George H. Luker, who is now serving his fourth term as mayor nf Staunton
may truly be designated as one of the leading men of the city. He is
prominent in business circles and has shown a capacity in the management of
public and private affairs which has produced highly gratifying results. A
native of Alhambra, Madison county, Illinois, he was born September 3, 1876,
a son of Henry W. and Emma (Miller) Luker, both of whom were born in
Westphalia, Germany. The father emigrated to the United States in his
boyhood and first located in St. Louis, Missouri. Later he removed to
Madison county, Illinois, and in 1876 took up his residence in Macoupin
county, where he continued until his death, in 1893. He was a painter by
trade and was a man of industrious habits who ever attempted to perform his
duty to his family and his adopted country. The mother is still living and
makes her home in Staunton. There were the following children in the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Luker, namely: Emma, who is the wife of T. E. Shumacher, of
Staunton; George H., of this review; Edward C., who is associated in
business with his brother, George H.; Anna, deceased; Dora, at home; Paul
and Charley, both of whom are deceased; and Robert, who is a cadet in the
United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Mr. Luker whose
name introduces this sketch has been a resident of Macoupin county since his
infancy and in the public schools he acquired his preliminary education. He
was identified with the wholesale beer business for a number of years in
Staunton, and later associated with his brother Edward in the bottling
business which, under their systematic management, has become highly
successful. The works have a capacity of two hundred and fifty cases a day
and by promptness in delivery and fair dealing with patrons the firm has
acquired a position as one of the leading concerns of the kind in Macoupin
county. Mr. Luker is also a stockholder in the ice plant of Staunton, owns a
half interest in a new brick building on Main street, and has made other
lucrative investments.
In 1900 he was married to Miss Laura Dammann,
of New York city. They occupy a beautiful residence and their home is a
center, where friends are always assured of a cordial greeting. Mr. Luker is
preeminently a man of affairs and exerts a wide influence in a community
with which he has been identified from his boyhood. He has taken a lively
interest in politics and ever since he reached maturity has supported the
democratic party. He has served one term as tax collector, one term as
county supervisor, and as mayor has administered that responsible office to
the general satisfaction of the taxpayers and to the best interests of the
city. He is prominent in fraternal orders, being a member of the lodges of
Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Red Men, of Staunton ; the Elks, of
Litchfield; and the Eagles, of St. Louis. He can claim a host of friends in
those orders and also in other walks of life, and is recognized as one of
the most popular men in Staunton.
Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 142-143.
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