Samuel F. Beach

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

The subject of this review is a leading manufacturer of and dealer in carriages, wagons and sleighs in Morristown, and has been an important factor in gaining for the city her excellent reputation in this department of industrial life. His is one of the most complete and extensive establishments of the kind in the city, and in its able management Mr. BEACH displays excellent business and executive ability, keen discrimination and sound judgment.

Born in Rockaway, Morris county, on the 5th of December, 1851, he is a son of Amzi F. and Sarah (VAN FLEET) BEACH. His father, a carriage-maker by trade, established the present business and shop in 1866 and conducted the same until his death, in 1876, when he was succeeded by his sons. His widow still survives him. In their family were eight children. The father was a member of the South Street Presbyterian church and held the high esteem of all who knew him. His wife, who also has been a devoted member of the same church, has held the esteem and affection of all who have known her.

Samuel F. BEACH acquired his education in the public schools of Morristown, where the family located during his early boyhood, and at the age of sixteen he began to learn the trade of carriage-making, mastering the business in every detail and thus becoming an expert workman. His practical knowledge of the business is undoubtedly one of the essential features in his present success, as it enables him to direct his men to the best possible advantage, bringing results favorable both to them and to himself. Upon his father's death he and his brother succeeded to the business, under the firm name of Beach Brothers, and continued the partnership until 1885, when Samuel F. BEACH bought out his brother's interest. His trade is constantly increasing, and he has therefore been obliged to enlarge his facilities in order to meet the growing demand. His factory extends from Market street to Bank street and occupies three floors of a building twenty-seven by seventy-eight feet. He has the latest improved machinery and equipments, manufactures all kinds of carriages, wagons and sleighs, making the latter to order. He also does all kinds of repair work and the house has a reputation for reliability and good workmanship that insures it a liberal patronage.

In 1877 Mr. BEACH was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie GRAHAM, a lady of English and Scotch parentage, and they have two children:

May and
Bessie.

In social circles they hold an enviable position and their home is justly celebrated for its hospitality. The daughter, May, is an accomplished musician, showing distinctive talent in both vocal and instrumental appreciation and interpretation.

Mr. BEACH is a member of the fire department of Morristown, having been connected with the Resolute Hook and Ladder Company for twenty-seven years. Socially he is connected with the Royal Arcanum, and in politics is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He takes a lively interest in all that concerns the growth and prosperity of his home city, and is one of the directors of the Memorial Hospital. The family are members of the First Presbyterian church of Morristown.

This biography was scanned and contributed by Catherine Smith DeMayo.

This page was last modified on: 01 January, 2014