PETER HOECKER, President of the Board of School Directors of Shaw's Point Township, is numbered among the leading German-American citizens of this county, where he has a beautiful farm on section 8. Through unremitting exertions he has become the owner of two hundred and thirty acres, all under a high state of cultivation, and divided into fields from which good crops are garnered at the proper time. He has embellished his estate with substantial farm buildings and a commodious residence, and is carrying on the work of general farming systematically and with pleasing success. The attention of the reader is invited to a view of his homestead which appears on another page.
A native of Germany, Mr. Hoecker was born November 26, 1840, and is the son of Abraham and Katherine (Darsam) Hoecker. When he was five years old he accompanied his parents across the broad Atlantic and after landing in New York came West with them to St. Clair County, Ill. Here this worthy couple resided for many years, engaged in farming pursuits and becoming known as honorable citizens. When they became old, they left their homestead and removed to Macoupin County, making their home with our subject during their declining years and here also they passed from earth. They were surrounded by all the comforts which affection could supply and after bravely fighting the battle of life, peacefully entered into their final rest.
The youth of our subject was passed in much the same manner as that of most farmer boys, alternating his attendance in school with labor at home. He early gained a practical knowledge of agriculture and when prepared to start out in life for himself, naturally chose farming as his avocation. In 1865 he left St. Clair County, where he had resided after coming to the United States, and located in Shaw's Point Township, this county. He become identified with this community and is known as an honorable, high minded citizen. As above stated he is now President of the School Board, of which he has been a member for many years. He has also served the people in various minor offices and politically is independent, casting his ballot in favor of those whom he thinks best qualified to serve the interests of the people.
On January 23, 1873, Mr. Hoecker was married to Miss Mary Laubenthal, an estimable woman, whose price has indeed been "far above rubies" and whose children "rise up and call her blessed." Mrs. Hoecker is the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Weaver) Laubenthal, natives of Germany, who came to the United States, settling in Monroe County, Ill., where they died. their daughter, Mary, was born in Monroe County, November, 27, 1852, and was there reared to maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Hoecker are the parents of eight children, as follows: Anna L., Katie L., Louis, Mary T., Otilda A., August, Elenora, and John. Elenora died when three and one-half years old, and the other children remain under the parental roof. They are being carefully instructed, not only in matters of the intellect but in graces of character, and their increase in knowledge and true politeness gratifies their parents greatly.