Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 136

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 136

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

he believes wifi advance the moral, financial or intellectuai weifare of the community in which he lives, he wields a strong influence for good. To such men as he is due the credit for the remarkable growth and development of Spring- fleid, Sangamon County and the State of Iili- nois. -

SCHAAF, Anton .- German emigration has not ceased, fortunately for this country, for it has no better citizens than those born in the Father- land. In both war and peace the German- Americans have proven their worth. One of the younger generation of this reliable class of men in Springfield is Anton Schaaf, born in Uber Ruhr, Reinland, Germany, September 11, 1880, being a son of William and Minnie (Bioomer) Schaaf, the iatter born in Rotthau- sen, Germany. The parents were born in 1854 and 1858. The mother died in Germany, in 1883, having borne one child, Anton. Three years after the mother's death the father mar- ried. Theresa Dietz, in Germany, and three daughters were born of this union. The father came to Springfield, arriving Thanksgiving eve, 1889. This continued to be his home until his death, January 19, 1911. He was a man of sober, industrious habits, and became a respons- ibie citizen of this community. His religious affiliations were with St. Vincent's German Catholic Church. He beionged to the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the German Society. In politics he was a Democrat, and served on the school board for two terms, one of which he was president, in East Springfield, five years before it was incorporated as a part of Spring- field. He was also trustee for two terms. He had children as follows: Anton by his first marriage. By his second wife, Thresa (Dietz) Schaaf, his children were: Rosie, wife of Da- vid Jennings, of Springfield; Elizabeth, wife of Herman Freischlag, of Springfield, and Mary. The mother of these three children was born in Muusteriand, Germany, and died in Spring- fieid in 1894.

Anton Schaaf attended school for three years in Germany, and after coming to Springfield went two years to SS. Peter and Paul Ger- man Catholic school. When but a little over twelve years old he began working in the mines, and has coutinued in that iine of work ever since.

On January 27, 1903, he was married in Springfield, by Judge Charles Smith, to Nannie Conner, born in Hannibal. Mo., May 31, 1884, daughter of James and Martha (Da- vid) . Connor, natives of Bourbon County, Ky. This was the father's second marriage. He was a farmer, who died at Hannibal, Mo., in 1907, but his wife passed away in 18SS. There were six children in their family: William, John, Bettie, Mrs. John Morrison; Anna, Mrs. Fred Menaefee; Mrs. Schaaf; and Liiiie, wife of Henry Connor. By his first marriage, to Malinda Kimball, Mr. Connor had four chil- dren : Zeek; Plas; Ciay, wife of William Cur-

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

1595

tis; Fannie, wife of Jesse Baskett. Mr. and Mrs. Schaaf became the parents of two children, Rosie, born July 29, 1903, and Josephine, born April 17, 1905. Mr. Schaaf is a member of the U. M. W. A. In religious faith he is a Catholic and politicaily a Democrat. He owns his own home at No. 2185 East Jefferson Street. While his life has not been eventfui, he has stead- fastly adhered to his work, carefully saving his money, and now has a pleasant home and enjoys the respect of those with whom he asso- ciates.

SCHAEFFER, Michaei, a retired farmer and a veteran of the Civil. War, who owns a comfort- able home at 1020 South Sixteenth Street, Springfield, is one of the many enterprising Ger- man-American citizens of the city who have identified themselves with its welfare and prog- ress. He was born in Germany, February 18, 1836, and came to the United States with his parents in 1844. He received his education in the country schools of St. Clair County, Ill., and as a boy assisted with the work on his father's farın. He is a son of John H. and Christina (Geidel) Schaeffer, natives of Ger- many. The parents emigrated to the United States and lived on a farm in St. Clair County until their deaths.

After leaving school Michaei Schaeffer worked at farming until his enlistment, August 25, 1861, in St. Clair County, in Company B, Forty-third Illinois Infantry, under Captain Samuel Shim- mer, serving one year. He was wounded at Shiloh, the bloodiest battle of the war, sent to a hospital in St. Lonis, April 17, 1862. then home until his wound was healed, and was dis- charged August 5th. He returned to St. Louis, and re-enlisted. January 5, 1864, at Belleville, Ill., in Company H, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, under Captain Dowd. He joined the Eastern Army, being sent to Washington, D. C., and was mustered out at the close of the war, in St. Louis. He took part in many skirmishes and was one of the nine men of his company who came out of the battle of Shiloh with their lives. He had many narrow escapes but was never captured by the enemy. He proved a brave and faithful soldier and has reason to be proud of his record. He is a prominent member of the G. A. R.

