Captain Henry Beusse was the first mayor of Athens in 1871 as well as founded the Champion, or Pioneer, Hook and Ladder Fire Company of Athens in 1858. Beusse was connected with a large portion of businesses in Athens during his life. Born in 1827, Beusse relocated from Germany to New Orleans, Louisiana on December 25, 1845 as part of his travels as a sea captain. He traveled through Charleston in 1846, and eventually moved to Athens in 1846. He was engaged in merchandise until 1852, during which he took a trip to California. Upon his return to Athens he married Menecies Lindsay Evans in 1856. He organized the Champion Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and remained president and captain of the company until phased out by the city. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and became Grand Master of the state. He fought in the Civil War as a member of the Ninth Georgia Regiment. He became Alderman of the City Council in 1866, served as mayor in 1871, 1872, and 1881, and city assessor. He also opened the first roller skating rink in Athens in 1872 and operated a grocery business on Broad Street in the Marks building.
Beusse and Menecies Lindsay Evans had eleven children, including two sets of twins – Albinus, Rosa, Catherine, Alice, Jesse, Annie, Henry, Carlton, Freddie, Wilhemnia, and Henry. Beusse died in 1903 and is buried in Oconee Hill Cemetery; his wife died in 1919. Of their children, the most is known about their son Henry W. who was born in 1870 and married Lena Gibson. Henry eventually became Athens Police Chief, and died in 1932.
