A. L. Skaer, of Augusta, who is a prominent factor in the development of the oil and gas industry in Butler county, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Ashley, Washington county, in 1872, and is a son of George and Carolina (Seibert) Skaer, natives of Germany, who were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are living, as follows: Henry, Tamora, Ill.; James, Wichita, Kans.; Mrs. Carrie McVay, Ingersoll, Okla.; E. C., Augusta; William; Walter; A. W.; G. P. and J. H., all residing at or near Augusta. A. L. Skaer came to Augusta with his parents in 1878, when he was about six years old. The family located about three miles east of town where the father bought 320 acres of land. He bought additional land from time to time until he owned 1,100 acres, which is now divided among his children.

A. L. Skaer received a good education in the public schools of Augusta and began life as a farmer and later engaged in the automobile business at Augusta, which he has conducted in connection with his farming operations to the present time. For a number of years he handled the Ford and Buick cars, but now represents the Dodge Bros. and the Chalmers companies. He does an extensive automobile business, and is considered one of the best posted men in that line of industry in this section. He owns 160 acres which was a part of the old home place, and which is located in the heart of the rich oil and gas producing district. There are now three producing wells on his farm and preparations are being made for drilling others. Mr. Skaer and four

of his brothers constitute the Skaer Gas & Drilling Company and now have twelve producing wells, which are a source of immense profits to them. They are among the extensive operators of the district, and are carrying out extensive plans of development, and Mr. Skaer is now devoting his time largely to the oil and gas business.

In 1895, A. L. Skaer and Miss Nora Jones were united in marriage. Mrs. Skaer is a native of Augusta, and her parents were pioneers of that locality. To Mr. and Mrs. Skaer have been born two children, as follows: Fremont, a student in the Augusta High School and a member of the class of 1916, and Fern, who was graduated from the Augusta High School in the class of 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Skaer are well known in Augusta, where they have many friends.

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