At the close of the war Mr. Schaeffer re- turned to St. Clair County, where he resided until 1870, then moved to Jackson County, and thence to Springfield, where he enjoys the rest he has earned by long years of toil and en- deavor. He was a most ambitions and enter- prising farmer and became successful through unremitting hard work. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and in politics is a Democrat. He is well known among those with whom he has had business dealings for his uprightness and integrity, and has many warm personal friends.

Mr. Schaeffer was married (first) in Jack- son County. Ill., to Mary Bergner. a native of St. Clair County, danghter of George and Eva

(Maront) Bergner, both natives of Germany and early settlers in Illinois. Mr. Bergner was a soldier in the Mexican War. Four children were boru of Mr. Schaeffer's first marriage, namely : Caroline, born in Jackson County, Feb- ruary 11, 1871; Annie, July 16, 1872; Minnie, December 25, 1873; Elizabeth, died May 18, 1877. Mr. Schaeffer married (second) Sophro- nia Hartiey, born in Jackson County, daughter of William H. and Martha (Crofton) Hartley, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother of Missouri, were early settlers in Illi- nois and the father took part in the Civil War. To Mr. Schaeffer's second marriage one child was born, Albert, May 21, 1891, in Jackson County.

SCHAMEL, Aibert (deceased), a successful car- penter and builder of Springfield for many years, was a native of that city, born April 24, 1849, a son of Conrad and Maria (Kritzer) Schamel, both natives of Bavaria, Germany, the mother born at New Stot. The father was born May 20, 1811, and the mother December 7, 1821, and both were the only issue of their parents. He was a miller by trade, and upon coming to America settled four miles north of Springfield, in 1848, remaining there until his death, which occurred March 6. 1868. The mother died March 9, 1907. The father had secured 320 acres of laud, which is still undivided, and is cultivated by the children. There were five sons and five daughters born to Conrad Schamel and wife, namely : Conrad, Jr:, who died abont twenty-one years ago, being a wealthy farmer of Taylorville, Ill .; George J., a wealthy farmer of South Dakota, died March 6, 1904; John G., a wealthy ranchman of Sonth Dakota, and a veteran of the Civil War, died November 8, 1910; Catherine, wife of Jenson Thompson, died twenty-six years ago; Thomas; Elizabeth, on the home farm; Mary married Jenson Thomp- son as his second wife, and he was a wealthy farmer, but is now deceased; Ida, wife of George Stremsterfer iives on the home farm; Albert ; and two who died in infancy.

The education of Albert Schamel was ac- quired in what was known as the "Liberty School," a log building about four miles north of Springfield, and he worked on his father's farm until he was about fifteen years of age when. having a strong inclination in that direc- tion, he began learning the trade of a carpenter and joiner. In 1876 he moved to the city of Springfield, which continued his home until his demise. He erected his home in 1895. on two forty-four-foot lots. pleasantly located at No. 1440 North Third Street. IIe retained his in- terest, which was one-sixth, in the old home farm of 320 acres, and was prosperous in a gratifying degree in the career he chose to fol- low. He acquired a reputation for ability and integrity in business and built up a good pat- rona ge.

Mr. Schamel married, at the home of a neigh- bor, on a farm near Springfield, December 3,

1596

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

1873, the Rev. Father Hale officiating, Anna Elizabeth Schwarberg, who was born at Girard, Ill., February 21, 1854, a daughter of Christian Henry and Rachel (Way) Schwarberg, both of whom live with their daughter, Mrs. Schamel. Mr. and Mrs. Schamel became the parents of one child, Maude Elizabeth, born March 5, 1879, living at Macomb, Ill., where she holds the posl- tion of Supervisor of Music in the Macomb Nor- mal College. Mr. Schamel was a member of the Woodmen, the Fraternal Army, the Loyal Amer- icans, Federation of Labor, and Carpeuters' Un- ion, and in politics was a Democrat. He was a Lutheran in religious belief. He was always ready to do his part to promote any public measure. He served as Paving Inspector for three years, under the Woodruff administration, and during 1905-07, inclusive, was Business Manager for the Carpenters' Union. His mater- nal grandfather, Mr. Kritzer, was a stonecutter hy trade, and cut stone for the old State Cap- itol, the Marine Bank Building, and the Epis- copal Church. Mrs. Schamel is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Schamel died December 8, 1911.

