From the “History of Lawrence County” by Springfield MO Interstate Historical Society

Lawrence county owes a great debt to the large number of Germans who have helped to develop the resources of the country. These men and women, in many instances, began their lives in the United States with little more than their bare hands and their sturdy German pluck and steadfast industry. And in nearly every instance they have made good homes for themselves and their wives and children; have educated their families as they grew up; have seen their sons and daughters settle around them in homes of their own; and in every way have added to the strength and upbuilding of the com- munity. It is the name of one of this class of citizens that stands at the head of this sketch. Fred Hagemeier was born in Washington county, Illinois, on the 15th of February, 1872. His father was William Hagemeier, who was born in Weiden, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in 1866. In about three years he was followed by Miss Louisa Berk, a native of the same place in Ger- many, and they were married in Washington county, Illinois. In the year 1875, when their son was about three years old, they moved to Lawrence county and here bought an eighty acre farm. This they sold, and bought in turn one hundred and twenty acres. Then at different times Mr. Hagemeier bought one hundred and sixty acres in Friestatt township, forty in Mount Vernon, and three hundred and twenty in Vineyard township. He made his home inFriestatt until 1902 when he again returned to Washington county, Illinois. Here he was a large property owner, and passed the re- mainder of his successful life in caring for his holdings in that place. He died on the 18th of February, 1915. His wife had died on March 3d of 1914. To this father and mother was born a family of five children: William, of Phelps, Lawrence county. Fred, subject of this sketch. Henry, of Vineyard township. Christ, of Friestatt township. Lena, who is the wife of Henry Eigenrough of Washington county, Illinois. Fred Hagemeiermarried on March 5th, 1895, Miss Minnie Ficker, a daughter of Fred Ficker, and born in Illinois. Mr. Hagemeier began his married life on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land that his father gave to him. This was in Vineyard township. He also had ten acres in Mount Vernon township. To this he has since added forty acres in Mount Vernon township. On this two hundred and ten acres he has put up a complete set of farm buildings, house, barns, granaries, etc. The farm is a model of care and careful cultivation and bears every mark of prosperity and progressiveness. Mr. Hagemeier's family is as follows: Clarence, Martha, How- ard, Alvina and Lorine, all of whom are still beneath their father's roof. Mr. Hagemeier had the advantages of attendance at the schools in Friestatt township, and made the best of his opportunities. He is a prominent member of the Methodist church, and is one of the overseers, whose duty it is to collect the salary of the preacher. He is also on the entertainment committee of the church, and is a teacher in the Sunday school. He has served as a school director, and in politics he is a staunch republican.