Hans Beekman

Hans Beekman who died at his residence in Ft. Calhoun June 30, 1904 was a Sergeant in the Holstein Fress and war in 1848 to 1851, was in the same regiment with Henry Frahm and distinguished himself by carrying a wounded comrade from the field. In 1866 he purchased the old Judge McDonald farm of seven hundred acres lying between Deer and Turkey creeks, one mile south of Ft. Calhoun Postoffice, and when we first knew him he was one of the largest farmers hereabouts. A few years after he went to the Black Hills, and then settled in Omaha afterwards coming back to the farm, and from there to his beautiful modern residence here in Ft. Calhoun where he has for several years been a patient sufferer and cared for by one of the most faithful daughters that it seems possible for a father to possess. She was not only a housekeeper and a care taker, but a cheerful painstaking companion.

The funeral was held July 3, under the beautiful evergreens planted by the late Hiram Craigg, a large audience from the county being present, Rev. Luepke of Blair officiated assisted by six members of theft. Calhoun young peoples Choir and Mrs. Harrison of Bancroft. The Pallbearers wee pioneers Henry Frahm, Peter Klindt, Nicholas Rix, Peter Smith of Ft. Calhoun and Henry Faber and Peter Nurenburg of Blair. The body was taken to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Douglas County to be buried beside his late wife. His children all attended the funeral except one son in Colerado.

W. H. Woods

Note: Typed as the article was written.

Blair Republican 7 July 1904

Funeral of Hans Beckmann

The remains of the venerable Hans Beckmann, who died at this home at Fort Calhoun last Thursday night were interred yesterday afternoon at Forest Lawn cemetery. Rev. Luepke, pastor of the German Lutheran church of Blair, conducted religious services at the home in the morning. Many old settlers from the country around Fort Calhoun gathered at the Beckmann home to hear the last sad rites and say “Goodby.” The pallbearers were Nic Rix, Henry Frahm, Peter Klindt, Peter Schmidt, George H. Faber and Peter Nuhrenberg. Interment was made at Forest Lawn cemetery. Deceased came to Ft. Calhoun in 1864 and bought the McDonald farm of 800 acres. Five years ago he sold the farm and built a good residence in Ft. Calhoun. He was a public spirited and honest citizen and the entire community mourn his death. He was 79 years old and leaves one son, Henry Beckmann, of Denver, Mrs. Geo. Sternsdorf of Chicago, Mrs. Henry Bolln, of Omaha, Mary Beckmann of Calhoun and George Whittmark, a stepson who lives in Omaha.