Fred Flachtemeier is senior partner of the firm of Flachtemeier Bros., marble and granite dealers, Freeport, Ill. This concern is the largest of the kind in the Northwest, and occupies a large, two-story brick building, with a glass front. Besides doing all kinds of marble cutting, they do a large business in the way of cutting and dressing fine building stone, curbing, door and window sills, fronts for banks, steps, etc.

The subject of this sketch was born in Prussia, on the 5th of July, 1851. His parents were Christian and Minnie Flachtemeier, who were emigrants to America in 1867. After arriving in New York they came West and located at Freeport, Ill. Before coming to this country the subject of this sketch attended school seven years. When he arrived at Freeport with his parents he was sixteen years of age. He commenced working at the marble cutting business when about twelve years of age, and after coming to Freeport engaged in work at his trade with a Mr. H. Nott, continuing for some seven years, in which time he acquired a thorough knowledge of all branches of the business. He then embarked in business for himself, opening an establishment on Galena street, in which he continued for nine years. He formed a partnership with his brother, W. H., in January, 1885, and in 1886 they built the business house on Stephenson street which they now occupy. It is 40x60 feet, and is two stories high. They are very extensively engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of marble work, both plain and ornamental, and are prepared to produce work from the plainest slab to the most elaborate monument. They also prepare stone for the various purposes of building. They ship the products of their skill into all the neighboring towns. Their business extends throughout Ogle, Jo Daviess, Champaign, Stephenson and other counties. He and his brother are both practical men, being marble cutters; they constantly employ ten men, and sometimes as high as fifteen. Their works are kept in constant operation during all seasons of the year.

Mr. Flachtemeier was married to Miss Minnie Wittbeker in 1873, daughter of A. and Minnie Wittbeker, of Freeport. They have two children - Ada L. and Arthur S. Mr. Flachtemeier has held the office of Assistant Supervisor, and is a member of Freeport Lodge No. 239, I. O. O. F., and Excelsior Lodge No. 91, A. F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 201