HACKMAN, LOUIS C., one of the substantial and representative retired farmers of Cass County, was, at one time, one of the leading agriculturists of this locality, and has done his part in the upbuilding of his community. He was born in this county, October 12, 1846, a son of William and Elizabeth (Meyer) Hackman, natives of Hanover, Germany, he born in 1820, a son of John E. and Maria (Struve) Hackman.

In coming to the United States, John E. Hackman made the trip on a sailing vessel which consumed seven weeks and two days in the voyage. He landed at old Castle Garden, N.Y., from whence he went to Buffalo, from there crossed Lake Erie and landed at Cleveland, Ohio. From that city by canal he reached the Ohio River, and voyaged down it to Cairo, Ill., then traveled up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, and then up the Illinois River to Beardstown. Following his arrival in Cass County, he bought 120 acres in township 12 range 11, but before they located upon it, he was taken sick and died. The grandmother of Louis C. Hackman then moved on the farm with her children, but after some years, she went to live with a daughter, Mrs. Mary Bushman of Beardstown, where she died at the age of seventy-two years. The children were: William, Fred, Gerhardt, Henry and Mary.

William Hackman grew to manhood in this county and became the owner of 500 acres of land, still owning this property at the time of his death, January 30, 1905. He married Elizabeth Meyer, who died February 16, 1905. The children of these parents were: Louis C., Mrs. Lucinda Heierman of Morgan County, Ill., Mathilda, Louisa and Edwin.

Louis C. Hackman lived with his parents until they died, and was manager of the homestead from 1878 until his acquisition of it. In March, 1880, he invested in land in Richardson County, Neb., and kept adding to it until he had 480 acres. In 1908 he sold 160 acres, and the balance in 1912. Another operation was in 1899, when he bought 120 acres, and rented it until the spring of 1913, when he sold it. He owns the old original homestead of 140 acres, to which he added twenty acres. In addition to his other holdings, he owns 700 acres of land in Pike County, eight acres of which is in pasture, and the balance under cultivation. At present Mr. hackman is living two miles northwest of Arenzville.

On April 1, 1880, Mr. Hackman was married to Amelia S. Kors, born at Beardstown, October 22, 1853, a daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Fellner) Kors, natives of Germany. Mrs. Hackman died February 20, 1912. They had the following children: William E.., of Pike County, Ill., who married Nettie Divers; Oliver W., who is at home and conducts the homestead; and Zelma L., who is at home. Mr. Hackman is a Methodist and has served his church as a trustee since 1908. He is a Democrat, and from 1880 to 1889 was a commissioner of Cass County.