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John C. Beason Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-521

Content Description

Series I, World War II, is the largest portion of the John C. Beason Papers. It includes a pictorial history of the 37th Division of the U.S. Army, which has the names, photographs, and job responsibilities of many of the positions in the division. It also includes a scrapbook of newspapers clippings from the World War II era and many photographs and postcards from John’s time in the Western Pacific. The Japanese script in this series includes Japanese and Spanish languages.

Series II, Later Life, contains an invitation for John’s 100th birthday celebration and a newspaper article on his life, as well as his obituary, visitation card and church program from his funeral.

Series III, Edward .J. Dollriehs Drawings, contains 50 reproductions of drawings by the artist of Western Pacific village scenes, some depicting war damage and wreckage, and some local people. Dollriehs (1917-1991) was a member of the 37th Division, as was Beason. Dollriehs’ civilian occupation was listed as commercial artist.

Dates

  • Creation: 1940-2016
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1940-1945

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on accessing material in this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

John C. Beason was born in Xenia, Ohio, on December 26, 1914, and graduated Xenia (OH) Central High School in 1933. He joined the Ohio National Guard in September 1940, enlisted in the Army and served in the 37th Division Artillery in the Western Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged in October 1945. Beason married Helen McKenzie Beason on December 1, 1945. He held several jobs in his life, but enjoyed farming the most. He died on February 21, 2016, in Xenia, Ohio.

Extent

0.5 linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Japanese

Spanish; Castilian

Abstract

The collection consists primarily of materials pertaining to Beason’s service during World War II in the Western Pacific, including several photographs, a scrapbook of newspaper clippings, and rosters of personnel who also served in the 37th Division Artillery from the group’s reunions. Copies of sketches by Edward J. Dollriehs of the Western Pacific are also included.

Arrangement

Series I: World War II; Series II: Later Life; Series III: Edward J. Dollriehs Drawings

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was donated to Special Collections and Archives by Evan Mason, John Beason’s great-great nephew, on July 8, 2016, after John Beason’s death in February 2016.

Title
Guide to the John C. Beason Papers (MS-521)
Status
Completed
Author
Victoria Chadbourne
Date
2017 June 16
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Wright State University Libraries
Special Collections and Archives
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy
Dayton OH 45435-0001 USA
937-775-2092