Beal, George Lafayette, 1825-1896

Beal was born in Norway, Maine. His father was one of the founders of the town. Beal studied at the Westbrook Seminary and was very interested military affairs, eventually being elected Captain of the local militia unit known as the Norway Light Infantry, a position he held at the beginning of the war. He was employed as an agent of the Canadian Express Company.

Beal was the first man in Oxford County to enlist, and his militia unit became Company "G" of the First Maine Infantry Regiment, a three-month unit. At the end of his enlistment, he re-enlisted and was commissioned colonel of the 10th Maine Infantry. The unit was engaged during Stonewall Jackson's valley campaign in 1862, including the Battle of Cedar Mountain. Beal was commended for the 10th Maine's service covering the retreat of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks' Army of Virginia, and later at Second Bull Run, and Antietam, where Beal was severely wounded. Beal was mustered out with his regiment on May 8, 1863.

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