Identity of John Beman

Can anyone help with figuring out the identity of John Beman, born in Norway about 1790-1800, who immigrated to the US in 1811 and settled in Boston, where he had a family. He may have been a seaman who settled in the US, as many were in this early period. In 1861 he was working as the watchman on the steamer W.M. Morrison, which apparently sailed the Mississippi. Around June 6, 1861, Beman was detained by a group of people in Mound City, Arkansas, because he had expressed Union sentiments. The next day, he was murdered by hanging. The episode was reported in many newspapers, both in the Union and Confederacy. I have found numerous articles on newspapers.com, but since this is a paid service, I will quote one of the articles: "News has been received at Cairo of another murderous and horrible outrage by the Seccessionists, traitors and rebels, perpetrated at Mound City, Arkansas, this week. An old, gray-headed man, aged over sixty years, a watchman on board the steamer W.M. Morrison, tied up by the rebels at that place, let slip some Union sentiments in their presence. He was soon surrounded by ruffians, who told him they were going to hang him forthwith. The poor old man thought they were jesting, and said, 'Gentlemen, surely you don't mean what you say. I am a poor, old gray-headed man, always have worked hard and made an honest living; surely you would not hang me for the expressions of my old honest heart?' The poor old man could not believe that the demons could perpetrate such a murder until he felt the rope round his neck. The end of the rope was thrown over the limb of a tree, and the demoniac crowd of devils pulled him up struggling and dying until dead. Several who were commanded to assist slunk away in horror and dread. All these deeds will soon be avenged. These men regard not even the gray hairs, the sacred rights of families, or the tears and graves of widows and orphans. There is no doubt about this fact being true, as it came from an eye-witness." (Sacramento Bee, 25 June 1861) Another article says that Beman came from Boston, MA, where he had friends living. Others say he had children living there, and that Boston would see to the care of his children. I have not found any articles telling about what happened in the aftermath. Thanks for any help and ideas in finding out who Beman was and where he was from in Norway!