Aug 1943

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Mary A (Beech) Dillenbeck, Memorial# 42676289. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Charles H Dillenbeck, Memorial# 70732866.
  3. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Charles H. and Mary Dillenbeck, Year: 1880; Census Place: Bassett, Chickasaw, Iowa; Roll: 332; Page: 365A; Enumeration District: 115. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  4. [S1508] Iowa, U.S., Select Marriages Index, 1758-1996, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of Charles H. Dillenbeck and I. Delight Warner on 24 September 1882 in Nashua, Chickasaw County, Iowa, citing FHL Film# 1027437, reference ID 2:3M0S3LX. Hereinafter cited as Iowa, U.S., Select Marriages Index, 1758-1996.
  5. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Owen Lincoln Dillenbeck, Memorial# 42676290.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Ina I Dillenbeck, Memorial# 42676287.
  7. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Leah Catherine Dillenbeck, Memorial# 42676288.

Belinda Beere1

Family
Father*John Beere1
Mother*Elizabeth Lunn1
Birth*Belinda Beere was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.1 
Marriage*She married Samuel Aaron.1 

Family

 Samuel Aaron

Citations

  1. [S2037] Edward Mathews, The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. (Landsdale, Pennsylvania: Arthur K. Thomas, 1884), Chapter XI. The children of Mannesseh Thomas, pages 48-49, Amy Lunn. Hereinafter cited as The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a.

John Beere1

Family
Marriage*He married Elizabeth Lunn, daughter of Elisha Lunn and Amy Thomas.1 

Family

 Elizabeth Lunn
Child 1.Belinda Beere1

Citations

  1. [S2037] Edward Mathews, The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. (Landsdale, Pennsylvania: Arthur K. Thomas, 1884), Chapter XI. The children of Mannesseh Thomas, pages 48-49, Amy Lunn. Hereinafter cited as The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a.

George Webster Beers1

b. 18 February 1817, d. 8 February 1863
Family
Birth*18 February 1817George Webster Beers was born on 18 February 1817 in Litchfield, Litchfield County, Connecticut.1 
Death*8 February 1863He died on 8 February 1863 in Litchfield at age 451 
Burial* and was buried in East Cemetery, Litchfield.1 

Family
Child 1.Henry A. Beers1,2 b. 1847, d. 7 Sep 1926

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, George Webster Beers, Memorial# 59780306. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Henry Augustin Beers, Memorial# 15009356.

Henry A. Beers1

b. 1847, d. 7 September 1926
Family
ChartsDescendants of Robert Heaton of Yorkshire, The Immigrant
Father*George Webster Beers2,3 b. 18 Feb 1817, d. 8 Feb 1863
Birth*1847Henry A. Beers was born in 1847 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York.1 
Name VariationHis full name was Henry Augustin Beers.3 
Marriage*7 July 1873He married Mary Heaton, daughter of Thomas Heaton and Julia Ann Brennanman, on 7 July 1873 in Kenton County, Kentucky. Henry was 26 years of age and a tutor, and Mary was 20 years old. Because she was not yet 21 years of age, her father, Thomas Heaton, gave his personal consent to the marriage.1,4 
Death*7 September 1926He died on 7 September 1926 in New Haven, Connecticut, at about age 793 
Burial* and was buried in Section: Pine Avenue, Plot: 650, Grave: 3, of Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven.3 

Family

 Mary Heaton b. 5 May 1853, d. 5 Jan 1938

Citations

  1. [S1739] Kentucky, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1783-1965, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage on 7 July 1873 in Kenton County, Kentucky, first marriage each, of Mary Heaton of Kenton County, Kentucky, age 20, born about 1853 in Ohio, father born Pennsylvania and mother in West Virginia, and Henry A Beers of New Haven, Connecticut, age 26, born about 1847, tutor, born in Buffalo, New York, parents both born Connecticut, citing FHL Film# 001943299. Hereinafter cited as Kentucky, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1783-1965.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, George Webster Beers, Memorial# 59780306. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Henry Augustin Beers, Memorial# 15009356.
  4. [S45] Dean Heaton, Heaton Families II, in two volumes, with indexes in Volume II. Warning: In this researcher's opinion, the information in these volumes often proves to be inaccurate. At the same time, the information presented has provided us with valuable clues for pursuing future research strategies in our attempt to establish a factual history of our Heaton family. (Tempe, Arizona: published for the author by Graphics of Tempe, 1999), Volume I, Chapter 18, pages 650-651, reporting it was her death, and not her marriage, on 7 July 1873. Hereinafter cited as Heaton Families II.

Alice May Beesley1,2

b. 1862
Family
Father*Benjamin Franklin Beesley1 b. 1838, d. 14 Jul 1892
Mother*Sarah Gordon1 b. 1836, d. 10 Apr 1915
Birth*1862Alice May Beesley was born about 1862 in Morgan County, Illinois.1 
(Daughter) Census US 18705 June 1870Alice was enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 5 June 1870 in the household of her parents in Ward 2, Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois. She was 8 years old, and the family's surname was recorded as "Busley."1 
(Daughter) Census US 18807 June 1880Alice May appeared as "May" on the 1880 census in the household of her parents taken on 7 June 1880 in Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois. She was 17 years old and had attended school within the census year.3 

Citations

  1. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Frank and Sarah Beesley, their surname transcribed as "Busley", Jacksonville Ward 2, Morgan, Illinois; Roll: M593_263; Page: 481B; Family History Library Film: 545762. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Benjamin Franklin Beesley, Memorial# 13207116. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  3. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Benjamin and Sarah Beesley, Jacksonville, Morgan, Illinois; Roll: 238; Page: 144C; Enumeration District: 168. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.