Frederick Guker

Frederick Guker was born near Strasburg, in Alsace-Lorraine, in 1808, and at the age of nineteen crossed the Atlantic to America. At the early age of eight, he was thrown upon his own resources, and for seven years worked in a mill. He then served a three years' apprenticeship to a banker, and a year later he determined to seek a home and fortune beyond the Atlantic. On the 4th of July 1827, he landed in New York, where for five years he worked at his trade. He then went to New Orleans, and for three years was employed in the oldest bakery in the city. In January 1836, he went up the Mississippi to St. Louis, and a month later entered the employ of John McGinnis, of Kaskaskia, Ill., as a baker. He served one year, and then bought out his employer, carrying on the business in his own interest, in connection with which he also established a hotel and livery business. These three enterprises he conducted until 1858, but the high waters of the winters of 1844, 1851 and 1858 completely swept away all he had accumulated. Mr. Guker then turned his attention to farming, but in December 1859, again went to New Orleans. He had married in 1835, in that city, the lady of his choice being Margaret Medart, a native of Germany, who came with her parents to this country in 1832, locating in the Crescent City. Twelve children were born to our subject and his wife, eight of whom grew to mature years. Christina became the wife of Michael Case, and died leaving two children, Louisa and William; Mrs. Caroline Hendricks died leaving one son, August, now of New Orleans; Louisa s the wife of George Hatters, of Algiers, La., and has three children, Georgiana, Clara and Vivian; Fred D. is now living in Red Bud; Margaret is the wife of John Rall, Of Red Bud; Margaret is the wife of John Rall, of Red Bud Precinct, by who she has nine children; Sophia is the wife of James Ashton, a conductor on the Southern Pacific Railroad in Algiers, La., and they have four children; Mary E. is the wife of William H. Toy, of Omaha, Neb. Daniel died in Red Bud, leaving five children, who make their home in Randolph County.

In September, 1865, Frederick Guker came to Red Bud, where he made his home until his death, in April, 1875. In politics he was a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party. Warm-hearted and generous, he gave liberally of his means to various interests and enterprises, and no needy one ever left his door empty-handed. He had the high regard of all who knew him, and his death was deeply mourned.

Fred D. Guker was born in Kaskaskia, Ill., April 15, 1840, and in 1846 was taken to New Orleans where he lived with an aunt, Mrs. Christine Rivoil, until 1854, when he returned home on a visit, spending six months in this state. In 1855, he again went to the Crescent City, but the following year returned to Kaskaskia, and continued to live with his parents until 1859. In that year he again went south, and from 1861 until April, 1862, was in the confederate army. He was take prisoner at that time, and on being paroled, went to New Orleans. He acquired a good education in Algiers, La., and after coming to Red Bud, taught school for about six years.

In 1873, Mr. Guker was united in marriage with Miss Olive, daughter of William Brickey. She died in January 1876, and he afterward married Miss Mary Gross, a native of Missouri. They had six children, five of whom are yet living: Reginald E., Fred D., George G., Irene E. and Clarence A. Edgar F. died in childhood.

Mr. Guker has been honored with election to office. He has served as town and City Clerk since May 1874, with the exception of one term, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for sixteen consecutive years, and has been Town Treasurer since June 1892. In all these offices he has ever been found faithful and true, and the promptness and fidelity with which he has discharged his public duties have won him high commendation. He votes with the Democratic Party. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and the Odd Fellows' and Knights of Honor Lodges, in all of which organizations he has served as Secretary. A man of sterling worth, he has many friends throughout the community, and is held in high esteem by all.