CHARLES NIEMAN, of the firm of Charles E. Meyer & Co., manufacturers of cider, cider and wine vinegars, and wholesale dealers in syrups and New Orleans molasses, of Freeport, is one of the reliable business men of that city. This business was established by Mr. Meyer in 1858, and was known as the Freeport Vinegar Works. The beginning was in a small way, but as the demand for the product grew the establishment was enlarged. Mr. Meyer continued to conduct the establishment alone until 1880, when Mr. Nieman was taken in as a partner. The name of the Freeport Vinegar Works was then discarded and the firm name of Charles E. Meyer & Co. adopted. The works are located in the southeastern part of the city, and occupy a square of ground with a frontage of 120 feet on each side. The buildings are of brick, and steam power is used exclusively. The capacity of the establishment is fifty barrels per day. They find a ready market for all the products of the establishment. Their market extends over Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Dakota, Southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Their works being located near the tracks of the Illinois Central and Chicago & Northwestern Railroads, they are thus afforded the best and most convenient shipping facilities. Freeport manufactures are fortunate in this, as this city is one of the best distributing points in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin. Both members of the firm are excellent business men, and have a practical knowledge of the business in which they are engaged. Their establishment is run during the entire year, no season conflicting with the production of their goods. They give constant employment to fourteen men.

Mr. Nieman is a native of Germany, and was born in that country in 1847. He emigrated to America when he was twelve years of age. On arriving in this country he made New York his home. He came to Freeport in 1875, and was for a time connected with the Freeport Syrup Refinery, remaining with this firm until it closed its works, when he became interested in his present business.

Mr. Nieman was married in the city of New York to Miss Margaret C. Adler, who at the time was Principal of the grammar school in District No. 42 of that city. She is a woman of good education and high culture. They have had four children. Mr. Nieman holds the office of District Deputy Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, in the affairs of which order he takes great interest. In 1885 he was elected Alderman for the Third Ward, which office he holds at the time this sketch is written.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 285