Frederick was born 8 Dec 1805 in Prussia and came to America in 1848 with his brother, Henry.

The following appears in "Biographical Review of Cass, Schuyler, and Brown Counties, Illinois, publ 1892"

"Fred MEYER, a retired farmer of Arenzville was born in Prussia, Germany in 1805. He came of Prussian parents who lived and died when quite old. His father, Gotlieb H. MEYER, was a German farmer and his wife was a Prussian lady, formerly Anna ROCHE. They were members ofthe Luthyeran Church.

Fred was one of 5 sons and one daughter. The latter lived and died in Germany. The ;five sons all came to the United States at different times, Fred and a brother, Henry are the only surviving members of the family. The former grow up and was married in his native province to Catherine M. Burkesikus. She came of an old Prussian family. After the birth of all ltheir children but one, they came to the United States in Dec 1848, leaving Bremen on a sailing vessel and landing at New Orleans after a trip of nine weeks and three days. They proceeded up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, and from there to Beardstown and began farming the next year. Here Mrs. Meyer died, in 1865, at the age of forty-three. She and her husband were members of the Lutheran Church. They had five children: William a farmer in thisprecinct, married Carrie TALKEMEIER; Mary wife of William Dougal (s/b Duval) farmer near Taylorville, Illinois; minnie formerly wife of Fred NORDSIEK and the mother of seven children; Mary A. at home, Lizzie wife of Henry HIERMAN, farmer of this county; Henry, Lena, Ann and John all at home. Another son, now deceased, maned Henry A. married Minnie YOST.

Mr. MEYER began in this county in 1848 andin time since then has by hard work accumulated a large property. HE had only 100 acres at first but now has 474 acres, most of which is well improved, with good farm buildings. He has always been a hardworking man, and although now eighty-eight years of age, is as active as ever and in perfect health. He has been a good citizen, a Republican in politics and now lives in retirement with his daughter Minnie (Mrs. NORDSIEK) on section 7, township 17, range 11. He is a good old man, greatly respected by all who know him.

Frederick and Catherine(a) M. BURKESIKUS were married in Prussia before coming to America with their children. She was born 23 Dec 1809 in PRussia. Fred and Catherine farmed near Arenzville, Illinois, a small town southwest of Beardstown. Catherine W. MEYER died 7 May 1865 in Arenzville and is buried in the St. Peter's Lutheran Church Cemetery near that town. fred lived with his daughter until his death 28 Feb 1897. He is buried beside his wife in the St. Peter's Cemetery. His will, on record at Cass County, Illinois Court House named son-in-law Wm Duvall, as executor. However Wm Duval declined to serve as executor and John F. Duval[l], his grandson,w as appointed in his place.

1. William, born in Prussia married Carrie TALKEMEIER. They farmed near Arenzville, Illinois.
2. Mary born 1840 in Prussia married Wm DUVAL born 1837 in Illinois.
3. Wilhelmina born 1844 in Prussia married Frederick NORDSIEK, a wagon maker. They lived near Arenzville, Illinois and had seven children. She died 1913 and is buried in St. Peter's Cemetery near Arenzville. Their children were: Mary A. Nordsiek, Lizzie NORDSIEK HIERMAN, Emma NORDSIEK KLOKER, Henry, Lena, Ann, and John NORDSIEK.
4. Son, name knot known
5. Henry W. born 1854 in Arenzville, Illinois, married Minnie YOST