[1] He attended Central High School, and later studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

In August 1862, he got a job as a teacher at Central High School, a position that Thomas Eakins also applied for.

[2] After returning to Philadelphia, Beale was hired as an illustrator at Caspar W. Briggs & Sons, a seller of glass slides.

[5] His paintings were usually about United States history, Bible stories, and children's literature.

An avid rower, he was the oldest member of the Undine Barge Club at the time of his death.