The Biographical Dictionary and Portrait Gallery of Representative Men of Chicago, Milwaukee and the World's Columbian Exposition

              BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY AND PORTRAIT GALLERY.
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landed in New York. He then journeyed to Newark, New Jersey, where he remained a short time, locating finally in Elmira, New York. He earned his first money in the United States by cutting wood on a farm, but he soon secured a position in Elmira, better suited to his acquire¬ ments. There, in 1852, he married Marie Weisschuh, who died shortly after.
The monotonous and quiet life in Elmira was unsuited to his active disposition, and hearing of the energy, progressive spirit and phenomenal growth of the west, he was induced in 1854 to remove to Chicago.
Mr. Wacker was one of the originators of the only then prominent German singing societies, under the direction of Carl Schuert, and of the old ''Sharpshooters' Association," years before it was deemed desirable to incorporate the organization. Upon sand-hills covered with bushy undergrowth, to the north of the cemetery, now no longer in existence, they frequently held festivals upon the very spot now occupied by Lincoln Park. '' Ger¬ mania " and ''Mithra" lodges, and other societies in later years, likewise counted him among their members. He was also one of the oldest mem¬ bers of the Board of. Trade.
On the 30th of September, 1855, be married Catherina Hummel, who, on the 29th of August, 1856, presented him with their only child, Charles H. Their happy union continued for twenty-nine years. Nothing was prized more highly by him than the peaceful, simple life of the family circle. His whole being was devoted to his fam.ily, and he spared no pains to completely guard their future against any reverses. To his son he gave every opportunity to gain a thorough education In good schools, as well as by travels in America, Europe and Africa, of which advantages young Wacker made most excellent use. Mr. Wacker was at all times ready to contribute his mite toward enterprises calculated to promote the public good, and many needy persons have ex¬ perienced his kindness and generosity. The do¬ nations made to Uhlich's Orphan Asylum, German Hospital, Old People's and Alexian Brothers' Hospitals, amounting to twenty-five thousand dollars, speak for themselves.
His activity from 1854 until his death in 1884, was remarkable.
During his first years in Chicago he was engaged
in various occupations, such as inn-keeper, farmer, and general produce merchant, but his predilec¬ tion for the brewing business induced him soon to accept a position in Lill and Diversey's ale brewery. He was engaged as foreman by the predecessor of Mr. Rodemeyer, and later by Louis Rodemeyer himself. In 1857 be bought Blattner's share in Blattner and Seidenschw^anz's brewery (on Hillsdale street) between Rush and Pine streets, and in the spring of 1858 they removed to Franklin street, near Asylum place, now Webster avenue.
Here Mr. Wacker's business ability was severely tested, for with no financial means at his com¬ mand, embarrased by the greatest stringency of the money market the United States has ever known, he nevertheless succeeded in raising the business to an eminent height. After having pur¬ chased the interest of C. Seidenschwanz, he had the misfortune, in 1867, to see this thriving and prosperous business, reared by years of hard labor, devoured by flames.
His health had now become very much im¬ paired by overwork, and he finally yielded to the advise, of his physicians and the entreaties of his family, and determined not to rebuild, but to make a trip to Germany, to seek relief and much- needed rest. In the following year (1869) he made a second trip to Europe, and returned some¬ what improved. But his disease, a chronic ailment of the stomach, to which he finally suc¬ cumbed, would not fully yield to the most skill¬ ful treatment to be found in this country or Europe. But he could not remain idle very long. With Mr. L. J. Kadish he erected a small malt house at the foot of Elm street; but soon the increasing demands of the business necessitated the purchase of the building at the corner of Clybourn place and South Park avenue, where the business was conducted on a much enlarged scale, Mr. Jacob Rehm purchased the interest of Mr, Kadish, the firm becoming F. Wacker and Com¬ pany, and so continuing until the business was incorporated under the name of the North-, western Malting Company. The business in¬ creased yearly, and iii 1875, when Mr. Wacker, physically worn out, w^as compelled to retire from the business, it had, under his management, become one of the largest malt houses in Chicago, The greater part of 1875 was spent in traveling