George C. Biesmann is a fine representative of the self-made men of this county who have worked their way up from poverty to comparative affluence. He now has a fine business as a cigar manufacturer in the city of Galena, and has made for himself a pleasant, cosy (sic) home here. He is of German birth, born in the Province of Saxony, Aug. 2, 1843. His father, John Adam Biesmann, was a native of the same place, and was there reared and married; Elizabeth Mueller, who was also born in Saxony, becoming his wife. The father was a cabinet-maker and followed that trade until his death. Six children were born of his marriage, of whom the following five grew to maturity: Christiana, August, Anna, Margaret, George C., Frederick. The subject and his brother Fred were the only ones that ever came to America.

He of whom we write was well educated in the schools of his native land, which he attended until he was fourteen years old. At that age he began to learn the trade of cigar-maker, serving little more than a year, and after that he learned the trade of glazier, at which he worked until past seventeen years of age. His thoughts often turned towards the United States of America as a land where he might secure more adequate payment for his labor, and deciding to try his fortunes here, he set sail from Bremen, March 21, 1861, and landed in New York the 26th day of April. At that time he had but three dollars in his pocket, but his courage was good and he was determined to earn an honest living by doing whatsoever came to his hand, and with that spirit he had no difficulty in finding employment, and engaged in a variety of occupations for a time, such as chopping wood, railroading, and working in a tannery. He was very ambitious to become independent, so saving his money he bought twenty-acres of land in Sullivan County, and at that time marrying and securing a capable wife, who has been to him a true helpmate, he settled on his little homestead, and with the assistance of his wife soon finished paying for it. In 1867 Mr. Biesmann sold his place in New York, and came to Galena in the month of April. In the fall of that year he commenced the manufacture of cigars on a small scale, with his brother-in-law as a partner, he and his wife both working at the bench, and from that small beginning has sprung his present business, wherein he employs about twenty hands.

March 15, 1863, our subject took a step in life that had an important bearing on his future prosperity, as on that date he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Heller, who, like a true wife, has made his interests her own, and has worked faithfully by his side to assist him in the upbuilding of their comfortable home. Their happy married life has been blessed to them by the birth of the following children, namely: William F., Margaret, Richard, George L., Louis George, Frederick, Emma, Lizzie and Bertha – the latter two being deceased. Mrs. Biesmann was born in the same German province as her husband, and came to America with her mother, brothers, and sisters in 1861; and her mother now resides with her.

Mr. Biesmann is a man of sterling worth and exemplary habits, and has ever been true to his obligations as a citizen, as a friend, as a husband, and as a father. He and his wife are members in good standing of the St. John’s Lutheran Church, and are zealous in its support. Mr. Biesmann has held offices of trust among his fellow-citizens, being elected Supervisor in 1878, and City Treasurer of Galena during the years 1885-1886. Mr. George C. Biesmann was succeeded by his son William F, in the office of City Treasurer, and held the office one term of two years, when the father was again chosen in the Spring of 1889 for one term. Mr. Geo. C. Biesmann, our subject, is a member of the Miners’ Lodge No. 273, A.F. & A.M.; Jo Daviess Chapter No. 51; Galena Commandery Knights’ Templar No. 40, of which subject was Eminent Commander for three years; also Steuben Lodge No. 321, I.O.O.F., and Galena Encampment No. 132, I.O.O.F.; also a member of the Turner Society of Galena.

Transcribed & Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889), p. 411
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