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FRED DOERFLER - Throughout the entire history of the world we find the influence of personal character is immeasurable. It is said that India was saved by the personal character of Sr. John Lawrence, and similar instances are common. In Sangamon County much has been accomplished by the steady persistence and undaunted energy of her citizens. In noting what has been effected through their influence we certainly cannot omit mention of Mr. Doerfler, who resides on section 3, Woodside Township, where he owns and operates a brickyard, with a capacity of two millions of brick per year.
In glancing back over the ancestral history of our subject, we find that his father was the late John A. Doerfler, a native of Germany, where he was reared and educated. There also he was united in marriage with Margaret Conahunda Doerfler, who was born in the same county. In 1852 they emigrated to America, crossing the broad Atlantic and proceeding direct to Sangamon County, this State. They settled in Springfield, where they continued to reside until 1865. At that time they located in Springfield Township and commenced the manufacture of brick, continuing in that business until the death of the father, which occurred in March, 1887.
The parental family included seven children, five sons and two daughters, of whom Fred, our subject, was the sixth in order of birth. He was born in Germany, October 19, 1851, and consequently was only about one year old when he was brought by his parents to America. He was reared in Sangamon County, receiving such education as was afforded by the pioneer schools of that day. He remained with his father until his marriage, which was celebrated in Springfield, Ill., February 8, 1876. The bride was Miss Bridget A., daughter of John and Mary (Devine) Sheehan, both natives of Ireland. Mrs. Sheehan died in Springfield in August, 1886; she was the mother of eleven children, of whom Mrs. Doerfler was the ninth in order of birth. The latter was born April 9, 1858, in Springfield.
The happy union of our subject and his estimable wife has been blessed by the birth of the following children, whose names are here given: Freddie, Emma, Willie, George, Edward, Agnes, Joseph, Maggie and Annie. The latter two are deceased. The children will be given the advantages of thorough educations, and are being trained to become useful and patriotic citizens of this country. Immediately after the marriage of Mr. Doerfler he began to operate a brickyard for his brother John, and Capt. Isaac Keys, and continued thus employed for two or three years. He then engaged in business with his father and a younger brother, and the three ensuing years were thus passed.
In 1882 the partnership which had been advantageously carried on, was dissolved, and our subject became associated with Capt. Isaac Keys. They conducted a prosperous business for a period of seven years, and until the spring fo 1890, when Mr. Doerfler purchased the entire interest. This he is managing successfully, doing a good business and filling the many orders to the entire satisfaction of the customers. His family are comfortably domiciled in a neat and commodious residence near the brickyard, and in this pleasant home they entertain their numerous guests, who congregate there from far and near to pass a few happy hours in the companionship of the kindly host and his hospitable wife.
In political circles Mr. Doerfler exerts considerable influence in behalf of the Democratic party, uniformly voting that ticket and working in the interests of its candidates. Socially, he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are faithful members of the Catholic Church, and have done much to advance its interests and upbuild the church of which they are regular attendants. The confidence the people repose in Mr. Doerfler is amply displayed by his election to the office of Township Treasurer for the second term, and he is also serving as Highway Commissioner. He merits the esteem in which he is held, and has done much to advance the interests of the community in which he is an honored citizen. Mr. Doerfler is the patentee of a machine for brick making, the patent for which was issued March 2, 1886. This machine is called the New Improved Champion of the West.
In connection with this biographical review, the readers will find a lithographic portrait of Mr. Doerfler.