Lee County >> 1887 Index

Portrait and Biographical Album of Lee County, Iowa
Chicago:  Chapman Brothers, 1887

F

Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Linda Brandt.

GARRETT FUEKER, one of the oldest settlers of Marion Township , came to Iowa in the summer of 1837, and has been an interested witness of the remarkable changes which have occurred since that early time. Iowa remained a Territory nine years after our subject crossed the Mississippi , and in common with the other pioneers he has been materially interested in its development and growth, and has assisted in bringing it to its present proud position among the States west of the Mississippi .

Mr. Fueker was born in Germany , June 16, 1811 , and at the age of seven years was placed in school, where he continued until fifteen. He then went to work on the farm of his father, Barnard Fucker, and was thus engaged until twenty-six years old, when he emigrated to America , landing in the city of New York . From there he proceeded to St. Louis , Mo. , thence to Ft. Madison , where he remained for a time with his brother, and from there went to Galena , Ill. , and for a period of eight years following was employed in the lead mines. He then returned to Lee County, Iowa, and commenced farming upon 500 acres of land, for which he contracted to pay with borrowed money at 75 per cent interest. Money at that time was almost impossible to obtain, but in spite of this ruinous interest he went to work and pulled through in safety. His first house was a small log cabin, which he occupied with his family for several years.

Our subject was married in 1846, to Miss Aldine Moorehouse, who only lived a short time after their marriage. His second wife was Miss Elizabeth Sanders, to whom he was married in 1860. Of this union there were born six children, four now deceased. The two living are Elizabeth, the wife of John Lemmaes, of Cedar Falls , Iowa , and Henry, at home with his parents.

In connection with general farming our subject has been successful as a stock-raiser, and sells large numbers of cattle and hogs annually. In common with most German farmers he prides himself upon his good horses, which are well fed and well cared for. He still owns his original 500 acres, which he purchased against such odds when coming to this county, and has a fine competency for his old age.

Mr. Fueker has been a liberal-minded citizen, and the encourager and supporter of every measure tending to the welfare of his community. He is a member in good standing of the Catholic Church, and contributed $1,000 toward the erection of the church edifice in St. Paul . Although now nearly seventy-six years of age, he is hale and hearty, and is in full possession of his mental faculties, as well as sight and hearing. He has never laid aside his early habits of industry and economy, and still busies himself with the lighter duties around the farm.