My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES D. BODEKER, a prominent and influential citizen of Randolph County, who is now successfully engaged in the operation of his fine farm on section 33, township 6, range 6, was born in Prussia on the 1st of April, 1842. His father, Frederick Bodeker, was there born in 1803, and his death occurred in his native land in 1886. Our subject was the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children. He acquired his education in the schools of his native country, and when a youth of fourteen years came to America. From that age he has been dependent upon his own resources, and whatever success he has achieved in life is due to his own efforts. On reaching the New World he took up his residence in Chester, Ill., and at once engaged with Charles Schroeder to learn the carpenter’s trade. This was in 1856, and he continued in the employ of Mr. Schroeder until the death of that gentleman, in 1861. As there was considerable unfinished work in the shop at that time, Mr. Bodeker continued as the manager of the business until the following August.

Our subject then entered the service of his country, enlisting as a member of Company I, Tenth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Cairo, and was with his regiment in many severe engagements, including the battles of Farmington, New Madrid, Corinth, Island No. 10, and many others. He was mustered out on the 4th of July, 1865, in Louisville, Ky., after which he returned to Randolph County and resumed work at the carpenter’s trade, which he followed for about twelve years. In the meantime he had purchased land and was carrying on a farm. About 1889 he altogether abandoned his trade and now devotes his entire time and attention to the further cultivation and improvement of his beautiful farm, which is justly considered one of the finest in the county. One department of his business is dairy farming, and it proves a profitable one.

In June, 1867, Mr. Bodeker was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta Hackmeister, daughter of Henry and Mena Hackmeister, who were natives of Germany. By their marriage were born five children, one of whom died in infancy. Louie, Mary, William and Anna are still with their parents. Mr. Bodeker and his family are members of the Lutheran Church and are people of prominence in this community, where they are widely and favorably known. He has been identified with the Republican party for many years, and at this writing is the nominee of the party for the office of County Commissioner. He has the confidence of his fellow-townsmen, and the trust reposed in him is never betrayed. For ten years he has been Appraiser for the Randolph Mutual Insurance Company, and is a member of Swanwick Post No. 212, G. A. R., of Chester. He was a faithful soldier when the Union was in peril, and is alike true to his country in days of peace. In the community where he lives he manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare and to the advancement of public enterprises which are calculated to prove beneficial.