JOHN J. BEIK.

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         John J. Beik, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen of Grand View, who was born in Louisa county on the 6th of June, 1875, is a son of Jacob and Emma (Jackson) Beik, who were among the pioneer residents of this county. His mother having died when he was but a child, John J. Beik has always made his home with his grandmother, who has now attained the venerable age of eighty-six years. In the acquirement of his education he attended the common schools and later engaged in farming until he was twenty years of age. In 1895 he embarked in the feed-mill business, continuing to be identified with that industry for nine years. At the expiration of that period he turned his plant into a button factory, which he has ever since operated, having met with a fair degree of success therein. In connection with this for several years he managed the lumber and coal yard of the W. G. Block Company but in 1910 bought the lumber business, which he is still carrying on. Mr. Beik is one of the enterprising and industrious young business men of Grand View, who concentrates his energies upon the management of his affairs.

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         His only fraternal connection is his membership in Grand View Lodge, No. 723, I.O.O.F., while his political allegiance is given to the republican party, for whose candidates he always casts his ballot. He takes an active and helpful interest in all municipal affairs and has for several years represented his ward in the village council. Upon Mr. Beik devolved the more responsible duties of life while still little more than a youth, and the result has been his development into a man of decision and capability as is attested in his business transactions.