ROBERT E BEITH MERRICK MOLENARR MUIRHEAD RICHMOND Robert E. BEITH, who is successfully engaged in farming and dairying in Campton tsp, Kane Co., Ill., was born in that township on the 8th of Jyly, 1872, and is descended from a good old Scotch family. His paternal grandfather William Beith, was born in the land of hills and heather and emigrated to the United States in the early 40's, becoming a resident of St.Charles, Illinois. Having previously learned the stone mason's trade, he turned his attention to that occupation i St. Charles and took many large contracts for stone work during the early years of his residence there. Later he secured a tract of government land and bought additional property until his estate comprised 500 acres of the best land in Kane Co., his remaining days being devoted to agricultural pursuits. George A. BEITH, the father of our subject, was born in St. Charles, and possesses many of the sterling characteristics of the sturdy Scotch race from which he springs. He recieved his early training in the St.Charles schools and at the age fo 13 years bean to aid his father in the operation of the home farm, whereon he has since resided. At the death of his father he purchsed the interests of the other heirs in this property and has since made many useful and valuable improvements to the place, which make it one of the most attractive farms in this part of the state, in fact, the improvements alone cost $40,000 dollars. In 1871 George A. BEITH was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda RICHMOND, who was born in Campton township, and they have become the parents of 6 children: Robert E., whose name heads this sketch; Elizabeth, the wife of John MUIRHEAD, who is engaged in farming in Plato Center; Mary the wife of Charley MUIRHEAD, also a farmer of Plato Center; William A., a farmer living near Elburn, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Lucinda, deceased; and Rachel, at home. Robert E. BEITH obtained his primary education in the district schools and at the age of 20, took a commercial course at the Metropolitan Business College in Chicago, and on leaving that institution returned to his home near Elburn. He then aided his father in the operation of the farm and since 1898 they have carried on the business in partnership. In connection with general farming they do a large dairy business, keeping forty cows for that purpose, and they also raise stock for market, shipping two or three carloads annually. Mr. BEITH has twice been married, his first wife being Elsie MERRICK, by whom he had one daughter, Eleanor, but both mother and child are now deceased. For his second wife he married Josephine MOLENARR, who was born in Blue Island, Ill. The family is one of prominenece in the community where they reside. Mr. BEITH is a supporter of the republican party and its principles and is a member of the Congregational Church. Wherever known, he is held in high regard and those who have known him from childhood are numbered among his warmest friends, which indicates an upright, honorable life. History of Kane Co., Illinois, 1908 Joslyn and Joslyn page 300 Transcribed by Cynthia Nelson who has no further information on the above parties. Use your "BACK" button on your browser to return to Kane County ILGenWeb pages.