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| NELSON H. BEEBE, grocer at Big Rapids, was born in Newfane, Niagara Co., N.Y., Dec. 2, 1843, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah A (Strickland) Beebe. His father was a fanner and mill-owner. Mr. Beebe was a student as school principally, until the breaking out of the civil war, and he was among the earliest to enroll as a defender of the Union flag. He enlisted at Lockport, N.Y., April 29, 1861, in Co. K., 28th N.Y. Vol. Inf., and served until the end of the war. His regiment was mustered out June 2, 1863, and he re-enlisted Sept. 3, in the Second N.Y. Mounted Rifles. He received his Lieutenant's commission October 31, 1864, and was released by the close of his period of enlistment, Aug. 10, 1865. Among the engagements where he was under fire were those of the Valley of the Shenandoah, Culpepper, Second BUll Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, seige of Petersburg, and a large number of skirmishes. On leaving the army he went to Omaha and engaged in the insurance business in Nebraska and Iowa. He afterward engaged as traveling salesman for the crockery hous of Egner, Foutts & Co., of Liverpool, Ohio, in which capacity he served two years. In February, 1872, Mr. Beebe came to Big Rapids, and purchased a half interest in the grocery of John Wiseman, and six months later purchased the entire stock. In November, 1875, he sold to C. A. Stickney & Co., and in April, 1876, bought out the business of J. H. Kilburn, which he managed until Jan. 9, 1878, when he formed a co partnership with J. G. Gill, and established his stand where he has since transacted business. May 1, 1883, he purchased the interest of Mr. Gill. He carries a stock of fancy and staple groceries, flour, feed and grain, valued at $5,000, and transacts an annual business of $65,000. Mr. Beebe was married at Lockport, N.Y., Jan. 25, 1870, to Amy L. POllard, born at Wilson, Niagara Co., N.Y. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have three children - Fern, Elmer and Nellie. |