John Beck, proprietor of the Sioux City planing mills. This mill was established Aug. 22nd, 1871. In this year the building was enlarged, and machinery added, by Mr. B. and partner. In 1881, Mr. B. became sole proprietor. The amount of business transacted by the establishment, is about $12,000 per annum. Mr. Beck was born in Somerset County, Penn., in 1833; came west in 1857, and settled in Sioux City, and is therefore one of the oldest settlers of Sioux City. He was engaged in contracting and building for eighteen years; has served as city alderman for two years. He married Nancy Culbertson, and has four children-Irene, Maggie, Eva and William E.