Alfred Beardmore

As printed in 1913

ALFRED BEARDMORE.

No farmer in Allamakee county has attained greater or more deserved success in agricultural pursuits than has Alfred Beardmore, who since he became connected with this line of work in 1882 has gradually increased his holdings until he owns today three fine farms, all reflecting in their neat and attractive appearance his careful supervision and practical methods. He was born in Birmingham, England, in June, 1853, and is a son of William and Sarah Beardmore, also natives of England. They came with their family to America in that year and settled in Wheeling, West Virginia, where the father worked as a former in a rolling mill until 1865, when they moved to Iowa, purchasing land in Union City township, Allamakee county. In conjunction with his farming operations William Beardmore conducted a blacksmith shop for many years, dividing his time between its conduct and the development of his land until his retirement in 1903. He moved to Lansing in that year but later took up his residence in New Albin, where he now resides, having reached the age of ninety-one. He has survived his wife since 1896, her death having occurred when she was seventy-three years of age. To their union were born ten children: William, Jr.; Alfred, of this review; Agnes, deceased, who married John J. Gilchrist, who has also passed away; Lynn, of Union City township; twins who died in infancy; John, a butcher in Charles City, Iowa; Laura, the deceased wife of Joseph Sadler, of Lnion City township; Ambrose, deceased; and James Harvey, of Union City township.

Alfred Beardmore was not yet one year old when his parents came to America and he accompanied them in their various removals, acquiring his education principally in the district schools of Union City township. From his early childhood he aided in the operation of his father's farm and when he began his independent career naturally turned his attention to the occupation in which he had been reared. In 1882, when he was twenty-eight years of age, he rented land, but after four years purchased two hundred and twenty acres, a property which he still owns, although he has added to it extensively from time to time, having today three well improved and highly cultivated farms. One lies in Union City township, another, comprising one hundred and fifty-seven acres, is in Lansing township and the third, an excellent property of eighty-four acres, lies on the line between Lansing and Union City townships. All of his business interests are carefully and capable conducted, his holdings bringing him a gratifying annual income and his industry and enterprise placing him in the front ranks of progressive and successful agriculturists.

In 1882.Alfred Beardmore was united in marriage to Miss Emma Jane Bulnian. a native of Union City township and a daughter of Thomas and Phoebe Buiman, who were born in England. The parents came to America in the latter '40s and settled first in New Orleans, Louisiana, whence they went to Evansville, Indiana. There the father worked at his trade as a plasterer and stone mason but in the later '50s bought land in Union City township, Allamakee county, where he operated a farm until his retirement in 1888, having at that time accumulated extensive landed holdings. His wife passed away on the 18th of May, 1892. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom eight are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Beardmore became the parents of five children: Arthur, who died in infancy; Thomas A., who was born in 1884 and who is now a lawyer in Charles City, Iowa; Daisy E., who acquired her education in Waukon and who taught for six terms in the public schools; John H., who spent two years in the public schools of Iowa City and who also attended business college at Waukon; and Earl P., who attended the Omaha public schools. The family are devout members of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Beardmore gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is actively interested in the growth and development of the community where he has so long resided, although this interest never takes the form of office seeking. He is a man whose genuine personal worth and sterling integrity have won him the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and whose industry and ability have not only contributed to his own success but have also enabled him to do much to advance the agricultural development of the community.

As printed in Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement (1913). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.