Livingston E. Beardsley - G.A.R., Bishop Post

 

 Many old portrait photographs from Defiance County bear the name of L. E. Beardsley, a prominent photographer in Defiance.

But, prior to that, Livingston Everett Beardsley was a young man who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, with his parents, L. E. and N. M.  His father was a painter.  In 1860, Livingston, at 20, lived on his own in East Cleveland with Edwin Adams, also a painter, and wife, Laura and Byron Nelson, 16.  Livingston's occupation was painter - perhaps he was an apprentice?  The second part of his occupation was difficult to read, but looked like painter (hand).  Was he someone who hand colored photos?

On April 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 21st O.V.I. and then mustered in at Findlay.  It must have been a three month enlistment as records show he mustered out of that company on August 12, 1861.  On August 18, 1861, he reenlisted in Company A, 14th Ohio Infantry where he served until November 18, 1863.  One or two more enlistments in Companies F and S of the 14th brought him to a promotion to Sergeant Major.  He served in that capacity from May 21, 1865 until the mustering out on July 11, 1865. 

 Upon returning home, he married Martha Alsina Cass in 1865 and by 1870, the couple had settled in Defiance where he eventually opened his own photography studio.  

Sample of a Beardsley portrait

 He and Alsina had children Myrtle (Myrtie), Carrie, Harriet (Hattie), Leroy, Wilbur, and Clifford.
By 1900, Leroy and Wilbur, still at home, listed their occupations as photographers, as well.  It is uncertain whether they took over the photography gallery or not.

 

The family settled into a home at 503 Wayne Street in Defiance and lived there for many years. Harriet and Clifford were single and living with their parents in 1910.  Harriet would remain at home, caring for her parents until their deaths.  Clifford worked in a bank as a bookkeeper/ cashier.





  On December 17, 1914, Alsina Beardsley died at the age of 70 years, 10 months and 25 days.  Livingston lived on at the Wayne Street house and was enumerated in the 1920 census there at the age of 79.  Harriet listed her occupation as housekeeper in her father's home.

Livingston Everett Beardsley died in April, 1923 at the age of 83 of a stroke.
His obituary appeared in the Crescent-News on April 18, 1923:

 

Livingston E. Beardsley at www.findagrave.com

(This is part of a series on Civil War veterans of Defiance County who were part of the G.A.R., Bishop Post, that headquartered in the city.  Formed in 1879, the post was named after a local man, Captain William Bishop, Company D, 100th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Army who died as a result of wounds received in battle.  The veterans' photos are part of a composite photo of members that has survived.  If you have other information or corrections to add to the soldiers' stories, please add to the comments!)