The present County Superintendent of Schools of Clinton County, Illinois, is a native of County Antrim, Ireland. The family comes from the Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stock, the Scotch predominating. His father, James BEATTIE, brought his family to America in 1849. They settled in Centre county, Pa., and remained there until 1853, then removed to Chicot county, Ark., and in November, 1856, came to Clinton county, Illinois, and remained here until his death, in 1872. He married Jane BANKHEAD, who died in 1865. George A. is the eldest son of five children. His education was obtained in the schools of Pennsylvania, where he received and academic training. Since his residence in Illinois he has been for the greater part of the time engaged in teaching and farming. In 1872 he was appointed Deputy Clerk in the Circuits Clerk's office, and held that position until 1877, when he was nominated and elected to the position of School Superintendent, and at present is in the discharge of the duties appertaining to that office. In addition to his official duties, he found time to study law, and was admitted to practice at the August term (1881) of the Appellate Court, held at Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Politically he has always voted and acted with the Democratic party. His first vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas for President in 1860, and in all subsequent elections he has adhered to the party of his first choice. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and belongs to Erie Lodge, No. 38, Carlyle, Ills.

In his position as School Superintendent, and in the management of the public schools of the county, Mr. BEATTIE has given thorough satisfaction. He is industrious, a good disciplinarian, and under his administration the schools of the county have been brought to a most excellent standard, and compare favorably with any other county in the State.

Source: History of Marion and Clinton Counties, Illinois, 1881, Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia

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