Louis Doerr, a general merchant of Perryville, Missouri, was born in 1838, one-half miles east of Perryville. He is the son of Andrew and Christina (Doerr) Doerr, natives of Germany, born on January 22, 1795, and July 17, 1797 respectively.

By trade, Andrew Doerr was a house framer. He was married in his native land, and in 1835 immigrated to America and located on a farm of 140 acres one-half miles east of Perryville, Missouri. He was afterward engaged in farming in connection with his trade.

He died on March 26, 1845, and his wife on December 9, 1842. To them were born eight children, five of whom are living: Henry, of St. Louis; William, also of St. Louis; John C., of Perryville; Augustus, a farmer, and Louis. Louis grew to manhood on a farm. After the death of his parents, he resided with his brother Philip, until he was 20 years of age.

After reaching his majority, he was engaged as a salesman in a general store in St. Mary's until 1866, when he established a store there on his own responsibility. In 1868, he sold his stock of goods and removed to Perryville and established another general store, which he still manages. During twenty years of business at Perryville, his honesty has never been questioned nor his character assailed.

April 19, 1868 he was united in marriage with Rose Pfeiffer, who was born in St. Louis in April 1846. Three children have blessed this union: Arthur, Chloe and Ida.

In politics Mr. Doerr has been a lifelong Democrat, having cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860. In religious beliefs the family are Lutherans.

The Goodspeed Publishing Company compiled a series of histories of various counties in the U.S. in the late 19th century. The information in the History of Southeast Missouri, published in 1888, was provided by the contemporary residents of Perry County and her neighboring counties. The biographies are a valuable source of genealogical information, despite a few minor inaccuracies. We are glad to present the transcribed biographies here for anyone researching Perry County's history.