Joseph Beumer, treasurer of St. Augusta township, was born in the township where he still resides, January 18, 1878, son of Frank Henry and Marie (Eilers) Beumer. He attended the public schools, and supplemented this with one year's course in St. John's University at Collegeville, this county.

Thus equipped with a good education he entered the mercantile business, being associated with his father until his father's death in 1900 and with his mother until his retirement in 1907. Then he became associated with his brother, Henry J., in the live stock business, breeding thoroughbred Belgian horses, and buying, killing and selling beef cattle.

In March, 1913, he dissolved partnership with his brother, and has since devoted his time to looking after the interests of the old home. Mr. Beumer was elected treasurer of St. Augusta, township in the spring of 1911, and by reelection has since served continuously, giving the best of satisfaction. January 1, 1913, he was elected secretary and treasurer of the St. Augusta Telephone Co.

Mr. Beumer was married June 30, 1903, to Sophia Mayer, a daughter of John Mayer, of St. Augusta township. This union has been blessed with four children: Siegfried, Frank, Adeline and an unnamed infant deceased.

~ Excerpt taken from "History of Stearns County Minnesota" by William Bell Mitchell, 1915 (Vol. 2, pg. 938-9)