The Rev. David J. Beale, D. D., was the eldest son of Joshua and Milly Milliken Beale and was born in Bealetown [now Honey Grove] Juniata County, Pa., July 1st 1835. He received the degree of B. A. from Jefferson College, Pa., in 1861, M. A. in 1864 and D. D. in 1866. He was a student in Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, Pa., 1861, 62, and at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1864.
He was licensed April 17, 1863, and ordained August 11, 1864, by the Presbytery of Huntingdon. He was stated supply at Middle Tuscarora, Juniata County, Pa., 1864-69; pastor at St. Georges Del., 1869-72; and pastor at Light Street Church, Baltimore 1879-88. He went to Johnstown as pastor of the first church in 1889, being installed October 10th of that year as the sixth Pastor of the local church, succeeding the late Rev. D. M. Miller. He left Johnstown in October 1896. After leaving there, Dr. Beale was pastor at Frederick City, Md. for a few years, and became pastor of the First Church, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, September 1, 1898, and resigned in September 1898. Since the latter date his ministerial work had been of an evangelical nature.
Dr. Beale wrote a number of books, among them. “Through the Johnstown Flood,” having been there during and anteceding the catastrophe of 1889. Other works were, “Sketch of Jefferson College Class of ’61,” and “Life and Labors of Professor David Wilson.”
He was at the time of his death a prominent member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia and chairman of one of the most important committees, that on education.
DEATH OF THE REV. DAVID J. BEALE, D. D.
Expires at His Residence in Philadelphia After an Illness of Three Days
The news of the death of this widely known and universally esteemed minister, which occurred at his residence, No. 1613 Arch Street, Philadelphia, at 8 o'clock on Friday evening, Oct. 19, 1900, was received here with evidence of the deepest regret where he was known by all our citizens and his presence was always hailed with expressions of delight. The sunshine of his presence was a benediction wherever he went and his sudden and unexpected death is greatly lamented not only by a large connection of relatives but by a countless number of friends.
The deceased was the eldest son of Joshua and Milly Milliken Beale and was born at Bealetown [now Honey Grove, Spruce Hill Twp.], this county, July 1, 1835, and at time of his demise was aged 65 years, 3 months and 18 days. He laid the foundation for a thorough education in the public schools and at Tuscarora Academy and Airy View Academy in which later institutions he taught for some time. In 1861 he graduated from Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, Pa., with the degree of B. A., the degree of M. A. in 1864 and D. D. in 1886. He was a student in Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, Pa., 1861-62, and at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1864. He was licensed April 17, 1863 and ordained August 11, 1864, by the Presbytery of Huntingdon. He was stated supply at Middle Tuscarora, Pa., 1864-69; pastor at St. Georges, Delaware, 1869-72; pastor at Light Street Church, Baltimore, 1872-83; pastor of the First Church, Johnstown, Pa., 1883-90, covering the time of the great flood; pastor at Frederick City, Md., for a few years, and became pastor of the First Church, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, September 1, 1896, and resigned in September 1898. He was the author of “Sketch of the Jefferson College Class of ‘61” “Through Johnstown Flood,” and “Late and Labors of Professor David Nelson [Wilson].”
Dr. Beale was a prominent member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia and Chairman of one of its most important committees, that on Education. He leaves a wife and six children, Dr. John C. C. Beale, Dr. David J. Beale, Jr., and Wilson T. M. Beale and three daughters. The Rev. I. Newton Ritner, chaplain in the United States Army, is his brother-in-law, and James M. Beale, of Berwyn, Pa., are his only brothers.
The remains of the deceased were brought to Mifflintown at noon on Tuesday of this week and conveyed to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, and at 2 o'clock impressive funeral services were held conducted by Rev. S. A. Davenport, assisted by Rev. R. M. Campbell. The church was filled and overflowing with relatives and sympathizing friends. All that was mortal of the Rev. Dr. Beale was interred in the family lot in the Presbyterian Cemetery at Mifflintown.
REV. DAVID J. BEALE, D. D.
BEALE - On the 19th inst., at Philadelphia, Rev. David J. Beale, D.D., aged 65 years.
Rev. David J. Beale, D. D., died at his home 1613 Arch Street, Philadelphia about 8 o'clock on Friday evening, October 19, 1900. He was born in Tuscarora Valley, Juniata County, PA, July 31st, 1835 and received his academic training under Professor David Wilson, deceased, at Airy View Academy, Port royal, and completed his collegiate course at Jefferson College and his Theological course at Princeton Theological Seminary. He was a successful minister and was highly appreciated for his social qualities. His late congregation was that of the First Presbyterian church of Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. For some time past he engaged in evangelistic work. He was in Mifflintown not long since in the full vigor of manhood and to his kinsman ex-Sheriff Loudon he said: "I feel as if I am good for twenty years more."
His friends mourn his loss though they know it is his gain. He is survived by a widow and six children, three sons and three daughters. His remains were brought to Mifflintown. Religious services were conducted in the Presbyterian church by Rev. Branch, Rev. Davenport and Rev. Campbell of Port Royal and interment was made at half past two o'clock on Tuesday, October 23.
The pall-bearers were John R. Jenkins, Henry Groninger of the Mifflintown Presbyterian congregation. Samuel Graham, J. L. Barton of the Academia congregation. Professor Landis, Robert Work, James Loudon, McClellan Barton of Upper Tuscarora congregation. The pall bearers are elders of the congregations.