SCHARF, George Philip (deceased) .- There is no way in which a man can better demonstrate his faith in the future of any community, than to Invest largely In its realty. , Those invest- ing in Springfield property during the early days have their faith gloriously justified, and can now reap the benefit of their foresighted- ness and loyalty. . The late veuerable George Philip Scharf was one of those keen, shrewd Germans who, coming there over fifty years ago, understood and appreciated the great fu- ture that lay before the little Ililnois town, whose only distinction at that time was the fact of Its being the State capital. Mr. Scharf was born near Heidelberg, iu Baden, Ger- many, November 11, 1821, a son of George and Margaret (Hildebrandt), both natives of Ger- many. The father was a farmer and worked on his land until he was killed by lightning, in 1847, and his widow, after struggling on there until 1853, lu that year came to America, landing in New York on December 10th. From there she came directly to Springfield, choosing the home where Mr. Scharf resided until his death.

The boyhood days of Mr. Scharf were spent. in the country in his native land, where he was well educated and became a prosperous farmer. Upon coming to this country he began invest- lug iu Springfield reaity, and before his death, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, be- came one of the wealthy men of the county. During the Civil War he enlisted. but at the expiration of three weeks was honorably dis- charged on account of disability. His political affiliations made him a Democrat and he was always an excellent representative of the doc- trines of that party. At one time he received from it nomination to the office of County Com- missioner and was elected and performed his

duties to the entire satisfaction of all. The German Lutheran Church, of Springfield, was his religious home after coming to Springfield.

Mr. Scharf was married in Germany, Decem- ber 15, 1850, to Roseua Long, born iu Baden, Germany. Her parents never came to America, dying in their native laud ioug ago. Mrs. Scharf died October 1, 1905, after a iong aud usetul life, filled with kindly, Christian acts. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schart: Adam, of Springfield; Will, de- ceased; Philip, who is engaged in teaming; Mrs. George Sourwine, whose husband is dead ; and Elizabeth' Milbers, the youngest of the family, who kept house for her father, and to whom he willed the home at 1320 North Rut- ledge Street. During his long residence there, Mr. Scharf was identified with many business interests of Springfield, as stockholder and di- rector, lu addition to owning much reaity, and was naturally regarded as the city's frlend. The home he occupied is on the site first se- lected, aud the house was bullt by him forty- two years ago. His childreu did well and were a credit to him. Mr. Scharf died December 5, 1910.

SCHEIBNER, John H .- Among the successful coal-mine operators In the vicinity of Spring- field, Ill., John H. Scheibner, President and largest stockholder of the Springfield Coopera- tive Coal Company, takes a leading place. Mr. Schelbner has been iu business on his own ac- count since 1875 and before that time worked at miniug for others, so he has had long years of experience in the business. He was horn iu Aelsnitz Ersgebirg, Germany, December 13, 1844, son of John Gottlieb and Christane (Ginder) Scheibuer. The father was born April 27, 1813, and the mother in 1815, and both spent their entire lives in Germany, where he died in 1896 and she in 1891. John G. Scheibner was a stockingmaker. One son came to America in the fall of 1870 and died in 1895. A daughter came in 1883 and died in 1889, and both she and her brother are huried iu Oak Ridge Cem- etery, Springfield. The former was Secretary of the Springfield Co-operative Coal Company, and a partner of his brother, John H. He had eight children, four of whom are deceased and buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

John H. Scheibner received hls education in the public schools of Germany, and after leav- Ing school worked in an office until sixteeu years old, then took up coai inining. He en- listed in the Saxon army in 1866, serving two years iu the Austrian war with Prussia. In the fali of 1868 he emigrated to America, land- ing in New York and proceeding direct to Springfield. He worked for a time in the old North Shaft mine, and in 1875 began operations on his own account: under the present firm name. He hegan business in rather a small way and has heen able to increase it from tiule to time until he has one of the large en- terprises of its kind in the community. He has

1597

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

been successful from the start, and is well known in business circles in Springfield. In 1883 he made a trip to his native land to see his mother, spending three months with her. He spent eleven days on the water on his way there and seventeen days on the return trip.

