Beal and Thomas Families Papers

Winfield Beal and his second wife, Permelia, left Virginia in March 1886, following Samuel Beal, Winfield’s son from his first marriage, who had moved to Missouri in 1884. The Beals originally settled in Independence, Missouri before moving to Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Winfield established a farm outside of Lee’s Summit before he died August 28, 1888 at the age of 62. Winfield was buried in Lee’s Summit. Permelia died April 13, 1910 and was also buried in Lee’s Summit.

Samuel married Bodie Ellen Selvey on November 24, 1887 in Independence, Missouri. Samuel farmed on land in Jackson County and they continued to live in the area. Bodie died in June 4, 1929 and Samuel died 11 years later on April 1, 1940; both are buried in Blue Springs, Missouri.

James D. Thomas was born May 13, 1858 in Fluvanna County, Virginia. Gazelle Beal was born March 10, 1868 in Albemarle County, Virginia. James and Gazelle were married in 1886 in Virginia. Two years later in March 1888, they emigrated from Virginia to Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The Thomas family were following Gazelle’s father, Winfield Beal, who had emigrated with his family previously. Like Winfield Beal, James farmed rented land outside of Lee’s Summit. James died October 15, 1935 and was buried in Lee’s Summit. Gazelle died 20 years later on July 17, 1955 and was also buried in Lee’s Summit.