FRED W. HUGE, one of Beardstown's most influential contractors and builders, was born in Hanover in 1832, January 27. He learned his trade of carpenter with his father and worked with him until twenty years of age. He was the first to leave the home roof when he set forth for America. He came from Bremen to New Orleans and landed after a voyage of six weeks and three days. Fifteen more days were consumed in going to St. Louis, and from there he came to Beardstown. Here he has had his home ever since. Four of his brothers and sisters have joined him, and one brother, William, was a soldier in the Rebellion for two years. The other brother is a furniture dealer in Beardstown. The parents of Mr. Huge, Casper H. and Anna M. (Peters) Huge, both lived and died in their native country. One daughter still lives in Germany.

Mr. Huge had made a success of his business, and has built nearly all of the business houses in Beardstown and a good many of the residences. He is a member of the Central Building and Loan Association, and is influential in many other ways. He is a Democrat in politics and a Lutheran in religion.

Mr. Huge was married in Beardstown, to Miss Anna Slater of the same town in Germany as Mr. Huge. She grew up there, and was educated there, also. Her parents lived and died there, but she and a sister, Eliza, came to the United States. They were the only ones, however, of the family that ventured across the deep sea. Mrs. Huge was only seventeen years of age when she landed in this country. She has resided, ever since her arrival, in Beardstown. Mr. and Mrs. Huge are members of the Sixth Street Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Huge is Trustee, and has been for sixteen years. They have six children: Dina, now Mrs. John Leger, a shoe dealer of the city; William, a tailoring cutter in Chicago; Lizzie who died in her fifth year; Fred, a hotel clerk in St. Nicholas Hotel, Springfield; and Julius, who died when six months old.

Such men as Mr. Huge are wonderful aids in the building up and growth of the town. He is honored and respected by all who know him.