Mr. Scheibner was married, at Petersburg, Ill., October 21, 1890, to Miss Betie Schmidt, born October 4, 1855, daughter of Lutwick and Lizzie (Bromlo) Schmidt. Her father came to America in 1871 (the year of the great Chicago fire), and located in Springfield, where he lived four years, then moved to a farm west of the city. Later he bought eighty acres of land in Cass County, Ill., and died there in 1907. The mother died in Germany in 1869. The daugh- ter of Draujott Scheibner (brother of John H.), Christi Schiebner, was born in 1882, and for the last thirteen years has lived with her uncle and annt. Mr. Scheibner owns a home at 1725 Sangamon Avenue and has seventy-three acres of land in the neighborhood. He is honest and upright in his business dealings and is highly respected by all who know him. He is a mem- ber of the German Lutheran Church and in politics is a Republican. He was a good sol- dier in the defense of his native conntry and participated in two most important battles, those at Ketchin, Anstria, and Keingkratz, and was discharged in 1867, at Saxon, Germany. Mr. Scheibner and his wife have no children.

SCHEVERS, William David, who has recently purchased a blacksmith shop in Springfield, is a native of that city, born January 9, 1887, son of George Frederick William and Elizabeth (Walsh) Shevers, the former a native of Keoknk, Iowa, and the latter of Sangamon Connty, Il1. George F. W. Schevers came to Illinois as a boy and drove a grocery wagon for some time, then took up railroad work and was employed twenty-one years as railroad engineer. In 1894, on account of the strike on the Wabash road he left this line of work and became Assistant Fire Chief of Springfield, in which capacity he served two years, then purchased the Green Tree Hotel and conducted it nine years. In 1902 he became Chief of Springfield Fire De- partment and was killed by a train on the Illi- nois Central while responding to an alarm of fire, June 11, 1905.

William D. Schievers was reared in Spring- field and attended St. Mary's Catholic School. He was always fond of hunting, fishing, driv- ing, and all' outdoor sports, from boyhood. After leaving school he worked one year as bundle boy for Talbot & Hammond, of Spring- field. He later took up the trade of blacksmith and worked as journeyman nine years. June 1, 1910, he purchased the shoeing shop of W. T. Kirby, at 403 East Jefferson Street, which is known as headquarters for horse men, and has been enjoying a good trade. He is industrious and prosperous and has a good business reputa- tion, being honest and reliable and giving good service to his patrons. He is ambitions to suc-

ceed financially and seems to have the requisite push and energy to build up his present enter- prise to larger proportions.

Mr. Shevers was married, in Springfield, Oc- tober 30, 1906, to Miss Gertrude E. Thomason, of Alden, Ill., danghter of Richard and Eliza- beth A. Thomason, who came from England to Illinois many years ago and settled at Alden, where Mr. Thomason engaged in wall building in a mine and lost his life in this work, in 1874. Mr. Schevers and his wife have no children. They reside in 1522 Peoria Road, Springfield. Mr. Schevers is a master horse-shoer and an expert in his line.

SCHILSKY, John .- During the past forty or fifty years Springfield has so materially changed that those who knew the place then can scarcely realize that it is the same now. One of the men who has witnessed these changes and has done his part in effecting them, is John Schil- sky, a German-American of the city. He was born in Germany, January 31, 1837, being a son of Joseph and Barbara (Judge) Schilsky, both of Germany. The father was a man of means, who rose to be Supreme Judge in Miesekowo Posen, Germany, and lived to be ninety-nine years of age, while his wife attained the unus- ual age of one hundred and ten years. They had eight children, of whom John is the only survivor that we know of. The paternal grand- father served fifty years in the Prussian army. Neither Joseph Schilsky nor his wife came to America.

John Schilsky was educated in Germany and was taught gardening. When only seventeen years old he enlisted in the German navy, and was on a gun-boat seven years, traveling to many ports. In 1864 Mr. Schilsky came to America, landing in Baltimore, where he re- mained for a short time, then came on to Spring- field, which has been his home ever since. He worked for General McClernand for two years, and then went into gardening on his own ac- connt. He also assisted in the construction of the State House.

In 1873 he was married, in Springfield, to Mary Schneider, born in Germany. Her par- ents lived out their lives in Germany, being farming people. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schilsky: Joseph, in the em- ploy of the Wabash Railroad Company at their round house; Albert, in the employ of the George J. Connelly Grocery Company as buying manager; and Anna, wife of Zephry Rawlling, of Springfield. There are two grandchildren in the family and one step-son, who has two children. The pleasant family residence at No. 526 West Jefferson Street; is owned by Mr. Al- bert Schiisky, his son, and he also owns other property. Being a consistent Roman Catholic, Mr. Schilsky is a member of SS. Peter and Paul parish. Politically, he is a Republican. Houest, industrious, a man of thrifty habits, Mr. Schilsky has worked hard and saved care-

1598

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

fully, investing to good advantage, so that now he is in comfortable circumstances.

