William Green Beasley
William Green Beasley
“Dr. Beasley was a man of deep religious conviction, and he had the courage to take a firm stand when challenged.”
Biography
William Green Beasley was born in Missouri in 1872. He attended Scarritt Collegiate Institute and Central College (now Central Methodist University) in Missouri where he received many oratorical honors. Dr. Beasley was licensed to preach at the age of 19 and began a colorful, productive ministry that lasted 47 years. He served pastorates in several Missouri and Oklahoma towns and was Presiding Elder of the Kansas City and Nevada Districts of the United Methodist Church. His oratorical ability led him into Chautauqua for six seasons. With his pioneer spirit, he helped blaze new trails for the Methodist Church. After retiring from the ministry in 1943, Dr. Beasley served as Justice of the Peace in his hometown of Holdenville, Oklahoma, until his death.
Fun fact
William Green Beasley was a national campaign leader for the 18th Amendment, which supported Prohibition, and spoke all across the nation. He was honored to stand beside President Woodrow Wilson when he signed the amendment in 1918.
Oklahoma connections
Beasley served as a Methodist pastor in several Oklahoma towns before settling in Holdenville.