From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
publ. 1912, Page 1382-1383
 
WILLIAM WARREN BEACH.  We are always glad to honor the old pioneers, and this 
is as it should be, for they are deserving of every consideration; they have 
done so much for us of this generation that we cannot begin to repay them, 
even in gratitude; in fact, we often lose sight of the great sacrifices they 
made for us, their descendants, and of the hardships they endured that the 
bounds of civilization light be pushed farther westward and outward.  They had 
a hard time and no mistake, combating the root-interlaced soil, the quick-
growing underbrush and weeds; combating the wild fold of the woods and the 
air, that sought to destroy their crops, domestic animals and even themselves; 
combating the skulking, treacherous red men who claimed the domain on which 
the place faces settled.  It is doubtful if we of today, many of us at least, 
would be willing to brave the wilds as did our progenitors, and wrest from a 
resisting nature and bloodthirsty race the fair realms now to be seen dotted 
with happy homes, thriving cities and school houses and church-spires pointing 
skyward.
 
One of the men who had the courage to take up life in Walworth county in the 
pioneer epoch was William Warren BEACH, a venerable and well known citizen of 
Lafayette township, whose death occurred April 17, 1912.  He was born in 
Warren county, New York, on September 28, 1821, and there he grew to manhood 
and received such education as the old-time schools in his district afforded.  
When nineteen he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he made his chief 
life work; he also learned to be a millwright, but later returned to carpentering, 
also followed the joiner's trade, becoming quite skillful in 
both.  In the fall of 1845 he came to Spring Prairie township, Walworth 
county, Wisconsin, and began working at his trade, and today many of the 
substantial residences and barns throughout the eastern part of the county 
stand as monuments to his skill as a builder.
 
On December 23, 1849, Mr. BEACH was united in marriage with Clarissa HARRIMAN, 
who was born in 1832.  To this union nine children were born, six of whom are 
living at this writing.
 
Soon after his marriage the subject moved to Marcellon, Columbus county, 
Wisconsin, where he remained three years, working at his trade, then returned 
to Lafayette township, Walworth county, and purchased a farm which he worked 
successfully.  In 1906 he sold out to his son, Benjamin H. who still operates 
the place, but he lived with his son on the place till his death.  For several 
years the subject employed a man to take charge of his farm while he worked at 
the carpenter's trade, later devoting practically all his time to farming.
 
Politically, Mr. BEACH was a Democrat and he took more or less interest in 
public affairs; however, he never sought public honors.  He and his wife were 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
 
The following are the children of Mr. and Mrs. BEACH, of this sketch: Alice 
L., now Mrs. B. F. FRASIER, of Pocahontas, Iowa; William L., lives at Norcross, 
Minnesota; Lucinda J., who married G. P. HUMPHREY, lives in New York City; 
Mary A., now Mrs. D. S. EDGARTON, lives in North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; 
Benjamin H., who owns and operates the home place; Isaac D. lives at Grand 
Rapids, Wisconsin.
 
Submitted by Carol