We propose a boundary output feedback control law for a one-dimensional Euler Bernoulli beam equation with general external disturbance entering the control end. A Galerkin approximation scheme is constructed to show the existence of solution to the closed-loop system. The exponential stability of the closed-loop system is obtained by the Lyapunov functional method. Numerical simulations are presented for illustration. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.