My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Miller County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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E. A. Schicker, ex-mayor, Texarkana, Ark. Mr. Schicker is a native of Illinois, born in Rockford, on July 18, 1860, and is a son of Ferdinand and Bertha (Fischer) Schicker, both natives of Europe, the father of Austria, and the mother a Hessian. The parents were married in Chicago, Ill., whither the father had emigrated when a boy, locating in that city about thirty-five years ago. He was a silk-hat maker by trade, but could not follow it on account of ill health. While in Chicago he ran a dairy and truck farm and owned five acres on Polk Street where there is now a public school building, Babcock’s Manufacturing Company, and several other large buildings. The father enlisted in the late war and served until the surrender. During this time the family lived in Rockford, Ill., after which they moved to Little Rock, and thence to Hot Springs, where the father now resides. To the parents were born seven children, five now living. Of these E. A. Schicker was the eldest in order of birth. He received a liberal education at Little Rock, learned the baker’s trade at Hot Springs, and in 1880 established himself in business at Texarkana, where he continued until 1886. In 1884 he was elected alderman and served two terms. He was made mayor of the city by council to fill a vacancy, and was elected to the office in 1888 for one year and re-elected in 1889 for two years, making a very hard fight, and beating ex-mayors each election. He has made an efficient officer and bids fair to hold office some time yet. He is full of energy and enterprise, and conducts his affairs to the satisfaction of all. He has been married, but his wife is deceased. He has one son—Edward B. Mr. Schicker is a Knight Templar in the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the K. of P.

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