SCHLENKER, Fred J .- While the machine- made cigar has gained in popularity on account of its cheapness in price, the fastidious smoker prefers those made by hand in factories owned by men who have spent their lives in the work. In spite of the fame of Havana cigars, those of domestic manufacture are equally good, and some of the leading cigar men of the country have their own specialties which they are ready to piace in line with any which came from Cuba. One of the men thus ready to prove the superiority of his product is Fred J. Schienker, of Springfield, a native of the city, born August 11, 1883, a son of Philip J. and Elizabeth Mary (Schmidt) Schienker, who were born in New York City. The father was born August 16, 1852, and the mother, May 25, 1856.

Sangamon

Coming to County, Iil., the parents settled in Springfield in 1878. The maternai grandparents came to the county in 1860, where the grandfather passed away in 1892, but his widow survived until 1910. Both grandfathers served in the Civil War. being brave and efficient soidiers in the defense of the Union.

The education of Mr. Schlenker was secured in the public schools of Sangamon County, and at an early age he learned the cigar-making trade. He has worked at this ever since, be- coming very proficient and making a success of his undertaking. Thus far he has found noth- ing that promised as much to him as his own line of work, consequently, has shown no desire to change it. He beiongs to the Cigarmakers' Union. The Methodist Church claims his mem- bership. Mr. Schienker is interested with his father, in considerable city reaity, and has great faith in the future growth of Springfield. His iife record has been a good one, and he is a young man of whom any community might weli be proud.

SCHMIDT, Anton, one of the old retired Ger- man-American citizens of Springfield, Ili., has spent most of his life in farming and gardening, and has been industrious and thrifty, winning the respect of ali who know him. He is a vet- eran of the Civil War, and having lived in Springfield since 1854, has seen many changes and improvements in the community. He re- members Abraham Lincoln weli, having often seen him when first locating in Springfield. Mr. Schmidt was born in Westphalia, Germany, in November, 1829, son of John Schmidt and his wife, both natives of Germany, where they died. His father was a farmer and the boy was reared on a farm, attending school until fourteen years oid, after which he was occupied in various ways untii his emigration to America, in 1854. He was several weeks on the voyage and landed at Gaiveston, Tex., where he spent a short time, then came direct to Springfield, his home ever since.

July 28, 1861, Mr. Schmidt eniisted at St. Louis, Mo., in Company F, Third Missouri Vol- unteer Infantry, served three years and then returned to Springfield, where he again engaged in farming. He is a member of Stephenson Post, G. A. R., of Springfield, and much es- teemed by his comrades. He belongs to Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and is active in church work. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been retired a number of years and is one of the most popular men among his acquaint- ances. He owns the family home at 1614 East Edwards Street.

Mr. Schmidt was married, in Springfield, in 1869, to Miss Mary Woiier, who was born in Germany and died in Springfield, in 1892. Her parents were farmers and both died in Ger- many. Nine children were born to Mr. Schmidt and his wife, of whom five are living.

SCHMIDT, Stephen, one of the oldest and best known German-American citizens of Spring- fieid, has for several years been retired from active life. He was born in Westphalia, Ger- many, September 6, 1832, son of John Schmidt and his wife, both natives of Germany, who spent their entire lives in that country. They were farmers and Stephen Schmidt spent his boyhood on a farm, attending school until he was fourteen years of age. After leaving school he was employed at various occupations until 1853, when he emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans, where he spent a short time, then came north to St. Louis, making the jour- ney on an old river boat which traveied up and down the Mississippi. After working a few months in St. Louis, Mr. Schmidt came to Springfield, his home since 1855.

Ali his life untii a few years ago Mr. Schmidt has worked hard and at rather smail wages, but has been industrious and thrifty, and has been abie to accumulate some property, having a nice home at 1501 East Cook Street. He is a devout Roman Catholic and belongs to Sacred Heart Parish. In politics he is a Democrat and takes considerabie interest in public issues and men. He greatiy enjoys the society of his many friends and is of a kindly, optimistic nature.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 136

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774