WILLIAM ASCHER, a long-established contractor and builder of Freeport, was born in that city on the 14th of March, 1851. His father was Frederick Ascher, and the mother was Minnie (Flechtemeyer) Ascher. They emigrated to American in 1848, and the same year of their arrival in this country they came to Freeport, where they settled. After remaining there for some years they moved into Jefferson Township, but subsequently returned to Freeport, where they are now residing.

William Ascher was educated in the schools of Freeport, and after leaving school he learned the trade of stonemason, and formed a partnership with a practical mechanic, with whom he conducted business for some years, when he concluded to become a contractor and builder on his own account, and the work he has done on county jails, schoolhouses, business houses and fine residences attests his skill in his business.

In 1872 Mr. Ascher was married to Miss Minerva Boardman, of Freeport, and they have had three children, two of whom are living. He has been quite frequently chosen to office. He was Street Commissioner from 1875 to 1876; was Commissioner of Highways for three years; was Alderman for the Second Ward for two years, and was Supervisor for two years. He was nominated on the Democratic ticket for Sheriff of Stephenson County, and was defeated by only thirty-seven votes. He is a member of Freeport Lodge of Odd Fellows, of the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Red Men, the German Society and the German Benevolent Society. While inclined toward the Democratic party Mr. Ascher is rather independent in his political views and practices, and his race for Sheriff shows that he has never been an offensive partisan. He is a man of few words, and his life has been made up of acts rather than declarations. He is of a kind and sympathetic nature, and performs many acts of benevolence of which the public never learn, and in winter many are the drafts upon his own means for the relief of the poor and needy. In the line of stone and brick work he is the principal contractor and builder in Freeport, and the foundations and walls of many of the principal buildings and blocks of the city were built by him. His work is honest and substantial and invariably stands the test of time.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 264