My Genealogy Hound

HENRY BEISNER, of Steeleville, who carries on a meat-market, is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to Randolph County. He was born on the 21st of April, 1848, and is the third child of Frederick and Sophia (Steinman) Beisner, who were also born and reared in Germany. The mother died in that country in 1878, after which the father came to America and spent his last days in Lockwood, Mo., where his death occurred in 1892.

The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools of Germany, which he attended until fourteen years of age, when he began to earn his own livelihood. Since that time he has been dependent on his own resources. He learned the basket-maker’s trade, which pursuit he followed for a period of five years, and then learned the butcher’s trade. It was in 1867 that he bade adieu to friends and Fatherland and sailed for the New World, having determined to try his fortune in the United States. He took up his residence in Jackson County, Ill., and a month later located near Red Bud. He worked as a farm hand for three years, and then removed to Washington County, Ill., where he engaged in the butchering business. The succeeding four years of his life were there passed, and in 1880 he came to Steeleville, where he has since carried on a meat-market.

In 1870 Mr. Beisner was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Beferschen, daughter of Ernst and Sophia Beferschen, both of whom were natives of Germany, and on emigrating to America settled in Perry County, Ill., in an early day. By this union were born four children, of whom one died in infancy. Sophia, John and Edward still make their home with their father. The mother of this family was called to her final rest on the 18th of May, 1881, and in August, 1882, Mr. Beisner was again married, his second union being with Miss Margaret Brandt, a daughter of Claus and Engle Brandt, both of whom were natives of Germany, and in that country spent their entire lives. Six children graced this second union, but two are now deceased, Fritz and Mamie. Those still with their parents are, Lillie, Emma, Herman and Robert. The parents and children are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. Beisner is a supporter of the Republican party, and though he warmly advocates its principles, he has never been an office-seeker, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. He has built up a good trade in Steeleville, and a liberal patronage now rewards his efforts.