BEAMER, Reuben
Source: Kokomo Daily Tribune - Friday, 27 March 1925 p 11 Attica, Ind.
March 27 - Reuben Beamer, who for forty-five years served as marshal of Attica, was found dead in a shed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Russell E. Smith. Death was caused by heart disease. He apparently had been stricken while feeding some chickens.
Source: The Weekly Argus News (Crawfordsville) - Saturday 31 January 1891 p 1
Attica lays claim to the youngest soldier who enlisted in the war of the rebellion now living. It is perhaps not generally known by our citizens that Reuben Beamer, city marshal, is that interesting personality. When Mr. Beamer entered the war and shouldered his musket he was aged 13 years, 10 months. The officers refused to swear him in, but that made no difference to Reub. He stepped into the ranks of the 126th Indiana touched elbows with the best of 'em. He served with his regiment until the close of the war, making a splendid record. His services were recognized and he was sworn in, paid and discharged the same day. He received not a cent until the end of the war, but says he got along as well as those who received regular pay. Only one soldier of the great hosts was younger than he at the beginning of his service. This man, a member of a New York regiment, is not dead, leaving Reub the youngest living Union soldier. There are others who claim this merit, but when their records are looked up it is found that they acted as drummers, musicians, messenger boys or cooks. Reub carried a gun and it was almost as big as he was.
Ginny A. came through with a couple of good ones again - thanks GA - kz
Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier Tuesday 31 March 1925 p 3
Charles Shipps and son Howard of Oxford were in Attica to attend the funeral of Reuben Beamer. Charles Russell Smith has left for Annapolis, MD where he is attending the Naval academy. He was called to Attica by the death of his grandfather, Reuben Beamer.
Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier Thursday 26 March 1925 p 14
Attica, Ind March 26 – Reuben Beamer, marshal of Attica for 45 years and perhaps the best known man in Warren and Fountain counties was found dead at 7 o’clock Wednesday evening in a woodshed in the rear of his home on East Jackson Street. Dr. MT Case who was summoned declared death due to heart trouble. Mr. Beamer had gone to get feed for chickens at 4:30 o’clock and when he did not return, Bruce Cunningham and Ed Smith set out to find him. They drove over town in an automobile and were returning to the Beamer home when the light of the car, shining into the woodshed revealed the body of Mr. Beamer lying on the floor. He was 74 years old. Mr. Beamer was a prominent figure in the turbulent days in the early history of Attica and his efforts were largely responsible for the fact the law and order came to hold the upper hand. He was born in Kentucky and came to Indiana with his parents when he was 8 years old. At 15, he ran away and entered the army for Civil War service being wounded three times. He came from a family of fight Kentuckians. He was a prize fighter of no mean ability having held to a draw the heavy weight champion George Kidney at Indianapolis in 1866 in 32 rounds. It was this ability, coupled with his undaunted courage that made him a figure to be reckoned with when he became marshal of Attica in 1877 and started to subdue gangs and lawlessness which prevailed here in those days. During the 45 years of his service as marshal he was shot 12 times and nearly killed once when a big negro hit him on the head with a rock. At short intervals, before he retired as marshal in 1922, he served as detective for the C&EI and CB&Q railroads. Local people feel that few if any police officer ever honored more his badge of office. His task was an onerous one but he held the respect of the community. Mr. Beamer was a member of the Methodist Church, and K of P and Masonic lodges. Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. Russell E. Smith who with her husband made their home with him.
