MAURER, FREDERICK J. - The self-made man has the satisfaction of looking back over his career and realizing that what he has accomplished is due to his own efforts and not to the advantages of fortune or through the help of others. Such a man is quite often a leading figure in his township, and a helpful influence to others who are trying to make their own way unaided in the world. One who belongs to this class is Frederick J. Maurer of Virginia. He was born at St. Louis, Mo., June 23, 1850, a son of John W. and Philipeno (Englehart) Maurer. The father was born in Germany, and in 1844 came to the United States by sailing vessel to the port of New Orleans, La. From there he came up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, where he found employment at his trade of bookbinding. In 1852 he brought his family to Beardstown, Ill., where he worked at his trade and also conducted a hardware store, until he bought a farm. From then on, he gave much attention to farming but continued also to bind books, until his death in 1887. The mother survived until 1890. They had eleven children, of whom Frederick J. was the sixth in order of birth.

As he began working for farmers when he was twelve years old. Frederick J. Maurer had but few opportunities for securing an education. In 1880 he moved to a farm in Virginia, Cass County, of 120 acres, owned by his wife, and has since conducted it, raising stock and carrying on general farming. This property is a very valuable one, and Mr. Maurer takes pride in keeping it up to standard.

In March, 1880, Mr. Maurer married Margaret Deterding, of Morgan County, a daughter of George and Louisa Deterding. Mr. and Mrs. Maurer have had the following children: Mary, who is Mrs. J. W. Daniels, of Beardstown; Ella, who is Mrs. Major Daniels, of Cass County; George, who is at home, assists in operating the farm; Addie, who is Mrs. Gustav Peterson, of Cass County; and Ruth, who is Mrs. David Krusa, of Cass County. The family attend the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In politics, Mr. Maurer is a Democrat and has served as a school director.