Erasmus W. Beck

Erasmus W. Beck
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 4th district
In office December 2, 1872 – March 3, 1873
Preceded by	Thomas J. Speer
Succeeded by	Henry R. Harris
Personal details
Born	(1833-10-21)October 21, 1833 McDonough, Georgia
Died	July 22, 1898(1898-07-22) (aged 64) Griffin, Georgia
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	Mercer University

Erasmus Williams Beck (October 21, 1833 – July 22, 1898) was a slave owner and U.S. Representative from Georgia.

Life

Born in McDonough, Henry County, Georgia, he attended the local schools of his native county, a private school, and Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, for two years. After returning to McDonough in 1855 due to ill health, he began the study of law. The following year, he relocated to Griffin, Georgia, where he continued his law studies. Admitted to the bar in 1856, he began to practice law in Griffin, Georgia.

Enrolled for a short period in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War, he was discharged due to ill health.

During the war, he was appointed solicitor general of the Flint circuit.

Beck was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-second Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Thomas J. Speer and served from December 2, 1872, to March 3, 1873. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1872. He resumed the practice of his profession at Griffin, Georgia. He served as judge of the city court of Griffin from 1890 until his death in that city on July 22, 1898. He was interred in Oak Hill Cemetery.

References

• United States Congress. "Erasmus W. Beck (id: B000288)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress