My Genealogy Hound

F. Hooker, merchant at Linn Creek, and son of John A., and Sallie A. (Cherry) Hooker, was born in Laclede County, Mo., March 13, 1854. His parents immigrated to Laclede County, Mo., at a very early day, settling near the Osage Fork, and were among the first settlers of that county. Here the father died. He was in the nursery business at the time of his death. He was a soldier in the Confederate army during the late war; was with Price, and was captured and cast into prison, where he was kept for some time. He was also wounded during his service, by a gunshot in the ankle. He was the father of two children—a son and daughter: Fernando, and Helena A., wife of Mr. Odenweller. F. Hooker, subject of this sketch, was reared by his father to the nursery business, and also in the mercantile business. At the age of fourteen he drifted out to do for himself. He was employed with D. W. Faulkner, a merchant of Lebanon, as clerk, and remained with him for about six years. In 1878 he came to Linn Creek, where he engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with E. W. Craig, which continued until the fall of 1880, when W. P. Hooker bought out Mr. Craig, and the business was continued under the firm name of F. & P. Hooker. After continuing a short time at this, both sold out, and F. Hooker engaged in the business for himself, and carried it on alone for about two years. He again sold out and went to Tuscumbia, Miller County, and carried on the mercantile business there until August, 1888, when he returned to Linn Creek. Here he has since remained, and has been engaged in the mercantile business. He carries a full line of general merchandise, and is a good business man. He was married in 1884 to Miss Belle Freeman, by whom he has two children: John A. and Lena M; He kept the post-office at Linn Creek for about two years.