BIO: Isaiah BECK, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by MFS Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ ISAIAH BECK. Among the influential members of the agricultural community of Centre county, and one of its most prosperous and prominent citizens, is the gentleman whose name here appears, and who is familiarly known as "Col. Beck." He is a well read, accomplished gentleman, one who has made a close study of the leading questions and issues of the day, and is well informed on all topics of general interest. Of German descent, Mr. Beck was born in Half Moon, Centre county, April 27, 1843, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Cryder) Beck, natives of Huntingdon county, Penn., their births having occurred near Warrior's Mark. About 1800 they came to Centre county, where both died, the father in 1883, the mother in the year following, and their remains were interred in the Lutheran cemetery of Half Moon township. In their family were seven children. On December 24, 1865, Isaiah Beck was married to Miss Emeline, daughter of Jacob Musser, a prominent farmer of Harris township, Centre county, and seven children bless their union, as follows: (1) Harry E., born December 27, 1866, was educated in the schools of Lock Haven and Westchester, Penn., the State Normal, and is also a graduate of the Pittsburg Business College; he now holds the position of bookkeeper for a coal company at Osceola, Clearfield Co., Penn., where he makes his home; he married Minnie Wood, of Coalport, and has two children. (2) Barbara E., born September 12, 1868, became the wife of Harry Ebbs, and died June 12, 1895, leaving two children - Helen and Mabel. (3) Irene S., born March 18, 1871, is the wife of Wilton Dunlap, a Lutheran minister living in Indiana, by whom she has one son. (4) John C., born April 1874, married Bessie Whippo, and has one son; they live at Osceola Mills, Clearfield county. (5) Anna E., born November 1, 1875. (6) Malan B., born December 28, 1877, and (7) Clyde 0., born May 26, 1880, are all still at home. 380 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Beck enlisted during the Civil war in the 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry, and on the expiration of his term of service re-enlisted in the 98th P. V. I. When hostilities had ceased he returned home with an honorable war record, and has since devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. His fine farm of 160 acres is under a high state of cultivation and improved with excellent buildings, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. Since 1874 he has been a valued and prominent member of the Grange, is a Lutheran in religious belief, and in politics supports the men and measures of the Republican party. He is a leading and active member of society, honored and respected by the entire community, who look upon him as one of their most wide-awake farmers and model citizens.