John C. Beason Papers
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
- Beason, John C., 1914-2016 (Person)
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 Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright.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.
donor
- Mason, Evan (Person)
Subject
- Dollriehs, Edward J., 1917-1991 (Person)
- Beason, John C., 1914-2016 -- Manuscripts (Person)
Genre / Form
Topical
- 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
Wright State University Libraries
Special Collections and Archives
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy
Dayton OH 45435-0001 USA
937-775-2092
library-archives@wright.edu
