Background
Beardsley was born January 12, 1898 in Salem, Iowa, the son of Frank Grenville Beardsley, Doctor of Philosophy, a Congregationalist minister, evangelist, and author
Beardsley was born January 12, 1898 in Salem, Iowa, the son of Frank Grenville Beardsley, Doctor of Philosophy, a Congregationalist minister, evangelist, and author
The younger Beardsley graduated from Knox College in 1917 and enlisted in the United States Army during World War I, and rose to the rank of Captain. After the war, he graduated with a law degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago.
He became active in Illinois Republican politics, and between World War I and World World War II he ran for several offices, including the State Senate and Illinois Attorney General. He served in North Africa, the Middle East and India. He was primarily stationed in New Delhi with the Army Judge Advocate General"s Corps, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit.
After the war, he returned home to his family in Chicago to practice law. He remained in the Army Reserve, was commandant of Judge Advocate General officer’s school at Northwestern University, and was promoted to full colonel.
Beardsley remained active in politics and ran for several offices including State"s Attorney. The election was overturned in a disputed recount.
He gained notoriety representing the State of Illinois versus the Illinois Central Railroad.
As a result of the case the State was awarded several million dollars of back taxes. He joined the Attorney General’s office of Illinois as first assistant Attorney General, and was appointed Attorney General in 1959. In 1960 he had an aneurysm at his desk in the old State of Illinois Building on LaSalle Street, and died on June 3, a few days later.
He was a descendant of William Beardsley of Stratford, Connecticut.
Beardsley was a member of the draft board during World World War II and at 44 years old reenlisted in the Army as a Major.