J.W. BEARUP. Through business interests that are not limited to his hometown of Madera, but also extends into other parts of Madera County, Mr. Bearup has established a reputation as one of the leading men of affairs in this section of the state. Then he came to his present location in 1896 he embarked in the agricultural implement business and has since built up the largest trade of its kind in the County, carrying in stock a full equipment of modern machinery as well as buggies and wagons of the most approved styles of construction. In addition, he is extensively engaged in the grain business, and has warehouses in Madera, Berendo(a), Talbot and Borden, Madera County, where he has adequate provision for the storage and shipment of wheat and barley.

A resident of California since 1888, Mr. Bearup was born at Wawaka, Noble County, Ind., Aril 2, 1865, and was the only child of John W. and Jennie (Golden) Bearup, natives respectively of New York and Ohio. His parental grandfather, James H. Bearup, was a native of New York, but spent much of his active life in Ohio. The maternal grandfather, William Bolden, became a pioneer of Indiana and remained there until his death. During the Civil was John W. Bearup left his farm in Noble and enlisted in the service of the Union, becoming sergeant of Company G, One Hundredth Indiana Infantry. After an active service of more than two years he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. Afterward he moved from Indiana to Ohio and settled at Wellington. About 1890 he came to Madera, where he is now living retired. While he was still living in Indiana he was bereaved by his wife’s death in 1868. For many years he has been an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic

On finishing the studies of the grammar and high schools of Wellington, J. W. Bearup was sent to Ada College at Ad, Ohio, where he remained for a time. Afterward he learned the trade of butter and cheese maker, which he followed in Ohio for five years. After his arrival I California he became an employee of a grain house in Turlock and for two years held the position of foreman. During that period he gained a thorough knowledge of the grain business, which has been of inestimable value to him in his subsequent business operations. Removing to Berendo (a) in 1891 he came to Madera, where he still resides. After coming to this county he married Miss A. M. Crow, who was born in Wisconsin and came to California with her parents, settling in Madera County. Her father, H. D. Crow, was a member of a Wisconsin regiment and served for a considerable portion of the Civil war. Since coming to this county he has been engaged in the mercantile business at Berendo(a), where he is an influential citizen. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bearup one child was born, Carl G. Bearup.

The Madera Board of Trade is one of the local organizations with which Mr. Bearup co-operates, in that way helping enterprises calculated to benefit the town. Among businessmen his standing is high and his reputation that of an honorable and efficient, man of affairs. Along the line of his business, he holds membership in the San Joaquin Valley Hardware Dealers’ Association and takes a warm interest in the organization. The Republican Party has had his vote and influence ever since he attained his majority, and since coming to his present place of residence he has served four years as treasurer of the county central committee. While living in Berendo(a) he was elected justice of the peace for the second district and held the position until his removal to Madera in 1896, when he resigned. By his high principle of honor, unquestioned integrity and persevering industry, he has won the respect and confidence of those with whom he has had business dealings and has gained a place among the leading businessmen of his County.

Guinn, J. M., History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the San Joaquin Valley, California, (Chicago: Chapman Publishing, 1905), page 1245.

California Death Index, 1940-1997 California Death Index, 1940-1997

Name: Alice M Bearup

Sex: FEMALE

Birth Date: 14 Mar 1877

Birthplace: Wisconsin

Death Date: 26 Jul 1951

Death Place: Santa Cruz

Mother's Maiden Name: Anderson

FATHER'S SURNAME: Crow

Source Citation: Place: Santa Cruz; Date: 26 Jul 1951; Social Security: 0.