JOHN T. BEARD, the first son born to William and Mary (Dunbar) Beard,
is a native of this county, his birth occurring May 19, 1827. He lived
on their farm until of age, securing a fair education, and soon
afterward went to Illinois, where he remained about four years and
then returned to this county. January 6, 1861, he married Miss Sarah
J., daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Morgan) Nesbit, who has borne
him four children--Barton W., born August 9, 1863; Olive A., born
November 27, 1867; William T., born September 26, 1871, and Bertie H.,
born September 8, 1873. Much more regarding Mr.  Beard's relatives
will be found in the biographical sketch of his brother. He has a good
farm and a comfortable home, is a Democrat and he and wife are members
of the Christian Church. His wife's brothers and sisters are as
follows: William O., Lucretia A., Reese M., Sarah J., Eliza A., Armina
M., Thomas T. and Campbell O., all of whom lived to be men and women.



FELIX P. BEARD was born in Sullivan County March 2, 1835, son of
William and Mary (Dunbar) Beard. The father was born in Nelson County,
Ky., March 2, 1804, and moved to Sullivan County in 1826. He was a
prominent man, serving as County Commissioner six years and holding
various township offices with fidelity. He and wife were faithful
members of the Christian Church. They had the following family: John
T., James A., Stephen P., Charles C., Nancy J. (deceased), Ann E.,
Mary E. (deceased), Sarah C., Amanda M., Asenath J. and our
subject. The mother was born in 1806, and died in 1871.  Both father
and mother lie buried in the Alkire Cemetery. Felix P., at the age of
twenty-one, left his father to begin life for himself. December 25,
1855, he married Melissa J., daughter of Eli and Miriam (Bundy) Dix,
and to this marriage was born one child--Mary Isabell, born May 28,
1857. The family live on a fine farm of 210 acres, and are prosperous
and happy. Mr. and Mrs. Beard are members of the Christian Church. He
is a Democrat, and a successful farmer. The brothers and sisters of
Mrs. (Dix) Beard are Joshua E., Caleb E. (deceased), Solomon J.,
E. Elwood (deceased), Eli W. L., Martha A., Miriam E., Mary M. and
Sarah M. Mary I. Beard, daughter of our subject, married G. W. Osborn,
November 11, 1875. She has three children, a son born September 15,
1876 (deceased); Jennie G. born July 2, 1879, and Grace J. born August
2,1882. William Beard, father of our subject, died in 1865.


"HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE
EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC." 

CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884.
SULLIVAN CO., IN TURMAN TWP.  PAGE 796