From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana  page 814

Franklin Beard

Franklin Beard, eldest son of Elijah and Lucy (Horn) Beard, was born in 
Stamstead, Canada East, June 25, 1820. When twenty years of age he bought a 
year's time of his father and learned the cooper's trade at which he worked
with more or less regularity for the next forty-three years, always in the
winter season, much of the time having a shop and employing others. In the 
spring of 1854 he came to Steuben County and bought 160 acres of land on 
section 11, Otsego Township, where he has since lived. To this he has since 
added thirty acres and also owns a fine farm two miles east of his residence.
He has been a successful farmer, and has spent his surplus accumulations in
improving and beautifying his home. He was married in Ohio, May 24, 1846, to
Janett Breckenridge, a native of Huron County, born Feb. 26, 1827. To them
were born six children - Giles R., of this township; Jane, wife of George
Bennett; Alma died in 1854, in infancy; George M., of Auburn, Ind.; Sylva,
at home, and an infant, deceased. Mrs. Beard died June 22, 1863. April 3, 
1864, Mr. Beard married Helen M. Rust, a native of Cattaraugus County, N.Y.,
born Jan. 24, 1835, daughter of David Rust, who died in that county in July,
1838, aged forty-four years. Her mother makes her house her home and is now
aged eighty-five years. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Beard but
one is living - Frank, a promising young man, a teacher in the public
schools. Freddie died at the age of six months; Luella J., aged nine years;
Howard, aged thirteen months, and Jessie, aged four months. In politics
Mr. Beard is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church.


Submitted By: Mindee Gleason