My Genealogy Hound

George W. Schweer, dealer in general merchandise, and mayor of the city of New Haven, at which place he located in 1884, is a native of Boon Township, Franklin Co., Mo., born in 1860, the son of J. H. and Catherine (Hortsmann) Schweer, natives of Germany, but who came with their parents to the United States when young. They were married in St. Louis about 1850, and six years later removed to Franklin County, where they remained until 1887, then moved to Washington, and have there resided ever since. He has been a merchant and also a farmer, and has been for many years justice of the peace, notary public and postmaster. He is now about sixty-three years old and his wife fifty-four. Our subject was reared on a farm, educated at the common schools, and attended one year at the State University. After teaching one winter he went to St. Louis, and engaged as traveling salesman for Edward C. Becker, wholesale grocer, for two years. He then entered the retail grocery trade at St. Louis, and continued this business for two years. He was then in the commission business at 808 North Third Street, with Henry B. Hilmer, the firm being Schweer & Hilmer for about eight months. From there he came to New Haven, where he has a flourishing business in general merchandise, carrying a complete stock of goods to the value of $8,000. In 1882 he married Miss Meekie L., a daughter of John M. and Martha (Decker) Farrar, all natives of Franklin County. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schweer, viz.: Eugene W., Julius E. and Arthur P. In 1887 Mr. Schweer was elected mayor of the city, and has since held that office, with general satisfaction. He is a Republican in politics, and his first presidential vote was cast for James G. Blaine. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the A. O. U. W., and he and wife are members of the Evangelical Church.