Frank Henry Beumer, now deceased, pioneer, and for many years a leading business man in St. Augusta, was born in Germany, November 5, 1836, and there received a good education. In 1854 he came to America and located in Pittsburg, Penn., where he followed his trade as a shoemaker until 1857 when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he spent a year. In the spring of 1858 he came to Stearns County and settled in St. Augusta Township. In the fall of 1858 he went to St. Louis, Mo., but in the spring of 1859 he returned to St. Augusta, and pre-emted 160 acres of land. He built a good home and other necessary buildings, and increased his holdings until he was the proud owner of 220 acres.

In 1873 he sold his farm on account of poor health, and opened a small store in the village of St. Augusta. In time this store developed into a flourishing general mercantile business. In time he purchased the "Neenah Mills," located a mile south of St. Augusta village, and conducted this establishment in connection with his store.

Aside from giving close attention to his business, Mr. Beumer was active in township affairs. For several years he was chairman of the town board, and for a long period he did excellent service on the school board. After a long and useful life, he died January 22, 1900. It is interesting to note that in the years when St. Augusta had a post office, Mr. and Mrs. Beumer serviced at different times as postmaster and postmistress.

Mr. Beumer was united in marriage, February 11, 1860, to Marie Eilers, who was born in Germany, February 16, 1837, came to American in 1858. Mrs. Beumer has proved a faithful wife and mother. After the death of her worthy husband she carried on the business until 1911, when she retired. After her busy and useful life, she is now enjoying a well-earned rest.

To Mr. and Mrs. Beumer there have been born eleven children. Of these six are living. Mary is the wife of Joseph Kiersteins, of Phoenix, Arizona. Theresa is the wife of William F. Messmann, of St. Augusta Township, this county; Frank H. lives in St. Augusta Township. Herman lives in St. Cloud. Joseph and Henry J. live in St. Augusta Township. Anna, Henry, Katrina, Casper H. and Katie are dead.

~ Excerpt taken from "History of Stearns County Minnesota" by William Bell Mitchell, 1915 (Vol. 2, pg. 936-7)