Mini Biographies of Scots and Scots Descendants

1824-1910. He died in Hollywood, CA, but was buried in Rose Hill, Section 12. Son of George and grandson of a Scot who came to the U. S. about 1770, he was to become the 15^th Governor of Illinois. He received 1 1/2 years of education at Mt. Morris Seminary and in 1845 went to Tennessee to continue his training. He read law and was admitted to the Bar. He returned North in December 1847. Married 1/20/1848 Helen M. Judson, daughter of Philo Judson, and they returned to Tennessee. He found himself in debt and returned to Somonauk, IL in 1849, settling in Sycamore. He moved to Evanston in 1854 and worked with Northwestern University. In 1855, he opened a law office in Chicago. He joined the 8th Illinois Cavalry during the Civil War and was chosen second major. On joining the Army of the Potomac in 1862, he served in the advance on Richmond. The following year, Major Beverage led his regiment into battles at Gettysburg, Williamsburg, Boonesboro, Funkstown and between the Rappahannock and the Culpepper, in all 47 engagements. In November, 1863, he was commissioned colonel of the 17th Illinois Cavalry and served in Missouri. Later he was breveted brigadier general for gallant and meritorious conduct. After the war, he resumed his law practice. In 1866, he was elected sheriff of Cook County; in 1870, he was elected State Senator. In 1871, he was elected Congressman at large. Before his term expired, he was elected Lieutenant Governor. Governor Oglesby having been elected US Senator, he became Governor. The last three items happened in a space of three weeks! After his term in office, he resumed his law practice and served a term as US sub-treasurer in Chicago. His term in office as governor was "vigorous, just and impartial".