Theodore was born on May 14, 1833. He was raised in Norristown and educated by the public schools. At the age of 17, he was apprenticed to a blacksmith. In January of 1860, Theodore married Hannah Heebner and would eventually have three children. When the Civil War erupted, he enlisted. He fought with Company L of the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry. After the war, he became a lawyer. Theodore had a great sense of history. In his time, he would author three works: a history of Valley Forge, a history of the 17th PA Cavalry and the classic History of Montgomery County, for which he is best remembered. Theodore was also instrumental in the creation of the Historical Society of Montgomery County. Tragically, overwhelmed with numerous concerns, Theodore W. Bean took his own life on January 20, 1891.