Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BEACH, James
BEACH, James. (Dover, NH, July 26, 1835--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1918). Soap manufacturer. Beach came to Dubuque in 1856 and purchased an interest in a local soap factory from J. P. FARLEY. Beach served several years as president of the National Soap Makers' Association.
Locally, Beach held the chairmanship of the city council's finance committee. His efforts resulted in city warrants, once selling at fifteen to twenty cents on the dollar, regaining their par value. He was also credited with securing WASHINGTON PARK and Grandview Avenue for the city.
Beach and John T. HANCOCK led efforts organizing the LINWOOD CEMETERY Association. They also purchased land and laid out the grounds. Beach, president of the Association for many years, was the last surviving member of its original board. He was also an original member of the board and president of FINLEY HOSPITAL and the GERMAN BANK. At the time of his death, Beach was president of the DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY and the firm of James Beach and Sons, then the second oldest company in Dubuque.