Abstract: Starling from Novozhilov’s nonlinear equations of elasticity by appropriate simplification and integration over the beam cross-section, a linearized set of equations for a transversely isotropic beam under initial non-uniform state of stress is obtained. In the absence of initial stress, the obtained equations are reduced to well-known Timoshenko beam equations.These equations are applied to investigate the vibration and buckling characteristics of a transversely isotropic beam under uniform initial axial force and bending moment.