My Genealogy Hound

Fred H. Binder, president of the Jefferson City Water Works Company, architect and builder, was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, October 14, 1845, his parents being J. H. and Johanna (Meyer) Binder, who were of the same Province. The father was an architect and builder, and civil engineer, his special business being the building of houses and water-mills. He and wife died in their native land, leaving four children: Carl, Fred H., Charlotte and Anna. Fred H. Binder was reared and educated in Germany and at an early day was apprenticed to the architect and builder’s trade, and thoroughly learned the intricacies of the business. In 1866 he determined to seek his fortune in America, and took passage at Bremen, and landed at New York City, on the 8th of November, 1866. He came directly to Missouri and located for a short time in Franklin County, and in the spring of 1867 came to Jefferson City, and began working at his trade. By perseverance and close study he soon became proficient in command of the English language, and at the same time gained the confidence and esteem of the people. In 1878 he was elected a member of the Board of Education, and served five years as secretary of the same. In 1881 he was elected a member of the city council, and in 1884 was chosen mayor of the city with no opposition. In the summer of 1884 he was appointed by the Secretary of the United States Treasury as superintendent of the construction of the United States Court House and Post-office, and held this position until the completion of these buildings in 1888. He constructed the State Reform School building at Boonville, which is considered as one of the best and cheapest buildings erected by the State. He also erected the Catholic Church and most of the good buildings in Jefferson City. Upon the organization of the Jefferson City Water Works Company, he was elected the president, and managed the construction of the same; it is one of the finest and best built in the State, and was completed under his supervision. As an architect and builder he has few equals and he deserves much credit for his enterprise and public spirit. He is Past Grand in the I. O. O. F., is president of the Board of Trade, and has been president of the first Jefferson City Building and Loan Association ever since its organization. In 1868 he was married to Miss Kate Blockberger, a native of Jefferson City, by whom he has two children: Clara, wife of Prof. Zeisberg, musical instructor, and Fred C. He and wife are members of the Evangelical Church.