Henry W. Beltner was born February 2, 1862, in Hannover, Germany. He came over to the United States and worked as a farm hand in the Chapman area. He married and had three children, Fred Beltner, Herman Beltner and Lena Grotzy, now all deceased. His first wife passed away and on October 6, 1907, he and Minnie C. Herre were married. They purchased a farm south and west of Chapman. Mr. Beltner was the township overseer in Chapman township. He loved horses and used them in his farm operations. Mrs. Beltner’s nephew came over from Germany to assist with the farming operations when Mr. Beltner’s health failed. Mr. Beltner passed away September 24, 1924, at the age of sixty-two years.
Minnie Caroline Beltner was born March 2, 1882, to Heinrich and Frederika (Von Roden) Herre in Germany. At the age of 24, she came with relatives to the United States establishing her residence in Nebraska. After Mr. Beltner’s death, she continued to live on the farm with her nephew William Schuette. In her later years she lived in Chapman and Grand Island.
She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Island and a member of the Senior Aid. She enjoyed gardening and flowers. She was known by many neighbors and friends as “Aunt Minnie”.
She passed away May 4, 1969 in Grand Island.
Submitted by Lenora Schuette
Source: Merrick County Historical Society, History of Merrick County, Nebraska (1981), Volume I, Dallas, Texas : Taylor Publishing Company, 1981.