F. Jesse Beard's Fall from
 an Apple Tree Proves Fatal

Learn more about Flohr Jesse Beard and during the Civil War.

Thanks to Amy Sherry for the photo

The Accident Happened Ten days Ago and was a prominent citizen. Served as a School Director And Town Councilman. Foreman of the Wood Department at Geiser Company for 28 years.

F. Jesse Beard, one of Waynesboro's most prominent citizen, died Tuesday evening at a quarter before five o'clock at his residence, 56 East Main street, aged 65 years, 11 months and 8 days. Though not unexpected, his death came  as a shock to this community where he was known well and so favorably known, and wide spread sorrow is felt today for the loss of a good man.

The primary cause of Mr. Beard's death reunited from a fall from an apple tree near town, ten days ago, producing a violent shock to his nervous system in addition to a number of bruises about the body and head, and possibly causing a fracture at the base of the droll.

Three days later the rupture of an artery of the brain occurred, and later; cerebral trouble developed. Last Thursday evening he had a slight stroke of paralysis, affecting the right side of his, face, tongue and throat; later heart trouble ensued, the complication baffling the skill of the attending physicians. About 10 o'clock Tuesday morning he became unconscious, in which condition he remained until dissolution took place at the hour stated, when, in the presence of his devoted children, he peacefully passed away.

Mr. Beard was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Beard and was born on his father's farm at Fountaindale, Adams County, where he grew to manhood. While yet a young man, he went to Springfield, Illinois, when he learned the trade of millwright. Returning home later, he enlisted in the army in 1862 and served three years in Captain Cole's cavalry company of Frederick, Md., participating in a number of battles and skirmishes until the close of the Civil War.

In 1866 he married Miss Mary E. Buhrman of Fountaindale, who died nine years ago, by whom he had ten children, of whom six survive. In 1872 Mr. Beard removed to Waynesboro where he has since resided, taking an active and prominent in all her affairs, both, industrial and educational.

He was especially prominent in the affairs of the Geiser Mfg. Co., almost from it's beginning, and in whose; growth and development he was not only much interested, but in which he had a large share, being for some time a member of the Board of Directors and for years a stockholder.

For twenty-eight years, he was employed in the wood department of the Geiser Company being a foreman for a number of years, until two years ago when he retired from active life. As said, Mr. Beard was much interested in the cause of education and general affairs of the town, serving several terms of as school director and a member of the town council, in both of these spheres of activity, he exerted a wide influence by reason of his intelligence and sound judgment.

At the time of his death, he was president of the Burns Hill Cemetery association, with which he had been closely identified for some years. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist church and at his death was a trustee and treasurer  an evidence of his prominence in the congregation. He was also a past commander of the Captain Walker Post, G.A.R. His death removes one our best and most useful citizens, and his children suffer the loss of a kind and indulgent father.

Deceased is survived by six children: Arthur B., Margie F., Grace K., Jesse G. Clarence W., and Hazel Q. Along with his brothers and sisters: Josiah, Ruben, David of Emmitsburg, George F. of Waynesboro, Rachel Kready, Wooster O., and Mrs. John Manherz.