X. F. Beidler, prominent in democratic circles in Illinois and now;, county clerk of Logan county, in his life record sets at naught the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for he is a native son of Lincoln and, remaining ever a resident of Logan county, has here won the respect and confidence of his fellowmen, who have honored him with election to a number of offices. He was born April 13, 1862.
His father, Dr. J. H. Beidler, was a native of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, and became a resident of Lincoln in 1857. Having prepared for the medical profession, he engaged in practice here for a number of years, after which he removed to Adrian, Michigan, but later returned to Logan county and settled in Mount Pulaski, where he continued in active and successful practice until the time of his retirement from business life. He was a man of public spirit, greatly interested in the cause of education, and his efforts in that direction were followed by practical and tangible results. He served as school commissioner and was the first man to organize and establish teachers' institutes in Illinois. In this, as well as in the line of his profession, he accomplished a work of lasting benefit, making his memory an honored one in Logan county. He died in Lincoln, June 3, 1904. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Forsyth, was a native of New York and by her marriage became the mother of two children, the daughter, Grace, being now the wife of F. E. Newton.
Consequent upon his father's removals X. F. Beidler pursued his education in the public schools of Adrian, Michigan, and Peoria and Mount Pulaski, Illinois. He entered business life as an employe in the drug store of his uncle at Mount Pulaski, occupying that position for a number of years. He then went upon the road as a traveling salesman, remaining a knight of the grip for some time. Later he established himself in business in Mount Pulaski as a cigar manufacturer, continuing in the business until 1894, when called to the office of postmaster by appointment of President Cleveland. He filled that position for four years and in 1898 was elected county clerk, since which time he has held the office. In politics he has always been an active democrat, giving stanch and effective aid to the party, the principles of which in his opinion contain the best elements of good government. In 1908 he was honored by his party with the nomination for secretary of state, but with the others on the ticket suffered defeat. In his present position he is rendering to the couny capable and faithful service, winning him the commendation of the majority of his fellow townsmen.
In 1890 Mr. Beidler was married to Miss Anna Martin, a native of Mount Pulaski and a daughter of W. W. Martin, a well known merchant of that town and a veteran of the Civil war. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and other organizations. He is a broad-minded man and richly endowed with those qualities which make for personal popularity. He wins friends wherever he goes, regardless of political opinion, and no stronger indication of his many commendable characteristics is needed than the fact that in his native city he is regarded as one of the most popular and esteemed citizens.
Source: Stringer, Lawrence B., History of Logan County, Vol. II, [Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911] p. 13-14.
Submitted by Cheryl Rothwell who is not related to X. F. Beidler.
This page is "X. F. Beidler Biography" on the Logan County, Illinois, ILGenWeb site. The address of this page is http://logan.illinoisgenweb.org/bios/beidlerxf.htm.