History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

BENJAMIN F. BELIEU AND FAMILY

     Mr. Belieu was a native of Grundy County, Mo., born July 26th, 1851. His grandfather's sister, Eliza Belieu, was mother of President James A. Garfield. Benjamin Belieu married Miss Sarah Cox in Decatur County, Iowa, in 1871. Four children have been given them: Nancy, Albert M., Perry G. and Eva.
     The family moved to Hood River in 1889 and located in Barrett district. Perry G. and Eva were born in Hood River.
     Mr. and Mrs. Belieu were members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The children became pupils in the Barrett School.
     At first Mr. Belieu was employed in the sawmill, later he worked as contractor and builder. Associated with S.W. Arnold he did considerable work in the town. The Hall of the Knights of Pythias was built by them. In 1889 he built a home in Hood River which he traded for a twenty acre fruit farm. He worked for the O.R.N. Co. in Rood River and afterwards in Portland. Nancy Belieu married J.B. Fletcher, they make their home in St. Johns. Mrs. Belieu passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fletcher, after a lingering illness of sixteen months.
     Her Hood River neighbors remember her for her happy generous disposition and her true Christian qualities. Mr. Belieu followed.

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