George Saxenmeyer

George Saxenmeyer, manager of the Saxenmeyer Lumber Company, of Red Bud, and one of the progressive and enterprising business men of this place, had here spent his entire life. It is his native town. His father, George M. Saxenmeyer, was born in Bavaria, Germany, and in 1846, bidding adieu to home and friends, sailed for the New World. He located in St. Louis and there united in marriage with Miss Sophia Friesenberg, and unto them was born a family of seven children: Theodore, Annie, George, Ferdinand, Bertha, Herman and Sophia. The father was a harness maker by trade and followed that business throughout his entire life. He was called to his final rest in 1886.

George Saxenmeyer was born in 1857, and in Randolph County, under the parental roof, grew to manhood. The common schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges, and on starting out in life for himself he learned the harness maker's trade, beginning that business in 1872. He devoted his time and energies to the work for nineteen years and met with good success in his undertakings.

In 1883was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Saxenmeyer and Miss Wilhelmina C. Detering. Their union has been blessed with six children, five of who are still living, three sons and two daughters: Frederick, Minnie Theodore, Henry and Theresa. One daughter Matilda, died in early childhood.

Our subject continued to engage in harness making until 1891, when he disposed of his interest in that business in order to embark in another enterprise. He became one of the organizers of what is now known as the Saxenmeyer Lumber Company, and was made its manager, and was also chosen Secretary and treasurer. In the two years, which have elapsed since its formation, he has succeeded in establishing an extensive trade and has gained a high reputation for the excellent quality of lumber in which he deals. This is one of the largest lumber concerns in south western Illinois, and the success of the company is now an assured fact, owing to the untiring labors and well directed efforts of the manager. In his political views Mr. Saxenmeyer is a Republican. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never been a politician in the sense of office-seeking, preferring to devote his entire time to his business. He may truly be called a self made man, and he is a citizen whom Red Bud could ill afford to lose.