Charles H. Boedeker

Our subject spent the days of boyhood and youth upon his father's farm, attending the common schools through the winter season. While in the summer months he aided in the labors of the field. When he arrived at man's estate he bade adieu to home and friends and came to Red Bud, where he at once embarked in the lumber business in partnership with his brother Henry. Together they carried on operations for about eight years, when in the year 1883 Charles H. Boedeker purchased his brother's interest and has since carried on the trade under his own name. He devotes his entire time and attention to the business and is therefore a successful dealer. He carries a good assortment of all kinds of lumber, and by straightforward dealing and courteous treatment of his customers he has secured a liberal patronage. Since becoming sole proprietor of the business he has also dealt in farm implements, handling threshers, engines, binders, mowers, etc.

In 1875 Mr. Boedeker was untied in marriage with Miss Christiana Dann, a representative of one of the early pioneer families of Monroe County, Ill., and a cultured lady, who wins friends wherever she goes. Five children have been born of their union, but two are now deceased. Those yet living are Tillie; Ardine and Elsie. Mr. and Mrs. Boedeker are widely known throughout this community, where they have now resided for almost twenty years, an in social circles they hold an enviable position.

In politics Mr. Boedeker is independent, casting his vote for the man whom he thinks best qualified for the office, regardless of party affiliations. In religious belief he and his wife are Lutherans. Mr. Boedeker is recognized as a man of good business ability, wide-awake and enterprising, and his diligence, sagacity and well directed efforts have brought him a deserved success. The community recognizes in him a valued citizen, for he ever takes an active part in all that pertains to the welfare of the community and the promotion of its best interests.