WILLIAM HUPPERS, an old and successful business man of Beardstown, was born in the Rhine province, October 1, 1839. His parents lived and died in their native province. His father, Gearheard Huppers, was a mechanic and small farmer, and had been quite active in local matters of his native town. He died at the age of eighty-six. His mother, who died at the age of eighty-one, before her marriage bore the name of Elizabeth Waltham. They were members of the German Reformed Church.

Mr. Huppers was well reared, and when thirteen years of age, after attending public school, was apprenticed to the tailor's trade. After completing his time he started out as a journeyman workman, going to Belgium, where he spent six months, and then proceeded to Paris, where he remained for two years, and then came to the United States, stopping first in New York and then Columbus, Ohio, and later coming to Beardstown. Here he has made all his money, having, when he landed in Columbus, less than one dollar in his pocket. He now does a large and lucrative business as merchant tailor and gentlemen's furnisher, at the corner of Main and State streets. He arrived in Beardstown and established a similar business with Mr. Miller, who continued with him until 1881; since then Mr. Huppers has carried the business on very successfully alone. He has been a leader in many local enterprises. He is interested in the Beardstown Electric Light and Power Company, is a director of the First State Bank, and is a member of the Board of Education. His fellow-citizens have always known where to find him in public matters.

He was married in Arenzville, to Minnie Henkel, of Hesse Darmstadt. She came with her mother to this country when she was twelve years of age. Mrs. Henkel, a much respected member of the church, died in Beardstown, aged fifty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Huppers are the parents of two children: Lula A., who was educated in Beardstown, but completed her course in the university at Evanston, Illinois, and is now a skilled teacher in vocal and instrumental music; Harry C., twelve years of age, is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Huppers are leading people in this city, Mrs. Huppers being a member of the First Lutheran Church. Mr. Huppers is a member of the order of F. & A.M., a member of Cass Lodge, No. 23, of Clark Chapter No. 29, and is Treasurer in both. He is a sound Republican in politics.