Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BEACH, James
BEACH, James. (Dover, NH, July 26, 1835--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1918). Beach came to Dubuque in 1857 from New Hampshire. He formed a partnership with F. M. PLEINS that led to the formation of DUBUQUE LARD-OIL, SOAP, AND CANDLE FACTORY, soap and candle manufacturers, at the corner of Dodge and Bluff STREETS. Beach bought out Pleins interest in the company and with his sons, Edward J. and Charles B., formed JAMES A. BEACH AND SONS.
Locally, Beach held the office of city alderman and was the chairman of the city council's finance committee. His efforts resulted in city warrants, once selling at fifteen to twenty cents on the dollar, regaining their par value. He was also credited with securing WASHINGTON PARK and Grandview Avenue for the city.
Beach served several years as president of the National Soap Makers' Association. He was also the president of the Minnesota Soap Company. Beach and John T. HANCOCK led efforts organizing the LINWOOD CEMETERY Association. They also purchased land and laid out the grounds. Beach, president of the Association for many years, was the last surviving member of its original board. He was also an original member of the board and president of FINLEY HOSPITAL (THE) and the GERMAN BANK. At the time of his death, Beach was president of the DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY and the firm of James Beach and Sons, then the second oldest company in Dubuque.
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Source:
Gibson, Michael. "Yesteray and Today," The Golden View, March, 2012
Oldt, Frederick. History of Dubuque County Iowa. Chicago: Western History Company, 1880