|
|
In a copy of what appears to be a magazine or news letter article, with the handwritten date of 6-19-31, supplied to me by Carol Susanne Roberts (paternal-Lang, maternal-Beidler)
"A MAN"
By John Reardon
Nearly one-half centry ago, a big white house on the Main Street of a little town, situated on the Eastern bank of the Susquehanna River, was the scene of much excitement. A son was born.
The first five years of his life were spent playing amidst these wonderful surroundings. Then at the age of five, because it was the wise thing to do, he consented to go with his parents to Florida.
The years from five until fourteen were about equally divided between the schoolroom and the Seminole Indians, living with these Indians months at a time, in the Florida Everglades.
So we find him, at the age of fourteen, a cabin boy on the stout ship "Three Friends", under Captain Broward (who in later years was governor of Florida). They were engaged in the exciting and profitable business of running guns, amunition, and supplies to Cuba, to be used in the revolt against Spanish Tyranny.
A few years later, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, he enlisted in the 7th U. S. Cavalry, the famous White Horse Brigade, serving in Cuba during the war, and afterwards being transfered to the Philipine Islands. While in the service, he was Wrestling Champion of the Army and Navy.
After his discharge from the Army, he tried the life of the average citizen for a time, but only a short one. It was too tame, and Mexico, at that time being in the midst of one of her numerous civil wars, appealed to his adventurous spirit. He was one of a party of eight soldiers of fortune, so they were called, fighting first on one side then on the other, the length and breadth of Mexico. Their allegiance always determined by the amount of pay offered.
It is with some surprise we find him a few years later a member of the famous Texas Rangers. From that it was only a step to Deputy Sheriff, then U. S. Deputy Marshall.
The years from then to now we will leave to your imagination. Suffice to say he is master of his trade, happily married, the father of five children.
Just recently the top of the 75-foot flag pole on the roof of the New Yorker was in need of a new coat of paint. This man with nearly a half-century of life and adventure to his credit, climbed to the top, did the job, all in a day's work. You see him every day as he goes about his work, our good friend and fellow employee, C. N. Beidler--- Head Painter.
Also the following newpaper article was on the same copy supplied to me by Carol Susanne Roberts. No date supplied and no newpaper name.
W. Shokan Deputy, Elected by Masons, Old Texas Ranger
Deputy Sheriff Claude N. Beidler of West Shokan, who was recently installed as master of Ancient City Council, 21, Royal and Select Masters, one of the highest ranking Masons in the Town of Olive, is not only well-known in fraternal circles but also in the branch of law enforcement.
Fraternally, Beidler is a member of Kingston Lodge, 10, F &AM of Kingston; 75, Royal Arch Masons; Ancient City Council 21, Royal and Select Masters; Rondout Commandery, 52, Knights of Templar; Cyprus Temple, AAONMS of Albany; Ulster County Shrine Club; Kinston Square Club; Shokan Lodge, 491, IOOF; Olive Rebekah Lodge, 470, IOOF; Past Noble Grand of Hartford Lodge, 82, IOOF, and is a Past Chief Patriarch of Midian Encampment 7, IOOF.
With Police in Miami [ sub-headline ]
In the law enforcement circles Beidler also has an impressive record. Prior to their taking up residence in West Shokan about five years ago Mr. and Mrs. Beidler had resided for many years in the south, coming to Ulster county from New York. Early in life Beidler was a member of the first police force of the city of Miami Fla., and for a time he was also a member of the Texas Rangers. He also has an impressive military record. Preceding his retirement from business life Mr. Beidler for about 20 years had held a responsible executive position with the Cities Service oil company. Since coming to Ulster county he has taken an active part in civic life of the community.
