Note: This same bio is also given in the book under the name of John Broeker. The bio is identical except that wherever the name Brocker appears in one bio the name is given as Broeker in the second bio.

BROCKER, JOHN. - The drug store of John Brocker at Beardstown is a model of its kind, and its name stands for purity of drugs and uprightness of business methods. Mr. Brocker was born at Beardstown April 17, 1870, a son of Frederick and Catherine (Harmmely) Brocker, the former born in Lippedemott, Germany, March 7, 1825, and the latter in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 14, 1835. The father came to the Untied States in 1844, and to Beardstown that same year. He was a butcher and pork packer for many years.

John Brocker was educated in the schools of Beardstown, and learned his profession in that city. He worked for different druggists for seventeen years, and then started in business in 1902. In 1909 Mr. Brocker bought out his partner, and has since continued alone. He owns his business and the building in which it is located. This was the first drug store to be established at Beardstown. A Democrat, Mr. Brocker served during 1909 and 1910 as city treasurer. He is a Knight of Pythias and an Elk, and enjoys his fraternal connections. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, but is not connected with any religious denomination.

On December 28, 1895, Mr. Brocker was married, in Cass County, to Josephine Kenworthy, born in Lacine, Kas, January 14, 1875. Her parents died when she was very young, and she came to live with her grandparents who resided in the vicinity of Arenzville. John Brocker has two brothers and a sister at Beardstown. Mr. Brocker is noted for his industry and social qualities, and he stands exceptionally well in his community, where as boy and man he has worked and carried on business enterprises.