CHARLES BREIER & SONS. One of the most flourishing business establishments of Peoria is that of the gentlemen above named, who keeps a large livery stable with forty horses and a full supply of excellent vehicles and other equipments. The business was established by Mr. Breier in 1868, and he is now assisted in its management by two sons--William and Albert. Mr. Breier was born in Hanover, Germany, April 27, 1828, and spent the first twenty years of his life in the land of his forefathers. He then came to America and, locating in Peoria, engaged in butchering, in which he had been occupied to some extent in the old country. He also dealt in cattle, working up an excellent trade in which he continued until he entered upon his present occupation. 

This gentleman is a son of Henry and Fredericka Breier, his father having been a butcher and saloon keeper. Of the six children belonging to the parental family, four are now living, all remaining in Hanover except him of whom we write. The eldest, Henry, follows his father’s business of butchering; William is City Clerk of Hanover; Ernst is in the furniture trade. 

On the 8th of August, 1850, nuptial rites were celebrated between Charles Breier and Miss Augusta Lehne, who belonged to a family that emigrated from Germany in 1848. Mrs. Breier is a notable housewife, a devoted wife and mother, and a neighbor to whom kindliness many bear witness. She has borne nine children, five of whom have been removed by death. Besides the two sons engaged with the father in business, there are now living Mrs. Emma Schober, engaged in the grocery trade, and Minnie, wife of Charles Zimmerman, a druggist in Peoria. William, the elder son, was married May 11, 1887, to Fannie, daughter of Philopena Peters, of Peoria; they have one daughter. He belongs to various civic societies, namely: The Masonic fraternity, Ancient Order of Druids; Red Men, Turners, Concordia, Humboldt, Knights and Ladies of Honor. 

The subject of this sketch served as Alderman in 1866; he has also held the office of Highway Commissioner. He is a sturdy Democrat, never failing to cast his vote on election day. He belongs to the Concordia Society and the Peoria Rifle Club, taking the interest usually manifested by those of his nationality in the matters which form the prominent interests in these organizations. 

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