CHARLEY F. BEIK.

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         Farming and stock-raising have always engaged the activities of Charley F. Beik, who is a native of Port Louisa township, his natal day being the 3d of April, 1865. He is a son of Jacob and Emma (Jackson) Beik, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Pennsylvania. They were married in Iowa and began their domestic life upon a farm in Port Louisa township, in the operation of which the father engaged until his demise in 1909. The mother passed away in 1875. Six children were born of this union of whom our subject is the eldest. The others are: Molly, the wife of John Hardman, of Louisa county; Frank L., who is a resident of Port Louisa township; John, who also lives in this county; and two who died in infancy. Several years after the death of his first wife Mr. Beik was again married, his second wife being Miss Verda Handley, of Illinois, and unto them were also born six children: Emma, the wife of L. E. Downer, of Muscatine county; Kate, who married Henry Sweitzer, of Louisa county; Arthur, who is teaching in this county; Grace, the wife of George Webber, also of Louisa county; Herald, who is living in this county; and Paul, who is living with his mother on the old homestead.

         Charley F. Beik remained a member of the paternal household until he had reached the age of twenty-five years, acquiring his education in the district schools. After laying aside his text-books he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm until 1880 when he began farming as a renter, which he continued for fifteen years. At the expiration of that period he and his brother Frank bought one hundred and forty-nine acres of land in partnership. They subsequently increased their holdings by the purchase of two hundred and twenty acres at one time, one hundred and fifty-two and eighty acres at other times, making the aggregate of their real-estate holdings six hundred and one acres. All but eighty acres of this is in Port Louisa township. It is well improved and . . .

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. . . the greater portion of it in a high state of cultivation. The land is all held and operated in partnership, even the eighty acres which lies in Grand View township, their entire crop being used for the feeding of stock. They are both capable business men and successful agriculturists.

         On the 21st of April, 1909, Mr. Beik was united in marriage to Miss Susan Zimmerman, who was born in Louisa county in 1879, and is a daughter of John and Mary Zimmerman. The parents removed to Iowa, locating in Grand View township, this county, in the early days. The father was a carpenter as well as mason and engaged in contracting and building until his death in 1901. The mother is still living and makes her home in Grand View. Nine children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman: Charley, who is living at home; Emma, the wife of James Green, of Columbus City, Iowa; Susan, now Mrs. Beik; Ralph, who is living in the vicinity of Grand View; Dalas, of Grand View; Bert; George; Minnie, who was the wife of Celly Ross and died April 16, 1898; and Nina May, who died in infancy. Mr. Zimmerman had been married previously and of this union was born one son, Carr, who continues to live at home.

         Mr. and Mrs. Beik are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, his membership being in the Grand View lodge. Politically he is a republican. He is an energetic but unassuming man whose success can by justly attributed to his untiring industry, perseverance and unflinching determination to win.