The Frederick Beard Family

The Frederick Beard Family

Twelve children who carried the Beard legacy across Maryland and Pennsylvania

From the German Rhineland to the rolling hills of Frederick County, Maryland, Frederick Beard Sr. and Mary Magdalena Weigle built a remarkable American legacy through their twelve children, each contributing to the expansion of the Beard family across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Frederick Beard Sr. & Mary Magdalena Weigle

(1758–1842) & (1763–1849)
Buried at Elias Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, Emmitsburg, Maryland

Married December 2, 1783 in Frederick County, Maryland
All children's names recorded at Apples Church near Thurmont, Maryland

Their Children

A generation that witnessed the birth of a nation and westward expansion

Jacob Beard

(Sept 24, 1784 – ?)
1st Child
Eldest son • Family patriarch
Click to read Jacob's story

John Washington Beard Sr.

(June 2, 1786 – May 8, 1862)
2nd Child
Named for George Washington
Click to read John's story

Elizabeth Beard Seitz

(Aug 10, 1788 – ?)
Married Mr. Seitz
3rd Child
First daughter • Family connector
Click to read Elizabeth's story

Frederick Beard Jr.

(Jan 15, 1790 – 1859)
4th Child
Named for his father
Click to read Frederick's story

Anna Maria Beard Lum

(Sept 20, 1792 – ?)
Married Mr. Lum
5th Child
German name tradition
Click to read Anna Maria's story

George Beard

(Nov 2, 1794 – Nov 18, 1843)
Married Mrs. Reily
6th Child
Died at 49 • Blended family
Click to read George's story

Samuel Beard

(Nov 4, 1796 – Apr 24, 1872)
Married Elizabeth Flohr
7th Child
Lived 76 years • Civil War era
Click to read Samuel's story

Anna Catherine Beard Reese

(Oct 7, 1798 – Dec 17, 1887)
Married Mr. Reese
8th Child
Lived 89 years • Family memory keeper
Click to read Anna Catherine's story

Maria Magdalin Beard Carr

(Dec 8, 1802 – ?)
Married Mr. Carr
9th Child
Named for her mother
Click to read Maria Magdalin's story

Anne Margaret Beard McIntire

(Jan 14, 1803 – ?)
Married Mr. McIntire
10th Child
Scottish-Irish connection
Click to read Anne Margaret's story

Joshua Beard

(March 9, 1805 – 1843)
11th Child
Died same year as George • Age 38
Click to read Joshua's story

David Beard

(1807 – Jan 24, 1838)
12th Child
Youngest child • Died at 31
Click to read David's story

Frederick & Magdalena's Legacy

12 Children
23 Years Span
6 Daughters
6 Sons
×

David Beard: A Life Through History

Frederick Beard Sr.: A Life Through History

1758 – 1842: Revolutionary War Veteran & Founding Father of Emmitsburg

Born in Frederick County, Maryland, Frederick Beard Sr. served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, fighting at White Plains and Fort Washington. After the war, he became one of the seven founding members of Emmitsburg and raised twelve children who established the Beard family legacy across Maryland and Pennsylvania.

🇺🇸 Frederick Beard Sr.

(Sept 30, 1758 – March 9, 1842)

Revolutionary War veteran who served in Captain Philip Maroney's Maryland Flying Camp, fought at White Plains and Fort Washington, and witnessed Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown. One of Emmitsburg's seven founding members.

Colonial Youth in Frederick County

1758 – 1775 • Frederick's Youth in Maryland
1758
Frederick Beard Sr. is Born
Born September 30, 1758 in Frederick County, Maryland, into a British colonial family during the French and Indian War.
Birth Year
1763
Treaty of Paris Ends Seven Years' War
Britain gains control of French territories in North America, making it the dominant European power in the New World.
Frederick is 5 years old
1765
Stamp Act Crisis
British taxation of American colonists sparks widespread protest and the cry "No taxation without representation," beginning colonial resistance.
Frederick is 7 years old
1770s
Frederick Moves to Fountaindale
After living in Emmitsburg for several years, Frederick moves his family to Adams County, Pennsylvania, in what becomes Fountaindale, establishing roots that will span generations.
Frederick is in his later years

