My Genealogy Hound

FREDERICK BURKI, florist, Bellevue, was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, in 1853, the son of John and Catherine (Reber) Burki, natives of the same place; the father died when Frederick was but nine years of age, and the mother two years later. Frederick received his education in his native town, and learned the trade of florist. In 1872 he came to Pittsburgh, where he was employed at his trade; was also engaged in same work in Mercer county, and returning to the city of Allegheny he was employed by C. M. Seibert. In 1874 he went into business for himself as florist at Wood’s Run, continuing four years. In 1877 he married Mena Pfeifer, of Bavaria, Germany, who came to America when four years old with her parents, Adam and Catherine (Workley) Pfeifer, who now reside with Mr. Burki. In 1878 Mr. Burki moved to Bellevue, on George W. Smith’s place, where he carried on a florist’s and market-garden business. In 1884 he purchased his present farm, where he has built a house, barn and greenhouses on a large scale, having in use 14,000 feet of glass, and growing many cut flowers and plants, employing five hands the year round. Mr. and Mrs. Burki are members of the Lutheran Church of the city of Allegheny; he is a republican, and a member of the A. O. U. W. and Legion of Select Knights.