John Robert Beaman, born in 1813 to John Beaman and Colen Carraway of Sampson County, N.C., was raised by his bedridden Uncle Carraway on Carraway's plantation. Beaman eventually inherited this property, but lost it and several other fortunes over the course of his lifetime. Beaman also was the guardian or trustee of several individuals.
Beaman married Elizabeth Robinson in 1837 and built a house in Clinton, N.C., that same year. Elizabeth, born in 1817, was the daughter of John Robinson (1792-1851). Robinson was involved with a hotel, which survived until the early 20th century.
Although early Beaman family members were Quakers, John Robert was not and was instead involved with the sale and hiring out of slaves. He was also involved with indentured servants, at least one of whom worked as an apprentice in Robinson's hotel.
Beaman died on 27 January 1892, with Elizabeth following in 1895.
From the guide to the Beaman and Robinson Family Papers, 1811-1883 (bulk 1833-1869), (Southern Historical Collection)