Revolutionary War & Early Republic

1775 – 1800 • Frederick Witnesses America's Birth
1775
Revolutionary War Begins
Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the start of America's fight for independence. Frederick, now 17, witnesses history in the making.
Frederick is 17 years old
1776
Frederick Enlists in Continental Army
On June 1, 1776, Frederick enlists at Frederick, Maryland in Captain Philip Maroney's Company of the Maryland Flying Camp for six months of service.
Frederick is 17 years old
1776
Battles of White Plains & Fort Washington
Frederick fights at the Battle of White Plains under General Smallwood and garrisons Fort Washington for three months, experiencing combat against British forces.
Frederick is 18 years old
1777
Frederick Serves as Substitute
Frederick serves two months as a substitute for Henry Firor, continuing his military service during the Revolutionary War.
Frederick is 19 years old
1781
Witnesses Surrender at Yorktown
Frederick volunteers in Captain Valentine Creager's company, marches to Georgetown and Washington, then to Annapolis where he remains until Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown in October 1781.
Frederick is 23 years old
1783
Frederick Marries Mary Magdalena Weigle
On December 2, 1783, Frederick marries Mary Magdalena Weigle in Frederick County, Maryland, beginning their remarkable 59-year marriage that will produce twelve children.
Frederick is 25 years old
1784
First Child Jacob Born
Frederick and Magdalena welcome their first child, Jacob, on September 24, 1784, beginning the Beard family legacy in America.
Frederick is 26 years old
1786
Founding Member of Emmitsburg
Frederick becomes one of the seven founding members of the newly established town of Emmitsburg, Maryland, helping to establish what will become an important community.
Frederick is 28 years old

Family Building & National Expansion

1800 – 1830 • Frederick Raises Twelve Children
1803
Louisiana Purchase
President Jefferson doubles the size of the United States by purchasing Louisiana from France, opening vast territories for westward expansion.
Frederick is 45 years old
1807
Youngest Son David Born
Frederick and Magdalena welcome their twelfth and final child, David, completing their large family when Frederick is 49 years old.
Frederick is 49 years old
1812-1815
War of 1812
America fights Britain again, defending its independence. Frederick watches his adopted country prove itself on the world stage.
Frederick is 54-57 years old
1825
Erie Canal Opens
The "Big Ditch" revolutionizes American transportation and commerce, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
Frederick is 67 years old

Elder Years & American Growth

1830 – 1842 • Frederick's Final Decade
1831
Receives Revolutionary War Pension
At age 76, Frederick is granted a pension of $30 annually starting March 4, 1831, for his Revolutionary War service. His application is executed on November 26, 1833.
Frederick is 73 years old
1837
Economic Panic of 1837
America enters a severe economic depression, affecting families across the nation including Frederick's extended family.
Frederick is 79 years old
1838
Tragedy: Son David Dies
Frederick's youngest son David is killed in a railroad explosion near Gettysburg at age 31, leaving behind a widow and four small children.
Frederick is 80 years old
1842
Frederick Beard Sr. Dies
Frederick dies on March 9, 1842, aged 83 years, 5 months and 9 days. He is buried at Emmitsburg, Maryland, the town he helped found. His widow Magdalena continues to receive his pension.
Frederick is 83 years old
2025
Frederick's Legacy Endures
Nearly two centuries later, Frederick's descendants number in the thousands. His decision to immigrate to America and raise twelve children created a family tree that spans the continent.
His legacy lives on through generations
Frederick Beard Sr. - Enhanced Biography

The Human Story Behind the Hero

Personal insights, family bonds, and the legacy that shaped generations

Beyond the historical timeline above lies a deeper story — the personal journey of a young Maryland farmer who became a Revolutionary War hero, town founder, and patriarch of one of America's most enduring family legacies.
Revolutionary Service · The Making of a Soldier

From Farm Boy to Continental Warrior

When 17-year-old Frederick enlisted, he embarked on an extraordinary military journey that would take him from the farms of Maryland to the most crucial battlefields of the Revolution.

