Beall, Lee S.

Lee S. Beall, born in Ripley County, Indiana, on August 9, 1864, came from an historic family with ancestors who participated in the War of 1812 and signed the Declaration of Independence. After learning the carpenter trade and marrying Della Peters on March 21, 1886, he moved to California to join the pioneer settlers of that era. The couple initially located at River Bend and the Red Bank section before purchasing a twenty-acre tract near Clovis in 1890. Through continuous improvement and the acquisition of adjoining land, Beall successfully developed a forty-acre vineyard producing muscat, Thompson, and malaga grapes.

Beyond his agricultural achievements, Beall became a highly influential civic leader and served as a justice of the peace for thirteen years. He held several other public offices, including district roadmaster, deputy assessor, and trustee for both the Jefferson school and the Clovis Union High School. As a businessman, he operated as a notary and dealt in real estate while raising three children named Elsie W., Helen D., and Harold Lee. He also supported local community organizations, including the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, multiple fraternal lodges, and the California Associated Raisin Company.