Death often removed from our midst one whom we can ill afford to lose. The news of the demise of Matthew S. Beebe brought a feeling of widespread sorrow to Coshocton and the surrounding county, for through a long period he had stood as one of the foremost merchants of this part of the state and as a man whom to know was to respect and honor. The memory which he left behind him, however, is cherished by family and friends and his example is one well worthy of emulation, for it stands in proof of the fact that prosperity and an honorable name may be won simultaneously.

Mr. Beebe was born in Cadiz, Ohio, October 3, 1845. His father, James W. Beebe, was connected with operations in the coal fields of Ohio during the early mining days here, being one of the first men to develop the mines at Conesville. He gave to his son liberal education privileges, the latter supplementing his early public-school course by study in the Hopedale College at Hopedale, Ohio. For several years during his early manhood he was identified with his father in his mining operations but thinking to find mercantile pursuits more congenial, he ended with an eastern shoe house as commercial salesman. This gave him an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the trade and for twenty-five years he engaged in the shoe business as a wholesale dealer. He thoroughly acquainted himself with the trade and its possibilities and by progressive business methods and honorable dealing secured a most liberal patronage. The integrity of his business methods was never called into question and on the contrary he was widely known for his unassailable reputation, resulting from straightforward dealing.

Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Beebe was devoted to the welfare of his wife and son. On the 2^nd of January, 1890, he married Miss Lois Mayes, a daughter of Calvin Mayes, who was a banker and extensive landowner of Peabody, Kansas, but is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe had one child, Junius M., who was born February 16, 1892, and is now being educated the Randolph-Macon Academy at Front Royal, Virginia. Mr. Beebe regarded no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the welfare or enhance the happiness of his little family and they found him a most devoted and loving husband and father.

His political support was given to the republican party and he always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, although he never sought nor desired office. He ranked very high in Masonry and was a membership of the Presbyterian church – associations which indicate much of his character sand the principles that governed his conduct. All who knew him respected him and he occupied a prominent place in the foremost ranks of Coshocton’s business men. Mrs. Beebe now occupies the home residence at No. 304 Chestnut street, spending the summer months at Coshocton, while in the winter season he resides in Washington, D.C. Like Mr. Beebe, she has many friends here and the hospitality of the best homes is most cordially extended to her.

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