Over the years, several of us researching the Bean lines, have desired to put into printed form what we have learned concerning our "roots", thus making it possible for any interested person to quickly ascertain what has been done. Garda Gee Adams, Ethel Bean Andrew and Kerry Bate are three who have contributed greatly to past research. Garda and Ethel are now deceased. These three represent the James A. Bean, George W. Bean and Sarah Bean Casper families respectfully.

In 1982, Kerry Bate published his book "The Ebenezer Hanks Story" in which he gave some historical sketches of his ancestral lines. We share these common lines: Bean, Buckalew, Janz, Scott, and Lewis. My research notes aided him with valuable information on these families. With his permission, the histories that pertain to these families are reproduced in this work.

More detailed information and some additional material, have been added where pertinent. Expanded information concerning the environment in which they lived has been included. Footnotes have also been provided so that the sources used can be readily identified. Needless to say much research has brought us to the point where we are today. For anyone interested, the reading of this work, will make it apparent where more research is needed.

President Hinckley's statement about knowing ones ancestors, provides a meaningful context for this work which is a combination of research and history. He wrote: "It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. It is good to look upon the virtues of those who have gone before, to gain strength for whatever lies ahead. It is good to reflect upon the work of those who labored so hard and gained so little in this world, but of which we are the beneficiaries. Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for us all, for each of us is a pioneer in his own life, often in his own family, and many of us pioneer daily in trying to establish a gospel foothold in distant parts of the world. As we honor our origins and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so much for the gospel's sake, we realize that we can never fully repay our debt to them. But we can honor them by consecrating our lives to building the kingdom in our own time and place. We can live the Gospel with the same devotion and faith for which they are remembered." ⁽¹⁾

Reflecting upon the lives of those who have preceded us, emphasizes the importance of the decisions we make and the lives we live and what their impact might be on those who follow us. I'm humbled to realize how much our predecessors accomplished given the poverty and hardships they endured. My heart is indeed, full of gratitude and love for them. The lives they lived, the decisions they made and the sacrifices they suffered provided the foundation for the liberties and opportunities we enjoy daily.

The prophet Nephi saw our land and our time. He saw how the Lord would bring people out of other lands to establish this free land. He was talking, about our people, among others. They were moved upon by the Holy Spirit to come to this land despite the less than profitable circumstances in which they lived. They faced the unknown with indomitable faith, dogged determination and unlimited courage.

May this work, imperfect though it is, be rewarding to each one who takes the time to look back. May each of us gain a greater appreciation for our predecessors than was possible before.

Arlene Bean Meservy

313 East 2020 North

Provo, Utah 84604

1. Faith Of The Pioneer, July 1984:3