Early Nebraska State Representive.
**********************
F. Charles Severin
F. Charles Severin was born August 2, 1848 in Prussia, Germany, to John C. and Elizabeth Severin. Seven children were raised by John and Elizabeth: John C., Henry, F. Charles, Mary (married Frederick Lucke), August F., Amelia (married Henry Cramer), and Wilhelmina (married Christian Rausch). The family emigrated to the United States in 1856, settling first in Clayton County, Iowa, but moving to Lancaster County, Buda Precinct, Nebraska in 1869. The family may be classed among the early settlers of Lancaster County.

After spending a brief time in Chicago, Illinois as a mercantile clerk, F. Charles returned to Nebraska where he obtained 80 acres of land under the homestead provision. He pre-empted an additional 80 acres, plus he owned another 80 acres of land in Buda Precinct and 160 in Chase County.

Quoting from the book, "Prominent Citizens of Lancaster County,": "Since his return from Chicago, he has devoted his time exclusively to farming, and has secured excellent results on his own land. He has a very fine grove, containing about five acres planted with soft maple trees, averaging perhaps thirty-five feet in height, thus showing that even in a prairie country, trees will grow well under favorable conditions, which consists firstly in the planting of them."


"In the past three years, Mr. Severin has added improvements to the amount of over $2,500 on his already fine home farm, and now has one of the best in the county, in appearance as well as utility. Not only has our subject distinguished himself as a thorough and scientific farmer, but he has taken a prominent part in the public affairs of this county, and is well known in political circles, as well as educational and judiciary. For a period of ten years, he has served as School Director, and for a time has been the Assessor of his precinct, besides in the tribunals of justice having served for six terms, and at present being the honorable incumbent of the office of Justice of the Peace."

In 1889, he was elected (Republican) to represent his district in the state legislature and was returned to office in 1891.

F. Charles Severin was married on March 16, 1872 to Gesina Albers, and they were parents to 12 children, Two of whom died at a young age. The surviving children were: William C., Wilhelmina, Mary, Richard O., Carl G., Albert A., Hubert H., Fred J., George E., and Edna.

F. Charles Severin died in June 17, 1923.