SQUIRE JOHN BEEMER
Nearly everyone who has resided in
Simcoe and vicinity for any length of time will readily recognize the
accompanying portrait as that of Uncle John Beemer of Colborne. He is also
quite generally known as Squire John Beemer.
Last Saturday, 30 Aug 1919, Squire
Beemer arrived at his 90th birthday, having entered upon his 91st year. He
was born on 30 Aug 1829, in the same house in which he now lives, and has
been a constant member of that home for the entire 90 years.
The squire has always enjoyed the
confidence and esteem of those who kknew him best, and has served his
fellow citizens in a number of important offices. He was for a number of
years school board trustee in his section. He was license commissioner and
justice of the peace for many years.
His public service was probably
most prominent as police magistrate for the town of Simcoe, which position
he filled with ability and dignity for 20 years.
Harry Beemer of Colborne is his
only living child, and is almost a counterpoint of his father. Although
the Squire had three brothers and one sister, yet he has but one first
cousin living, and that one is Miss Melinda O'Carr of Simcoe.
Squire Beemer is a Methodist in
religion and has been a member of that church for 65 years. As a social
character he has few if any superiors. Affability, hospitality and
kindliness of disposition are prominent traits of his character. He is the
very opposite of a grouch.
On his 90th birthday a number of
his relatives, friends and neighbors were invited to his home in honor of
the occasion, the writer being among the number. Of course we responded
and found the Squire and his companion in comparatively good health and
spirits, and they did everything possible for the comfort and happiness of
their guests. Those few hours of sociability and conviviality will be ever
remembered as among the brightest and happiest hours of the writer's
life.
-- D.E.M.
