Walt Disney's personal recipe. Wash, sort and soak beans in cold water overnight. Drain; place in 2 qt saucepan. Add water to cover 2" over beans. Add onions and simmer in covered pot until tender, 2 hrs. Meanwhile, heat oil in lg sauce pot; saute garlic until lightly browned. Add celery and beef; cook. Add chili powder, paprika, and thyme. Break up tomatoes with spoon and mix with meat mixture; cover, simmer 1 hr. When beans are tender, combine with meat, stirring gently. Salt and pepper and add additional spices if desired, cook 30 mins.