Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1035:

BEATTY, WALTER ROLLINS - The business interests of Springfield are in the hands of men capable to handle any line, many of them being self-made men, who take pride in keeping up the standard of excellence attained. Walter Rollins Beatty, a successful merchant of the Capital City, probably owes his success as much to his personal popularity as to his shrewd business attainments. He was born eight miles from Plattsburg, Clinton County, Mo., December 8, 1856, a son of William S. and America T. (Rollins) Beatty, natives of Kentucky, where they were married.

William S. Beatty was engaged in agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of Lexington, Ky., and later carried on the same occupation in Missouri, whence he came to Illinois and settled in Pleasant Plains. He there engaged in the grocery business until his death in 1875, when his widow went to Roodhouse, Ill. She died February 28, 1888, at the home of her son John, at Litchfield, Ill. Mr. Beatty was a Democrat in politics and a Baptist by religion, while fraternally he was connected with the A.F & A. M. and organized the lodge at Pleasant Plains.

Walter Rollins Beatty attended school until eighteen years of age, and during the eight years following was engaged in assisting his father in the work of the farm. Subsequently he became employed in the flouring mill where he worked until becoming connected with the Chicago & Alton Railroad in the capacity of conductor, working for this road for seventeen years and spending thee years in the service of the C. P. & St. L. Railroad. He was known as one of the most popular conductors on either road, and his social and jovial disposition has always won for him many friends. In 1900 he went into business on his own account in Springfield, and has been remarkably successful, now being the owner of considerable valuable real estate.

On October 24, 1889, Mr. Beatty was married to Maggie Sweany, who was born in Jerseyville, Ill., daughter of Annie and Mitchell Sweany, natives of Ireland, who are both deceased. Two children have been born to this union: Grace, who is employed as a milliner with the Furlong Dry Goods Company; and Ruth, who will graduate from the high school with the class of 1911.