Frederick Lauer was born in Palatine, October 14, 1810. He came to America with his father in 1823, and shortly thereafter came to Reading.
His father first established a brewery at Womelsdorf, and in 1826 removed it to Reading, at which time the son, Frederick, although but sixteen years of age, was made foreman and clerk. In 1855 he became sole proprietor of the brewery, and in 1866 enlarged it.
His fellow citizens showed their appreciation of his civic virtues and public spirit by electing him to Council, he serving as President of the Select Branch for a time. He was instrumental in securing the incorporation of Reading as a city in 1847.
He was a loyal Unionist, and proved it by equipping, at his own expense, an entire company of men, which served throughout the war in the One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment.
He was a director for many years of the Reading & Columbia Railroad; also a member of the Dispensary Board, Reading Benevolent Society, Reading Relief Society and the Reading Board of Trade. He was also one of the Trustees of the Keystone State Normal School.
He died September 5th, 1883, and in 1885 an imposing monument was erected to his memory in City Park as a fitting tribute to his many benevolences and his public spiritedness.
Source: Official Program of the 175th Anniversary of the Founding of Reading, PA, and the 150th Anniversary of the Reading Volunteer Fire Department Sept. 30th to Oct. 6th 1923, ed. by the Chairman of the Publicity Committee, Reading, PA, 1923, p. 135.
Submitted by: Nancy.
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