Town clerk and tax collector of the town of Coventry, Rhode Island, Peter Beaton has been an important figure in the life of this section for many years. He was born at Coventry, Rhode Island, on October 7, 1890, a son of James and Belle D. (MacMackin) Beaton, both natives of Glasgow, Scotland. The father was engaged as a quarryman and contractor until the time of his death. The mother is still living.
Peter Beaton received his preliminary education in Rhode Island public schools, later attended Warwick High School, and the Bryant and Stratton Business College at Providence. Beginning his active career, he went to work as a farmer and lumberman, and has continued in these enterprises independently ever since. In the conduct of his own affairs, he demonstrated both executive ability and sound judgment, and soon became known as one of the progressive residents of this section. In 1920 the people of the town decided to avail themselves of his services by electing him town clerk and tax collector, and these offices he has since continued to fill with every success. He has always considered service in the public interest no less worthy of his best attention than his own affairs, and in the conduct of his office has given complete satisfaction to the people of the town.
Mr. Beaton is a consistent Republican in politics, having been elected to office as the standard bearer of this party. He is affiliated, fraternally, with Ionic Lodge, No. 28, Free and Accepted Masons; with Anthony Lodge, No. 21, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; with Lincoln Council of the Junior Order of American Mechanics; and with David Papneau Post of the American Legion. He is also a member of the Rhode Island Town and City Clerks Association. Mr. Beaton worships with his family in the faith of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
After the entry of the United States into the World War, on April 17, 1917, Mr. Beaton enlisted as a private in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 21st Regiment of Infantry, and served until December 2, 1918, when he was mustered out with the rank of corporal. Mr. Beaton, for the past ten years, has been troop committeeman of the Coventry Troop, Boy Scouts of America. His hobby is boys work.
In 1925, Peter Beaton married Florence B. Whipple, who was born at Coventry, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Beaton maintain their residence at Washington, Rhode Island.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.