JOHN J. BEATTY, Sheriff of Cass county and a member of the firm of Beatty & Hammer, formerly Rearick & Beatty, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He lost his father when very young. The latter was of Irish descent and died in the prime of life. He was a miller by trade. His mother died soon after and he was reared by Jacob Rearick and wife, who brought him to Cass county, when he was six years old. They were early settlers of Cass county and here they lived and died, leaving three sons. The latter were very prominent in politics for many years. Mr. Beatty, after he had grown up, started out to seek his own fortune, always with the love and respect of his foster parents. He came to Beardstown in 1856, and afterward spent some five years in Missouri, engaged in the hardware business. His present business is dealing in farm implements and hardware. He is located on Main street and the present firm has been in business seven years. The store is an old one and was first started in the '40s and has been considered one of the leading stores of the city since it was started. Some years ago he was elected Mayor and held that office five terms. In 1980 he was elected Sheriff of the county, and has held this office with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. Being an ardent Democrat, he has taken an active part in local politics and has been a delegate to the Congressional conventions.

He was married in Canton, Missouri, to Miss Mary Francis Pickering, of Boston, Massachusetts. Her father, John, was born in New England, and came from there to Chicago, and at one time was well-known as a railroad contractor and builder and now lives retired in Portland. His wife is yet living and is also quite old. They are both quite intelligent and are highly respected by all who know them.

Mrs. Beatty was carefully educated and is the devoted mother of two bright young sons, William P. and Edward L. Mr. and Mrs. Beatty are prominent people of Beardstown and leaders in society. Mr. Beatty is a leading Mason, member of the blue and chapter lodges in Beardstown.