Macoupin County
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Biography - ADAM FISCHER

An experience of twenty-eight years in the general mercantile business has given Adam Fischer of Staunton a thorough knowledge of business affairs, and also an acquaintance with human nature which cannot be learned from books. He has been successful financially and is known as one of the leading merchants of Macoupin county. A native of Staunton, he was born June 24, 1853, being a son of Christopher and Anna Maria (Frank) Fischer. The father was born in Hasloch, Germany, and learned the basketmaker’s trade in the old country under his father, who was an expert in that line. He engaged at his trade in Germany, but, having decided that more favorable opportunities were presented in the new world, he emigrated to America and arrived at Staunton, Illinois, when the town consisted of only two or three houses. Here he engaged in basketmaking and at such other work as he could find. He was employed in the Staunton mill and later secured a position as clerk in a store at Staunton, but was obliged to give up this position on account of failing health. He began business on his own account with a small stock of groceries, and applied himself with such diligence that he became the owner of a general store. He retired from business in 1883 and died in 1904. The mother of our subject was also born in Germany and is still living in Staunton, having arrived at the age of eighty-six years. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Fischer were seven children: Frederick G., who is deceased; Adam, of this review; Anna, who is the widow of Bruno Hebenstreit, of Staunton; Paul H., who is engaged in business with his brother Adam; H. A., postmaster of Staunton, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Edward Joseph, who owns a general store at Wamego, Kansas; and Mary, who is the wife of Ernest Weis, of Staunton.

Adam Fischer attended the parochial schools of Staunton, where he secured the foundation of a good education. He remained at home until twenty years of age and then began learning the cooper’s trade, which he followed in various parts of the country, also engaging in other occupations. On May 22, 1883, he and his brother Paul took charge of the business at Staunton which their father had founded and developed it upon an extensive scale. The firm is known as> Fischer Brothers and carries a large and well selected stock of general merchandise, being one of the most flourishing business establishments in Macoupin county.

In 1874 Mr. Fischer was married to Miss Minnie Maxe, a native of Staunton, and they have nine children: Hannah, who is the wife of G. E. Fritz, of Staunton, and has nine children; Emil, who is deceased; Lydia, who- became the wife of Adolph Weis, of Staunton; Nellie and Ella, who are assisting in the store; Della, Walter and Minnie, all of whom are deceased; and Esther, who also assists in the store.

In religions belief Mr. Fischer is in hearty sympathy with the Lutheran church, of which he arid his family are members. He gives his support to the republican party, the principles of which he regards as highly important for the perpetuity of the republic. He has never sought public office but has given his undivided attention to his business, and the success he has attained is convincing evidence of his ability. By thrift, energy and good judgment he has accumulated a fortune, and it is gratifying to know that his success has been won in legitimate channels and through perfectly honorable methods.


Extracted 20 Oct 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 227-228.


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This page was last updated 07/01/2022