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- Page 244 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Peter Beerly, our subject's father, was a wagonmaker in Clinton county until 1847, when he moved to Boggs township. Centre county, and continued that business throughout his remaining years. He was a man of influence, and in his last years was a Republican in politics. His death occurred December 7, 1868. His wife, Sarah Karstetter, daughter of Rudolph and Margaret Karstetter, was born June 26, 18 14, and died March 30, 1887. They were married February 19, 1837, and had eight children, whose names with dates of birth are here given: Robert, December 2, 1837, is a wheelwright and manufacturer at Central City, and a leading citizen, of whom a biography appears elsewhere; Rebecca, April 2, 1839, widow of David Watson, resides in Boggs township. Centre county; Messulan, September 14, 1841, enlisted in the army during the Civil war, and died a soldier's death February 8, 1863; Nathaniel, September 28, 1843, is the subject proper of this sketch; Tartulious, June 20, 1846; Agnes, September 24, 1849, married Byron Teller, a pumpmaker in Boggs township, Centre county; Newton, September 29, 1852, died March 4, 1853; and Lemuel, May 30, 1858, who is also a musician.
Squire Beerly began his business career in his father's wagon shop, but at the age of nineteen i he enlisted in Company B, 148th F. V. I., under Col. James F. Weaver. He spent three years in the service, and was detailed as member of a brass band. He fortunately escaped all wounds, although he took part in many hotly contested [battles, including those of the "Wilderness, j Spottsylvania, Gettysburg and Petersburg. Not until peace was restored did he return home. He worked with his father for three years, and after the death of the latter continued the business in partnership with Robert Beerly, the brother mentioned above, until 1891. They were also engaged for some time in cider making. In 1894 Squire Beerly became interested in mercantile business at Central City with Louis F. Wetzler, his present partner, and has since conducted it successfully.
On June 1, 1874, Squire Beerly was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Heaton, but no children blessed their union. Mrs. Beerly was born February 12, 1853, a daughter of Andrew and Liddie (Poorman) Heaton. Politically the Squire is a Republican, with a decided leaning toward free silver; and in religion he favors the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. Socially he belongs to the Grange, the G. A. R. and the "Veteran League, and at times held various township offices, having been a justice of the peace since 1879.
As director of the Milesburg band Mr. Beerly has achieved a success in which every one in the community feels personal pride. On the occa- sion of the band tournament referred to above, the citizens of Milesburg sought to give expres- sion to the popular feeling by giving an ovation to the hero of the hour, Squire Beerly. The borough council took appropriate action, and an elegant banquet was prepared by the ladies of the town at Bogg's Hall. The affair was a surprise to the Squire, who, on his arrival at Central City from Bellefonte, was met by the constable and given to understand that he was wanted in Milesburg to answer to a serious charge. Much be- wildered, but willing as a loyal citizen to submit to the authority of the law. he entered one of the carriages in waiting and soon found himself the chief figure in a triumphal procession headed by the Milesburg band, the chief burgess and the members of the borough council. On arriving at the banquet hall in Milesburg the assemblage was called to order by the clerk of the council, and various speeches were made during the evening, the Squire being presented with a beautiful gold-mounted ebony baton, which he modestly received with a few well-chosen words.
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1814 - 1868 (54 years)
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