Beauchamp, William Perry

William Perry Beauchamp, born in Harwood, Missouri, on September 27, 1883, developed into a highly successful agriculturist specializing in scientific stock-raising. The son of G. F. Beauchamp and Anna Adams, he grew up on a Missouri farm and began independent farming in his home region at the age of twenty-two. In February 1909, shortly after his marriage to Missouri native Eva Everman, the couple moved west to California and located in Selma. He spent his early years in Fresno County leasing local properties, operating an eighty-acre vineyard for a year followed by a peach orchard, and managing another rented tract for five successful years. His early efforts demonstrated a strong capability in managing diverse regional agricultural operations.

In 1915, Mr. Beauchamp purchased his permanent ninety-two acre ranch on Biola Avenue, where he raised alfalfa, grain, and peaches alongside a thirty-acre vineyard of Thompson seedless and Sultana grapes. He added extensive improvements to the property to facilitate successful dairying, cattle raising, and hog farming operations. He also supported the regional economy by aligning with the California Associated Raisin Company to help boost the raisin interests of the state. He and his wife raised six children named Mildred, Bessie, Wilber, Harold, Edna, and Irene. The family enjoyed great local popularity while maintaining active memberships in the Christian Church and the Woodmen of the World.