henry beamon, sr.
1907-1984
Life Story
Farmer, Veteran, and Family Patriarch
Early Life
Henry Beamon was born on August 25, 1907, in the community of Stallo in Neshoba County, Mississippi. Early census records list his mother as Jamie Braman, reflecting the spelling variations often found in historical documents of the period.
Henry grew up in a rural farming environment where hard work began at an early age. His formal education was limited, and he completed only the second grade before joining the agricultural labor force. Like many young men in Mississippi’s Piney Woods region, he spent his early years working long hours on local farms.
Despite his limited schooling, later records indicate that Henry learned to read and write, demonstrating determination to improve his literacy.
Early Adulthood
By 1930, Henry was living in the Mogulusha community of Neshoba County, where he was recorded in the census as a lodger working as a farmer on his own account. These years marked the beginning of his efforts to establish himself independently through agricultural labor.
During the late 1930s, Henry married Minnie Lee Williams, the daughter of Guss Garfield Williams and Lula Willis of Newton County. The couple established their household on a rented farm in Neshoba County, where Henry worked approximately 45 hours per week maintaining the family’s livelihood.
Military Service During World War II
As the United States entered World War II, Henry answered the nation’s call to service.
On October 16, 1940, he registered for the military draft. His draft card described him as having a light brown complexion, brown eyes, and standing approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall.
Henry was inducted into military service on September 1, 1942, at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Records indicate that at the time of his induction he was separated with dependents, a notation commonly used in military paperwork to describe marital or family circumstances.
Henry served in the United States Army as a Private and was honorably discharged on July 1, 1943.
Family Life in Newton County
After his discharge from military service, Henry returned home and reunited with his wife, Minnie Lee. By 1950, the family had moved to Newton County, Mississippi, where they were recorded living on South 7th Street.
Henry continued working as a farmer, managing his own agricultural work while supporting his growing family.
Together, Henry and Minnie raised five children:
- Henry L. Beamon, Jr. (born 1942)
- Lillie Beamon (born 1946)
- Robert Lee Beamon (1948–2020)
- Ruby Beamon
- Donald Beamon
The Beamon household was rooted in both family and faith. Henry and Minnie were devoted members of Saint Cloud Missionary Baptist Church, where they participated actively in the life of the congregation.
Later Years and Legacy
Henry spent his later years in Newton County, surrounded by his family and community. His life reflected the perseverance and dedication common among many rural Mississippi farmers of his generation.
Henry Beamon passed away on August 14, 1984, just days before his seventy-seventh birthday. He was laid to rest at the Saint Cloud Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Newton County, Mississippi.
He was survived by his wife, Minnie Lee Williams Beamon, their five children, and an extended family that included daughters-in-law Carolyn Beamon, Margie Beamon, and Sheila Beamon, as well as a son-in-law, Eddie Wynn.
Through decades of labor, military service, and devotion to his family and church, Henry Beamon left behind a legacy of perseverance that continued through the generations who followed him.
Resting Place
St. Cloud Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Marriage of Sheila Burks to Donald Beamon, Wed, May 30, 1973 ·Page 9
- Scott County Times, Henry Beamon Obituary, Wed, Aug 29, 1984 ·Page 2
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
- U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
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