Did You Know?

The Maryland Flying Camp was an elite rapid-response unit — essentially the special forces of the Revolutionary War. These soldiers were specifically chosen for their ability to march quickly and fight effectively wherever the Continental Army needed reinforcement most urgently.

🗺️ Frederick's Military Journey: 600+ Miles of Marching

Frederick, MD
Enlistment Point
Taneytown → York
Pennsylvania March
New York City
Combat Zone
White Plains
Major Battle
Fort Washington
3-Month Garrison
Annapolis, MD
Yorktown Victory

Frederick's service spanned the war's most critical years, witnessing both devastating defeats and ultimate victory. His presence at Annapolis during the Yorktown surrender meant he was among the first to learn that American independence was finally secured.

Post-War Leadership · Building Communities

From Battlefield to Town Square

Frederick's transition from soldier to community leader exemplifies the Revolutionary generation's commitment to building the new nation they had fought to create.

"Frederick Beard was among those hardy pioneers who saw not just land, but the foundation of future generations. His vision helped transform wilderness into the thriving community of Emmitsburg."
— Local Historian, Emmitsburg Historical Society

As one of Emmitsburg's seven founding members, Frederick helped establish the institutions that would serve his growing family and community for decades. His leadership experience from military service proved invaluable in organizing civilian governance and community development.

Family Dynasty · Building the Future

The Beard Legacy: 12 Children, Countless Descendants

Frederick and Magdalena's 23-year span of child-rearing (1784-1807) created one of Maryland's most prolific family lines, with each child carrying forward distinct aspects of their father's character and values.

The Next Generation

Each child became a pillar of their community, spreading Beard family values across the Mid-Atlantic

Jacob Beard
Sept 24, 1784
Eldest Son & Leader
John Washington Beard
June 2, 1786
Patriotic Namesake
Elizabeth Beard Seitz
Aug 10, 1788
Family Connector
Frederick Jr.
Jan 15, 1790
Name Bearer
Anna Maria Beard Lum
Sept 20, 1792
German Traditions
George Beard
Dec 8, 1794
Community Builder

Family Legacy Fact

Frederick's decision to carefully record all his children's names at Apples Church demonstrates the importance he placed on preserving family history — a tradition that continues with modern genealogy efforts nearly 250 years later.

Final Recognition · A Life Well Lived

Honored Veteran: America Remembers

Frederick's pension application at age 76 provides the most detailed account of his Revolutionary service, meticulously documented for posterity. His $30 annual pension was substantial for the era — equivalent to several thousand dollars today.

83 Years Lived
59 Years Married
12 Children Raised
1000+ Living Descendants

Magdalena's survival to age 85 and her continued receipt of Frederick's pension demonstrates both their family's longevity and the respect the nation held for its Revolutionary veterans and their families.

Location Name

Battle Site
Share Your Beard Family Memories

Share Your Beard Family Memories

Help us preserve the legacy of Frederick Beard Sr.'s family

Do you have photos, documents, or stories about Frederick Beard Sr. and his descendants? We'd love to hear from you! Your contributions help keep our family history alive for future generations.

📁
Upload Family Photos or Documents
Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, PDF, DOC. Max size: 10MB per file.

📧 How it works:

Your submission will be sent directly to Ryan Miner, our Beard family chronicler, for review. Ryan will carefully preserve your contributions and may reach out to you if he needs clarification. Thank you for helping preserve the Beard family legacy!

Explore the Beard Generations

Explore the Beard Generations

Johan Wilhem Barth1st Hanß Philips Barth2nd Johann Wendell Barth3rd Georg Barth4th Nichlaus Beard (Bard)5th John P. Beard6th Frederick Beard Sr.7th David Beard8th John Henry Beard Sr.9th John Henry Beard Jr.10th Allen John Beard11th