Ferdinand Schleer, hardware dealer, established his business in 1871, in partnership with George Watts, the firm name being Watts & Schleer, and remained in this connection until 1879, when Mr. Schleer purchased his partner's interest, and has since conducted the business alone. His stock of hardware is large and well selected, and the trade which he commands is highly complimentary to his ability as a business man. He was born in Baden, Germany, near France, July 21, 1841, and is a son of Joseph and Mary A. (Weis) Schleer, who were also born in Baden. After the father's death his widow married again, her husband being Charles F. Weiser. Three children were born to the first marriage, only one of whom is living, Ferdinand. The second union resulted in the birth of two children: Bettie (wife of G. T. Robinson) and Joseph W. The family immigrated to the United States in 1857, taking passage at Havre, France, on a sailing vessel,. and landing at New Orleans at the end of thirty-six days. They came directly to Missouri, and located in Jefferson City, where the family are still living, the mother being in her seventy-fifth year. Ferdinand Schleer was sixteen years of age when he came to America, therefore his early education was received in the "Fatherland." In. June after his arrival here he began learning the tinner's trade, at which he worked until 1871, when he established his present business, as above stated. He served in the Home Guards for a few months during the late war. In 1864 he wedded Miss Katie Bauemguard, who died in 1873, having borne a family of seven children, only one of whom is now living, Bettie. In 1876 he married his present wife, Emma Weager, and they have six children: Joseph, Ferdinand, Sophia, Julius, Clara and Maurice. The family are members of the Catholic Church.

Transcribed from:
History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Benton, Miller, Maries, and Osage Counties, Missouri, Goodspeed Publishing Company (1889).