Arthur W. Beam is one of the substantial citizens of Hayward, California, where he has for a number of years been engaged in the real-estate business. He has important property interests and is also connected with the First National Bank of Hayward. Mr. Beam was born on the Puget Sound, in Island county, Washington, and is a son of George and Almira N. (Wright) Beam, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Missouri. They crossed the plains in 1854 and located in Island county. The father was engaged in mining and farming. Both are deceased.
Arthur W. Beam attended the public schools of Island county and while yet in his boyhood moved to San Francisco, where he made his home for several years. He then became connected with the Selby Smelting & Lead Company of Contra Costa county, remaining in their employ for about twenty years and rising to the position of chief accountant and department manager. After the company disposed of their interests to the trust in 1906 Mr. Beam came to Hayward, engaging in the real-estate business in partnership with Peter Wilbert, the association having been continued to this day with mutual profit. Together they bought much property, including the Villa Hotel, and they also own the land upon which their office stands. Mr. Beam enjoys the reputation of being one of the most competent judges of local real estate and is frequently consulted in financial matters as regards realty investments. In 1905, in cooperation with John A. Park, they organized the First National Bank of Hayward, Mr. Park becoming cashier. In 1907 they bought a tract in the Castro valley, which they subdivided and are now selling in one and two acre lots, the speculation proving highly satisfactory from a financial point of view and demonstrating the farsightedness and business ability which have made them so successful in all their transactions.
In San Francisco, Mr. Beam married Miss Margaret C. Benson, a native of California, and they have one daughter, Edith, attending Mills College. Mr. Beam is a stanch democrat and has always given his allegiance to that party, doing all in his power to realize the ideals which were first propounded by Jefferson. He is president of the Jefferson Club of Oakland, which position indicates the important place which he takes in his party, yet he is not an office seeker, his personal modesty directing his political activities along other lines. He has always been interested in educational matters and is a member of the board of schools trustees of Hayward. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Oakland and the Chamber of Commerce of both Oakland and Hayward, being thoroughly in accord with the aims and purposes of those organizations, and always allying himself with the men who exert themselves in order to increase the trade and commercial interests of Alameda county and to extend its importance and prestige.
Fraternally Mr. Beam is a member of the blue lodge of Masons in Contra Costa county and to the Aahmes Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Oakland and Naval Commandery at Vallejo. He is an Odd Fellow and a Woodman of the World, acting in the capacity of banker in the latter lodge. His name is also upon the roster of the Foresters of America and he is chief ranger of the local organization. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he is a member and an elder of the Hayward organization. For several years he has actively participated in Sunday school work and is at present superintendent, also interesting himself in other church extension. There is much that is creditable in the career of Arthur W. Beam, who has lent valuable aid in the way of enabling Hayward to realize some aspects of its higher self.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Pages 486-487
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 7/22/2008
Alameda County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
Copyright © 1996-2010; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.