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FREDERICK G. BIERER. There is ample evidence that in the case of this popular and representative citizen of Murphysboro, the judicial center of Jackson county, no application can be made of the scriptural aphorism that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," from the fact that he has gained secure place as one of the representative members of the bar of his native city and county and that he is held in popular confidence and regard of the highest order. He is a son of the late honored Dr. Frederick C. Bierer, to whom a memorial is dedicated in another portion of this work, so that further mention of the family history is not demanded in the present connection.

Frederick Griffith Bierer was born in Murphysboro on the first of June, 1875, and he is indebted to the public schools of his native town for his early education, which included the curriculum of the high school. As a youth he was associated to a greater or less extent with the mercantile

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business with which his father was connected, and finally he entered the St. Louis Law School, which is the law department of Washington University in the city of St. Louis. In this institution he completed the prescribed course and was graduated as a member of the class of 1900, duly receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the bar of his native state in October of the same year, and commenced the practice of his profession in Murphysboro, where his success has been on a parity with his recognized ability. He has built up a substantial general practice, and is known as an able trial lawyer and a wise counsellor. He has served two terms as city attorney, and in this office made an admirable record. Mr. Bierer is essentially progressive and public spirited, and his interest in all that concerns his native city is of the most insistent and loyal order. He is a member of the directorate of the Citizens State and Savings Bank, of which he was one of the organizers. He is attorney for the Illinois Building and Loan Association, as well as of the Murphysboro Park District, and is a director of the Jackson County Fair Association. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, and he takes an active interest in the furtherance of its cause. He and his wife are zealous members of the First Lutheran church of Murphysboro, in which church he is an elder, as well as superintendent of its Sunday-school. He is affiliated with the local organization of the Modern Woodmen of America, of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which last named organization he is past exalted ruler.

On June 1, 1910, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Bierer to Miss Nellie S. Peirson, daughter of John J. and Anna K. Peirson of Murphysboro, where Mr. Peirson is a prominent representative of the real-estate and insurance business. Mr. and Mrs. Bierer are popular factors in connection with the social activities of their home city, and their residence is a recognized center of hospitality. They have one son, Frederick Peirson Bierer.