Frederick P. Beaver was founder and president of the Beaver Soap Company. He was born in Dayton on November 29, 1845. He was the son of J. N. F. and Caroline (Snyder) Beaver, both natives of Pennsylvania. For some years J. N. F. Beaver was one of Dayton’s active business men, first engaged in the manufacture of candy, and later in selling coal and wood. Still later he became engaged in the wholesale notion business with Jacob Coffman, under the firm name of Coffman & Beaver.
Frederick was educated in the public schools of Dayton, and at the age of sixteen was a paper carrier. Afterward he took a business course, and in 1863 accepted a position as bookkeeper with Chamberlain & Parker. On May 12, 1864, he enlisted in the 100 days’ service during the Civil War, and, after serving his time in the army, returned to Dayton, re-entered the employ of Chamberlain & Parker, and remained with them until 1869.
In the early 1870s, he purchased the interest of Edward Sweet, in the firm of Chadwick & Sweet, furniture dealers, and changed the name to Chadwick & Beaver, remaining in this business for five years. Mr. Beaver then established the Silver Star baking powder business, which lasted but a few months, and in which he lost most of his earnings; but, not daunted by failure, he then in 1879, started the Beaver Soap Company. The company proved successful and manufactured the brands: Grandpa’s Wonder, Beaver’s Pine Tar and Grandma’s Laundry Soap. In 1885 he accepted as a partner W. D. Chamberlin and the firm name then became Beaver & Co. In September 1893, the business was incorporated under the name of the Beaver Soap Company. Mr. Beaver was married, November 29, 1893, to Miss Emma J. Thompson, daughter of Ralph and Mary J. Thompson, of Terre Haute, Indiana.
Frederick P. Beaver died on January 4, 1936 at the age of 90. He is located in Section 113 Lot 107.
Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio. Visit the cemetery and arboretum and take one of the many tours Woodland offers free of charge. Most of Dayton’s aviation heroes, inventors and business barons are buried at Woodland.
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the University of Dayton Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum website.
