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 FLORER, a successful and extensive stock-farmer of Morgan Township, owns and occupies a fine homestead on section 29, and
for a period of seventeen years has been
largely identified with the agricultural interests of
Central Illinois. He first drew breath in Newport, Vermillion Co., Ind., March 29, 1839, and is
the son of Alexander B. and America A. (Herbert)
Florer, both natives of Kentucky, the father born
in 1801, and the mother in 1816. They were of
German and French extraction, respectively. Alexander B. Florer was one of the earliest pioneers of Indiana, and became prominently connected with public affairs in Vermillion County. He was the second clerk of the County Court. which office he held for fourteen years, and was also Recorder, holding the office at different times for a long period. He had educated himself, and was well informed in regard to legal matters, in due time becoming one of the most eminent lawyers of the day, while also exercising no small influence in the Republican party, of which he was one of the most earnest supporters. He held office for a number of years, his services terminating only with his death, which occurred in Vermillion County, Aug. 9, 1865. The mother of our subject was but sixteen years of age when she became the wife of Alexander Florer. She was a lady in all respects eminently fitted to be his companion through life, and sympathized with him in all his worthy ambitions and undertakings. Her childhood was spent in Kentucky, whence she removed with her parents to Indiana before her marriage. She became the mother of five children, of whom the record is as follows: William J. grew to manhood in his native State of Indiana, and became a man of property in Wabasha County, Minn., where he finally engaged in banking, and departed this life July 20, 1881, leaving a wife and three children, who are now residents of Greencastle, Ind.; our subject was the second son; Elizabeth is the widow of F. M. Odell, and lives at Oakland, this county; Ellen died in infancy; Bruce when twenty-one years of age engaged in banking with his brother in Minnesota, and was subsequently elected Auditor of the county on the Republican ticket by a majority of 700; he was cut down in the midst of his usefulness, dying one year after his election, leaving a wife and one child, who are now residents of Wabasha County, Minn, The subject of this history was reared in Vermil- lion County, Ind., and when fourteen years of age commenced clerking for the firm of Jones. Culbertson & Co., and three years later was appointed Deputy Auditor of the county under Henry D. Washburn. Afterward he was Deputy Clerk and Recorder, when but twenty years of age. At the beginning of the late war he enlisted in Co. C, 18th Ind. Vol. Inf., serving three years and being occupied much of the time as private messenger for Col. Tom Patterson and Gen. H. D. Washburn. He served until the close of his term of enlistment, and then receiving his honorable discharge, came in September, 1864, to this county, joining his mother; at Milton Station, where he engaged in general merchandising, and carried on business successfully until October, 1870. He then removed to his mother’s farm in Morgan Township, where he now resides. The father of our subject purchased the land which the latter now occupies, in 1853, and after making some improvements upon it, returned, in 1854, to Indiana. The later embellishments have been effected by our subject, who was married June 24, 1866, to Miss Louisa A. Hawkins, a native of Rush County, Ind., born March 7, 1846. She came with her parents to this county when a child four years of age, and was deprived by death of the affectionate care of her mother while still young in years. She has one brother, Frank M., who is now engaged in the real-estate business at Indianapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Florer settled down upon the farm, and in due time became the parents of six children, five daughters and one son: William B., born in 1867, died in 1871; Laura A., born in 1868, died in 1869; Elizabeth, born May 13, 1876, is at home with her parents; Katie and Clara, twins, were born June 11, 1878; Jessie Ellen; in 1884. Mr. Florer is also proprietor of a sorghum factory which he operates profitably each year, turning out some seasons as many as 13,000 gallons. He also raises a large amount of broom corn, and in addition to this, gives much attention to the breeding of fine stock, he is accounted among the thorough and enterprising farmers of Morgan Township, and has built up a homestead which forms one of its most attractive features. Mr. and Mrs. Florer are members in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, while our subject is also connected with the Knights of Honor, and the I. O. O. F. Encampment, at Paris, Edgar County. Mrs. America Florer, the mother, is still living, making her home with her son, on the home place, which is mainly her own property. She was born in September, 1816, and is consequently seventy-one years of age, but retains her former energy and activity in a remarkable degree. Her mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth McGruder, lived to be eighty years of age, and finally came to her death by accident, falling downstairs. The McGruders were Democrats of the strongest type, and our subject has adhered largely to the teachings and beliefs of his honored mother, being Democratic in politics, although not strictly radical. |
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