This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: rdjtaj_1 Surnames: Beard Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.california.counties.stanislaus/6548/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Bio: ----- THOMAS K. BEARD. - Among the citizens of Stanislaus County who have helped to shape the destiny of this favored section of California, Thomas K. Beard of Modesto holds an assured place. A native son of the Golden State, he was born near the present site of Waterford on August 15, 1857, the son of Elihu B. Beard, who is mentioned on another page of this history. The only survivor of four children, Thomas K. attended the public schools of Stanislaus County and San Jose. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Grace Lewis, born in Calaveras County, this state, and daughter of Alfred and Diana (Brown) Lewis, pioneers. In the 5'ears that have intervened since the ending of his school days, Thomas K. Beard has been closely identified with every progressive movement for the building up of Modesto and Stanislaus County. He has had much to do with the development of irrigation by grading and construction work ; the Modesto storage reservoir, an agency for the conservation of flood waters, completed in 1911; the Goodwin dam, which diverted the waters of the Stanislaus River into the systems of the Oakdale and South San Joaquin irrigation districts, completed in 1913; also the completion of fourteen miles of the main canal of the South San Joaquin Irrigation district, com- pleted the same year; the construction of the Foothill reservoir on the Turlock main line canal and the enlarging of tunnels, ditches, reinforced concrete flumes and gen- erally improved the canal system for the Turlock Irrigation District; the prime mover in the Waterford Irrigation District; all these agencies reclaiming thousands of acres arid land into rich and fruitful farming sections upon which are to be found hundreds of contented and prosperous ranchers with their families. He organized the Interurban railway, which connects the Santa Fe with Modesto, thereby adding to the transportation facilities of this section. Nor have his energies been confined to California alone, but in Nevada he carried out several contracts of railroad and reclamation work. Mr. Beard has been a factor in agricultural circles, has developed fruit, alfalfa and ranch lands in the county; has been closely identified with the educational advance- ment of the city of Modesto by his services on the boad education from 1898 to 1901. As a real benefactor to the city he and his coworker, Mr. Wisecarver made it possible for the city to have a splendid park - Graceada, laid out through a subdivision that is now built up with some of the best residences of the city; West Side Park and Dry Creek Park are both deeds of gift to the city from Mr. Beard. Besides these many activities he has been the means of adding to the growth of Modesto by laying out several subdivisions and by erecting business blocks and residences. He served from 1901 to 1907 as a director of the Modesto Irrigation District. While a resident of the state of Washington, from 1883 to 1887, he served a term as a super- visor of Yakima County. Interested in the cause of prohibition, he served ! on the state and national committees and was a delegate to the National Convention of that party held at Columbus, Ohio, and is a member of the State Y. M. C. A. board. It is said of Mr. Beard that he has never neglected an opportunity to advance the gen- eral welfare of the city, county and state since his advent into the world of business, and with his wife and family he holds an assured place in the esteem of the citizens of the county. =================================== 1921 Biography and History of Stanislaus County, California With by GEORGE H. TINKHAM -- http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofstanisl00tink/historyofstanisl00tink_djvu.txt Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.