The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Herman Schirmer, a merchant from Oquawka, was born in 1827 in Saxony, Germany.
Early in life he learned the basket making trade and followed this business until 1854 when he immigrated to America sailing in the ship, H. Van Gagern.
He located in St.Louis, Mo. and there followed his trade until in1861when he responded to the call of his adopted country and enlisted in Co.F, 2d Mo. Inf.
For nearly four years he suffered all the horror of border warfare and was honorably discharged. He came to Oquawka where he engaged in the mercantile trade while carrying on his old business of basket making.
Mr. Schirmer has been married twice, his last wife being Mrs. Fredricka Kom, a native of Bavaria, Germany. He has no children.
1882 History of Henderson County