Beuker, E. [Ernest] G.

Submitted by Mike Miller

In August, 1843, E. G. Beuker first saw the light of day in Baden, Germany, being a son of J. M. Beuker, an influential advocate of the revolution in Germany, serving in the war of 1848, and for political reason was forced to leave Europe and seek a refuge in America. He reached the United States in 1850: soon after he purchased a tract of land on Lake Maurepas, it being at that time thinly settled, opened up land and continued to till until his death, in 1855. E. G. Beuker, both his parents having died, was given to a Capt. V. Bonner, owner of a sailing schooner between New Orleans and said lake This life he did not admire, but, having no friends, he made the best of it for the time being. Later he became acquainted with Mr. J. W. Albro, and, desiring to learn the carpenter' s trade and become a machinist, he served an apprenticeship with him in the employ of the New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern railroad, which is now a part of the Illinois Central railroad.

His opportunities for acquiring an education were very limited, but he being ambitious to learn he entered a night school, paying his way out of his small earnings. At the breaking out of the war Mr. Beuker entered the confederate army, but served only a few months, when he was detached to do duty as engineer, having been the one to haul the Pointe Coupee battery to battle to Vicksburg, Corinth and Shiloh. He was a favorite among his fellow workmen and was always willing to do duty, no matter how dangerous. He knew no fear, as will be shown further on. He was taken prisoner at Canton, Miss., and removed to Vicksburg, at which place he made his escape by sliding down a large brick column during a dark night. He was aware of a certain dispatch boat, belonging to the United States, the steamer "Clide," then at the wharf, awaiting orders, which had steam up continuously.

Being an old chum of the engineer in charge, he was taken into its hull and there kept in darkness for eleven days. Upon their arrival at New Orleans he was sent on shore at night. It was then, he was at a loss what to do, having nothing but a gray uniform and a confederate blanket, not a cent of money and no friend to go to for assistance. He soon found himself among friends, and engaged himself to work for the United Slates government in running a sawmill near New Orleans. At the end of the war he returned to railroad work again, but one year later came to Pointe Coupee parish, and was here engaged in running sawmills and putting up machinery, devoting part of his time to planting of a sugar plantation, in partnership with another gentleman; but their connection was dissolved in 1877.

Mr. Beuker is a perfect engineer in all branches of sugar-house apparatus, and has taken off twenty crops of cane on one plantation. In the event of the machinery of other plantations getting out of shape, or a break-down, he is always sent for. He is counseled with as to the feasibility of the many changes in sugar machinery and their, improvements, and has also been called upon by the police jury for his ideas of the public works and bridges being constructed, at all times being one of the committee. He takes a very active part in the welfare of the parish.

Mr. Beuker purchased an 800-acre tract of land, on which a sawmill had been erected, but in bad shape. He soon had things in order, and his successful management of this mill gave him a start in this world, and he has now 600 acres of fine cypress timber, also one third interest in a new mill. He was appointed by Gov. Nicholls a police juror in 1877, in which capacity he served until he was elected to the position of sheriff in 1878, which office he still holds, and at present there is another election, but he has no opponents. Under his regime the parish is enjoying great freedom from a former lawless class, and crime is now exceedingly rare, as the jail is empty half of the time. He possesses courage of a high order, and the lawless blacks hold him in wholesome fear, although they like him. He is admirably fitted for the position he fills, and his long term in office admirably illustrated the estimation in which he is held by the people as an official. He was married in 1865 to Mrs. Sara (Graham) Odell, a native of Ireland, by whom he has two children, Kate and Edward, both of whom attend school at New ,Orleans, the latter being an attendant of the Brothers' school. Kate attended some higher institution of that city, after which she took a course in music and needle-work.

From Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, volume 2, pp. 291-292.