Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-William S. Beatty
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890
WILLIAM S. BEATTY of Clay Center, is the City Ticket and Passenger Agent for the Rock Island Railroad, having charge of the only city office between Topeka and Denver. He was appointed to his present position on the opening of the railroad in December, 1887, having previously been well known to the citizens of this city and vicinity, as he had been engaged in business here since he became of age.
The father of our subject is John J. Beatty, an early settler in Clay County, and is now living in this city retired from active life. He was born in Indiana County, Pa., and there grew to manhood, marrying Miss Lettie H. Smith, who is also still living. He was a farmer in his native State until after the birth of three children, and he then with his family came to Kansas, locating in Blaine Township, on Five Creeks. He there took up land and made a home, drawing the lumber for building purposes from Junction City, and going there for all his trading. He was one of the veiy earliest settlers on Five Creeks, where he improved land and made himself an excellent home. In 1886. he retired from active life and moved into the city, still retaining ownership of the farm. Our subject can well remember the game and red men by which their frontier home was surrounded.
William S. Beattie was born Oct. 14, 1851, in Indiana County, Pa., and coming to this county with his parents, remained upon the home farm until twenty-one years old. He then came to Clay Center, and was employed in different stores here for a few years, after which he engaged in the real estate business, which he continued for ten years, doing a heavy business. He became favorably known to the people of the county, and the integrity of character and genial manners, combined with business tact, which won their respect, make him a popular and trustworthy railroad agent.
Mr. Beatty was united in marriage June 15, 1883, with Miss Hattie L. Revell, of this place. The bride was born in Wisconsin, Oct. 15, 1859, and came to Clay Center in 1879. She is a lady of intelligence and charming manners, and has many friends. To Mr. and Mrs. Beatty one son has been born, who is called Miller J.
Mr. Beatty votes with the Republican party. He is not an aspirant for political honors, though he has been willing to serve his fellow-citizens as a member of the City Council, a position which he has held for the past two years. He holds high rank in the Masonic fraternity, having taken the thirty-two degrees of the Scottish Rites, and all of York and the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias.