CHARLES DUISDIEKER
Charles Duisdieker, the well-known manufacturer of Pekin, is a Prussian by birth, born in Bunde, Westphalia, July 20, 1851, the son of Henry and Sophia (Krauskopf) Duisdieker, also natives of that Kingdom. When sixteen years old he became a clerk in a grocery store, where he remained three years, and, at the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war, offered his services to Prussia and enlisted as a hussar. He served two years, taking an active part in many engagements, among them being he battle of Metz.
In 1874 Mr. Duisdieker came to the United States, subsequently settling in Pekin, where he obtained employment in a grocery store. Two years later he accepted a position as bookkeeper for John Stoltz, proprietor of a flour mill. Later he was promoted to be manager, thus continuing for ten years, during which period he placed the business on a successful financial basis, and largely increased its output.
In 1886 Mr. Duisdieker became interested in the Voth & Sackenreuter Foundry and Manufacturing Company, which had been established in 1866, and later became part owner with Mr. Voth. In 1889 the senior member of the firm disposed of his interest to Mr. Smith, and the company was conducted under the firm name o Duisdieker & Smith until 1889, when Mr. Duisdieker became the sole proprietor. The plant now employs forty or fifty men, and does high-class work, the manufactures being the
J. C. Sharp stump extractors, castings for the Western Steam Generator Feed Mills, Cyclone emery grinders, and iron and brass castings.
Mr. Duisdieker was one of the organizers of the Turner Opera House Company. In social connections he is a member of the Royal Arch Masons, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically, he is a Democrat and has held a number of important public offices, among them being those of Alderman, City Treasurer, and Mayor.
Mr. Duisdieker was married at Goodland, in 1876, to Miss Martha Voll, and of this union two children have been born—Charles and Norma.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 998